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Ebrahim calls for unity as BARMM marks 5th anniversary
COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 21 January) — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) marked its fifth of the six-year transition government, which is led by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), on Sunday, January 21. Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, also the MILF chair, banged the gong Sunday morning, symbolizing the […].....»»
Skin in the game
Where do you find yourself in the skincare spectrum? Are you still assiduously doing your 13-step Korean beauty routine, convincing everybody your glistening face is not “hulas,” but glass skin? “The word is dew-y!” Or are you the basic sunscreen, a chemical and physical exfoliant or two, maybe slathering a peptide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or whatever serum is in vogue type? Or are you, “I will fight the ravages of time until my skin is as taut as a drum head and as supple as clouds, or I die trying?” In a crowded field littered with skin and beauty “CEOs” being as high profile as the brands they carry, Skin Manila is positioning itself as a sober alternative, anywhere between Glenda, Rosmar (If you don’t recognize these names, maybe get thee a Tiktok app, Luddite!), the basic aesthetic clinics, and the Belo-Aivee industrial complex. Skin Manila has been around for a decade, and the brand quietly expanded to nine branches without much fanfare and hype, but they’re beginning to introduce it to a much wider audience. The company’s choice of name — Skin Manila — even has a generic bent to it. This is something they have done on purpose, trying to be above the fray of the skincare noise and hype, but also smack dab in the middle in terms of accessibility and affordability. Even Skin Manila’s retail line is called Prescription Skin Care, which calls to mind a no-frills approach, although a glance at the ingredient label will see active ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid in their creams and serums. One of Skin Manila’s most successful branches is in Baguio, already bedecked with a Christmas-winter theme where people keep taking selfies. This is where we found ourselves trying its services, during its first anniversary. Apparently, red-cheeked Baguio denizens with what seems like the perfect temperate weather for good skin aren’t taking any chances. Skin Manila offers infusion treatments, cosmetic surgery services, rejuvenation and skin repair, but a signature treatment I chose is the ALMA-Q/PICOLASE Carbon Facial (P8,000) because it sounded like a spacecraft model, and as someone middle-aged, you know you need something industrial strength. This is described on the brochure as “a non-invasive, painless laser skin facial that uses a formulated carbon liquid applied to the face that quickly and effectively treats a variety of skin imperfections. It is suitable for all skin types and particularly beneficial for oily skin, blackheads, enlarged pores, dull rough, uneven textured skin and acne.” [caption id="attachment_193124" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] The Exilis is used to contour both face and body.[/caption] As the kind of person who registers a mere 2.1 on the tiis ganda scale, I wouldn’t call this procedure completely painless. You feel fluttery pinpricks when the laser hits the skin because a fan is administered alongside, so the pain skates away, but the memory of it stays? (Yes, this is still about skincare) along with the smell of singed hair? Flesh? This is definitely medical grade. This is presumably nothing but a cakewalk to someone who’s already used to all sorts of facial treatments, but if a client is particularly pain-sensitive, the nurse can administer Emla, a topical cream-based anaesthetic. This same procedure is definitely painless on the underarms because skin is thicker there, and is more used to trauma with waxing and depillating. The laser definitely stimulates collagen because immediately after treatment, your face feels very soft, but the results would reveal themselves over a couple of days and weeks. One of our companions said he received compliments days later from people who didn’t know about his facials. The carbon facial is also supposed to reduce hyperpigmentation, which the aestheticist said wasn’t actually my main problem, and I could feel the smugness of my 14-year-old self for deciding to have an at-the-very-least-SPF-15-sunscreen-on-your-face routine whatever else happens because that’s what I read on the pages of Glamour in the late ‘80s. One of my other companions tried the Exilis Face and Neck Contour (P5,000), “which is supposed to contour and tighten the skin by forcing heat deeply into the skin while using cooling technology. The optimal heat stimulates heat production of collagen, which tightens skin, and reduces wrinkles.” He took a picture of his face when one side had already been treated and this half did appear visibly slimmer. According to the clinic brochure, this type of facial is for maintenance after you’ve done the other medical-grade facials. Aesthetic centers are like salons, where you go to a particular one because they make you feel good and pampered. Stephanie Nuestro, general manager of Skin Manila, said this is a large part of their training. “Customer training is as important as the technical know-how of machines…all our aestheticians are nurses.” No matter where you find yourself in your skincare journey, the old adage remains true — the most effective skincare routine is the one you’re able to stick to. The post Skin in the game appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lauryn Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers draw fans to rainy Central Park aid fest
