Service at sword point at Taipei's 'Ninja' restaurant

TAIPEI - Waitresses wield swords and flare flames at diners, who have to get past a moat before sitting at their table in the dimly lit dining hall.

The same customers are also encouraged to take photos with the warrior-like waitresses, who dress in black or red to look like ninjas in keeping with the theme of a dark but lively restaurant that opened last month in Taiwan's capital.

"The ninja is mysterious," said Ou Chia-wei, owner of the restaurant simply named Ninja, explaining why he chose that theme for the Japanese-style restaurant. "On that premise, we can do magic tricks and light up the food."

Waitresses working the barely lit dining room floor burn specialty menus, which vanish without a trace of ash, and send flames snaking across tables as customers watch.

A moat and screen of cascading water just past the front entrance make customers wait a few minutes until the drawbridge goes up, leading to a dark stairwell toward the dining hall.

There are professional magic shows, as well as cabarets, for those who walk in at the right times.

Ninjas were mercenaries who resorted to unusual warfare strategies such as espionage, sabotage and assassination from as far back as 700 years ago in feudal Japan. They remain a common, enduring theme in Japanese folklore.

Ou, who also owns a hospital-theme restaurant in Taipei, and his wife put the three-storey Ninja eatery together on their own without hiring a designer, said his landlady Ting Tsui-lan. The overall investment was T$15 million ($470,000).

"The owner had already liked ninjas and figured that would be a pretty obvious, visual theme for the restaurant," said restaurant sales manager Hsiao Dai.

Ninja competes with restaurants that specialize in airliner, dinosaur and toilet decor in a city teeming with theme diners.

Owned and staffed by Taiwanese, it serves Japanese food priced for office workers who frequent it at its location in a congested part of town.

Japanese cuisine and culture are popular in Taiwan, where Ninja has seen steady full-house crowds of 150 since opening in late January.

Customers are intrigued by the theme, with a 26-year-old woman saying she might rather work than eat there.

"We make friends with the customers," said waitress Tu-tu Lin, laying her sword aside to explain to the woman the tricks of her trade.

Travel Picks: Top 10 big cities that are not capitals

SYDNEY - What's the capital of Australia? If you answered Sydney, you're wrong but in good company, with travel website VirtualTourist.com coming up with a list of the 10 most surprising non-capital cities in the world.

"We've been conditioned to think that because a certain city is the biggest or most popular in its state or country it must be the capital, but that's often not the case. I think some of the cities named on this list might really shock people," VirtualTourist.com general manager Giampiero Ambrosi said.

This list is not endorsed by Reuters.

1. New York City, New York
It may be king of the hill and the top of the heap, but only figuratively. NYC is not the state capital, an honor given to the upstate town of Albany, which is also the birthplace of perforated toilet paper.

2. Sydney, Australia
Iconic though its harbor and opera house may be, it doesn't get star billing. Canberra, which is just a few years away from its centennial celebration, is actually capital of the land "Down Under."

3. Chicago, Illinois
They may have the market cornered on deep dish pizza and football, but the Windy City is the only state title this big city has. Springfield, home to Abraham Lincoln and the annual state fair, is actually the Midwestern state's capital.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It's fun, exciting and has something for everyone, but that still doesn't make it Brazil's capital. While the city famous for the carnival used to be the capital, Brasilia now takes that position.

5. Istanbul, Turkey
It may have served as capital to ancient Romans and Ottomans, but that designation is long gone for Istanbul. Ankara, a city that is perhaps most famous for its angora-producing goats, is the capital.

6. Geneva, Switzerland
Neither this nor Zurich serve as this precise country's capital. The picturesque, tranquil, UNESCO-recognized town of Bern holds this honor.

7. Johannesburg, South Africa
Interestingly, South Africa has three capital cities, none of which are "Jo'Burg". Divided by branch of government, the capitals are: capital of the judiciary is Bloemfontein, capital of the administrative branch is Pretoria with Cape Town acting as the country's legislative capital.

8. Timbuktu, Mali
Mysterious, exotic, and perhaps the country's most recognizable name, it takes second place to the city of Bamako. Not only is Bamako supposedly the fastest growing city in Africa, but it has emerged as a world-respected center for music, attracting huge industry names to its local pubs where hometown artists play through the night.

