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Nuke challenge (2)
As time passes, the country risks becoming a doormat in terms of ensuring an ample supply of electricity at an economical cost, which are the benefits being realized by its neighbors through nuclear energy. There are 445 nuclear reactors in the world that are currently in operation and another 57 are under construction. A total of 30 countries are involved in nuclear energy production, including the US, France, China, Japan and Russia, according to the National Academy of Science and Technology, which is the authority on nuclear energy in the absence of a regulator. The global capacity of nuclear power, however, has progressively decreased due to changes in Western government policies and the shutdown of reactors in Japan, Germany and the US. Still, there was an increase in global nuclear generation by 1.4 percent in 2016 largely attributed to China’s 23-percent rise. Nuclear power’s share in the total generation mix fell to 11 percent in 2015 but still corresponds to nearly a third of the world’s low-carbon electricity production. In the ASEAN, the primary demand for energy grew by 70 percent between 2000 and 2016. Three-fourths of the region’s energy production is based on fossil fuels. Vietnam is intent on expanding nuclear power generation as manifested by its agreement with Russia and Japan to build two plants. Thailand, on the other hand, has not pursued its nuclear program since 2014, while Indonesia will open to nuclear energy after 2025. The Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation states that the country will wait until 2030 for a similar facility of its own. Recently, the House special committee on nuclear energy adopted a resolution calling on the Department of Energy to create a Nuclear Energy Division. Pangasinan Representative Mark Cojuangco, the panel chairperson, adopted House Resolution 387, which is in line with the objective of incorporating nuclear power into the energy mix. The proposed DoE division would be in charge of developing the framework for utilizing and managing nuclear energy in the country. It should also further advance the plan to utilize nuclear energy to combat the rising prices and the lack of electricity supply. In his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said it was “time to re-examine” the country’s strategy toward building nuclear power plants. “We must build new power plants. We must take advantage of all the best technology that is now available, especially in the area of renewable energy,” he said. An additional capacity of 43.765 megawatts or an additional 73 high-capacity power plants will be needed by 2040. Its continued dependence on imported fossil fuels makes the country vulnerable to world energy price volatilities. By comparison, the cost of generating nuclear energy is less sensitive to fuel price hikes due to the larger component contributed by its capital cost, thus making nuclear plants an important baseload power generation source as demonstrated in many countries. The government’s international commitment to bring down greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent will bank on the nuclear energy initiative since renewable energy is not delivering the benefits as promised. Coupled with strong programs on carbonless energy production, considerable greenhouse gas reductions can expectedly be achieved. As the country heavily relies on fossil-based fuels, energy from nuclear fuel is seen as a viable solution to mitigate the effects of climate change. Global energy demand is predicted to increase by 2030 and so with the carbon emission. For several urgent reasons, economic growth and the ecological balance included, the imperative is for the DoE to defy its detractors and step up to embrace nuclear power as a source of electricity. The post Nuke challenge (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tingting Cojuangco — Christian Espiritu’s ultimate muse
Through the years of Philippine fashion history, Margarita “Tingting” de los Reyes Cojuangco has always been known as the muse of the iconic Filipino designer Christian Espiritu who recently passed away. Theirs is a friendship that had stood the test of time. Tingting was named one of the 100 beautiful women of the world by the international magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, on the occasion of its 100 founding anniversary. During the early years of the 1970s, she made it to the Hall of Fame of Manila’s Best Dressed List, an annual selection initiated by the old guard of Philippine fashion, among them Ramon Valera, Salavacion Lim Higgins of Slim’s, Pilar Romack of New Yorker Gown Salon, and Imelda Reyes of Milie’s Gowns. In the 1980s, Tingting, who graced the social pages as a teenager and a young matron, transformed into a new woman, this time as a street activist braving the firecanons and tear gas, a Yellow campaigner in the South, and finally a graduate student and scholar specializing in the ethnic muslim communities of Cotabago and Zamboanga. She would cap this with a National Defense College master’s thesis on the then rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Through it all, she kept her friendship with the man who first showed the world her potential. Christian saw in Tingting, this gangly yet beautiful teenager, a lady worth grooming and turning into an icon of fashion. Tingting thus became Christian’s muse. Chosen by her mother and grandmother, Christian made her outfit for her high school prom at Maryknoll College. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and collaboration that would pass through social, political and economic upheavals in this country. No matter, they were constant in each other’s lives, not minding intrigues, the cycle of fortunes and The recent demise of her original mentor and designer, Christian, brought Tingting out of her reculsive and quiet life to share with the Daily Tribune her memories of the designer who streamline Filipiniana, incorporating his knowledge as a graduate of architecture. The interview with Tingting Cojuangco follows: “He launched my modeling career” Daily Tribune (DT): How did you meet Christian? Did you go to him for your teenage formal dresses, and not only during your wedding? Tingting delos Reyes Cojuangco (TRC): My mom and grandma Lucia “Dada” admired the simplicity of his designs on the Christian Espiritu shop on their way to fetch me from Maryknoll College. [caption id="attachment_148162" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHRISTIAN and Tingting photographed by Jaime Zobel de Ayala.[/caption] The display changed constantly but the clothes were cut simply along the revered lines of Audrey Hepburn’s and Jackie Onassis. His below the knee dresses were sleeveless, with a boat collar, 2-pin tucks under the bust accentuated the waist and hips that ended in semi straight skirt. Mom brought me into his shop at age 15 it was called “Christian” for Christian Espiritu. He launched my modeling career at 16 years old with Gilbert Perez who taught me how to pose. Mother always reminded me, a pretty face looses attraction if the voice isn’t modulated or manners are impeccable and courteousness for elders. Christian reinforced Mom’s belief, simplicity are carried off with poise, beauty and elegance. Christian’s creativeness suggested taste with ease and wealth subdued characterizing by minimalism. DT: Tell me about that wedding gown. Why did you choose him and not Valera or one of the stalwarts of the era? What was his inspiration for the gown? What did you tell him about your preferences? TRC: He made my wedding gown and the whole entourage. My in-laws wanted my wedding gown to be made by Valera a great designer of his time. But I insisted on Christian. For my wedding gown he sketched the simplest white gown, it turned out he had sequins sewed on the satin fabric one by one. He put a sheer fabric organza on top of the gown. It was very elegant for my morning wedding as the sequins shined different colors depending on the lights. That was his precision. For my wedding Christian was at home with his assistant Romulo Estrada. I recall Inno Sotto as his right hand, both dressed me up constantly. Did I have a preference in designs? He said “bahala na ako” and I agreed. That was trust and loyalty. He designed my dresses with simplicity, cut perfectly, shaping my thin body whether it was a day dress or gown. “His dresses were cut perfectly.” DT: When you were married already, did you still see him for your outfits? Which of the dresses and gowns he made for you do you remember? TRC: Yes, we had a friendship of two family’s compadres and ninangs. He did China’s wedding gown of gray and pink even if he claimed he was retired. I forced him. DT: What made him an outstanding designer? TRC: Simplicity. His dresses were cut perfectly and fabrics that didn’t crumple with pin tucks here and there. With the timelessness in the designs and his execution I could wear Christian’s couture clothes for many years. DT: You are in the Best Dressed Hall of Fame. Was he among the designers that you admired and commissioned to do your dresses? TRC: Yes and our friendship developed through the years and confidence. He never spoke bad of anybody. He would just put his hands together and smile. DT: Any unforgettable creation of his exclusively for you? Can you describe some of the gowns and dresses he made for you? TRC: I had a satin dress with a round Chinese emblem and tassel. His clothes for me were stand outs…my gowns for formal functions were of full skirts. “He said, ‘The language of fashion is refined, cultured and well-mannered.’” DT: When was the last time you saw him? Tell us about that last encounter with him. TRC: At an Elegant Women event in Diamond Hotel, Elegance…Merriam-Webster defines it as “refined grace or dignified propriety; tasteful richness of design or ornamentation; restrained beauty of style.” The Cambridge Dictionary writes “graceful and attractive in appearance or behavior.” When the project of elegant women first came up, it was for me to make a list of best dressed women. It had been done too many times now without a conclusion. I figure that there are many Filipinas who have the perfect body for dressing, who dress and accessorize well – but money and a stylist can do that. And, as the cliché goes, money cannot buy class. So, the concept evolved and we agreed on making a list of The Elegant Filipina. We also decided that, first, this project would be for a cause, and second, that I would be allowed to redefine the meaning of elegance to inspire others to contribute to one’s community, society and country by being an elegant example. While the list was handpicked by me, I sought advice to validate my choices. This panel was composed of designer Christian Espiritu, fashion entrepreneur Tina Ocampo, Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma, Philippine Tatler’s Editor-In-Chief Anton San Diego, and Managing Editor Chit Lijauco and Pete Cura. We defined an Elegant Filipina as: He said “The woman at the center of attention knows that the language of fashion is refined, cultured and well-mannered; Commands respect in her chosen field; leaves a legacy of power and grace, beauty and sophistication, wisdom and compassion.” At the first Elegant Women event, he was elegant in his suit with a scarf wearing his trade mark of silver bracelets or varied silver rings. I called him three weeks ago and we promised to see each other. It didn’t happen. “He never mixed politics with art.” [caption id="attachment_148158" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A PORTRAIT of Christian Espiritu by Jaime Zobel de Ayala, 1987.