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Pacquiao too old for Paris Games, says Olympic body
The International Olympic Committee thumbs down the Philippines’ request to include boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in its 2024 Paris Games roster.....»»
Capuloy flies to South Korea to face Chinese foe
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Big Yellow Boxing Gym’s Rhonvex “The Body Snatcher” Capuloy flies to South Korea with his team to face Chinese ZhiGang Zhang in a non-title bout in Anseong City on Saturday, January 20, 2024. This will be the first fight abroad for the 27-year-old Capuloy, a native of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. No less.....»»
Tapales bares taking advice from Donaire ahead of Inoue showdown
Filipino boxing champion Marlon Tapales said he has received some words of wisdom from the man who had shattered Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue’s aura of invincibility......»»
Folayang pushed Tapales to embrace underdog tag vs Inoue
Former ONE FC lightweight Champion Eduard Folayang urged two-division boxing bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales to turn his “underdog” tag against Japan star Naoya Inoue as motivation ahead of their unification bout in December......»»
75: Diamond love for a rich, incomparable life
Seventy-five: More than it being the digits that scream seasoned and being on this planet for more than seven decades and five summers, this is the most opportune time to be grateful. This feeling stems from the fact that, by that time, I would still be alive and kicking ass, and a true survivor of personal and domestic battles, health crises, financial boom and gloom, the political landscape, leaders of this so-called democracy — the golden ones and greedy lot, imploding economies and falling regimes, the see-sawing peso, perhaps another pandemic, plus earthquakes, coup d’etats, volcanic eruptions, super typhoons, drought, famine, pestilence, wars, and also digital technology, creativity, the evolving arts and many more. [caption id="attachment_194558" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Seventy-five means being surrounded by loved ones. | PHOTOGRAPH Courtesy of unsplashpatricia prudente[/caption] Good old times Hitting 75 will make me more nostalgic of the good old times, when life was simpler and one had that drive and hunger to realize one’s dreams. It will make me long for friends and colleagues who have been gone to soon, felled by affliction or shocking tragedy, thus allowing me to appreciate lasting friendships and loyalties that are still with me. I will smile as I recollect the follies of my youth, the trials and triumphs of my adult life and, as they say in a song, “ang mga nakalipas na di na maaari at pwedeng balikan.” These feelings, of course, also bring some pangs of pain. But I get to appreciate all my experiences, good or bad, happy or sad, because I am what I am by then because of them. Seventy-five means being surrounded by loved ones — my partner, children, grandchildren, up to the apo sa tuhod and talampakan. The successes of my loved ones are also my success. Their pains I likewise carry, though I do not let them know about it. The reason I have become successful at this point is because I worked hard on being a good person first. Call me a sentimental fool, but success earned that also destroyed your humanity and corrupted your morality is not my definition of success and being successful. The people I love, those that I hold dearest in my heart and who are with me and surround me now, are the manifestations of the goodness at the core of my success. Legacy and vocation Seventy-five also means I have made a name for myself. And it is a name that not only is admired but respected and trusted. Whatever career I had chosen during my wonder years, it is now my legacy and has become my vocation. This name has been a product of blood, sweat and errors, sacrifices and victories. Of sticking to my core values always being kind, fair, honest and sincere, and making people feel good, important and treated with dignity. Whatever riches I have, I have earned and gained them through hard work, determination, tenacity and passion to be the best in my profession and personal vocation. My name is the most precious bequeathal I can make. When all else fails, I want people to remember me as a man who had a good name, a good heart and made a lot of people feel good. But 75 also means there are still so many years ahead to be curious, to learn new things, to be naughty if my body still permits it, to share stories, make people laugh, mentor others, teach and exclaim that indeed, life and the world are beautiful and wonderful. One’s diamond year deserves diamond-caliber love and celebration — for the rich life thus far, and the (hopefully) richer life still ahead. The post 75: Diamond love for a rich, incomparable life appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP
The Philippine National Police on Monday stressed that it is not seeing any postponement of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on 30 October amid the reported 2,594 areas of concern. PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that the PNP has recorded 246 “areas of grave concern” or under the red category while 1,248 villages are under the orange category and 1,100 are under the yellow category. “So far, we are not seeing any areas that may postpone the polls. All areas will be simultaneously doing or conducting the BSKE as scheduled. There are some areas that we think that needs additional troops like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Acorda said. “We have to send additional forces there and our deputy chief for operations are also preparing in coordination with the other agencies. If some areas will be challenging, we will render the appropriate measures,” he added. Areas listed under the red category would be under the Commission on Elections’ control and the poll body has the authority to augment security forces in the said areas. “With regards to the preparations for the barangay elections to our assessment and after the presentation of all the regional directors and after their meeting with the different Regional Joint Security Control Center, provincial JSCCs and of course on the national level, it’s a go for all of us,” said Acorda. The PNP chief revealed that the 246 “areas of grave concern” for the BSKE are mostly from Bicol, Eastern visayas and BARMM. “In BARMM alone we have 151, in Region 8 we have 60 and in Region 5 we have 21 this list is fluid, it may change anytime depending on the political climate in the area and these are being constantly monitored through our coordination with the Comelec, Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Acorda. He also said that the PNP keeping a close watch on 38 potential PAGs and four active PAGs ahead of the BSKE this year. The election period for the BSKE started on 28 August and will end on 29 November 2023. During this period, the Comelec mandates the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. The post BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Socorro town under close Comelec monitoring ahead of barangay, SK elections
