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Online lending worse than 5-6
During his term, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared his intention to eradicate the 5-6 system, which ensnares our fellow Filipinos in perpetual debt bondage. True to his word, in 2016, he initiated a crackdown on the 5-6 lending scheme and issued warnings to foreigners involved that they would face arrest and deportation. The 5-6 lending scheme offers small loans at a hefty interest rate of 20 percent per month until fully paid. It is primarily attractive to poor people and small businesses because it requires no collateral or other stringent requirements. The name 5-6 originates from lending P5,000 and expecting P6,000 in return after one month. Although some criticize this practice, it has aided numerous small and medium-sized enterprises, as our banking system often makes it exceedingly challenging to secure loans. This has made the government realize the importance of providing easier access to formal sources of credit. This has become a battle cry to the banking and financial sectors in collaboration with the government. This financial inclusion as an aspect of governance will be discussed in a different article. Enter today’s online lending services. I can readily say they are far worse than 5-6, with interest rates reaching 30-40 percent in just seven days. These rates are difficult to repay and keep borrowers in perpetual financial bondage. As an Undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, I have received complaints from my fellow citizens regarding this practice and its illegal collection methods. These violate the Financial Products and Consumer Protection Act, the Lending Company Regulation Act, and the Data Privacy Act. These criminal offenses can incur fines of up to P2,000,000. Apart from the unethical and sometimes outright criminal tactics these online companies employ to collect debts, we need to emphasize the excessive interest rates they impose. One example shared with me provides the following details: Loan Terms: Credit Amount P12,000 Period 180 days Assessment Fee P840 Platform Fee P1,560 Payment Expense P960 Transfer Charge P25 Amount Received P8,615 Total Interest P1,764 Payment upon Due Date P13,764 In the illustration above, despite stating a loan period of 180 days, the due date is only within seven days, with a nominal fee of 100 pesos due in 180 days, which is waived if you pay the total amount within seven days. From the above illustration, when you borrow P12,000, you receive an amount of P8,615, and within seven days, you are required to repay P13,764, which is an additional 37.4 percent of the received amount. This online borrowing scheme makes the 5-6 system appear far less obnoxious. It even makes the latter system seem reasonable. Upon further inquiry, I discovered that when you download these types of online apps, you must grant permission for them to access your location, contacts, and camera. In addition to contacting emergency references during debt collection, some lenders even send collection messages to those in your contact list, which may include your friends. This is deeply concerning. The practice could be more intrusive and unnecessary. On top of the data protection, cybercrime, and privacy issues it legally straddles, the ethical considerations alone are worth noting. This is only the beginning of my investigation into this issue, and I hope that, with the assistance of our government, we can crack down on illegal and heartless lending practices that are plaguing our country, leading to the closure of these predatory lending companies and the imprisonment of their owners. The post Online lending worse than 5-6 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Crackdown vs text blasters up
The Department of Information and Communications Technology, or DICT, is cracking down on fraudsters who use cheap, China-made text-blasting machines to boost the electoral campaigns of their clients. DICT Undersecretary Alex Ramos said they will clamp down on the proliferation of scam and spam messages plaguing users despite the SIM Registration Act being in place. It will also be timely as the barangay and youth elections are near, he added. Ramos recalled that government authorities had previously confiscated text blast machines used to send messages en masse to multiple mobile numbers. “Those text machines were very popular during campaign periods and they are now very cheap. We [have] seized a lot of these machines,” he said. Despite having a SIM law, fraudsters are still able to find new ways to hack into phones and computers, this time using over-the-top or OTT media services such as chat apps, which are outside the scope of telco filters. The DICT official urged consumers to be more proactive and not fall for various online ruses by malevolent players capitalizing on the increasing shift by people to a digital lifestyle. Cybercriminals use the target’s full name and pretend to be messaging them about a missed connection or make various offers. They create a sense of familiarity and trust in an attempt to start a conversation. The SIM Registration Act was envisioned to address escalating cybercrime in the country, including the proliferation of smishing and other forms of scam and spam messaging. The law mandated all mobile phone and prepaid broadband users to register their SIMs by 25 July or face SIM deactivation. A deactivated SIM card can potentially affect several aspects of a person’s life. For instance, it will cut their access to online banking, e-commerce, transportation, healthcare, education, and entertainment, among other things. The post Crackdown vs text blasters up appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada accuses Meta of endangerment
MONTREAL, Canada (AFP) — Meta is being accused of endangering lives by blocking news links in Canada at a crucial moment, when thousands have fled their homes and are desperate for wildfire updates that once would have been shared widely on Facebook. The situation “is dangerous,” said Kelsey Worth, 35, one of nearly 20,000 residents of Yellowknife and thousands more in small towns ordered to evacuate the Northwest Territories as wildfires advanced. She described to AFP how “insanely difficult” it has been for herself and other evacuees to find verifiable information about the fires blazing across the near-Arctic territory and other parts of Canada. “Nobody’s able to know what’s true or not,” she said. “And when you’re in an emergency situation, time is of the essence,” she added, explaining that many Canadians until now have relied on social media for news. Meta on 1 August started blocking the distribution of news links and articles on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in response to a recent law requiring digital giants to pay publishers for news content. The company has been in a virtual showdown with Ottawa over the bill passed in June, but which only takes effect next year. Building on similar legislation introduced in Australia, the bill aims to support a struggling Canadian news sector that has seen a flight of advertising dollars and hundreds of publications closed in the last decade. It requires companies like Meta and Google to make fair commercial deals with Canadian outlets for the news and information — estimated in a report to parliament to be worth Canadian $330 million (US$250 million) per year — that is shared on their platforms, or face binding arbitration. But Meta has said the bill is flawed and insisted that news outlets share content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to attract readers, benefiting them and not the Silicon Valley firm. Trudeau irked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week assailed Meta, telling reporters it was “inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of (safety)... and keeping Canadians informed about things like wildfires.” Almost 80 percent of all online advertising revenues in Canada go to Meta and Google, which has expressed its own reservations about the new law. Ollie Williams, director of Cabin Radio in the far north, called Meta’s move to block news sharing “stupid and dangerous.” He suggested in an interview with AFP that “Meta could lift the ban temporarily in the interests of preservation of life and suffer no financial penalty because the legislation has not taken effect yet.” Nicolas Servel, over at Radio Taiga, a French-language station in Yellowknife, noted that some had found ways of circumventing Meta’s block. They “found other ways to share” information, he said, such as taking screen shots of news articles and sharing them from personal — rather than corporate — social media accounts. Several large newspapers in Canada such as The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star have launched campaigns to try to attract readers directly to their sites. But for many smaller news outlets, workarounds have proven challenging as social media platforms have become entrenched. Reverse course Public broadcaster CBC in a letter this week pressed Meta to reverse course. “Time is of the essence,” wrote CBC president Catherine Tait. “I urge you to consider taking the much-needed humanitarian action and immediately lift your ban on vital Canadian news and information to communities dealing with this wildfire emergency.” Meta — which did not respond to AFP requests for comment — rejected CBC’s suggestion. Instead, it urged Canadians to use the “Safety Check” function on Facebook to let others know if they are safe or not. The post Canada accuses Meta of endangerment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meta faces backlash over Canada news block as wildfires rage
Meta is being accused of endangering lives by blocking news links in Canada at a crucial moment when thousands have fled their homes and are desperate for wildfire updates that once would have been shared widely on Facebook. The situation "is dangerous," said Kelsey Worth, 35, of one nearly 20,000 residents of Yellowkife and thousands more in small towns ordered to evacuate the Northwest Territories as wildfires advanced. She described to AFP how "insanely difficult" it has been for herself and other evacuees to find verifiable information about the fires blazing across the near-Arctic territory and other parts of Canada. "Nobody's able to know what's true or not," she said. "And when you're in an emergency situation, time is of the essence," she said, explaining that many Canadians until now have relied on social media for news. Meta on August 1 started blocking the distribution of news links and articles on its Facebook and Instagram platforms in response to a recent law requiring digital giants to pay publishers for news content. The company has been in a virtual showdown with Ottawa over the bill passed in June which only takes effect next year. Building on similar legislation introduced in Australia, the bill aims to support a struggling Canadian news sector that has seen a flight of advertising dollars and hundreds of publications closed in the last decade. It requires companies like Meta and Google to make fair commercial deals with Canadian outlets for the news and information -- estimated in a report to parliament to be worth Can$330 million (US$250 million) per year -- that is shared on their platforms, or face-binding arbitration. But Meta has said the bill is flawed and insisted that news outlets share content on its Facebook and Instagram platforms to attract readers, benefiting them and not the Silicon Valley firm. Profits over