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‘This cannot be our reality’: De Lima honors drug war victims on 7th arrest anniversary
'Injustice continues to cast a long shadow over our nation, its darkness deepened by the countless Filipinos who perished in the brutal war on drugs. Their stories cry out for justice, yet accountability remains an elusive dream,' says Leila de Lima.....»»
NEWSBRIEFS | 2 February 2024
Balay Mindanaw members mark 26th anniversary of ill-fated Cebu Pacific Flight 387 CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (MindaNews / 02 February) — A handful of friends and relatives trekked to the Flight 387 Shrine here last year to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Cebu Pacific plane crash on the slopes of Mt. Sumagaya. Among them were […].....»»
CONTINUING HIS LEGACY
The youth group Anakbayan commemorates its 25th anniversary on November 30, which is also the birth anniversary of Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio. The group stages a rally affirming to uphold the revolutionary spirit of Bonifacio through activism and fighting for people's rights and demands. (Kath Cortez/davaotoday.com).....»»
Francis Libiran creates 25 couture gowns for 25th anniversary fashion show
To celebrate his 25th anniversary in fashion, internationally renowned Filipino designer Francis Libiran will showcase a collection inspired by a mythical creature, the phoenix......»»
Bong Go honors police at PNP Service PSBRC Class 1998-Alpha’s 25th Anniversary
Senator Bong Go reiterated his support for the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to maintaining peace and order in the country during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine National Police Service Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at the Acacia Hotel in Davao City. “Alam n’yo ang suporta ko sa inyo noon pa. Full support talaga kami sa mga pulis. Hindi magiging successful ang administrasyon ni former president (Rodrigo Duterte) kung hindi dahil sa inyong lahat,” Go said. Go affirmed his commitment to continuing these efforts, pledging to create more programs and measures that will uplift the lives of police officers and their families. It can be recalled that prior to his election in the Senate, Go served as a Special Assistant to the President during the Duterte administration, during which, he helped Duterte fulfill the salary hike of the government's military and uniformed personnel. The senator has also introduced Senate Bill No. 422, aiming to provide free legal assistance to members of the armed forces and police who face charges related to their official duties. Recognizing the heavy responsibilities placed on these uniformed personnel, the senator emphasized the importance of ensuring they receive proper legal support. Go also agreed with Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro, Jr.'s position opposing the introduction of mandatory contributions and elimination of automatic indexation for military pensioners. “Masaya ako na nakausap ko si Sec. Gibo, speaking of the Armed Forces, hindi talaga siya pumayag sa mandatory contribution sa mga active at retirees dahil sabi niya mayroong exemption. Buhay ninyo ang inyong isinakripisyo sa panahon ng pandemya, sa panahon (ng giyera sa) Marawi. Gumawa na lang ng ibang pamamaraan. Mayroong government assets diyan para gawin nilang pension, maraming assets ang gobyerno at stop corruption para magamit ang pera ng gobyerno,” Go cited. Meanwhile, Go urged all those who serve in the various branches of the nation's defense and security forces to maintain their focus on serving the Filipino people. The senator assured them that he will continue to stand by their side and provide support to the best of his capacity. “Happy 25th Anniversary sa PNP service PSBRC Class 1998 – Alpha. Congratulations sa inyong lahat at salamat sa inyong sakripisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Magtulungan lang tayo, nandito lang ang inyong senador as vice chairman rin sa Peace and Order sa Senado. Bukas ang aking opisina para sa inyo lalong-lalo na po in line of duty. In my own small capacity lapitan n’yo lang ang aking opisina, bukas talaga ‘yan para sa mga kababayan kong Pilipino,” Go highlighted. “At ating tatandaan, minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako ang inyong Senador kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Diyos. Salamat at magandang hapon sa inyong lahat,” he concluded. The post Bong Go honors police at PNP Service PSBRC Class 1998-Alpha’s 25th Anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Assumption College ’98 celebrates 25th Anniversary Homecoming Day
Assumption College Batch 1998 is delighted to announce the celebration of their Silver Anniversary Homecoming Day, commemorating 25 years of cherished memories and enduring camaraderie......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAfe with a view
