Philippines richest 2011

Rank Name           Net worth ($mil)       Age

1 Henry Sy               7,200.00                86

2 Lucio Tan              2,800.00                77

3 John Gokongwei Jr. 2,400.00              83

4 Andrew Tan           2,000.00               58

5 David Consunji       1,900.00              90

6 Jaime Zobel de Ayala 1,700.00           77

7 Enrique Razon Jr.     1,600.00             51

8 Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. 1,400.00        76

9 Roberto Ongpin        1,300.00            74

10 George Ty               1,100.00            78

11 Tony Tan Caktiong  1,000.00             58

12 Iñigo & Mercedes Zobel 980.00 NA

13 Emilio Yap                 930.00              85

14 Andrew Gotianun      795.00              83

15 Jon Ramon Aboitiz    760.00               62

16 Beatrice Campos       685.00              NA

17 Manuel Villar             620.00               61

18 Vivian Que Azcona   555.00               NA

19 Robert Coyiuto Jr.     400.00               58

20 Mariano Tan              375.00              NA

21 Alfonso Yuchengco    370.00               88

22 Enrique Aboitiz          310.00               89

23 Oscar Lopez              280.00               81

24 Jose Antonio              245.00               64

25 Eric Recto                  200.00               48

26 Gilberto Duavit           190.00               76

27 Menardo Jimenez       185.00               79

28 Alfredo Ramos           180.00               67

29 Betty Ang                   165.00              NA

30 Felipe Gozon              163.00               71

31 Tomas Alcantara         160.00               65

32 Benjamin Romualdez   155.00               81

33 Wilfred Uytengsu Jr.    150.00               49

34 Manuel Zamora Jr.      145.00               71

35 Jacinto Ng Sr.             115.00               NA

36 Frederick Dy              110.00                56

37 Luis Virata                  100.00               57

38 Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. 95.00               90

39 Eugenio Lopez III         90.00               59

40 Edgar Sia II                  85.00               34

Record 11 Filipino billionaires in 2011 -Forbes

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines’ billionaires’ list holds a new record, supported by a booming stock market, with the combined wealth of the 40 richest also reaching a high shoot up, Forbes.com said Thursday.

The billionaires' list includes indisputable Shopping mall tycoon Henry Sy, 86, who saw his assets surge 44 percent to $7.2 billion over the past year, the website said.

Still keeping his spot at number-two, Lucio Tan, 77, tobacco tycoon and former crony of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, saw a net of $2.8 billion. Meanwhile, budget airline king John Gokongwei, 83, remained third-richest with $2.4 billion.

Property developer Andrew Tan, 58, became the country’s fourth-wealthiest man with $2 billion.

“The Philippines’ economy grew only 4.9 percent in the first quarter of the year… off from 8.4 percent in 2010, but the country’s stock market is booming,” Forbes said, explaining the surge.

“The stock exchange’s composite index is up 27 percent since last year, surpassing its 2007 benchmark.”

This also lifted the combined fortunes of the country’s 40 richest to an all-time high $34 billion, up from last year’s $22.8 billion, the website reported.

Among the six new billionaires are construction magnate David Consunji, 90, and port operator Enrique Razon, at 51 the youngest Filipino with 10-figure assets.

The others are San Miguel Corp. chairman Eduardo Cojuangco, 76, former finance minister Roberto Ongpin, 74, banker George Ty, 78, and hamburger king Tony Tan Caktiong, 58, of the Jollibee restaurant chain.

Ongpin, a key San Miguel shareholder, was the biggest gainer as his wealth increased more than four-fold to become ninth-richest at $1.3 billion, owing mostly to his other investments in a listed gold mining firm.

Jaime Zobel de Ayala, 77, former head of top conglomerate Ayala Corp., slid two rungs to sixth-richest but his fortune still grew 35.71 percent to $1.9 billion.

