Philippines in shock over Pacquiao loss

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines was silenced Sunday after boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao was stunned by American challenger Timothy Bradley, losing his first bout in seven years.

 

From the chaotic slums to the swanky sports bars of Manila, Filipinos looked on in horror as Bradley ended Pacquiao's 15-fight winning streak and seized his World Boxing Organization welterweight title.

 

Judge Jerry Roth scored the bout 115-113 for Pacquiao, while C.J. Ross and Duane Ford both saw it 115-113 for Bradley, even though it appeared Pacquiao hurt Bradley throughout the fight -- particularly with his straight left hand.

 

Pacquiao fell to 54-4-2 with 38 wins inside the distance, suffering his first defeat since he dropped a 12-round unanimous decision to Erik Morales in March 2005.

 

"We were robbed. Everybody saw that Bradley was hit more," said Raphael Raboy, 37, a laborer who was among hundreds who watched a free live telecast of the bout in the suburban Marikina district.

 

Raboy and his friends left the area shoulders hunched while the partisan crowd was shocked into silence.

 

An American firefighter on holiday in Manila said he had counted out Bradley in the early rounds, but thought he regained his footing in the later rounds.

 

"Thank you Manny. Let me have your coldest drinks now to celebrate," he said, after claiming his winnings from a bet at Manila's Oarhouse pub.

 

President Benigno Aquino sought to console the public, stressing that Pacquiao remained a treasured sporting icon despite the loss.

 

"Manny remains our champion and the nation's national fist," Aquino spokeswoman Abigail Valte said in a statement.

 

"Despite losing his WBO welterweight belt against Timothy Bradley, our support for him has not wavered.'

 

Bradley improved to 29-0 with 12 wins inside the distance.

 

Left-hander Pacquiao has translated his sports fame into huge riches, a movie career and election to parliament.

Ano ang bagong V na paborito ni Michael V? Abangan sa June 15! #VniMichaelV

Ano ang bagong V na paborito ni Michael V? Abangan sa June 15! #VniMichaelV

The richest countries in the world

Kuwait (No.15) has the world's fifth largest oil reserves and its petroleum products now account for around 95% of export revenues, and approximately 80% of government income. Ranked at No.15, the country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $38,775 (estimated from 2009).

Canada (No. 14) has a diversified economy that is reliant upon its abundant natural resources and upon trade. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $39,171.

Ireland (No. 13): GDP (PPP) per capita: $39,492

Also known for its high standard of living, Austria is ranked at No 12 with GDP (PPP) per capita of $39,761.

A highly developed country, Australia is one of the world's largest economies. Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance, such as quality of life, health, education, economic freedom, and the protection of civil liberties and political rights. [GDP (PPP) per capita: $39,764]

The Netherlands was one of the world’s first countries to have an elected parliament. And the benefits of democracy seem to be reaching its citizens. Its GDP (PPP) per capita is $40,973.

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product [GDP (PPP) per capita: $41,950]. It also has one of the world's largest account balances as a percentage of GDP.

Hong Kong is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour. As one of the world's leading international financial centres, Hong Kong has a major capitalist service economy characterised by low taxation and free trade, and the currency, Hong Kong dollar, is the eighth most traded currency in the world. Hong Kong has a GDP (PPP) per capita of $45,944.

With a GDP (PPP) per capita of $46,860, US is ranked at No.7 on the Forbes list.

UAE oil reserves are ranked as the world's sixth-largest[ and it possesses one of the most developed economies in West Asia. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $47,439 (estimated from 2009).

Oil-rich Brunei (ranked at No.5) has a GDP (PPP) per capita of $48,333.

At No.4, with a GDP (PPP) per capita of $51,959 (estimated from 2009) is Norway.

Technology, manufacturing and finance hub Singapore is ranked third on the list. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $56,694 (estimated from 2009).

In second place on the list is Luxembourg, with a per capita GDP on a purchasing-power parity (PPP) basis of $81,466.

Technology, manufacturing and finance hub Singapore is ranked third on the list. The country’s GDP (PPP) per capita is $56,694 (estimated from 2009).

Qatar has been ranked as the world's richest country per capita in a new list compiled by US-based Forbes magazine. Blessed with the third-largest natural gas reserves in the world, the Arab Gulf emirate of 1.7 million people is benefitting from a rebound in oil prices. Adjusted for purchasing power (PPP), Qatar has an estimated gross domestic product per capita of $88,222.

