We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Kai’s last chance
Up to now, Kai Sotto’s stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup remains unclear. Sure, he has been in the country for over two weeks and has been attending some Gilas Pilipinas events, but the fact that he has yet to actually train with his teammates is making Chot Reyes anxious. Sotto is tipped to play a crucial role in the Gilas squad. His 7-foot-3 frame, athleticism and feathery shooting touch from the perimeter will be needed when the Filipinos battle the best players in the world in the prestigious basketball spectacle from 25 August to 10 September. But it will be impossible for Reyes to involve Sotto in his game plan if he has yet to actually see him banging bodies with his fellow big men like World Cup veterans June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, as well as rising star AJ Edu. It is no secret that Sotto’s dream is to make it to the National Basketball Association. He was still a gangly kid when he started joining the Junior NBA program before moving to Ateneo de Manila University and eventually donning the national colors in various age-group events — the biggest and most prestigious was the 2019 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Greece. A lot of offers came his way, including a chance to play for prestigious European clubs like Alba Berlin, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Baskonia, but Sotto, then 17, decided to bring his talent to the United States — not to enter play at the collegiate level — but to make a daring leap straight into the NBA. After training at The Skill Factory, he joined Team Ignite, a developmental team in the NBA G League that aims to prepare athletes for the NBA. At Team Ignite, Sotto showed some promise as he played for former Los Angeles Lakers coach Brian Shaw together with future NBA players Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Daishen Nix, and Isiah Todd. But when Team Ignite was about to start its season and enter the G League bubble in Orlando, Sotto shockingly flew home and joined Gilas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Ignite eventually dropped Sotto, prompting him to look for other ways to realize his dream of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to make it to the NBA. He found one in Australia. He played for the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League and had some measure of success. In fact, he was able to gauge his prowess when the 36ers played against Chris Paul, Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns in an NBA preseason match. After a couple of seasons in Australia, he moved to Japan to play for the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the B League. He had some impressive games, but it wasn’t enough to earn the attention of NBA coaches, scouts, and talent evaluators. Still, he joined the NBA Summer League. Playing against veteran free agents, journeymen, and incoming rookies looking to earn spots on the opening-day rosters of NBA teams, Sotto rode the Orlando Magic bench in their first three games before making his debut against the Portland Trail Blazers, recording six points, four rebounds and three blocks in their 71-88 loss. Sotto tried to play in his fifth game, but he was slowed down by a back injury. His return to Manila was surrounded by controversy as he failed to join the Gilas squad that was set to go to China for the final leg of its preparations for the World Cup. He opted to stay home to “rest and recover” from his back injury. Until when? It’s something that only Sotto and his American handlers know. But Sotto should realize that the doors of the NBA are slowly closing on him. He already made a bad decision by snubbing the invitations of top European clubs as well as prestigious American collegiate programs like Kentucky, Georgia Tech and Auburn that could have helped him develop his game and gain confidence while playing against kids his age. Instead of staying patient and working on his game away from the prying eyes of NBA scouts, he rushed the process by signing up with Team Ignite before committing another massive blunder of flying back to Manila just before the G League season tipped off. Now he has only one chance — the FIBA Basketball World Cup. A lot of Filipinos ranging from Johnny Abarrientos to Aguilar, Kiefer Ravena and Ray Parks all tried — and failed — to make it to the NBA. On the contrary, Sotto is being presented with a rare opportunity to display his talent and carry the torch in a world-class event. Sadly, despite repeatedly saying that he is ready, his body language suggests that he is reluctant to step up to serve as the hero of this basketball-crazy nation. The clock is ticking for Sotto. The doors of the NBA are slowly closing right before his very eyes. He has to lace his sneakers, grab that Gilas jersey, and play his heart out for the country in the FIBA Basketball World Cup before he becomes another “what if” in the history of Philippine basketball. The post Kai’s last chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cinemalaya 2023 now open
The 19th edition of Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival officially opened tonight, 4 August, at the grand lobby of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. It was followed by a screening of Quark Henares’ award-winning film, "Marupok AF," at Cinema Rizal. "Cinemalaya XIX: ilumiNasyon" runs until 13 August, with Dwein Ruedas Baltazar’s "Third World Romance" as its closing film. Ten full-length films and 10 short films will vie for top honors in their respective categories. Aside from Cinema Rizal, screenings are scheduled at other PICC meeting rooms, such as Cinema Bonifacio, Felipe and Palma. The competing films will also be screened at Ayala Malls Manila Bay’s Cinema 9, Glorietta Mall’s Cinema 3, Trinoma Cinema 1 and UP Town Center Cinema 3. Special events, on the other hand, will be held at PICC’s adjacent venue, Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (also known as CCP Black Box Theatre). The 10 full-length feature film entries are: "Maria" by Sheryl Rose Andes; "When This is All Over" by Kevin Mikhail Mayuga; "Rookie" by Samantha Lee; "Ang Duyan ng Magiting" by Dustin Celestino; "As If It’s True" by John Rogers; "Gitling" by Jopy Arnaldo; "Huling Palabas" by Ryan Espinosa; "Bulawan Bulawan Nga Usa (Golden Deer)" by Kenneth dela Cruz; "Iti Mapupukaw (The Missing)" by Carlo Joseph Papa; and "Tether" by Gian Arre. The 10 short film entries are: "Ang Kining Binalaybay Kag Ambahanon Ko Para Sa Imo" by Kent John Desamparado; "Golden Bells" by Kurt Soberano; "Hinakdal" by Arvin Belarmino; "HM HM MHM" by Sam Villa-real and Kim Timan; "Kokuryo: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019" by Diokko Manuel Dionisio; "Maudi Nga Arapaap (Last Dream)" by Daniel James Magayon; "Makoko sa Baybay" by Mike Cabales; "Sibuyas ni Perfecto (Perfecto’s Onion)" by Januar Yap; "Sota" by Mae Tanagon; and "Tong Adlaw Nga Nag-Snow sa Pinas" by Joshua Caesar Medroso. The post Cinemalaya 2023 now open appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Huge mass in Lisbon ahead of pope’s arrival for ‘Catholic Woodstock’
