Etheridge wants to join Azkals for 2022 World Cup qualifiers but...

Filipino-English keeper Neil Etheridge wants to join the national football team's campaign for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, but will have to go through scheduling hurdles, according to Philippine Azkals coach Scott Cooper.

"Neil is eligible. He is wanting to come,” said Cooper during the Philippine Football Federation's online press conference. 

“He is just getting his passport renewed at this moment."

But Cooper said Etheridge is getting married soon and this could affect the schedule.

"Of course, Neil is getting married this summer too right around the middle part of that. He is going to be with us to start off, then let’s see where it goes,” he said.

The Azkals will head to Qatar, Doha this month for a training camp before they compete in the second round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that will take place in Suzhou, China.

According to Dan Palami, team manager of the Azkals, the training camp will run from May 18 to 31. 

The team will then fly straight to China from Qatar for the qualifiers which begins on June 3.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/05/05/21/etheridge-wants-to-join-azkals-for-2022-world-cup-qualifiers-but

WATCH: President Rodrigo #Duterte​'s Talk to the Nation (May 5, 2021)

ABS-CBN franchise bid to be tackled in House once pandemic subsides, says Atienza

 Job Manahan, ABS-CBN News

ABS-CBN Corp.'s franchise renewal would be discussed in the lower chamber once the pandemic situation in the country subsides, a House lawmaker said on Wednesday. 

In an interview on ABS-CBN's Teleradyo, Rep. Lito Atienza cited his conversation with House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, who expressed concern on tackling the broadcast company's franchise bid at the height of the pandemic as this could supposedly be misconstrued by the public. 

Atienza also accused ousted Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano of backing the lawmakers who rejected the network's franchise application. 

"Ngayon may tsansa na yan, iba na ang speaker of the House... He (Cayetano) was pretending to be neutral but he was not neutral, he was rendering the guilty verdict," said the lawmaker, who described the network's ordeal as a "mistrial." 

He added that he believes in Velasco's "integrity and sense of justice," which were among the reasons why he is hoping ABS-CBN's franchise would be discussed in the House soon. 

"Nag-usap kami, sinabi ko nga sa kanya na ibabalik ko na ang usapin ng ABS-CBN sa floor. Nakiusap naman siya, 'huwag muna ngayon Lito, panahon ng pandemya, baka naman tayo ay hindi maintindihan ng marami," Atienza noted. 

(We talked, I told him that I will bring back the ABS-CBN franchise discussion on the floor. He told me: Not now, we are still under the pandemic, we might be misunderstood.) 

"'Hinihingi ko lang sayo, palamigin natin ng konti ang problema ng pandemya na pumapatay ng maraming Pilipino, and I will allow you and I will join you, even,'" he added, citing his conversation with Velasco. 

(I am asking you if we can let the problems caused by the pandemic to subside, as this has killed many Filipinos.) 

President Rodrigo Duterte’s government has ascribed the closure of ABS-CBN to anomalies in licensing renewals. But his critics said the move was yet more evidence of an increasingly domineering government using a crisis to crack down on dissent.

Thousands of employees have been retrenched due to the House panel's decision, which came during the wake of the COVID-19 crisis in the country. 

For Atienza, however, the network's franchise will be discussed under a new leadership, a new system, and under a new majority. 

"Sabi ko tingnan muna natin, padaanin muna natin tong malupit na hagupit ng virus... ang aking commitment sa sarili ko, para sa bayan, ibabalik ko ang usapin," he explained. 

(I told him that we will wait for it, we will let this COVID-19 surge pass. I will stay true with my commitment to myself, and the people -- I will bring back the franchise discussion)

"Ang aming pag-uusap ay nakatuon sa katarungan, fairness, and injustice committed to millions of Filipinos and thousands of ABS-CBN employees. Alam ko ang kanyang puso ang kanyang layunin, hindi sila pareho ni Cayetano." 

(Our discussion centered on justice, fairness, and injustice committed. I know his heart, his intentions. He is very different from Cayetano) 

The country's telecoms body shut down ABS-CBN's free TV and radio operations on May 5, 2020, a day after its franchise was left to expire despite a long-pending renewal application at the House of Representatives.

A month later, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) served 2 cease-and-desist orders against ABS-CBN's digital broadcast in Metro Manila and its sister company Sky Cable's direct broadcast satellite service nationwide.

One year since its free TV and radio shutdown, ABS-CBN has migrated many of its operations to the digital world where it continues to pioneer innovations. 

news.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/abs-cbn-franchise-renewal-discussions-resume-once-pandemic-subsides-atienza

THE 700 CLUB ASIA | Kindness Movement | May 5, 2021

Epekto ng ABS-CBN shutdown, dama pa rin ng mga dating regional reporters

Nabalot ng agam-agam ang mga nagtatrabaho sa mga regional station ng ABS-CBN noong 2020 nang i-anunsiyong pinatitigil na ng National Telecommunications Commission ang pag-broadcast ng istasyon dahil napaso na ang prangkisa nito.

Kuwento ng noo’y reporter ng ABS-CBN - Legazpi na si Thea Omelan, natakot siyang matulog dahil sa mga mangyayaring pagbabago sa kanilang buhay. 

Pinilit ng 12 regional TV Patrol na ipagpatuloy ang pagbabalita online. 

Pero nagwakas din ito pagkalipas ng tatlong buwan, nang isara ng ABS-CBN Regional Network Group ang kanilang mga operasyon. 

Isa ang ABS-CBN Bacolod sa mga unang itinayong himpilan sa labas ng Metro Manila noong 1989. 

Masakit para sa dating news chief na si Romeo Subaldo na makitang unti-unting kinakalas ang mga bakal sa tore sa himpilang naging ikalawang tirahan niya. 

"Akala ko kasi, personally, naka-move on na ako. Pag nakita ko yung na-dismantle na transmitter, ang sakit-sakit pa rin," ani Subaldo. 