House fetes Pinay for helping bring fellow OFWs to safety in Syria

The Philippine House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted House Resolution 2473 honoring Filipina domestic helper Alma Bella Guiao, who emerged as an unexpected hero by escorting 25 fellow Filipinos out of harm’s way in strife-torn Syria.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello, chairperson of the House committee on overseas workers’ affairs, described Guiao as a “brave soul.”

 

“Bayani talaga si Alma. Samantalang ang lahat nag-alisan na, nagpabalik-balik siya sa Homs para tulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” he said in a statement.

 

He added that Guia’s courage is “the stuff of Filipino pride” and “an inspiration for the nation.”

 

“Guiao is a one-woman rescue mission who risked her own life in order to save others. At a time when real-life heroes are rare, Alma's courage and selflessness is definitely the stuff of Filipino pride," the lawmaker said.

Guiao, 35, left her home in Cebu in 2009 to take care of an old woman in the city of Homs. Little did she know that she will become the lifeline of her kababayans who were trapped inside the city, known to be the capital of the revolution by civilians and military defectors against the Syrian government.

 

“Tumatawag sila sa cellphone ko. Tulungan ko raw sila. Pinapasend ko ‘yung address para matunton namin, tapos tinawagan ko ‘yung kakilala kong taxi driver para madala sila sa embassy,” she said.

 

Guiao embarked on 25 dangerous two-hour trips in and out Homs to accompany her fellow Filipinos to the Philippine Embassy in Damascus.

To avoid government checkpoints, she relied on her proficiency in the Arabic language, as well as her knowledge of alternate routes.

 

“Humahanap kami ng ibang daan sa disyerto. Doon kami dumadaan para walang military checkpoints. Maaga rin ang aming pagrescue para natutulog pa ‘yung mga bantay,” she said.

 

Motivation to help

 

Asked if she was aware of the dangers that came with every trip, Guiao said with a laugh, “Alam kong puwede akong mamatay. Pero awa ng Diyos, hindi naman ako namatay.”

 

The Filipina domestic helper said her only motivation was bringing her compatriots to safety.

 

“Kawawa naman sila kung hindi sila makalabas… Naisip ko po alang-alang ito sa kapwa Pilipino. Nangangailangan sila ng tulong,” she said.

 

Last March, Guiao was one of the overseas Filipino workers brought home by the Philippine government from Syria.

Over 1,600 Filipinos have already been repatriated since the government declared crisis alert level 4 over the strife-torn country.

 

The United Nations pegs the number of civilian deaths due to the uprising in Syria to 9,000. At least 14,000, meanwhile, are being held in detention by government forces. - VVP, GMA News

Pinoy students top intl cybersecurity tilt

Filipinos again showed their high potential in information and communications technology after topping a security vendor's annual international conference.

 

Kaspersky Lab said the Filipino students were named the overall winners in the global cup, under the banner "IT Security for the Next Generation."

 

Members of the Philippine team included:

 

• Joshua Arvin Lat, first place winner in the Kaspersky Lab 2012 Student Conference Global Cup
• Kevin Charles Atienza
• Rod Xavier Bondoc

"We are very happy that our undergraduate research paper got first place. We did not expect it would stand a chance against those of post-graduate students' papers from all over the world," Lat said.

 

Bondoc added they were already very happy to have reached the International Cup and represented the country, "but winning it proved that we can compete with other countries when it comes to cyber technology."

 

Atienza, who was in Warsaw, Poland when he learned of the win, said he was impressed with Josh's presentation skills that made them win the competition.

 

"This student conference provides a motivation and incentive for students to improve the qualities of their research. I'm grateful for Kaspersky Lab for providing students like us this opportunity," he said.

 

Placing second was Iwan Gulenko from Germany and third was Napa Sae-Bae from New York.

 

The event was held at the prestigious Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands last May 11 to 13.

 

It brought together the brightest researchers from four preliminary regional rounds: North America, Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth Independent States and from the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

 

Lat, 22, from the University of the Philippines, won first prize as the team leader of the research paper, “SOUL System: Secure Online USB Login System.”

 

Co-authoring the paper were his classmates Atienza and Bondoc, all Computer Science students when they submitted the paper to Kaspersky Lab.

 

They won 1,500 euros for their winning paper.