safety Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this week assailed Meta, telling reporters it was "inconceivable that a company like Facebook is choosing to put corporate profits ahead of (safety)... and keeping Canadians informed about things like wildfires." Almost 80 percent of all online advertising revenues in Canada go to Meta and Google, which has expressed its own reservations about the new law. Ollie Williams, director of Cabin Radio in the far north, called Meta's move to block news sharing "stupid and dangerous." He suggested in an interview with AFP that "Meta could lift the ban temporarily in the interests of preservation of life and suffer no financial penalty because the legislation has not taken effect yet." Nicolas Servel, over at Radio Taiga, a French-language station in Yellowknife, noted that some had found ways of circumventing Meta's block. They "found other ways to share" information, he said, such as taking screenshots of news articles and sharing them from personal -- rather than corporate -- social media accounts. Life and death Several large newspapers in Canada such as the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star have launched campaigns to try to attract readers directly to their sites. But for many smaller news outlets workarounds have proven challenging as social media platforms have become entrenched. Public broadcaster CBC in a letter this week pressed Meta to reverse course. "Time is of the essence," wrote CBC president Catherine Tait. "I urge you to consider taking the much-needed humanitarian action and immediately lift your ban on vital Canadian news and information to communities dealing with this wildfire emergency." As more than 1,000 wildfires burn across Canada, she said, "The need for reliable, trusted, and up-to-date information can literally be the difference between life and death." Meta -- which did not respond to AFP requests for comment -- rejected CBC's suggestion. Instead it urged Canadians to use the "Safety Check" function on Facebook to let others know if they are safe or not. Patrick White, a professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal, said Meta has shown itself to be a "bad corporate citizen." "It's a matter of public safety," he said, adding that he remains optimistic Ottawa will eventually reach a deal with Meta and other digital giants that addresses their concerns. The post Meta faces backlash over Canada news block as wildfires rage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Skating out of stress, to feel free
Since the first patent for a roller skate was awarded in 1819 to a certain M. Petibled of Paris, roller skating has gone through a lot of development before evolving into what we know it now as a recreational and competitive sport. While sports such as speed skating, hockey and figure skating have been institutionalized, recreational roller skating has had its time in the spotlight over the years. Then Covid-19 happened in early 2020, and roller skating became popular again as a solo activity. Its resurgence continues post-pandemic for fitness and just for fun. [caption id="attachment_175690" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Skating is good for fitness. | Photographs Courtesy of Chai Timbungco[/caption] Skating to destress Sesilya Rosario Timbungco, nicknamed Chai, started skating using inline skates (meaning the wheels are in a straight line) with her older cousins when she was around seven years old. Then she studied figure skating for two years, starting at age nine, before moving on to other things. In 2020, she picked up inlines again because “ironically, it was safer to be out on the streets because there were almost zero cars” at the height of community lockdowns and social restrictions. “What I like about skating is that it makes me feel good about myself,” she tells DAILY TRIBUNE in an online interview. “It’s also an outlet for me because it allows me to physically destress. From a technical standpoint, I like skating because of the diverse disciplines under its umbrella -- ice skating, dance skating, derby, quad hockey, speed, park, vert, etc.” The 31-year-old skater, who works as an insights community manager at a software company adds, “Skating is good for fitness because it involves the coordination of your entire body, even if it doesn’t seem like it. It’s all about balance, especially when learning your edges! Once you nail the basics, you pretty much won’t forget how to do it — just like riding a bike.” “It’s a good fitness option, but like with all other sports, make sure it is safe for you,” she points out. “Generally, skating is for everyone. But if you have balance issues, are pregnant or have bad hip mobility, it’s best to consult your doctor.” Chai makes it clear that skating is a sport, even if you do it recreationally or as a hobby. “So there will be maintenance expenses,” she says. “If you don’t get any upgrades and sticks with a decent pair, maintenance won’t be that expensive. A good entry-level pair costs around P5,000 to P8,000. There are many other factors to consider, but that’s the base price for entry-level skates.” These days, she usually skates at the basketball court at their home, though she really misses skating outdoors. She considers Bonifacio Global City as one of the friendlier spaces for skating. If she has to go to the rink, she says she only goes to Rolyo Sk8house at the Circuit Makati. Chai is also a co-founder of the Everywhere We Skate PH community on Facebook, whose goal is to “help raise awareness about local roller skating and make skating accessible in all ways, little ways, that we can,” while “bringing in roller skating brands into the local scene.” Chai’s tips in buying your first pair of skates: Measure your feet. Measure in inches and in centimeters. Never ever correlate shoe size with skate size. Skates have to be snug, but not tight. If you’re in between sizes, always choose the bigger size. There will be workarounds to a slightly loose boot, but it’s impossible for you to use skates that are too small Buy good brands, even if it means buying them second hand. That doesn’t mean branded is always good, nope. Make sure you research before buying anything! There are reputable brands that make nice skates that are good enough as second-hands. If that isn’t an option, make sure you buy skates that are within your current skill level. For example, buying an advanced boot is not the best for a beginner who doesn’t have proper foundation yet. Try them out at the rink first (if you can) before deciding on a big purchase like our own skates. Make sure you learn how to read wheel hardness (it’s not hard), as well as the other components of your skates. Other than looking up what to buy, also learn about maintenance and how to make normal adjustments to your skate. When skating for the first time, Chai recommends doing these steps: Bend your knees. “I can’t stress this enough, but bend your knees,” she says emphatically. “It’ll save you from potential nasty falls!” Wear gear. Avoid slopes. “It’s a common misconception that slopes are good for beginners because they’ll help you roll faster. That’s true, but that’s why it’s dangerous for someone who doesn’t know how to stop yet.” Feeling of freedom Roller skating was likewise a childhood hobby for Raqs Regalado, a 39-year-old event manager and costume designer. “But it was during the pandemic that I fell back into it,” she says in another online interview, “Because I found my old pair of skates (that I got at a Japanese thrift shop back in college) while we were trying to Marie Kondo our place during the first few weeks of the lockdown.” Post-pandemic, Raqs can usually be found skating at the Bike Playground or at other indoor rinks around the Metro, and for outdoor skating, at BGC. “What I like about it most is the feeling of freedom it gives me and the friends I’ve made in this hobby,” she points out. “It’s good for fitness because it activates muscles you never even knew existed. Like it’s a whole different muscle group working when you skate.” “There are cheap, generic ones but cheap skates also mean cheaper materials were used,” she adds. “Skates manufactured by bigger, skate-focused brands will always be more expensive than the generic ones, but I think of it as investing on the quality of skates you’re getting. Your safety depends on it.” Raqs truly believes that everybody can skate. “But I wouldn’t force it on someone who does not want to. You have to at least be interested to try it and eventually find happiness in it. Once you find joy in skating, that’s when you start wanting to learn more.” She has found her kindred spirits on Everywhere We Skate PH when it was founded in 2020: “Chai reached out to me and told me about the online skating community they’ve build. Of course, I instantly joined. There were only about 50 members that time. A few months in, and they asked me to be one of the group admins. Now, we have over 10,000 members. We welcome skaters of all levels and skate enthusiasts. Our main goal is to have a safe space for healthy exchanges of skate-related information.” Raqs’ tips in buying your first pair of skates: Assuming that you’ve already tried rental skates at the public rink, and you really liked it and want to get into skating, then start doing your research on the particular skates that have aesthetically caught your attention. Check for materials used, reviews and after-sales services. If you can also determine what type of skating you want to immerse yourself in (such as outdoor cruising, aggressive skating, artistic skating, etc.), that would also be very helpful in choosing your first pair of skates. If you’re skating for the first time, Raqs has these suggestions for you to do: Get safety gear. Watch video tutorials on how to fall safely because knowing how to do so can save you from serious injuries. Remember: You may fall a lot specially as a beginner, but don’t worry, it happens to all of us. The post Skating out of stress, to feel free appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Idolizing Danny Dolor (The man I might have been if I had at least P500 million)