A sea of flag-waving pilgrims from around the world packed a Lisbon park on Tuesday for an open-air Mass that kicked off a week-long jamboree of Catholic youth on the eve of the arrival of Pope Francis. Lisbon's patriarch, Cardinal Manuel Clemente, delivered the homily at the service held at the hillside Eduardo VII Park with sweeping views of the Portuguese capital and the Tagus River. "Lisbon welcomes you wholeheartedly," he told the crowd as pilgrims waved national flags in the air. Local authorities expect some 300,000 people to attend the opening Mass of World Youth Day, which is actually a week of religious, cultural, and festive events held every three years in a different city. Francis is set to arrive in Lisbon on Wednesday morning to join the event, which has been dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock". The 86-year-old pontiff is by Church standards the most liberal pope in decades and is very popular with young people. During his papacy, he has tried to create a more compassionate church, reaching out to the gay community and talking frankly to youngsters about abortion, divorce, and gender identity. "Pope Francis is open to young people," said Cristina Kelly, a 39-year-old who came from Brazil, just before the start of the Mass. "He called on us and we came. People need that today, for young people to be called to God," she told AFP. 'Recharge spiritual battery' In Portugal, the pope has a typically packed schedule for his five-day visit, despite having spent nine nights in hospital after undergoing hernia surgery in June. Francis, the first Latin American pope, is due to make 11 public pronouncements and hold numerous meetings, and on Saturday will visit the shrine of Fatima north of Lisbon. Church organizers expect one million faithful will attend the event's closing mass which will be delivered by the pope on Sunday at a waterside park on the outskirts of Lisbon. Images of the pope were on display on banners across the city as well as on screens on automatic bank machines along with the message: "I am with you". A Lisbon pastry shop is even selling cookies with the image of the smiling pontiff wearing a crucifix. "My goal is to recharge my spiritual battery because sometimes, as young people, we let it run low," Xochilt Cecilia Velis, a 24-year-old from El Salvador, told AFP in central Lisbon. World Youth Day is part of the Vatican's efforts to galvanize young Catholics at a time when secularism and disgust over clerical child sex abuse cause some faithful to abandon the Church. Meeting with abuse victims The gathering comes as the Portuguese Catholic Church is reckoning with its legacy of clerical sexual abuse. A report released in February by an independent commission determined that at least 4,815 children had been abused by clergy members in Portugal since 1950. The inquiry -- similar to audits elsewhere in Europe and the Americas -- concluded that the Church hierarchy "systematically" tried to conceal the abuse. Pope Francis is scheduled to meet privately with abuse victims during his visit but the date of the encounter or other details has not been released. Initially scheduled for August 2022, but postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Lisbon World Youth Day is the 16th international edition of what has become the largest gathering of Catholics worldwide. Church organizers said there are pilgrims registered to take part in this year's event from every country in the world except the Maldives. A brainchild of the late Pope John Paul II, the event started in 1986. The current one is the fourth presided over by Pope Francis, who became head of the Catholic Church in 2013. The last three events took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2013, in Krakow, Poland in 2016, and in Panama City, Panama in 2019. The post Huge mass in Lisbon ahead of pope’s arrival for ‘Catholic Woodstock’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Catholic Woodstock’ kicks off in Lisbon ahead of Pope arrival
The world's largest Catholic gathering, a week-long religious festival known as World Youth Day, kicks off in Lisbon on Tuesday, a day before Pope Francis arrives on his first foreign trip since recent surgery. Around 300,000 people are expected to attend the opening mass at 7:00 pm (1800 GMT) at the hillside Eduardo VII park, which offers sweeping views of the Portuguese capital and the Tagus river. The 86-year-old pontiff is set to arrive in Lisbon on Wednesday morning to celebrate World Youth Day, a week of religious, cultural and festive events held about every three years in a different city. He has a typically packed schedule for his five-day visit to Portugal, despite having spent nine nights in hospital after undergoing hernia surgery in June. Francis, the first Latin American pope, is due to make 11 public pronouncements and hold numerous meetings, and on Saturday will visit the shrine of Fatima north of Lisbon. Church organizers expect one million faithful will attend the event's closing mass held by the pope on Sunday at a waterside park on the outskirts of Lisbon. Images of the pope were on display on banners set up across the city as well as on screens on automatic bank machines along with the message: "I am with you". A Lisbon pastry shop is even selling cookies with the image of the smiling pontiff wearing a crucifix. "I think it is going to be amazing experience