 

Lat is also invited to be a part of the program committee for the competition next year.

 

The second placer, Gulenko, is from the University of Munich in Germany, who presented a research paper entitled, “Concept and Development of a Facebook Application to Raise Security and Risk Awareness Regarding Social Engineering." He won 1000 euros for his paper.

 

Meanwhile, Napa Sae-Bae of the Polytechnic Institute of New York University took third place with her research on “Biometric-Rich Gestures: A Novel Approach to Authentication on Multi-touch Devices” for which she received 750 euros as cash prize.

 

The jury also decided to present a special prize to Ang Cui from Columbia University in New York for his work “Killing the Myth of Cisco IOS Diversity: Recent Advances in Reliable Shell code Design,” in co-authorship with Jatin Kataria and Salvatore J. Stolfo.

 

Jury member Dr. Priyadarsi Nanda, professor at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, said the quality of the student papers is absolutely outstanding.

 

"I am amazed to see the level of research presented across all the papers selected for the conference. I believe such initiatives by Kaspersky Lab play a major role in bringing academics, security experts at Kaspersky Lab and, most importantly, the best student brains closer to each other and promoting the culture of education and research around the world,” Nanda said.

 

This is the third year of the student conference with the inclusion of Asia Pacific countries. It is the first time the Philippines was shortlisted for this competition. 

 

The Philippines was represented by two teams in the regional cup held at the City University of Hongkong last March 14 to 16.

 

In that stage, the Philippine team won the top two prizes.

 

Lat and his team clinched the first prize while Ranyel Maliwanag and his team members Mariah Strella Indrinal and Marynyriene Silvestre, who are also Computer Science students from UP Diliman scored second prize.

 

The annual conference has been held since 2008. The most promising student papers submitted to the organizers are selected, and those nominees are invited to participate in the conference.

 

There, they have an opportunity to present their research work, competing with their fellow participants from other universities, as well as attend master classes and presentations from industry experts, and to join those experts in discussions on contemporary IT security problems.

 

Regional rounds of the conference are held in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, and Russia and the CIS, with the strongest candidates progressing to the final phase.

 

“The international ‘IT Security for the Next Generation’ conference is a platform for discussion and the exchange of knowledge and experience, bringing together current and future IT security professionals. The conference aims to support and encourage talented young specialists in the battle against Internet threats, while helping them form an idea of the IT security profession and current industry trends while they are still at university,” said Veniamin Ginodman, Director of Educational Programs at Kaspersky Lab.

 

In this year's student conference, 14 winners of the regional rounds participated in the finals of the ‘IT Security for the Next Generation’ international conference.

 

Alongside leading Kaspersky Lab security experts, the jury included:

 

• Last year’s winner Mark Seeger, Doctoral researcher, CASED Department Secure Services;
• Prof. Andrey Philippovich from the Bauman Moscow State Technical University;
• Prof. Gevorg Margarov from the State Engineering University of Armenia;
• Prof. Nasir Memon from the CSE Department, NYU Poly;
• Dr. Priyadarsi Nanda, professor at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia;
• Dr. Andrew Martin, MA DPhil MBCS CEng CITP, university lecturer in Software Engineering from the Department of Computer Science of the University of Oxford;
• Dr. Maria Papadaki, lecturer in Network Security, Centre for Security, Communications and Network Research at the University of Plymouth.

 

Professor Memon of the NYU Poly highlighted that “creating a secure and reliable infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges we face in a globalized economy and it is imperative that we get the brightest minds to tackle this problem."

 

"The Kaspersky challenge is a great example of how we can excite and challenge talented students from around the world and make them aware of the challenges we face,” Memon added.

 

“This is a unique event,” added Martin of the student conference.

 

“In its varied audience, it is a great reminder that IT security is a very diverse field, needing many perspectives in  order to solve the hardest problems.  The students' enthusiasm and their immersion in the digital world helps to inject energy into a community always in need of new ideas,” Martin said.— TJD, GMA News

Anne shooting Hollywood film 'Blood Ransom'

Teaser photo of Anne's film

MANILA, Philippines - Actress Anne Curtis is indeed shooting a Hollywood film.

Via her official Twitter account, Curtis shared that she's shooting the film "Blood Ransom" in California.

"Blood Ransom. Coming soon.https://www.facebook.com/BloodRansom," Curtis tweeted.

