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Iraqis display full might vs Philippines XI
Iraq rained goals on host Philippines in a 5-0 shutout that pushed the Filipinos to the brink in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Tuesday at the packed Rizal Memorial Stadium......»»
Pia Wurtzbach s wax figure moves to Singapore temporarily
The wax figure of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach by Madame Tussauds is on display at the museum's Singapore branch until the first of September......»»
BSP issues guidelines for payment systems
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has released its first Manual of Regulations for Payment Systems (MORPS), a formal compilation of all payment system regulations approved by the Monetary Board as of end-December 2023......»»
UAAP finals losses in last year of eligibility fuel UP s Cagulangan
It’s been a couple of months since, but graduating UP guard JD Cagulangan continues to hold near the sting of his most recent UAAP finals loss at the hands of the DLSU Green Archers last December......»»
Indian banking sector continues to improve with better asset quality, high credit growth: Survey
New Delhi [India], March 21 (ANI): The health of the Indian banking sector continues to improve with better asset quality and high credit growth, a survey conducted by industry body FICCI and banking association Indian Banks' Association (IBA) showed. The eighteenth round of the survey was carried out for the period July to December 2023. Those banks that were surveyed together represent about 77 per cent of the banking i.....»»
EDITORIAL - Stopping kidnapping
Probably because the victims are foreigners, alarm bells aren’t ringing loudly amid reports that four Chinese nationals kidnapped last month were found dead days later. Police said the four were kidnapped together with two other Chinese and three Filipinos by six armed men from Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa on Oct. 30......»»
Keeping the light alive
For the Tantocos of Rustan’s, it has always been about “family, tradition and togetherness” come Christmas time. This season, Rustan’s is elevating its commitment with the introduction of “Light Up This Christmas with Rustan’s,” an initiative that focuses on renewal and celebration. For over seven decades, Rustan’s has treasured Christmas as a time of hope, light, love and peace. This joy–which Rustan’s aims to share not only with shoppers but with every father, mother, adult and child–is encapsulated and remembered through the sparkle of lights and evergreen trees. It is symbolized by the festive tunes and solemn hymns, as well as the decorations like tinsels, bells, nutcrackers and snowglobes, along with the reds, greens and various ornaments. The cheer of the season points to the magnificent hope brought by the humble birth of Jesus Christ. Pablo (Left): Black Shirt and Pants both by Knickerbocker, Modern Barong by Randolf, Shoes by Scalpers; Alexia (Right): Headband by Simply Carols, Dress by Fancy Littlle Designs, Shoes by Mini Melissa; Ornaments by Rustan’s Christmas Shop. Rustan’s reminds everyone of the magic of Christmas with a meaningful and lively celebration. From the return of the anticipated Christmas Shop, to a grand day-long festivity packed with activities and interactive attractions, to bedazzling promos and heart-pumping markdowns, there are many to discover, explore and indulge. You are invited to witness this year’s iconic Rustan’s Christmas. Bring your family and friends, and, together, Light Up this Christmas with Rustan’s! The post Keeping the light alive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden urges ‘national unity’ 22 years after 9/11
President Joe Biden called Monday for Americans to unite despite bitter political differences as the United States marked the 22nd anniversary of Al-Qaeda's 9/11 attacks. Bells were rung and the names of nearly 3,000 people were read out in somber ceremonies in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania where the hijacked planes struck. "Let's honor September 11 by renewing our faith in one another," said Biden, speaking at a US military base in Anchorage, Alaska as he traveled back from a trip to India and Vietnam. "We must never lose our sense of national unity, so let that be the common cause of our time." Speaking in front of a huge flag, Biden added that "terrorism, including political and ideological violence, is the opposite of all we stand for as a nation." His speech comes as the United States is increasingly polarized, with tensions likely to increase as Biden, a Democrat, heads into a likely election rematch next year with Republican former president Donald Trump. Trump has been indicted four times since April, including for efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, with the 6 January 2021 Capitol attack by his supporters still fresh in the public's memory. 