The Commission on Elections said it is closely monitoring developments in Socorro municipality, Surigao del Norte ahead of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on 30 October. Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the poll body wants to ensure there will be no failure of election in the area. “Dapat maayos at makakaboto sila nang walang pressure, walang dikta ng kahit na sino, at the same time, base sa kung ano ang kalooban nila (They should be able to vote without pressure, no influence from others, but according to their will),” he said in a media interview on Thursday. The security situation in Socorro municipality is currently being assessed amid the ongoing investigation by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which began on Thursday. on the alleged presence of a shabu laboratory and a heavily armed private army within the town’s Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Sering, The senate joint panel is also investigating the alleged systematic rape, sexual abuse, trafficking, forced labor and child marriage in the area perpetrated by a local cult. “‘Yun ang issue sa Socorro and that’s the reason why the Comelec is monitoring closely the development in Socorro and likewise ‘yung hearing d’yan sa Senado (That’s the issue in Socorro and that’s the reason why Comelec is monitoring closely the development in Socorro and likewise the Senate hearing),” Garcia said. Garcia urged the town’s residents not to worry about a "possible postponement of the elections” in the area, as he noted that the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have not yet recommended deferring the election. “There should be no failure of election in any part of the country and we can hold the elections at all costs,” he added. The post Socorro town under close Comelec monitoring ahead of barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP tags 246 ‘areas of concern’ ahead of BSKE
Some 246 "areas of grave concern" are initially being monitored for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 30 October, the Philippine National Police said Monday. In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said these areas are classified under the red category of the election hotspot list and are mostly from Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. These would be put under the control of the Commission on Election. “The poll body has the authority to augment security forces in these areas,” she added. The PNP also categorized other hotspot areas under green, yellow, and orange lists. Green refers to areas that do not have security concerns and are generally peaceful and orderly. Fajardo said there are 1,100 villages under the yellow list which are “areas of concern” due to having a history of election-related incidents in the last elections, possible employment of partisan armed groups, occurrence of politically motivated election-related cases, and having been previously declared under Comelec control. The PNP also listed 1,248 villages under the orange list refers to “areas of immediate concern” where there is a serious armed threat. Fajardo said the PNP and the military will soon convene the National Joint Security Control Center to reconcile their records regarding the election hotspot list. The recommendation on the hotspot list would be then submitted to the Comelec en banc for final approval. The post PNP tags 246 ‘areas of concern’ ahead of BSKE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ultimate Fusion of Fitness and Germ Protection: Bioderm X Casino Wellness Weekend
In a spectacular fusion of health and hygiene, Bioderm and Casino proudly presented the much-awaited Wellness Weekend that left health enthusiasts exhilarated, relaxed, and germ-free. This event was held on 12 August at the vibrant Whitespace Manila on Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City. The event began with an enthusiastic registration and warm welcome for the esteemed guests from various corners of the National Capital Region. An invigorating opening remark by a prominent Gym Instructor and Health Enthusiast set the tone for the eventful day ahead. The attendees were then treated to an unforgettable workout session, followed by a soul-soothing yoga class that stretched their muscles and their sense of tranquility. The combination of these fitness activities left everyone energized and ready for more. Post-workout, a spread of nutritious and refreshing food and drinks awaited the participants, ensuring they replenished their energy in the healthiest way possible. The event culminated with a memorable class photo, capturing the radiant smiles of individuals who had enjoyed a day well-spent in pursuit of both fitness and wellness. Your perfect workout companions The dynamic duo of Bioderm Coolness and Casino Active was central to the Wellness Weekend. These innovative products seamlessly incorporated hygiene into the participants' workout routines, ensuring that their efforts were matched by optimal germ protection. Bioderm Coolness, with its remarkable 99.9% germ-killing action, guarantees up to 24-hour protection against germs. Infused with refreshing menthol crystals, it leaves a cooling sensation on the skin, enhancing the bathing experience beyond the ordinary. Casino Active stands as a testament to innovative hygiene solutions. It contains active ingredients that obliterate 99.9% of germs while combating body odor for up to 8 hours. The calm and fresh scent Casino Active offers makes it the ideal companion for the active individual seeking all-day freshness. Join the movement The attendees resonated with the event's message, spreading the word about their newfound affinity for Bioderm Coolness and Casino Active. As one influencer passionately exclaimed, "My workout is never complete without Bioderm Coolness and Casino Active. No more worries about germs and that sticky feeling!" The post Ultimate Fusion of Fitness and Germ Protection: Bioderm X Casino Wellness Weekend appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan begins release of water from Fukushima nuclear plant
