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Prioritizing inclusive healthcare for Filipinos
Providing inclusive healthcare for all Filipinos should always remain a priority. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, my legislative agenda is to ensure that those with less in life are given more benefits and attention from the government, especially regarding healthcare. My constant appeal to health officials is to ensure all Filipinos in need get medical care regardless of their geographic and economic situation. This is precisely the sentiment I wanted to impart when the Commission on Appointments took up the appointment of Department of Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa. The health department has my full support, so I am happy to note that Secretary Herbosa committed his support for the continuing implementation of the Malasakit Centers program and other key public health initiatives. As principal sponsor and author of Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, it is fulfilling to know that the program is instrumental in providing medical assistance to over seven million indigent Filipinos through the 159 currently operational Malasakit Centers nationwide. Prioritizing the establishment of Super Health Centers in strategic areas in the country will also help make healthcare more inclusive for Filipinos. With the support of my colleagues in both houses of Congress, we are looking at more than 600 Super Health Centers to be built nationwide. These centers will provide primary healthcare and medical consultations, and help promote early detection of illnesses, which will decongest hospitals in the long term. My advocacy for inclusive healthcare has been strengthened with the enactment of RA 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. This newly enacted law, which I principally sponsored as one of the authors, will establish specialized medical centers within existing DoH regional hospitals. It will help bring specialized medical services closer to every region and will, in effect, make the health department’s services more inclusive. Sufficient funds must be allocated for the Regional Specialty Centers for its effective implementation in the coming years. While we are doing everything to make healthcare more accessible to Filipinos, let us not forget our healthcare workers. I am appealing to DoH and our finance managers to make sure that the benefits due to our healthcare workers in accordance with prevailing laws are released efficiently and without further delays. Moreover, my regular engagement with communities in need continues to be part of my advocacy to promote inclusivity so that those with less can still get the best public services they need and deserve. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I call upon every Filipino to rally behind our athletes competing in the Hangzhou Asian Games from 23 September to 8 October. Our athletes have trained tirelessly, sacrificing time, effort, and personal comforts to represent our nation on this grand stage. They carry not just their personal ambitions but the pride and hopes of an entire country. Let us show them that they are not alone in this journey. As your public servant, I assure fellow Filipinos that I will continue to push for inclusive public service delivery, particularly in healthcare and especially for the poor, to the best of my abilities in pursuit of social justice and development for all. The post Prioritizing inclusive healthcare for Filipinos appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines pulls out of Asiad 3x3 women s tilt
The Philippines decided to withdraw from the women’s 3x3 competition in the 19th Asian Games here after organizers denied its appeal for inclusion of two replacement players......»»
Hundreds join BFAR cleanup drive
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported over the weekend that around 500 individuals joined the cleanup drive in Barangay Tanza Uno, Navotas City to mark this year’s observance of International Coastal Cleanup. BFAR National Director Demosthenes Escoto said that this year’s theme: “Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries,” reflects the agency’s appeal for the public to cooperate in maintaining waste-free bodies of water to ensure a thriving fisheries industry, “All bodies of water are connected, so I hope we can work together for a clean and abundant ocean. I am optimistic that by working together, we can ensure that our oceans and coastal regions continue to be a source of life, inspiration, and prosperity for all,” Escoto said. He led BFAR’s central and National Capital Region offices and stakeholders from New Era High School, Asian Social Institute and Lingkod Tao-Kalikasan in the activity, held at the Marine Tree Park in Navotas. The cleanup, held concurrently with other activities worldwide as part of the celebration, was supported by the local government of Navotas City, the Department of the Interior and Local Government - NCR, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority-Navotas. Escoto noted that the protection of natural resources is a “matter of utmost urgency and global significance,” underscoring the importance of oceans, seas, rivers, and coastal areas for the livelihoods of Filipino fisher folk. “The livelihood of millions of our countrymen depends on our ocean. So it’s fair to say that when the ocean is clean, fishing is plentiful, and livelihoods are stable,” he said. Escoto also highlighted their commitment to ocean conservation and