Here’s sharing with you Cyber Proust’s (now Proust Redux) winning piece when he joined the 2010 Philippine Star Lifestyle Journalism Contest sponsored by Rustan Commercial Corporation and the Stores Specialists, Inc. The announcement called for feature articles, as many as one could submit, about heroes, dead or alive. Cyber Proust submitted three — one about his mother; another about a blogger who tells stories about his clan and people like them, making for a good read for people interested in Philippine upper class but not necessarily high society; and this one, about Danny Dolor, Cyber Proust’s patron and benefactor when Cyber Proust had not yet declared himself rich. Here goes: My hero, my icon, the man I’d rather be When people are asked who they want to be if they ever get the chance to live their lives all over again, they almost always say they want to be the same person. If you ask me the same question, I’d have the same answer, only because I want to keep the same set of parents. But if I could keep my Dad and Mom, and still be someone else, I’d look at you straight in the eye, and declare, I want to be Danny Dolor. I can think of a hackneyed thousand and one reasons why I prefer to breathe and eat and live like Sir Danny, but let me stick to the quintessential five. First, he is rich which we all want to be. He is an art lover which I profess to be. He is a trailblazer even if he is a Libran who prefers balance, while I am an Arian who always wants to be the first. He was a good son who took care of his mother in her old age, which every good son should do especially if he were single. I am single, but I was always away from home, too busy changing and finding writing jobs. The closest I got to emulating Sir Danny was spending endless nights conversing with my mother whenever I was home during Christmas breaks. Sir Danny, on the other hand, never travelled abroad because he wanted to be by his mother’s side every night of the year. When he visited Lipa, their hometown, he would pick up his mobile phone to check on his mother and sister Fe in their Makati home, rattling off his orders to their yaya — check their temperature, don’t forget the medicine after their merienda, and so on. Finally, Danny Dolor is a good Catholic who hears Sunday Mass, fingers his beads when in the car, and joins the procession on Good Friday beside his own Mater Dolorosa. How I wish I could give away lands on which to build churches, donate thousands of portfolio bags for priests attending their annual convention, and build a museum in honor of a townsman, Alfredo Maria Obviar, who may yet be the first Filipino bishop to be beatified and, in God’s time, canonized. First conversation I am lucky to have an icon whom I have seen up close. I have seen Danny Dolor when he goes into a trance as he describes his first conversation with National Artist Atang de la Rama, to whom he became a friend and confidante, or fits of laughter as he recalls the usually funny repartee between his friends Sylvia La Torre and Oscar Obligacion when the latter was still alive. For all the secrets and fun times we have shared, I stick to calling him Sir as I did the first time I interviewed him in his thickly-carpeted, air-conditioned and perfume-smelling den. I had known about the man before I ever met him. I knew about his Tribung Pinoy which concertized all over the country in the late 1970s all the way to the mid 1980’s. I never saw them perform in person, but I read about Danny Dolor and his gang of sopranos, tenors and baritones who rendered their harana, danza, balitaw and, of course, kundiman, in schools and churches, and quixotic venues like the Culion Leper Colony in Palawan, the mental hospital and the women’s correctional where the patients and inmates cried, sang, danced and thanked him because no one ever came to sing for them. The path-breaking Danny Dolor also produced the first ever concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring an all-Filipino-traditional-music repertoire. Danny Dolor’s house, at that time when I interviewed him, was along Tamarind corner Banaba in uppity Forbes Park. In the den, paintings, sculptures, plaques, and trophies vied for the attention of first-time guests. I immediately liked a Zalameda portrait of a basketball player, but what impressed me was a plaque with Latin inscriptions which, my host explained to me, was his papal award. He next brought me to the lanai, thrice as large as the den, where beside the lacquered opium bed stood a gigantic St. Joseph. He showed me a life-size oil portrait of Charito Solis, Ramon Valera ternos worn by Gloria Romero and his sister Fe, and original drawings of Darna by Mars Ravelo. The man, who knows his art, takes pride in his penchant for everything Filipino. It is an interest that goes a long way back to his childhood during the Japanese occupation. In the family hacienda where they evacuated, he listened to the farmers sing native songs. In grade one a year or two later, the young Danny sang Bayan Ko before his classmates, to the shock of the teacher who probably expected Jack and Jill. When Sir Danny was in grade school, he watched Filipino films in the movie houses along Rizal Avenue. As a high school student, he listened to the Mabuhay singers over the radio. In college, he watched Tawag ng Tanghalan on television. Is it any wonder that he should mount a best-selling exhibit of movie ads from the golden years of Philippine cinema? Or that he has maintained, for more than ten years, a column in the Philippine Star, “Remember When?” featuring the movie stars and great musical talents of yesteryears? Danny Dolor is unique in that he straddles the worlds of show business and high society, which many find incompatible. Not with him who has produced movies, including Indie films, and concert tributes honoring luminaries of the silver screen like Director Hermogenes Ilagan and movie queen Carmen Rosales. His involvement in the upper strata, on the other hand, is never without a good reason. For example, he collaborated with the socialite businesswoman Nedy Tantoco in organizing the best-selling Ramon Valera retrospective exhibit. If he is chummy with the grand dame Imelda Cojuangco that’s because he is a loyal and trusted officer the Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion, of which she is the chair. Every year, come Feast of the Immaculate Conception, they gather hundreds of children from depressed areas to receive their first holy communion. Imagine the mix For all of these, he takes a break from his duties as chairman of various companies that include a hospital, hotel, educational institution, bank and subdivisions. Imagine the mix — movies, music, church, business and high society. And he dances the Rigodon too. How can one not desire such completeness? There’s something though he’d rather not be said about him. In my times of need, he does not hide under his canopied bed, and in the milestones of my life, he gives me a thick red envelope. Once I ran out of cash to pay my rent, I called him up and told him that if only I could touch the tip of his pants, I was sure to have what I needed. Scolding me first for being such a cheap copy of the woman in the bible, he said Yes to my pleadings, while reminding me to help him prepare another souvenir program for yet another concert tribute for another forgotten gem of Philippine music. The man does not believe in outright charity. Not to me, anyway. And while he is patient with me, he insists that I “fix” my life for “all these things you delight in will soon come to pass” and “if you do not take care of yourself, who will?” and so on. From his mother, he passes on a classic gem, “Never do anything that people will notice from afar,” a rough translation of “Huwag kang gagawa ng kahit anong matatanaw mula sa malayo.” In short, don’t be a show-off. My hero and icon, Danny Dolor, is not only a model for living the successful and well-lived life that I dream about. He is also a saviour, a mentor and an angel who, despite the “professional distance” we keep between us as a “client” and as a “talent,” if the relationship must breed results, has come closest to being my “Tito” and best friend. Sir Danny will not be pleased with this article. He will think that I need to borrow money from him again. The post Idolizing Danny Dolor (The man I might have been if I had at least P500 million) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Building success: Young business leaders
Building a business is challenging as global statistics show many owners, or 20 percent, fail in their first year of operations. For business leaders of the food franchise Shawarma Shack and Rising Tigers, a business magazine, learning how to adapt and become good listeners will help fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges. Shawarma Shack’s founder Walther Buenavista, 34, has made in a habit as he looks to expand the business in Indonesia and Malaysia next year. Currently, it has 750 branches across the Philippines, with 170 of them operating in Luzon. As shawarma lovers themselves, Walther and his wife grew the business over eight years after being rejected by managers of tycoon-owned SM Malls of the Sy family. “We started in Tutuban Night Market, where we put up a temporary stall. Then, we applied for space at Victory Mall, where we had our break and expanded to six branches. After that, we were accepted by SM,” Walther told the Daily Tribune on its show Usapang Business on Monday. “It’s difficult to get a space when you are still a new brand. But things come easier when you’ve built a good performance record. The mall operators themselves will be the ones to approach you.” Despite the first hurdles, Walther managed to pivot fast to smaller malls but still crowded environments to introduce his business and gain traction. He applied this lesson again during the pandemic to serve most customers amid the Covid-19 lockdowns. “We thrived during the pandemic because of the no-dine-in policy and mom-and-pop stores in prime locations. Unlike Shawarma Shack, they have no multiple branches, so they have less capital.” Walther seized this opportunity, turning them into Shawarma Shack franchisees and adding 200 branches to his business. “Some of the original companies were selling tapsilog, a breakfast meal consisting of fried rice, egg and beef strips. Moving forward, Walther was excited to explore the Malaysian and Indonesian markets as another step in honing his adaptation skills. “Everything is under development, similar to how we started developing our franchise in the Philippines. We want to ensure a successful franchise when entering these overseas markets first.” Andria Terese Nicolas, chief marketing officer of Rising Tigers magazine, for her part, said choosing the business leaders with the most inspiring stories for other entrepreneurs takes most of her time. Rising Tigers pool stories of business leaders in Asia impacting their industries and nations. “We’re asking our board to check out the people who want to be part of the magazine. But honestly, I think all leaders who want to join our Rising Tigers are very determined. Still, the main purpose of Rising Tigers magazine is to inspire other entrepreneurs, especially startups,” the 23-year-old political scientist and aspiring lawyer said. She stressed, “We’re looking if they’re philanthropists, and we want them to be distinguished by emphasizing how they’re giving back to the people.” Andria said another challenge is searching for a significant venue for hosting award ceremonies for business leaders. She hoped their stories would translate into helping the Philippines become a model for socioeconomic progress in Asia. “I see Rising Tigers in the future to leave a legacy in our country by helping it become Asia’s number one business hub.” As social media continues to control many aspects of our lives, Andria said the magazine, also sold at National Bookstores, managed to share stories and receive feedback from readers during the pandemic. “Well, it was an eye-opening event as the pandemic removed normality. So, what a person should be doing, especially entrepreneurs, is they should learn to adapt, and everyone is on social media, so there’s an upper hand for media companies. Andria agreed with Walther that business leaders should also learn to control their temper by listening to their teams to determine where they excel and how to improve. “I let the consultants and industry experts train the staff. I learned from my fault for doing all things, not asking for help when I was younger. Back then, I felt I was so smart and unstoppable.” Walther said he does not micro-manage his staff as he has seen them become more self-reliant. “I no longer stay too hands-on because, like a child, the team learns to walk on their own feet as I also become more mature in dealing with franchising challenges.” The post Building success: Young business leaders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Feel the Cyber Thrill this August!