Japan began releasing wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant on Thursday in an operation it insists is safe but has generated a fierce backlash from China. The beginning of the discharge of around 540 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water into the Pacific over several decades is a big step in decommissioning the still highly dangerous site 12 years after one of the world's worst nuclear accidents. Live video provided by plant operator TEPCO showed engineers behind computer screens and an official saying -- after a countdown -- that the "valves near the seawater transport pumps are opening." Monitors from the UN atomic watchdog, which has endorsed the plan, were due to be on site for the procedure, while TEPCO workers were scheduled to take water samples later on Thursday. Ahead of the operation, about 10 people held a protest near the site and around 100 others gathered outside TEPCO headquarters in Tokyo, AFP journalists said. "It's like dumping an atomic bomb in the ocean. Japan is the first country that was attacked with an atomic bomb in the world, and the prime minister of the country made this decision," said Kenichi Sato, 68. China's environment ministry on Thursday blasted Japan's plan as "extremely selfish and irresponsible", saying it would "track and study" the impact on its waters. - Multiple meltdowns - With around 1,000 steel containers holding the water, TEPCO has said it needs to clear space for the removal of highly dangerous radioactive nuclear fuel and rubble from the wrecked reactors. Three of the reactors at the Fukushima-Daiichi facility in northeastern Japan went into meltdown following a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people in 2011. Since then, TEPCO has collected 1.34 million cubic metres of water contaminated as it cooled the wrecked reactors, along with groundwater and rain that has seeped in. TEPCO will carry out four releases of the treated water from Thursday until March 2024. The first discharge will take about 17 days. About 5 trillion becquerels -- a measure of radioactivity -- of tritium will be released this fiscal year, TEPCO added. Japan insists that all radioactive elements have been filtered out except the tritium, levels of which are harmless and lower than what is discharged by operational nuclear power plants, including in China. This is backed by most experts. "When released into the Pacific, the tritium is further diluted into a vast body of water and would quickly get to a radioactivity level which is not discernibly different from normal seawater," said Tom Scott from the University of Bristol in England. "Hence, it poses very little risk and the risk itself decreases with time due to the relatively short radioactive half-life... meaning that the amount of tritium (and hence the risk) continually reduces." - Sushi safety - Not everyone is convinced, with environmental group Greenpeace saying that the filtration process is flawed, and China and Russia suggesting the water be vaporised and released into the atmosphere instead. China has accused Japan of treating the Pacific like a "sewer", and even before the release, Beijing banned food imports from 10 out of 47 Japanese prefectures and imposed radiation checks. Hong Kong and Macau, both Chinese territories, followed suit this week. Restaurants in Beijing and Hong Kong serving sushi and sashimi are already reeling from the restrictions. "About 80 percent of the seafood products we use come from Japan," Hong Kong caterer Jasy Choi, who runs a small kitchen for takeaway Japanese food, told AFP. "If more than half of my Japan-imported ingredients are affected, then it would be difficult for me to continue to operate." Analysts said that while China may have genuine safety concerns, its strong reaction is also at least in part motivated by its economic rivalry and frosty relations with Japan. The South Korean government, which is seeking to improve ties with Japan, has not objected although many ordinary people are worried and have staged protests. Social media posts in China and South Korea have included false claims about the release including doctored images of deformed fish with claims they were linked to Fukushima. burs-stu/cwl © Agence France-Presse The post Japan begins release of water from Fukushima nuclear plant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Japan begins release of water from Fukushima nuclear plant
Japan began releasing wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant on Thursday in an operation it insists is safe but has generated a fierce backlash from China. The beginning of the discharge of around 540 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water into the Pacific over several decades is a big step in decommissioning the still highly dangerous site 12 years after one of the world's worst nuclear accidents. Live video provided by plant operator TEPCO showed engineers behind computer screens and an official saying -- after a countdown -- that the "valves near the seawater transport pumps are opening." Monitors from the UN atomic watchdog, which has endorsed the plan, were due to be on site for the procedure, while TEPCO workers were scheduled to take water samples later on Thursday. Ahead of the operation, about 10 people held a protest near the site and around 100 others gathered outside TEPCO headquarters in Tokyo, AFP journalists said. "It's like dumping an atomic bomb in the ocean. Japan is the first country that was attacked with an atomic bomb in the world, and the prime minister of the country made this decision," said Kenichi Sato, 68. China's environment ministry on Thursday blasted Japan's plan as "extremely selfish and irresponsible", saying it would "track and study" the impact on its waters. Multiple meltdowns With around 1,000 steel containers holding the water, TEPCO has said it needs to clear space for the removal of highly dangerous radioactive nuclear fuel and rubble from the wrecked reactors. Three of the reactors at the Fukushima-Daiichi facility in northeastern Japan went into meltdown following a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people in 2011. Since then, TEPCO has collected 1.34 million cubic metres of water contaminated as it cooled the wrecked reactors, along with groundwater and rain that has seeped in. TEPCO will carry out four releases of the treated water from Thursday until March 2024. The first discharge will take about 17 days. About 5 trillion becquerels -- a measure of radioactivity -- of tritium will be released this fiscal year, TEPCO added. Japan insists that all radioactive elements have been filtered out except