This month, Starbucks Philippines marks its 25th anniversary with the opening of Starbucks Reserve Hiraya in Tagaytay City. The new store will take customers on a visual journey . “The name ‘Hiraya’ is a variant of the Old Tagalog term haráya, which translates to imagination, creativity or the power of the mind,” shared Menchu Lopez, Store Development head of Starbucks Philippines. “By coming together with our customers and partners (employees), this store is a testament to what we can achieve with boundless imagination.” Starbucks Reserve Hiraya sits on the ridge that overlooks the Taal Volcano. The architecture complements the landscape by creating a thoughtful transitional space between indoors and outdoors, with flat rooflines, oversized windows and overhanging eaves. The nearly 500-sqm store features terraced seating to ensure an enhanced view of the volcano. The wooden entry doors are also adorned with intricate carvings of the coffee plant. Center stage is a signature Reserve Bar, brewing rare small-lot coffees on the Starbucks proprietary OVISO espresso machine, the very first one in the Philippines. The use of local materials and artisanal crafts is intentional -- from the look and feel of mahogany wood and lava stone used throughout the store to the woven rattan panels above the Reserve Bar. The unique wall art installation is designed by local contemporary artist, Aze Ong. Inspired by coffee origins and taste profiles, the bean-to-cup coffee journey is expressed through the artist’s use of colors, shapes and weaving techniques. Customers can indulge in a wide selection of freshly baked pastries, from flaky croissants to delicious milk and cheese rolls. For the drinks, one of the highlights is the crafted Hiraya Latte. The post CAfe with a view appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
a1 celebrates 25th anniversary; releases new single ‘Call me when you land’
Call me when you land is the new single from the upcoming album of British-Norwegian pop group a1, celebrating their 25th anniversary as a band......»»
Industrial engineers tackle AI, digital transformation
The Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers will celebrate its 25th anniversary, in a return to a face-to-face format, at the New World Makati on Oct.27......»»
BOY BAND A1 DROPS NEW SINGLE, WILL HOLD CONCERT IN DAVAO, CEBU, MANILA
Call Me When You Land” is the new single from the upcoming album by British-Norwegian pop group A1, which is celebrating their 25th anniversary as a band. Musically, it’s a throwback to their earlier ballad hits like “Everytime,” “Like a Rose” and “One More Try.” The track was written by the band consisting of Ben Adams, Christian Ingebrigtsen, Mark Read and Paul Marazzi. A1 had their first breakthrough in the UK in 1999 with a collection of hit singles taken from their debut album, Here We Come. They went on to have many international top 10 and number 1 hits, including songs like “Caught in the middle,” “Take on me,” “Everytime,” “Same Old Brand New You” and “Like a Rose.” With eight top 10 hits and two number ones in the UK, they have sold millions of physical albums as well and won a Brit Award. “Call Me When You Land” is released at the start of their Asian tour A1 Twenty Five, which will have performances at SMX Convention Center, Davao on 12 October; Waterfront City Hotel & Casino, Cebu on 13 October; and New Frontier Theater, Quezon City on 14 to 15 October. Tickets available at all SM Ticket outlets. Visit www.smtickets.com or call (02) 8470-2222. The post BOY BAND A1 DROPS NEW SINGLE, WILL HOLD CONCERT IN DAVAO, CEBU, MANILA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM and TESDA to elevate education and employment collaborations
SM Supermalls affirmed its commitment to providing learning and upskilling opportunities to Filipinos during the 29th founding anniversary celebration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority held at the SM Megamall Event Center last 22 August. TESDA has planned a series of events that emphasize the value of Technical Vocational Education and Training in boosting the socio-economic standing of Filipinos, including an orientation on labor education for graduating students and employment coaching; skills demonstrations on cooking, basic life support, and first aid for vehicular accidents, and smart farming; and a symposium on Gender and Development. The celebration is also in accordance with Republic Act No. 7796 which declares every 25th of August as "National Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) Day," which highlights job linking, TVET enrollment, and product displays and trade fairs from different regions across the country. [caption id="attachment_175743" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Kalinga coffee, taro chips, dragon fruit wine, and other products from the Cordillera Administrative Region are sold at the TESDA trade fair.[/caption] “TESDA remains at the forefront of modern and innovative technical vocational education and training. Let us serve with a heart, and continue to provide quality programs and projects that will uplift the lives of our kababayans. As symbolized in our new slogan, tunay ngang ‘Sa TESDA, Lingap ay Maaasahan’,” shared TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu in his anniversary message. [caption id="attachment_175744" align="aligncenter" width="525"] TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu[/caption] SM and TESDA’s holistic approach to education and employment has transformed lives and strengthened local communities in the Philippines. Among its collaborative work includes the expansion of the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Program which helped empower farmers, and the SM Asensong Pinoy Program which opened livelihood opportunities by giving enterprise-based National Certificate II certification training. “At SM, we recognize the profound impact of TESDA on our country. Your unwavering dedication has equipped individuals with the tools they need to excel in various fields, and this has helped bring forth a positive influence to different communities across the country,” said SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan in his message of support. [caption id="attachment_175745" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM Supermalls’ President Steven Tan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_175746" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda[/caption] [caption id="attachment_175747" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (L-R): Sultan Kudarat 1st District Congresswoman Princess Rihan Sakaluran, Pasig City Councilor Angelu De Leon, Mandaluyong City Councilor Charisse Abalos-Vargas, and Maguindanao Governor Mariam Mangudadatu[/caption] The post SM and TESDA to elevate education and employment collaborations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WATCH: Dolly de Leon, Kathryn Bernardo, A Very Good Girl cast slay the runway