'Never forget' In New York, Vice President Kamala Harris and current and former mayors joined victims' families at the 9/11 memorial on the site of the World Trade Center twin towers brought down by two aircraft flown by hijackers. The names of the more than 2,600 who died in New York were read out by family members and young relatives not alive at the time of the attack. "I wish I had a chance to really know you. Everyone in the family misses you. We will never forget," said the grandson of firefighter Allan Tarasiewicz, who was killed at age 45 during rescue operations at the World Trade Center. At the Pentagon in Washington, where the attackers plunged a third aircraft into the headquarters of the US military, a sailor rang a ship's bell for each of the 184 killed there. And in western Pennsylvania, where a fourth hijacked plane apparently heading toward Washington was forced to crash, bells were rung for each of the 40 passengers and crew who died. "September 11 made America a nation at war, and hundreds of thousands stepped up to serve our country in uniform," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the Pentagon ceremony. "I know that it aches to remember this milestone year after year... The men and women of the Department of Defense will always remember." Across New York City, in Congress and elsewhere, a moment of silence was held to mark the attack, plotted by Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, who was found and killed nearly a decade later by US Navy Seals in a raid on his hideout in Pakistan. Biden noted in his speech that he himself had given the order for bin Laden's successor Ayman al-Zawahiri to be sent to the "gates of hell" last year in an airstrike in Afghanistan. "The soul of America is the fortitude we found in the fear of that terrible September day," he added. "The terrorists believed they could bring us to our knees, bend our will, break our resolve. But they were wrong, they were dead wrong." The post Biden urges ‘national unity’ 22 years after 9/11 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nadine Lustre, ‘Family Matters’ victorious at 71st FAMAS
The 71st Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), the country’s oldest award-giving body for cinema, held its 2023 awarding ceremony on 13 August at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel. The drama Family Matters, an entry at the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival, emerged victorious after bagging four awards out of 12 nominations. Family Matters bested other nominees in the Best Picture award such as Blue Room, Leonor Will Never Die, La Traidora and Deleter. Aside from its Best Picture win, the film also won Best Actor for Noel Trinidad, Best Supporting Actress for Nikki Valdez and Best Editing (Beng Bandong). [caption id="attachment_171195" align="aligncenter" width="525"] 71ST FAMAS Best Actress awardee Nadine Lustre. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF VIVA[/caption] Directed by Nuel Naval, Family Matters is a drama-comedy film that revolves around an elderly married couple and their children who must take turns caring for their parents, especially their stroke-stricken father. Meanwhile, multi-award-winning actress Nadine Lustre secured her second FAMAS Best Actress award for portraying Kichi in the 2019 thriller film Greed. Lustre received her first FAMAS Best Actress award for her performance in the 2018 romance film Never Not Love You. With this achievement, the 29-year-old actress extended her record as the youngest woman to win the Best Actress award at the FAMAS. Several artists and prominent figures also received special awards during the ceremony. Veteran actresses Liza Lorena and Marita Zobel won the Susan Roces Celebrity Award and the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award, respectively. Popular young actress Jillian Ward received the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award, while actor-director Jun Urbano, known for his iconic “Mr. Shooli” character, was honored with the Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award. Actor and Senator Lito Lapid received the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award, with Mischa and Mattie Lapid accepting the award on behalf of their grandfather, who was absent that night. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also won the FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service. Below is the full list of the 71st FAMAS Awards winners: Best Picture: Family Matters Best Director: Ma-an Asuncion Dagñalan, Blue Room Best Actress: Nadine Lustre, Greed Best Actor: Noel Trinidad, Family Matters Best Supporting Actress: Nikki Valdez, Family Matters Best Supporting Actor: Sid Lucero, Reroute Best Screenplay: Abet Raz and Alejandro Ramos, La Traidora Best Cinematography: Neil Daza, Blue Room Best Production Design: Eero Yves Francisco, Leonor Will Never Die Best Editing: Beng Bandong, Family Matters Best Musical Score: Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso, Blue Room Best Sound: Alizen Andrade and Immanuel