the tritium, levels of which are harmless and lower than what is discharged by operational nuclear power plants, including in China. This is backed by most experts. "When released into the Pacific, the tritium is further diluted into a vast body of water and would quickly get to a radioactivity level which is not discernibly different from normal seawater," said Tom Scott from the University of Bristol in England. "Hence, it poses very little risk and the risk itself decreases with time due to the relatively short radioactive half-life... meaning that the amount of tritium (and hence the risk) continually reduces." Sushi safety Not everyone is convinced, with environmental group Greenpeace saying that the filtration process is flawed, and China and Russia suggesting the water be vaporised and released into the atmosphere instead. China has accused Japan of treating the Pacific like a "sewer", and even before the release, Beijing banned food imports from 10 out of 47 Japanese prefectures and imposed radiation checks. Hong Kong and Macau, both Chinese territories, followed suit this week. Restaurants in Beijing and Hong Kong serving sushi and sashimi are already reeling from the restrictions. "About 80 percent of the seafood products we use come from Japan," Hong Kong caterer Jasy Choi, who runs a small kitchen for takeaway Japanese food, told AFP. "If more than half of my Japan-imported ingredients are affected, then it would be difficult for me to continue to operate." Analysts said that while China may have genuine safety concerns, its strong reaction is also at least in part motivated by its economic rivalry and frosty relations with Japan. The South Korean government, which is seeking to improve ties with Japan, has not objected although many ordinary people are worried and have staged protests. Social media posts in China and South Korea have included false claims about the release including doctored images of deformed fish with claims they were linked to Fukushima. The post Japan begins release of water from Fukushima nuclear plant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mapúa leads health sciences studies in Mindanao
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that employment in the healthcare field is projected to grow by 13 percent from 2021 to 2031. [caption id="attachment_172840" align="aligncenter" width="777"] MAPÚA MCM College of Health Sciences boast of immersive simulation where students can work on 3D anatomical models.[/caption] This increase indicates the creation of two million jobs over a span of 10 years, a much higher than the average for all occupations. With this, students who wish to pursue a career in the medical field have a plethora of options waiting for them locally and abroad. Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao establishes its mastery in the said field through its College of Health Sciences. Programs include BS Biology, BS Psychology, BS Pharmacy, and BS Physical Therapy. Opportunities provided to students encompass global learning, advanced research,and digital technology. Mapúa MCM’s College of Health Sciences has collaborated with Arizona State University to hone pre-med students to be globally ready, be proficient with advanced and immersive facilities and digital mastery. Arizona State University is ranked #1 in the US innovation ahead of MIT and Stanford for eight consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report. ASU is also among the top one percent of universities worldwide, ranked by the Center for World University Ranking 2022-2023 and among the top 150 universities worldwide by the Shanghai Ranking, 2022. MAPÚA MCM College of Health Sciences is one of the few schools in the region that boasts of immersive simulation rooms where students can work on 3D anatomical models, virtual dissection tables and human body projections via AI. But above and beyond technological innovations, MAPÚA MCM College of Health Sciences ensures that their students are anchored on solid ethics and human values through hands-on experience and real-world exposure. Its students undergo internships in hospitals, clinics and community centers where they learn about promotion, prevention, treatment and intervention as they get to interact with real patients. “The medical field is an ever-evolving industry, and the demand for healthcare workers is stronger now than ever. We build our capacity to address this gap through a collaboration with the Healthway network, wherein we streamline the career path of our students — from school to internships and hands-on clinical rotations, straight to career opportunities,” Dr. Adorico M. Aya-ay, dean of the MAPÚA MCM College of Health Sciences, said. MAPÚA MCM also substantiates its faculty members by sending them to train and seminars abroad to learn from experts worldwide. The post Mapúa leads health sciences studies in Mindanao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Disney streaming service sees subscribers fall again
Disney on Wednesday reported a loss for the most recent quarter, with the number of subscribers to its streaming service shrinking again, but a pledge to crack down on password sharing sent shares higher in after-market trades. The falling Disney+ subscriber numbers -- for the third consecutive quarter -- came as a crippling writers and actors strike hits the US entertainment industry, threatening the company's ability to produce content key to the streaming service's appeal. "It is my fervent hope that we quickly find solutions to the issues that have kept us apart these past few months," chief executive Bob Iger, whose contract has been extended through 2026, said of negotiations with striking actors and writers. "I am personally committed to working to achieve this result." Hollywood television and movie writers went on their first strike in 15 years in May, only to be joined in mid-July by actors. The last time Hollywood writers laid down their pens and keyboards, in 2007, the strike lasted 100 days and cost Los Angeles's entertainment economy around $2 billion. This time, the two sides are clashing as writers demand higher pay, minimum guarantees of stable employment and a greater share of profits from the boom in streaming, while studios say they must cut costs due to economic pressures. The current double whammy of actors and writers is the first since the 1960s. At issue for both labor groups in the age of streaming is better pay and residuals, and the role of artificial intelligence, which they fear the studios would like to use to replace them. As things stand, neither the unions nor the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the body that