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EcoWaste Coalition Exposes Trade of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics in QC in Violation of City Ordinance No. 2767-2018
12 November 2023, Quezon City. The sale of skin-lightening cosmetics contaminated with mercury in Quezon City has not stopped despite the promulgation five years ago of a historic ordinance banning such poisonous cosmetics.FDA-banned Goree beauty creams containing mercury on sale in a store in Quezon City.Base.....»»
Museo ng Makati celebrates Patis Tesoro creations
In the vibrant tapestry of Filipino arts and heritage, few threads are as intricate and captivating as fashion. Much like traditions and customs, fashion as a form of artistic and cultural expression has played a pivotal role in shaping the Filipino identity and has evolved alongside the nation’s rich history. It is not just about clothes, it is the tales they share, the craftsmanship they embody, the heritage they preserve, and the patrimony they carry on through generations. The Museo ng Makati, housed in the old Presidencia, which served as the town hall until 1961 and has since been declared as an Important Cultural Property of our islands, proudly presented the Grand Dame of Filipino Fashion herself, Patis Tesoro. Entitled Kasuotang Filipino: Mga Likha ni Patis Tesoro, this exhibition was a testament to the enduring legacy of our people’s artistic expression. Although celebrated for its romantic allure, these also carry expressions of love for our country. The exhibit highlighted the enduring 50-year lifelong friendship between Patis and Mita Rufino, who loaned a part of her personal Tesoro-designed Filipiniana. Rufino’s impeccable taste in fashion mirrors her support for the finest designers and creators in the field, with Tesoro as a favorite due to their numerous collaborations. Maria Beatriz Pamintuan Tesoro, lovingly known as Patis, is the force behind this remarkable assemblage. Her journey began in Iloilo, where she drew inspiration from her mother’s dressmaking skills and honed her own dexterity in embroidery during her time at the Assumption Iloilo. [gallery columns="5" size="full" ids="194543,194542,194541,194540,194539"] Her pursuit of artistic excellence brought her to Marygrove College in Michigan, United States, where she studied Art Education. The visionary’s passion in everything Filipino deepened when she married the late Tito Tesoro, whose family owns the iconic Filipino handicrafts store Tesoros. Together with former Philippine First Lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos, Patis worked tirelessly to protect, preserve and promote the use of pineapple or piña fabric, collaborating closely with local farmers to bolster their production. Even today, she continues to champion Filipino textiles and embroidery traditions, while infusing bohemian styles and practical, everyday clothing into her creations. While Tesoro’s genius was on the spotlight, it was equally dedicated to the exquisite beauty and exceptional craftsmanship of Filipino weavers and artisans, burdareras and costureras. The creations on display were nothing short of breathtaking. The venue showcased 23 long gowns that spanned fashion influences from various regions of the archipelago, which offered glimpses into her sensibilities throughout her illustrious career. These reflected her vision of the elegant Filipino attires. [caption id="attachment_194537" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Fashion innovator Patis Tesoro, curator Albert Figueras and Filipino Heritage Festival Foundation Inc. president Mita Rufino. | PHOTOGRAPHS by Edu Jarque[/caption] Hand in hand, fashion designer Albert Figueras had contributed his private treasure trove of fabrics from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, offering visitors a valuable opportunity to acquaint themselves on native textiles and weaving traditions — a critical endeavor in an era dominated by fast fashion and synthetic fabrics. Figueras played a crucial role in curating the whole affair. In attendance were civic servants such as Makati City Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo and notable diplomats, business leaders, fashion afficionados, textile artists and modern trendsetters. The event was made possible by the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. spearheaded by its president, Mita Rufino. SM Makati manager Kathleen Anne Cruz and SM Retail president Cielo Monasterio generously supported the show. The exhibit also saw a romantic performance of a string of kundimans from the Choral Society of Makati, joined by the city’s 2018 champion and a member of the University of Makati Chorale Kristina Maniling. The post Museo ng Makati celebrates Patis Tesoro creations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty takes the spotlight