protection, with partner institutions expressing their support for the agency’s programs, particularly those related to coastal resource management. These include the implementation of the “Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan: The National Search for Outstanding Coastal Communities,” which incentivizes local government units demonstrating exemplary sustainable fisheries development efforts. The BFAR has also launched the “Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa” or BASIL program, wherein they rehabilitate minor lakes and reservoirs located in upland and landlocked areas to restore their ecological health and bolster the populations of native and endemic fish species. The post Hundreds join BFAR cleanup drive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BFAR joins coastal cleanup in Navotas
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources reported that around 500 individuals joined the cleanup drive in Barangay Tanza Uno, Navotas City to mark this year's observance of International Coastal Cleanup. BFAR National Director Demosthenes Escoto said that this year’s theme: “Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries,” reflects the agency’s appeal for the public to cooperate in maintaining waste-free bodies of water to ensure a thriving fisheries industry, "All bodies of water are connected, so I hope we can work together for a clean and abundant ocean. I am optimistic that by working together, we can ensure that our oceans and coastal regions continue to be a source of life, inspiration, and prosperity for all," Escoto said. He led BFAR’s central and National Capital Region offices and stakeholders from New Era High School, Asian Social Institute, and Lingkod Tao-Kalikasan in the activity, held at the Marine Tree Park in Navotas. The cleanup, held concurrently with other activities worldwide as part of the celebration, was supported by the local government of Navotas City, the Department of the Interior and Local Government - NCR, and the Metro Manila Development Authority - Navotas. Escoto noted that the protection of natural resources is a “matter of utmost urgency and global significance,” underscoring the importance of oceans, seas, rivers, and coastal areas for the livelihoods of Filipino fisher folk. “The livelihood of millions of our countrymen depends on our ocean. So it's fair to say that when the ocean is clean, fishing is plentiful, and livelihoods are stable," he said. Escoto also highlighted their commitment to ocean conservation and protection, with partner institutions expressing their support for the agency's programs, particularly those related to coastal resource management. These include the implementation of the “Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan: The National Search for Outstanding Coastal Communities,” which incentivizes local government units to demonstrate exemplary sustainable fisheries development efforts. The BFAR has also launched the “Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa” or BASIL program, wherein they rehabilitate minor lakes and reservoirs located in upland and landlocked areas to restore their ecological health and bolster the populations of native and endemic fish species. The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry on the other hand, together with various public and private organizations, also participated in the International Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 at the SM by the Bay Mall of Asia in Pasay City. In a social media post on Saturday, the DA-BPI said that equipped with gloves, sacks, and tongs, their volunteers eagerly picked up debris littering the coastal area, such as pet bottles, discarded clothing, torn cardboard boxes, plastics, and other waste items washed ashore. The annual event focuses not only on collecting trash washed ashore but also on raising awareness of the negative impacts of water pollution on marine life. The ICC is a global initiative to maintain and safeguard coastal ecosystems. The yearly event unifies individuals, communities, and organizations from different countries to work together to clean up and restore the coastal environments. The post BFAR joins coastal cleanup in Navotas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI will soon power restaurant operations
Online food and grocery platform foodpanda and software company TabSquare are joining hands to empower restaurants with artificial intelligence or AI-powered in-restaurant solutions. The collaboration is part of a region-wide partnership, including other Asian markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, to help restaurant partners digitize their ordering, payment, and customer engagement-related processes. In the Philippines, the announcement was made during foodpanda’s recent partner vendors summit, entitled “CRAVE: Creating Relationships and Advancing Vendor Experiences.” At the event, partner vendor attendees were provided a firsthand end-to-end experience using TabSquare, showcasing its convenience, seamless operations, and efficiency. With TabSquare’s Smart QR solution, foodpanda’s vendor partners can automate tasks, including order processing and payments, while ensuring enhanced profitability. It also contributes to labor savings by minimizing order errors and reducing staff workload. foodpanda Philippines commercial director Luis Antonio Yanga says, “By offering digital menus through QR codes, we enable customers to place orders and make payments via TabSquare’s platform effortlessly. This