represents the studios, seems prepared to give ground. Password sharing a 'priority' Disney+ finished the quarter with 146.1 million subscribers, compared with just shy of 158 million in the first three months of this year, the group said. All but a sliver of the loss in Disney+ subscribers took place in India, where the entertainment titan early this year lost rights to stream popular Premier League cricket matches. Rival Netflix recently reported that its subscriptions climbed by nearly six million in the wake of its crackdown on password sharing. Iger told financial analysts that Disney+ password sharing is "significant" and that the company plans to start tackling the situation. "We already have the technical capability to monitor much of this," Iger said. "We're going to get at this issue; we certainly have established this as a real priority." Disney announced it will raise its streaming service subscription price in the United States to $14 monthly starting October 12, an increase of $3. The company also expanded availability of an ad-supported Disney+ tier to Canada and parts of Europe. Third Bridge analyst Jamie Lumley believes Disney+ has "a long road ahead" to becoming profitable. "Our experts expect that 2025 is a more realistic timeline to achieve profitability than next year," Lumley said. "Especially considering factors like the dual strike in Hollywood and relatively weak reception of Disney's content by audiences." Disney shares were up more than 2 percent to $90 in after market trades despite the drop in streaming service subscriber numbers and a posted loss of $460 million in the quarter. The unusual quarterly loss for the company was due to charges related to ending licensing agreements and yanking content from its streaming platforms. Disney reported that its theme parks and cruise business continued to rebound from the pandemic, even while its traditional television offerings face a trend of ad dollars shifting to online viewing alternatives. Iger said in the earnings call that streaming, film studios and theme parks will drive its growth in the coming five years. "On the traditional TV side, losses continue to mount as CEO Bob Iger looks to offload what he now considers non-core assets, including the ABC Network," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Paul Verna. "These adverse trends are compounded by economic uncertainty, a soft ad market, increased competition in streaming media, labor disputes with screenwriters and actors, and lackluster box office numbers for Disney's films." The post Disney streaming service sees subscribers fall again appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pompous Pompeii
POMPEII, Italy — The main attraction on this once lively and bustling ancient civilization is not the Temple of Jupiter nor the Spectacula, a 20,000-capacity amphitheater that was built a century ahead of the more famous Colloseum in Rome. [caption id="attachment_163984" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Entry pass to the Pompeii Ruins.[/caption] [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="163981,163982"] [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="163979,163986"] While these sites are fascinating to look at, they don’t compare to the sight of the plastered bodies of Pompeiians who were caught unaware by the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the fall of 79 AD. [caption id="attachment_163983" align="aligncenter" width="1125"] Exhibit shows an inhabitant of Pompeii who had been petrified during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.[/caption] Placed inside a glass and metal showcases, a medium-built woman, her body covered in liquid plaster — a smart technique used in the mid-1800s to preserve the form of bodies — drew the most oohs and aahs from a pack of tourists that make up the 2.5 million that visit the site yearly. “She was a servant,” the lady tour guide said, noting the strap around her waist, a clear symbol of her lowly status. After Vesuvius turned violent for almost two days, around 2,000 inhabitants of the city were killed by the pyroclastic flow, a lethal mixture of fast-moving lava pieces, ash and hot gases. Aside from the woman being consistently gawked at by a flock of curious onlookers, another area holds a bigger number of embalmed victims: 13. Discovered in 1961, the bodies — covered in hardened ash and volcanic debris — are on display at the Garden of the Fugitives. Though the bodies included children, those who lost their lives consisted of masters and servants and a family who all thought they could flee the suffocating blanket of pumice. But the sheer volume of toxic gases and ashes caused asphyxiation, a deadly condition that killed most of the natives as they attempted to escape. Many had thought that the sky was falling during the eruption that also buried the neighboring town of Herculaneum, just 15 kilometers away at the foot of Vesuvius. But unlike in Pompeii, only 300 skeletal remains were found there. Here, authorities have ruled that a large portion of the ruins will no longer be excavated so archaeologists with better technology in the future can study them well. Recently, a previously unexcavated spot produced several bodies more of the vicious volcano that, incidentally, is overdue for another eruption. Visiting Pompeii, though, is not just for geeks. Outside the main entrance of the ruins, several specialty restaurants line up the street, teasing tourists with tasty Italian favorites like creamy carbonara adorned with chunks of guanciale (pork jowl) and pizza Margherita. Sellers also display cute souvenirs like ref magnets, keychains and eye-catching shirts to make the journey extra memorable. And if you’re coming from nearby Naples, the main train station is a short walk from the ruins, making the day trip convenient and comfy. The post Pompous Pompeii appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t eyes MILF decommissioning completion ahead of 2025 BARMM parliament election