Isa sa mga nagbaklas ng transmitter ay dati ring empleyado ng ABS-CBN Bacolod na kinuha ng isang kontratista para sa proyekto. 

"Masakit kasi yung trabaho mo dati, ang rooms na dati mong pinapasukan, tulad ng newsroom, sa editing, parang ikaw na lang makikita mong dito ma-remember ang tawanan doon, ang meeting sa newsroom, ang mag-newscon before mag-field," pahayag ng dating cameraman na si Jeff Lucasan. 

Sa kabuuan, higit 500 empleyado sa mga regional station ang nawala. 

Siyam na buwan ding walang trabaho ang audio man at technical staff ng ABS-CBN Davao na si Lando Albo, na higit 20 taong nagtrabaho sa kompanya. 

Ngayon, suma-sideline muna siya sa pagkukumpuni ng mga appliance. 

"Wala, kasi mahirap maghanap ng trabaho agad, kasi sa panahon ngayon sa pandemic," ani Albo. 

Minsan, dumaraan pa siya sa dating himpilan na sabik sa dating trabaho. 

"Masakit sa kalooban ko na nawala. May pag-asa pa rin na babalik," ani Albo. 

Pero mas malaking kawalan ito para sa mga manonood. 

Hindi pinapaandar ni Patricia Brace na taga-Davao ang kanyang telebisyon, buhat nang mawala ang ABS-CBN sa ere. Nasanay siyang ABS-CBN ang naghahatid ng balita at entertainment sa kanya.

Nami-miss din ni Romeo Judilla ng Palawan ang mga programa ng ABS-CBN. 

Hirap silang manood online, lalo’t kadalasa’y mahina ang signal. 

"Medyo mahirap din, kahit sa cellphone dahil kailangan mong magpa-download lalo na madalas ang brownout," ani Judilla. 

Pero may ilang bumuo ng sariling news organization o patuloy pa rin sa paghahatid ng balita. 

Binuo ng mga dating cluster head ng ABS-CBN News North at South Luzon ang kanilang mga organisasyong naglilingkod pa rin para sa kanilang mga nasasakupan. 

Halimbawa rito ang RNG - Luzon sa Hilagang Luzon, at Bicol.PH sa Bicol na laman ang mga balitang naiintindihan ng kanilang mga nasasakupan. Itinayo naman ng mga dating reporter ng Palawan ang Alpha News Philippines, at itinayo rin ang Aksyon Ko Online TV sa Bicol. 

"Dahil sa aral, sa mga values na dala ng ABS-CBN, nagpapasalamat kami na may kumuha sa amin na maghatid ng balita sa mga Bicolano," ani Carretero. 

"Nanibago sa simula, pero nakapag-adjust. May panibagong oportunidad na ibinigay para makapag-serbisyo," ayon sa dating ABS-CBN reporter na si Rex Ruta, na ngayo’y anchor na ng Alpha News sa Palawan. 

Nawala man sila sa dating tahanan, patuloy pa ring nagiging tulay at boses ng kanilang nasasakupan, bitbit ang mga natutunan bilang Kapamilya. 

Ang news.abs-cbn.com ay ang opisyal na news website ng ABS-CBN Corp.

— Ulat ni Israel Malasa, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/epekto-ng-abs-cbn-shutdown-dama-pa-rin-ng-mga-dating-regional-reporters

How Do I Listen For God’s Calling?

And the LORD said, “My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.”  Genesis 6:3, KJV

An acquaintance tells about a businessman who called a friend and got the run-around.  “May I please speak with Mr. Jones?”  “Just a minute, sir, while I transfer you to his department.”  Second try: “May I speak with Mr. Jones?”  “I’m sorry, I’ll have to connect you with his division.”  After two minutes on hold, a voice comes on the phone and asks, “Who did you want to talk with?”  “Mr. Jones, please.”  “Just a minute…”

He waits for another two full minutes and then another voice says, “Mr. Jones’ office.”  “May I speak with Mike Jones?” (This time he doesn’t bother with the “please” and there is a bit of an edge in his voice.)  “Just a moment.”  Obviously, the secretary didn’t know that a moment is a division of a second, and he waits for another two minutes when she comes back on the line with a monotonous, “I’m sorry, Mr. Jones is out of the office.  May I tell him who is calling, or would you like to leave a message on his voice mail?”

Exasperated he replies, “Tell him this is God calling, and I can’t wait any longer!” and hangs up abruptly. A ridiculous story but there are some parallels between this incident and life which speak to my heart.

First–God does speak to us today, though His voice may not be physically audible.  He doesn’t leave messages on voice mail, but He speaks in ways which are often unrecognized, because we think that someone so great and powerful would never speak unless lightning flashes from heaven or a heavenly trumpet blasts.

There’s a second parallel which you may have to think about for a few minutes for it to sink in.  Here it is: Though God is far more long-suf­fering and patient than we are with each other, there is an end to the patience of God when, like the man who hung up, God is finished with us.  The Bible tells us this in many different ways.

One of the most forceful illustrations of this truth is the manner in which God treated mankind in the days of Noah.  Every time you see a rainbow in the sky, you need to remind yourself of two truths:  There is an end to the patience of God, yet His grace is still available to those who trust Him.  God was patient with Noah’s generation.  In spite of the fact Noah told them, “There is a limit–you can push God only so far,” they laughed and mocked in disbelief.

That attitude reminds me of the criminal who ate his last meal before his scheduled execution.  After the main course, he pushed his desert aside saying, “I’ll have that later–not now.”  There was no “later” for him or for those of Noah’s day.  Eventually God said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever” yet Noah, believing what God said, “found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

Where is the line over which you cross and the voice of God ceases to strive with you?”  It’s an invisible one, not marked on the pavement in front of your house, but it’s there, nonetheless.