Looking for the best deals on everything tech? Ready to play at the largest nationwide sports area? Now is the best time to visit SM Supermalls and unleash the gamer within as it celebrates the latest tech innovations and gadget trends, with exclusive deals and promos this Cyber Month! From 1 to 31 August, a celebration of e-sports and all things tech that make our lives easier and more convenient will take place at SM Supermalls. Essential gadgets, thrilling activities, and new discoveries are waiting to be made and will welcome every individual with various needs. Get ready as SM transforms its malls into a larger-than-life e-sports arena. Gamers and e-sports fans are in for a treat at the CyberMonth celebration, at over 60 malls nationwide, as community tournaments and an immersive gaming environment take center stage. Tag along with your friends and watch some intense and epic battles as players try to outplay each other at the community matches. Gaming that never goes out of style. If you are a gamer who loves classic video games, the Retroverse is for you. Select malls every Saturday will be setting up Retro Gaming Stations featuring classic consoles and games from the past. Relive the magic of iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, Tetris, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Venture into different worlds with AweSM Kids. Kids and kids at heart can have some fun at the Kids Zone–-an interactive area featuring popular games like SM Kids Roblox and Minecraft every weekend for the whole month of August. The GeekCon is on! SM celebrates all things geek this Cyber Month including a Cosplay Competition. Every Sunday, bring your favorite anime, manga, games, TV, series, and comic book characters to life through elaborate costumes and performances that will wow the crowd. The GeekCon will also feature activities that geeks will love such as collectible toy displays, visual arts masterclasses, meet-and-greets with popular streamers, and Collectible Card Game Tournament. Techtopia for all your tech needs. SM malls nationwide will have multiple activity areas bringing together a wide range of gadgets, interactive installations, and displays at Techtopia. Get your hands on the newest and trendiest gadgets, devices, and even smart home appliances at SM. Plus, at the Techtopia zone, you can check, test, and ensure the product’s quality before making that big purchase. Discover the hottest tech deals. Gear up and get your baskets ready for SM Supermalls’ month-long nationwide tech and gadget sale. Whether you shop at your favorite SM mall or scroll through your go-to SM Online and SM Deals apps, there are a lot of great gadget deals all for you. Avail of these special promos, special offerings, and bundles on select items with up to 50% off in participating stores this August. Mark your calendars! August is geek-out month with these fun-filled activities and deals in store for you this Cyber Month at an SM mall near you. Game on and shop #TechAssured gadgets and get exciting deals when you #CheckCyberzone. For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com/cyberzone or follow @SMSupermalls and @smcyberzone on social media. [caption id="attachment_167231" align="aligncenter" width="843"] The 2023 Cyber Month Launch at SM North EDSA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_167232" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] SM City Marikina[/caption] [caption id="attachment_167234" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] SM City Cauayan[/caption] The post Feel the Cyber Thrill this August! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
In my dreams
Couple Benedict and Marjorie have been living in the vicinity of Rajah Sulayman Park in Malate for 13 years now. With their four young children, the entire park is their living room, dining area and playground. An old pedicab covered with a hand-me-down tarpaulin serves as their bedroom cum storage area. At night, they all retire to their “bed,” a collapsed carton box in a tiny space inside the pedicab — like sardines in a can. Rain or shine, their precious pedicab is their security blanket against the external elements. For more than a decade, Benedict and Marjorie have been making ends meet with their measly earnings as a parking striker and attendant, respectively. Their combined daily minimum income of less than P400 is not enough to feed six and sustain the needs of two children who are already in kindergarten and two toddlers. Undaunted, the couple still looks forward to receiving government assistance despite having been denied Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps membership four times. In the thick of their hopes came the recent pronouncement by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that the 4Ps — a poverty alleviation initiative that provides cash assistance for the immediate needs of the poor — may be terminated if there is no need for it. Imagine how broken-hearted the 4.3-million households who were helped in 2022 by the 4Ps must be. It could be even more depressing for Benedict and Marjorie who continue to hold on to their hope of having their own house and small business so their children will not have to grow up in the streets, and ultimately may be snatched away from poverty. Launched in 2008, 4Ps provides conditional cash transfers designed to meet the health, nutrition, and educational needs of vulnerable families. On 17 April 2019, 4Ps was institutionalized under Republic Act 11310. Patterned after the conditional cash transfer schemes implemented in other developing countries, 4Ps provides cash grants to low-income households on the condition that they meet certain requirements, such as sending their children to school and going for healthcare check-ups. Among the countries that have implemented successful conditional cash transfer programs as part of their poverty reduction strategies are Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Indonesia. Undeniably, CCTs have shown promising results in reducing poverty and improving living conditions for the target population. By providing cash transfers, households have increased their income to meet basic needs, such as food, education and healthcare. I know many whose children are now college graduates and evidently broke the intergenerational cycle of poverty and improved the long-term prospects for individuals and communities. Innumerable women and children were provided financial resources and opportunities for empowerment. The program, however, did not target all the poorest of the poor. It is a known fact that cash transfers reached those that did not need them the most — like families of OFWs. Relatives, friends, neighbors and allies of local officials have been surprisingly part of the 4.2 million beneficiary list. Here lie the challenges, however. One, implementing and managing conditional cash transfer programs can be complex and resource-intensive to accurately identify eligible beneficiaries, track compliance with conditions, and distribute payments promptly. Two, imposing conditions on beneficiaries may not always be feasible or effective. Like Benedict and Marjorie, who were denied a 4th time because they have no marriage certificate to show. Another one this writer knows is someone with a disability who faced difficulties in complying with the requirements, thus missing out on the benefits. Three, sustaining these programs in the long term can be challenging, especially if funding sources are uncertain or subject to political changes. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of conditional cash transfers can vary depending on the specific design, implementation, and local context. Evaluating the impact and monitoring the outcomes of 4Ps is crucial to ensuring its success, before finally calling it off. There will never be a time to say that we no longer need it. Not until there is a slim divide between the rich and the poor. In my dreams. The post In my dreams appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Encierro: Run for your life
PAMPLONA, Spain — Shards of glass, bits of broken containers, cut up and shredded pieces of hard plastic cups and the acidic and nauseating smell of urine and puke could not stop primer encierro (first bull run) Friday morning to celebrate the nine-day San Fermin Festival. [caption id="attachment_158153" align="aligncenter" width="525"] the author at the primer encierro (first bull run).[/caption] Barely 12 hours before the first run, heavy rain poured for hours, leaving the cobbled and narrow streets wet and sometimes slippery, but failing to dissuade the hundreds of mozos (runners) from showing up hours before the 8 a.m. start of the 875-meter sprint. Known all over the world as the Running of the Bulls, whose origins stretch back to the 14th century, the event is Spain’s grandest fiesta. In the last 100 years, about 12 runners have been killed. Still, many locals and even those from other regions have shied away from seeing how far they can go. “I have little kids,” said a fiesta attendee, pointing to a boy of about five and a little girl seated on his lap while his wife listened to the conversation between a vacationing journalist from Manila who had endured a 16-hour bus ride from the Galician city of Vigo just to see what the encierro is all about. [caption id="attachment_158149" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ernest Hemingway remains a popular and revered figure in Pamplona.[/caption] “It’s not the bulls that will put you in trouble, but the people who will be running with you,” he said. “Yes, the bulls are dangerous but it’s the people that will make it even more dangerous,” the man said, stressing that while the nine-day run usually passes without any serious incident, “the danger is always there.” He was right. The herd that was released got inside the Plaza de Toros without sending anyone to the hospital, ICU or even the morgue although about half a dozen got hurt, including one who miraculously survived after being tossed like a rag doll by one raging bull. All the bulls were later killed during a bullfight and another batch will suffer the same fate in the next several days. [caption id="attachment_158150" align="aligncenter" width="525"] REVELERS get ready to celebrate the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158146" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PAMPLONA fiesta attendees enjoy their brunch.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158147" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Spanish culinary treats.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158154" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Pamplona Church, built for the city’s patron saintSan Fermin.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158148" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tired tourists take a break at Pamplona’s city center.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158152" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Spanish policemen make sure the first bull run goes underway smoothly.[/caption] During the day, local tourists and many foreigners partied for hours, eating, singing, dancing, and drinking to excessive levels. The trail of destruction could be seen in the final hours before the morning run as broken beer and wine bottles littered the cobbles of this city that goes upside down for nine straight days every July. “The economic impact is huge,” one guy from the Oficina Internacional de Prensa (International Press Office). A typical bed in a basic hostel goes for more than a staggering €150 a night. “The busiest and most expensive days to come is during the Chupinazo (formal start of the festival on 6 July) and the first bull run the following day,” he said. Indeed, a check on the website showed that the ‘cheap’ €150 the previous day was selling for €180 less than 24 hours later. Outside the San Fermin Festival, Pamplona also has countless other fiestas to look forward to each year. But nothing compares to what San Fermin and the Running of the Bulls bring. You could just imagine the availability of luscious Spanish food and savory cerveza 24 hours a day from mere alimentation (small grocery stores) and restaurants and eateries that line up the ancient and picturesque streets. No wonder this event is among the most popular on the bucket lists of thrill-seekers and serial travelers. A few days soaking up the electric atmosphere will leave every visitor longing to come back again and again provided he or she doesn’t end up being gored by the bulls. “It’s dangerous,” said the Pamplona-born security staff assigned at the vast complex that houses the press office. “One mistake and you (could) die.” You had better heed his advice. The post Encierro: Run for your life appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Looks still matter