Verona, Reroute Best Short Film: Kurt Soberano’sGolden Bells Male Star of the Night: Sid Lucero Female Star of the Night: Jillian Ward Face of the Night (Male): Mon Confiado Face of the Night (Female): Nadine Lustre Susan Roces Celebrity Award: Liza Lorena FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award: Marita Zobel German Moreno Youth Achievement Award: Jillian Award Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award: Jun Urbano Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: Lito Lapid FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service: Ferdinand Martin Romualdez The post Nadine Lustre, ‘Family Matters’ victorious at 71st FAMAS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nadine Lustre, ‘Family Matters’ win big at the FAMAS awards
Nadine Lustre continues to seal her legacy as one of the best actors of her generation as she bags another plum acting trophy not to mention 'Face of The Night' at the recently concluded FAMAS awards. "Family Matters" is the big winner getting four awards including Best Picture. The other "Family Matters" winners are Noel Trinidad as best actor, Nikki Valdez as best supporting female actor and Beng Bandong for editing. Here is the list of winners at the FAMAS awards 2023: Best Picture: Family Matters Best Director: Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan for (Blue Room) Best Actor (Female): Nadine Lustre for (Greed) Best Actor (Male): Noel Trinidad for (Family Matters) Best Screenplay: Abet Raz and Alejandro Ramos for (La Traidora) Best Editing: Beng Bandong for (Family Matters) Best Cinematography: Neil Daza for (Blue Room) Best Supporting Actress: Nikki Valdez for (Family Matters) Best Supporting Actor: Sid Lucero for (Reroute) Best Production Design: Eero Yves Francisco for (Leonor Will Never Die) Best Musical Score: Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso for (Blue Room) Best Sound: Alizen Andrade and Immanuel Verona for (Reroute) Best Short Film: Golden Bells (Kurt Soberano) Special Awards: FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award (Marita Zobel), Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award (Sen. Lito Lapid) Susan Roces Celebrity Award (Liza Lorena), Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award (Jun Urbano), German Moreno Youth Achievement Award (Jillian Ward), FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service (House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez) The glamour awards: Face of the Night (Male): Mon Confiado Face of the Night (Female): Nadine Lustre Male Star of the Night: Sid Lucero Female Star of the Night: Jillian Ward The post Nadine Lustre, ‘Family Matters’ win big at the FAMAS awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reviews: Cinemalaya Shorts B
‘GOLDEN BELLS’ Kurt Soberano’s Golden Bells is the only entry with superior technical craft. However, it severely alienates the audience by picking a subject matter that not everyone can relate to. Sure, it carries universal themes of familial relationships, hopes, desires and sacrifice, but Golden Bells fails to connect emotionally. It’s a monotonous story about a Filipino-Chinese family running a garments business, with one of the sons as its central character. It is through the son’s lens that we learn his perspective of the family patriarch. Too bottled up in its own world on a very surface level, it is largely unrelatable and feels more like a commercial ad for a business rather than a piece of cinema. (1 out of 5 stars). ‘TONG ADLAW NGA NAG-SNOW SA PINAS’ Joshua Caesar Medroso’s monochromatic Tong Adlaw nga Nag-snow sa Pinas starts off quite well. Set in a remote and impoverished coastal town, two young boys, Makong and Renren, are playing, pretending that it’s snowing by making fake snowflakes out of styrofoam boxes. The styro-snow looks great in black-and -white and Medroso manages to evoke nostalgic imagery of a pre-Internet childhood. But underneath the innocent play lies a violent subtext: child abuse cushioned by a melodramatic portrait of compassion and friendship. The short abruptly ends, and it feels as if Medroso’s other video clips got mistakenly deleted and he has no choice but to finally put the end credits and submit his film. (1 out of 5 stars) [caption id="attachment_170059" align="aligncenter" width="656"] Ang Kining Binalaybay Kag Ambahanon ko para sa Imo[/caption] ‘ANG KINING BINALAYBAY KAG AMBAHANON KO PARA SA IMO’ Kent John Desamparado’s family drama is heartbreaking and appeals to the special bond between a grandfather and a granddaughter. It follows a poor, ailing fisherman, who, no longer able to take care of his young granddaughter, painfully decides to give her away to other relatives. The filmmaker takes the viewer along on their journey to inevitable doom. Desamparado manages to capture the nuances of a very loving relationship between the grandpa and the little girl. It breaks the heart, and also becomes a light commentary on the realities of poverty. However, it’s