9. Las Vegas, Nevada
Betting types gambling on the City of Sin also being the state capital would find themselves with empty pockets. The more family-oriented Carson City wins this hand.

10. Casablanca, Morocco
Not only is Casablanca not the capital of Morocco, neither are the other two top contenders, Fez or Marrakesh. Peaceful and culture-rich Rabat serves as this North African country's capital.

Pacquiao gives mom P7-M 'dream mansion'

MANILA, Philippines -- The new house of 'Mommy' Dionisia Pacquiao in General Santos City has become a tourist attraction to the Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao's legion of fans.

The 300-square-meter mansion, a gift from the 7-division world champion, is just a stone’s throw away from her old house.

The P7-million mansion was just recently blessed. It has four big bedrooms complete with expensive furniture, including a P700,000 dining set bought in Italy.

Aside from her pink bed, Mommy Dionisia's color of choice, she also got her own prayer room.

Outside the house, there is also a grotto.

“Ang saya ko. Bata pa ako, ito na ang dream house ko,” she said.

When ABS-CBN News paid her a visit, Mommy Dionisia was clad in a red gown and was entertaining guests. Some of them came from as far as the United States.

“Ang swerte ni Nanay Dionesia. Talagang pinasyalan namin ito,” said Pinky Waga, a tourist from Manila.

“I’m so happy to meet her. I will tell this to my friends,” said Mary Rose Tan, who came from New Jersey, USA.

After the house blessing, Mommy Dionisia treated her guests to sumptuous food--plus a series of songs.

Valentine's Day for mega-rich romantics

UAE hotels hope money can buy ME love

DUBAI - It may not be possible to buy love. But at least you can spend a fortune trying to do so in the United Arab Emirates, where luxury hotels are offering Valentine's Day specials for mega-rich romantics.

Lovey dovey in Abu Dhabi? The Emirates Palace, which bills itself as a seven-star hotel, has the priciest Valentine offer -- a seven-day stay for a cool million bucks.

"Time to show your love to your love," the hotel says. Takers will have a private butler and a chauffeur-driven Maybach luxury car at their disposal during their stay, which the hotel says can be "tailor-made to your design."

Options for the million-dollar deal include a romantic dinner in-suite or on a yacht at sea, helicopter flights, use of the Abu Dhabi golf course, horse riding, watching camel racing, and even making your own perfume.

A private jet is also on call for a quick shopping trip to other countries in the region during the week.

The daily Gulf News quoted sources close to the hotel as saying a Russian businessman had expressed interest in the package.

But an employee told AFP that variations on the deal had been offered for some time, and "we didn't expect to sell any of the packages" because of the world economic crisis.

The hotel does offer a more modest three-day Valentine's deal for about 500,000 dirhams (136,000 dollars). This includes in-suite dinner with live music -- and a diamond necklace for the lady.

East along the coast in Dubai the prices may be lower, but opportunities to lavish largesse on one's loved one are not hard to find.

The Palace hotel -- near Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building -- offers a deal entitled the "Sweet Suite Package" for 9,999 dirhams (2,700 dollars).

The couple stays in one of the hotel's Royal Suites, where they are treated to a candlelit dinner, French champagne and a chocolate fountain. Spa treatment is included to massage away some of those extra acquired calories.

However, one hotel employee told AFP there has not been much interest in the package so far, because "it costs too much."

The Kempinski Hotel in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates has a 5,600 dirham (1,525 dollar) offer, which includes a night in a suite, a four-course candlelit dinner, "pampering at the spa," and breakfast for two.

And the Atlantis hotel, on the Jumeirah Palm artificial island, is offering Valentine's packages ranging from 3,840 dirhams (1,046 dollars) to 6,114 dirhams (1,665 dollars), depending on the suite.

The offer includes spa treatment, champagne, a platter of chocolate-covered fruit and access to watery attractions -- including a swim with the hotel's dolphins.