Check your ‘visual presentation’ when using online dating apps. More than half of Filipino adults consider physical appearance as a primary basis for considering a potential partner using online dating apps. This was found in a recent study by Agile Data Solutions through its survey arm Hustle PH. The first thing that 63 percent of men and 54 percent of women, ages 18 and above, check on a dating app profile is the photo, showing a significant role that visual presentation plays in capturing initial attention and generating interest. “Online dating follows rules of physical dating where initial attraction is always prompted by looks, then developed through meaningful conversations. The main difference is that connections are made faster without the barrier of physical distance and the burden of time-consuming face to face meetings,” said Jason Gaguan, co-founder of Agile Data Solutions. On the benefits of using dating apps, 50 percent of women, while 48 percent of men, highly value the ability to establish deep connections without the need for in-person meetings. Meanwhile, 37 percent of male respondents and 32 percent of female respondents expressed a keen interest in discovering shared interests and hobbies. “There’s a universal desire among respondents to broaden their social connections through online dating apps, underscoring the role of online dating apps as facilitators of social exploration and the importance of shared connections and interests in forging meaningful relationships,” he said. Interestingly, 58 percent of females and 73 percent of males have reported being in a relationship with someone they met through an online dating app. Agile Data Solutions, through its cutting-edge data-gathering platform, Hustle PH, remains dedicated to exploring and analyzing cultural trends to help businesses and individuals make informed decisions. To access the full research, please visit www.agiledatasolutions.tech/_files/ugd/f08a78_a32f1e63323646 8da522ae9aed0224e9.pdf. The post Looks still matter appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fixing a broken tourism campaign
It’s really unfortunate that the country’s tourism campaign, instead of gaining love, had to suffer a loss after several fact-checking media outlets found out that the advertising agency, DDB Philippines, which created the launch video for the “Love the Philippines” campaign, had “cheated,” using stock photos and videos from other countries and represented them as being known tourist spots in our country. It was found that the DDB Philippines-produced “Love the Philippines” video merely used stock photos and footage taken from apps as analyzed by the fact-check team of Agence France-Presse. Shots of the rice terraces to showcase the communities in Banaue and Benguet, for example, were stock footage of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. An aerial shot of sand dunes, which is a feature of the Ilocos, was identified as being in Cumboco, Brazil, while a guy driving a buggy over the sand dunes was an image of the dunes in the United Arab Emirates. DDB Philippines has since apologized, calling it an “unfortunate oversight”. The Department of Tourism, for its part, has canceled its tourism campaign contract with the ad agency, citing violations of the latter’s obligation under the terms of the contract. To be frank, I don’t think the mere cancellation of the contract with DDB Philippines will suffice to gloss over the mess the ad firm caused for the country and the tourism sector, both locally and internationally. We have to be aware of the damage and the opportunity loss this debacle has caused to our tourism sector and, conceivably, our economic growth. Travel and tourism, because of their strong linkages to other sectors, are an integral part of a country’s economy. This is specifically true for the Philippines where our growth comes primarily from services and consumption. The tourism industry stimulates growth in the accommodations sector. With strong tourist arrivals, investments in hotels, resorts, vacation houses and rentals, also grow. This leads to the creation of jobs in the construction and hospitality sectors, and also increases demand for local food, souvenirs and handicraft. Growth in the tourism sector also generates growth in the transportation and communications sectors. Tourism requires transportation services, such as airlines, ships and boats, taxis, rental cars and public transport. These in turn promote infrastructure development in airports, seaports, roads and highways. Economic models have shown us that tourism revenues increase government revenues and household income, generate employment opportunities, and therefore lead to economic growth. The vibrancy of our tourism should come naturally to us the way we Filipinos pride ourselves in being one of the most hospitable cultures in the world. Moreover, the tourism sector should be one of our strongest industries considering that it is services and consumption driven. Yet, we have continually failed to capitalize on this and we have remained a laggard compared to our ASEAN counterparts like Thailand and Malaysia. Thailand has been running its “Amazing Thailand” tourism campaign since 1999 and it is one of the most successful campaigns in the world. It simply features striking visuals of Thailand’s beaches, temples, and food. In 2019, before the pandemic, tourist arrivals in Thailand almost reached 40 million while the Philippines generated barely 10 percent of that, or less than 4 million. We truly must rethink our tourism strategy and align it with strategies that work for other ASEAN nations with which our country shares geographical and cultural features. As for the “Love the Philippines” campaign, I am not so confident that it is still salvageable given the taint of misrepresentation and bad faith. The post Fixing a broken tourism campaign appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Can you trust your ears? AI voice scams rattle US
The voice on the phone seemed frighteningly real -- an American mother heard her daughter sobbing before a man took over and demanded a ransom. But the girl was an AI clone and the abduction was fake. The biggest peril of Artificial Intelligence, experts say, is its ability to demolish the boundaries between reality and fiction, handing cybercriminals a cheap and effective technology to propagate disinformation. In a new breed of scams that has rattled US authorities, fraudsters are using strikingly convincing AI voice cloning tools -- widely available online -- to steal from people by impersonating family members. "Help me, mom, please help me," Jennifer DeStefano, an Arizona-based mother, heard a voice saying on the other end of the line. DeStefano was "100 percent" convinced it was her 15-year-old daughter in deep distress while away on a skiing trip. "It was never a question of who is this? It was completely her voice... it was the way she would have cried," DeStefano told a local television station in April. "I never doubted for one second it was her." The scammer who took over the call, which came from a number unfamiliar to DeStefano, demanded up to $1 million. The AI-powered ruse was over within minutes when DeStefano established contact with her daughter. But the terrifying case, now under police investigation, underscored the potential for cybercriminals to misuse AI clones. - Grandparent scam - "AI voice cloning, now almost indistinguishable from human speech, allows threat actors like scammers to extract information and funds from victims more effectively," Wasim Khaled, chief executive of Blackbird.AI, told AFP. A simple internet search yields a wide array of apps, many available for free, to create AI voices with a small sample -- sometimes only a few seconds -- of a person's real voice that can be easily stolen from content posted online. "With a small audio sample, an AI voice clone can be used to leave voicemails and voice texts. It can even be used as a live voice changer on phone calls," Khaled said. "Scammers can employ different accents, genders, or even mimic the speech patterns of loved ones. [The technology] allows for the creation of convincing deep fakes." In a global survey of 7,000 people from nine countries, including the United States, one in four people said they had experienced an AI voice cloning scam or knew someone who had. Seventy percent of the respondents said they were not confident they could "tell the difference between a cloned voice and the real thing," said the survey, published last month by the US-based McAfee Labs. American officials have warned of a rise in what is popularly known as the "grandparent scam" -– where an imposter poses as a grandchild in urgent need of money in a distressful situation. "You get a call. There's a panicked voice on the line. It's your grandson. He says he's in deep trouble —- he wrecked the car and landed in jail. But you can help by sending money," the US Federal Trade Commission said in a warning in March. "It sounds just like him. How could it be a scam? Voice cloning, that's how." In the comments beneath the FTC's warning were multiple testimonies of elderly people who had been duped that way. - 'Malicious' - That also mirrors the experience of Eddie, a 19-year-old in Chicago whose grandfather received a call from someone who sounded just like him, claiming he needed money after a car accident. The ruse, reported by McAfee Labs, was so convincing that his grandfather urgently started scrounging together money and even considered re-mortgaging his house, before the lie was discovered. "Because it is now easy to generate highly realistic voice clones... nearly anyone with any online presence is vulnerable to an attack," Hany Farid, a professor at the UC Berkeley School of Information, told AFP. "These scams are gaining traction and spreading." Earlier this year, AI startup ElevenLabs admitted that its voice cloning tool could be misused for "malicious purposes" after users posted a deepfake audio purporting to be actor Emma Watson reading Adolf Hitler's biography "Mein Kampf." "We're fast approaching the point where you can't trust the things that you see on the internet," Gal Tal-Hochberg, group chief technology officer at the venture capital firm Team8, told AFP. "We are going to need new technology to know if the person you think you're talking to is actually the person you're talking to," he said. bur-ac/arp © Agence France-Presse The post Can you trust your ears? AI voice scams rattle US appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM pushes for eco-mobility, celebrates World Bike Day nationwide
The Philippines has made greater strides toward eco-mobility in the past two years, with the growth of bike ownership allowing more Pinoys to go out and use a bike. This has prompted SM Supermalls to build more bike-friendly spaces. In celebration of World Bike Day, SM Supermalls, together with its Corporate Social Responsibility arm SM Cares, is inviting cyclists of all ages to join the 2023 Bike Fest from 3 to 30 June. On 3 June, to celebrate World Bike Day at SM Mall of Asia, SM City Fairview, SM City Marikina, SM City Clark, SM City Sta. Rosa, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM Lanang Premier, everyone is invited to join the community fun bike ride around the mall complex as part of SM Supermalls' advocacy of creating bike-friendly communities across the country. A Kiddie Bike Clinic will also take place at SM Mall of Asia, SM City Fairview and SM City Marikina. Kids aged 8 to 12 can learn and practice bike handling skills in a fun, safe and encouraging atmosphere, as well as learn about the value of bicycle safety. From 20 to 30 June, bike aficionados are in for a treat as various promos and deals are available online via the SM Deals and SM Malls Online apps, and on-ground in select malls. Tons of cool cycling gear, accessories, and merchandise will be up for grabs during this 10-day bicycle festival. On 27 June, bikers also get free weekend treats. As advocates of a cleaner and sustainable environment, SM also offers its Green Finds. Through the Green Finds badge, customers can easily find eco-friendly and sustainable products. Alongside SM retail affiliate brands, SM Green Finds offer products made from natural ingredients that are resourcefully made, promote local artisans and support community livelihood. Check out our pop-up shops at the SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Makati, SM City Marikina, SM City Bacolod, SM City Legazpi and SM Lanang. SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community. SM Cares’ advocacies include programs for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its programs on the environment. Visit www.smsupermalls.com and www.smsupermalls.com/smcares or check out @smsupermalls and @officialsmcares on social media. The post SM pushes for eco-mobility, celebrates World Bike Day nationwide appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go affirms importance of universal access to healthcare in Davao speech