still rough around the edges and the finale is too weak. (2.5 out of 5 stars). ‘MAKOKO SA BAYBAY’ This is so forgettable I honestly could not recall the details of the short. I could vaguely recall a very strong sunset color palette, sea monsters and mothers and little kids longing for their mothers. If something like this vanishes from your mind soon after you’ve left the cinema, then you get my point. (0 out of 5 stars). [caption id="attachment_170060" align="aligncenter" width="600"] ‘Maudi Nga Arapaap’[/caption] ‘MAUDI NGA ARAPAAP’ Daniel Magayon’s psychological horror short is funnier than scary, amusing rather than disturbing. It follows a graveyard-shift female nurse with experiences of traumatic child abuse by her mother, who has recently died. The scenes of a child being abused by the very person that should nurture her is heartbreaking. But the occasional appearance of a demon-like creature related to a plant is funny and fails to evoke sinister vibes. Magayon, however, still manages to send a clear message about the fragile relationship between a mother and daughter, as well as the long-term effects of child abuse. The literal monster element is wholly unessential, offering nothing sinister or metaphorical, ultimately causing the short’s downfall. (2 out of 5 stars) The post Reviews: Cinemalaya Shorts B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cinemalaya Shorts B
‘GOLDEN BELLS’ Kurt Soberano’s Golden Bells is the only entry with superior technical craft. However, it severely alienates the audience by picking a subject matter that not everyone can relate to. Sure, it carries universal themes of familial relationships, hopes, desires and sacrifice, but Golden Bells fails to connect emotionally. It’s a monotonous story about a Filipino-Chinese family running a garments business, with one of the sons as its central character. It is through the son’s lens that we learn his perspective of the family patriarch. Too bottled up in its own world on a very surface level, it is largely unrelatable and feels more like a commercial ad for a business rather than a piece of cinema. (1 out of 5 stars). ‘TONG ADLAW NGA NAG-SNOW SA PINAS’ Joshua Caesar Medroso’s monochromatic Tong Adlaw nga Nag-snow sa Pinas starts off quite well. Set in a remote and impoverished coastal town, two young boys, Makong and Renren, are playing, pretending that it’s snowing by making fake snowflakes out of styrofoam boxes. The styro-snow looks great in black-and -white and Medroso manages to evoke nostalgic imagery of a post-Internet childhood. But underneath the innocent play lies a violent subtext: child abuse cushioned by a melodramatic portrait of compassion and friendship. The short abruptly ends, and it feels as if Medroso’s other video clips got mistakenly deleted and he has no choice but to finally put the end credits and submit his film. (1 out of 5 stars) [caption id="attachment_170059" align="aligncenter" width="656"] Ang Kining Binalaybay Kag Ambahanon ko para sa Imo[/caption] ‘ANG KINING BINALAYBAY KAG AMBAHANON KO PARA SA IMO’ Kent John Desamparado’s family drama is heartbreaking and appeals to the special bond between a grandfather and a granddaughter. It follows a poor, ailing fisherman, who, no longer able to take care of his young granddaughter, painfully decides to give her away to other relatives. The filmmaker takes the viewer along on their journey to inevitable doom. Desamparado manages to capture the nuances of a very loving relationship between the grandpa and the little girl. It breaks the heart, and also becomes a light commentary on the realities of poverty. However, it’s still rough around the edges and the finale is too weak. (2.5 out of 5 stars). ‘MAKOKO SA BAYBAY’ This is so forgettable I honestly could not recall the details of the short. I could vaguely recall a very strong sunset color palette, sea monsters and mothers and little kids longing for their mothers. If something like this vanishes from your mind soon after you’ve left the cinema, then you get my point. (0 out of 5 stars). [caption id="attachment_170060" align="aligncenter" width="600"] ‘Maudi Nga Arapaap’[/caption] ‘MAUDI NGA ARAPAAP’ Daniel Magayon’s psychological horror short is funnier than scary, amusing rather than disturbing. It follows a graveyard-shift female nurse with experiences of traumatic child abuse by her mother, who has recently died. The scenes of a child being abused by the very person that should nurture her is heartbreaking. But the occasional appearance of a demon-like creature related to a plant is funny and fails to evoke sinister vibes. Magayon, however, still manages to send a clear message about the fragile relationship between a mother and daughter, as well as the long-term effects of child abuse. The literal monster element is wholly unessential, offering nothing sinister or metaphorical, ultimately causing the short’s downfall. (2 out of 5 stars) The post Cinemalaya Shorts B 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......»»