Because God doesn’t thunder forth audibly, saying “What you are about to do is wrong!” we tend to disregard His quiet voice within checking ourselves and saying, “I’m going in the wrong direction.”

A final thought:  If there’s concern in your heart, you haven’t gone too far, but don’t push it.  You don’t want God hanging up on you. Be sure, there is an end to the patience of God.  Scripture says, “Today is the day of salvation!” When you hear his voice, listen…listen carefully.

Resource reading: Psalm 103:6-18

https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/how-do-i-listen-for-gods-calling/

‘Andito kami para sa’yo’: Kapamilya stars mark 1 year since ABS-CBN shutdown

Karl Cedrick Basco, ABS-CBN News

Several Kapamilya stars took to social media to recount the harrowing experience of witnessing ABS-CBN going off air after the government issued a cease and desist order against the network exactly a year ago. 

On May 5, 2020, ABS-CBN signed off from free television and radio broadcast, a day after its franchise was left to expire in the House of Representatives.

“It’s Showtime” host Kim Chiu recalled how allegations hurled against the network were answered but still given no chance to continue airing on free TV. 

“A year ago today! Hearts are broken. So many questions, allegations have been answered yet.... still........... woke up today with a heavy heart, thinking of what the future is for us? Living like this. Afraid, scared, worried,” Chiu said on her Twitter account. 

A year ago today!💙💚❤️ Hearts are broken. So many questions, allegations have been answered yet.... still........... 😔 woke up today with a heavy heart, thinking of what the future is for us? Living like this. Afraid, scared, worried. 😔

— kim chiu (@prinsesachinita) May 5, 2021

Actress Angelica Panganiban, on the other hand, had a short yet strong statement to mark the first year anniversary of the shutdown, reiterating the calls of many Kapamilya supporters and employees -- they will never forget what happened in 2020. 

“Isang taon na. Binusalan at pinatayan ng kabuhayan. Hindi kami makakalimot,” Panganiban posted on her Instagram account. 

Actor Carlo Aquino also noted how other Kapamilya fans and staff remained loyal to ABS-CBN despite moving forward since the closure of ABS-CBN. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angelica Panganiban (@iamangelicap)

“Yung mga kapamilya na umusad na sa kanya kanya nilang mga buhay pero yung puso nila kasama pa din namin,” he said. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carlo Aquino (@jose_liwanag)

“Bagong Umaga” actress Nikki Valdez reminded the public that the network still exists, accompanied by a photo of color bars seen on television after signing off. 

“Nandito pa kami... KAPAMILYA FOREVER,” Valdez shared. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝓜𝓻𝓼. 𝓝𝓲𝓴𝓴𝓲 𝓥𝓪𝓵𝓭𝓮𝔃 𝓖𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓲𝓪 🇵🇭 (@nikkivaldez_)

Meanwhile, “Init sa Magdamag” star JM de Guzman paid tribute to loyal Kapamilya viewers who he described as the main reason why ABS-CBN keeps on functioning despite not having a franchise. 

“ANDITO KAMI PARA SA 'YO — kayo po ang tanging dahilan kung bakit naglilingkod ang ABS-CBN, mula noon hanggang ngayon,” De Guzman quipped. 

“Dahil sa inyong suporta, patuloy tayong nakakapaghatid ng mga kwento, nakapagbibigay ng saya at inspirasyon sa Pilipino.”

Host Bianca Gonzales also echoed what the actor said, thanking the public for their continuous support for the network. 

“A year ago today. Salamat sa lahat ng patuloy na sumusuportang Kapamilya,” she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JM De Guzman (@1migueldeguzman)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bianca Gonzalez Intal (@iamsuperbianca)

Noontime show host and award-winning actress Anne Curtis highlighted on a tweet how the station keeps on finding ways to deliver news, entertainment and public service for Filipinos in different parts of the world.

“It’s been a year since we were all left in disbelief. Maraming Salamat sa mga loyal Kapamilya who continue to support ABSCBN na patuloy gumagawa ng paraan para makapaglingkod, makapamahagi ng impormasyon, balita at makapagbigay saya sa pamilyang Pilipino saan mang parte ng mundo,” Curtis tweeted. 

It’s been a year since we were all left in disbelief. Maraming Salamat sa mga loyal Kapamilya who continue to support ABSCBN na patuloy gumagawa ng paraan para makapaglingkod, makapamahagi ng impormasyon, balita at makapagbigay saya sa pamilyang Pilipino saan mang parte ng mundo pic.twitter.com/ow1VAyg5Jt

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) May 5, 2021

Julia Montes, on the other hand, turned to God to pray for ABS-CBN. 

“Isang taon .. Lord alam namin di mo kame pinababayaan,” Montes posted. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Julia Montes (@montesjulia08)

 

Other Kapamilya personalities who also expressed their assurance to fans of continuous service were couple Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid, Enrique Gil, and Melai Cantiveros. 

Vice Ganda once again called ABS-CBN as his family to mark the first year since its forced broadcast shutdown.

“Isang taon na ang nakalipas nang tangkain ng mga ganid at masasamang loob na ang mga Kapamilya ay mapagkaitan ng serbisyong kailangang kailangan nila lalo sa panahon ng pandemya,” he wrote.

In the absence of Channel 2, ABS-CBN’s programs have since fully migrated to digital. Over the past year, it has also found other platforms on television through blocktime partnerships, such as A2Z Channel 11 and select programs on TV5, on top of the network’s own cable channels.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/05/21/andito-kami-para-sayo-kapamilya-stars-mark-1-year-since-abs-cbn-shutdown

WATCH: PCSO 9 PM Lotto Draw, May 5, 2021

Here are some Pinoy shows you can watch for free on YouTube’s Super Stream

YouTube has launched a summer edition of its Super Stream that would give free access to new content, including several Kapamilya movies and shows.

Starting May 9, viewers can stream hit local movies such as “Four Sisters And A Wedding,” “Barcelona: A Love Untold,” and “Anak” for free as a result of YouTube’s collaboration with media partners and creators. 