To mark Star Cinema’s 30th anniversary, the production studio’s latest offering, “A Very Good Girl,” held a grand media press conference in ABS-CBN yesterday, with the dark romantic comedy’s cast slaying the runway......»»
Escape from Maui
Tourists trapped in the burning seaside town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii said they were stuck in hotels without electricity for days, ran low on food and left a warzone when they evacuated. "We were stuck in our rooms for three days. It was very scary because there was no light. We couldn't use our phones. We couldn't call family," Lorraina Peterson, 46, said. "The elevator stopped running and some people were stuck inside the elevator," Peterson, who was honeymooning on the paradise island when the wildfire trapped her and hundreds of others in their hotel, added. Guests were finally evacuated to the airport when the hotel ran out of food, she said. Tourists were taken to the airport in school buses, where they were met by volunteers distributing sandwiches and water. Canadian Brandon Wilson, who had traveled to Hawaii with his wife to celebrate their 25th anniversary, recalled that fires cut the power to their AirBnB two days after they arrived in Maui. By Thursday morning, they were running low on food and had no cash to buy groceries, so they decided to try to leave. "As we drove through Lahaina it looked like a warzone," he told Agence France-Presse. "It really looks like somebody came along just bombed the whole town. It's completely devastated." The death toll from the disaster rose to 53, Maui County officials said Thursday. Brushfires on the west coast of Hawaii's Maui island — fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane — broke out Tuesday and rapidly engulfed Lahaina. The flames moved so quickly that many were caught off-guard, trapped in the streets or jumping into the ocean in a desperate bid to escape. Governor Josh Green said 80 percent of the town was gone. WITH AFP The post Escape from Maui appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hawaii fire death toll hits 55, expected to rise
A terrifying wildfire that left a historic Hawaiian town in charred ruins has killed at least 55 people, authorities said Thursday, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the US state's history. Brushfires on the west coast of Hawaii's Maui island -- fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane -- broke out Tuesday and rapidly engulfed the seaside town of Lahaina. The flames moved so quickly that many were caught off-guard, trapped in the streets or jumping into the ocean in a desperate bid to escape. "It really looks like somebody came along and just bombed the whole town. It's completely devastated," said Canadian Brandon Wilson, who had traveled to Hawaii with his wife to celebrate their 25th anniversary, but was at the airport trying to get them a flight out. "It was really hard to see," he said, teary-eyed. "You feel so bad for people. They lost their homes, their lives, their livelihoods." The fires follow other extreme weather events in North America this summer, with record-breaking wildfires still burning across Canada and a major heat wave baking the US southwest. Europe and parts of Asia have also endured soaring temperatures, with major fires and floods wreaking havoc. "What we've seen today has been catastrophic... likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history," Governor Josh Green said. "In 1960 we had 61 fatalities when a large wave came through Big Island," he said earlier in the day, referring to a tragedy that struck a year after Hawaii became the 50th US state. "This time, it's very likely that our death totals will significantly exceed that." Maui County officials said just after 9:00 pm Thursday (0700 GMT Friday) that fatalities stood at 55, and firefighters were still battling the blaze in the town that served as the Hawaiian kingdom's capital in the early 19th century. Pictures taken by an AFP photographer who flew over Lahaina showed it had been reduced to blackened, smoking ruins. The burned skeletons of trees still stand, rising above the ashes of the buildings to which they once offered shelter. Green said 80 percent of the town was gone. "Buildings that we've all enjoyed and celebrated together for decades, for generations, are completely destroyed," he said. Thousands have been left homeless and Green said a massive operation was swinging into action to find accommodation. "We are going to need to house thousands of people," he told a press conference. "That will mean reaching out to all of our hotels and those in the community to ask people to rent extra rooms at their property." President Joe Biden on Thursday declared the fires a "major disaster" and unblocked federal aid for relief efforts, with rebuilding expected to take years. 