She also shared that she's not the only Filipino actor who's part of movie, but did not give names.

"@vidaesperros im not the only filipino :)," she said.

"Blood Ransom" is directed by Filipino-American Francis dela Torre, who also directed Jericho Rosales' Hollywood movie "Subject: I Love You."

The cast of "Blood Ransom" also includes American TV actors including Emily Skinner and Alexander Doetsch.

The film is set to hit theaters in 2013.

"On my way to the set! Looks like its going to be another long night! Im always so excited though! #BloodRansom," Curtis added.

Global AD agency say Phl can be Asia’s creative hub

The Philippines has not had a serious branding effort until late last year when it launched a successful social media campaign, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

Prior to that, its advertising had no focus.

It was by sheer luck that previous campaigns had brand retention. As advertising with no focus and sustained drive, awareness must eventually dissipate and wrong perceptions remain.

The country’s tourism advertising was treated more like a seasonal thing and aired whenever people felt like doing it. At one point, it had to tie up with a big advertiser just to keep it from sputtering.

Like a small cottage industry, it has not really taken off like some of its more aggressive neighbors, which viewed tourism not as a mere government cabinet social function but as a brand deserving better marketing and creative packaging.

Philippine tourism today seems to have taken on a serious tone. It’s beginning to create ripples, and many are hoping that it rides on the crest of a wave to attract more visitors to our shores.

By having an advertising expert as head of the tourism department and acquiring the services of an ad agency whose output is consistently impeccable, there’s no reason why the world shouldn’t focus its “Eye on the Philippines.”

Will it work?

As of the first quarter of 2012, the country has surpassed percentage targets and is poised to exceed its forecast: 4.6 million tourist arrivals (Indonesia’s own goal more than a decade ago).

While it is a modest target, it is realistically possible, some observers say.

“The Philippines deserves much more. It’s mind-boggling why the world’s third-largest English-speaking country with one of the world’s most hardworking people is not up there side by side with Malaysia and Thailand,” says Eric Cruz, head of Creative of Leo Burnett Malaysia.

“The Philippines’ main export is human power and talent. And if we look at some of the most memorable things in the history of the Web, the Filipino prisoners dancing to Michael Jackson was one of the pioneers of online content,” he says.

“The ‘love virus’ was created by a Filipino—clearly that tells me the Philippines has talent,” Cruz adds.

While there are capable post-production houses in Manila, he laments that some ad agencies still go either to Bangkok or Hong Kong just for color grading or simple effects online work.

Way back, the Philippines used to attract many creative people throughout the region. We once had the best facilities, editors and technicians. Sad to say, a number of them have left to look for greener pastures overseas.

According to Cruz, the Philippines can be Asia’s creative hub.

“We can be better than Thailand and Hong Kong in film processing if only the government can help provide the vibrant atmosphere, modernize and infuse incentives to help our creative industries,” he says. “What’s lacking is the infrastructure and know-how … how to apply the talent and energy.”

Cruz notes that the creative industry in the Philippines is picking up, having won prizes in Clio, Cannes, Asia Adfest, London.

“The government could learn from other global economies, with regards to how countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore and now China are turning to the creative industry to reinvent its economies,” he says.

Cruz took over the Malaysian advertising firm when Yasmin Ahmad, a Clio Lifetime Achivement awardee, passed away.

Cruz has won the prestigious Tokyo Art Directors Club Award, a Cannes Cyber Lion, One Show Gold and Silver, and The Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence prize.

He values real work and his views on scam ads will unnerve those who perpetuate them.

Born in the Philippines, Cruz grew up in Crame with his grandmother.

His aunt was an art director who put him in a Klim TV commercial. (Klim was a powder milk drink for kids, and is no longer available.)

In 1983 he saw Benigno Aquino Sr. get assassinated on TV. Three months later, his family migrated to the United States.

His parents, who owned a dry cleaning shop in Ohio, discouraged him from pursuing a career in the arts. But he figured, if he could do what he wanted, he would give it his best shot.

He ended up going to School of Visual Arts in New York.

He discovered graphic design and gravitated toward it because one could fuse the language of art, illustration and design. He did album covers and books, among other things.

Cruz then started his career in San Francisco, working at Studio Archetype, owned by digital pioneer Clement Mok, who was also the founder of Front Page, a Web design program, which was later sold to Microsoft.