to be in the same spot as the pope," said Barbara Weisz, a 19-year-old student from the United States, part of a group of 37 youths who came from a San Diego parish. "It is a great feeling to be among so many young people who share your beliefs," she added as the group, who wore matching red t-shirts, gathered in the lobby of their hotel before going sightseeing before attending the opening mass. World Youth Day, which has been dubbed the "Catholic Woodstock", is part of the Vatican's efforts to galvanize young Catholics at a time when secularism and disgust over clerical child sex abuse cause some faithful to abandon the Church. In recent days groups of event volunteers, decked out in their distinctive yellow T-shirts, could be seen outside of churches in Lisbon to welcome pilgrims who have flocked to the city. "It is a special moment that you should experience at least once in your life," said Samuel Navarro, a 19-year-old student from Spain. - Meeting with abuse victims - Pope Francis is expected during his visit to meet privately with victims of sexual abuse by members of the Portuguese clergy. A report published in February by an independent commission found at least 4,815 children were sexually abused by clergy members -- mostly priests -- since 1950. The inquiry, based on testimony from over 500 victims, concluded that the Church hierarchy in Portugal "systematically" tried to conceal the abuse. "I know (the meeting) will take place... but I don't know where it will happen or how many people will take part," Lisbon's patriarch, Cardinal Manuel Clemente, told a news conference Monday. "There is a total commitment on the part of the Portuguese Church to settle this issue," he added. Around 16,000 members of law enforcement, civil protection and medical staff are being deployed for the pope's visit, officials said. Initially scheduled for August 2022, but postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Lisbon World Youth Day is the 16th international edition of what has become the largest gathering of Catholics worldwide. The brainchild of late Pope John Paul II, this year's event is the fourth presided over by Pope Francis, who became head of the Catholic Church in 2013. The last three events took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2013, Krakow, Poland in 2016 and Panama City, Panama in 2019. lf-tsc/ds/yad © Agence France-Presse The post ‘Catholic Woodstock’ kicks off in Lisbon ahead of Pope arrival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC keep out
The position of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to end any engagement with the International Criminal Court since it is a waste of time and government resources is appropriate since the same position was taken by two magistrates of the tribunal. Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, the presiding officer of the ICC pre-trial chamber, and Judge Gocha Lordkipanidze, who both voted against continuing an investigation into the war on drugs, opined that the Court could not exercise jurisdiction over the Philippines since the country had withdrawn from the Rome Statute before former Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda requested authorization to commence an investigation. “In the present situation, it would be counter-productive and a waste of the Court’s resources to allow an investigation to proceed, only to declare later in the proceedings, when a challenge is made with respect to a specific case arising from this very situation, that the Court has no jurisdiction,” the dissenting judges said. President Marcos put a period to the ICC debate on Friday, saying the government would no longer be in touch with the international tribunal after it rejected the Philippine government’s plea to suspend its investigation into former president Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drugs campaign. “We will no longer negotiate with the ICC. Just as we were saying from the start, we will not cooperate with them in any way, shape, or form,” Marcos stated firmly. “So, I suppose that puts an end to our dealings with the ICC.” Moreover, Marcos said his administration would “continue to question” the ICC’s jurisdiction in investigating the Philippines’ drug war. “Why would the issue be raised in The Hague? It should be discussed here. That’s it. We have no appeals pending. We have no more actions being taken,” the President said. Last March, the ICC denied the Philippines’ plea to suspend its investigation “in the absence of persuasive reasons in support of ordering suspensive effect.” Before the statement of Marcos, the government submitted a notice of appeal in February and an appeal brief in March to suspend the probe after the ICC authorized its prosecutor, Karim Khan, to investigate alleged crimes committed during the war on drugs of the previous administration. In March 2018, then-president Duterte ordered the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute that created the ICC after former prosecutor Fatou Bensouda continued with his preliminary examination. The Philippines formally cut ties with the ICC on 17 March 2019, exactly a year after the revocation of the Rome Statute. In September 2021, the ICC launched a formal inquiry into the drug war but suspended it two months later after the Philippine government vowed to re-examine the cases in question. The ICC prosecutor in June 2022 requested to reopen the inquiry as it was “not satisfied” with what the Philippines was doing. According to the two dissenting justices, the issue of jurisdiction was not properly addressed in the ICC proceedings. They said: “While the Pre-Trial Chamber had already made similar findings on jurisdiction in its previous Article 15 decision, which are referred to in the Impugned Decision, Article 15 of the Statute does not foresee the participation of the State concerned in the relevant proceedings, and the Statute does not provide for the possibility of a State to file an appeal against a pre-trial chamber’s ruling in the context of Article 15 proceedings.” The dissent indicated that “the Philippines was neither a party nor a participant in the Article 15 proceedings in this situation. It is only in the context of Article 18 proceedings that the Philippines had the opportunity to raise the issue of the Court’s jurisdiction.” The point raised by the magistrates was that the appeal was made on a different provision of the Rome Statute which was not properly addressed by the pre-trial chamber. “As such, we consider that the Philippines’ challenge regarding the Court’s jurisdiction is properly raised on appeal and the Appeals Chamber should have addressed it on the merits,” according to the dissenters. The ICC may have some deeper agenda in proceeding with the probe considering that even its judges believe that what will be undertaken is a waste of time. Closing the door on the prejudiced tribunal was the correct move in protecting the nation as a sovereign state. The post ICC keep out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DITO packaging $1.17-B China loan