Lauryn Hill, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jungkook drew tens of thousands of fans to Central Park despite torrential rains, as part of a marathon concert urging global development aid. Majestic rap icon Lauryn Hill graced the stage as her seminal album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" turns 25, performing her smash single "Doo Wop (That Thing)" and reuniting The Fugees during the Global Citizen festival in New York. The legendary hip-hop trio performed tracks including "Killing Me Softly" and "Ready Or Not." "Africa needs to control their own natural resources. Haiti needs to control their own natural resources. The world, we need to stop famine," said member Wyclef Jean to cheers, as fans waved their lit phones. The message was in line with the aims of the day, which marries musical performance with calls to increase funding against global ills including poverty and climate change. The Red Hot Chili Peppers closed out the night with a set throwing back to their classics including "Can't Stop," "Scar Tissue," "Dani California," "Snow (Hey Oh)" and "Californication." And Jungkook had the poncho-clad crowd screaming and swaying along as he serenaded them with hits including "Still With You." Wearing acid-wash jeans and a brown shirt, the megastar told fans it was necessary to "make an impact together to make sure everyone, everywhere has access to their basic rights like food and education." He wasn't billed as a headliner but Jungkook was a major draw of the night: many drenched concertgoers streamed out of the park just after his set ended, even though the evening at that point was scheduled to continue for another three hours. Earlier Anitta brought her impressive twerks and dance party of a show to the stage, performing hits including her recent "Funk Rave." Brazil's biggest pop star called attention to the importance of protecting the Amazon rainforest, reminding fans it's "the lungs of our planet." Just prior to kicking off her booty-shaking set, she said that governments must do more to "protect the people there, the indigenous people, the communities there... whose only reality is the Amazon." Rappers including Busta Rhymes and Common put on a tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, one of many the city has hosted in recent months. Fight against hunger Taking place since 2012 as world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, Global Citizen distributes free tickets to supporters who pledge to take action such as sending letters to their governments in support of development aid. Pledges came from leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, who announced via video message a $150 million commitment to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). "We have to fight together against poverty, climate change, and for biodiversity," Macron said. "This is why we want to take our part as well." The Rome-headquartered IFAD is an arm of the United Nations aimed at addressing poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. Global Citizen welcomed Macron's commitment in a statement, adding that "much more needs to be done to provide crucial support to millions of smallholder farmers around the world, who produce 70 percent of food in low and middle-income countries." The institution urged governments to double their climate adaptation funding and make sure IFAD reaches its funding target of $2 billion by the end of 2023. Along with Macron, the organization said Norway had pledged $90 million to IFAD. The post Lauryn Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers draw fans to rainy Central Park aid fest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clampdown and grief as Iranians remember Mahsa Amini
Iranians at home and abroad marked the first anniversary Saturday of the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, with activists speaking of a renewed crackdown to prevent any resurgence of the protests which rocked major cities last year. Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, died a few days after her arrest by religious police for allegedly violating the strict dress code for women in force since shortly after the 1979 revolution. Her family says she died from a blow to the head but this is disputed by Iranian authorities. Anger over her death rapidly expanded into weeks of taboo-breaking protests which saw women tearing off their mandatory headscarves in an open challenge to the Islamic republic's system of government under supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But after several months, they lost momentum in the face of a crackdown that saw security forces kill 551 protesters, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), and arrest more than 22,000, according to Amnesty International. Iranian authorities say dozens of security personnel were also killed in what they describe as "riots" incited by foreign governments and hostile media. Seven men have been executed after being convicted in protest-related cases. Campaigners say the authorities have renewed their crackdown in the runup to the anniversary, putting pressure on relatives of those killed in the protests in a bid to stop them speaking out. New York-based Human Rights Watch said family members of at least 36 people killed or executed in the crackdown had been interrogated, arrested, prosecuted or sentenced to prison over the past month. "Iranian authorities are trying to impose a chokehold on dissent to prevent public commemoration of Mahsa Jina Amini's death in custody, which has become the symbol of the government's systematic oppression of women, injustice and impunity," said HRW's senior Iran researcher, Tara Sepehri Far. 