Fiesta

Hucbgz

Reuters
NEW YORK - Britney Spears is working on a new album, her label said on Wednesday, as the U.S. pop star seeks to rebound from a period of troubling behavior and hospital stints for psychiatric evaluations.
Spears, 26, has spent much of the past 18 months in the headlines for an ugly divorce, losing custody of her two sons, rehab treatment, and erratic behavior like shaving her head and attacking a photographer's car with an umbrella.
But in the past six months Spears father Jamie has taken over management of her personal and business affairs and she has also been mentioned as a possible Emmy award nominee for two guest appearances on U.S. television series "How I Met Your Mother."
Now her manager, Larry Rudolph, and label, Jive Records, said in a statement that Spears, one of the world's most successful pop stars of the early 2000s, "is spending her summer in the recording studio, working on a brand new album."
"She's working with a team of top-notch producers and songwriters and we're very excited about what she's accomplished so far. No album release date has been confirmed yet," the statement said.
Spear's last album, "Blackout," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 last November, but quickly slid down the chart.
Spears and her former backup dancer Kevin Federline, 30, were divorced last summer after two years of marriage. The couple have two children together, Sean Preston, 2/12, and James Jayden, 22 months, and have started mediation sessions to work out custody and avoid a trial set for August.

Enkylr

By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA

After portraying the superhero on the big screen and on television, actress-comedienne Ai-Ai De Las Alas is getting ready to say goodbye to her electrifying character – "Volta".
"Of course Im sad and of course the fans, the kids will miss Volta," said De Las Alas, whose series is set on end on Saturday, March 15.
In the 2004 movie "Volta", viewers met the timid and angst-ridden single woman Perla and saw her extraordinary transformation into a powerful heroine. After almost three years, the character returned via television as a happy wife and mother content with her family life, until she realized that the world is again in danger and that she has to save it.

From then on, televiewers tuned in to "Volta: the Series," to follow the adventures of the bubbly superhero and her family. Now that the hit TV show is nearing its end, De Las Alas admitted she will miss the series.

The Concert Comedy Queen said that she has become fairly attached to and emotionally involved with her character as the electricity-charged superwoman.

"This role is special to me, because the character really developed. Before Perla is just looking for acceptance and love, now shes contented with her own family and will do everything to protect them. She also discovered that her kids also have superpowers like her," De Las Alas added.

This week, viewers will witness the final showdown between Voltas family and their nemesis, the Maskulados family.

Watch the adrenaline-charged finale of "Volta: The Series" this Saturday, March 15 after Cinema FPJ on ABS-CBN.

Mdyykn

Reuters
NEW YORK - If the jobs report and other economic releases confirm the past week's decent numbers and if oil doesn't throw a wrench in the works, stocks could start June on a strong note.
If that is the case, investors could shift more of their money from bonds back into stocks as confidence grows, analysts said.
Economic data this past week added to evidence that the United States may stave off recession. The Commerce Department said on Thursday the U.S. economy grew faster than initially measured in the first quarter as demand for foreign goods fell and commercial building picked up.
The robust data helped the market rebound from sharp losses in the previous week. The Dow gained 1.3 percent and the S&P rose 1.8 percent. The Nasdaq was the outperformer of the week, climbing 3.2 percent.
Next week brings a heavy load of economic numbers for investors to consider, with Friday's jobs report the one that will garner the most attention.
"The May employment report will give us a clear indication on the impact on the economy from higher oil prices and credit conditions," said Hugh Johnson, chief investment officer of Johnson Illington Advisors in Albany, New York.
The direction of stocks has inversely tracked the price of oil recently, with a retreat in crude this week playing a big part in the market's gains. Oil's record-setting run this year has fueled concerns about inflation and the impact of higher prices at the pump on spending power of the American consumer. Gas prices will take on even more importance now that the summer driving season has begun and the hurricane season is on the horizon.
Oil's recent retreat from highs came amid concerns that increased surveillance of oil markets by federal regulator the Commodity Futures Trading Commission could shake some speculators out of the market.
"Key is whether the pull-back in oil that appears to have started over the past few days will continue over the weeks ahead," said Michael Sheldon, chief market strategist at RDM Financial in Westport, Connecticut.
"A combination of factors is helping stocks lately: one is the pull-back in oil prices and the other is the money flowing out of the bond market, which had previously been a safe haven out of equities."
The exodus out of bonds gained momentum this week, with the benchmark 10-year Treasury note suffering its biggest sell-off in five weeks.
Apart from the jobs number, there are also a couple of Institute for Supply Management reports, one on factory activity and the other on the services sector, which accounts for about 80 percent of the U.S. economy.
In a Reuters poll of economists, the median forecast is for a May payroll drop of 55,000 jobs, and an unemployment rate of 5.1 percent. In April, the economy shed 20,000 jobs.
The ISM manufacturing index, due on Monday, is expected to fall to 48.5 in May, from 48.6 in April. Any reading below 50 indicates contraction.
The non-manufacturing index, due on Wednesday, is expected to fall to 50.7 in May from 50.9 in April.
Other data points include April construction spending on Monday, April factory orders on Tuesday, the May ADP employment report on Wednesday, and weekly jobless claims on Thursday.
Among the handful of companies due to report earnings next week are wine and spirits company Brown-Forman Corp, analog microchip maker National Semiconductor and communications equipment maker Ciena Corp.
While the earnings season has all but ended, there were several positive surprises among the short list of companies that reported results this week.
Shares of women's apparel retailer Chico's FAS Inc, close-out retailer Big Lots Inc, luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co and computer maker Dell Inc all got a big lift this week after each reported higher-than-forecast profits.
"If we can calm down financial markets and start to see the benefit from Fed policy, there will be some reversal from the flight-to-quality trade," said Jeffrey Layman, chief investment officer at BKD Wealth Advisors in Springfield Missouri.
"Treasuries are an extremely overbought security right now. We think equities still look much more attractive. I don't think it makes sense to head for the hills. It feels pretty good when you get data and earnings that aren't as bad as expected."