DITO Telecommunity Corp. expects to complete the renewal of its $1.175-billion loan from Bank of China and the China Minsheng Bangking Corp. this year. “The bridge facility is to be repaid and absorbed via a $3.9 billion project finance long-term facility currently being finalized by DITO Tel’s senior management, with target closing this year,” DITO parent company DITO CME Holding Corp. said in a stock report on Friday. Early this year, DITO said it will pursue capital infusions on top of cost-cutting measures to prevent losses from piling up. According to DITO, telecommunications is a capital-intensive business due to the required infrastructure for its network operations. With only three years in operations, the company is still not yet profitable given this nature. P27-B capex for year For this year, the company plans to only spend P27 billion to bankroll network buildup and commitments to the government. Although the capital expenditure allotted was way lower than the P50 billion spent last year, the company said it is still within the spending range committed to the government as the third telco. In September 2022, DITO passed its third government-mandated technical audit measuring its compliance with its network coverage and internet speed commitments. As part of the issuance of its Certificate of public convenience and necessity in July 2019, DITO needs to record 70.01 percent network reach with a minimum speed of 55 Mbps in the third year of its commitment period. If DITO fails to fulfill its commitments on time, the government forfeits, in its favor, the P25.7 billion performance bond that DITO paid before construction activities. DITO has promised to cover 84 percent of the Philippines and offer a minimum average speed of at least 55 Mbps by the end of its commitment. The post DITO packaging $1.17-B China loan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM and BFP renew MOA
The Bureau of Fire Protection and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. renewed their Memorandum of Agreement on 13 April 2023 as partners in fire safety awareness. Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls, and CSUPT Jesus P. Fernandez, BFP’s acting deputy chief for administration, signed the MOA. Present in the MOA signing in the BFP National Headquarters in Quezon City were SM executives, District and City Fire Marshals of Metro Manila and several uniformed and non-uniform personnel of the BFP. SSUPT Manuel G. Golino, director for Fire Safety Enforcement of BFP delivered the welcome remarks while CSUPT Jesus Fernandez and Mr. Steven Tan delivered messages on behalf of the BFP and SM, respectively. A video compilation of all major programs undertaken by the BFP and SM was shown during the program. The public-private partnership of SM and BFP was formalized in 2019 and since then has resulted to various programs staged in different SM Supermalls nationwide. In 2022 alone, a total of more than 26,000 SM employees, agency personnel and tenants participated in the trainings conducted by the BFP on Tenant Fire Safety, Fire Brigade trainings and other knowledge series. In March 2023 and in celebration of the fire month, SM hosted the BFP Fire Olympics in SM Seaside Cebu and both organizations conducted a nationwide simultaneous fire drill in all SM malls. In his speech, Fernandez conveyed to SM the BFP’s appreciation for its support. He emphasized that the partnership brought opportunities and created new platforms to create awareness and disseminate information about fire safety and prevention. “This partnership comes at the right time where the BFP is transforming into modern institution and in our quest for excellence we need partners that will support our campaigns and help us provide high quality service to the public,” he said. Fernandez further emphasized to SM Management that “we also look forward for the continuation of our joint efforts in building fire safety and resilient communities across the country. “ For his part, Steven Tan, addressing the leadership of the BFP and its personnel, said: “With 82 malls, and an average of 3 malls being opened every year, you are assured that SM is your No. 1 private sector supporter.” He thanked the thousands of men and women of the BFP, for their dedication in saving lives and properties and, in closing, said: “We are proud to join hands with you as we all continue to work on disaster risk reduction towards a more resilient Philippines.” The post SM and BFP renew MOA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl volleybelles sharpen reception
The Philippine national women’s team got a first look at what it needs to address heading into the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia next month. Pitted against Japan V. League club Himeji Victorina in their first competitive scrimmage since the their formation last month, the Filipinas suffered a 21-25, 25-19, 13-25, 22-25, loss on Saturday at the Daicel Gymnasium in Himeji City in the first of their series of tune-up matches scheduled in their 15-day training camp in Japan. The national coaching staff headed by Brazilian mentor Jorge Souza de Brito took the opportunity to assess the condition, chemistry and cohesion of the squad to plot a perfect training plan needed for its mission to end an 18-year podium drought in the biennial meet set from 5 to 17 May. Philippine National Volleyball Federation national teams commission head Tonyboy Liao pointed out that the squad still needs to polish an important facet of the game. “We have to improve