Rural development seen as DAR turns over 2 bridges in So. Leyte and E. Samar
Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III led the inauguration and turnover rites of the “Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo” (TPKP) project on January 27, 2023 in Balangiga, Eastern Samar......»»
EJK docu leads Cinemalaya 2023’s roster
For the first time since its inception in 2005, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival has a documentary and an animated film in its roster of 10 full-length features competing for top honors, including best picture. The list of finalists in its 19th edition was formally introduced in a press conference yesterday, 5 July. It was attended by Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice Guillen, festival director Chris Millado and competition chairman Jose Javier Reyes. Also present was Cultural Center of the Philippines artistic director Dennis Marasigan. Cinemalaya 2023 runs from 4 to 13 August. It will have screenings at the Philippine International Convention Center and Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (also known as CCP Black Box Theater). It will also have screening slots at partner venues Ayala Cinemas and SM Cinemas. 10 full-length films Maria by documentarist Sheryl Rose Andes follows the real-life story of a woman who lost her husband and child to extrajudicial killings. When This is All Over, directed by Kevin Mikhail Mayuga with elements of animation, is about the unexpected friendship that developed during a lockdown at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic between two young adults from opposite ends of the economic spectrum. Rookie, whose story revolves around volleyball players, is jointly directed by Samantha Lee and Natts Jadaone. Ang Duyan Magiting by Dustin Celestino is composed of anthology of scenes that depict war, terrorism and politics. It stars Dolly de Leon, Bituin Escalante, Agot Isidro, Miggy Jimenez, Jojit Lorenzo, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Paolo O’Hara, Joel Saracho and Dylan Ray Talon. [caption id="attachment_153740" align="aligncenter" width="525"] 'Rookie,' a volleball flick.[/caption] As If It’s True by John Rogers tackles the blurring line between real love and exploitation between a social media influencer and a struggling musician. Gitling by Jopy Arnaldo is about a young interpreter/translator working on the Ilonggo subtitles for a Japanese film who forms a friendship with the film’s Japanese director. Huling Palabas tells the story of a 16-year-old boy who finds solace in old VHS tapes to reconnect with his long-lost father. [caption id="attachment_153739" align="aligncenter" width="525"] 'ITI Mapupukaw' stars Dolly de Leon.[/caption] Bulawan Nga Usa (Golden Deer) by Kenneth dela Cruz is about a young man who tries to escape reality by going up a mountain, but ends up treading between mystery and self-discovery. Iti Mapupukaw (The Missing) by Carlo Joseph Papa is also about a young man going through a major life change but involving aliens. Lastly, Tether by Gian Arre replaces Killing Time in Manila Traffic by Paul Sta. Ana. Aside from full-length film category, there is the short film category in Cinemalaya. This year’s 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; and Kokuryo: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019 by Diokko Manuel Dionisio. Also making the cut are 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 EJK docu leads Cinemalaya 2023’s roster appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Settling down agad? : Wedding bells not ringing soon for Zanjoe Marudo, Ria Atayde
Kapamilya actor Zanjoe Marudo said that wedding bells will not ring anytime soon for him and girlfriend Ria Atayde. .....»»