[/caption] DT: He turned his back on his number one client, Imelda Marcos, after Ninoy died. Were you ever with Christian during the Anti-Marcos rallies? Do you recall if he was in EDSA? TRC: Christian was calm, well educated, schooled and respectful. He wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Never mixed politics and arts. I don’t know about that. I was not with Christian rallying. For rallies I only wore blue jeans or khaki pants and trubenized blouses made of cotton white t-shirt. DT: Who are his other clients from your social set? Who were his loyal customers. TRC: I don’t know. I didn’t care nor ask. That’s not my concern. DT: How did your relationship evolve in the latter years of his life? TRC: I love him. He was part of my growing up and getting old. DT: What do you think was his greatest contribution to Philippine fashion? How did he influence the Philippine fashion industry? TRC: He kept piña alive and the Paranaque bordaderas working day to midnight in their livelihood of Filipino tradition. He used muted colors of fabric. He made women look elegant and desired without showing of their bodies. I agreed that elegance can be expensive. But elegance can be inexpensive too, but confidence and amiability are the key factors. The post Tingting Cojuangco — Christian Espiritu’s ultimate muse appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Teodoro and Teodoro
Gibo and Ted, as they are often referred to by many, are the two newest officials to join the Marcos Jr. Cabinet. That it took almost a year to fill the key positions at Defense and Health may be taken in either a positive or negative light, with people likely to veer either way depending on their political colors. Gilbert Teodoro and Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, upstanding men they may be to their friends and family, may just as easily be criticized for past actions, devotions, or decisions. Who are we to know, really, what they can do unless we look at their track record and reputation? Still, the most critical (or cynical) may argue that these are no guarantee that they can “do the job.” We will know in the end, won’t we, but there is never a bottom in the well of hope. The real question, as we may simply put it, never mind the whispers and whines, is this: are they the right men for the job? These are transformative times, as we often say. Experienced and capable as they may be, Gibo and Ted are coming in at a time when many factors have changed for the departments they are set to lead. Or, indeed, for the world. Teodoro has headed the Department of National Defense before. Yet in then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s time, the DND did not experience the level of aggression now being felt from China over territorial disputes. Dr. Herbosa is also not new to the Department of Health, having served as undersecretary during Noynoy Aquino’s presidency. He was also part of the Duterte government’s Covid-19 task force. The post-pandemic realities in the health sector will present him with fresh challenges, to be sure. It gets more interesting when one examines either man’s roots or affiliations, especially if looking into “why” they were given the government position. Teodoro’s ties to the Cojuangco clan and its “yellow” connotation, some say, could make it a little difficult for him this time around. However, his Marcos ties are also clear: his mother, Mercedes Cojuangco, was a member of the Batasang Pambansa during the Marcos Sr. presidency. Danding Cojuangco, his late uncle, was an ally of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. As DND secretary under Arroyo, he was a popular figure, touted as “the youngest person ever to hold the post” at age 43. He had a brilliant run until, some say, the president’s unpopularity at the time rubbed off on his chances to win elections. Some allege that he was “burned out” by the politics of the time — but that is all conjecture, as Teodoro practically went off the political grid for a decade, resurfacing to travel to Davao City and see than possible presidential bet Sara Duterte. Herbosa, medical trauma expert regarded as “a controversial figure during the pandemic,” has all the qualifications for the job, and likely both the strength and humility to handle problems when they arise. Joey Concepcion said Herbosa would help the government keep Covid-19 under control and keep public health in good standing, a must to have the national economy running at full capacity, a report says. So, back to the question: Are they the right men for the job? If they are to prove this, we have to set aside doubt and the tendency to speculate and just give them the chance they deserve. The post Teodoro and Teodoro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipina rescued from mail-order bride syndicate
The Bureau of Immigration rescued a suspected victim of a mail-order bride syndicate, targeting Filipinas sent to China under false pretenses......»»