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go recognized the importance of Universal Health Care, particularly amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He made that emphasis as he attended the opening ceremonies of the 49th Midyear Convention Surgery and Universal Health Care at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier, Davao City on Thursday. In his speech, Go cited that the passage of the Universal Health Care Act in 2019 was a significant milestone in the country's journey toward achieving a more equitable and comprehensive healthcare system. However, he also acknowledged that the implementation of the law is not without challenges. “Alam kong malayo pa talaga sa ngayon ‘yung (buong) implementation nitong UHC. Noon, naaprubahan po ito, napirmahan ni dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte noong 2019, malayo pa tayo sa ating inaasam na perpekto po na (implementasyon ng) Universal Health Care,” said Go. “Kailangan pa natin mag-invest sa ating healthcare workforce, mapabuti ang ating mga pasilidad, at dagdagan ang accessibility ng ating mga kababayan sa mga essential medicines at medical supplies,” he said. One of the major challenges in the implementation of UHC cited by Go based on reports is the shortage of health facilities and healthcare workers. “Ang challenge po dito ang trabaho po ng ating DOH (Department of Health), maimplementa ng maayos ang roadmap po ng UHC. Ang very challenging po dito, ‘yung health facilities, ‘yung pagkukulang po ng bilang ng ating mga health workers na ‘yung iba po’y nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa,” said Go. “Hindi ko naman po masisi na pumupunta pa ‘yung mga nurses sa ibang bansa. Gusto ko rin pong tingnan itong issue na ito, itong mga nurses na napakababa po ‘yung sweldo dito sa ating bansa sa mga private hospitals. Naiintindihan ko naman po, binabalanse naman po ng mga private hospitals (ang kanilang finances) para po ma-sustain nila (ang operasyon),” he added. Despite these challenges, Go emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring that every Filipino can be provided access to affordable health care. “As chair po ng Committee on Health, mayroon po akong oversight function over dito po sa (implementation of) UHC. Kung may reklamo po kayo… pwede po nating tawagin ang DOH, pwede nating tawagin ang PhilHealth, kung mayroon kayong (concern), pwede natin silang imbitahan at tawagin,” he assured. Meanwhile, to complement the implementation of the UHC Act, Go shared that the government has launched several initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare and making it more affordable. These include addressing rising out-of-pocket expenses on health and establishing or upgrading public hospitals. He also shared the ongoing operations of the Malasakit Centers program, the establishment of Super Health Centers, and the expansion of specialty centers in the country. “I have earlier advocated for an easier and more accessible availing of government assistance. We have passed Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Law to establish a one-stop shop in DOH hospitals,” said Go. “Malasakit Centers provide accessible and efficient medical assistance to Filipinos by serving as a centralized hub for accessing different government health programs and services from the DOH, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and PhilHealth,” added Go. According to the DOH, the Malasakit Centers program has already aided over seven million Filipinos across the country. Go is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. Additionally, Go is pushing for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which are medium-sized polyclinics strategically positioned throughout the country to offer basic healthcare services to Filipinos at the grassroots level. Go also introduced Senate Bill No. 1321, also known as the "Specialty Centers in Every Region Act of 2022," aimed at establishing regional specialty centers in DOH hospitals across the country. The establishment of specialty centers is part of the health-related legislative agenda included in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. During his speech, Go also urged the DOH and Department of Budget and Management to expedite the release and distribution of the mandated allowances for healthcare workers. He also called on PhilHealth to ensure prompt payments to hospitals and health professionals and to consider the financial condition of private health facilities and health professionals. “Alam n’yo po, during the time ng pandemya, nagsalita talaga ako sa Senado. Noong may doctor na namatay, dapat may death benefit silang matatangap but it took two months bago i-release,” lamented Go. “Kawawa naman, nagluluksa ‘yung pamilya. Dapat nga ihatid ‘yung check doon mismo sa doon sa pamamahay ng mga naiwang pamilya. Bakit tatagalan? Anyway, na-Ombudsman na po ‘yung nag-cause ng delay,” he shared. Acknowledging that there is still much work to be done to improve the conditions of healthcare workers, Go expressed support for the review of the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers to update it and address the needs and concerns of health workers. In this regard, Go urged the DOH and the Department of Labor and Employment to review the salaries and compensation of private healthcare workers to make them more competitive. Moreover, Go called for the removal of barriers preventing Filipinos from accessing healthcare services, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable. “Kailangan natin tiyakin na ang mga benepisyo ng Universal Health Care Act ay maihahatid sa mga tunay na nangangailangan nito, at walang mapag-iiwanang Pilipino,” he said. To conclude, Go urged healthcare workers to prioritize the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable, particularly the poor, helpless, and hopeless Filipinos. “Unahin po natin ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan, ‘yung mga helpless, ‘yung mga hopeless po nating mga kababayan,” said Go. “Let us continue to work together towards achieving a truly universal and equitable healthcare system. I believe that through collaboration and cooperation, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a brighter future for the health and well-being of all Filipinos,” he ended. The post Go affirms importance of universal access to healthcare in Davao speech appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PhilHealth urged: Expand medical packages
A partylist representative has urged state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to expand its packages to include dental care under the Universal Health Care law, as access to it does not come cheap. This comes after the Anakalusugan Partylist conducted dental missions in Antique as part of its initiatives to bring healthcare services to people in far-flung areas, where they discovered many have shrugged off the need to visit dentists because of its expense. “If there is any takeaway from our dental missions, it is that there is a need for Philhealth and local government units to focus on the expansion of their regular services and seriously move towards the coverage of the dental needs of our constituents,” said Anakalusugan Partylist Representative Ray Reyes. Venus de Jesus, who recently paid through the nose for tooth extraction, has asked for dental services to be included in PhilHealth’s packages. “It should be included. Prices of dental services right now are too high. Imagine, in a private clinic, extraction costs from P1,500 to P2,500? And those aesthetic procedures range from P25,000 to P60,000,” said De Jesus. As an average employee, De Jesus likewise stressed that the money spent on oral care is no joke and adding dental services to PhilHealth will be extremely beneficial. Currently, PhilHealth does not cover dental procedures or check-ups. In the case of optical services, it only covers screening, consultation fees, and the cost of surgery for eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Meantime, the lawmaker elaborated that people in remote areas often avoid addressing their oral health problems for fear of incurring a hefty bill, which he believes must be addressed if the government is serious about economic recovery and rural development. “Dental complaints have serious ramifications on productivity. It cannot be ignored, set aside for later or swept under the rug,” said Reyes. The UHC Act was signed into law by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2019, which guarantees all Filipinos equal access to quality and affordable healthcare goods and services. The post PhilHealth urged: Expand medical packages appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian cities virus-proof public transit with smart shelters, thermal scanners
BANGKOK– Taking a bus or the subway? Not without first checking your temperature in a smart shelter or touch-free kiosk. From Delhi to Seoul, authorities have introduced mobile apps, temperature-check kiosks and smart bus shelters to make public transit safer as offices and businesses open after lockdowns to control the novel coronavirus. Seoul’s Seongdong-gu district […] The post Asian cities virus-proof public transit with smart shelters, thermal scanners appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
FIBA: Mighty Jimmy and the shot that introduced Gilas to the World
This story was originally published on Feb. 24, 2019 It’s Saturday night at Mall of Asia and the arena is absolutely rocking. Eternal basketball rivals in the Philippines and South Korea are delivering another classic. Gilas Pilipinas is down to the final minute of regulation against its longtime tormentor in the second of two semifinal games. The national team is up by two, 81-79. The Philippines is hosting the 2013 FIBA-Asia Championships where three tickets to the 2014 World Cup are at stake and the winner of this particular game gets one of those tickets. Given the rich history of both teams and what it would mean to the winner, this pivotal game has gone down the wire as everyone pretty much expected. Also knowing the history of both teams in international play, Gilas’ precarious two-point lead was not safe at all. A ghost was lurking in the background and a dreaded curse felt almost inevitable. Down to the final minute of the crucial grudge match between the Philippines and South Korea, guard Jimmy Alapag has the ball and a two-point lead. What he will do will help define not only his career but the legacy of the Gilas name as a national team. WAKE-UP CALL Even before the Philippines-Korea game, Gilas Pilipinas already had to go through one emotional game early in its homestand for the Asian Championships. In a preliminary round showdown against Chinese Taipei, the Filipinos collapsed in the fourth quarter, allowing the Taiwanese to steal a morale-boosting 84-79 win. In 2013, the relationship between the two countries hit a rough patch over the death of one Taiwanese fisherman. In an updated May 17 report by CNN’s Jethro Mullen, “Taiwan has reacted angrily after one of its fishermen was killed by a Philippine coast guard vessel.” Taiwan had frozen applications from OFWs seeking jobs in its territory and the government of then President Ma Ying-jeou demanded an apology, among other things, from the Philippines. While the national basketball teams of both countries never really had any prior animosity with each other, tension was naturally present as both teams squared off in Group A action. Gilas Pilipinas and Chinese-Taipei both entered the showdown with identical 2-0 records and the winner would take control of solo Group A lead heading into round 2. Taking a good lead into the fourth quarter, the Philippines was outscored by 18 in the last 10 minutes and the national team took its worst home loss in quite some time. “At the time, it was a huge game for us. We understood what was happening