enhances the dining experience by seamlessly bridging the offline-to-online gap and providing efficient solutions for thousands of partner vendors and merchants.” Delivering convenience to diners and restos alike With foodpanda and TabSquare’s combined data and predictive technologies, restaurant partners can enhance customer engagement and retention. Restaurant owners can review the transactions via TabSquare’s analytics, which provides valuable insights to support partners in improving menu items, pricing, and promotions, among other things. “This enables restaurant owners to identify trends and personalize subsequent experiences based on customers’ purchasing history,” Yanga said. Moreover, digital menus offer numerous advantages, including reduced reliance on wait staff, minimized employee turnover, decreased losses on food and finances due to human error, and more efficient menu changes without costly reprints. According to foodpanda and TabSquare’s data, restaurants using this digital solution can see up to 10 percent higher bill sizes, up to 50 percent reduction in staff costs, and better customer satisfaction. At the same time, restaurants on foodpanda see an average of at least a 10 percent uplift in business performance since joining the platform. In the dining service, there has been a massive shift in digitally-led solutions and services, which TabSquare believes will further enhance the appeal of its services. The post AI will soon power restaurant operations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Martial arts superstar Bruce Lee’s legacy endures 50 years on
Hong Kong businessman W. Wong still remembers the day in 1972 when he first heard neighborhood kids rave about a figure who seemed larger than life: Bruce Lee. Lee, a consummate martial artist whose films spawned a kung fu craze around the world, was one of the first Asian men to achieve Hollywood superstardom before his death at 32. His influence can still be felt in Hong Kong, where he spent his childhood and final years, as fans this week hold exhibitions and martial arts workshops to mark the 50th anniversary of Lee's death. "Every child needs some kind of role model, and I chose Bruce Lee," said Wong, 54, who has led the city's largest fan club devoted to the star for nearly three decades. "I had hoped my life would resemble the Bruce Lee I saw: handsome, strong, with great martial arts skills and a heroic image." At a studio for Wing Chun -- a style of martial arts Lee practiced before inventing his own Jeet Kune Do method -- the martial arts master is revered as something akin to a patron saint. Studio owner Cheng Chi-ping, 69, told AFP his cohort began their training under the shadow of Lee's cultural influence but "we could never match his speed, strength or physique". Lee's appeal had not diminished for the next generation, said Mic Leung, 45, who trained at the same studio and, as a teenager, sought out Lee's movies on old videotapes. "When we talk about the 'god of martial arts', we could only be talking about Bruce Lee. There is no one else," he said. Smashing barriers Born in San Francisco in 1940, Lee was raised in Hong Kong and had an early brush with fame as a child actor, supported by his father, who was a famous Cantonese opera singer. At 18, he continued his studies in the United States and over the next decade taught martial arts and scored minor parts in Hollywood, before landing the role of Kato in the television series "The Green Hornet". But it was not until Lee returned to Hong Kong that he landed his first lead role in the martial arts film "The Big Boss", which made him a household name in Asia after its 1971 release. The next year saw two more box office hits -- "Fist of Fury" and "The Way of the Dragon" -- cementing Lee's persona as a relentless, lightning-fast fighter. Lee had completed filming his fourth star vehicle, "Enter the Dragon", and was halfway through his fifth when he died on July 20, 1973 from swelling of the brain, attributed to an adverse reaction to painkillers. Film scholar Aaron Han Joon Magnan-Park, who taught Lee's movies at the University of Hong Kong, said Lee expressed a kind of Chinese identity that transcended national borders. "I would call Bruce Lee a paragon of Sinophone soft power success with Hong Kong characteristics," he told AFP. In Hollywood, Lee represented a rebuke to racist stereotypes, showing that Asian men were more than just servants and villains. The scenes where he bares his torso and flexes his muscles -- what Magnan-Park called the "kung fu striptease" -- were essential because they show how ripped bodies can belong to Asian heroes as well. "He made Asian men sexy, and that is something I don't think we talk about enough," he said. Preserving legacy Despite Lee's enduring fame, preserving his legacy in Hong Kong was no easy task, fan club chairman Wong told AFP. Government support was intermittent at best, he said. Fans in 2004 successfully petitioned to set up a bronze statue of Lee on Hong Kong's famed waterfront, but a campaign to revitalise his former mansion could not save it from demolition in 2019. At a government-run museum exhibit commemorating Lee's life, a woman surnamed Yip told AFP she wanted to share "a symbol of the old Hong Kong" with her two children. Wong, who had organised a smaller exhibit in Sham Shui Po district, acknowledged a decline of interest among young people but said Lee's philosophy always has the potential to become relevant again. He pointed to how protesters in Hong Kong's 2019 democracy movement cited the martial artist's mantra -- "Be water, my friend" -- as a reminder to adopt flexible tactics of resistance. That discussion has largely tapered off after authorities cracked down on dissent, but Wong remembers the public at the time wondering why young protesters were so taken by Lee. "As long as everyone still remembers (Lee), once your interest is piqued, you will have a chance to rediscover him," he said. The post Martial arts superstar Bruce Lee’s legacy endures 50 years on appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Losing cash while holding it