Pnlozm

Tateng Katindig and his keyboard. Photo courtesy of Filipinas Magazine
By LORNA LARDIZABAL DIETZ Filipinas Magazine
The year is 2002. The place is Charlie Os, a comfortable, somewhat-upscale jazz club in North Hollywood, Southern California, whose claim to fame is "great music" in the jazz universe. It is Thursday night and a jam session is about to take center stage.
Tonight, just like any Thursday night at Charlie Os, several musicians have listed their names and wait for a call to perform and intuitively integrate their sense of rhythm, harmony, and melody without any dress rehearsal. Jazz enthusiasts, respectfully quiet, stare at the performers in one-pointed concentration. After all, it is considered rude to chat during a jazz performance.
The jam sessions artists start playing, not knowing what to expect. The rules of engagement are honored, unspoken. An agreed-upon melody establishes the theme and mood of the session. Then, the solo performances take over—the piano, the saxophone, the bass and the drums.
After the performers have showcased their skillful virtuosity at creating interest with chord tones and harmony parts, they mutually decide how to end the melody. Tonight, these musicians agree to stop at the same time with a tight cut-off ending.
It is a low-key, star-studded night. Earl Palmer, the acclaimed session drummer whose syncopated taps made the "Mission Impossible" theme a classic, says hello to Lou Rawls, Melissa Etheridge and other listeners. Among the musicians Palmer acknowledges for playing in tonights jazz jam session is Tateng Katindig, a Filipino American jazz pianist/keyboardist, who shines like a rare diamond in the presence of these legendary world-class performers.
"When I listen to you and I close my eyes, I would think youre black," a fan compliments Tateng during a break. Tateng smiles, confident that his piano-playing at these jam sessions is the only business card he needs for more invitations to gigs.
Jazz, a term for music that emerged organically from its unheralded birthplace in New Orleans and boosted the fusion of African-style rhythms and other musical improvisations in early 20th century-Chicago and other US cities, occupies a niche all its own.
"Its serious music. You have to think when you listen to jazz—to the melody, harmony, and improvisations. Traditional jazz music has its own cult-like following," Tateng admits.
It also takes a lot of courage to play with the worlds greatest jazz musicians in LAs "bling-bling" jazz joints such as Charlie Os, Spazios, Vibrato Grill and Jazz, Zentro Bistro, Catalina Bar and Grill, and Jazz Bakery. Today, jazz devotees can find Tateng among these clubs headliners. Since his move to the US in 2000, Tateng has been fortunate to find mentors among seasoned musicians who helped him transition from Asian-inspired jazz to traditional jazz.
"My mentors taught me standard songs I had never played before. They also guided me in the ethics of playing jazz music. For example, respect for my fellow musicians regardless of their abilities. When its someones turn for a solo act, be supportive and complementary. Dont upstage the soloist. These musicians are so disciplined when it comes to practice sessions. In fact, because of their influence, I practice for two to three hours after waking up and after I get home from a gig," Tateng discloses.
Tatengs roots
Tateng adds, "Im not the same jazz pianist who grew up in the Philippines and played with the ‘best of the best. Theres my dad, Eddie K, who guided me for over 10 years. Hes the best! Then, theres Kevyn Lettau, Eric Marienthal, and the Luis Tan Trio in Singapore. Recently, a friend who first heard me play in the US in 2000 came up to me and said that Ive improved in my music-playing. Musicians such as saxophonist Ritchie "Madman" Cole, who had collaborated with the late pianist, Bobby Enriquez—and who misses him—once told me that he felt Bobby Enriquez was resurrected in me."
Also known as Eduardo Katindig, Jr., Tateng has been favorably compared to local musicians such as Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and the late Oscar Peterson for his innovative techniques. He has performed with jazz luminaries, to name a few: Lou Rawls, Alphonse Mouzon, Bill Henderson, Teddy Edwards, Carl Saunders, Sam Most, Eloise Laws and Hubert Laws.
Filipino Americans in the Los Angeles jazz scene, courtesy of JazzPhil-USA, have been working hard to develop its own appreciative jazz audience. On December 7, 2007, the group sponsored the Third Annual Fil-Am Jazz Festival at Catalina Bar and Grill.
YouTube fans can now vicariously enjoy samples of the mainstream jazz music that wowed this festival crowd, among them, a group composed of Abe Lagrimas, Jr. , Derek Nievergelt , and Tateng Katindig .
When The Tateng Katindig Trio performs at Spazio or Charlie Os, featured artists in the group include David Anderson on drums together with alternating bass players David Enos, Richard Simon, or Jeff Littleton. "If you notice," Tateng points out, "I make sure I mention all the musicians I work with. In this industry, its all about teamwork. Since there arent too many Filipinos in America who are familiar with jazz musicians, I want my community to know who these dedicated artists are."
What many Filipino music lovers appreciate is the "crossover" music that Tateng and his fellow musicians play for a broader audience at a Filipino-owned club, O Restaurant and Bar in Cerritos or Minx in Glendale. Their band, Dark Sunday, dominates the attention of the dancing and listening crowd. "Im so proud of our group because we really make good music together—from jazz, pop, to rock. There are six of us. Ella May Saison , Myke Gonzaga , Edmund Pascual , David Anderson and Ner de Leon .
Although Tatengs talent was discovered when he started "piano playing by ear" at six years old, he continues to create complex innovations for his music, honed by over three decades of classical training and practice.
"Im ready for New York, the lions den," Tateng states. "Its a jungle out there."
About the author - Lorna Lardizabal Dietz is a Filipino community publicist who writes profiles about people, places and events. She is based in San Francisco, California and Mount Prospect, Illinois.

Enkylr

Former president Joseph Estrada celebrated his 71st birthday in Taytay, Rizal where he gave out packs of rice and canned goods to indigent residents, ABS-CBN reported.
Estrada has spent his birthdays in Taytay since the time he was San Juan mayor in 1971 up to his detention in 2001 for perjury.
This area was the first ever resettlement area and in 1971 there were only 300 families then. This figure has now ballooned to 3,000 families.
The former president gave out bags containing 3 kilos of rice and canned goods per family.
This again fueled talks that Erap is running on 2010 and the people here would like him to run again.
When asked by ABS-CBN News correspondent Ali Smith, however, he said "I have no intention of running in 2010. Im focused on uniting the opposition party.

