WORLD BANK NOTES RP GROWTH

The World Bank in its twice-a-year East Asia Update predicted that the Philippines will continue to experience economic growth not only this year but also next year saying its gross domestic product (GDP) could expand to 5.5 percent this year and 5.7 percent next year.

GDP is the value of goods produced and services rendered in a given period. This is made possible through increased investments by the private sector indicative of trust and confidence in the government.

ASEAN SUMMIT

The Philippines will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit on December 11 to 13, 2006 in Cebu.

Organizers said the summit will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Mactan Island and at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City whose completion is being rushed for the occasion.

The summit will involve leaders of the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Leaders of China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand will also join Asean heads of state on December 13.

HONASAN CAUGHT WITH PANTS DOWN

Former Senator and Army Colonel Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan who has been in hiding for nine months for his alleged involvement in a coup attempt against President Arroyo was caught Wednesday, November 15, 2006 in a townhouse on Green Meadow Avenue, Quezon city owned by a woman named Ingrid Ramos with whom he is rumored to have a son.

Betrayed by disgruntled military colleagues, he was reported to have been caught virtually “with his pants down”.

Honasan had helped in the ouster of President Marcos in 1986 but he continued to lead successive coups against President Cory Aquino.

BEST IN BILLIARDS

What Filipinos cannot achieve in other sports events they are repeatedly attaining with ease in billiards.

This month Ronato Alcano became the fourth Filipino to win the world billiard championship following the footsteps of Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante and Alex Pagulayan.

With more than two dozens Filipinos considered among the best billiards players in the world more are expected to dominate the billiards hall of fame from the Philippines.