The government is targeting to complete the decommissioning of the remaining 1,301 Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants ahead of the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliament election in 2025, with the third phase of the decommissioning process slated to begin on 3 August. This was announced by Presidential Adviser on Reconciliation, Peace, and Unity, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., during the 2023 post-State of the Nation Address or SoNA forum held in Pasay City on Wednesday late afternoon. “Actually it’s a way earlier because we are targeting to finish the decommissioning before the BARMM election 2025 along with parallel programs of the government for the former combatants,” Galvez told reporters in an interview. The peace adviser noted around 24,600 former MILF combatants have already been decommissioned since the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Reconciliation and Unity as well as Independent Decommissioning Body, began facilitating the first and second phases of the program. A total of 19,345 MILF combatants have availed of the first phase of decommissioning in 2015 and the second phase from 2019 to 2020. At least 5,500 MILF combatants underwent decommissioning until end-December of 2022. Galvez said the decommissioning program comes with the provision of emergency employment, social entrepreneurship projects, and skills development training to the former combatants. “It’s very critical that we build on the peace gains and ensure continuing progress in the BARMM,” he added. Under the decommissioning program, qualified family beneficiaries were also given a Bangsamoro Transitory Family Support Package amounting to P80,000 and P20,000 worth of Livelihood Settlement Grants. This program is part of the normalization track under the Bangsamoro Organic Law—which is designed for the peaceful reintegration of former combatants into their communities with several support packages provided by the concerned national agencies and local government units. The post Gov’t eyes MILF decommissioning completion ahead of 2025 BARMM parliament election appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vingegaard wins second successive Tour de France
Jonas Vingegaard won his second successive Tour de France on Sunday after Jordi Meeus claimed the final stage honors on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Denmark's Vingegaard of the Jumbo-Visma team crossed the finish line after the 21-day race 7min 29sec ahead of Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, the champion in 2020 and 2021. Pogacar's UAE teammate Adam Yates of Great Britain rounded out the top three podium. Vingegaard's winning margin was the largest since 2014 when Italian Vincenzo Nibali took the fabled champion's yellow jersey by 7min 39sec. "I enjoyed fighting for this win with 'Pogi' and Yates, but now I'm just looking forward to having a nice dinner here in Paris with my family," said the champion. "It was a long, hard race and one day ran into another but there's a feeling of being proud and happy. "Winning for the second time is amazing with all the Danish people here. I hope to come back to take a third win, at least try it." Despite finishing runner-up, Pogacar was happy to focus on the positives. "Considering everything it's been a great Tour, I have to be happy with that," Pogacar said after picking up his best young rider jersey for the fourth time. "We have two guys on the podium, and I won two stages and the white jersey. I love cycling," he said. The final stage was won by outsider Meeus of the Bora team, with Jasper Philipsen denied a fifth stage win on this Tour right at the line in a photo finish. "What a wonderful finish, it's been such a high level Tour," said the surprise stage winner. - Cracked - The world's greatest bike race provided tense drama with spectacular backdrops as Vingegaard and Pogacar remained separated by seconds until the Dane edged ahead with a sensational individual time trial last Tuesday. The following day, on a 28km climb to the ski resort of Courchevel, Pogacar cracked, shouting "I'm gone, I'm dead" before Vingegaard killed off the race with a sensational final climb. The event had been billed as a showdown between the defending champion Vingegaard and Pogacar, who has won the Tour twice and now come second twice. Tour director Christian Prudhomme used boxing terms to describe the struggle. "They went 15 rounds and then there was a punch in the gut, a knee on the floor and a knock out punch," he said Sunday. All time great Eddy Merckx told AFP the pair had delivered a thrilling show. "Pogacar is a more complete rider, but in the high mountains at least, Vingegaard remains the stronger," he said. "I don't know what happened to me. I took on too much this year and after two weeks I started to look as white as this shirt," said runner-up Pogacar, pointing to his best under-25 rider's white jersey. Pogacar started well enough, taking minor advantages in the Basque hills until Vingegaard attacked on the first mountain stage in the Pyrenees to take the overall leader's yellow jersey. And while Pogacar clawed back a few seconds here and there, the defending champion never relinquished the lead all the way to Paris. Runner-up in 2021, the softly-spoken Vingegaard was the only rider to challenge the Slovenian prodigy in the high mountains. In 2022, he went one step higher and won the title at altitude, and it proved to be the case again in 2023, but with a Tour of such poise and dominance his claim to be targeting a third straight title must be taken seriously. "The Tour de France is the greatest race in the world," beamed the 26-year-old. "There's something so special about it and I can tell you I'll be back again next year to try and win it again." dmc/dj © Agence France-Presse The post Vingegaard wins second successive Tour de France appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solving China, Russia
Dear Editor Seeing the problem for what it truly is means half solving it. Both Russia and China have stubborn false views/beliefs and false historical narratives, coupled with avarice, in coveting what is not theirs. That’s the bottom line. Both nations need to see this. And that is the solution to the crises they have created, the peaceful way. Russia has harbored resentment against independent Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and hallucinates that Ukraine is still part of “Mother Russia,” as opposed to the historic Act signed by Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Ukraine’s first president Leonid Kravchuk on 8 December 1991, recognizing Ukraine as an independent country. It was overwhelmingly approved by the people (90 percent) of Ukraine in a referendum even before the formal accord declaring their independence. China, for its part, in claiming almost all (90 percent) of the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea has only its own fabled “nine-dash line” to back up and defend its robbery or its continuing illegal occupation of the disputed sea. Studies and research by international experts and history professors disprove the “line.” Can we imagine if all nations created their own story and map artwork of the “nine-dash line” to invade neighboring territories? The situation