'Bodies in the water' US Coast Guard commander Aja Kirksey told CNN around 100 people were believed to have jumped into the water in a desperate effort to flee the fast-moving flames as they tore through Lahaina. Kirksey said helicopter pilots struggled to see because of dense smoke, but that a Coast Guard vessel had been able to rescue more than 50 people from the water. "It was a really rapidly developing scene and pretty harrowing for the victims that had to jump into the water," she added. For resident Kekoa Lansford, the horror was far from over. "We still get dead bodies in the water floating and on the seawall," Lansford told CBS. "We have been pulling people out... We're trying to save people's lives, and I feel like we are not getting the help we need." Green said around 1,700 buildings were believed to have been affected by the blaze. "With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time," Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. "In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a... community," he added, "as we rebuild with resilience and aloha." Evacuations Thousands of people have already been evacuated from Maui, with 1,400 people waiting at the main airport in Kahului overnight, hoping to get out. Maui County has asked visitors to leave "as soon as possible," and organized buses to move evacuees from shelters to the airport. The island hosts around a third of all the visitors who holiday in the state, and their dollars are vital for the local economy. At the airport in Kahului, Lorraina Peterson said she had been stuck for days without food or power, and was now looking at a lengthy wait for a flight. "I don't know if we'll be able to get a hotel room, or we'll have to sleep here on the floor," she said. With a hurricane passing to the south of Hawaii, high winds fueled flames that consumed dry vegetation. Thomas Smith, a professor with the London School of Economics, said that while wildfires are not uncommon in Hawaii, the blazes this year "are burning a greater area than usual, and the fire behavior is extreme, with fast spread rates and large flames." As global temperatures rise over time, heat waves are projected to become more frequent, with increased dryness due to changing rainfall patterns creating ideal conditions for bush or forest fires. The post Hawaii fire death toll hits 55, expected to rise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023
The Aboitiz Group has seen exceptional performance in the first half of 2023, showcasing its "Great Transformation" into the Philippines’ first techglomerate. Leveraging innovation as well as synergies across its diverse business portfolio, the group has solidified its position as a trailblazer of industry. With a strong foundation in place, the Aboitiz Group eagerly sets its sights on forthcoming projects that promise further success and innovation. AboitizPower. The Aboitiz Group’s holdings in power generation and distribution, AboitizPower, continues to support the country’s energy transition and socioeconomic development with its diverse portfolio of thermal and renewable energy power plants, as well as internationally certified asset management capabilities from its distribution utilities. With close to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of ongoing and disclosed energy projects, it is en route to accomplishing its 10-year growth strategy of having at least 9,200 MW in its generation portfolio equally split between RE and thermal sources of energy by the next decade. This journey includes the development of the 17 MW Tiwi Binary Geothermal Power Plant, the 94 MW Cayanga-Bugallon solar facility, and the 167 MW Laoag solar facility. AboitizPower is also looking to begin the construction of its Calatrava Solar project and Olongapo Solar project within the year. These RE investments are complemented by other developments in Battery Energy Storage Systems, like the SN Aboitiz Power 24 MW Magat Battery in Isabela, which — much like the commercially operational 49 MW Maco Battery in Davao de Oro — will help provide regulating and contingency reserve power to the country’s grids. Subsidiaries. Meanwhile, subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Company, Visayan Electric Company, Cotabato Light and Power Company and Subic EnerZone Corporation were the first power DUs in the Philippines to be certified with an ISO 55001:2014 certification for Asset Management, an international standard that attests to the efficiency of how they manage the lifecycle of their assets, i.e., power lines, transformers and substations. This validates the reliability of their services and strengthens the uninterrupted provision of electricity in their respective service areas. Efficient asset management is essential for DUs to successfully manage their infrastructure and optimize maintenance and costs, thereby ensuring regulatory compliance and a reliable bridge between transmission lines and businesses, communities and homes. UnionBank. Union Bank of the Philippines continues on its trajectory of becoming a Great Retail Bank as it has consistently been recognized as one of Asia’s leading companies. Among the many recognitions for the 1st half of 2023 that UnionBank has reaped are: Best Retail Bank in Southeast Asia (Cfi.co), 4-time Best Retail Bank in the PH (The Asian Banker) and 6-time Digital Bank of the Year PH (The Asset). In line with its nation-building “Tech-UP Pilipinas” advocacy, UnionBank’s