The youngest on this year’s Filipino richest list was Edgar Sia, a 34-year-old college dropout now worth $85 million after selling his majority stake in the chicken-barbecue restaurant chain Mang Inasal to Jollibee.

-with reports from Inquirer.net and Forbes

UPCAT: Useful Tips to Remember

Passing the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) is definitely one hard goal to accomplish, but life-changing gate pass to your dreams.

My X years of experience (won't tell what the number is, and I'm not delayed to end suspicions), tell me that I am capable of assisting you guys, and, as an older sibling, of giving you the most useful tips when taking the UPCAT.

And the list begins.

• Don’t answer questions in an orderly manner. Instead, if you are spending a lot of time on one problem, skip it and proceed to another item. Mind you, some very easy questions are scattered on the last part. Just put a slight pencil mark beside the item number of the problem you have skipped, and then get back to it once you've reached the end of the section.

• Rumors say that it is right minus (1/4) wrong. Up till now, I'm not sure if it's true. The rule follows that if you get an item wrong you get a 0.25 point deduction from your total score. Just be sure, that you always make a lucky guess when you're running out of time. 

• In the Reading Comprehension part, try to read the questions first, then seek the answers in the first and last paragraphs of the section. Read and understand, as fast as possible.

• Bring snacks, not too much and not too few. Just make sure you stay away from hunger and overeating. LBM is the most unwanted sickness you don't want to feel in the exam. It's like consuming another portion of your time.

• Take a good night sleep! Being in a conditioned shape helps a lot. Stay positive!

• Don’t over-review or overwork yourself the night before the exams, unless you want to appear haggard on the day itself.

• Be aware of the time limits, but DON'T EVER PANIC. Don’t mind what your seatmates do. If they're already finished, and you're not done yet, mind you own test paper.

• Bring your test permit, and remember the name of your testing are. If you get lost, DON'T PANIC.

• If you feel down, ask for His guidance. Rest if you must, but don't you quit!

 For questions regarding Useful Tips to Remember, visit Pinoy Talk Forum. Register for free! Visit my new website, Spotlight Philippines!

Tips on taking the UPCAT 2011

UPDATE:

Read about my new article: I was once an UPCAT taker
-------------------------------------

Academic Year 2011-2012 is going to be my last year (hopefully) of stay in UP Diliman, and I'm really into exiting this memory-filled premise of the university ASAP, as much as some of you viewing this, give high hopes that you will be one happy UPCAT Passer by 2012, in God's plan.

Speaking of UPCAT (UP College Admission Test), when I enrolled last week, a lot of high school students were crowding inside the Office of the University Registrar, and I wondered what event was actually taking place. Was thinking that there probably was a road trip taking place simultaneously with the ever-arduous enrollment of all UP students. On that same day, did I find out that many HS students were already passing their UPCAT forms. It's submission time!

Oh, by the way, tomorrow (June 24) is the last day of submission of UPCAT application forms (for non-Metro Manila applicants). Sadly, for those residing in Metro Manila, who are reading this and plan to take the UPCAT, I'm sorry to say you can't pass anymore. (I'm not bragging about it.)

Anyway, I've gathered tips which could help you guys when taking the UPCAT. Hope you're still with me. Please bear in mind that by officially submitting your UPCAT forms, you are officially bestowed the possibility of getting into UP. Now, you also have to realize that, optimistic enough that you would pass the UP, you should be expecting that once enrolled in UP, you get to face the ultimate culture shock of your lifetime (although some can easily adapt well with the environment).

Before I hand you out the tips to take the UPCAT, here are some of the things you need to prepare for in advance.

THE SUBTESTS:

There are two main sections dividing the test, the Quantitative Test section and the Verbal Test section. The first section deals mostly with the sciences and mathematics, while the other section tests the UPCAT taker's proficiency and reading comprehension skills in both English and Filipino.

I really had a hard time in the reading comprehension part, since I'm a slow reader. But, what I did, was to check first the questions and then read the article. Most of the answers to the questions ask about what the article is about, what the sentence really emphasizes, which was not included in the article, etc. Based on experience, most of the answers in this part can be found at the 1st and last paragraphs.