Ymmugr

Agence France Presse DALLAS, Texas - Argentina's Manu Ginobili scored 26 points and the San Antonio Spurs defeated Dallas 88-81 here Sunday in a game where Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki went down with a serious left leg injury. Tim Duncan added 19 points and 13 rebounds while French playmaker Tony Parker scored 13 for the Spurs, who rose to 47-23 to match the Houston Rockets for fifth place in the National Basketball Association's Western Conference. "This is a huge win," Ginobili said. "We had opportunities we let go, Philadelphia on the road and Boston at home. This was a huge one to get back." Worse than the defeat for Dallas, which slid to 44-26 with a third home defeat in a row, was the injury to Nowitzki, who landed awkwardly after blocking a shot by Ime Udoka with 3:18 to play in the third quarter. The German star, who leads the Mavericks with 23.7 points a game, fell to the court grabbing his left ankle in pain and was helped off the court without putting pressure on his left leg. He was seen limping as he tried to walk. "I fell awkwardly and my left leg got caught underneath me," Nowitzki said. Nowitzki was to undergo x-rays and be re-evaluated on Monday, when the extent of his injury or injuries will be revealed. "Everybody in the damn Dallas world knows that a lot that we do revolves around Dirk," Dallas guard Jerry Stackhouse said. "He needs to heal up." Losing Nowitzki for any length of time would be a severe blow to the Mavericks' playoff hopes. Dallas slid to only one game ahead of Golden State with a third loss in four meetings with the reigning NBA champions. "When Dirk went out it was big motivation for us. They have one less go-to guy," Ginobili said. The Mavericks led 40-36 at halftime and stretched the lead before the Spurs went on a 19-0 run to seize a 61-54 edge. Ginobili scored 12 points in the third quarter and had eight points in the pivotal spurt. "We were not playing good," Ginobili said. "We came out of a timeout and we just flipped the game and started playing better. Our defense was more aggressive and we were getting the rebounds." Dallas missed 10 shots in a row in the drought and Stackhouse received a technical foul for grabbing Ginobili's face after the South American knocked him over fighting for rebound position. "We're fighting for a place in the playoffs. That's why it gets rough," said Ginobili. "We still have 13 games to go and we have to improve or we're not going to go that far." The Mavericks fell to 10-8 since obtaining star point guard Jason Kidd from New Jersey, having yet to defeat a club with a winning record since the trade. They also have their longest home losing streak in 3 1/2 years. "We should have been worried about the playoffs, regardless of who's in here," Stackhouse said. "We had three games this week that we put some emphasis on winning and we didn't win." Kidd's 3-pointer with 50 seconds to play pulled Dallas within 82-78 and the Spurs gave away the ball for inbounding too slowly with 34.3 seconds to play. But Jason Terry, who had 17 points for Dallas, missed a jumper. Duncan got the rebound but missed the only free throw any Spur would miss all day with 29.2 seconds to play and the Mavs remained within 83-78. Ginobili stripped the ball from Stackhouse and sank five free throws in the final seconds to produce the final margin. "Manu's a great competitor," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "We've seen it before. He's got a great drive to win and he does it lots of different ways." Stackhouse, who led Dallas with 19 points, was ejected after a second technical foul for complaining about the steal and later ripped officiating that set up the Spurs hitting 23-of-24 free throws while Dallas made 9-of-11. "We've been down free-throw-wise and foul-shooting-wise," he said. "It's tough to have in your building. You expect it on the road. But when you come home you get to be able to get in the bonus. But somehow it didn't happen."

Xjohlu

Reuters

NEW YORK - The United States' new athletics chief Doug Logan pledged on Friday to drive doping cheats out of sport.

Logan was named CEO of USA Track & Field on Thursday to replace former distance runner Craig Masback, who quit in January to become a marketing executive with Nike.

Logan, the former commissioner and president of Major League Soccer , said relying just on testing and disciplining offenders would not solve the problem of doping.

"There needs to be a cultural reversal to how people look and feel about the whole issue of cheating in this sport, in cycling, in team sports," Logan said in a teleconference call.

"Hopefully, I'll be able to mobilize others and I plan to be a far more passionate messenger in the sport about all the ways of cheating.

"If you're cheating, get out. If you're suggesting as a coach or agent or personal manager to a young person to use some of these substances, get out. We will find ways to get them out.

"What we have to do is change this horrible climate of suspicion over performance. If we don't address it in an aggressive way it's going to choke the life out of the sport."

Logan, who led MLS from its 1995 inception through 1999 and has run a sports consulting firm since 2001, said athletics needed a regular domestic series building to a climax in non-Olympic years to spur its popularity in the U.S.

"Track and field needs to be put into a regular slot," he said about encouraging TV coverage and raising fan interest.

"I think we have a sport that everybody can relate to. It is seen as a red-blooded American sport," said Logan, adding that he was dedicated to keeping the U.S. position at the top of medals tables in the Olympics and world championships.

Nxzlfx

Agence France-Presse

SINGAPORE - Oil prices eased slightly from recent highs in Asian trade on Monday after international finance ministers warned that near-term global economic prospects have weakened.

In morning trade, New York's main oil contract, light sweet crude for delivery in May, fell 36 cents to 109.78 dollars per barrel.

The contract closed at 110.14 during floor trading on Friday at the New York Mercantile Exchange. It had rocketed to a record 112.21 during intraday trade on Wednesday.

London's Brent North Sea crude for May dropped 28 cents to 108.47 dollars a barrel, after closing at a record of 108.75 on Friday in London.

The International Energy Agency also revised its estimate for global demand for oil down to 87.2 million barrels per day, a reduction of 310,000 barrels per day from the estimate last month.

The IEA acts as energy policy adviser to major industrialised nations.

Ibplab

By DX LAPID
ABS-CBN Dumaguete City NEGROS ORIENTAL – Thousands of residents in the towns of Bacong and Dauin were reported to be suffering from lack of water supply after a landslide two weeks ago brought by heavy rains destroyed their water pipes.
The pipes supplying water to residents of Dauin and Bacong has yet to be repaired since the landslide hit Barangay Lawigan, Bacong.
Fourteen water pipes of Dauin and five water pipes of Bacong were destroyed by landslide. Water flowed through pipes from a dam located at the foot of Mount Talinis.
Among the villages that suffered lack of water supply are Timbaga, Bontod and Dul-dol of Bacong town; and Tugawe, Magsaysay, Lipayo, Bulak, Mag-aso and Libho of Dauin town.
Meanwhile, the villages of Buntis, Kalamgay, Lutaw and Cumbado of Bacong town were also partially affected.
Local officials admitted that repairs would require funding from the government, adding that it would take sometime before they could bring back the usual water supply.
"A day after the landslide we immediately went to the landslide area to try to repair our damaged water pipe," said Engineer Vicente Elcoriza, Bacong Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator.
"I call on our congressman to act on our water problem here in Dauin. I also hope, our mayor will help find ways in repairing our water pipes immediately," said Barangay Magsaysay Councilor Santos Tromata.
Some of the residents need to shell out P10 to P15 for a five gallon-container of water.
"Before, our water is free. But now we need to buy the water for P15," said Adela Baroto a resident of Barangay Libho, Dauin in the vernacular.