Consulting firm Manulife Investment Management or MIM has presented a financial paradox in that an investor loses money kept in the vault for too long. Investors are increasingly concerned about market risks because of factors such as the increases in US Federal Reserve interest rates, individual banking crises, and increasingly serious geopolitical risks. As a result, many investors are reluctant to invest in the market, and some even sell their stocks and bonds to minimize losses. In response, banks offer higher deposit rates to appeal to investors, who choose to hold money in the form of term deposits. MIM, however, warned in a report that holding cash may seem like a good option during periods of market volatility, but cash remains vulnerable to inflation, especially in the current macroeconomic environment. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of cash, meaning it will buy less with it in the future. A simple calculation to prove the difference between holding cash versus stocks: Between 2011 and 2021, the return on cash (as measured by the annualized return of the three-month US Treasury bill) was 0.47 percent. Adjusted for inflation, which was 2.17 percent on average during those 10 years, the return was minus 1.7 percent. Put simply, $100,000 in Treasury bills in 2011 would have had $84,243.26 of buying power 10 years later. Conversely, over the same 10-year period, a $100,000 investment in the S&P/TSX composite dividend index, the stocks benchmark in Canada, would have resulted in $200,797.37 of buying power, thanks to its inflation-adjusted annualized return of 7.22 percent. In addition, investors should also consider how real interest rates (i.e. bank deposit rates minus inflation) affect their returns. From January to February 2023, the annual nominal interest rate on three-month term deposits in most Asian countries or regions varied from 2.5 percent to 5.4 percent. Then there’s deposit rates However, when adjusted for changes in the consumer price index during the same period, the real three-month time deposit annual interest rate ranged from negative 5.2 percent to 1.09 percent. “History tells us that equities, bonds, and some income-oriented investments have the potential to deliver higher long-term returns than cash and could potentially outstrip inflation,” MIM’s report stated. From 2009 to 2022, compounded annual nominal returns for Asian equities and bonds were 8.15 percent and 4.38 percent, respectively. Real estate investment trusts in the Asia-Pacific region generated an annualized return as high as 11.38 percent. The post Losing cash while holding it appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2023 FIBA World Cup full support urged
In three months, the Philippines will be hosting the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the biggest and most prestigious basketball tournament in the world. The joint bid of the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan bested other European countries and won hosting rights, with a promise to deliver a “world-class” tournament. This marks the second time for the country to host the World Cup — the first was in 1978. According to FIBA Archive, the PH line-up included Ramon Cruz, Bernardo Carpio, Alexander Clarino, Steve Watson, Edward Merced, Federico Israel, Federico Lauchengco, Nathaniel Castillo, Gregorio Gozum, Leopoldo Herrera, Cesar Yabut and Cesar Teodoro. The team was coached by Nicanor Jorge. During the assembly meeting, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis highlighted the crucial role that the Philippines will play in hosting the World Cup. “We play this year our biggest event, the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 3 Asian countries — and this will be the first time in three countries combining together almost 500 million people. It will be an unprecedented event in terms of quality for the players and the fans,” he said. For this year, our very own Gilas Pilipinas is set to compete with 31 other teams. As the lead host, the Philippines will organize all the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final games featuring the top 8 teams, while Japan and Indonesia will co-host the competition of eight teams each. Preparations are in full swing, according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Alfredo Panlilio, who also was recently elected as the Second Vice President in the FIBA Asia board for 2023-2027. Commenting on his election, Panlilio was quoted as saying: “It is an honor to be elected in the board of members of FIBA Asia to help the federation continue promoting the game of basketball and camaraderie in the region and the world,” acknowledging the huge responsibility to push for the development of new projects in Asia that would elevate the level of basketball competitions in the region. In recent years, FIBA has embraced a comprehensive approach to basketball development, encompassing various formats such as 5x5, 3x3, women’s tournaments, and