'Repressive forces' deployed The two journalists who did the most to publicize the Amini case –- Niloufar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi who respectively reported from her hospital and funeral –- have been held in prison for almost a year. Another reporter, Nazila Maroufian who interviewed Amini's father Amjad, has been arrested repeatedly. Amjad Amini has told Persian media based outside Iran that he plans to hold a commemoration for his daughter in their hometown of Saqez in Kurdish-populated western Iran later Saturday. Outlets, including Prague-based Radio Farda, said he was summoned by intelligence officials after his announcement. He was not arrested but one of Amini's uncles, Safa Aeli, was detained in Saqez on 5 September. According to Kurdish-focused news outlet Hengaw, the government has sent additional security forces to Saqez and other towns in western Iran that could become flashpoints. On Saturday, Hengaw said, "repressive forces" were deployed around the Amini family residence in Saqez. It posted photos on X, formerly Twitter, showing armed men in fatigues on the streets of Saqez, as well as video of shops shuttered and on strike to mark the anniversary in Saqez, Sanandaj and other cities of Kurdistan province. 'Doubling down' While some women are still seen walking in public without headscarves, particularly in wealthy, traditionally liberal areas of north Tehran, the conservative-dominated parliament is currently considering a draft law that would impose far stiffer penalties for non-compliance. "The Islamic republic is doubling down on repression and reprisals against its citizens and seeking to introduce new and more draconian laws that severely restrict further the rights of women and girls," said Sara Hossain, the chair of the UN fact-finding mission set up to investigate the crackdown. Under the slogan "Say her name!", Iranian emigres are expected to hold commemorative rallies, with large demonstrations expected in Paris and Toronto. Amnesty International accused Iran's authorities of committing a "litany of crimes under international law to eradicate any challenge to their iron grip on power" and lamented that not a single official had been even investigated over Amini's death or the crackdown. "The anniversary offers a stark reminder for countries around the world of the need to initiate criminal investigations into the heinous crimes committed by the Iranian authorities under universal jurisdiction," said Amnesty's Middle East and North Africa deputy director, Diana Eltahawy. On the eve of the anniversary, Iran's arch-foe the United States and its Western allies including Britain and the European Union imposed new sanctions on the Islamic republic over its protest crackdown. Announcing the measures, US President Joe Biden led international calls in solidarity with Iranians on the anniversary of Amini's death. "Iranians alone will determine the fate of their country, but the United States remains committed to standing with them," he said. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani slammed the Western countries' "illegal and undiplomatic actions" in a statement late Friday. The post Clampdown and grief as Iranians remember Mahsa Amini appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New slogan, same tack?
We remember distinctly how students of the seventies were made to sing to the strains of the then-required Bagong Pagsilang hymn, a paean to the newly established New Society of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the incumbent. The march, incorrectly referred to by its chorus Bagong Lipunan (New Society), was commissioned during the presidency of the older Marcos for the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a movement introduced upon the declaration of martial law in 1972. Its lyrics were written by the legendary Levi Celerio and the music was composed by Felipe de Leon in 1973. “May bagong silang. May bago nang buhay. Bagong bansa, bagong galaw sa Bagong Lipunan!” The new generation may not have much recollection of the song other than the version of the present-day rock band Plethora, whose rendition was used as the campaign anthem by the son, Bongbong Marcos, during last year’s presidential campaign. It was also used by Marcos Jr. during the 78th Leyte Landing anniversary last October and his camp visit to the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City a week later. “Magbabago ang lahat, tungo sa pag-unlad. At ating itanghal: Bagong Lipunan!” The composer’s eldest son, Felipe, recounted that two days after the declaration of martial law, at around 2 a.m., two military trucks came to their house with an officer who asked for a “hymn and a march for the New Society,’’ as requested supposedly by then First Lady Imelda Marcos, to be delivered in a couple of days. “Ang gabi’y nagmaliw nang ganap. At lumipas na ang magdamag. Madaling araw ay nagdiriwang. May umagang namasdan.” The song was first released on radio and television during the early days of martial law as an anthem to trumpet Marcos Sr.’s vision of a new society for Filipinos. It also gave rise to the movement called Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a political vehicle of the then administration. “Ngumiti na ang pag-asa, sa umagang anong ganda!” Depending on which side of the fence you were on those days, the present-day rendition of the march evokes memories that are either bad or good. Critics see it as nothing but propaganda that brings back chills to their spines, while others consider it a patriotic song that could help guide the country’s progress. That part of history came rushing back to us, particularly when the incumbent came up with his Bagong Pilipinas as the overarching theme of his administration’s brand of governance and leadership. Malacañang says this official branding, as contained in Memorandum Circular 24, calls for a deep and fundamental transformation in all sectors of society and government. The new logo was “produced internally” by the government’s lead communications arm without the use of public funds, according to the Presidential Communications Office. Take note, Bongbong’s new campaign slogan and logo came less than a week following Pagcor’s logo controversy. It’s common for presidential administrations to come up with government