TIME LIMIT:

Always bear in mind that this exams, like any other academic exam we've taken since elementary, is time-limited; so, don't forget to bring a watch, and set the time advance with 15 minutes, so that when crunch time comes (on your watch), you won't panic. AND PLEASE, seriously,  DO NOT PANIC.

The longest post-high school exam of your life will happen either on a Saturday or a Sunday. I think UPCAT will take place on August 6-7, 2011.

The test usually starts at 7:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., and ends after five (5) hours. It's best that you be already there at the venue at least thirty (30) minutes before your designated time. Never ever follow the "Filipino" time schedule. NEVER.

Every section of the exam will be given a specific amount of time to take. The math section, the heavily energy-consuming part, will require the most time, as it requires some computation on the examinee’s part. For me, the mathematics part in the UPCAT was the easiest, probably because I'm good at numbers. But hey, you don't have to worry. If you're weak in it, solve problems which include geometry, profits, simple algebra, fractions, etc.

Again, DON'T PANIC. Some problems, when seen, may seem very hard to solve as whole, but really, read and understand it part by part.

THINGS TO BRING ON UPCAT DAY:

Please do not ever forget to bring any of these: Number 2 Mongol pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, a watch and your test permit. NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR TEST PERMIT AT HOME. The permit itself will indicate which room you’ll be assigned to. It is the key to finding your way in. It's recommended that you prepare all these at least 3 days ahead of schedule.

On the other hand, never ever bring these out at your own risk: a mobile phone and a calculator (or any other instrument that does calculations more quickly than you can). Using any of these gadgets is tantamount to cheating and will likely, if caught, lead you to a bar from taking the exam or from entering UP at all. Cheating will always, and forever be, forbidden.

Lastly, don't forget to fill your stomach with a good breakfast/ lunch meal before taking the exam. You'll need a lot of energy to counter the intense brain challenge you are to face.You should feel gratified but not superbly full. There will be a short break in the middle of the exam proper, so bring some brain food to snack on while you rest your mind. Some helpful food to churn are chocolates, biscuits, chips, and candies.

Always remember that passing the UPCAT is not easy, so you have to work hard for it. And please remember, you can only take the UPCAT once, so do come prepared and at your best. And of course, pray!

I guess I've divulged to you some of the secret, simple tasks any test-taker should do. My article seems to have been too lengthy, apologies for taking away a portion of your lifetime. I guess I will be posting a list of tips when taking the UPCAT, on another article/ entry.

Meanwhile, I would like to invite everybody to a whole new level (yes! lumelevel up na po tayo) of online writing. I'm very pleased to announce to you that the Spotlight Philippines Blog now has its own website! After one year of hard work and continuous support, I finally purchased a domain for my baby. 

To see the link, which is still under construction as I am starting from scratch in developing the domain, you can check on Spotlight Philippines Homepage (domain expired). You can also check out my own Pinoy Talk Forum (expired). All you have to do is register; it's for free!

For questions and clarifications regarding the UPCAT, you may post your concerns in Pinoy Talk Forum - Education (expired), or on the comment box below.

Thanks for reading this! Hope I have helped you guys a lot!

Filipino Forum Posting Contest 2011

UPDATE:
The Filipino Forum Posting Contest has ended.

Join the Filipino Forum Posting Contest 2011 and win cash prizes!

Paano? Here's the link to the mechanics.

Spotlight Philippines: a year after

It's about time that Spotlight Philippines rise up to the challenge of informing the public and presenting itself as a guide for all ages going in and out of the Philippines.

A year ago, I started this blog so as to write things down whenever I'm alone, or whenever I just want to write about anything relating to the Philippines, from entertainment to sports, news to editorial, spotted videos to featured articles, and other good-to-know-about issues.