Julia, Carlo kumasa na sa taping sa Japan, magtatambal sa ‘Hold Me Close’
MULING magpapakilig sina Julia Barretto at Carlo Aquino sa kanilang fans! Magkakaroon kasi sila ng reunion movie na “Hold Me Close” mula sa direksyon ni Jason Paul Laxamana. Sa kasalukuyan, sila ay nasa bansang Japan upang umpisahan na ang paggawa ng pelikula. Sa isang Instagram post, ibinandera ng Viva Films ang ilang posters at isang.....»»
Sylvia, Art nagdiriwang ng anniversary, game na game nang magkaapo
IBINANDERA ng batikang aktres na si Sylvia Sanchez ang kanyang pagmamahal para sa mister na si Art Atayde ngayong ipinagdiriwang nila ang kanilang wedding anniversary. Sa Instagram, makikita ang ilang throwback pictures and videos nilang mag-asawa, pati ng kanilang pamilya kasama ang mga anak na sina Arjo, Ria, Gela at Xavi. “Happy Anniversary Husband [flying.....»»
US reaffirms support for Philippines sovereignty amid its tensions with China
Washington, DC [US], March 28 (ANI): US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Manila in defending its sovereignty while criticising China's "dangerous" water cannon attack at the Philippine supply mission vessel on Saturday. In a telephonic conversation between Austin and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, the US Secretary reiterated the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty.....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
China urges ROK to stay prudent on South China Sea issue: Chinese FM
BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Republic of Korea (ROK) to stay prudent when it comes to the South China Sea issue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday. Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to a media query about ROK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's biased and unfactual comments on the South China Sea issue over the past few days. "China.....»»
Chinese Diplomat Liu Jianchao Meets With Singapore s Leaders
singapore - Liu Jianchao, the senior diplomat widely expected to become China's next foreign minister, said "the world needs connectivity, not decoupling," during a four-day visit to Singapore.Liu, who heads the international department of the Communist Party, was in the city-state to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the country's incoming leader, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.During a s.....»»
Philippines’s Marcos pledges action in response to China’s ‘dangerous attacks’
President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines has issued a strong statement in response to recent confrontations in the South China Sea, stating that the country.....»»
Akbayan to Sara: You don’t have to be president to speak vs China
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Akbayan said on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have to be a president of the country for her to call out China’s intrusive actions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Empathy and a moral backbone is just what it takes to stand up with fisherfolk and frontline.....»»
China: PH is ‘straying down a dangerous path’
MANILA, Philippines — China continued to blame the Philippines and its ally, the United States, for the continued tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In a statement on Thursday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian warned that the Philippines is going down a dangerous path. READ: No letup in Chinese water cannon attacks.....»»
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS.....»»
Marcos: Philippines won’t be ‘cowed into silence, submission’ by China
“We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield,” Marcos said. .....»»
Ashley Tisdale buntis sa 2nd baby: ‘We can’t wait to meet you!’
MAY exciting news ang Hollywood actress at “High School Musical” star na si Ashley Tisdale sa madlang pipol! Ayon sa kanya, ipinagbubuntis niya ang second baby nila ng mister na si Christopher French. Sa Instagram, ibinandera ni Ashley ang kanyang baby bump at ang caption niya: “We can’t wait to meet you [emoji].” Baka Bet.....»»
Pentagon chief reaffirms support after latest China aggression in WPS
Austin emphasized US support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction in a phone call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Wednesday. .....»»
Dela Rosa considers war with China but admits: ‘Hindi naman natin kaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is already fed up with China’s persistent harassments in the West Philippine Sea, prompting thoughts of engaging in war with Beijing. But he knows, war is not an option. “Naubos na ang sasabihin ko dapat dyan. Short of declaring war na tayo dyan against sa kanila e,.....»»
FOCAP condemns Chinese embassy’s claims on ‘manipulated’ West Philippine Sea videos
The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines strongly rejected and condemned yesterday China’s “false and baseless” claims that journalists manipulate videosthey recorded in the South China Sea to present the Philippines as a victim......»»
Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»