Beauty enthusiasts were drawn to a “new light” on the night of 7 September as Rustan’s The Beauty Source, the Philippines' foremost destination for opulent beauty, proudly introduced its annual Beauty Addict event. “See Beauty in a new light” came the invitation, and the retail hub renowned for curating the world’s most prestigious beauty brands in makeup, skincare, fragrance and personal care products, welcomed guests to its revamped Beauty Hall. The transformed space boasts of world-class interiors and cutting-edge retail architecture, providing the perfect backdrop for the most coveted and luxurious beauty brands. The occasion raised the bar for luxury retail and reaffirmed Rustan’s dedication to only choose the best products for its affluent customers. Excitement meets elegance The big day welcomed luxury beauty brands, such as CHANEL, Clarins, La Prairie, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tom Ford, MAC, La Mer, Clé de Peau Beauté, Shiseido, Hermes, Diptyque, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, L’Occitane, Grown Alchemist, Malin+Goetz, L:a Bruket and many more. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by Rustan’s chief executive officer Zenaida Tantoco, president Donnie Tantoco and executive vice president Anton Huang, accompanied by the radiant Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. The evening was further elevated with captivating performances by the Halili Dance Group and the Manila String Machine Orchestra, with Bea Tantoco. As the night unfolded, guests reveled in a special afterparty with live music from Renee Dominique and renowned local DJs. The open dancefloor beckoned, while the champagne bar, sponsored by the Philippine Wine Merchants, and delectable hors d’oeuvres by Margarite Forés ensured a night to remember. Exclusive beauty gifts and selfie contest For the early birds, a prized two-sided Beauty LED Compact Mirror was given away to the first 100 visitors at Rustan’s Beauty Hall. With LED lights that mimic sunlight, this attractive mirror has both conventional and magnifying mirrors. Sharing event selfies on social media accounts qualified the selfie-savvy participants for the competition, which gave the chance to win the prized “Best Selfie Award,” which came with a hefty P10,000 Rustan’s The Beauty Source shopping spree. Glamour all the way to November From 8 to 17 September, Rustan’s offered a one-week promotion with exclusive discounts and rewards to keep its customers happy. With the Beauty Addict Holiday Gift with Purchase promotion, which is active until 30 November, Rustan’s continued the celebration throughout the holiday season. A Kate Spade New York Make It Pop Floral Jewelry Box was given out to Beauty Addict members with a minimum purchase. Rustan’s introduced the Beauty Addict Holiday Raffle, with the big prize being a three-night vacation for two in the romantic city of love — Paris, France — to heighten the anticipation. The winner will also receive KrisFlyer miles from Singapore Airlines to use on a Business Class Saver Award ticket to Paris, France. Every P2,500 spent at Rustan’s Beauty Source rewarded Beauty Addict members one entry into an electronic drawing. Every Metrobank card transaction give cardholders two entries. Promo ends 30 November. The post Beauty takes the spotlight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What’s Bretman Rock’s beef with Vanessa Hudgens?
Internet sensation Bretman Rock seems to have a bone to pick with Hollywood actress Vanessa Hudgens. Bretman, who’s currently in the Philippines for a vacation, reminisced about his life journey while on a holiday in Palawan. “Only if that little kid who grew up in Sanchez Mira Cagayan knew he would have everything he ever dreamt of one day. It’s so hard not to feel proud of that little brown boy when I’m home,” Bretman wrote on Instagram. The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger, an American singer-songwriter of Filipino descent, commented, “So proud of you! [L]ittle brown babies made something of ourselves in this world.” But what earned Bretman’s attention was when a follower said “Vanessa Hudgens is shaking [fire emojis].” To this he replied with, “B**** can’t even say Palawan.” He was alluding to a video of Hudgens learning how to correctly pronounce Palawan when the actress-singer shot a documentary last March as the country’s designated global tourism ambassador. Hudgens received the title in a conferment ceremony at Malacañang Palace on 30 March this year. Even then, many fans were already saying that Rock would have been a better choice for the position, while others suggested K-pop star Sandara Park, as both of them were said to have deeper and more appreciative connections to the Philippines than Hudgens had shown. Born to Filipino parents, Rock moved to Hawaii at the age of seven. He rose to fame as a YouTube creator of beauty videos. He has 8.86 million YouTube subscribers and 18.7 million Instagram followers. In 2017, Time magazine recognized him among the 30 Most Influential Teens. He was also included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia—Media, Marketing, and Advertising list in 2018. He became the first openly gay man to appear on the cover of Playboy magazine in October 2021 and likewise to grace the cover of Vogue Philippines. The post What’s Bretman Rock’s beef with Vanessa Hudgens? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rob Gomez may anak na kay Miss Millennial 2018 Shaila Rebortera
SHOOKT ang madlang pipol sa pasabog ni Miss Millennial 2018 Shaila Rebortera ukol sa pagkakaroon nila ng anak ni “Magandang Dilag” star Rob Gomez. Ito ay ibinandera ng beauty queen nitong nitong Biyernes ng gabi, August 4, sa kanyang Instagram page. Sa mga naunang larawan ay makikita ang kanyang baby girl pero sa mga sumunod […] The post Rob Gomez may anak na kay Miss Millennial 2018 Shaila Rebortera appeared first on Bandera......»»