our reception. We saw that during the game against Himeji,” Liao, who was joined in the training camp by ranking federation officials, said. Reception has always been the weakness of the national squad despite having excellent liberos and hitters with decent floor defense. The 14-man team led by skipper Alyssa Valdez, which is looking to score a medal for the first time since winning bronze in the 2005 Manila edition, still has time to polish its game before closing camp on 28 April. Meanwhile, the PNVF led by its officials and Himeji Victorina club formally signed a friendship agreement to further strengthen their volleyball ties. “The Philippine Volleyball Federation and Victorina Himeji will continue to cooperate to share each other’s volleyball promotion and player skills enhancement programs and this is a sign of friendship,” the agreement signed by the PNVF and Himeji Victorina executives. The Nationals were warmly welcomed by host Himeji Victorina when they arrived at the Asian volleyball powerhouse nation early Friday. This is the first time that the Filipinas made their return to Japan to train since their Tokyo camp for the 30th SEA Games in Manila in 2019. They trained in Brazil last year for the pandemic-delayed Hanoi SEA Games last year. The Filipinas will face Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore in Group B of the elimination round of the competition set to begin two days ahead of the opening ceremony on 3 May at the Morodok Techo Elephant Hall. The post Phl volleybelles sharpen reception appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Deadly fighting between army, paramilitaries in Sudan kills 27
Fighting in the Sudanese capital raged into the early hours of Sunday after a day of deadly battles between paramilitaries and the regular army that left at least 27 people dead and 170 wounded. Explosions and gunfire rang out on the deserted streets of Khartoum, according to witnesses, after the paramilitaries said they were in control of the presidential place, Khartoum airport and other vital facilities. The army denied the claims, and in a statement late Saturday, the Sudanese air force urged people to stay indoors as it continued air strikes against bases of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Fighter jets were earlier seen flying overhead. Windows rattled and apartment buildings shook in many parts of Khartoum during the clashes, according to AFP correspondents, with explosions heard early Sunday. The doctors' union said at least 27 people were killed including two at Khartoum airport and the rest in others parts of Sudan. Around 170 others were wounded in the clashes, it added in a statement early Sunday. Saudi Arabia's flag carrier Saudia said one of its planes, with passengers and crew aboard waiting for departure, was "exposed to gunfire damage". Bakry, 24, who works in marketing, said Khartoum residents had "never seen anything like" this unrest, which left dark smoke hanging over the capital. "People were terrified and running back home. The streets emptied very quickly", said Bakry, who gave only a first name. Violence erupted after weeks of deepening tensions between military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, over the planned integration of Daglo's RSF into the regular army. The integration was a key element of talks to finalize a deal that would return the country to civilian rule and end the political-economic crisis sparked by the military's 2021 coup. Created in 2013, the RSF emerged from the Janjaweed militia that then-president Omar al-Bashir unleashed against non-Arab ethnic minorities in the western Darfur region a decade earlier, drawing accusations of war crimes. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "an immediate cessation of hostilities" and discussed ways to de-escalate with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki. He also spoke with Burhan and Daglo urging them "to return to dialogue." The Arab League, following a request by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, is scheduled to hold an urgent meeting Sunday to discuss the situation in Sudan. In a joint call, the Saudi and United Arab Emirates foreign ministers, along with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, emphasized "the importance of stopping the military escalation", the Saudi ministry said. Similar appeals came from the African and Arab regional blocs, the European Union, France, Italy, Russia and Iran. But in an interview with UAE-based Sky News Arabia, Daglo, who is also known as Hemeti, said, "Burhan the criminal must surrender." He denied that RSF had started the fight, after Burhan in an earlier statement said he "was surprised by Rapid Support Forces attacking his home at 9:00 am". The army, on its Facebook page, declared Daglo a "wanted criminal" and the RSF a "rebel militia", saying there "will be no negotiations or talks until the dissolution" of the group. The military said it carried out air strikes and destroyed two RSF bases in Khartoum. It said the airport and other bases remain under its "full control", and published a photograph of black smoke billowing from what it said was the RSF headquarters. The latest deaths, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, came after more than 120 civilians had already been killed in a crackdown on regular pro-democracy demonstrations since the coup. RSF published on Twitter a video showing uniformed men which it claimed were "Egyptian soldiers who surrendered with Sudanese military" in Meroe, northern Sudan. Egypt's army confirmed "the presence of Egyptian forces" in Sudan for exercises, and said it was following the situation. Daglo told Sky News Arabia the Egyptians would not be harmed and would be returned home. Haggling between Daglo and Burhan has twice delayed the signing of an agreement with civilian factions setting out a roadmap for restoring the democratic transition disrupted by the 2021 coup. On Saturday, witnesses reported clashes around the state media building in Khartoum's sister city Omdurman. Others described clashes in the Darfur region and elsewhere. Chad, which borders Darfur, said it was closing its frontier, "faced with this troubling situation." The military's civilian interlocutors and ex-prime minister Abdalla Hamdok appealed for a ceasefire, a plea echoed by US ambassador John Godfrey who tweeted that he "woke up to the deeply disturbing sounds of gunfire and fighting". Daglo has said the coup was a mistake that failed to bring about change and reinvigorated remnants of Bashir's regime ousted by the army in 2019 following mass protests. Burhan, who rose through the ranks under Bashir's three-decade rule, maintained the coup was necessary to bring more groups into the political process. The post Deadly fighting between army, paramilitaries in Sudan kills 27 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NOAH Complex to officially close by May 30