Amizth

Agence France-Presse
WASHINGTON - The International Monetary Fund's member nations overwhelmingly approved vote and quota reform measures that strengthen the role of developing and emerging market countries, the IMF said Tuesday.
The reforms, adopted by the IMF board of governors a month ago, were approved Monday by 175 countries, the 185-member multilateral institution said in a statement.
"This vote shows the overwhelming level of support across the Fund's membership for these reforms, and I thank the members for this resounding endorsement," said IMF managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn.
The 175 countries voting in favor of the measures represent 92.98 percent of the total fund voting power, well ahead of the minimum 85 percent required for approval, the statement said.
Governors from 180 member countries cast their vote, and of those three voted against the reform measures and two abstained, a senior IMF official said in a conference call with reporters.
The official explained that IMF rules prohibited the identification of which members voted and their choices.
The reform measures, adopted by the 24-member board of governors on March 28 and endorsed at the IMF's spring meetings in mid April, include a proposal to amend the IMF's Articles of Agreement that requires approval by at least 85 percent of the members' voting power to take effect.
Most member countries will need the approval of their legislatures to accept the proposed charter amendment, the IMF said.
The reforms also realign members' shares paid into the fund with their relative weight and role in the global economy.
There is no deadline for adoption of the amendment, the senior official said, and the October 31 deadline for consent to the quota increases can be extended, he said.
The reform, criticized as inadequate by a number of analysts, calls for developed countries to give up a small fraction of their voting rights -- equivalent to 1.6 percentage points -- to the benefit of emerging and developing countries.

Lbxspk

The past months saw two leading figures in Original Pilipino Music escape the grim ripper. Ely Buendia, the genius behind Eraserheads, survived his third angioplasty after the now-legendary reunion of his former band last August 30. Much earlier, his close friend and collaborator, rapper-TV host Francis Magalona, or Francis M, landed in the hospital because of leukemia. Blood donations from fans flooded the hospitals blood bank after the announcement was made about his need for this vital liquid.

Buendia and Magalona are out of danger now. Buendia was released a week after he was rushed to the hospital. He is now completing his two-month heart rehabilitation therapy at home. Magalona stayed in the hospital for about a month-and-a-half. Now that hes out, his cohosts in the No. 1 noontime show of all time, Eat Bulaga on GMA, are holding a fund-raising show for him over the weekend.

Buendia and Magalona collaborated many times in the past. Little do their fans know that one of the hits of Eraserheads, titled Superproxy, has lines written by Magalona, though he wasnt credited—for some strange reason—in the initial release.

In the 1990s, there were these stupid gang wars between Pinoy rock fans and hip-hop aficionados. Buendia and Magalona collaborated again. Buendia with the Eraserheads, while Magalona was with the hip-hop group called Mastaplann. They held shows and concerts together, showing to fans that in music, theres no such thing as tight-jeans-boots-wearing rocker and low-waist-baggy-pants-dressed hip-hop.

When it comes to music, the two imparted that there shouldnt be a boundary, a division, and that respect must be given to those who dont listen to your preference.

When Eraserheads broke up in 2002, four years later Superproxy was revived for a tribute album and the two musicians again performed together for a video release.

In that fateful reunion, Magalona was supposed to have performed in the second set, jamming with the band in that song. He was supposed to be one of the many surprises that night. Of course, by then Magalona was already in the hospital. Nobody knew that Buendia would follow him.

In jest, Magalona was quoted as saying recently, Madaya si Ely. Nauna ako sa ospital tapos sumunod sya, pero nauna pa rin syang lumabas sa akin.

Close observers of the local music industry are wondering why these two super talented musicians, whose works are already etched in local OPM history, are making trips to hospitals at such a young age on account of potentially fatal diseases.

Could their younger, more decadent, carefree years be blamed?

But the sex, drugs and rock n roll lifestyle is so 70s. Even icons from that era, like the now sexagenarian Joey Pepe Smith, survived that unhealthy lifestyle many times, even serving time in jail.

Are the youth today less conscious of their health? Is it an emo thing?

Whatever happens to Buendia and Magalona, their millions of fans are just thrilled that the two are still alive, and hopeful that they and their music will grow old with them.

No showbiz for Calix

DADDY Dennis Trillo is shielding his one-year-old baby boy from all the showbiz pressures that come with the job. Unlike older showbiz couples—say, Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez; Kris Aquino and James Yap—Trillo and former squeeze Carlene Aguilar wont make any fuss about their sons birthday. No pictures, no press releases, nada.

Even if hes promoting a new movie, ITALY under GMA Films, which opens today in theaters, and a new fantasy primetime offering, Gagambino, he wont say a word about Calix.

Our assets in that birthday party said Aguilar came late. It is no secret anymore that Aguilar is much visible now via GMAs Celebrity Duets. A good-looking bachelor is always spotted in the audience, sitting beside Aguilars mom. It is rumored that Aguilar has already found a new love.

To which Trillo said, Its fine. Its OK. Its her right to be happy.

At least, both are happy now rearing Calix. Though they are not married, they are friends. Now thats very showbiz.

Ivwotp

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria - Nigerian militants attacked a Royal Dutch Shell-operated oil installation on Monday in a third day of heavy fighting with security forces in the Niger Delta region.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta declared an oil war on Sunday and warned all oil workers to evacuate the delta immediately, threatening to further disrupt production in the world's eighth largest oil exporter.

MEND reiterates its previous warnings to all oil workers in the entire Niger Delta region to evacuate from oil facilities and halt production with immediate effect or they will have themselves to blame, MEND said in an e-mailed statement.

The militants attacked a Shell flow station on Monday. The fighting has not yet affected the OPEC member's oil production because some of the facilities attacked seem to have already been shutdown by previous assaults, security sources said.

Oil traders shrugged off the escalation in violence as prices traded at a six-month low below $100 a barrel on Monday.

Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, spokesman for the military task force in Rivers state, said militants in about 10 speedboats attacked the flow station at Alakiri in Rivers state.

The attack lasted over an hour. Dynamite and bombs were massively detonated by the miscreants, Musa said. The situation is being closely monitored and is under control.

A Shell spokeswoman said it was investigating the reports.