strategic partnerships have been focused on digitization as an essential element for client success. UnionBank’s determination to be an enabler of the Philippines’ bid to be a G20 country by 2050 is apparent as it continues to nurture and grow its diverse client portfolio that includes corporate, MSME, high net worth as well as local and national government entities. As a recognized trailblazer that embraces technological innovations that empower its customers, UnionBank together with its digital banking arm UnionDigital Bank (UnionDigital), fintech arm UBX and thrift arm City Savings Bank (CitySavings) showcased its expertise in artificial intelligence at the first AI Summit PH 2023 last May. The first half of the year also saw UnionBank’s commitment to offering clients amazing and exclusive experiences through partnerships with Live Nation (for world-tour concerts) and GMG productions (for the Hamilton musical). “The investments we made last year have exceeded our expectations. UnionDigital is already profitable after less than a year in operation. There is strong momentum in the acquired credit cards business from Citi. New-to-bank card customers are at a record level. We are geared up to grow our retail banking business. Our infrastructure is ready for scale. We have sufficient capital coming from the recent stock rights offering to further grow our earning asset capital base,” said UnionBank president and CEO Edwin R. Bautista. Aboitiz InfraCapital. Aboitiz InfraCapital remains on track with its purpose of enabling businesses and uplifting communities. AIC Economic Estates maintains its position as the leader in industrial-anchored mixed-use development nationwide, with the largest footprint of developed industrial estates as well as the single largest privately owned industrial estate in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas– LIMA Estate. 2023 marked LIMA Estate’s 25th anniversary, as well as the 30th year of West Cebu Estate in Cebu. These estates are undergoing industrial and commercial expansion to accommodate more locators and create approximately 90,000 employment opportunities. Water business. For AIC’s water business units, Apo Agua can now produce safe and reliable water for the Davao City Water District’s water reservoirs. Apo Agua’s laboratory has also obtained accreditation for drinking water analysis from the Department of Health. AIC's LIMA Water, on the other hand, continues to operationally benefit from its SMART Water Network, leading to reduced fuel consumption and high facility uptime. Digital infrastructure. In the digital infrastructure landscape, Unity Digital Infrastructure completed the first closing of a total of 250 sites from its acquisition of over 1,000 telecom towers from Smart-PLDT and Globe Telecom. Additionally, Unity marked a major milestone by successfully co-locating three Mobile Network Operator tenants (Globe, Smart and DITO) in one of its towers in Cebu. The three-tenant tower is the first in the Philippines and showcases the effectiveness of the shared tower model in support of the government's drive to improve digital connectivity through the common tower initiative. Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Mactan-Cebu International Airport surpassed expectations with significant growth in passenger traffic, peaking at around 5 million passengers in the first half of this year, more than double the previous year. The resumption of major international routes, such as Shanghai and Taipei, and improved aircraft availability are expected to further boost traffic in the second half of the year. MCIA's excellence in promoting the airport and in ensuring customer experience was also recognized, as it received the Routes Asia 2023 Marketing Award in the 5 million category and became the first airport in the Philippines to be accredited by the Airports Council International for its Airport Customer Experience. The post Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Korea fires missiles ahead of key anniversary
Pyongyang conducted twin missile launches late Monday, ahead of Korean War anniversary celebrations that will be attended by Chinese dignitaries in the first foreign delegation visit to the country since its 2020 pandemic border closure. South Korea's defense ministry described the two projectiles as ballistic missiles that flew about 400 kilometers (248 miles) before falling into the sea, according to reports by news agency Yonhap of South Korea and Japan's Kyodo. "Our military detected two ballistic missiles North Korea fired from areas near Pyongyang into the East Sea at 11:55 pm on the 24th and at midnight of the 25th," Yonhap quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying. The launches were the latest in a series of weapons tests in recent weeks by Pyongyang, and come as Seoul and Washington ramp up defense cooperation in the face of soaring tensions with the North. Last week South Korea hosted a visit by a US nuclear-capable submarine, the first deployment there by such a nuclear-armed American vessel in decades. And in a move that likely further provoked the North, a second US submarine, the nuclear-powered USS Annapolis, arrived at a South Korean naval base around the time of Monday's missile launches, according to Yonhap. The reclusive North Korean regime routinely conducts weapons tests, and the launches come days after leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the latest firing of the country's newest intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fuel Hwasong-18. Relations