Philippines enters semis of World Team Pool Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Former World No.1 Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo secured an important win against Polish Rodoslaw Babica to send Team Philippines into the semifinals of the World Team Pool Cup Championship late Friday (Manila time) at Hall 13 Hannover Exhibition Grounds in Hannover, Germany.

Orcollo helped the Nationals score a 4-2 victory over Poland by defeating Babica, 7-3, in the quarterfinals.

With the win, the Nationals will square off against Russia in the semi-final round.

Bannered by Konstantin Stepanov and Ruslan Chinahov, Russia eliminated Germany II, 4-1.

The 31-year-old Orcollo, who is a Bugsy Promotions star player, had to brush off pressure in his match against Babica to avoid a possible sudden-death shootout.

“Again, all the expectation was on me coming to the deciding match,” the former fisherman of Bislig, Surigao del Sur told his long-time benefactor and Bugsy Promotions chief Ceferino “Perry” Mariano in a long distance call.

“But I managed to cope well and did not make any mistake, which enabled me to win the match,” added the reigning International Predator 10-ball champion Orcollo, who also led the six-man Philippine team past Czech Republic (4-1) and Nowary (4-2).

The unbeaten Filipinos opened their bid on a high note after thrashing England 2 (4-0).

Mariano, founder of the Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) commented: “It was tough as everyone expected it to be. Pero talagang inaasahan namin iiskor si Dennis sa crucial match kaya nga siya binansagang Robocop sa pool world kasi matibay ang kanyang dibdib. Hope manalo tayo against Russia para makapasok sa finals.”

With two more wins away for the title, Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) chairman Florentino “Yen” Makabenta said, “I just hope we can sustain our momentum.”

Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) president and co-founder of BMPAP Jonathan “Bacolod” Sy added: “We should continue to pray for them.”

The Filipinos, who are backed up by BSCP, Raya Sports, Bugsy Promotions and NBS, had a great start, sweeping the 8-ball Scotch doubles event as the tandem of Ronato Alcano-Marlon Manalo and Orcullo-Warren Kiamco scored 6-4 and 6-3 victories, respectively.

Japan based Antonio “Nikoy”Lining, the pride of Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, made it 3-0 for RP with an 8-3 win over Mariusz Skoneczny in the first 9-ball game.

Poland, however, forged a deciding third event (10-ball) when Mateusz Sniegocki beat Alcano (8-4) in the second 9-ball game.

Poland then made it two in a row with another win by Karol Skowerski over two-time BSCP National Pool Championships ruler Lee Vann Corteza (7-5) in the first 10-ball duel before Orcullo stepped up and clinched the tie for RP.

Great Britain and Greece, meantime hurdled their respective rivals to complete the final four.

Powered by world 9-ball champion Daryl Peach and world 10-ball champion Darren Appleton, Great Britain edged China (4-3) while Greece, headed by Evangelos Vettas blasted Switzerland (4-0).

The 48-nation tournament, the first of its kind and sanctioned by the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA), stakes a total purse of $400,000 (roughly P19.2 million) and uses a point-system scoring patterned after the Davis Cup. The champion team gets the lion’s share of $100,000 (roughly P4.7 million).

Steven Seagal wants movie with Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES, California – Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao had dinner with action star Steven Seagal in Hollywood early this week, Balitang America reported.

Pacquiao and Seagal talked about the possibility of doing a movie or concert together.

“We had a great time together. The time just flew by,” said Pacquiao.

"We discussed the possibility of working together in movies and making joint concert appearances," he added.

Both men had plenty of common interests, both being accomplished fighters, actors, and musicians.

“We also discovered that we share a bond in Asian philosophy and philanthropy. I invited Steven to be with me at Jerry Jones’ Cowboys Stadium on March 13 when I defend my World Welterweight title against Joshua Clottey and he accepted,” Pacquiao added.

Seagal currently stars on A&E’s popular reality series “Steven Seagal Lawman.”

Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather Sr. says the world does not care about Pacquiao’s fight against Clottey. The Mayweather camp continues to blame the Filipino boxing champion for the failed Mayweather Jr. – Pacquiao Dream Match.

“Who wouldn’t fight for that kind of money? I think it was $40 million, something like that. They will both get that kind of money. I think that he’s scared,” said Mayweather Sr.