Casualties

Musa said militants incurred heavy losses in the last three days and no soldiers were killed. He would not specify the number of casualties.

MEND, whose campaign of violence has cut a fifth of the country's oil output, said at least 22 soldiers and seven others were killed since Saturday.

It was not possible to independently verify claims from either side.

Two security sources in the oil industry, who did not want to be named, said more than 100 people may have been killed by the fighting, which involved the army, navy and air force.

This is just the start of a major military offensive in the delta that is likely to continue for the next couple of weeks, a security source said.

The military has declined to say how many people have died in fear of whipping up public sentiment against them, he added.

Musa on Sunday denied the military had launched a major offensive, saying it was responding to assaults from militants. MEND said the military attacks were unprovoked.

The Niger Delta is a vast network of narrow creeks and remote villages, and initial reports of fighting are often confused. The military and the militants regularly accuse each other of propaganda when clashes take place.

MEND has also attacked a Chevron oil platform and Shell-operated pipelines and gas plant in the last three days.

Chevron has confirmed the attack on its oil platform, while Shell is investigating the reports of sabotage on its facilities.

The deteriorating security situation in the delta, home to Nigeria's oil sector, is considered to be the biggest hindrance on economic growth in Africa's most populous country.

Dvnroa

Reuters

HARARE - President Robert Mugabe is expected to be declared the winner of Zimbabwe's widely condemned election on Sunday and prepare to confront his critics at an African Union summit the next day.

The West stepped up calls on Saturday for action to end Mugabe's 28-year rule after he went ahead with Friday's presidential run-off despite opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai's withdrawal because of killings of his supporters.

"The Mugabe regime held a sham election," said US President George W. Bush, adding Washington would impose new sanctions as well as urge the UN Security Council to implement a travel ban on Zimbabwean officials and an arms embargo.

But although a number of African leaders have voiced disquiet with Mugabe in the past few days, foreign ministers preparing for the African Union summit in Egypt on Monday suggested the AU would not support Western calls for sanctions.

Mugabe, 84, accused by the West and the opposition of being responsible for Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis, has said he would go to the summit to challenge African leaders who had been critical of him about their own behavior in power.

Zimbabwean electoral officials said on Saturday they hoped to be able to announce the election result on Sunday. Mugabe could be sworn in within a few hours of the result.

Tsvangirai beat Mugabe in a March 29 presidential poll but failed to win the absolute majority required to avoid a run-off, according to the Electoral Commission's results.

He withdrew from the run-off a week ago and took refuge in the Dutch embassy in Harare, saying almost 90 of his supporters had been killed by militias loyal to Mugabe.

'Landslide victory'

Government sources said on Saturday Mugabe, a former guerrilla leader who has been in power since independence from Britain in 1980, seemed to be heading for a big election win.

"The tallies are indicating that despite the wishes of our detractors and the propaganda of our enemies, the voter turnout was very big and that we are going to see a landslide victory," said one source, who declined to be identified.

On Friday, witnesses and election monitors reported that in many areas people did not go to the polls. They said people in some places had been forced to vote for Mugabe.

Tsvangirai said millions stayed away from polling stations despite systematic intimidation.

Some AU foreign ministers preparing for Monday's summit said a power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe should be encouraged.

AU mediation helped form a power-sharing government in Kenya earlier this year, ending a crisis in which 1,500 were killed.

"I think we need to engage Zimbabwe. The route of sanctions may not be the helpful one," Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula told reporters.

Tsvangirai said last week he would not negotiate with Mugabe if he went ahead with Friday's election.

South African President Thabo Mbeki has shown no sign of changing his policy of quiet diplomacy on Zimbabwe as the designated regional mediator or using South Africa's considerable economic leverage with its landlocked neighbor.

Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change said it would lobby the AU to take a firm position for a change of government in Zimbabwe.

"We should not wait for rivers of blood and the complete breakdown of order," said MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa.

"President Mbeki has become part of the problem ... I don't know why he is trying to resurrect a regime that was rejected by the people," said Chamisa.

Zimbabwe has descended into economic chaos with hyper-inflation estimated to have hit at least 2 million percent and scarce supplies of food and fuel.

Mugabe, who blames Western sanctions for the economic woes and the opposition for violence, accuses his African critics of playing into the hands of what he calls Britain's attempt to recolonize Zimbabwe.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Saturday the situation in Zimbabwe had reached a new low. "We will work with international partners to find a way to close this sickening chapter that has cost so many lives," he said.

Boguih

By DENNIS GASGONIA


Filipino bantamweight Diosdado Gabi lost to NABO title holder Abner Mares of Mexico via second-round knockout in an undercard fight for the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez rematch in Las Vegas, Nevada Saturday night .

Mares sent Gabi to the canvas twice, prompting referee Jay Nady to halt the fight 49 seconds into the round.

Gabi was reportedly in bad condition after working out to much to make the 118-pound limit prior to the official weigh-in. He failed to make the limit after being overweight by more than a pound.

Gabi's fight record dropped to 30-4-1 while Mares maintained a clean slate at 16-0.

Meanwhile, WBC lightweight champion David Diaz hammered a 10-round majority decision over Mexican Ramon Montano in a non-title bout prior to the Gabi-Mares undercard fight.

According to Fightnews.com, Diaz had to work hard to dispose his opponent.

Judges saw it 95-95, 99-91, 97-93.

Diazs record improved to 34-1-1 while Montano dropped to 15-5-2.

The 31-year-old Diaz is seen as Pacquiaos next opponent should he climb the lightweight division.

Bob Arum of Top Rank, who handles both Pacquiao and Diaz, said victories by his two fighters Saturday will set up their own clash in June.

Earier, Filipino featherweight Michael Farenas scored a third round knockout over Mexican Baudel Cardenas in one of the undercards.

A report posted on Fightnews.com said Farenas dropped Cardenas twice in Round 2. He, however, connected with a vicious low blow in Round 3.

Cardenas was given the full five minutes to recover, but could not continue prompting the referee to stop the fight.

This credited Farenas with the win via technical knockout at the 2:40 mark.

Farenas' record improved to 20-2-2 with 18 wins via knockout. Cardenas dropped to 17-13-2.