Filipino users can also watch TV shows from ABS-CBN, GMA, and Regal Entertainment.

“We hope that viewers and families can enjoy this offering and make more memories this summer over the content they love while staying safe at home,” said Gabby Roxas, marketing head of Google Philippines.

The following videos and more will be available on the Super Stream channel starting May 9:

MOVIES

• Anak
• Ang Tanging Ina
• Mamu: And a Mother Too
• Call Center Girl
• Pinay Pie
• Four Sisters and a Wedding
• My Illegal Wife
• Barcelona: A Love Untold
• You are the One
• A Love Story
• Mama's Girl
• My 2 Mommies
• Our Mighty Yaya
• My Valentine Girls
• When I Met U

TV SHOWS

• Budoy
• Maalaala Mo Kaya (motherhood episodes)
• Tanging Yaman
• 100 Days to Heaven
• It Might Be You
• Magkaribal
• Way Back Home
• Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala
• My Dear Heart
• You're My Home
• Magic Palayok
• Grazilda
• Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday
• Magkaagaw
• Ang Tanging Ina (the series)
• Pepito Manaloto
• Dear Uge
• Kakabakaba Adventures

MUSIC

One Music Presents: Super Janella

Star Music Concert Clips - The Best of Daniel Padilla

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/05/21/here-are-some-pinoy-shows-you-can-watch-for-free-on-youtubes-super-stream

NUJP ABS-CBN Solidarity Night on shutdown anniversary

Sunshine Cruz lauds daughter Sam’s friendliness to showbiz co-workers, staff

 Sunshine Cruz was a proud mother as she opened up about the good stories she heard about her daughter, Sam, from fellow actors and other staff in showbiz. 

The actress believes she has nothing to worry about when it comes to Sam's work ethic, as many people have vouched for her daughter’s friendliness with co-workers and crew. 

“When it comes to that, I think wala naman akong problema. Kasi lahat ng nakakausap ko sa ABS-CBN na nakakatrabaho ni Sam, sinasabi nila sa akin na paborito daw nila si Sam kasi sobrang friendly, sobrang machika,” she narrated. 

“So sabi ko nakakatuwa naman itong anak ko. I guess nakikita rin naman niya sa akin na friendly naman ako. I think 'yung pakikisama, wala akong magiging problema sa kanya,” the “Bagong Umaga” actress added.

Cruz said she has always reminded Sam to treat everyone with respect, especially after the latter decided to join showbiz. 

“Sinasabi ko sa kanya to just be yourself. At saka important siyempre 'yung marunong ka makisama, marunong ka rumespeto hindi lang ng mga kapwa mo singers or artista, kundi 'yung mga nakakahalubilo mong staff and crew,” she added. 

After working with her eldest Angelina in a TV commercial, Cruz also hopes to have a project with Sam in the future. 

“It would be an honor and I’ll be very, very excited to work with my children. Kahit si Angelina nakatrabaho ko na siya sa TVC and nakakatuwa kasi nagpapaka-stage mother pa ako na, ‘Anak, ganito umiyak.’ Eh ang bilis naman pala umiyak ng anak ko,” she revealed. 

Cruz also attributed the innate talent of her daughters in acting from their father, actor Cesar Montano.

“I guess it’s because napakahusay din naman na artista ng kanilang ama. Nakuha nila 'yun and nakikita rin naman nila sa akin yung pagtitiyaga ko at hindi ako tumitigil na matuto,” she said.

Last March, Sam officially entered the entertainment industry, signing a contract with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/05/21/sunshine-cruz-lauds-daughter-sams-friendliness-to-showbiz-co-workers-staff

enchong_boystown8 with Jins Airframe U377 (Spider)

On Enchong: he is standing and naked and wears Jins Airframe U377 (Spider) and Arena ARN-6015 DGRN Rimic Nux-F and holding Arena AGL-1400 EMBL Swimming Glass (Mirror Swedish type).

 

Jins Airframe U377 (Spider)

Arena AGL-1400 EMBL Swimming Glass (Mirror Swedish type)

Arena ARN-6015 DGRN Rimic Nux-F

Anne Curtis, Erwan Heussaff answer questions about their relationship

Celebrity couple Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff did not evade questions about their relationship -- such as who made the first move and who usually decides what they would eat -- in one of their latest videos. 

Playing a game as part of their endorsement for Century Tuna, Heussaff initially said he could not remember who made the first move in their relationship, but Curtis pressed him to admit.

“I think, yeah. I did the first move,” Heussaff eventually said.

The actress, however, revealed her husband usually plans food surprises for breakfast or lunch, which makes her day. 

“Even as simple as making a surprise breakfast or surprise lunch that I didn’t expect, I’m always so happy,” Curtis said.

The celebrity couple also bared they are not clingy with each other, although Heussaff acknowledged a short change with Curtis during her pregnancy. 

It was also Heussaff who used to encourage the “It’s Showtime” host to work out and eat healthy food, noting the arrival of their first child, Dahlia. 

According to him, he would remind Curtis to eat the right food to be a good example to their daughter. 

"It's okay to have fried chicken,” Curtis said jokingly. 

The food vlogger also revealed he would give the actress 30 minutes to decide what to eat as she usually has a hard time thinking what food to consume.

“I always know what I want to eat. She never knows what she wants to eat. So a lot of times I give her a deadline to decide. So if she can’t make up her mind within 30 minutes, I end up eating what I want to eat. Then bahala siya,” Heussaff said. 

Curtis took a break from showbiz in 2019 and left for Australia as she prepared to welcome her firstborn away from the limelight.

Last February, she and her small family returned to the Philippines, after over a year of being based in Melbourne.

