8.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Japan

Japan can be considered the best prepared country when it comes to earthquakes as this phenomenon is almost a common occurrence there.  However it's almost impossible to prepare for an 8.9 magnitude that happened at sea.  Severe damages have been reported and quite a number of videos have been uploaded by the citizens of this event.  Massive fires have also been reported at manufacturing plants and there have been radiation leaks at Fukushima, Daichi.

The earthquake was just the beginning as this has set off an 10 meter high tsunami which devastated Japan further, neighboring nations in the ring of fire have been notified which include Chile, Peru, California, and Hawaii.  Along with the wave are debris from structures it swallowed up, destroying everything in its path. 

Over 50 countries have responded to Japan's call for help in this time of need.  With Japan being the 3rd biggest importer of oil next to America and China, oil prices are expected to fluctuate within the following days.

Maroon 5 Concert in Manila 2011

After Janet Jackson and Taylor Swift, another big act slated to perform in Manila (aside from Bruno Mars) is Maroon 5. The concert will be held at Araneta Colisuem on May 23, 2011.

Other artists set to perform here are:

Stone Temple Pilots - March 9, 2011 at Araneta Coliseum

Good Charlotte - April 6, 2011 at Glorietta Mall

Bruno Mars - April 8, 2011 at Araneta Colisuem

The Script - April 16, 2011 at Araneta Coliseum

Justin Bieber - May 10, 2011 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

Mr. Big - May 10, 2011 at Araneta Coliseum

Kenny Loggins - May 22, 2011 at SMX Convention Center

Lady Gaga to Sing With Maria Aragon on March

Maria Aragon is a 10-year-old Canadian-Filipina, based in Winnipeg, Canada and is currently making a name on YouTube as her Born This Way cover of Lady Gaga was promoted by Lady Gaga herself.

It is reported that Lady Gaga is set to duet with Maria Aragon in one of her Toronto concerts in March.

Tripoli, Libya in chaos

Citizens are stuck indoors due to the turmoil in Eastern Libya, however food rations are getting low and will be a severe problem if this continues.  Internet and phone lines have been reported to be unstable, if not unusable, which makes the situation more difficult for the citizens to call for assistance.

Donaire vs. Montiel over in 2nd round

Nonito Donaire won on Round 2 in 2:25 minutes during his fight with Fernando Montiel.  It was at a decisive moment when the two boxers traded shots when Montiel received Donaire's fierce left hook.  He fell to the floor with both his legs jerking involuntarily.  They attempted to continue but Montiel was in no condition to proceed when the referee called it, prompting Donaire's win via TKO as the WBO/WBC Bantamweight champion.

It's also noteworthy that his English diction was also impressive during his victory interview.  Congratulations Donaire to an awesome victory!

Taiwan unhappy with Philippines' extradition

Taiwan is quite unhappy with Philippines after the latter's extradition of 14 Taiwanese to mainland China.  Hopefully this will not put a strain on the relationship between the two countries as it could affect tourism and trade.  Read more details from China Digital Times.

Morning Show "Umagang Kay Ganda" changed casts

The Philippine morning show by ABS-CBN has already undergone several reformat in the past, and for 2011 they are doing the same with the exit of some show veterans:

• Rica Paralejo
• Ginger Conejero
• Bernadette Sembrano
• Bekimon

New cast also joined the team as part of the change.

• Iya Villana
• Venus Raj

Beauty queen Venus Raj has also recently been under fire from critics due to her lack of experience as TV host, while Iya's bubbly personality is a perfect fit for the show as she joins co-host and also former VJ Donita Rose who share the same exuberance.