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Agence France-Presse NEW YORK - National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern said Thursday that he supports free expression for controversial matters and is no supporter of Olympic boycotts. Boycotts for August's Beijing Olympics have been mentioned by some European leaders given Chinese military actions in Tibet that have resulted in deaths. But Stern noted with disdain the US-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the Soviet Union-led boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the largest walkouts in Games history. "Obviously we think that boycotts . The previous two Olympic boycotts did not succeed at anything except punishing athletes," Stern said. NBA players, including China's Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, will play in the Olympic tournament, where the US squad of NBA stars will try to reclaim the gold medal after settling for 2004 bronze as Argentina took the Athens crown. Trying to keep athletes quiet regarding their feelings about China or any other political situation is not something the NBA supports, Stern said. "Individuals should be free to express themselves on these matters and we've made that clear with respect to our players," Stern said. "We think there are different ends of the spectrum. People should be encouraged to speak out and be allowed to. The Olympics should be something held up for athletes to aspire to."

Iqulwd

The unwarranted intervention of some foreign parties in the Mindanao peace process is making it difficult for the national government to resolve its internal problem with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, former Senate president Franklin Drilon said Sunday.

We certainly don't want to happen to Mindanao what happened to Kosovo, Drilon said, describing the foreign intervention during the war in conflict in Kosovo in the 1990s.

The former senator also said that the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain clearly violates the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Drilon said that he has been been receiving reports that countries like Malaysia and the United States are pressuring the governments peace panel to compromise and grant the separatist group the proposed Islamic homeland.

We certainly don't want to happen to Mindanao what happened to Kosovo, Drilon reiterated adding that the homeland deal clearly violates the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Drilon said he was alarmed when MILF chairman Al Haj Murad asked the Malaysian government revive the peace talks which were halted when rebel forces attacked unarmed civilians in Mindanao. He also cited the inappropriateness of the Malaysian peace facilitators's request for the military to stop pursuing MILF field units involved in the alleged atrocities.

A day before the supposed signing of the MOA-AD between the Philippine government and the MILF on August 5 in Malaysia, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order and set oral arguments to hear the petitions of national leaders and local officials opposing the provisions of the homeland deal.

The postponement of the signing of the controversial agreement was later followed by series of attacks reportedly committed by MILF field units in some areas in Mindanao, where the rebels allegedly occupied villages, burned homes and assaulted civilians.

I hope Malacañang will find the moral courage to send a diplomatic note to Malaysia, saying in no uncertain terms that the Philippine government will implement its laws against criminals who attack and murder unarmed civilians, Drilon said.

He also urged the government to resolve the conflict in Mindanao as an internal. Drilon added the problem on the MOA-AD can be resolved through dialogues with the people of Mindanao, and not from consultations with foreign countries.

The internationalization of the Mindanao peace process is against our national interests, Drilon, who served as labor, justice and executive secretary under previous administrations, said.

British ambassador's offer declined

At the same time, Drilon also disagreed on the offer of British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham who said his office was willing to bring officials from the United Kingdom to share with the government peace panel and the MILF how the Northern Ireland peace process had progressed.

While we appreciate the generosity of the British ambassador, we regret to inform him that the case of Northern Ireland is the wrong model for the Mindanao Peace Process, Drilon said.

Critics have questioned the presence of US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney in Malaysia to attend the the signing of the MOA-AD. Kenney said that the US is neither a party nor a signatory.

I went there because I was invited as a member of the Diplomatic Corps and when you're a member and you get invited, if you're available, you should go she said.

Kenney also added that the US government will not support any move or policy that will institute independence for Mindanao.

What we will support is lasting peace for Mindanao, as long as it is within the territorial integrity of the Philippines she said last week.

Asked for comment on the MOA-AD, Kenney refused to make an opinion, explaining that she has not read the documents yet.

Cjnzak

by TRINA LAGURA

In this age when there is continuous pressure to be slim, it is no wonder that the market is inundated with products that promise to get rid of unwanted fat and cellulite from your system.
Besides slimming products like pills and tea, liposuction has become popular for those who are brave enough to undergo an invasive procedure just to see a quick result and, of course, for those who can afford it.
Arent gyms popping up like mushrooms nowadays? Isnt actress Judy Ann Santos one of the most popular people to claim that a slimming product worked for her?
Now, another item straight from France that promises the same thing and more has invaded the local market. Meet Hydroxydase, the slimming mineral water.
Atlantic Archers Achievers Corp., the company who brought the mineral water to the Philippines in February 2008, said Hydroxydase helps trim down cellulite and lose the excess weight.
Jay Pacheco, Atlantic Archers assistant vice president for marketing, said a bottle of 200-mL Hydroxydase should be taken 30 minutes before each meal. Depending on the weight problem, an individual may drink three or two bottles a day.
"This will already cover about 20 to 30 percent of your food intake. In a way full ka na. So, sa 10 spoonful na isusubo mo, two to three spoonful is already covered by the mineral water. Kakain ka na lang seven spoonful," Pacheco said.
He said this way the body will take in only an amount of food it needed. In order to lose two kilos a week, Pacheco said Hydroxydase should be regularly taken for three weeks. It also best taken when chilled.
Hydroxydase can be mixed with pineapple or any of ones favorite flavor as long as the water is consumed within 10 minutes to preserve the minerals, he added.
Pacheco assured that Hydroxydase has no side effects. "Its just mineral water, walang side effects.
Combat illnesses
Aside from its slimming effects, endorser Dr. Daisy Limcamitan, a dermatologist, said the unaltered and unmodified Hydroxydase water enhances metabolism and eliminates cholesterol and toxins in the body.
Limcamitan also pointed out that unlike other mineral waters the magnesium content of Hydroxydase is high, which is good to combat heart diseases.
She said the body needs 400 mg of magnesium intake daily but because of poor diet people tend to suffer from the so-called magnesium deficiency.
"Sa States, kaya nga ang No. 1 cause ng death ay stroke because ang magnesium content sa food ng mga Amerikano kulang," she said.
Hydroxydase is also good to prevent diabetes because it controls the blood sugar, she said. She added that obese teenagers of at least 16 years of age may start taking the mineral water.
Pacheco added that the high potassium content of the mineral water is one way to fight stress.
"It is not only to reduce weight to be healthy and to prevent sickness brought about by deficiencies in minerals like calcium, magnesium," he said.
P110 per bottle
Pacheco said Hydroxydase is available in Cherry Foodarama, Rustans and Landmark for P110 per bottle. Taking the water for one week, three times a day, an individual has to shell out more than P2,000 weekly.
It is for this reason that Hydroxydase caters to A market, he said.
"Theyre just starting to be aware of the product but, as we see, the people who have consumed the product already, they have repeatedly ordered. Sometimes since the price is prohibitive, minsan magre-rest sila for one, two weeks. Eventually sasabihin nila I feel the benefits of the products, so, eventually they will order again," he said.
Pachecho also plays down criticisms against the product, saying skeptics should try it first.