in Taipei during that particular time. We really wanted to win for what our kababayans were going through at that time,” guard Jimmy Alapag said on that first home loss in the 2013 Asian Championships. “We didn’t get the job done, and it was tough especially to lose a game like that, it was a very emotional and it was a game that we knew we needed,” he added. The crushing loss meant that the Philippines had little room for error in round 2. While Gilas didn’t have any world beaters lined up in the second round, anything less than a perfect run would have meant an early clash with Asia’s established powerhouse teams in the knockout stages. On the other side of the bracket, defending champion China, Iran, and South Korea were battling for position and were expected to finish in the top-3. That means if Gilas Pilipinas failed to finish no. 1 in its group, the national team would have faced one of those teams in the quarterfinals. Gilas picked up a crucial win over Qatar in the 6th of August and the day after, the Philippines got some help from those same Qataris as they beat Taipei in a close decision. At the end of round 2, all teams finished with identical win-loss records but Gilas Pilipinas would take over first place after all tiebreaks were considered, barely edging out Taipei. The Philippines ended up avoiding defending champion China, Iran, and South Korea and instead got Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals. No. 2 Taipei drew China and the third-running Qataris were matched up with the South Koreans. “I think that was the moment we grew up and grew closer. I think that was the lowest of the lows, just because of the atmosphere and what was going on between both countries. It kind of felt that we let our end of the bargain down, you know what I mean? We’re on our home soil and we didn’t take care of business. I think that was one of those moments where we had to really check ourselves and find a way to make it right,” forward Gabe Norwood said of the Taipei loss. “But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. In tournaments like FIBA-Asia it’s important that you have short-term memory whether it was a win or a loss. We needed to let go of that game and continue to stay the course, keep our focus in the tournament,” Alapag added. On August 7, four days after Gilas lost to Taipei, the rift between the Philippines and Taiwan would reach a resolution and the latter country lifted its freeze hiring and other sanctions on the former. The Philippines also did issue on official apology over the death of the Taiwanese fisherman a couple of months prior and the National Bureau of Investigation in Manila recommended the pressing of homicide charges to erring members of the Philippine Coast Guard. DARK HISTORY If the word “rival” is to be defined as a, “person or group that tries to defeat or be more successful than another person or group” then sure, the Philippines and South Korea are rivals. Both countries are rivals in the Asian basketball scene and they have been going at it for a very long time. But if the word rival can also mean “equal” or “peer,” is the Philippines really a worthy basketball rival to South Korea? The Philippines’ history with South Korea in terms of basketball is dark. Very dark. Consider the most high-profile matches between the two countries and you’ll see that the Philippine national team is just not at the level of South Korea. Or at the very least, Koreans always seem to reach 120 percent of their potential when they play Filipinos and we barely bring out 80 percent of our abilities when matched up against our East Asian neighbors. The 1998 PBA Centennial team, arguably the greatest Philippine team ever assembled, was demolished by South Korea in the Asian Games. A national team set up for gold only settled for bronze. Speaking of a bronze medal game, the original Gilas Pilipinas team lost a podium finish to South Korea in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championships. That team squandered a double-digit lead and collapsed late. Of course, who can forget the semifinals of the 2002 Asian Games in Busan when Olsen Racela had the chance to put the Philippines up four but missed two free throws. South Korea would win with a booming triple at the buzzer off a broken play and would later take down China to capture the gold medal. South Korea is the Philippines’ basketball nemesis for all intents and purposes. A worthy adversary that always seem to emerge victorious at our expense. Still, all that previous disappointment didn’t seem to bother Gilas Pilipinas six years ago. The team was not scared and instead, they were excited even. One factor to greatly consider was that fact that the game was in Manila. It makes all the difference to play at home. “We understood the bad history that we had with Korea. We haven’t been very successful with them in quite some time but we knew from Day 1 that if ever we got an opportunity to play them at home, then we have a great chance,” Alapag said. “Man, pre-game, it was just the focus. Everybody was up for the challenge, I don’t think anybody was really nervous, I think it was just the anxiety... we wanted to get out there and do it already,” Norwood added. Playing at home had its perks for sure, but it also had its drawbacks. For all the painful losses the Philippines suffered at the hands of South Korea, it would have been devastating if Gilas actually took a beating in Manila. Stakes were extra high in this particular chapter of this long, ongoing saga. “There was always pressure, it was something that we acknowledged early. Playing at home, it’s great having that support but at the same time, there is some added pressure because you wanna make sure that you make our home crowd proud of the team that they watch and ultimately, win games,” Alapag said, making sure to note that the national team knew of the disadvantages of playing at home even before the Korea game. “It was there but it was something that we acknowledged and we wanted to make sure that we took advantage of the opportunity playing at home,” he added. ALL FILIPINO, ALL HEART Once it was go time, the Philippines-South Korea game went about pretty normal, as you would expect any game from these two national teams. But even before halftime, an injury to Gilas center Marcus Douthit changed the complexion of the semifinals showdown. All of a sudden, the Philippines was without its anchor, without its best player. Sure, there were players on the Gilas bench that can come in and replace Douthit’s size but there was simply no one on the Gilas bench that can come in and replace his talent, production, and just overall presence. June Mar Fajardo was in that Gilas bench but it 2013, the would-be five-time PBA Most Valuable Player was just not at that level yet. It would have been easy for Gilas Pilipinas to fold like cheap furniture and succumb to the overwhelming pressure of trying to overcome South Korea to reach a stage very few Filipinos have reached before. Gilas didn’t fold and instead, the Douthit injury rallied the team even further. “Alam mo sa totoo lang, puso na lang yun eh. Nung nawala si Marcus talaga, sabi ni coach kailangan doble kayod tayo. Dahil sobrang dehado tayo kumbaga, wala na tayong import, wala tayong malaki,” forward Marc Pingris said. With Douthit gone, Ping ate up all of his minutes and worked by committee with guys like Ranidel De Ocampo and Japeth Aguilar to fill in the gaps. “As a player naman, kami nagusap-usap kami na kahit anong mangyari, lalaban kami. Yung time na yun, talagang patay kung patay,” Ping added. Despite losing its best player to an untimely injury, Gilas Pilipinas’ confidence in winning never wavered. With their collective backs against the wall, the Philippine national team played even better. Unlike the later iterations of Gilas Pilipinas, the 2013 team, aptly called Gilas 2.0, had the luxury of having actual preparation before the FIBA-Asia Championships. The amount of work that came before the tournament and the Korea game, the bond built over countless hours of training, all of that helped the national team avoid a monumental meltdown in front of a rabid Manila crowd. “We were such a close-knit team in terms of our chemistry, in terms of the talent that we had, so we felt confident even when Marcus went down early in the game. If you looked at our huddle, you had 11 more very confident guys, not just in themselves but more importantly, in each other,” Alapag said. “That just boiled down to the chemistry that we had. I don’t think any of us panicked, we were all confident in each other. We’ve all been into that situation with our PBA teams, having the ball in our hands and making a play. Knowing that we had five weapons on the floor that could make the winning play, I think it made us very confident and we were able to sustain our composure,” the former Gilas captain added. THE GHOST AND ITS CURSE Shin Dong Pa, Hur Jae, Lee Sang-min, Oh Se-Keun, TJ Moon, and Cho Sung-min are just some players from the South Korean national team that inflicted incredible damage to the Philippines over the course of decades. The dreaded Ghost of South Korea takes form in these players and its curse is to give Filipinos the most heart-crushing loss possible. In 2013, the Ghost was Kim Min-goo and his curse was to beat Gilas Pilipinas in Manila. Despite losing Marcus Douthit and trailing by three points at the break, the Philippines started to turn the tables in the second half. Gilas Pilipinas unleashed Jayson Castro and the Blur led a blazing offense in the third quarter, finding a way to take a 10-point lead over South Korea, the Philippines’ largest of the night. But as the dust settled and Gilas holding a 65-56 lead entering the final period, an ominous figure would make his presence felt. The Korean Ghost has arrived and his name was Kim Min-goo. His curse? Beat Gilas Pilipinas in Manila. Kim was 22 and a senior in college when he made the South Korean national basketball team as a backup shooter in 2013. In nine games in Manila, Kim would play well enough to make the tournament’s All-Star team, averaging 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He led Asian Championships with 25 three-point field goals, 10 came in the last two games and five came against Gilas Pilipinas. Kim drilled back-to-back triples to open the fourth quarter against the Philippines. Later, his fifth triple — a four-point play at that — pushed the Koreans to within a point, 72-73. South Korea would take over soon after as Lee Seung-jun dunked the basketball on a fastbreak. The Ghost has arrived and his curse is in effect. “Ako pumasok sa isip ko yun nung lumamang Korea, na putek ito na naman,” Pingris said. “Pero ang sabi ko, sayang yung opportunity, kaya naman eh. So sabi ni Jimmy samin, no matter what happens wag kami gi-give up. Pinaghirapan natin to at may goal tayo, this year aalis tayo,” he added, noting the team’s goal to get into Spain and compete with the world’s best national teams. Faced with the possibility of dealing with a devastating defeat, Gilas had enough mental fortitude to keep things going. Trust your system, trust your preparation, trust your crowd, trust your teammates, and more importantly, trust yourselves. “You’re never out of the game if you’re playing at home,” Norwood said as they stared a deficit late against their destined rivals. “I think that was our mindset, keep it close and just find a way,” he added. Jimmy Alapag found a way. BORN READY Down 73-75, Jimmy Alapag was under heavy duress when he let go of a three-pointer from the left wing just in front of his bench. It was good to go. The Philippines was back on top by one as Alapag somehow managed to get his team to snap out of an initial shock following Korea’s strong fourth-quarter rally. The stage is now set for a wild finish and Jimmy will star in the final act of what has been an incredible show by Gilas and South Korea. “In situations like that, as an athlete and as a pro, that’s the situations that you dream about,” Alapag said. “Those are shots that you practice when you were a kid. When the shot clock is winding down, to have an opportunity to knock down a shot. It’s a shot that I practiced thousands of times,” he added. After the Philippines and South Korea traded baskets for the lead, Alapag made perhaps the most underrated play in this crazy and emotional encounter between two basketball rivals. Tasked with inbounding the ball just near underneath his own basket, Alapag found his Talk ‘N Text teammate Ranidel De Ocampo for an open look at three. Swish. Gilas leads, 81-77, with 91 seconds to go. “Ranidel