The screen superstar, 36, also said she only intends to return to showbiz full-time once Dahlia turns a year old. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/05/21/anne-curtis-erwan-heussaff-answer-questions-about-their-relationship

‘Ang pamilya ay di sinusukuan,’ Vice Ganda says on anniversary of ABS-CBN shutdown

Comedy superstar Vice Ganda pertained once again to ABS-CBN as his family as it marked on Wednesday the first year since its forced broadcast shutdown.

On Twitter, the “It’s Showtime” mainstay shared an image of the latest slogan of ABS-CBN: “Andito kami para sa ‘yo.”

“Isang taon na ang nakalipas nang tangkain ng mga ganid at masasamang loob na ang mga Kapamilya ay mapagkaitan ng serbisyong kailangang kailangan nila lalo sa panahon ng pandemya,” he wrote.

“Ngunit di sila lubos na nagtagumpay. Dahil andito pa rin kami at patuloy na isinasabuhay ang sinumpaang linyang ‘In the service of the Filipino worldwide.’”

Isang taon na ang nakalipas ng tangkain ng mga ganid at masasamang loob na ang mga KAPAMILYA ay mapagkaitan ng serbisyong kailangang kailangan nila lalo sa panahon ng pandemya. Ngunit di sila lubos na nagtagumpay. Dahil andito pa rin kami at patuloy na isinasabuhay pic.twitter.com/orKCfKDUMd

— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) May 5, 2021

ABS-CBN was forced off free television and radio broadcast on May 5, 2020, a day after its franchise was left to expire in the House of Representatives.

In July 2020, ABS-CBN’s application for a fresh 25-year franchise was rejected by a congressional panel, shuttering the network’s flagship business and leading to the retrenchment of thousands of its employees.

The country would keep GMA as the sole TV network.

In the absence of Channel 2, ABS-CBN’s programs have since fully migrated to digital. Over the past year, it has also found other platforms on television through blocktime partnerships, such as A2Z Channel 11 and select programs on TV5, on top of the network’s own cable channels.

“Ang pamilya ay di sinusukuan,” Vice Ganda said. “Nahihirapan ngunit nagtatagumpay. Andito pa rin kami para sa ’yo, Kapamilya!”

Since the shutdown, Vice Ganda has remained vocal of his loyalty to ABS-CBN, saying he owes the network for changing his life. 

He remains a regular host of “It’s Showtime,” and is also set to premiere a separate game show, “Everybody, Sing,” in June.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/05/21/ang-pamilya-ay-di-sinusukuan-vice-ganda-says-on-anniversary-of-abs-cbn-shutdown

WATCH: PCSO 5 PM Lotto Draw, May 5, 2021

'Ang sakit pa rin': Dating ABS-CBN Bacolod news chief, ginunita ang pagpapatigil-broadcast sa network

Sariwa pa rin sa alaala ng dating news chief ng ABS-CBN Bacolod ang pagpapatigil sa broadcast operations ng network ngayong araw noong nakaraang taon.

Ayon kay Romeo Subaldo, higit 80 kawani, kabilang ang mga reporter hanggang cameraman, ng ABS-CBN Bacolod ang apektado ng pagsara ng kanilang istasyon.

“Nagpe-prepare kami para as local TV Patrol newscast during that time. Tapos, nabasa ko online yung article na lumabas na utos ng NTC (National Telecommunications Commission), yung cease and desist order," kuwento ni Subaldo sa panayam sa TeleRadyo ngayong Miyerkoles.

"Una kong ginawa, kinausap ko lahat ng mga tao namin, from reporters to cameramen, na ito na nga, may lumabas na order,” dagdag niya.

Eksakto isang taon na ang nakalipas nang ipasara ng NTC ang operasyon ng ABS-CBN free TV at radyo. Ito ay naganap isang araw matapos mapaso ang prangkisa ng network habang naiwang nakabinbin ang application for renewal nito sa Kongreso.

“Wrong timing lang, kasi papasok na newscast. So pagpasok sa studio, low energy," pag-alala ni Subaldo.

"Yung tanong ng lahat, paano na? Anong mangyayari sa amin? Kahit ganun yung nangyari, tuloy pa rin yung newscast namin. On that day, May 5 na newscast, maraming palpak kasi nagbigay ako ng bad news bago nagsimula,” sabi niya.

Demoralized umano ang lahat noong araw na iyon. Maging siya ay lutang din habang naghihintay sila ng tawag kung ano na ang susunod na gagawin.

“Tumawag si Station Manager. Sabi, mag-impake kayo lahat ng mga gamit sa studio, sa editing room, dalhin palabas ng station. Ang instruction, dalhin ko sa bahay ko lahat ng gamit. Pati na yung lahat ng mga vehicle ng ABS-CBN Bacolod, dito na muna sa vacant lot ko naka-park," aniya.

"Hindi ka rin makatulog. 'Yun pa rin tanong sa isip namin - anong mangyayari bukas?”

Isa ang ABS-CBN Bacolod sa 53 regional network group na nagbo-broadcast sa iba’t ibang lengguwahe ng bansa.

“Two weeks ago, nakita ko po, kasi may dinaanan lang ako malapit sa broadcast complex ng ABS-CBN Bacolod, may mga taong nakaakyat na sa transmiter. May nakapagsabi na dini-dismantle na daw. Tapos kahapon, isang kasamahan namin dumaan din doon, nakita niya half na lang natitira,” sabi ni Subaldo.

“Akala ko kasi, personally, naka-move on na ako, ok na. Pagkakita ko doon sa dini-dismantle na transmiter, ang sakit sakit pa rin."

'Bumalik ako sa Day 1 na sinabi sa amin na hanggang July 1 na lang kayo sa ABS-CBN Bacolod. Balik na naman ako sa moment na yun,” sabi niya.

Sa ngayon, nagkaniya-kaniya na muna silang mga nawalan ng trabaho sa istasyon.

Kasama ang iba pang Kapamilya na sina Martian Muyco, Marty Go at Barbara Mijares, nagtayo sila ng local digital media na “DigiCast Negros” para maghatid pa rin ng balita sa kanilang lugar.