CEBU CITY, Philippines—After a year since it was unveiled, the New Oasis for Adaptation and a Home (NOAH) Complex in the South Road Properties (SRP) will be closing for good. The primary isolation facility of the city for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) isolated patients will be closing on May 30, 2021, according to Cebu City […] The post NOAH Complex to officially close by May 30 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Labella closes Cebu City borders for non-essential entry, q-pass coding returns on Nov. 16
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City will be closing its borders to individuals who have no essential purpose to visit the city amid the spike of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases starting 5:01 a.m. on November 16, 2020. Mayor Edgardo Labella announced the border restrictions on the evening of Saturday, November 14, 2020, after the […] The post Labella closes Cebu City borders for non-essential entry, q-pass coding returns on Nov. 16 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
DTI survey shows only 6% of small businesses have yet to reopen
About 6 percent of small businesses have yet to reopen after closing at the height of the quarantine period amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019, according to a survey by the Department of Trade and Industry......»»
Moviegoer: TWO WOMEN
JUST A THOUGHT: Music in the soul can be heard by the universe. —Lao Tzu TWO WOMEN: They were icons in their fields, one in the movie world, the other in lifestyle journalism. They ought to be remembered, not only for the marks they made in their lifetime, but just as importantly, for the color and vibrancy with which they lived their lives. Here’s hoping the heavens will still make women of their caliber, with that bravura, generosity, and sense of style, with matching humor, in the days to come. Marichu Vera Perez-Maceda and Ethel Soliven-Timbol, two feisty, accomplished women, died within days of each other this September. ‘’Manay’’ Ichu, as she was fondly called by all, was 77. Ethel T was 80. Both suffered from lingering illnesses. JOLLY GOOD FELLOW: For all her sophistication and pedigree, ‘’Manay’’ Ichu, industry pillar and heiress to the legacy of Sampaguita Pictures, was the easiest person I have had to deal with in the movie business. Marichu Vera Perez-Maceda She was always casual and jolly in her conversations, and showed genuine interest in the other person. She was simple as she was grounded. In the late 1970s, I joined her on a coverage of a movie her outfit, MVP Productions, was filming in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. On the first day of shoot—the film was “Dyesebel” — early the next morning, the set was filled with young actors and actresses, either half-naked or in swim suits. Dyesebel herself, Alma Moreno, wore pearly shells on her breast and a fishtail. Ichu surprised everyone by showing up at the beach, wearing high heels and a formal white gown. She said she dressed that way because she wanted to create a happy, glam-filled set. OLD SCHOOL, OLD WORLD: ‘’Manay’’ Ichu could be playful. She loved to laugh. Tell her a bad joke, and she’ll still laugh for you. I guess that’s her way of showing she cares for you and your presence. Or maybe, she was just being polite. Politeness comes with the territory. Marichu is so old school, so old world, that her death can be compared to the passing of an era, such as the Philippine Commonwealth. They don’t make men and women like them anymore. People who are gentle, genteel, elegant. To the end, she lived up to the demands of that bygone era she was brought up in. She wrote letters to friends by long hand. Her last letter to me was written in 2019, in which she enclosed a basket of tinapang bangus from Pangasinan. She sent Christmas cards delivered at your doorstep. She wrote sympathy notes when someone dear passes on. She was everything this new world has ceased from being. COLOR IN JOURNALISM: Throughout her lifetime, many couldn’t understand her. She wasn’t a woman for nothing. Ethel Soliven-Timbol, 80, who reigned as Lifestyle Editor of the Manila Bulletin from 1976 to 2007, was a tough nut to crack. She was feisty, all right, yet she could also be very funny and witty. Ethel Soliven-Timbol She gave color to journalism by speaking her mind, what first came to it, regardless of audience, location, or circumstance. Often, that remark could be biting, which sent people cowering in fear, or in awe. An old school journalist, Ethel demanded perfection from her writers. She screamed over wrong grammar or syntax, swore at PR persons who wrote bad press releases. On a good day, in the middle of editing and closing pages, we would hear her sing out loud, as if she was alone in the big newsroom, nonchalantly. But, that was Ethel, she could get away with most anything. She was queen, after all, and who cared if she couldn’t sometimes hit those high notes? SOFTY SIDE: We, Ethel’s long time colleagues at the Bulletin, also knew the lady’s other side. She could be soft and tender, like the slice of moisty chocolate cake she would offer me in the afternoons when her desk would be flooded with all sorts of pastries and food from everywhere, from people who worshiped at her feet for a square inch of space in her most sought after section. Dianne Feinstein said, ‘’Toughness doesn’t have to come in a pinstriped suit.’’ Ethel did one better. She dressed elegantly at all times, never forgetting she was one tough lady whose voice was to be taken seriously at all times, whether or not she was joking, or just being her spoiled-little-rich-girl self. Bye, Ethel!.....»»