Sphnds

By CARMELA FONBUENA /Newsbreak
The Commission on Elections today allayed fears that the high illiteracy rate in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will affect the success of the upcoming automated elections on August 11.

Earlier, some expressed fear that many voters may be disenfranchised because of their unfamiliarity with computers. ARMMs functional literacy rate is at 62.9 percent, lower than the national average of 84.1 percent.

"Literacy will not be an issue. The machines are pretty simple…. The systems are very intuitive. Theres only one way to do it," Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in a press conference today.

Smartmatic-Sahi Technology spokesman Vince Dizon added, "It is faster and easier to use the automated voting machines than it is to write the individual names of candidates in the ballots. The company was assigned take charge of automated voting in Maguindanao province and canvassing in the entire ARMM.

Two types of machines will be used in the ARMM elections. The Smartmatic-Sahis direct recording equipment , which will be used in Maguindano, will require voters to press their votes on a touch screen. The Optical Media Reader which will be used in the five other provinces of ARMM—Lanao Del Sur, Shariff KAbunsuan, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—and operated by Avante International Technology will require "voters to simply shade te circles beside the candidates name," said Leo Querubin of Avnate.

Comelec and the partner companies will also start voters education next month, Jimenez said. "Avante and Smartmatic-Sahi will conduct actual machine demonstrations, show tutorial videos and distribute instructional flyers on the voting procedures to educate the ARMM voters," Jimenez said.

Comelec and the partner companies also said that theyve anticipated possible problems in security and the machines. Jimenez said they have been meeting with the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines .

Dizon assured the public that there will be no problems with the machines. He said they have purchased batteries for all the 3,000 units of Smartmatic-Sahis machines to prepare for the possibility of brown outs. "The machines can run in normal car batteries for 16 hours," he said.

Training of about 60 Comelec and Department of Science and Technology employees on the use of the computers in canvassing the votes was concluded today. These newly trained personnel will in turn train the local ARMM officials in mid-July.

Dizon said they are confident that the ARMM elections will be finished "well within 36 hours," as the law prescribed. Querubin is more optimistic. "We expect everything to be done within 24 hours," he said.

Zcqgtc

The military confirmed Monday that American soldiers engaged in a humanitarian aid mission were inside a military camp in Patikul, Sulu, but they were not part of a military convoy that was attacked by al Qaeda-linked militants over the weekend.

Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, commander of Joint Task Force Comet, confirmed a Guam National Guard report that an American soldier was inside a Philippine military camp when Abu Sayyaf militants attacked a military convoy in Bonbon village in Patikul last Saturday.

Sabban said the military convoy was on its way to Jolo where the headquarters of JTF Comet was located. He said the Guam National Guard soldier was inside the camp when the attack occurred and was not engaged in a firefight.

He was inside the camp. Maybe he got so excited that he thought that he was part of the ambush. The only elements ambushed were the first two vehicles. Yes, they were there because we are partners in humanitarian assistance project and they just turned over a school a few hundred meters away from the ambush site, he said in an interview on ANCs News at 8.

The Americans have been helping us in doing all these humanitarian assistance. They were there in...our battalion headquarters.

There were at least five or six US soldiers deployed in the military headquarters in Barangay Bonbon to help the Philippine military plan its humanitarian projects, Sabban said.

The unidentified American soldier was unharmed in the Sulu attack that killed four Philippine Marines and wounded 10 others.

The Guam National Guard soldier is a member of a platoon from the 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment that deployed to the region in May of this year. The platoon is assigned to the US Joint Special Operations Task Force- Philippines.

US soldiers come annually to the Philippines for military exercises but they are barred from participating in any military operation in the country.

Overstaying troops?

The leftist Bagong Alyansang Makabayan meanwhile called on government to investigate the presence of US troops in a known conflict area.

What were US troops doing in a war-zone? They are not supposed to have any combat roles yet their very presence in an area of intense armed conflict seems to confirm that they are engaging in activities that are considered prohibited under the Philippine constitution, said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

Bayan cited a report from the United States Institute for Peace, a quasi-governmental organization which was mobilized by the US government to influence the Mindanao peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

In its February 2008 report, the USIP noted that U.S. policy instruments in Mindanao include diplomacy, conditionality of U.S. economic and military assistance programs, and more punitive measures on the counterterrorism front.

The report further stated that American targets also included so-called lost commands, who were linked to terrorism. American Special Forces under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines established expanded counterterrorism operations, providing the with intelligence, training, and weaponry. The objective was to assist the AFP in its efforts to reform, modernize, and enhance its ability to fight terrorist groups.

The report also implied that the US embassy in the Philippines knew of the extent of the activities of the US soldiers in Mindanao. The US embassy was also closely engaged with US PACIFIC COMMAND in counterterrorism training and defense reform with the AFP and was thus linked to a highly visible American military presence in Mindanao, the report said.

No need for further probe

Reyes said the US troops in Mindanao have gone beyond their mandate of training and civic operations. They are now active components in the combat operations vs. the MILF and other armed groups, he said.

The leftist group said the combat roles of the US forces can be seen in the embedded US Special Forces in Philippine combat units including armed convoys such as the one ambushed in Sulu. The US forces also engage in intelligence gathering to support combat operations.

The Philippine government must stop issuing denials on the role of US troops in Mindanao. The Philippine government should investigate why US troops are being placed in known areas of armed conflict where the probability of engaging in armed confrontation is very high. At the very least, the Philippine government must order the pull-out of US troops from Sulu and other areas where there are raging battles, said Reyes.

He said the real role of US Special Forces will be among the issues raised by petitioners in the Supreme Court oral arugments asking the high court to nullify the Visiting Forces Agreement. The oral arguments are set on September 19.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said US soldiers can join in trainings, aid and development projects, sharing intelligence and other mutually cooperative venture except joining combat operations.

But in administrative movement, if they were ambushed naturally they have the right to self-defense, he said.

Teodoro said there is no need for the government to dig deeper into the issue, saying Sabbans explanation seems very logical and straightforward. He said he also gathered sufficient information backing up Sabbans account.

He added that he has yet to get a full report on the ambush and the wounded Filipino soldiers.