PBBM opens Samar Pacific Coastal Road
CATARMAN, Northern Samar — Five years since the start of its construction, the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project, which completes the circumferential road connecting the three provinces of Samar Island, is finally completed. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the 11.6-kilometer SPCR project worth P1.17 billion on Friday in Barangay Simora, Palapag, Northern Samar. The project also included the construction of three bridges that connected Northern Samar’s Pacific towns to the rest of the province. The project, which cost around 1.17 billion pesos, was initiated in 2018 through a collaboration between the local and national governments, as well as the Korea Export-Import Bank Economic Development Cooperation loan. “With the opening of this road and its bridges, the development of Northern Samar’s rich agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds will follow suit. It will also expedite the delivery and movement of our basic goods and services, which will hopefully boost our people’s quality of life,” Marcos said. Governor Edwin Ongchuan expressed his gratitude to President Marcos and the Department of Public Works and Highway for their support, highlighting the economic benefits of the project in terms of increased agricultural productivity, improved tourism, and enhanced peace and resiliency efforts in Northern Samar. “The SPCR will greatly impact the economic development of our province, as it will remarkably encourage increased agricultural productivity of the thousands of our farmers and fisherfolks, thereby improving our program for food self-sufficiency. It will also boost our tourism industry and help sustain our peace and resiliency efforts in Northern Samar,” Ongchuan said. Governor Ongchuan also acknowledged the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte for including SPCR 1 in the priority funding of the national government under its “Build Build Build” Program and the Government of Korea for its support to the project. South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa said the SPCR project is part of their country’s commitment to helping in the Philippines’ development. “Local communities stand to gain from this grand infrastructure undertaking. SPCR will highlight the beauty of the island, ease the movement of people and goods, improve the delivery of services, and spur economic and business activities,” Lee added. Aside from opening the road project, President Marcos also led in the distribution of P91-worth of assistance to 2,500 vulnerable residents of Northern Samar. The Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, among others, distributed material and financial assistance to the beneficiaries. The Provincial Agriculture Office distributed farming equipment, the DA provided tractors, irrigation systems, and seeds, and BFAR distributed fishing boats and aquaculture implements, among other assistance. The event also included a job fair to help jobseekers in the province. Governor Ongchuan emphasized the significance of the program in providing direct access to consumers for farmers and entrepreneurs, contributing to increased income and affordability of basic necessities, and expressed his commitment to working with the national government for the country’s progress. The post PBBM opens Samar Pacific Coastal Road appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iba’t ibang OOTD ibinandera ni Catriona Gray sa MET para sa Miss Manila 2023 pageant
NANG ipakita ang pagsasaayos na ginawa sa Metropolitan Theater noong isang taon, isang video ang inilabas kung saan nakita si 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray na suot ang iba’t ibang mga disenyo habang nasa loob at labas ng teatro. Muli na namang ibinandera ng beauty queen ang kanyang pagiging fashionista sa MET nang maging host […] The post Iba’t ibang OOTD ibinandera ni Catriona Gray sa MET para sa Miss Manila 2023 pageant appeared first on Bandera......»»
Who will be this year’s Miss Manila?
