Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the status of "blessed" on the late John Paul II yesterday in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican as more than one million people took part in the solemn mass.

In Bacolod City the faithful watched the live  coverage of the beatification in their homes and at the Pope John Paul II Tower built in his honor at the reclamation area.

It is significant that John Paul II’s beatification yesterday fell on Labor Day, because in his speech before thousands in Bacolod City in 1981, he championed the cause of the  poor and labor, Fr. Felix Pasquin, rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral, said.

Royal nanny Araceli “Lillie” Piccio yesterday said Prince William thanked her twice for coming to his wedding and, along with his bride, Kate, kissed her on seeing her at the reception at Clarence House Friday.

Lillie, who is from Bacolod City, was the lone Filipino invited to the royal wedding, having served as nanny to both Princes William and Harry, and later cared for their mother Princess Diana.

“I cried at the wedding, it was both a happy and sad occasion for me, “ she told the DAILY STAR in a telephone interview.

Former CENECO union president Roy Cordova was elected member of the CENECO board of directors representing District IV over incumbent CENECO president Edward Gasambelo during the firm’s regular elections held Saturday in Bacolod City.

Cesar Leonardia and Paul Lizares were also elected as members of the CENECO Board of Directors representing District V and Talisay, respectively. Both were unopposed.

Cordova garnered 3,380 votes while Gasambelo got 2,663 votes, or a difference of 717 votes.