Covid-19 is here to stay
No doubt waves of jubilation and sighs of relief greeted the recent announcement from the World Health Organization saying Covid-19 was no longer a global health emergency. At a meeting on the pandemic held last week, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesuss told a press conference that the pandemic had been observed to be on a downward trend. “This trend has allowed most countries to return to life as we know it before Covid-19,” said Tedros. “Our emergency committee recommended to me to end the public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice.” Despite the welcome announcement, the WHO official noted that the virus has not stopped spreading, although with a lower level of concern, and therefore, continues to be a global health threat. People should not take the recent WHO pronouncement as a signal to let one’s guard down and return to their usual pre-pandemic lifestyles. It has been observed that even before the seemingly welcome pronouncement, many have long discarded their masks, joined big crowds or assemblies, and have been quite careless in paying attention to hygienic practices. Saying that the virus will continue to transmit, Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, said that this is seen in terms of the virus’s evolution every day “in our communities, age vulnerabilities, protection vulnerabilities, and many other things.” The Department of Health, for its part, said the public should not be confident since the threat remains. “The WHO did not say the pandemic is over, “said DoH Officer-in-Charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire. As early as January of this year, the DoH official already said that if the state of a public health emergency is lifted, the country “will remain cautious and vigilant” and will still be imposing the same restrictions to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus. Although health authorities have not yet seen any reason to ring the alarm bells, a rise in Covid-19 cases has been reported lately. A DoH bulletin issued last week said new Covid-19 cases in the Philippines rose 112 percent in the first week of May. There were 9,465 additional infections, 50 severe and critical. An average of 1,352 cases a day were recorded in the past week. No need to panic, though, as the situation today has been manageable because of recent advances in technology and the availability of vaccines and bed space in hospitals, unlike the first months of the pandemic. The DoH attributed this state of affairs to “our effective and collaborative responses to recover and re-open our economy fully.” So why the increase in the number of cases? Many cite the recent incidences of long weekends that translate to more occasions involving reunions or meetings with families and friends, the opening up of more public spaces like malls, transport stations, cinemas and concert and fun event venues that are virtual crowd-drawers. The disease is not going away anytime soon and is here to stay, said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhave, head of the WHO’s program on emerging diseases. “We just need to make sure we are tracking the virus because it will continue to evolve.” And we must all do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more hospital confinements and, worse, deaths. Since it was declared a pandemic in early 2020, there have been more than 765 million confirmed cases and 7 million deaths worldwide. “Covid-19 continues to leave deep scars,” warns Tedros. “Those scars must serve as permanent reminders of the potential for new viruses to emerge with devastating consequences.” Despite being vaccinated, I got infected with COVID-19 early on during my stint as commissioner of the Bureau of Customs last year. The good thing was I quickly recovered and returned to work after my self-imposed quarantine ended. Recently, there have been reports of outbreaks in areas where people gather, particularly in crowded indoor settings where people talk loudly or breathe heavily, like gyms and music or choir practices. Be involved. Wear your mask again if you have dropped the habit. As health experts suggest, avoid the 3Cs: closed spaces, crowded locations, and close contact with people, especially in places with inadequate ventilation. Better, meet your friends outside. Isolate yourself when sick and follow your doctor’s prescriptions. Get vaccine/booster shots when necessary. The life you save may be your own. The post Covid-19 is here to stay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Charles III to be crowned king in first UK coronation since 1953