slogans, but not so common for them to launch them with a logo. There’s Rodrigo Duterte’s “Change is Coming,” Benigno Aquino III’s “Daang Matuwid,” and Joseph Estrada’s “Erap Para sa Mahirap,” to name a few. The PCO explained that the Bagong Pilipinas logo shows various stages of development in the Philippines’ journey toward the future. The three red stripes refer to the Philippines’ post-war agricultural and rural development, the post-colonial period, and the current metropolitan development. The blue stripes show a “progressive Philippines that leverages technological advancement in pursuing sustainable industrial development.” The rising sun signifies the dawn of a new Philippines, while the weave pattern illustrates the interconnectedness and unity of the Filipino people. “Overall, the Bagong Pilipinas logo embodies the Marcos administration’s vision for the country, emphasizing unity, involvement, and the bayanihan culture as the main fibers and components for its full realization,” the PCO said. We really don’t know if this new vision of the younger Marcos would translate into something similar to what his father started back then. Or would it eventually become a political vehicle just as his father’s was? At any rate, we just hope that the son would live up to the expectations of most Filipinos and that in the future, the memory of it won’t send chills down our spines. *** e-mail-mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post New slogan, same tack? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Allied nations tell China: Acknowledge arbitral ruling
The Philippines marked the seventh anniversary of its landmark victory against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration with an outpouring of support from different countries. At least eight nations on Wednesday renewed their support for the 2016 Hague ruling that cemented Manila’s claim to the West Philippine Sea. Diplomats from the United States, Japan, Australia, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and the European Union called on China to acknowledge the ruling and stop its “harassment” of claimant states in the South China Sea. On this day, seven years ago, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the Netherlands favored the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea, rejecting China’s nine-dash line claim. “We continue to urge Beijing to comport its maritime claims with international law as reflected in the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention; to cease its routine harassment of claimant state vessels lawfully operating in their respective exclusive economic zones; [and to] halt its disruption of states’ sovereign right to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage their natural resources,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. Miller called on Beijing to end its “interference” with the freedom of navigation and the overflight of states lawfully operating in the region. “We will continue working with allies and partners to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific, one that is at peace and grounded in respect for international law,” he said. Last week, Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and carried out “dangerous maneuvers” against Philippine Coast Guard ships in the Ayungin Shoal. Beijing, however, countered Manila’s claim, saying the Chinese maneuvers were “professional and restrained.” It also insisted on its territorial claim over Ayungin Shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Reef, saying the Philippines “intruded” into its waters. Ayungin Shoal is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines. ‘Final, legally binding’ Japan also joined the growing pressure on China to recognize the 2016 arbitral ruling which it described as “final and legally binding.” “As the tribunal’s award is final and legally binding on the parties to the dispute under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the parties to this case, the Philippines and China, are required to comply with the award,” Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshima said in a statement. “The claim by China that it will not accept the award is against the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, in particular UNCLOS, and undermines the rule of law as a fundamental value of the international community,” he added. According to Hayashi, Tokyo “strongly hopes” that the parties’ compliance with the award will “lead to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.” “Upholding and reinforcing the free and open international order based on the rule of law will be to the benefit of all countries, large and small,” he said. He noted that Japan renewed its objection to China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea, saying that these were “inconsistent” with UNCLOS. He also said that it remained “seriously concerned” about the current situation in the area. “Japan will continue working in coordination with ASEAN and other countries concerned to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.” ‘Strongly opposes’ Likewise, the European Union “strongly opposes” any “unilateral attempts” to change the peacefully established status of territories by “force or coercion” anywhere in the world, be it in Eastern Europe or the South China Sea. In a forum organized by the international think tank Stratbase ADRI Institute, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron reiterated that the Permanent Court of Arbitration laid down very clearly that there is “no legal basis” for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. “We are one with the Philippines and other international partners in stressing the importance of upholding international law, including UNCLOS and the peaceful settlement of disputes as the basis for peace and stability in this part of the world, as elsewhere,” Veron said in his speech. “Respect for the rules-based international order is at the core of the EU’s approach towards cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” he added. According to the envoy, the EU is “determined to work with the Philippines and other partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific and, more broadly, a free and open international order” based on the rule of law.” “The EU also stands ready to facilitate activities which help build confidence, and prevent and defuse tensions,” he said. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu echoed the same sentiments, stressing that Canberra wants to see a “peaceful South China Sea where international law is respected and adhered to, and waterways are open for trade.” Yu also stressed that maritime claims inconsistent with UNCLOS are causing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. “Australia is deeply concerned when countries pursue claims or engage in activities that are inconsistent with international law where they undertake activities that are provocative and destabilizing or where they don’t respect the rights and freedoms of others or when they advance their claims by intimidation and coercion,” she said. “UNCLOS provides the comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas and it provides the foundation for peace and security and stability in the maritime domain,” she said. She continued: “Adherence to UNCLOS is vitally important for the region and maritime claims within the South China Sea or elsewhere must be consistent with it.” Outgoing French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz also supports Manila’s position in the West Philippine Sea, saying that Paris is “concerned” by the recent development in the area. “There is indeed no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea. This position was clearly stated in April during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ communiqué,” Boccoz said. “Also last week, together with the Philippines and other like-minded countries, France expressed its concern with regard to the recent developments involving Chinese vessels in the South China Sea,” she added. She also noted that France welcomes the growing support for the 2016 arbitral award while reaffirming its commitment to the Philippines. “In the current context of rising tensions, the relevance of the 2016 Award is gaining stronger momentum, as reflected by the wider support of like-minded nations,” she said. “We welcome this trend and we will continue to show our support. We will continue to walk the talk,” she added. Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran likewise expressed New Delhi’s support for the arbitral award. “Let me take a few minutes to also say that today’s discussion on the arbitral award is a reflection of the broader approach that both India and Asean have taken and our bilateral relations with the Philippines as well,” Kumaran said. “And accordingly, I think in the joint statement, we did recognize the need for adherence to international law and called for the arbitral award to be respected in that context,” he added. The post Allied nations tell China: Acknowledge arbitral ruling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MTRCB greenlights showing of ‘Barbie’ in Phl
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board has rejected calls to prohibit the screening of the film “Barbie” in the Philippines. In its three-page letter addressed to Senator Francis Tolentino, the regulatory body stressed that there is “no basis” to ban the film in the country. “The Board believes that all things considered, it has no basis to ban the film 'Barbie' as there is no clear nor outright depiction of the nine-dash line in the subject film," the agency said. It can be recalled that Vietnam banned the showing of the film over a scene in its trailer that feature the South China Sea. Like the Philippines, Vietnam has overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea. Lawmakers, including Tolentino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Committee on Justice and Human Rights have expressed concern over the alleged “nine-dash line” in the movie. China remains firm with its historic rights nine-dash line over the West Philippine Sea, which is part of the larger South China Sea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands favored the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea, rejecting China’s nine-dash line claim. In a video message, Tolentino expressed his sadness over the MTRCB’s decision. “We are saddened because tomorrow is the 7th anniversary of our victory in the Arbitral Court which invalidated the nine-dash line,” he said. ‘Blur’ According to the MTRCB, the controversial scene in the movie was requested to be blurred to avoid “further misinterpretations.” “The film underwent two meticulous screenings with the MTRCB. The first screening involved a full review of the film including discussions and deliberations by the members of the Review Committee,” it said. “After thorough deliberations by the Review Committee, we immediately requested the film's distributors, Warner Bros., to blur the controversial lines in order to avoid further misinterpretations,” it added. In 2019, the government also pulled the movie “Abominable” from local theaters over a scene that featured China’s nine-dash line claim. Due to the same reason, the 2022 film “Uncharted” was also banned from screening in the country. The post MTRCB greenlights showing of ‘Barbie’ in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Mexico mark 70 years of diplomatic ties