The Mayweather camp however said they are still open to the possibility of fighting Pacquiao in the future.

Schwarzenegger cancels trip to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will no longer push through with his scheduled visit to the Philippines, ABS-CBN learned Friday.

Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Marcial Paynor said Schwarzenegger's trip was canceled due to pressing concerns in California. The announcement was made by former San Francisco Mayor Willy Brown during a San Francisco-Manila sister city committee event Thursday.

Butch Meily, executive director of the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF), earlier announced that Schwarzenegger is set to arrive in Manila on February 7 to help with reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in areas destroyed by storms Ondoy and Pepeng last year.

Schwarzenegger, who is famous for starring in the blockbuster film franchise "Terminator" and other gun-blazing roles, has prior experience in rehabilitation efforts in New Orleans, which was battered by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Schwarzenegger has been governor of California since 2003. He is married to Kennedy scion Maria Shriver, a veteran TV journalist.

Beyonce heads to Grammy's with 10 nominations

LOS ANGELES – R&B superstar Beyonce will battle country star Taylor Swift at the 52nd Grammy Awards Sunday as the music world descends on Los Angeles for the industry's equivalent of the Oscars.

Beyonce heads a star-studded field of contenders with 10 nominations going into Sunday's extravaganza at the Staples Center, just ahead of the precocious 20-year-old Swift who has eight.

Beyonce has nominations in the coveted record of the year and album of the year categories, for her single "Halo" and her chart-topping double-album "I Am ... Sasha Fierce." The former "Destiny's Child" singer is also nominated in the song of the year category.

But Beyonce is likely to face fierce competition in the major categories from Swift, as well as wacky songstress Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas, who all have nominations in the best album, record and song categories.

Trailing Beyonce and Swift in overall nominations are the Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell and Kanye West with 6 nods each.

Swift, 20, who enjoyed success last year at the American Music Awards and Country Music Awards, has rocketed to fame over the past 2 years.

Nielsen SoundScan reported earlier this month that Swift was the top-selling digital artist in music history with over 24.3 digital tracks to date.

Grammy chief Neil Portnow has praised Swift as a "phenomenon in entertainment." "She crosses so many genres and generations. She’s really struck a chord with people because her music is so honest," Portnow said.

Sunday's show -- which gets under way at 5pm (0100 GMT) -- is the first Grammy Awards since Michael Jackson's death last year and is expected to feature an extended tribute to the late "King of Pop."

The tribute will include a 3-D film clip made before his death as well as performances from Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson and Usher. Jackson will also be honored with a lifetime achievement award during the show.

However, Grammy show producer Ken Ehrlich has distanced himself from reports that Michael Jackson's children -- Paris, Blanket and Prince Michael -- would perform on Sunday at the Staples Center, the same venue where they bade a poignant farewell to their father at last July's memorial service.

"Don't know where that came from and I really don’t have anything to say about it," Ehrlich told the Access Hollywood entertainment news show.

Meanwhile, in the record of the year race, Beyonce's "Halo" will go up against Black Eyed Peas's pop track "I Gotta Feeling", the Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" and Swift's "You Belong with Me."

The nominees for song of the year, awarded to the songwriters, are Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," Maxwell's "Pretty Wings," Beyonce's No.1 single "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" and Swift's "You Belong with Me.

The best rock album nominees, meanwhile, comprise AC/DC's "Black Ice," "Live From Madison Square Garden" by Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood, "21st Century Breakdown" by Green Day, "Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King" by the Dave Matthews Band and "No Line on the Horizon" by U2.

The best new artist category features the Zac Brown Band, Keri Hilson, MGMT, Silversun Pickups and The Ting Tings.

Alaska finally gains automatic semis entry

MANILA, Philippines -- Alaska finally clinched the last automatic semifinal slot with a hard-earned 95-94 squeaker over Rain or Shine at the close of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup elimination round Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Two-time MVP Willie Miller scored the last 9 points of the Aces including a banked shot in the last 12 seconds that turned out to be the game-winner. He finished with 22 points.

Miller’s shot also helped Alaska snap their two-game slide.