youth competitions. This progressive strategy aims to nurture talent at all levels, providing opportunities for players of diverse backgrounds and promoting inclusivity within the sport. By embracing these multifaceted endeavors, FIBA is actively shaping the future of basketball, ensuring its continuous growth and global appeal. As a passionate basketball enthusiast, I am filled with immense excitement for this opportunity to host the prestigious FIBA World Cup. This historic event not only signifies our nation’s love for the sport but also holds the promise of remarkable growth and advancement in basketball programs under the visionary leadership of Panlilio and other esteemed members of the FIBA board. The future of basketball in our country looks brighter than ever before. Moreover, the Philippines stands poised not just to relish the rewards of the World Cup in the realm of sports, but to make an indelible mark on the country’s revenue generation through travel and tourism. The tournament’s influx of visitors from around the globe will serve as a significant catalyst, bolstering the local economy and showcasing the Philippines as a premier destination for international travelers. Case in point – a FIBA study showed that when the World Cup was hosted by Spain in 2019 before the emergence of Covid-19, it raked in $396 million or P22.6 billion in revenues while only setting an operational budget of $38.6 million or P2.2 billion. The upcoming international sports competition holds tremendous promise for uplifting the Philippines on multiple fronts – as a host, in the realm of basketball, and within the tourism industry, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. Regardless of our personal fanhood, I urge everyone to stand united in wholeheartedly supporting our team – Gilas Pilipinas. Our unwavering backing will serve as a powerful catalyst in boosting their confidence, enabling them to represent our country with pride and strive for victory. Together, we can make a resounding impact and proudly wave our flag on the global stage while bringing forward the kind of relationship we Filipinos have with the sport, profoundly anchored on one word – PUSO. The post 2023 FIBA World Cup full support urged appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Singapore hangs prisoner over 1 kg of cannabis
Singapore on Wednesday hanged a prisoner convicted of conspiracy to smuggle one kilogram of cannabis, authorities said, ignoring international calls for the city-state to abolish capital punishment. The execution took place despite a plea by the United Nations Human Rights Office for Singapore to "urgently reconsider" the hanging and calls by British tycoon Richard Branson to halt it. "Singaporean Tangaraju Suppiah, 46, had his capital sentence carried out today at Changi Prison Complex," a spokesman for the Singapore Prisons Service told AFP. Tangaraju was convicted in 2017 of "abetting by engaging in a conspiracy to traffic" 1,017.9 grams (35.9 ounces) of cannabis, twice the minimum volume required for a death sentence in Singapore. He was sentenced to death in 2018 and the Court of Appeal upheld the decision. Branson, a member of the Geneva-based Global Commission on Drug Policy, wrote Monday on his blog that Tangaraju was "not anywhere near" the drugs at the time of his arrest and that Singapore may be about to put an innocent man to death. Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry responded Tuesday that Tangaraju's guilt had been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The ministry said two mobile phone numbers that prosecutors said belonged to him had been used to coordinate the delivery of the drugs. In many parts of the world -- including neighboring Thailand -- cannabis has been decriminalized, with authorities abandoning prison sentences, and rights groups have been heaping pressure on Singapore to abolish capital punishment. The Asian financial hub has some of the world's toughest anti-narcotics laws and insists the death penalty remains an effective deterrent against trafficking. But the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights disagrees. "The death penalty is still being used in a small number of countries, largely because of the myth that it deters crime," the OHCHR said in a statement Tuesday. Tangaraju's family pleaded for clemency while also pushing for a retrial. Wednesday's execution was the first in six months and 12th since last year in the city-state. Singapore resumed executions in March 2022 after a hiatus of more than two years. Among those hanged was Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam, whose execution sparked a global outcry, including from the United Nations and Branson, because he was deemed to have a mental disability. The United Nations says the death penalty has not proven to be an effective deterrent globally and is incompatible with international human rights law, which only permits capital punishment for the most serious crimes. The post Singapore hangs prisoner over 1 kg of cannabis appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
These 19 fresh Kapuso teens are ready to sparkle