“Kahit ganito kami kaliit na organisasyon, yung ethical standard pa rin ng ABS-CBN yung dala-dala namin sa paghatid ng impormasyon,” sabi ni Subaldo.

May ibang mga kasamahan din silang pinalad na makapasok sa ibang media company, pero nakalulungkot pa rin aniya na marami pa rin ang walang trabaho sa ngayon dahil sa pandemya.

Ang news.abs-cbn.com ay ang opisyal na news website ng ABS-CBN Corp.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/ang-sakit-pa-rin-dating-abs-cbn-bacolod-news-chief-ginunita-ang-pagpapatigil-broadcast-sa-network

Isang taon na: Mga nagbabalita, manonood inalala ang ABS-CBN shutdown

Isang taon na magmula noong magpaalam sa ere ang free TV and radio channels ng ABS-CBN kasunod ng inilabas na cease and desist order ng National Telecommunications Commission matapos mapaso ng prangkisa ng network.

Sariwa pa rin sa alala ang mabibigat na emosyon na naramdaman ng mga host ng programang “Sakto” na sina Jeff Canoy, Johnson Manabat, at Amy Perez-Castillo nang araw na iyon. 

Masaya umanong sinimulan ni Canoy ang araw na iyon dahil ika-2 araw noon ng pagbabalik-ere ng flagship morning show na "Umagang Kay Ganda." 

Pero nabago ang emosyon ng lahat ng iyon nang ibalitang naglabas ng cease and desist order ang NTC— na nag-uutos sa network na itigil ang kanilang mga TV at radio operation habang wala pa itong karampatang prangkisa. 

Kabi-kabilang mensahe naman ang natanggap ni Manabat nang maibalita na ng NTC ang utos. 

“Andiyan 'yung pasok ng mga text sa viber mula sa Kapamilya, kaibigan mo na: “totoo ba” 'yung titigil since naglabas ng order ng NTC, hindi mo masabing hindi totoo eh na titigil muna pansamantala sa himpapawid,” ani Manabat. 

Idinetalye noon ni Canoy ang mga pangyayari sa ABS-CBN Newsroom nang planuhin kung paano ibabalita na titigil na sa pag-ere ang ABS-CBN sa free TV. 

Matatandaang umere saglit ang TV Patrol, kung saan ibinaba ng mga anchor maging ng ilang executives ang ilang mensahe. Matapos nito, may umereng “sign off” video na nagpapaalam sa mga TV viewer ng ABS-CBN. 

“Noong nasa newsroom na kami bandang hapon doon na bumaba ang utos ng NTC. Tapos nagkagulo-gulo na bumaba na sina Sir Carlo Katigbak, Mark Lopez at ilan pang executives para planuhin kung paano magpaalam ang ABS-CBN sa ere,” ani Canoy. 

Sa TV Patrol idinaan ang pagpapaalam ng ABS-CBN. Mismong si ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs chief na si Ging Reyes ang nagsulat ng huling sasabihin ng TV Patrol anchor na si Noli De Castro, sa kabila ng mabibigat na emosyong nararamdan sa newsroom noong gabing iyon. 

Napakasakit para kay Canoy noon na makita ang mga kasamahan na umiiyak, pero hindi man lang mayakap ang mga ito dahil sa health protocols sa gitna ng pandemya. 

“Yung gabing iyon napakasakit. Parang doble dagok kasi bukod sa shutdown, ‘yung kasama mo, Kapamilya mo sa trabaho nakikita mong umiiyak hindi mo man lang mahawakan, hindi mayakap dahil sa pandemya kaya mahirap ang sitwasyon,” ani Canoy, na inilarawan bilang “isa sa pinakamalaking dagok sa journalism sa ating kasaysayan” ang ABS-CBN shutdown. 

Nasa bahay noon si Perez-Castillo nang i-ere ang huling broadcast ng TV Patrol. 

“[Hindi ako makaiyak]. Pero nung gabing iyon iba 'yung naging impact, hindi ko alam kung paano ko ipapaliwanag sa mga bata kung makakapagtrabaho ako so siyempre as a mother and as a parent ayaw ko ipakita sa mga anak ko [‘yung ganoon],” ani Perez-Castillo. 

Matapos maghapunan ay doon na umiyak si Perez-Castillo sa isang kwarto ng kaniyang bahay, nang maramdamang kinakausap siya ng Panginoon. 

“Habang umiiyak ako, parang paulit-ulit sa’king sinasabi ni Lord na ‘Amy wag kang umiyak.’ sabi niya. Kailan ba kitang pinabayaan? So malinaw na malinaw na alam kong may perfect plan si Lord para sa ating lahat,” ani Castillo. 

May isinulat din aniya siyang panalangin matapos iyon. 

“Dear Lord, thank you for this day even though it turned out to be a very sad day for all of us who work in ABS-CBN. I just put my faith in You oh Lord, I will continue to rejoice in You every day. I know that You are in control and many, many times You have never failed me, and in fact, ako pa nga ‘yong maraming pagkukulang. I pray for all the employees of ABS-CBN. Lord please comfort them, keep them safe and provide for all our needs,” emosyonal na pagbasa ni Perez-Castillo. 

‘DI MAGAMIT ANG TV’ 

Sariwa rin para sa ilang “Solid Kapamilya” ang tigil-ere ng ABS-CBN. 

Aminado ang manonood na si Redilla Dingding na taga Cebu na mahirap para sa kanila ang tigil-ere ng ABS-CBN. 

“Yung TV di magamit, mahirap paano makapanood ng TV nang walang cable, nasanayan na namin po,” ani Dingding. 

Ngayon, sa Facebook na lang muna sila nanonood. Pero para kay Dingding, malaking tulong na maabot sa telebisyon ang balita at mga palabas na ineere ng ABS-CBN. 