Pinoy surfer Casugay receives international Fair Play award
Surfer Roger Casugay was honored with the Pierre de Coubertin Act of Fair Play Award by the Comitee International du Fair-Play (International Fair Play Committee) for his heroic deed during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. The men’s longboard gold medalist in the 30th edition of the biennial meet hosted by the country became the first Filipino to receive the prestigious sportsmanship award named after the father of the international Olympic movement. International Surfing Association (ISA) Membership and Development Manager Alex Reynolds informed the United Philippine Surfing Association of Casugay’s achievement Tuesday. The award will be officially handed to Casugay on October 27. He is expected to fly to Monaco to personally receive the award, should the crisis permit. Casugay also has an option to receive the award virtually. The 26-year old Casugay, a native of San Fernando, La Union drew headlines for his heroic act of saving Indonesian competitor Arip Nurhidayat, who broke his ankle leash and was swept by giant waves. Organizers of the surfing event decided to rerun the competition as Casugay went on to win the gold medal. “We are very proud of Roger because he has truly exemplified the true meaning of being a Filipino and a sportsman,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman and 30th SEAG Chef de Mission William ‘Butch’ Ramirez in a statement. “Above all, it is a more fulfilling achievement to be recognized for character than skills and achievements. It shows who we are as people and as a nation,” added the PSC Chief. UPSA President Dr. Jose Raul Canlas also expressed pride on Casugay’s recognition. “It is nice to recognize an athlete not only for his athletic skills but also for his humanity. Holding surfing during the Southeast Asian Games is a milestone event. It paved the way for the ISA to recognize the region and allowed Roger to be also recognized,” he said. Casugay was the flag bearer and recipient of the “Fair Play” award during the SEA Games closing ceremonies held in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. Filipino surfers finished as overall champions in the sports’ SEA Games debut with two gold, two silver and three bronze medals......»»
GREATEST PERFORMANCES: Angels’ miraculous comeback
PetroGazz was considered a dark horse when it joined the Premier Volleyball league two years ago. The Angels surprised everyone when it toppled a powerhouse the following season. Despite just being in its second year in the league, PetroGazz displayed an impressive performance when it shocked then reigning champion Creamline in the best-of-three Finals series of the 2019 Reinforced Conference that went the full distance. It’s true that the Angels paled in comparison to the Cool Smashers when it came to big names in their local lineup. Creamline was obviously the favorite during the championship series with its experience and a star-studded crew led by Alyssa Valdez, setter Jia Morado, Michele Gumabao, Risa Sato and Mel Gohing backed by Thai import Kuttika Kaewpin and towering Venezuelan Ale Blanco. The first game as expected went to Creamline in four sets although marred by a late controversial call. The next two games were nothing short of miracles. American Janisa Johnson and Cuban Wilma Salas willed the Angels back in the series three days after getting their backs pushed against the wall. That game didn’t start the way PetroGazz wanted it to but the Angels were quick to recover to walk away with a four-set revenge win and force a rubber match – scheduled the following day on the highlands of Antipolo. “I mean after the first set it was like okay a reality check and it kicked in,” said Johnson after that all-important Game 2 in where she and Salas dropped 23 points each. “It’s now or never so we kicked in just in time.” With momentum on its side, the Angels controlled Game 3 early on. PetroGazz did tumble in the extended second frame and had to hang tough in the closing stretch of the third following a 22-22 tie. Salas and Johnson did their usual role on offense but it was the locals led by Jeanette Panaga, Cherry Nunag, Jonah Sabete, setter Djanel Cheng and libero Cienne Cruz that stepped up big time to help dismantle Creamline with a 25-15, 28-30, 25-23, 25-19 victory to clinch PetroGazz’s breakthrough crown. "Answered prayers. These two imports namin played a big role but again siyempre as a team talaga di naman namin makukuha ito basta-basta kung walang help ng locals," said PetroGazz coach Arnold Laniog. "But the moment na nag-commit talaga sila doon sa goal namin, sabi ko 'Atin na di na talaga papakawalan.'" Many would argue that the Angels won their breakthrough title relying on the caliber of their imports. PetroGazz would deflect its doubters by saying that it was a collective effort from the team. It’s true that the Angels that time tapped the services of a pair of top foreign imports. But isn’t the Reinforced Conference a tournament about imports? A test for the management of clubs to pluck the best reinforcements to complement their locals? No one can deny that PetroGazz indeed made a miracle happen… against a team that had good imports and the deepest local lineup in the league. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Johnson claims Travelers to keep Tour streak alive
Dustin Johnson fired a three-under-par 67 to claim a one-shot victory at the Travelers Championship and keep his tournament win-streak alive on Sunday. Former world number one Johnson bagged his first tournament win since February 2019 after a closing three-under-par 67 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. Johnson, who started the day two shots […] The post Johnson claims Travelers to keep Tour streak alive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu closes borders with Cebu City anew
Cebu province is closing its borders with Cebu City again starting today in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19......»»