The “betting” must be on now. Who among the 19 Sparkle Teens of Kapuso network will make it as the biggest star in, say, two to five years? Would having a foreign surname with mestiza or meztizo looks help? After all, our two Miss Universe title holders — Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray — have them. On film and TV, Anne Curtis is it. And Gerald Anderson, as well as Alden Richards. Maybe if James Reid didn’t quit Viva management, he would be “it,” too! Or if Sam Milby mastered Filipino/Tagalog and turned on a more vibrant personality. How do you relate to the Caucasian names Waynona Collings, Charlie Fleming (yes, this Charlie is a girl, like Kapamilya’s Charlie Dizon), Selina Griffin, James Graham and Josh Ford? Do check out their pics on the GMA 7 website. There’s a young man among the Sparkle Teens who go by the name of John Clifford, but it’s a coined name for the guy whose social media pics are under the name Clifford Gawchua, though he has also begun posting pics as John Clifford. The Chinese “chua” in his surname manifests in his handsome Asian looks. A girl in the stunning bundle of lookers goes by the name of Gaea Mischa. Her first name refers to the Greek goddess of Earth. Google says Mischa is a name of Russian and Hebrew origins that means “honey” and “whom God loves.” A Google search also reveals that she’s Gaea Mischa S. Salipot, a student of the International British Academy in Cavite (which also offers home schooling) who became a 2018 Champion of the World Division Winner in California, USA. Gaea Mischa was also a finalist under Team Lea of The Voice Kids PH Season 4 in 2019. She is quite morena and inarguably pretty. [caption id="attachment_122358" align="aligncenter" width="712"] GMA Network’s Sparkle Teens of 2023.[/caption] There’s a young man by the name of Lee Victor, and Internet data about him says he is “half-Welsh and half-Filipino.” And there’s a girl by the name of Naomi Park who introduced herself at the media launch at Novotel in Cubao, QC, last Tuesday afternoon, 18 April, as “ang K-pop girl ng Sparkle Teens.” With very fair complexion, Naomi does look Korean. The other members of Sparkle Teens are Zyren dela Cruz, Brice Eusebio, Aya Domingo, Liana Mae, Marco Masa, Princess Aliyah, Ashley Sarmiento, Keisha Serna, Aidan Veneracion and Antonio Vinson. Handpicked They are 10 young women and nine young men. Their number by gender should have been equal, but Andrei Sison died in a car accident a few days ago and Sparkle management decided not to replace him. There’s inside talk at the Kapuso network that Mr. M (Johnny Manahan, formerly of ABS-CBN and founder of Star Magic, the disenfranchised network’s much-admired talent discovery and management division) handpicked all 20 of them. It was Mr. M who saw to it that all 20 undergo a long stretch of training in acting, dancing, singing, public speaking and other disciplines meant to develop their personalities for public exposure. At their launch, acting was the only thing the 19 Sparkles did not showcase. They were all impressive. No one was a laggard. Some talked very engagingly during the group interviews. Three females may be said to have been given a special showcase by belting out a rousing song, joined by the others later. They were Princess Aliyah, Selina Griffin and Gaea Mischa. Princess Aliyah is dubbed “ang Biritera ng Sparkle Teens.” Gaea Mischa is billed as “ang Stunning Diva ng Sparkle Teens.” Griffin is presented as “ang ballerina at classical singer” of the group. Stardom According to GMA 7 assistant vice president Joy Marcelo, all 19 will perform regularly on the network’s weekly musical variety show All-Out Sundays. Some have also been cast in forthcoming drama shows. “They can’t be cast all at the same time,” said Marcelo, even as their original managers surely hope the casting will happen in 2023. The original managers, who are usually the discoverers of these 19, are now considered co-managers since all 19 are on a management contact with the network’s talent development and management center known as Sparkle, a name believed to have been coined by Mr. M who is acknowledged to have come up with “Star Magic” for ABS-CBN. “Executable” or “demonstratable” talent is just one element of big-time stardom. There are others, such as perseverance, a sense of professionalism, congeniality with the biggies of management, and the so-called X factor or “mystique” of stardom, which Mr. M is acknowledged to be very good at recognizing. Showbiz names may contribute to one’s X factor — being the son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, niece or nephew of a well-loved established star. Antonio Vinzon, for instance, is character actor Roi Vinzon’s son. Some girls are taller than the others. Same is true among the boys. The degree of beauty or handsomeness depends on the looker. And so does the intensity of one’s appeal, smile or swagger. Ultimately, the multitude is the endower of big-time stardom. Sparkle members somehow have to compete among themselves since they may be asked to audition for the same roles in separate “readings” of specific scenes with the show director, or on a day assigned for “resident” stars to audition. The post These 19 fresh Kapuso teens are ready to sparkle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WB seeks wider climate fund access