After a short stint with Wieden & Kennedy, Cruz moved back to LA and joined Imaginary Forces.

There, he learned how to do motion graphics and make design move, as well as how Hollywood movie magic was done, shooting and producing TV commercials and music videos.

Cruz went to Cranbrook to “de-professionalize.” It was during this time that he dug up his roots, trying to find out why we are who we are and how we came to be.

On the Internet, he found out that Filipinos actually had their own form of alphabet called Alibata or Baybayin, which the Spaniards made extinct.

Cruz created a modern version of the Filipino alphabet, what Alibata could look like if it were alive today. This exploration led him to create a body of work, a film and print piece, titled “Bahala Na,” a portrait of the Philippines, which featured the Mangyans of Mindoro, one of the last two tribes that still use this ancient form of writing.

While backpacking in China, he sent John Jay, Wieden & Kennedy (WK) global executive creative director, his reel. He rejoined WK, where he made the best work of his career. He lived in London for 14 months.

Later, he was offered a job in Malaysia.

Cruz was recently in Manila to give a lecture about his work.

Last week marked the first time Cruz was professionally connected with the Philippine creative community.

Over an interview, he says, “I would love to one day return and teach other Flips what I know how to do. I want to give back one day. I would love to have more of an ongoing interaction with the ad industry in the Philippines. I also want to do some personal projects here sometime soon,” he says.

His advice?

“Learn the craft and pump something original in the global broadcast. The rest will work itself out. People worldwide will find those who do something great. I’m a firm believer that everything exists, waiting to be discovered,” he says.

(Story courtesy of Roger Pe of the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

British Filipino creatives inspired by Diamond Jubilee

LONDON - As Britain commemorates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, UK-based Filipino creatives joined the festivities by dedicating art, music and fashion to the momentous occasion.

ABS-CBN Europe spoke to the artists about their tributes, the Queen, and British society.

Jubilee Bow by designer Davy Limliman Vallecer

British Bows

To celebrate all things British, fashion designer Davy Limliman Vallecer produced a Jubilee-inspired collection for her accessories label BOW, including an assortment of bow ties and headbands with Union Jack motifs.

“The inspiration comes from being proud to be British. My tribute to the Jubilee is to offer one of my talents and to say thanks for being British and having the opportunities I have,” said the fashionista, who was born and bred in London.

“I am happy that the Queen is celebrating her 60 years on the throne. It’s a huge achievement and happens once in a lifetime. And I love how an event like this brings people together. There is an air of happiness and unity, which is a great feeling. We, as a country, do not celebrate or recognize the good things in our country. We're too quick to complain and focus on what's not happening. It's great to be proud of what the Queen has accomplished and she’s still going. She is such an icon all over the world and she's ours.”

Hat man Chito Salarza Grant in the festive streets in London wearing one of his Jubilee hats

Hats off to the Queen

Chito Salarza-Grant, dubbed as the Hat Man of London, created three special hats for the Jubilee weekend, one for every major event: the Flotilla, the concert, and the procession.

Describing one of the hats, he said: “The River Pageant Hat has a centerpiece of a plastic toy boat I found in a car boot sale and bought for a pound, which belonged to an English child, and covered with used stamps of the Queen's head from 1952 to 2012 - 60 years on the throne - with a Queen replica toy waving to the crowd against the multicoloured disco lights, wearing a miniature hat I created made out from a satin pink beaded material, a pouch bag, and diamond brooch which belonged to my partner's collection of costume jewelry.”

He also added: “The Diamond Jubilee is once in a lifetime event. Only 2 took place in the UK in many centuries. She's my Queen, being a British citizen. I’m also dedicating the Jubilee hats for my partner, who was a great supporter of the Queen but missed out on her Diamond Jubilee as he passed away during the Queen’s birthday last year. He witnessed the coronation of the Queen in 1952 as a 13 year old boy who came to see it in The Mall 60 years ago.”

Salarza-Grant is known for his elaborate and eccentric hat designs for public events in the capital. He has previously dedicated special hats to dozens of occasions, including the Lord Mayor’s Parade and the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. He is currently preparing a new hat for the upcoming London 2012 Olympics.