“Kung ano ang nangyari sa atin and sa whole world andoon eh. Mayroon naman kaming Kapamilya sa labas. 'Yung sa TFC po 'yon kahit mahirap po makakita noon ng maibigay po ng serbisyo kahit antenna lang ang gamitin ok na po makita po kayo,” ani Dingding. 

Para naman sa guro na si Michelle Cercado na taga-Quezon, malaking tulong para sa kaniyang mga estudyante ang mga palabas sa ABS-CBN para mahubog ang kanilang mga talento. 

“As a teacher, parang mga estudyante namin nakatutok. ‘Yung mga talent doon nila kinukuha,” ani Cercado. 

Ayon kay Cercado, naging mabigat para sa kanila ang tigil-ere ng ABS-CBN. Hangad niya noon na sana masamang panaginip lang ang kanilang nararanasan. 

“Naiyak ako. 'Yung nagpapaalam na po sila. Sila Kabayan, tapos biglang mag-ano na national anthem. Sabi ko “bakit” ganoon 'yung after ng TV Patrol kailangan 12 midnight [wala na] kasi, 'yun ang sabi sa mga post. So talagang inabangan ko ang day na iyon parang habang andun 'yung hope ko na hindi pa rin siya mawawala,” ani Cercado. 

Sa kabila ng pagsubok, tiwala si Cercado na babalik pa rin sa free television ang ABS-CBN. 

“Malaki ang paniniwala ko and marami ang nagdadasal. Sana soon, soonest. Kumbaga para ma-normalize na ang panonood namin ng TV,” ani Cercado. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/05/21/isang-taon-na-mga-nagbabalita-manonood-inalala-ang-abs-cbn-shutdown

An excerpt from "Showbiz Pa More": memorable ‘Private Conversations with Boy Abunda’

DJ Jhai Ho: Eto narequest ko na magusto na may nakachicka ka na mainterview ng mga pulitiko, mga pinakakontrobersyal na pangalan, dito sa interview ni Tito Boy, meron ka bang kinakatakutan ang nakakaharap mo, tito Boy?

Boy Abunda: Hindi takot, I'm very familiar with fear, hindi takot. As a matter of fact, I pray for jitters, nagsasabi, Panginoong Diyos, bigyan mo ako ng konti kaba kasi nagmemeasure hanggang saan ako? Kinatatakutan, meron akong dalawa na instances, isa, I remember being invited then Vice President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, nagkaroon ng EDSA, that was EDSA 2, live kasi ang Private Conversations, ang Private Conversations ang galing mula sa ANC, naging ABS-CBN, nagpunta sa ANC.

EDSA People Power 2, as it came to be known, was a series of protests held from January 16 to 20, 2001, against former president Joseph Estrada who was then facing plunder charges. The protests eventually triggered Estrada's downfall – and paved the way for Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his vice president, to enter the spotlight in the political scene.

This dramatic scene was the final trigger that sent Filipinos to EDSA on January 16, 2001. Throughout the first night of the rally, people began to swarm around the historical EDSA Shrine to express their sentiments. More Filipinos, including students, activists and personalities in the movie, music, print, radio and television industry, joined in the next days, while the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines withdrew their support from the president.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took her oath of office as 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines at 12:20​ p.m., Saturday, January 20, 2001 following the effective resignation of former president Joseph Estrada.

"I, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines," she declared before a cheering crowd of thousands at the EDSA Shrine. The oath was administered to her by Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr.

Mrs. Arroyo, who was dressed in a business-style grey skirt and blazer, was accompanied at the stage by her husband Mike Arroyo and their children, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel, and other leaders of the anti-Estrada opposition groups.

The former president and his family packed up and left Malacañang at around 2:15 p.m. on a barge that crossed Pasig River. The Estradas are currently at the family residence in 1 Polk Street in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.

The Pope visited the Philippines again in January 1995 in time for the 10th World Youth Day. Some 3 million people lined the streets to welcome John Paul II, who arrived on January 12, 1995.

On January 15, 1995, a Sunday, the Pope arrived at Malacañang Park aboard the Popemobile from the Apostolic Nunciature on Taft Avenue, but was forced to ride the presidential helicopter along with Cardinal Sin and Papal Nuncio Gian Vincenzo Moreni to get to Quirino Grandstand amid the huge crowd on the streets.  

Biggest gathering

At past 10 in the morning, the Pope began the three-and-a-half-hour Mass that marked the closing of the 10th World Youth Day. Attended by ten million people, it was the biggest gathering so far in the Pontiff’s 16-year reign.

The Mass’ concelebrants included Sin, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Vatican Secretary of State Angelo Cardinal Sodano and Eduardo Cardinal Pironio, head of the Pontifical Council of the Laity.

WATCH: PCSO 2 PM Lotto Draw, May 5, 2021

NBA: Dominant Giannis steers Milwaukee to another win over Brooklyn

Giannis Antetokounmpo made 4-of-12 3-pointers en route to a team-high 36 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and the Milwaukee Bucks scored their second win over the Brooklyn Nets in as many games, 124-118, Tuesday in Milwaukee.

The Bucks (41-24) dominated the interior with advantages of 44-30 scoring in the paint, 62-50 rebounding and 20-9 on second-chance points. Coupled with an overwhelming defensive effort in the fourth quarter, Milwaukee completed the two-game sweep to gain ground in the Eastern Conference chase with Brooklyn (43-23).

With the win, Milwaukee moved to 1.5 games behind Brooklyn for the No. 2 seed in the East.

After falling behind by six, its largest deficit of the night, Milwaukee scored seven straight points with a pair of Donte DiVincenzo baskets from point-blank range book-ending a Bryn Forbes 3-pointer.

Forbes made 4-of-7 3-pointers and finished with 14 points. DiVincenzo scored 10 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds.