Charles III will be crowned king on Saturday in a solemn Christian ceremony steeped in 1,000 years of history and tradition, but adapted to reflect 21st-century Britain. St Edward's Crown -- a solid gold, sacred symbol of the monarch's authority used only once in their reign -- will be placed on Charles's head at 1100 GMT to cries of "God Save the King". Trumpet fanfares will sound through London's Westminster Abbey and ceremonial gun salutes will blast out across land and sea to mark the first coronation of a British monarch since 1953 -- and only the fifth since 1838. Bells will peal in celebration at churches across the land, before liveried soldiers on foot and horseback stage a 7,000-strong military parade stretching through the streets of the capital. King Charles and his wife Camilla, who will be crowned queen, will return to Buckingham Palace in the rarely used horse-drawn Gold State Coach past huge crowds, before watching a ceremonial fly-past from the balcony. The coronation -- the first of a king since 1937, only the second to be televised and the first in color and streamed online -- is the religious confirmation of Charles's accession. Charles, 74, has been king since the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September last year after seven decades as her heir apparent. Much of the two-hour Anglican service, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, would be recognizable to the 39 other monarchs crowned at Westminster Abbey since 1066. But while many of the intricate rituals and ceremonies to recognize Charles as his people's "undoubted king" remain, the king has sought to bring other aspects of the service up to date. There are women bishops for the first time, while leaders of Britain's non-Christian faiths and its Celtic languages will play a prominent role. As king, Charles is the supreme governor of the Church of England but heads a more religiously and ethnically diverse country than the one his mother inherited in the shadow of World War II. He has also sought to make the 2,300-strong congregation more reflective of British society, inviting ordinary members of the public to sit alongside heads of state and global royalty. In another change, the coronation themes mirror his lifelong interest in biodiversity and sustainability. Seasonal flowers and foliage from the wind-battered Isle of Skye in northwest Scotland to Cornwall at the tip of England's southwest coast will fill the abbey. Single-use plastic and floral foam have been banned and all the flowers will be donated to charities helping the elderly and vulnerable. Ceremonial vestments from previous coronations will be reused, and the anointing oil will be vegan. Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the coronation as "a proud expression of our history, culture and traditions". The "moment of extraordinary national pride", he said, was "a vivid demonstration of the modern character of our country and a cherished ritual through which a new era is born". But not everyone is convinced: polling indicates waning support for the monarchy, particularly among younger people, with calls for it to be modernized or even scrapped altogether. Republicans who want an elected head of state have promised to protest, holding up placards stating "Not my king". Overseas, Charles's time as the hereditary monarch and head of state of 14 Commonwealth countries looks increasingly fragile. Jamaica and Belize have both this week signaled that they are moving towards becoming republics, while Australia, Canada, and others may eventually follow suit. Britons struggling with the soaring cost of living have meanwhile questioned why taxpayers should stump up for the coronation, with the bill estimated to be over £100 million ($126 million). Yet the huge crowds of royal fans that have been building all week on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace indicate that the royals still have a central role in British culture and history. Many of those camping out to watch have flown in from abroad, underlining the royal family's untouched position as Britain's leading global brand. The coronation is the centerpiece of three days of events, including a concert at Windsor Castle west of London on Sunday evening. "It's so exciting," said charity worker Karen Chamberlain, 57, who has camped out for a prime spot with her sister and young son. "None of us have ever lived a coronation. Our mother came to London in 1953. Being here is a way to say we are proud of the monarchy," she told AFP. The post Charles III to be crowned king in first UK coronation since 1953 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Charles III crowned king at first UK coronation in 70 years
Charles III on Saturday finally met his date with destiny after a lifetime as heir to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, as he was officially crowned king in the first coronation in Britain since 1953. At exactly 12:02 pm (1102 GMT), the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby placed the solid gold St Edward's Crown on Charles's head as a sacred and ancient symbol of the monarch's authority. Cries of "God Save the King" rang out from the 2,300-member congregation at Westminster Abbey and trumpet fanfares sounded at the climax of the solemn religious confirmation of his accession. Outside, ceremonial gun salutes blasted out across land and sea while bells pealed in celebration at churches. Charles, 74, will wear the St Edward's Crown only once during his reign. His wife, Camilla, 75, was crowned queen in a simpler ceremony soon afterwards. The build-up to the Christian ceremony of prayer and praise -- steeped in 1,000 years of British history and tradition, with sumptuous robes and priceless regalia -- has been mostly celebratory. But even before Charles and Camilla left Buckingham Palace for a rainy procession to the abbey, police arrested dozens of protesters using new powers rushed onto the statute book to crack down on direct action groups. The anti-monarchy movement Republic -- which wants an elected head of state -- said six of its organisers were detained, while climate activists Just Stop Oil said 19 of its number were held. Nevertheless, dozens of Republic activists held aloft banners on the route of the procession route, declaring: "Not My King." Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International voiced concern at the arrests. "This is something you would expect to see in Moscow, not London," HRW said. London's Metropolitan Police has some 11,500 officers on the streets in one of its biggest-ever security operations. It has warned that it has an "extremely low threshold" for protests. As well as being the first coronation in 70 years, it was the first of a king since 1937. It was only the second to be televised and the first in colour and streamed online. Changes Much of the two-hour Anglican service, in which Charles pledged "I come not to be served but to serve", would have been recognisable to the 39 other monarchs crowned at Westminster Abbey since 1066. But while many of the intricate rituals and ceremonies to recognise Charles as his people's "undoubted king" remained, the king sought to bring other aspects of the service up to date. Female bishops and choristers participated for the first time, as did leaders of Britain's non-Christian faiths, while its Celtic languages -- Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic -- featured prominently. A gospel choir sang for the first time at a coronation while a Greek choir intoned a psalm in tribute to Charles's late father, Prince Philip, who was born on the island of Corfu. As king, Charles is the supreme governor of the Church of England and has described himself as a "committed Anglican Christian". But he heads a more religiously and ethnically diverse country than the one his mother inherited in the shadow of World War II. As such, he sought to make the congregation more reflective of British society, inviting ordinary members of the public to sit alongside heads of state and global royalty. In another change, the coronation themes mirrored his lifelong interest in biodiversity and sustainability. Seasonal flowers and foliage were brought from the wind-battered Isle of Skye in northwest Scotland to Cornwall at the tip of England's southwest coast to fill the abbey. Ceremonial vestments from previous coronations were reused, and the anointing oil -- created from olives on groves on the Mount of Olives and perfumed with essential oils -- was vegan. Charles was anointed out of sight of the congregation behind a three-sided screen in front of the High Altar, to the strains of Handel's soaring anthem "Zadok the Priest", sung at every coronation since 1727. Opposition Rishi Sunak -- Britain's first prime minister of colour, who gave a reading from the Bible at the service -- has described the coronation as "a proud expression of our history, culture and traditions". But not everyone is convinced: polling indicates waning support for the monarchy, particularly among younger people. Charles's eldest brother Prince Andrew -- sidelined due to his friendship with the late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein -- was booed as he headed to the abbey. Another royal exile, Prince Harry, who has criticised the family since leaving for the United States in 2020, attended the coronation on his own. Overseas, Charles's position as the hereditary monarch and head of state of 14 Commonwealth countries looks increasingly fragile. Jamaica and Belize both signalled this week that they are moving toward becoming republics, while Australia, Canada and others may eventually follow suit. Britons struggling with the soaring cost of living have meanwhile questioned why taxpayers should stump up for the coronation, with the bill estimated to be over £100 million ($126 million). Support Yet the huge crowds of royal fans that have been building all week on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace indicate that the royals still have a central role in British culture and history. Many of those camping out to watch have flown in from abroad, underlining the royal family's untouched position as Britain's leading global brand. Christine Wilen travelled from Niagara Falls in Canada for the event. "I'm very excited to be here, to be part of this history," said Wilen, wearing a visor and sweatshirt in Canadian colours. "It's just too good an opportunity to miss," said Nick Demont, 60, outside the abbey. "There's a good chance I won't see another one." The post Charles III crowned king at first UK coronation in 70 years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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