between the two Koreas are currently at one of their lowest historical points, as diplomacy between Pyongyang and Seoul has stalled and Kim has called for ramping up weapons development, including tactical nukes. In efforts to bolster deterrence, Seoul and Washington have staged joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets. The White House took issue with Pyongyang's latest action, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying "we certainly condemn the DPRK's ballistic missile launches," referring to North Korea by the acronym of its formal name. The missile tests "pose a threat to the DPRK's neighbors and the international community," Jean-Pierre said, adding: "Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan remains ironclad." Significant visit Monday's launches come ahead of celebrations in North Korea this week marking the 70th anniversary of the end of fighting in the Korean War. A Chinese delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong will travel to the North for the event, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported, in what is the first known visit by a foreign delegation since the start of the pandemic. North Korea has been under a rigid self-imposed coronavirus blockade since early 2020 to protect itself from Covid-19, only resuming some trade with China last year. An armistice agreement ending Korean War hostilities was signed on July 27, 1953 but the two Koreas remain technically at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice and not a peace treaty. Tensions on the Korean peninsula also have ratcheted up recently due to the disappearance of a US soldier, Travis King, who was on a tour of the demilitarized zone last week when he ran across the border into North Korea. The UN Command, a US-led multinational force that oversees the Korean War truce, said Monday it has begun discussions with Pyongyang over the missing American serviceman. The post North Korea fires missiles ahead of key anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Korea fires missiles ahead of key anniversary, Seoul says
Pyongyang conducted twin missile launches late Monday, ahead of anniversary celebrations that will be watched by Chinese dignitaries in the first foreign delegation to visit North Korea since its 2020 pandemic border closure. South Korea's defense ministry described the two projectiles as ballistic missiles that flew about 400 kilometers (248 miles) before falling into the sea, according to reports by news agency Yonhap of South Korea and Japan's Kyodo. "Our military detected two ballistic missiles North Korea fired from areas near Pyongyang into the East Sea at 11:55 pm on the 24th and at midnight of the 25th," Yonhap quoted South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff as saying. The launches were the latest in a series of weapons tests in recent weeks by Pyongyang, and come as Seoul and Washington ramp up defense cooperation in the face of soaring tensions with the North. The reclusive regime routinely conducts weapons tests, and the incident comes days after leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the latest firing of the country's newest intercontinental ballistic missile, the solid-fuel Hwasong-18. Relations between the two Koreas are currently at one of their lowest historical points, as diplomacy between Pyongyang and Seoul has stalled and Kim has called for ramping up weapons development, including tactical nukes. In response, Seoul and Washington have staged joint military exercises with advanced stealth jets and US strategic assets. Monday's launches also come ahead of celebrations in North Korea this week marking the 70th anniversary of the end of fighting in the Korean War. A Chinese delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong will travel to the North for the event, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported, in what is the first known visit by a foreign delegation since the start of the pandemic. North Korea has been under a rigid self-imposed coronavirus blockade since early 2020 to protect itself from Covid-19, only resuming some trade with China last year. An armistice agreement ending Korean War hostilities was signed on 27 July 1953 but the two Koreas remain technically at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice and not a peace treaty. Tensions on the Korean peninsula also have ratcheted up recently due to the disappearance of a US soldier, Travis King, who was on a tour of the demilitarized zone last week when he ran across the border into North Korea. The UN Command, a US-led multinational force that oversees the Korean War truce, said Monday it has begun discussions with Pyongyang over the missing American serviceman. The post North Korea fires missiles ahead of key anniversary, Seoul says appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marvin Agustin nag-explain kung bakit hindi pumunta sa kasal nina Jolina Magdangal at Mark Escueta; umaming may ‘na-fall’
NAGPALIWANAG ang actor-entrepreneur na si Marvin Agustin kung bakit hindi siya pumunta sa kasal nina Jolina Magdangal at Mark Escueta ilang taon na ngayon ang nakararaan. Ngayong taon ipinagdiriwang nina Marvin at Jolens ang 25th anniversary ng kanilang blockbuster movie na “Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?” Kaya naman muling nagkasama ang dalawa sa espesyal na […] The post Marvin Agustin nag-explain kung bakit hindi pumunta sa kasal nina Jolina Magdangal at Mark Escueta; umaming may ‘na-fall’ appeared first on Bandera......»»
