MVP still a GMA fan

PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan has always liked the programming of GMA, and just like a loyal fan, he continues to pursue the Kapuso network despite news of the latter’s net income plummeting 39 percent. News about MVP’s continuing interest in GMA, however, is believed to be the reason why the network’s share price even increased especially when news came out about “talks” between GMA and TV5, MVP’s network.

Though GMA COO Gilbert Duavit has already said the network is “not for sale,” observers were quick to note the caveat being “if the price is right” or something to that effect. Kapuso chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon has also admitted his openness to sell his personal stake for an “out of this world” hefty price. The big question now is whether MVP will bite. After all, he can always turn his attention to other prospects considering his plans to expand regionally. Highly placed sources also told Spy Bits that aside from the broadcast industry, Pangilinan is setting his sights on agriculture, and to expect major developments on this front.

Frozen wealth

Despite the availability of ATMs and EPS cards that has minimized the need for wallets and actual bills, a lot of people still prefer to stash their cash inside the house, with a shoe box or cookie jar among the favorite hiding places. Some mothers for instance prefer to hide their emergency funds under the mattress. But a freezer?

Apparently, more than 25 percent of Americans who keep their money at home (instead of putting them in banks) literally freeze their savings. This was confirmed by a survey conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion or MIPO that said 27 percent of Americans across all age groups and from both sexes said their top hiding place is the freezer. The New York-based MIPO, which conducts polls on politics, the economy, sports and other areas, also disclosed that 10 percent of Americans bury their bucks in the cookie jar, 19 percent stuff money inside their socks while nine percent leave their money elsewhere in the house. However, 17 percent complained that they do not have any good place at home to safely hide their money. Perhaps these Americans will now start wrapping their dollars inside zip locks and freeze their wealth just like the other 27 percent.

El Salvador’s ‘murder-free day’

After three years of high murder rates with an estimated 18 people killed everyday, the Central American country of El Salvador recorded the first ever homicide-free day last Saturday – a welcome shock to residents who have been cowering from the murderous rampage of powerful drug syndicates. According to the United Nations, the homicide rate in El Salvador has reached alarming levels with 66 out of 100,000 people killed – one of the highest in the world – because of the drug cartels that use the country as a transshipment point.

In the Philippines, the drug menace is not as bad compared to El Salvador and other Latin American countries. The Philippine National Police is also claiming that the crime rate in this country has gone down by over 20 percent. But there are still strong indications as well as growing perception that murders continue to escalate with victims usually targeted by motorcycle-riding assassins. The only day where no crime is ever recorded is when Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao has a bout – but with his impending retirement from boxing, will Filipinos soon bid goodbye to a “crime-free day”?

Spy tidbits

– Erap spokesperson Margaux Salcedo coordinated with FOCAP to host a testimonial dinner last night for former president Joseph Estrada who is celebrating his 75th birthday on April 19. The testimonial dinner, which was held at the Enderun Colleges in Bonifacio Global City, was well attended with many of Erap’s friends, former classmates, political allies and local government officials in San Juan present to wish the former president a happy birthday. Guests were treated to a sumptuous Filipino dinner featuring the recipes of Doña Mary Ejercito.

– Congratulations to Bb. Pilipinas chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta and Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. director Conchitina Bernardo, and of course our friend Jorge “Nene” Araneta for the very successful 2012 Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum last Sunday. The Bb. Pilipinas is without doubt the premier and most awaited beauty pageant in the country that continues to attract ladies who embody beauty with substance from the time it was launched in 1964. Unknown to many, BPCI is first and foremost a charitable organization that has been supporting orphanages and daycare centers in cooperation with the DSWD. As a matter of fact, BPCI recently partnered with Operation Smile (Philippines) in helping out children with cleft lip and cleft palate conditions.

– Raoul Romulo, a member of the Romulo clan, is now one of the CFOs of Ramon S. Ang. Raoul was previously the senior vice president and chief financial officer of Platinum Group Metals Corp., and his new appointment is certainly an indicator of RSA’s growing interest in the mining industry.

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