Mexico and the Philippines have agreed to expand their commercial and cultural cooperation following the coronavirus outbreak as the two countries commemorate their 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The agreement came after Mexico's Ambassador-designate, Daniel Hernandez Joseph, presented his credentials to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Monday. During the presentation of credentials, Marcos underscored that the new economy calls for a new workforce with different skills than what countries traditionally depended upon. "Much of the work we are doing to transform the economy is to transform the workforce so that the daily technologies are understood. It extends in every field," he said. Marcos said the pandemic has taught people how to do business without physical travel. "So I think that changes the relationship and that changes the possibilities, the potentials that we should explore," he said. The President also expressed gratitude to Mexico for taking care of Filipinos there, stressing there is a strong Filipino community in that country, which is now very much part of Mexican society. Mexico's Ambassador-designate, Daniel Hernandez Joseph, for his part, said that there is cultural closeness to share between the Philippines and Mexico because of the two countries' history. Mexico and the Philippines are connectors between Asia and America, said Hernandez Joseph, adding, "(a)nd through that role, there is so much we can do in trade, in culture, in science." Hernandez Joseph added that Mexico's national university made an offering this year in Filipino studies. "It's just beginning, which again like I said, opens new opportunities for furthering the knowledge and exchange of each other today not only in history but who we are together and what we can do together today," he said. The Philippines opened its embassy in Mexico City the same year it established diplomatic relations with Mexico on 14 April 1953. In the same year, the Mexican embassy in Manila was established. The illumination of national landmarks and structures in both nations was done on 14 April to mark the 70th anniversary of the beginning of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Mexico. Data from February 2023 show that 1,206 Filipinos reside in Mexico. They are primarily skilled artisans, technologists, associate professionals and other business experts. Total commerce between the Philippines and Mexico has grown since 2020, reaching $1.1 billion last year. Mexico is the Philippines' 23rd-largest trading partner. Goods from the nation that are being promoted to Mexico include furniture and furnishings, clothing, footwear, food products (desiccated coconuts, vegetable saps, and extracts, coconut palm, etc.), machinery/mechanical appliances and auto parts, electrical/ electronic equipment and food. Mexico has ongoing requests for access to the Philippine market for grapes, avocados, citrus, and bovine and pork meat. The post Phl, Mexico mark 70 years of diplomatic ties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maharlika bill in Marcos’ hands
Malacañang on Wednesday confirmed that the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund Bill has already been transmitted to the Office of the President. The Palace made the confirmation through Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil after the office of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Tuesday that House Speaker Martin Romualdez signed the final version of the MIF bill. Zubiri’s office added that the MIF bill was transmitted to the OP on Tuesday through the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. “Maharlika bill received yesterday by Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs,” said Garafil in a Viber message to reporters. The bill now solely requires President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s endorsement and signature to be enacted as a law. However, Garafil said there is no announced date yet for Marcos to sign the Maharlika bill. To recall, Marcos mentioned last month that he would “immediately sign” the bill once he received it, but he clarified that he would still need to review the changes made in the Congress’ approved version of the proposed sovereign fund, which he said should be independent of the government to become successful. In an interview following the 85th anniversary of the Securities and Exchange Commission last month, Marcos underscored that the MIF would be “independent” from the government once established through law. “Even I proposed to the House was to remove the president as part of the board, to remove Central Bank chairman, to remove the Department of Finance because it has to operate as an independent fund, well managed professionally,” Marcos said. The MIF bill introduces a sovereign wealth fund that aims to invest in various assets such as foreign currencies, fixed-income instruments, domestic and international corporate bonds, commercial real estate, and infrastructure projects. This initiative is intended to boost economic development. The bill calls for the creation of the Maharlika Investment Corporation, which will serve as the exclusive entity responsible for mobilizing and utilizing the MIF for investment transactions, with the goal of generating optimal returns on investments. According to the proposed legislation, the MIF will not utilize the funds of the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or Home Development Mutual Fund. The post Maharlika bill in Marcos’ hands appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Controversial MIF already with the Office of the President