was my favorite target for a very, very long time in my career,” Alapag said on the play that most people probably don’t even remember. “Once I saw that he got open, I wanted to make sure that I gave him as great a pass as possible and Ranidel has been known for a long time to take care of the rest,” he added. THE EXORCIST “Yeah, I was right under the basket,” Gabe Norwood says with a laugh when asked if he remembers the shot that changed the course of Gilas Pilipinas as a national team. Late in the fourth quarter of what was essentially a heavyweight bout, the Philippines just landed two strong haymakers but South Korea would refuse to go down without a fight, beating the count of 10 each time. Down to the final minute of a crucial grudge match with a World Cup berth on the line, Jimmy Alapag had his hands on the basketball as Gilas would go to its halfcourt set. Jimmy will never let go of said basketball. Up two, Jimmy did what Olsen wished he could 11 years prior. Up two against South Korea in a pivotal semifinal game, Alapag received a screen from Marc Pingris, which was enough to momentarily shake off Kim Tae-sul. With some room, Alapag drifted to his left and let a three-point shot fly. Boom. Gilas leads, 84-79, with 54 seconds to go. The shot would later be remembered as the one that ended the Korean Curse, the one that finally exorcised the Ghost. “The first thought that came to my mind was don’t miss,” Jimmy said of the clutch jumper. “That last one, Ping sets a good screen and I got a clean look. It’s a shot that myself, and Jayson [Castro], and Larry [Fonacier], and Gary [David], and Jeff [Chan], all of us, we practice that shot time and time again after practice. So you know, it was a shot that I was confident in but in that moment, all you’re thinking about was don’t miss,” he added. It’s one thing to be confident in yourself and to be confidednt in your preparation. It’s a different thing to actually perform under such pressure. As soon as Alapag managed to shoot his shot, Gabe Norwood did what any other good teammate would do and got in position to get the offensive rebound. You know, just in case. Gabe got the ball alright, but he got it after it swished through the rim. “When he put the shot up, I tried to crash for the rebound but I basically knew that it was going in,” he said. “I had probably the best view, I was right under the basket. I think caught it after it went through too,” Norwood added. Alapag checked out moments later as the Philippines went to its defensive lineup in order to stop another Korean comeback. South Korea turned to its most effective shooter in Kim and as he rose up to try and answer Alapag’s triple, Norwood met him at the apex for the game’s most dramatic stop. Gabe blocked Kim and Gilas would finish things off with a final Marc Pingris basket on the other end. A historic 86-79 win was complete. “I still get chills thinking about it, to look up and see grown men just breaking down. My wife was trying to hold my kids and she was holding back tears. It was just an awesome moment, the bond that we had on that team, the stuff that we did to get prepare, I think we poured it all out in that game,” Norwood said on the monumental victory. “I think it probably didn’t hit me until the final buzzer sounded. Not just for me but for the entire team, when that final buzzer sounded, it was such a special group of guys and the fact that we could share that moment with not just with each other but the entire country, it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Alapag added, savoring the moment of a Philippine win over Korea 28 years in the making. THE INTRODUCTION Gilas Pilipinas would lose to Iran the next day in the Finals of the 2013 FIBA-Asia Championships. The Philippines put up a fight but Hamed Haddadi would prove to be too powerful to stop. It would take another two years for Gilas to beat Iran but that didn’t really matter in the moment. The Philippines is headed to the World Championships for the first time in three decades. The Philippines has beaten South Korea and one singular shot has allowed the Gilas name to be known around the world. Jimmy wouldn’t say that though. At least not directly in that way. “For me, that shot was the biggest for my career. But really, it was our entire team. We’ve gone through so much and that was just one particular play that really culminated the entire game and all the contributions from other guys from Gabe’s defense, to Ping’s rebounding, to Japeth’s rim protecting, to Jayson and LA doing a lot of the legwork,” Alapag said. “Everybody had their part in contribution to the game. After the shot, after the buzzer sounded, it was just a very special moment for us as a team and for Philippine basketball to show that all of the sacrifices, all of the hard work, now it’s given an opportunity to re-introduce ourselves to the world,” he added. Jimmy wouldn’t say it, but his teammates would. That shot of his that beat South Korea in the 2013 FIBA-Asia Championships introduced the Gilas name to the world. It announced that the Philippines has finally arrived. Gilas’ breakthrough overtime win a year later in Spain against Senegal — a game Jimmy pretty much decided late as well — made it known that Filipinos are here to stay on the World stage. “I would say so, it got us to where we wanted to be in the World Cup. I think we shocked some people there as well. But just the work that went in, I think it showed the country that we can get back to where we want to be as long as you work together,” Norwood said. “Yung puso ni Jimmy, grabe naman. Makikita mo maliit pero gusto lang niya talaga manalo. Ang liit pero parang lion pag nagalit eh, nandoon yung tiwala namin sa kanya. Ano pa ba masasabi mo, Jimmy is Jimmy Alapag,” Pingris would add. [NOTES: At the time of original publishing, Gilas Pilipinas was fighting to make a return trip to the FIBA World Cup, this time in China in 2019. To secure its slot, the the Philippine national team needed to beat Kazakhstan in Astana plus a loss from Japan, Jordan, and/or Lebanon. One of the teams that can help Gilas is South Korea... ironically. Jimmy Alapag retired from national team play in 2014 and retired playing for good in 2016. He has since made himself a champion basketball coach in the ABL. Marc Pingris suffered an ACL injury in 2018 and is in the process of returning for his PBA team in the current 2019 season. Gabe Norwood is still in Gilas. He’s still an effective two-way weapon. He can still dunk and will stop your best player too.] [Updated Notes: The Philippines beat Kazakhstan to make the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China. Gilas got help from... South Korea. The Koreans beat Lebanon on the road, allowing Gilas to advance to the World Championships outright with a victory over Kazakhstan.] — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
Cheat Sheet: How To Keep Your Overall Health In Check These Days
Check out these tips to ensure your immune system has everything it needs to fight off infection or illness!.....»»
How Pinoy athletes kept winning during the lockdown
Sporting events may be suspended or canceled, but that won't stop your favorite Filipino athletes from inspiring or entertaining people as they spend their extra time off doing worthwhile activities during the lockdown period. From reaching out to affected communities to learning a new skill, here are what your idols are up to during the community quarantine. 1) Proudly serving the nation as frontliners Some athletes have taken their in-game dedication off the court, as they proudly serve the country as frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic. MPBL players such as Bacoor City's Eric Acuña and Bacolod-Master Sardines' Jopher Custodio are currently heeding the call as frontliners for the Philippine Army, as well as their fellow soldiers UST women’s volleyball coach Kung Fu Reyes and volleyball star Jovelyn Gonzaga. Pasay Voyager's Dhon Reverente also suited up for the Philippine Navy while his teammate Jesse Bustos is serving in the frontlines in another way, using his camera as a photojournalist for a daily newspaper. 2) Raising funds and holding donation drives Your beloved players continue to exemplify teamwork in these challenging times as they help the dedicated frontliners and affected households in different parts of the country. UST student-athletes joined former Golden Tigresses star Sisi Rondina in auctioning their jerseys for a cause to donate supplies to the frontliners of Barangay Luz in Cebu City. Meanwhile, volleyball legends Alyssa Valdez and Charo Soriano led a fundraiser called "Volleyball Community Gives Back PH," which aims to supply frontliners in the country with PPEs and other essentials—with celebrities like Kathryn Bernardo and Pia Wurtzbach joining their cause. Former DLSU Lady Spikers standout and Creamline utility spiker Michele Gumabao also provided relief packs and gave them personally to the affected communities in Pampanga with the help of the group Your 200 Pesos. 3) No days off for training and getting the gains Leagues and competitions may have been put on hold, but athletes won't be stopped from keeping themselves in tiptop shape. Observing quarantine, ONE Championship's heavyweight champion Brandon Vera took his workout to the forest, preparing for his upcoming bout against Arjan Bhullar, while Team Lakay fighters, such as Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Joshua Pacio improvised household materials as gym equipment. National athletes, such as karateka Junna Tsukii, wushu artist Agatha Wong, and Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz, did rigorous training sessions at home to keep themselves in form for upcoming tournaments. High-flyer Ricci Rivero also taught his fans some basic dribbling drills to improve basketball handles—as seen in an episode of "Upfront" on LIGA cable sports channel. 4) Unlocking new skills and focusing on fave hobbies Your fave sports idols also overcame boredom by learning new skills and focusing on their favorite hobbies. For instance, DLSU Green Archers guard Aljun Melecio learned to cook scrumptious lechon while taking a time-out from the hardwood. UAAP volleyball champion and national team player Rex Intal also reminded us that he is a dedicated painter with his mixed portrait of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, channeling his passion for sports and art into one. And did you know that top local setter Jia Morado is a talented photographer? Check out her Instagram and be amazed by her works. 5) Taking their talents to TikTok Athletes joined the trending TikTok craze as a source of entertainment during the lockdown. Former UAAP stars Kim Kianna Dy and Jema Galanza posted their dance covers of Young Thug's "Relationship," and Deanna Wong took on "The Weekend" dance challenge. UST Golden Tigresses' rookie Imee Fernandez also wowed the TikTok crowd with a pre-workout dance video, which garnered over 600,000 views online. For Ateneo Blue Eagles guard SJ Belangel, TikTok has also been his avenue to overcome his shyness, doing hilarious skits online. 6) Becoming stars online No live sports to entertain the audiences? It's not a problem for these athletes who continue to provide fun content to every sports fan, with the help of ABS-CBN Sports. Catch Shaun Ildefonso as he does an entertaining commentary about everything sports on "SRSLY." Also watch Cherry Nunag’s wacky chikahan with famous athletes in "Kalye Confessions: Stay-at-Home Edition." Lastly, the lockdown won't stop the basketball conversation as Beau Belga chats with your favorite hoop idols online, while still chowing down on their fave treats on "Extra Rice with Beau Belga." Watch all of these on ABS-CBN Sports' Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and YouTube channel. Also stay tuned for more new offerings from the sports arm of ABS-CBN. These athletes have proven they are truly winners in and out of the court. While waiting for live sports to return, you can rewatch the best games of these athletes on LIGA (SD channel 86 and HD channel 183 on SKYCable) and game highlights and special features on ABS-CBN Sports' social media pages and official YouTube account. ABS-CBN Sports will continue its commitment to providing a variety of world-class, exciting, and inspiring content to every Pinoy sports fan. Visit sports.abs-cbn.com and follow @ABSCBNSports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For updates, you may also visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom or follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram......»»