in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China is no different from the ongoing senseless, savage Russia-Ukraine war which Russia started and continues to inflame. It is a war better called the “Russia War.” May sanity prevail and humanity in humans triumph. Stop the bloodshed. China’s bullying is not limited to its bullying of our fishermen. It is depictive of its impudence and defiance of international law, more so its disrespect and contempt for our ethos and dignity as a people and nation. Imperious. BBM would do well to take every “goodwill” gesture of China to the Philippines with a grain of salt, if not view it as an act of ill will. Any help, aid, or “trade cooperation” China has offered and may offer in the future is and would be meaningless, and could be construed as fraught with bad intentions — unless they repent. China used to be a good friend to the Philippines, but not anymore. Dear officials of the land, beware of the present Chinese officials playing (subtle) the “forbidden fruit” game. Don’t bite the bug or the bait. Succumb not. What they are doing in the West Philippine Sea is unprecedented and indefensible. Open your eyes. Be very careful in dealing with them until they behave and cease their aggressions and juvenile sweeping claims to the contested body of water. Go ahead, dear senators, with your proposal to bring the WPS row to the United Nations for another just, intelligent decision/resolution of the brewing time bomb (for the world) on account of the incessant robber of foreign territories. It is a wise move. There are only two “ifs” — two crucial “ifs” — for China and the world to ponder upon. One is, if China won’t still budge and recognize another international ruling, this time by the United Nations no less, then all nations, not only the Philippines, should brace themselves for the undesirable. The other “if” is: If the Chinese leaders can’t and will not really accept the 2016 ruling of the arbitral tribunal rejecting its “nine-dash line” myth, before the action/decision of the United Nations, the only remaining wise thing left for them to do is to accept reason and justness. By doing so, they may engage our country and the rest of the claimant countries involved in the WPS row in a dialogue (serious, transparent, and sincere) to reach a compromise “win-win solution” for all — for the sake of peace and the saving of lives, and the preservation of our planet. Play fair and humane. That is even wiser. “God will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.” — Psalm 9:8 (NLT) The post Solving China, Russia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ICC ruling coming on OSG appeal
The appeals chamber of the International Criminal Court or ICC will render its ruling on Tuesday, 18 July, on whether to stop or allow the investigation into the alleged drug war-related killings in the Philippines to continue. Specifically, the appeals chamber will rule on the appeal of Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra against a decision of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I authorizing the ICC prosecutor to go on with the probe. Guevarra had received flak from local legal luminaries for filing motions and appeals that “ran against and undermined” the position of the Duterte and Marcos administrations that the ICC had no jurisdiction over the Philippines. In filing the appeal, the Office of the Solicitor General recognized the ICC, several lawyers pointed out. Last March, Guevarra tried to defend the appeal he filed before the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, which the latter denied. Guevarra had said the ICC could conduct an investigation, whether or not the Philippine government cooperated with its probe. At the time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, “That ends all our involvement with the ICC.” “We don’t have a next move. The appeal has failed. And there’s, in our view, nothing more that we, in the government, can do,” he added. Guevarra, however, went ahead and elevated the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision and denial of his appeal to the ICC Appeals Chamber. The appellate body will decide on that appeal next week. Strategy shift “When we filed our brief, we shifted our strategy and, instead of focusing on previous arguments about the sufficiency of our domestic investigation, we focused on the legal errors of the pre-trial chamber,” Guevarra said. The ICC prosecutor sought to investigate the alleged drug war killings during the time Duterte was mayor of Davao City and later as president, covering the period from November 2011 to March 2019. Marcos adopted Duterte’s position that the Philippines is a sovereign nation with a fully functioning justice system that the ICC should not encroach on. Duterte said he would not allow the ICC to catch him, stressing that he should be judged in the Philippines by Filipinos, and not by foreigners in a body (ICC) that was not even ratified by the country. The Philippines notified the ICC on 17 March 2018 of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute that created the ICC. The withdrawal took effect a year later, on 17 March 2019. In reaction, the ICC prosecutor maintained that it could still investigate the killings pre-dating the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute. Four grounds Before the ICC appeals chamber, the OSG cited four grounds to reverse the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s original decision greenlighting the probe. First, the pre-trial chamber erred “in law in finding that the Court could exercise its jurisdiction on the basis that the Philippines was a State party “at the time of the alleged crimes’ and that the ‘ensuing obligations’ of the Rome Statute remained applicable notwithstanding the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Statute.” Second, the pre-trial chamber erred in finding that the Philippines’ domestic investigations were not genuine. The pre-trial chamber failed to take into account the impact of the ICC’s decision on the Philippines’ national security interest. Third, the chamber failed to consider the principle of complementarity, which states that the ICC could only intervene when national authorities were unwilling or unable to investigate and prosecute crimes. Fourth, the ICC had no jurisdiction to investigate the drug war killings because the Philippines had withdrawn from the Rome Statute in 2019. The ICC prosecutor, Karim Khan, argued that the ICC could investigate the drug war killings since they were committed while the Philippines was still a member of the Rome Statute. The post ICC ruling coming on OSG appeal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thai PM bet faces suspension