According to Sabban, five of the 10 injured have been airlifted to Zamboanga City while the other five are now confined to AFP Medical Center in Quezon City. He said he is confident that the injured will recover and will be back in action in due time.

Yvducj

By RAMIL DIGAL GULLE


Controversial entertainment columnist, radio and TV host Lolit Solis said that she harbors no anger toward longtime friend and fellow talent manager Annabelle Rama, even though the latter challenged her to a fistfight on national television.

In a Saturday interview over GMA-7's Startalk, Lolit told interviewer and co-host Butch Francisco that she bears no ill will toward Annabelle--a friend for the past 30 years--and called for a truce to end the tirades and controversies.

"Mahal mo pa ba siya ?" asked Butch.

"Oo. Kaya nga nagtataka ako bakit nagiging personal siya. Kung anu-ano sinasabi niya. Nagtataka ako dahil parang, parang ang tingin niya sa akin, na-link ako kay Eddie Gutierrez," Lolit replied.



Below the belt

Annabelle was angered by what she described as "below the belt" comments made by Solis and Diaz in their newspaper columns and radio shows following a snubbing incident between her daughter actress-beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez and Lani Mercado, actress and wife of Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr.

"Hindi ko maintindihan bakit sobra-sobra ang reaksyon mo sa pagtira sa anak ko. Lolit nakalimutan mo na ba kung saan ka galing? Dati katulong ka ni Mother Lily, hinaharbatan mo ko ng bag, ng pera, bininigay ko sa 'yo dahil mahal kita, nirespeto kita. Ngayon di mo ako nirerespeto dahil kinakalaban mo anak ko, pati mga apo ko tinatamaan mo. Ngayon Lolit Solis kung matapang ka, hinahamon kita sabihin mo saan, ano'ng oras gusto mo mag-upakan tayo ngayon din, ok sa kin!," Annabelle told ABS-CBN's Mario Dumaual.



Annabelle added that Solis threw thirty years of their friendship away because of her comments. She also said she was particularly offended by Lolit's claim that many women go crazy over Bong Revilla because he's "well-endowed".

In Annabelle's view, Lolit was implying that Ruffa also "went crazy" over Bong like those other women.

The "snub"

Earlier reports said Ruffa and Lani both attended the birthday celebration of GMA-7 executive Wilma Galvante and that Ruffa came up to Lani and tried to greet her with a buss on the cheek.

Just as Ruffa was bending over toward Lani, the latter turned away. As a result, Ruffa was left kissing the air. The beauty queen even joked about the incident on the March 2 telecast of ABS-CBN's The Buzz, where she is one of the hosts.

"My pretty, perfect pouty lips left hanging on air," she quipped, laughing.

Ruffa went on to ask Lani why she turned away. Ruffa then wondered if Lani was avoiding her because of rumors linking her to Senator Revilla twenty-five years ago.

"Wala po talaga akong maisip na dahilan and then siguro, inisip ng mga intrigero na parang na-link sa akin si Bong like 25 years ago. My gosh! Let's all move on naman. May mga anak na ako. Panahon pa ni Mahoma 'yon, di ba? "I mean, if it's that, God, it's like 25 years ago! I was only like 15, di ba? I don't see a reason na ‘yon ang maging dahilan."



These statements coming from Ruffa herself prompted Lolit, who is close to both Bong and Lani , to react and make the comments that so angered Annabelle.

Among other things, Lolit said, ""Ang ipinagtataka ko lang, ba't kailangang maging obligasyon ni Lani ang batiin ang kahit sino? Ang mga na-link sa asawa niya, eh, siya ang legal wife? Hindi pa ba sapat na civil lang si Lani at kailangan talaga, makipagplastikan yung tao sa mga nali-link sa asawa niya, sa mga sumasabit-sabit na babae kay Bong?"



Just talk

Lolit said that she never said anything with the intention of hurting either Rama or Rama's daughter Ruffa Gutierrez.

"Kung kakilala mo ako, gaya ni Annabelle, thirty years kami magkakilala, kung kakilala niya ako, alam niyang kung anu-ano lang lumalabas sa bibig ko. In the same manner na alam ko din na ganun siya.

"Like alam mo ba ginawa ni Annabelle? Tumawag yan sa telepono, minura-mura ako, chu-chu-chu-chu, kung anu-ano, tapos pinatayan ako. Hindi pa ako nakakasagot pinatayan ako ng telepono. Pero anong nangyari? Tumawa lang ako. Dahil alam kong ganun ang ugali niya. Yung nga talaga si Annabelle," Solis told Francisco.



Lolit then gave a message on camera to Ruffa. Lolit said that Ruffa started the whole issue by making those statements at The Buzz and complaining about Lani's supposed snub.

"Lagi akong nasasabit sa trobol dahil sa kadaldalan ko. Huwag kang sasabit sa trouble dahil din sa kadaldalan mo. Atsaka, ganun, huwag kang magdamdam halimbawa may binati ka, ayaw kang halikan, ayaw makipag-besobeso sa iyo," Lolit told Ruffa.



Lolit also had a message for her friend Annabelle Rama: "Naku, Annabelle, bisaya, huwag ka nang magalit sa akin, 'no? Hindi ko inaagaw sa iyo si Eddie Gutierrez ."



Legal action?

On Saturday, ABS-CBN's Entertainment Live reported that Ruffa Gutierrez is considering legal action against Lolit.

"I have consulted my legal counsel and because of Miss Solis' defamatory remarks against me that are completely false and off-topic, I'm now exploring possible legal action. I don't need this cheap publicity and rather focus my attention on my children, my career and furthering my education," she said in an official statement released to the press.

Lolit is perhaps well-advised to settle things with both Annabelle and Ruffa, considering that she is still dealing with an earlier lawsuit filed against her by matinee idols Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby.

What all parties involved should consider however, besides their ruffled pride, is the gracious, humble and classy response made by Lani Mercado. In an interview with ABS-CBN's TV Patrol Lani said:

"Ruffa wala akong intensyong saktan ka, tapos na ito matagal na, I have moved on, as you have moved on. Kung na-offend kita pasensya na. Sa susunod pag nakita kita babatiin na kita. Ang sitwasyon lang talaga nagmamadali ako at that time and many people can attest to that, sana magkaintindihan na lang tayo because we are mature people."



But then again, if more showbiz people were as level-headed and mature as Lani, what would be there left for us to watch in our entertainment talk shows?