Events Organizer Vanessa Horca wearing a Union Jack dress backstage with friends at the Jubilee-inspired fashion show in Pacha London/Courtesy of Melvin Cacho of Omni Kreations

Fashion Forward

At Pacha London in Victoria, events organizer Vanessa Horca donned a Union Jack dress, designed by Filipino designer Neil Medina, at the I Love Pacha, I Love Fashion show dedicated to the Jubilee weekend.

“The show was a Diamond Jubilee celebration in commemoration of HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years on the throne. It was the first fashion show in London to join the four-day festivities,” said Horca.

Models walked on the catwalk with British flag motifs, showcasing designs from upcoming fashion designers and independent labels including House of Jojo, Yiujia Huo, Frieda Liang May Tang, and Flipcore.

A track by British Filipino singer Jaynee was played on BBC Radio 94.9 over the Jubilee weekend

Pop Princess

British Filipino recording artist Jaynee became part of the celebrations when her single “Something” was played during the Jubilee broadcast of BBC Radio 94.9.

“I feel privileged and honored that my track has been chosen to be played on radio over the Jubilee weekend, beating thousands of tracks that BBC Radio has received,” she said.

Jaynee’s song was chosen by BBC Radio 94.9 as their “Rewind of the Week” over the Jubilee weekend, which features the station’s favorite tracks from up and coming UK artists.

The latest graffit of French Filipino street artist Ben Naz criticized Jubilee celebrations as a distraction to real issues in Britain

Queen & Country

Meanwhile, at Southbank in central London, French-Filipino street artist Ben Naz unveiled his new graffiti for the Jubilee. The piece includes an unfinished alternative portrait of the Queen alongside a rebellious child stopped by a fat policeman.

“The Jubilee piece depicts the souring effect of the so called broken society in which the monarch has no control. The elicit sickness of deformity, lack of social ethics which no longer exist. Last year's riots were an example of what Britain has become: A land of discomfort and uncertainty. The piece depicts the inner problem of the country while others concentrate on the upcoming Jubilee and bypassing the most important issues that the British public face at this present time,” he explained.

“The public needs to see what we are today, not what we tend to hide behind the cloak. I'm a public street artist. I explore and make statements. I do not hide the facts. I do not intend to be a hypocrite. I create what I see and this is Britain now. Once a great nation and will always be a great nation, except from the wild animals that adds up to its already broken and dysfunctional society.”

Celebrating her 60th year as a sovereign of Great Britain, Queen Elizabeth II is the second longest serving monarch in history, surpassed only by her ancestor Queen Victoria who reigned for 63 years.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations included a day at the races in Epsom, a lavish float parade on the River Thames involving a thousand boats led by the royal barge Gloriana, a spectacular concert outside Buckingham Palace featuring dozens of famous international pop stars, and a lavish carriage procession in central London culminating with an RAF Flypast and Feu de Joie.

Thousands of local concerts, street parties and firework displays also took place around the country during the four-day-long celebrations.

2 Pinoys shine at int’l ballet tilt in Finland

FINLAND - Principal dancers from Ballet Philippines Candice Adea and Jean Marc "JM" Cordero, both 25 years old, received loud applause from the audience as they competed for the Gloria Grand Prix Award at the 6th Helsinki International Ballet Competition (HIBC) last May 29.

Adea and Cordero were considered audience favorites early on.

Referring to Adea's Round 1 performance, Finnish dancer and blogger Johanna Aurava noted in her blog “Pointe Til You Drop” - “Her portrayal of Kitri was sublime, both sensuously elegant and supremely secure. You don't see this often, technical bravura together with heartfelt artistic expression. Adea has it all, a warm and winning smile, excellent taste and real quality in her dancing. Throw in some fearless pirouettes, the kind where her partner pushes her off to turn like a spinning top, and that famous high one-arm lift - Wow!”

“I think they have a very strong possibility to be on the top of this competition,” 27-year-old Pirjo Sohlo from Circo Aereo said.

“We are very excited - people are living the moment and they have their own favorites, but these two impressed me,” she said.

As BP soloists, the duo are coached by Victor Ursabia, whom Sohlo described as a very calm coach, after ABS-CBN News watched their regular daily practice, alongside dance lessons HIBC provides for the participants. “He (Ursabia) has his own special quiet way where he does not need to raise his voice to guide them.”

Adea and Cordero’s performance was seen by an audience of 500 people that filled the Alminsali venue to capacity.

“Their performance was amazing -- I took the video and I can tell it was very special - they have a strong technique and grace,” an HIBC videographer observed.