Thailand’s frontrunning candidate for prime minister found himself facing disqualification and possible charges Wednesday as the Election Commission alleged he violated campaign rules for parliamentarians. The EC recommended Wednesday to the Constitutional Commission Pita Limjaroenrat’s suspension as a member of parliament after its investigation determined he owns a defunct broadcast company which is not allowed for MPs. “The Election Commission has considered the issue... and perceives that the status of Pita Limcharoenrat is considered to be voided, according to the Thai Constitution,” EC said in a statement Wednesday, adding that it had concluded its probe. Move Forward Party’s Pita accused the EC of “abuse of power.” “The decision to submit a case to the court saying there was enough evidence, without informing him of any charges and not allowing him a chance to explain as under the regulations set by the EC... is an abuse of power under the criminal code,” MFP said in a statement. Chairman Ittiporn Boonprakong confirmed to Agence France-Presse the body’s recommendation. The EC stated that Pita is the holder of iTV shares during the election registration date. If found guilty in court, he could be barred from politics while facing up to 10 years in prison. Pita says he inherited the shares in the television station, which has not broadcast since 2007, from his father. The decision throws yet another hurdle ahead of Pita’s path to the premiership. Although backed by an eight-party coalition, he is still 64 votes short of the absolute majority required to surpass the junta-appointed senators. Many oppose Pita and his party because of their determination to amend Thailand’s tough royal defamation laws that protect King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family. The post Thai PM bet faces suspension appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU moves closer to launching digital euro
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday took its first significant step towards launching a digital version of the euro, a controversial project that has been questioned by politicians and banks. From China to the United States, Jamaica to Japan, more than 100 central banks worldwide are exploring or preparing to put in place digital currencies as electronic payments grow, changing the way people spend their money. The move to create a digital version of the single currency began in 2020 when European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde suggested the idea and her Frankfurt-based body launched a public consultation. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, published a proposal on Wednesday that will be the legal foundation on which the ECB could launch a digital euro. The currency would be available to individuals living in the euro area and for visitors. It would offer an additional payment option for citizens to use online and offline with their digital wallets, thus ensuring as much anonymity as coins and banknotes. The final law must be backed by the EU's 27 member states and the European Parliament. Digital euro enthusiasts say it will complement cash and ensure the ECB does not leave a gap later filled by private -- usually non-EU -- players and other central banks. "Given that the euro is already the world's second most-traded currency, it is not an area where can afford to stay behind the curve. We need to move ahead with a digital currency," commission vice president Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters. Critics question the need for a digital euro and banks warn of major risks, while the ECB's own study found the public was concerned over payment privacy. The ECB and the commission "have yet to make a compelling case of why we need the digital euro and what added value it will deliver," German MEP Markus Ferber said. Benefits 'outweigh' costs The commission's proposal argued that the digital euro's "long-term benefits... outweigh its costs" and warned, "the costs of no action can potentially be very large". Lagarde said in March that the digital currency was important for resilience and to "safeguard European payment autonomy". Many means of payment are "not necessarily European", she noted, adding it was "very unhealthy to rely on one single source of payment". US giants Visa and Mastercard currently dominate the global card payment market. Others argue, however, that the bloc's plans spell trouble unless the EU takes necessary other steps. Banks have warned of the risk of bank runs as customers could hold their funds in digital euro accounts and wallets, moving them away from the banks' balance sheets. "To shield banks from the risk of deposit flight and to limit the negative impact on banks' ability to finance the economy, it is important to set appropriate and firm limits in holdings and transactions," the European Banking Federation said on Wednesday. The proposal indicates there will be a limit to how much money people can keep in digital euros. ECB officials have suggested a cap of 3,000 euros ($3,300). The digital currency will be granted "legal tender" status, meaning it must be accepted as payment. But there would be exceptions, including for small businesses that do not accept any form of digital payment. The ECB is set to give the formal green light to a digital euro in October and the expectation is it would be available from 2027 onwards. The ECB welcomed the commission's proposal, which it said offered "private intermediaries appropriate economic incentives to distribute the digital euro as they do other digital means of payment while preventing excessive fees for merchants". Privacy concerns The ECB has a difficult battle to win over Europeans. A public consultation showed that the number one priority when it comes to the digital euro is privacy. To calm people's fears, the ECB has stressed it would not attempt to control how people can spend digital currency or use it for surveillance, as critics claim is the case in China. "This is not a Big Brother project for online payments," the EU's financial services commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, said during a press conference in Brussels. "With the digital euro, the data privacy will be the same as for existing private digital means of payment. For offline payments, the data privacy will be even higher." The commission's proposal said the digital euro "will be designed so as to minimize the processing of personal data by payment services providers" and the ECB. The post EU moves closer to launching digital euro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»