Miss Manila is a project of the City of Manila to look for a Manileña that embodies the values of empowerment and leadership to deliver meaningful contributions to her life and to her fellow Manilans. Twenty “#WomanofWorth” candidates for Miss Manila 2023 were recently introduced at a presscon in Rizal Park Hotel. Displaying elegance and confidence, the ladies showcased their cocktail attire and swimsuits and impressed the audience with their intelligence and quick-wittedness. More than 50 beautiful women were screened to be part of this year’s edition, but only 20 candidates made it to the final cut. They are Jean Maxene Asay (Intramuros); Sheryl Ann Azucena (Ugbo Tondo); Bea Cecilio (Otis Pandacan); Shane Clamor (Zamora Pandacan); Hannah Therese Cruz (Sampaloc); Anna Carres de Mesa (Sta. Mesa); Leah Lei Gerosanib (Don Bosco Tondo); Charlynn Anne Icban (Blumentritt); Princess Keith Venus Lagata (Balut Tondo); Gabrielle Lantzer (Malate); Allaine Nuez (Punta Sta. Ana); Angela Okol (Paco); Karen Nicole Piccio (Pureza Sta. Mesa); Rethy Rosa (Maceda Sampaloc); Charmaine Salazar (Padre Faura); Juvyel Anne Saluta (Pandacan); Francine Tajanlangit (Roxas Boulevard); Julie Tarrayo (Sta. Cruz); Rycca Timog (Tayuman); at Ma. Theresa Villamor (Baseco Port Area). The candidates attended a pasarela masterclass with pageant coach and founder of Kagandahang Flores Rodgil Flores, assisted by pasarela trainer Enan Cruz; a makeup session with celebrity make-up artist Lala Flores; and a masterclass in handling the Q&A portion of pageants. The grand coronation night will be on Friday evening, 23 June, at the Metropolitan Theater, to be hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Performing during the coronation are rapper Kritiko, violinist Jo Bry Cimafranca and Angeline Quinto, who sang the pageant theme song. The Miss Manila beauty pageant is presented by the City of Manila, Department of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts of Manila, Kreativden Entertainment, and co-presented by the Philippine Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and San Miguel Corporation. The post Who will be this year’s Miss Manila? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty takes shape
Let Catriona Gray tell you a thing or two about shape-shifting. The elasticity of her career is the ultimate framework: from being a Filipino-Scottish model hailing from Australia, to Miss World Philippines 2016, to singer with a degree in Music Theory, to a black-belted Choi Kwang Do martial artist, to Miss Universe 2018, it’s clear […] The post Beauty takes shape appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Under the surface
They say that Mayon — that perfectly shaped volcano in the Bicol region — only shows her full glory to those arriving in the city of Albay if (and only if) those people are truly “welcome.” It’s just a fun little myth, of course, which invites visitors to look at the volcano first thing, as soon as they land at the airport where an aerial first view is possible before a full-on feast for the eyes on the ground. I dare say it is still the most glorious-looking volcano in the world, with cracks, dents, and all. It was a sight I took for granted growing up, however. But never again after I saw it shed fiery tears some years ago. By a highway leading to my mother’s hometown, we stood awestruck at its destructive beauty. A lava flow in 2018 brought tourists to the province and we saw the vehicles parked at the same vantage point. It was some other reason that compelled me to visit that year. Should hot lava feel like the tears that fell then, the sear is nothing compared to the pain of loss. Under the surface, cracks form and create wounds that never quite heal. A report on Mayon that year by the Global Volcanism Program described the volcano as being in a “new eruptive episode.” Bicolanos heaved a sigh of relief when the situation did not worsen. For residents, every “episode” means a run of some anxiety, though I personally feel that those who had felt its occasional rumble through the decades are not so easily shaken by the prospect of an earthquake. An eruption is another matter, as Bicolanos have seen gigantic rocks flatten houses in their path. Some of those boulders are still around to remind us all that life is transitory. That we should all blaze a path and not care too much for gathering dust. This and other wisdom are worth gaining from mother nature. This week, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised to number two the alert level on Mayon Volcano. This means, Phivolcs said, “increasing unrest.” The Phivolcs statement went: “This means that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to phreatic eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption.” The term “hazardous” is giving me worries I never felt before. Perhaps it is the thought of rocks falling increasingly “from the volcano’s summit lava dome.” Such seismic activity has been noted since the last week of April, reports say. Phivolcs also said, “Mayon’s lava dome increased in volume by approximately 83,000 square meters (m3) since 3 February and a total of nearly 164,000 m3 since 20 August 2022.” Vigilance is an understatement, as