Those seven points were part of a 22-5 Bucks run that proved decisive. Brooklyn endured a field-goal drought of 4:37 after Mike James' 3-pointer with 10 minutes to go put the Nets ahead, 103-97.

James, who Brooklyn signed to a second 10-day contract on Monday, came off the bench for 10 points and three assists.

Brooklyn ended the first half in a manner similar to its fourth quarter, being outscored 22-10 over the final 6:56 of the second period. The Nets whittled down the deficit in the third quarter behind Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.

Irving scored a game-high 38 points, which included 6-of-12 shooting from 3-point range.

Durant went 4-of-8 from outside and finished with 32 points to move past Charles Barkley to move to No. 26 on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

Along with Joe Harris, who made one of his 4-of-8 3-pointers to pull Brooklyn within five points, Irving and Durant led a late-game charge. Irving made a pair of free throws to cut the gap to four points, but Jrue Holiday forced a turnover from Irving in the final minute that sealed the win for Milwaukee.

Brooklyn shot 20-of-43 from 3-point range to Milwaukee's 14-of-37, but it was not enough to overcome the Bucks' advantage inside.

Holiday, who went 4-of-6 from beyond the 3-point arc for the Bucks, finished with 23 points and approached a triple-double with 10 assists and eight rebounds. Khris Middleton added 23 points.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/05/05/21/nba-milwaukee-bucks-brooklyn-nets-result-giannis

NBA: LaMelo Ball, Hornets hold off Pistons

LaMelo Ball scored 23 points to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a 102-99 road win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

Terry Rozier scored 18 points and Caleb Martin added 17 points for Charlotte (32-33), which moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the idle Indiana Pacers for eighth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Hamidou Diallo scored a career-high 35 points and Sekou Doumbouya contributed a season-high 20 points for Detroit (19-47), which lost its fourth game in a row and fell for the seventh time in eight contests. 

The Pistons own the worst record in the East.

Charlotte held a 100-95 lead with 41.9 seconds remaining, but a 3-pointer by Diallo with 31.7 seconds left pulled Detroit within 100-98.

Following a Charlotte turnover, Detroit put the ball in the hands of Killian Hayes, who was fouled on a drive to the basket with 9.4 seconds remaining. Hayes split the two free throws to cut the deficit to 100-99.

Ball was then fouled with 5.8 seconds remaining and made both free throws to give Charlotte a three-point lead.

Detroit had one last chance to tie, but Hayes missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

Trailing 88-80 with 7:14 left, the Pistons scored the next seven points and were down by one with 4:54 remaining following a 3-pointer and another basket by Diallo.

However, Charlotte quickly responded, scoring six straight to grow its lead to 94-87 with 3:43 left.

Detroit answered back, cutting the gap to 94-92 with 2:52 to go on a 3-pointer by Saddiq Bey.

After leading 53-49 at halftime, Charlotte built a 78-68 edge with 59 seconds left in the third quarter. However, the Pistons scored the final four points of the quarter to close within six going into the fourth.

Charlotte outrebounded Detroit 51-46 and committed only eight turnovers to win for the second time in its past five games.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/05/05/21/nba-lamelo-ball-hornets-hold-off-pistons

Beauty queen emerging as face of PH netball hopes Pinoys embrace other hoop game

Brian Yalung

For a basketball-crazed country, some people have the skills to play the game at a certain level. Some end up trying alternative sports, and one interesting avenue that most may have not heard of is netball.

Curiously, netball is one of the early versions of basketball that has evolved into a full fledged sport. Thanks to Netball Singapore, the Philippines put up its own governing body for the sport in 2014, a game tailored for women for the time being.

The Philippine Netball Federation Inc. is led by president Charlie Ho and general secretary Bea Gonzales. The team has had its highs and lows in international competitions, the first of which was during the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore where the Philippines finished 6th.

Being a developmental team, the Philippine Netball Federation Inc. is a work in progress. A sport designed for women, the team has had several familiar names try it. That includes former La Salle Lady Spiker Michelle Datuin and beauty queen Ana Thea Cenarosa.

Cenarosa is probably best known by most as a runner-up in the 2019 Miss Earth Philippines and a former candidate of the 2020 Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She is also a former National University Lady Bulldog, where she once teamed up with Jack Aminam.

In an interview, Cenarosa acknowledged she tried to divide her time between netball and beauty pageants. Now, she is devoting her time to the sport as she tries to do her part in making netball relevant.

Given that she weathered adversity and defied the odds in the beauty pageant scene, she is probably the best person to lift awareness for netball in the Philippines. She came into her own establishing a name there, meaning the 29-year-old can adopt the same formula to make the sport relevant, an interesting alternative for this basketball-crazed country.

The Iloilo native is the team captain for the Philippines national netball team and is embracing the challenge. But given that the world remains under the mercy of the coronavirus, the squad is using the lull to go back to the basics.

“Right now, we are trying to train three times a week via home workout. We went back to basics, building our body and muscles to keep ourselves in condition. Even with no court or physical activities allowed, we are trying to execute plays just in case everything gets back to normal,” Cenarosa said.

She added that the team is doing its part to build the proper foundation for netball, including attending umpiring courses, coaching and table officials for this year since competitions are unlikely to happen in 2021.

Cenarosa said it wasn’t easy in 2020, as she and her teammates dealt with the mental stress tied to staying at home during the pandemic. But having adjusted to that, Cenarosa is upbeat about what the future holds for the sport.

Moreover, it is now the beauty queen’s advocacy to help build awareness in sports. Being an athlete, she believes sport can make an impact on anyone’s life. She explains how it made a difference in her life.

“The impact that sports can give to our lives is very different. I apply it to myself, I try to encourage youth to play sports since it can help anyone grow as a disciplined and mentally tough individual to face reality,” Cenarosa explained.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/05/05/21/beauty-queen-emerging-as-face-of-ph-netball-hopes-pinoys-embrace-other-hoop-game