From a total of 69 dancers, 28 countries, 32 seniors, and 3 days of preliminary rounds, the duo was selected as one of the 44 dancers qualified for the semi-finals last June 2 to 3 at the National Opera of Finland.

The duo will compete with a powerhouse of luminaries and international dancers in the senior division aged 20-25 from Finland, Russia, Japan, China, UK, Romania, and Czech Republic among others for the top prize worth 15,000 euros and other awards including the Marimekko Dance Design, Friends of the Kirov Opera in Finland, Best Interpretation of Tchaikovsky's music, and the Union of Finnish Dance Artists' prizes.

The top three male and female dancers will receive 8,000, 6,000 and 3,500 euros, respectively, and choreography prizes worth a total of 6,000 euros.

To qualify for the semi-finals, Adea, who was recently awarded a Silver Medal at the Boston International Ballet Competition (Jackson competition) in 2011, performed two variations of classical ballet and a pas de deux. With her multi-awarded partner Cordero, she solicited joyful cheers for their performance of Marius Petipa's “Don Quixote”.

“After this performance, naku...sold na sold na ang mga audience...siyempre naman! I hope she will win!” Tessie Ruutu, cultural director of the Finnish-Philippine Association said after watching the program with the staff of the Philippines Embassy in Finland.

HIBC was attended by Chairman of the Arts Council Professor Doris Laine-Almi and Finnish National Ballet Director Jorma Uotinen as the new artistic director of the competition.

“In addition to promoting dancers in their efforts to reach the top of their profession, HIBC aims to draw out new masters of choreography and innovators in the art of dance,” Competition Press Chief Office Mila Kajas-Virtanen said.

"The finals will be held on June 5-6 and winners will be announced at the Gala on June 7, where the most successful dancers will perform."

Senior Dancers who reached the HIBC semi-finals are as follows:

Tikka Yulia Russia, Seletskaja Ksenia Estonia, Pleskova Jevgenija Czech Republic, Sundqvist Piia Finland, Cozlac Andrei Nicolae Romania, Muto Machi Japan, Adea Candice Philippines, Pennanen Emmi Finland, Anraku Aoi Japan, Hernon Rachel United Kingdom, Baranova Maria Finland, Almarales Rodrigo Cuba, Cordero Jean Marc Philippines, Wang Yun China, Adilova Irina Russia, Yu Chuanya China, Haukka Tuomas Finland, Oleynik Ekaterina Belarus,Takano Yonen Japan, Tanis Emrecan Turkey, Karmitsa Emilia Finland, Sun Ruichen China

Derrick Rose rehabbing well

Chris Paul and Mike Miller are just two of the NBA players who have reached out to rehabbing Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose, whose ability to cope with his surgically repaired ACL has surprised even his brother Reggie.

"He's actually doing great," Reggie said Tuesday. "He's going real good, which surprises me. I thought he was going to be beating himself up. I've seen him beat himself up over a game that wasn't his fault, just anything. He's such a competitive guy. I just thought he was going to beat himself up because that's the way he is, like he let someone down.

"He's staying focused and has a positive attitude. I think he's doing great because we as a family we're all around him. No one is looking at him like, 'Aww, you let us down.' It's more supportive than anything."

Rose suffered the injury in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against thePhiladelphia 76ers on April 28. He had surgery on May 12.

"You have had a lot of NBA players, like Paul (of the Los Angeles Clippers), Mike Miller from the Heat, calling him and talking to him about the injury, and some of the players who have had the injury," Reggie said. "I think it's made his level of comfort even better.

"It also showed him you're in the NBA, and it's like a fraternity. Some of them guys in the league might not get along, but they don't want to see something physically terrible happen to someone."

Reggie said his brother is able to walk, but he is limited physically otherwise. Reggie planned for him to continue his rehab in California once he's given permission by the doctors to fly. Rose usually trains in California during the offseason.

"There's no deadline (for him going to California,)" Reggie said. "We're not rushing it. He's shut down. I told him, 'Take your time and relax.' He's got nothing to do. I took everything off his plate."

Reggie said Derrick has been watching some of the NBA playoffs, especially the Oklahoma City Thunder because of his friendship with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

"Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are two of his best friends," Reggie said. "He's excited they're doing well. More likely than not, if he wants anyone to win it, he probably wants them."