Now, I am gratefully honored to tell you that Spotlight Philippines now has its own website! Thank you so much for your support! I'm very privileged to have succeeded in countering my fear of failure in the online world.

And I'm very proud to say, that with all your support, I was able to create a series of traffic-generating blogs. These include the following:

1. Talk TV - a blog that will cater to all the events associated to Philippine TV, and will tackle the positive and negative sides of network rivalry. Moreover, this will air out different shout outs and comments of readers in support of tv networks and show business.

2. Spotlight Philippines -  tackles everything about the country and its people. It shall serve as a walking publicist of events occurring in the nation as it rises from the ashes of the past.

3. Tacloban City Express - a blog featuring the goings-on in Tacloban City

4. Products and Services Reviews - reviwe of author-picked products and services

5. Jejedex, Jejemon, Jejeje - everything about Jejemons

6. X, Y, Z: Let's Get It On - the blog of matured experiences. Catch new stories of people taking greater risks and facing tougher challenges in life.

7. Kapamilya VS Kapuso: Which One is Better? -  showcasing the rivalry between the two biggest networks in Philippine television

8. The SCENEdicate - my personal experiences

9; Paper Bug - book reviews

To visit the new Spotlight Philippines website, just click this link: www.spotlightphilippines.com

Maraming, maraming salamat po! Your comments will be highly appreciated.

SPOTTED: Skeights, Pilipinas Got Talent Grand Finalist

This band has somehow proven it can change the local music scene, as it wows the crowd and heats up the competition in ABS-CBN's Pilipinas Got Talent.

The List of Pilipinas Got Talent 2011 Grand Finalists is shown below:

1. Freestylers - dance crew from Calamba, Laguna | FREE

2. Madrigal Siblings - young singers from Cainta, Rizal | MADRIGAL

3. Baguio Boom Boom Boys - dance group from Baguio | B4

4. Angel Calalas - hula hoop tricker from Cainta, Rizal |ANGEL

5. Happy Feet - tap dancers from Bukidnon | HAPPY

6. Jem Cubil - acoustic singer from Talisay, Cebu | JEM

7. John Michael Narag - singer from Pangasinan |

8. Filogram - dance group from Baguio City |

9. DJP Trio - singing trio from Bacolod City | DJP

10. Buildex Pagales - singer and musician from Digos City, Davao del Sur | BUILDEX

11. Leoniel Enopia & Elizabeth Dazo or NeilBeth - ballroom dancing duo from Bacolod City | NEILBETH

12. Marcelito Po Moy - multi talented singer from Cavite | MARCELITO

13. Rico the Magician - funny and dancing magician | RICO

14. Skeights - band from Davao City | SKEIGHTS

SPOTTED: RoneyBoys, the new Jonas Brothers, sings Lazy Song

Watch out Jonas Brothers, as the tri-packed RoneyBoys (Isaac, Israel and Ian) invades Youtube!

SPOTTED: Pusong Pinoy organization

Photo Courtesy: Pusong Pinoy Fan Page

Founded: May 21, 2009

Location: P.O. Box 546, Chino Hills, CA 91709

About the Pusong Pinoy FB Page:

An FB page that provides an opportunity for HEROES to help disadvantaged kids in the Philippines. * Pusong Pinoy (Heart of a Filipino) 30,005 books collected.

About the Pusong Pinoy organization:

A group that started with family and friends wanting to make a difference, one book at a time.

In just two years, Pusong Pinoy became a force of over 31,000 HEROES worldwide trying to make a difference, one book, one meal, one piece of clothing at a time.

Pusong Pinoy MISSION:

To provide assistance to organizations/public schools that have effective programs designed to help marginalized kids learn and appreciate reading by donating gently used books to their cause. It is our hope that this site would inspire others to open their hearts and help make a difference in these children's lives.

Today, we begin by collecting books and donating food items but perhaps someday we can do more. Let this be our means to pay it forward and give back to our country we love so dearly.

"Pagtanaw sa pinanggalingan upang makatulong sa kinabukasan" - yan ang Pusong Pinoy!