The controversial measure seeking to create a Maharlika Investment Fund was already transmitted to the Office of the President, Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday. The Palace made the confirmation through Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil after the office of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Tuesday that House Speaker Martin Romualdez signed the final version of the MIF bill. Zubiri's office added that the MIF bill was transmitted to the OP yesterday through the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. "Maharlika bill received yesterday by Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs," said Garafil in a Viber message to reporters on Wednesday. The bill now solely requires Marcos' endorsement and signature to be enacted as a law. However, Garafil said there is no announced date yet for Marcos to sign the Maharlika bill. To recall, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned last month that he would "immediately sign" the bill once he received it. But the Chief Executive said he would still need to review the changes made in the Congress' approved version of the proposed sovereign fund, which he said should be independent of the government to become successful. In an interview following the 85th anniversary of the Securities and Exchange Commission last month, Marcos underscored that the MIF would be "independent" from the government once established through law. "Even I proposed to the House was to remove the president as part of the board, to remove Central Bank chairman, to remove the Department of Finance because it has to operate as an independent fund, well managed professionally," Marcos said. The MIF bill introduces a sovereign wealth fund that aims to invest in various assets such as foreign currencies, fixed-income instruments, domestic and international corporate bonds, commercial real estate, and infrastructure projects. This initiative is intended to boost economic development. The bill calls for the creation of the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), which will serve as the exclusive entity responsible for mobilizing and utilizing the MIF for investment transactions, with the goal of generating optimal returns on investments (ROIs). According to the proposed legislation, the MIF will not utilize the funds of the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), or Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF). The post Controversial MIF already with the Office of the President appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5 awesome local Google Doodles that made Filipinos proud
This year, the Philippines celebrates its 125th Independence Day from the Spanish — remembering and honoring our freedom to be proud as Filipinos is always a cause for celebration. For a long time now, Google has stood in solidarity with the Philippines. And one of the many ways they show that support is through occasional Filipino-themed Google Doodles, beyond the Philippine Independence Day Doodle. To get in the Pinoy Pride spirit this Independence Day, here are five Google Doodles worth revisiting: Jose Rizal’s 158th birthday No Filipino pride celebration is complete without honoring the country’s greatest hero. Google paid tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal back in 2019 with a Doodle that put the hero’s visage front and center, flanked by “Google” stylized similarly to the famous original cover of Noli Me Tangere, one of his two masterpiece novels — both of which are included at the bottom of the illustration. As an added touch, the opening passages of the novel are written in the artwork’s background, while the quill and the magnifying glass bordering it refer to Rizal’s professions as a writer and ophthalmologist. The Adobo Doodle To celebrate Filipino culture is also to celebrate its food, which is why Google put everyone’s favorite adobo front and center earlier this year. The mouthwatering illustration by Filipino-American Google artist Anthony Irwin calls back to the savory goodness of adobo, which is always enjoyed in different and unique ways among different cooks, households, and restaurants. The legendary Las Piñas Bamboo Organ This 2019 Doodle commemorating the 195th anniversary of the creation of the oldest, largest, and only bamboo pipe organ in the whole world brought immense pride to the Philippines. The Doodle is simple and powerful: the Gs, L, and E of Google were rendered in bamboo pipes, while the two Os are signified by the full organ. If you haven’t visited this at the St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas, this is your sign to do it now. The colorful Regatta de Zamboanga With has 7,107 islands, the Philippines offers colorful rituals and traditions that are worth seeing. This includes the vivid Regatta de Zamboanga, a fluvial race held every October comprised of vintas, outrigger boats with vibrant and intricate sails. Google’s Doodle celebrating the Regatta last October is in-your-face, just like the parade of dazzling vintas — nothing complicated, just a bevy of boats with sails spelling out Google. Rosa Sevilla de Alvero’s 142nd Birthday Rsa Rosa Sevilla de Alvero is a journalist, educator, and activist who is widely considered one of the most influential suffragists in Filipino history. As a child, she was sent to live with her aunt, an educator who hosted Filipino patriots and intellectuals at her home. Sevilla often eavesdropped on their conversations about battling educational colonialism — revolutionary discussions that helped mold her beliefs. At just 21, Alvero founded the Instituto de Mujeres of Manila, one of the first schools for women. The post 5 awesome local Google Doodles that made Filipinos proud appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Family’s frustration 30 years after racist murder rocked Britain