Elasto Painters guard Sol Mercado, who fired a career-high 35 points, had the chance to steal the game but his drive in the final play was foiled by Larry Fonacier.

Alaska ended its elimination campaign with 13-5 win-loss mark, same with San Miguel Beer but got the No. 1 spot in the Final Four round as it swept the Beermen in the elims.

“Honestly, the whole game my heart was in my throat because there was a lot of pressure on us,” said Aces head coach Tim Cone who also drew 15 points each from LA Tenorio and Joe Devance.

“The last time we’re in this situation (automatic semis), we won the championship. It’s really a big advantage to be in the semis already,” he added.

The Aces have four chances to seal the semis slot but lost four of their last five games and were pressed to beat Rain or Shine last night to avoid the playoff spot for the No. 2 spot.

Giants in quarters
Purefoods Tender Juicy went straight to the best-of-five quarterfinal series with an 88-78 win over Sta. Lucia Realty.

James Yap scored a game-high 19 points while KG Canaleta added 17 for the winning team. Marc Pingris netted 11 points and 15 rebounds for the Giants, who ended their elimination round with 4 straight wins for a 12-6 win-loss card.

They tied Barangay Ginebra in the standing but clinched the No. 3 spot due to a better quotient. The Kings are No. 4 team while Talk ‘N Text (11-7) is No. 5.

“We wanted to finish 12-6 and it was within our goal but we did not reach the semis,” said Purefoods head coach Ryan Gregorio.

Joseph Yeo had a team-high 17 points for Sta. Lucia, which is relegated to the knockout wildcard stage and faces No.9 Rain or Shine. Marlou Aquino had 14 markers for the Realtors.

Angel picks Luis over Efren?

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN contract star Angel Locsin said she is not open to being courted by 2009 CNN "Hero of the Year" Efren Peñaflorida at the moment.

In an interview, Locsin stressed that she and Peñaflorida are just good friends. "Iki-clear ko lang 'yon. Hindi ako nagpapaligaw. Right now, we are good friends," Locsin said.

(I'd just like to clarify. I am not open to being courted. Right now, we are just good friends.)

Though she has seemingly rebuffed Peñaflorida's romantic advances, she says they are in constant communication and even go out with his students on occasion.

"Minsan, pumunta sa bahay kasama ang mga kids. Minsan, lumabas kami, nanood ng sine. Kasama namin 'yong mga bata din," Locsin said.

(One time, he came to the house with the kids. One time, we went out and we watched a movie. We were with the kids also.)

Locsin said she is letting Peñaflorida down easy before things get too serious. "I just want to be true to myself and wouldn't want to give him any false hopes," she said.

Considering ex

Meanwhile, Locsin is reportedly back on speaking terms with ex-boyfriend Luis Manzano.

She said this is one of the reasons why she has graciously declined to be courted by Peñaflorida.

"Ayaw ko na kausap ko si Luis, may kausap akong iba. Ayaw ko namang nagpapaasa sa isang taong nage-effiort. (I don't want to entertain Luis while I'm entertaining others. I don't want to lead on someone who is making an effort)," Locsin said.

Last week, Manzano admitted to "The Buzz" and "Entertainment Live" that he is courting Locsin again.

"I'm trying to win her back and make up for my mistakes in the past. I realized she's a good girl worth fight for," Manzano said.

Though open to talks with her ex, Locsin said she won't jump into a relationship so easily. The actress said Manzano visits her at home and she agrees to come down and see him.

"May effort naman so na-appreciate ko naman 'yon. Tignan natin kung ano ang mangyayari. (There's an effort, so I appreciate that. Let's see what happens)," she said.

"Hindi naman kami nagmamadali pero hindi naman maalis kung gaano ka-special sa akin si Luis. Pero right now ayaw ko munang pumasok sa relationship," Locsin said.

(We're in no rush, but Luis will always be special to me. But right now, I don't want to go into a relationship.)

Manzano was lukewarm to Peñaflorida's plans to woo his ex-girlfriend. He stated, however, that he respects Peñaflorida's work as a social worker who teaches out-of-school youth through his "Pushcart Classes" project.