Multilateral lender World Bank urged the government on Tuesday to offer incentives for investments in climate smart agriculture and renewable energy, and to use environmental, social, governance bonds to finance climate actions aimed at countering disasters. During a presentation of its Country Climate and Development Report 2022 at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, World Bank officials emphasized the need for the government to increase private sector access to climate financing, as well as create investment policies that are attractive for climate action, particularly with regards to ESG bonds. “Public and private investments are needed to finance adaptation through climate-resilient infrastructure,” World Bank project leader and lead economist Souleymane Coulibaly said at the SEARCA forum. “Financing mitigation measures from private sector should be incentivized by new regulatory technology-push and demand-pull policies,” Coulibaly added. Climate-smart agriculture practices World Bank senior environmental economist Dr. Stefano Pagiola suggested that the government should improve the appeal of climate-smart agriculture practices for farmers as they offer triple benefits: higher productivity, higher resilience, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The World Bank has also identified certain policies that should be avoided, such as policies that do not require farmers to pay for water as it does not incentivize them to use water efficiently. In Luzon and Cordillera, a profitable technology for farmers is using blight-resistant white potatoes in crop rotation with green cabbage and rainwater harvesting, with an estimated financial return of over P500,000 per hectare. Another technology that offers good financial returns in Visayas and Cordillera is rice-onion crop rotation with early maturing rice. SDG 13 SEARCA director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, who has been developing adaptation solutions to the climate challenge since 1986, emphasized the critical importance of discussions around climate policies. “Sustainable Development Goal 13 for climate action is close to my heart. I have been a plant breeder for abiotic stresses (developing rice) for drought tolerance, submergence tolerance, and salt tolerance,” Gregorio said. He added that Climate change adaptation techniques in agriculture can help crops withstand the effects of increasing temperatures due to global warming and decreasing rainfall. Gregorio emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to promote sustainable practices. The post WB seeks wider climate fund access appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian nation cuts ties with International Criminal Court
The Philippines has severed communications with the tribunal after clashing over an investigation of its drug war Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has broken off his government's contact with the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the tribunal rejected an appeal to halt an investigation of his predecess.....»»
Asian leader cuts ties with International Criminal Court
The Philippines has severed communications with the tribunal after clashing over an investigation of its drug war Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has broken off his government's contact with the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the tribunal rejected an appeal to halt an investigation of his predecess.....»»
Asian nation cuts ties with International Criminal Court
The Philippines has severed communications with the tribunal after clashing over an investigation of its drug war Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has broken off his government's contact with the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the tribunal rejected an appeal to halt an investigation of his predecess.....»»
Asian leader cuts ties with International Criminal Court
The Philippines has severed communications with the tribunal after clashing over an investigation of its drug war Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has broken off his government's contact with the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the tribunal rejected an appeal to halt an investigation of his predecess.....»»
PSC appeals to local gov’ts for funding
Ramon Fernandez, the chief of mission in the coming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, is making an appeal to local governments all over the country for the sake of Team Philippines’ defense of the overall title. With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) finding it improbable to fund the training of the PH contingent to the Vietnam […] The post PSC appeals to local gov’ts for funding appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Hallypop kicks off 2021 with two new exciting shows for K-pop stans
The New Year is looking good for the fans and viewers of GMA’s Hallypop. The leading Asian pop culture digital TV channel in the Philippines is set to give an early treat this 2021 with two new programs that will surely appeal to all K-pop stans out there......»»
Tothapi may bagong single, ka-join na sa Sony Music family
LEVEL up ang breakthrough Bicol-based band na Tothapi! Sila kasi ang pinakabagong pamilya ng Sony Music Entertainment na kinabibilangan ng ilan sa mga biggest OPM acts ng bansa, katulad ng Ben&Ben, SB19, Denise Julia, Clara Benin, Ace Banzuelo, The Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, at marami pang iba. “It has been an amazing ride with Sony Music.....»»
Antipolo City throws support on Ajido
The Antipolo City government led by Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III will provide support to Antipolo-born swimmer Jamesray Mishael Ajido, who won the country’s lone gold medal in record-breaking fashion at the recent 11th Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships......»»
Milk tariff collections rise by 31% to P2.4 billion
Revenues raised by the government from various imported milk products jumped by 31 percent to P2.36 billion in 2023, the highest in at least eight years, from P1.8 billion in 2022......»»