Husband’s tears of joy cap Vondrousova’s ‘impossible’ Wimbledon fairytale
Marketa Vondrousova said her husband's unexpected show of emotion after Saturday's shock Wimbledon final victory against Ons Jabeur was the perfect end to her "impossible" triumph. Vondrousova became the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon as she stunned the Tunisian world number six on Centre Court. The 24-year-old held her nerve in a tense 6-4, 6-4 win, securing her first major title four years after losing her only previous Grand Slam final at the French Open. So unexpected was her Wimbledon run that the world number 42 told her husband Stepan Simek to stay at home in Prague to look after their cat Frankie, until a pet sitter was found to allow him to travel to London for the final. Twelve months after their wedding, Simek cried tears of joy when he saw Vondrousova after the match. "I think when I came to the box, he cried. I saw him after and he cried a lot," Vondrousova said. "It's amazing, tomorrow is our first wedding anniversary. "That's the first emotion I saw from him over eight years. I think he cried on the wedding day also, but that was it!" With the family cat clearly a major figure in the Vondrousova household, the champion said her pet would get a reward after missing out on the party at the All England Club. "I'm going to buy her some good fish. She's with the cat sitter now. My mom is coming tomorrow to watch her," she said. "She has to wait for us. She doesn't really care what's happening." The outpouring of emotion from Vondrousova's family was triggered by her unlikely journey to Wimbledon glory. She had endured two serious wrist injuries that stalled her promising career since losing the 2019 French Open final. Hampered by her injuries, Vondrousova was reduced to watching her best friend Miriam Kolodziejova attempt to qualify for the Wimbledon main draw last year. "I had a cast last year at that time. I was a tourist here. When I was coming back, I didn't know if I can play at that level again. This seems impossible," she said. 'I couldn't breathe' Given her previous poor form on grass, Vondrousova had no expectations of a long run in this year's tournament. "I didn't play well before on grass. It's unbelievable. Nobody would have told you that I even had a chance to win," she said. "I was unseeded. It's such a crazy journey. I can't believe it." With the Centre Court roof closed due to high winds in London, Vondrousova was able to take advantage of the conditions better than Jabeur. "I was really happy they closed the roof because it's very different than in the windy weather. We practice in Prague in winter indoors. I always play good indoors," she said. Learning from the experience of her French Open final thrashing by Ash Barty, Vondrousova battled to keep her composure as the pressure mounted. "I couldn't breathe. I was thinking to myself, 'Just be over'. I was like crazy nervous," she said. "I just tried to stay calm and keep it together. It was such a relief when I put the match point in." With her place in Wimbledon history assured, the tattooed Vondrousova will turn her attention to some celebratory body art alongside her coach Jan Mertl. "I'll choose for him. Maybe we'll get the same one. We talked before the tournament and he said, 'Yeah, so maybe if you win a Grand Slam, then I'll do it'," she said. "I'm just going to made him do it. I'll show you guys on Instagram after." smg/dj © Agence France-Presse The post Husband’s tears of joy cap Vondrousova’s ‘impossible’ Wimbledon fairytale appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»