Majoy Baron in FIVB website feature article: Enjoying both volleyball and fashion worlds
Filipino volleyball stars continue to make headlines in the FIVB website. Majoy Baron’s humble volleyball journey to her slaying it on the catwalk and her incredible story of striving to be at her best in both worlds is the latest Filipino volleyball feature article on the site. The F2 Logistics middle blocker shared the news on her Instagram post on Sunday. View this post on Instagram Thank you FIVB for the feature. I am humbled to be able to share my journey not only as a volleyball player but also as a model. I hope to inspire others to go beyond their limitations. Pursue your passions and don’t be afraid to do the things you love. You are limitless ?? Click full article on my bio! A post shared by Majoy Baron (@majoybaron) on Jun 6, 2020 at 6:20pm PDT “Thank you FIVB for the feature,” she posted. “I am humbled to be able to share my journey not only as a volleyball player but also as a model. I hope to inspire others to go beyond their limitations. Pursue your passions and don’t be afraid to do the things you love. You are limitless.” Baron, who is a mainstay in the national team since 2018, told the website that she fell in love with beauty pageants growing up. It was her first love. “Before I became a volleyball player, I used to enjoy joining beauty pageants,” the 5-foot-10 stunner on and off the court told the website. “In the Philippines, beauty pageants are very popular. Miss Universe is our Super Bowl and is one of the major events the Filipinos look forward to every year. Growing up with that energy and enthusiasm, pageants and modelling easily became my first love.” Baron added that walking on the ramp puts her on a different high. “There was a rush every time I would put on a beautiful designer garment and walk down an elevated ramp in front of an audience,” she said. “What I enjoyed the most was transforming into a different person that was totally removed from my real self even just for a few minutes.” Her modelling career had to take a backseat when the Concepcion, Tarlac native was recruited to play for the Ramil De Jesus-mentored De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the UAAP. “My skills in high school weren't sufficient to make me stand out, I was tall and that was it. After a national tournament, only two schools scouted me for college. I was very grateful to even receive an offer from two schools with well-known and established volleyball programmes,” she said. “Going to DLSU for college turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made,” Baron continued. “It still gives me goose bumps remembering the time I was playing for the them. Those championships, trophies and individual awards we got were the fruits of our unending hard work and dedication to the sport.” Her first two years with the green and white were disappointing with DLSU losing to archrival Ateneo de Manila University in Season 76 and 77. Baron became a UAAP champion in 2016 in her third year and in her fourth year with the squad, she bagged Season 79 Most Valuable Player award as well as leading the Lady Spikers to a back-to-back. She left a winning legacy after closing her collegiate career as a three-peat champion. Baron also enjoyed a flourishing career in the commercial league, helping the Cargo Movers collect titles in the Philippine Superliga. Her talents and skills also landed her a spot in the national team. Baron saw action in the 2018 Asian Games and the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and was named Best Middle Blocker twice in the two-leg 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix. She returned to modelling after college, squeezing in photo shoots for magazines, product endorsements and fashion shows, in between her commitments with her club and national squad. “It was not hard juggling volleyball and modelling duties, but the determination and discipline that I honed while playing volleyball took over. Know your priorities, pursue excellence, and push to be better than before,” said Baron, who was the fourth Filipino featured in the website after Jaja Santiago, Sisi Rondina and Bryan Bagunas. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
5 YGC car dealerships closing
The Yuchengco Group will shut down five car dealerships as part of a streamlining process of its car dealership business, a move that comes amid a challenging business environment brought about by the negative impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic......»»
DMK criticises Election Commission for being biassed in allocating symbols to political parties
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 28 (ANI): The Deputy Secretary of the Student Wing of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Ka Amutharasan, has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of having a biassed attitude towards opposition parties by allocating election symbols as per their wishes. "ECI has allocated the symbols for the Tamil Manila Congress and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhgam that those parties wished for. Th.....»»