I believe experiences from the past should make residents of the province more proactive. Gone should be the extra effort to evacuate forcibly those within the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone. The animals will warn farmers within the area, but the local government may need to assure people of a safe haven, provisions, and the hope of having future sources of income. That last bit is iffy, to say the least — more like a dream, perhaps. Meanwhile, Taal Volcano remains at alert level 1 although “an increased degassing activity in the volcano, which produced steam-rich plumes that rose 3,000 meters above Taal volcano island,” has been noted. There is heat beneath the surface, aggravated by extreme weather due to climate change. Mother nature can be destructive, yes, but its volatility can often be read or measured ahead. The danger in human actions and reactions is that they are volatile, the destruction measured and felt over time. The post Under the surface appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sofia Salomon angling to become first trans Miss Venezuela
Sofia Salomon is the picture of concentration as she poses in bathing suits and evening wear for a photo shoot in preparation for what could be a historic campaign. The 25-year-old model is hoping to become the first-ever transgender woman to vie for the Miss Venezuela crown. "All eyes are on Miss Venezuela," she told AFP. "Me being there would be making history." Venezuela is one of the top producers of "Miss" pageant winners: It holds seven Miss Universe titles and six for Miss World. Beauty competitions are a way of life in the crisis-stricken South American country, with a guaranteed TV viewership of millions for the national pageant. "Like football is very important in other countries, here it is very important to be a beauty queen," Salomon said between poses. "When a girl is growing up, if she is tall, skinny, everyone tells her that she should go to Miss Venezuela. So it is something we grow up with, it is a culture, it is a feeling." Online entries for this year's Miss Venezuela pageant close next Wednesday, after which a panel will interview a shortlist and select 24 finalists. Organizers did not respond to AFP's queries about whether or not there would be any limitations on Salomon's participation in a deeply conservative and often homophobic society. Watch the video here: Support and love Salomon's campaign has drawn much attention on social media -- both messages of support and homophobic abuse. But she takes it all in stride. "Ever since I can remember, I have always had the support of my dad, my mom, and all my family," she told AFP. "I had an excellent childhood full of respect, of love, and so everything becomes easier because you can show society who you really are." Salomon took part last year in the Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand, the biggest for trans women, and made it into the top six. "There were many messages on social networks" from people who wanted me to "participate in another contest," she recounted. "Now that Miss Universe and Miss World accept transgender girls, this opportunity has opened for me to participate in Miss Venezuela." Angela Ponce broke barriers when in 2018, as Miss Spain, she became the first transgender contestant in Miss Universe. 'Hell for many' For Salomon, it is not only about personal glory but also giving "visibility" to people like her in a conservative society. She models in Spain and Mexico and has her own clothing brand. But not everyone is so lucky. "Being trans in Venezuela is hell for many people," said Richelle Briceno, a trans woman and activist. "It is to be excluded and it is to be excluded from equal opportunities." Salomon's high profile holds a positive message for Venezuelan society, added Briceno, that "trans people survive here and we impose ourselves in the good sense of the word." Argentina led the pack in Latin America by recognizing official gender changes in 2012, followed by Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru among others. Venezuela has no legislation in this area, allowing people only to change their names and even this is difficult, according to LGBTQ activists. Salomon has both Venezuelan and Colombian nationalities. In Colombia, unlike her country of birth, she is recognized as a woman. Venezuela also does not allow same-sex couples to marry or adopt children. "Whatever happens, I will remain a successful woman," Salomon told AFP. The post Sofia Salomon angling to become first trans Miss Venezuela appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Miss International Jasmin Selberg excited nang makita ang ‘idol’ niyang si Catriona Gray
HABANG maraming Pilipino ang nagagalak na masilayan si reigning Miss International Jasmin Selberg, sinabi ng German beauty queen na may isang Pilipinang nais niyang makita, si 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray. “I really feel really excited. So when I saw that she (Gray) will be the host for Binibining Pilipinas, I was like ‘oh my […] The post Miss International Jasmin Selberg excited nang makita ang ‘idol’ niyang si Catriona Gray appeared first on Bandera......»»
