March 2, 2012 Edition

The Philippines abstained in a resolution passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council condemning violation of human rights by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It was one of 3 countries, including India and Ecuador, that abstained in the voting. China, Russia and Cuba opposed it, while 37 voted in favor. Meanwhile, Syrian rebels withdrew on Thursday, March 1, from the Baba Amr district of the central city of Homs, handing what seemed like victory to loyal troops of the Syrian President.
 

The New York Times has the full story. Updates from CNN here.

Is mining good or bad? Pro- and anti-mining advocates spoke at the “Conference on Mining’s Impact on Philippine Economy and Ecology” at the Intercontinental Hotel Thursday, March 2. Regina Lopez, managing director of ABS-CBN Foundation, argued that mining is incompatible with an island ecosystem such as the Philippines, while Gerard Brimo, president and CEO of Nickel Asia, disputed claims that mining areas are poor. Both sides remain split down the middle with no common ground thus far. Philex chair Manuel V Pangilinan for his part said, “We have a choice between fear and faith, between hardship and hope. Our task is to find the common ground of reason.”

Details available in Rappler.

For the existing mining contracts in the Philippines, view this #WhyMining map.

How does mining affect you? Are you pro or against mining? Engage, discuss & take a stand! Visit Rappler’s #WhyMining microsite for the latest stories on issues affecting the mining sector. Join the conversation by emailing whymining@rappler.com your views on the issue.

For other views on mining, read:

More on #WhyMining:

• Shaping the future of mining
• EO: No new mining contracts
• The Mining EO: A mixed bag
• Mining E.O. not perfect, but very good
• CONVERSATIONS: What are your thoughts on the mining EO? #WhyMining
• Mining E.O. pits gov’t vs local execs
• Correcting lies and disinformation
• Stand for the environment
• How can mining work for Philippines?
• Mining is a social justice issue
• REPLAY: #WHYMINING

The chairman of the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party, Anas Urbaningrum, has been accused of owning a shell company designed to win contracts for government work in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games. The allegations have gone a long way in tainting the reputation of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s image as a reformer. There are concerns the allegations could reach all the way to the president, carrying with it implications for the 2014 presidential elections.

Details in the Asia Sentinel.

Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan confirmed that he remains keen in acquiring a stake in Rappler, a social news network. In a press briefing on Thursday, March 1, Pangilinan said that while he doesn’t have a stake in the new news group yet, he would be interested to pour in capital equivalent to a minority stake should Rappler require new funding. Pangilinan said he is eyeing a 5-10% share. As a social news media entity, Rappler is where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change.
 

Read in Rappler.

Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan said his group’s talks with owners of GMA Network Inc, a rival of ABC Development Corp, the operator of third-liner broadcast firm TV5, were “preliminary.” In a press briefing Thursday, March 1, Pangilinan, who heads TV5, said there are ongoing discussions at the moment. “The interest continues,” he said.
 

“We talked to them in 2002, then 5 years ago [too],” he added.
 

Details in Rappler.

Apple users are likely to be more hip than their PC loyalists, new research data suggests. According to a study conducted by Bundle, a data-driven review site, Mac users are more “fashion-forward and style-conscious” than their PC counterparts. The study looked at data gathered from over 700,000 buyers of Macs and PCs, determining how and where they choose to spend their money.
 

Read more in the Huffington Post.

Are you ready to listen to some good music, see inspired art pieces, and mingle with fun individuals, all while surrounded by the beauty of one of the best beaches in the world?

As summer approaches, March kicks off with one of the most unique festivals in the world: the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival, which will be held at the foot of Mt Malasimbo in Puerto Galera, Mindoro.

The festival runs from Friday, March 2 to March 4.
 

Read in Rappler.

The YouTube singer turned international superstar has finally turned 18. Bieber’s March 1 birthday spurred trending topics on Twitter both worldwide and locally, as fans greeted the young heartthrob a happy birthday. March also marks the month that Bieber, who has a cultish following of adoring fans all over the world, is slated to release the first single of his upcoming third album, Believe.
 

The full story on Rappler.

Hollywood star Taylor Kitsch alleged that a Filipino Customs officer tried to get an Iphone from him when he entered the country to work in an Oliver Stone movie, John Carter. He narrated the incident on The Late Show With David Letterman. Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon was not happy, saying that Customs does not have the authority to deny travelers entry into the country and send them on the next flight out.

Read it in Rappler. 

Personal finance expert Suze Orman named 3 internal obstacles to financial success: fear, anger and shame. Be practical. Live within your means. These are but some of the simple ideas that are at the core of financial health, yet many often need to be reminded, she said. Money, too, is both spiritual and practical currency and our attitudes, thoughts and emotions towards it define our wealth.
 

Read more here.