Thirty years after the murder of their son in a racist attack, Stephen Lawrence's parents are tired of broken promises. They have heard Britain's biggest police force talk about reform many times since a gang of white youths stabbed the black 18-year-old to death. The brutal killing shocked Britain and sparked calls for an overhaul of policing. It led to a damning official review in 1999, which found the force carried out a flawed murder investigation marred by "institutional racism" and recommended a series of changes. But last month, a new review following a spate of fresh police scandals, found racism still rife in the force, along with misogyny and homophobia. "I don't see any change," Neville Lawrence told AFP after giving a talk in central London to mark the anniversary of his son's murder. He said black people still fear the force will not protect them, and vowed to make life safer for his young relatives so they can "walk the streets and not worry about getting stabbed". Stephen had wanted to be an architect, and his father described being "robbed" of the chance to see him grow up and fulfil his ambitions. Battle for justice On the night of his death, 22 April 1993, Stephen was waiting for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in south London. The gang shouted racist abuse before they attacked. Brooks remembers Stephen running fatally wounded from the scene, asking: "What's happened to me?" The suspects were well known in the area, but the mishandled initial murder investigation meant it took the family years of tireless campaigning before two members of the gang were jailed in 2012 after new forensic evidence came to light. Three others were never prosecuted. In recent years, Metropolitan Police officers have faced outrage over their treatment of black Londoners -- from routinely using disproportionate force to strip-searching schoolchildren. Stephen's mother Doreen Lawrence -- now a member of the UK's upper house of parliament -- said this week that the police force had not changed and officers could still be "as brutal as they want" without being held accountable. "I don't know how many more inquiries and how many reviews you need to have to say the same thing -- and still no changes, and still denials," she told the BBC. Over-policed, under protected Suresh Grover, founder of The Monitoring Group anti-racism charity, has been involved in the Lawrence family's campaign for justice since the outset. He said the family was promised "a proper attempt at addressing institutional racism" -- but the latest review showed the force had failed. "What little trust people had is gone -- it's got worse", he said. In Britain, April 22 is officially recognized as "Stephen Lawrence Day". The family will hold a memorial service in a church near Trafalgar Square, which the mayor of London and opposition party leader Keir Starmer are set to attend. On the eve of the anniversary, the head of the Metropolitan Police admitted the force had failed black communities in the three decades following Stephen's death, saying they had been left feeling "over-policed and under-protected". Mark Rowley paid tribute to the family's long battle for justice, acknowledged "systemic biases" in the force, and pledged to "finally" make it anti-racist. But he did not use the term "institutional racism", and his refusal to do so since the latest report's publication has been seen as a key sticking point in efforts to reform the service. "Until they can accept it, they can't fix it", Neville Lawrence said. The post Family’s frustration 30 years after racist murder rocked Britain appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Robredo calls on Filipinos to honor Ninoy’s sacrifice
Vice President Leni Robredo urged Filipinos to honor the sacrifice of the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. as the nation marked the 38th anniversary of his assassination......»»
On Rizal’s 160th birth anniversary, Robredo calls on Filipinos to be beacons of hope
On the 160th birth anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal, Vice President Leni Robredo called on Filipinos to be beacons of hope to weather today’s challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic......»»
Duterte calls for unity on EDSA Day
By GENALYN KABILING As the nation marked the 35th EDSA People Power anniversary Thursday, President Duterte urged the public to put aside differences, continue to safeguard democracy, and work together for a better country. The President made a pitch for unity and vigilance in his message to mark the anniversary of the popular revolt that […].....»»
Duterte calls for UN reforms: Pandemic response to define body& rsquo;s future
President Rodrigo Duterte has challenged the United Nations to undergo self-assessment and reform as the international body finds itself straddled with its “biggest test since World War II” – the humanitarian and socio-economic backlash of the COVID-19 pandemic – on its 75th anniversary......»»
NBI nabs 8 bogus DBM officials
Eight people allegedly posing as officials of the Department of Budget and Management were apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation in Mandaluyong on Tuesday......»»
Jaishankar calls on Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong, values his perspective on current state of world
Singapore, March 25 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday and conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar valued Lee Hsien Loong's perspectives on the current state of the world. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Honoured to call on Prime Minister @leehsienloongat The Istana. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. V.....»»
EAM Jaishankar conveys PM Modi s greetings as he calls on Philippine President Marcos
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on Tuesday called on Philippine President Bongbong Marcos and conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister NarendraModi to President Marcos. "Honoured to call-on President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines. Conveyed the personal greetings of President @rashtrapatibhvn and PM @narendramodi. Valued his warm sentiments tow.....»»
Davao police clueless on Quiboloy’s whereabouts
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Police authorities in the Davao region claim they are still clueless on the whereabouts of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. The Senate had earlier ordered the arrest of Quiboloy for his continued refusal to attend its investigation of alleged human trafficking and child abuse. Police major Catheine Dela Rey, Police […].....»»