Hosts Catriona and Nicole pose for Binibining Pilipinas pictorial
Beauty queens Catriona Gray and Nicole Cordoves shared some snaps of their Binibining Pilipinas photo shoot on social media to the delight of their fans. The two gorgeous ladies look elegant and sophisticated in their high-slit golden gowns. "We had so much fun shooting this!! Inspired of course by global icons @cher and Raquel Welch. Huge thank you to this amazing team! Photography @bjpascual," said Gray, the fourth Filipina to win the Miss Universe title in 2018, on Instagram. "Can’t wait to be back on stage with my queen sis @catriona_gray and welcome all of you back to ARANETAAAA (iykyk)," Cordoves exclaimed in a separate social media post. She won 1st Runner-Up in Miss Grand International 2016 pageant The two beauties will host the Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night on Sunday evening, 28 May, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The post Hosts Catriona and Nicole pose for Binibining Pilipinas pictorial appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Making the most of Philippine Summer
Despite perennially reeling from the scorching heat, Filipinos nevertheless look forward to summer to take a break from the rigors of daily life and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. The months of March to May is always a time to enjoy the outdoors, as the Philippines, being a tropical country, is replete with summer destinations that local and foreign tourists go gaga about. Topping these getaway spots, hands down is the beach. With over 7,000 islands, the country boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Among the most popular are Boracay, Palawan and Siargao — all known for their crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands and stunning sunsets. [caption id="attachment_129829" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A boy ignoring warnings not to swim in polluted Manila Bay dives in to beat the summer heat as boats prepare for the fist annual regatta, 26 May 2002, aimed at increasing public awareness on the environment. The Philippine government has been taking steps to clean-up the historic bay, famed for its breath-taking sunsets, which has become a depository for trash and industrial waste in recent years. AFP PHOTO/Joel NITO (Photo by JOEL NITO / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129827" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tourists relax along a beach in Boracay island in Malay town, Aklan province, central Philippines on April 7, 2018. - The Philippine tourism industry scrambled on April 6 to manage the fallout from the temporary shutdown of its world-famous Boracay island, which threw into chaos trips planned by hundreds of thousands of tourists. (Photo by AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129828" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A surfer takes advantage of the conditions at Big Wave Bay on the southern side of Hong Kong island 05 July 2001 as tyhoon 'Utor' heads nearer to the territory after lashing southern Taiwan and the Philippines. 'Utor' one of the biggest typhoons to hit the South China Sea in thirty years is expected to hit landfall in southern China tommorrow morning coming close to Hong Kong at the same time.AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129830" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A tourist goes airborne while kite boarding in the waters of Boracay island on November 9, 2008. The white sand beach resort island is in center of controversy as investors and property owners accused the government of land grabbing following the 2006 proclamation by the Philippine government that the entire island belongs to the state. Boracay island located in central Philippines draws half a million tourists each year to its spectacular beaches, more than one sixth of tourist visitors to the country. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Aside from the beach, summertime is a chance to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and island hopping. Tourists take advantage of the summer months to explore the natural beauty of the country. [caption id="attachment_129826" align="aligncenter" width="525"] This picture taken on October 12, 2019 shows members of Myanmar's national surfing team resting during a competition on Ngwe Saung beach in Irrawaddy division, ahead of the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines. - Competitive surfing was barely known in Myanmar a few years ago but a group of super-stoked dudes and dudettes from a local beach town are riding a wave of enthusiasm to the Southeast Asian Games for the first time ever. (Photo by Ye Aung THU / AFP)[/caption] Among the more popular hiking spots are Mt. Pulag, Mt. Batulao and Mt Pinatubo which all offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Of course, we should not forget that summer in the Philippines is also a time for festivities. One of the most celebrated festivals during this season is the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon. The festival is held every May in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. During the event, the town is decorated with colorful kiping (rice wafers) and other agricultural products. [caption id="attachment_129831" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Children on a float made of native materials and decorated with vegetables and rice stalks parade on the streets for a contest ahead of the annual "Pahiyas" harvest festival in the town of Lucban, in Quezon province, south of Manila, 14 May 2005. During the festival, residents use native plants, vegetable products and rice paper to decorate their floats, homes and vehicles in imaginative ways. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Another popular festival during this time is the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. The festival is held every August and is a celebration of the city’s bountiful harvest. It is a colorful event that features street dancing, music and a parade of flowers. Whatever one fancies to beat the summer heat, there is always something to look forward to hereabouts. Whether one wants to relax, go on an adventure or celebrate, one can find it here in a paradise even tourists call paradise. The post Making the most of Philippine Summer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Atty. Eva Psychee Patalinjug: Lawyer, mother, entrepreneur
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Prepping for beauty pageants is as challenging as prepping for the bar examinations. But in the end, hard work and persistence paid off for Eva Psychee Patalinjug. Now, Eva not only holds the title Bb. Pilipinas 2018 Grand International but also the title attorney. The 29-year-old mother, entrepreneur, and director of […] The post Atty. Eva Psychee Patalinjug: Lawyer, mother, entrepreneur appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
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......»»
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