How YOU can help:
We are collecting GENTLY USED children's storybooks/picture books/chapter books from preschool to 4th grade level. Sorry but no reference or textbooks at this time. *Books with tears and rips or a lot of writing are not being accepted at this time. Thank you for caring!

Aside from our ongoing book drive, we also have other projects. Visit our website at http://www.pusongpinoy.org/ for more information

CONTACT INFORMATION:

PHILIPPINES

Please text TL Susan at 0917-9493727 or CTL Jocel at 0906-4619888 to coordinate a drop off or pick up.

DUBAI

Please email TL Cherry at chertanedo@yahoo.com or call

+97150-7059014 UAE-Dubai

*For inquiries from the other emirates (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quain, Ajman), you can also contact TL Cherry for assistance.

HONG KONG

Kowloon/Hong Kong Island

Call CTL Jay @ (852) 2189 0014 or Mobile (852) 9772 7279

Drop off location @ 306 Ka Bong Lau, Ka Wai Chuen, Hung Hom, Kowloon

New Territories

Call TL Jinky @ (852) 6622-8930

UNITED STATES

Pick-up or drop off locations are available in several cities in the U.S. For more information, please contact

East Coast: CTL Ivy @ agantonio68@aol.com

West Coast: CTL Bing @ bingmp@yahoo.com

Wish List: Canon EOS 600D / T3i

People may crave to have this for luxury, for stature, for position in the hierarchy of social classes; but for me, the Canon EOS 600D / T3i is the best material gift I would want for my graduation. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to buy this, and I don't expect my parents would give me one; 'cause it's a lot expensive.

You know, it was just lately when I realized how passionate I am, in capturing eternal moments, of mirth and of sorrow. It was then that I found out, my love for photography; that, in every click that I do, there lies a story for everyone to decode.

What can I do, I'm really good at it.

This post does not serve as a review of the Canon EOS 600D / T3i, but as a calling that maybe some good Samaritan out there could help me get this. What I steal from amnesiac memory, I give back. What I see through its eyes, I give perspective. What I want, is to practice this art; but somehow the hindrance is there in permanence.

If I will be given a chance to pick between a car or this camera, I will choose the camera. There's this thing burning in me, that tells me the way I take close up shots convey something, out of the ordinary.

If I will be tasked to do something, just not kill somebody, so that I could earn and buy 600D, I will really focus.

If I will be granted one wish, that would be, to live like everyday is my last, and shelve good memories through my work.

All these thoughts are just mere super-conditional, and perhaps, vague possibilities. I'll just keep on dreaming, until reality wakes me up. :(

UP ACES Presents: BlackOut: - Indulgence Overload

This is the time of the year to start your sem right! Get yourself pumped up for the biggest and loudest sem-starter party in the city. 

This year, UP Association of Civil Engineering Students brings you a night of pure fun and overloading indulgence. Dance your night away featuring the hippest sound of Manila’s most sought-after DJs and live acts. Be entertained with the spectacle of neon and black lights, while devouring in free-flowing booze, drinking contests, and a whole lot more!

Dare to be inked.

Pain the town in neon colors with our treat of face and body paints done by professional tattoo artists.

A standout photographic experience.

Sit back and enjoy as we amuse you with live act of LED poi entertainers dancing as we end the party with a bang!

Intoxicating satisfaction.

What’s a party without a dose of alcohol? Get a kick of free-flowing hard liquors and cocktails made conspicuously for the indulgence of everyone. BlackOut: Indulgence Overload is happening on the nightfall of June 24, 2011 (Friday) at Blue Onion Bar and Restaurant, Eastwood City, Libis. Party starts at 6PM. Tickets sold at PHP 200 only!

BLACKOUT, OR GET OUT. Quintessential clubbing at its finest! For tickets and VIP tables, contact Ben Tapales at 0915-452-2276.

Don’t forget to like us on facebook.com/upaces.blackout for more details.