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88% of Pinoys oppose Cha-cha – Pulse Asia
Public opinion on Charter change, which last year was roughly divided among Filipinos, is now largely skewed toward those opposed to changing the country’s Constitution, a survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed......»»
Most Filipinos reject Charter change, lifting foreign ownership restrictions
An overwhelming majority of Filipinos oppose changing the 1987 Constitution at this time, according to a new Pulse Asia Survey, with results showing Filipinos in all regions and all socio-economic classes did not support the lifting of foreign ownership restrictions in key industries......»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 25
JAKARTA -- One was killed and nine others, including children, went missing after a landslide struck a village in the Indonesian province of West Java on Sunday, a local official said Monday. The disaster took place in Cibenda village in West Bandung regency on Sunday after torrential rain reportedly poured over the area for around two hours. (Indonesia-Landslide) - - - - SYDNEY -- Local media repo.....»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, March 25
JAKARTA -- One was killed and nine others, including children, went missing after a landslide struck a village in the Indonesian province of West Java on Sunday, a local official said Monday. The disaster took place in Cibenda village in West Bandung regency on Sunday after torrential rain reportedly poured over the area for around two hours. (Indonesia-Landslide) - - - - SYDNEY -- Local media repo.....»»
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......»»
7 dead after Davao City Mayor Duterte declares war vs. drugs
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 26 March) – Two more drug suspects died in separate buy-bust operations in Toril District here before dawn Tuesday, after they allegedly resisted arrest, a police official said. This brought the number of fatalities to seven since Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte declared a “war” on illegal drugs last March […].....»»
From the Newsrooms: March 10 to 16, 2024
THE STATE of the ruling alliance has taken back the news spotlight as the President and his predecessor engaged in yet another sharp exchange, suggesting that all is not well in Team Unity. The depth of hostility between the two remains the subject of public speculation.The media this week reported yet another back-and-forth between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the former president, Rodrigo Duterte. The ex.....»»
EAM Jaishankar, US State Secy Blinken discuss maritime security
New Delhi [India], January 11 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday on several issues, including maritime security challenges, especially the Red Sea region and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar also appreciated his insights on the ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza. He further said that both ministers look forward to realisin.....»»
EAM Jaishankar, US State Secy Blinken discuss maritime security
New Delhi [India], January 11 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday on several issues, including maritime security challenges, especially the Red Sea region and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Jaishankar also appreciated his insights on the ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza. He further said that both ministers look forward to realisin.....»»
CEBU’S FIRST: EXCITEMENT PEAKS AS DANAO CITY UNVEILS 1ST INTERNATIONAL ULTRA TRAIL EVENT
In a groundbreaking milestone for Danao City, the unveiling of the First Danao City International Ultra Trail has sparked tremendous excitement. The event, announced during a press conference at the Danao City DRRM Operations Center, not only marks a significant moment for the city but also sets the stage for an unprecedented sports tourism experience. It stands as the first-ever International Ultra Trail Running Event in Cebu, sanctioned by Asia Trail Master (ATM). Notable figures including Danao City Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano, Committee Chair on Tourism Hon. Ivy Durano, and Event Organizer Marites Bitbit of Virago Sports Management Services, gathered for the press conference. Virtual guests included representatives from different Philippine Sports Organizations and international trail runners. The official event date is set for January 27-28, 2024, offering varied distances and categories, including 15km, 30km, 50km, and 100km. Registration fees range from P2,000 to P3,200, with an Early Bird rate applicable until November 30, 2023. The event also unveiled the four peaks of Danao City (Mt. Lantauan, Mt. Mago, Licos Peak, and Manghilao Peak), which will be prominently featured during the ultra trail run, showcasing the city's breathtaking terrain. Mayor Mix Durano expressed the city's commitment to adventure tourism, emphasizing the coverage and tourism boost the event will bring. Hon. Ivy Durano highlighted the event as a testament to the city's dedication to promoting sports adventure tourism and respecting the environment. Kris Van de Velde, founder of Asia Trail Master (ATM), conveyed his enthusiasm, stating that Danao City's inclusion in the championship series is highly anticipated by international fans. The 1st Danao City International Ultra Trail promises to be an extraordinary event, showcasing the city's dedication to promoting Sports Tourism and establishing its challenging peaks and terrains in the international trail running scene. In addition to the trail run, the event will feature tour packages, food fests, and invigorating zumba and yoga sessions, promising a holistic experience for participants and spectators alike......»»
Panabo’s FM Arca shares leaderboard
Fide Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of the Philippines has taken the lead in the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championship 2023. Arca defeated Muhd Faqih Aminuddin of Malaysia to share the top spot after four rounds. He now has 3.5 points, the same as IM Daniel Quizon, IM Michael Concio Jr., and FM Munkhdalai Amilal. Arca, a 14-year-old student, is seeking his second or third IM norm. In the girls' division, Woman National Masters Ruelle Canino and Ma. Elayza Villa of the Philippines rebounded with victories to stay in contention. The championship is being held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia......»»
Panabo’s FM Arca eyes IM norm in Sabah, Malaysia
Fide Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca from Panabo City, Philippines, is aiming to achieve his second International Master (IM) norm in the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championships in Sabah, Malaysia. Arca recently won first place and the gold medal in the Open Blitz event of the Fide World Youth Chess Championship in Italy. He expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and sponsors and vowed to work even harder to attain the IM title. Arca needs three IM norms from tournaments with rated players to achieve his goal. He previously earned his first IM norm in the 18th IGB Dato' Arthur Tan Malaysian Open Chess Championship. Arca is part of the Dasmariñas Chess Academy, along with International Master Daniel Quizon and International Master Michael Concio Jr. The team is supported by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines and various government agencies......»»
Creating inclusive spaces through SM’s sensitivity training
When people are accepted, they become empowered and feel appreciated and recognized. In celebration of the International Day of Sign Language, SM Cares of the SM Group continues its mission to provide inclusive spaces as a mall for all through its yearly sensitivity training for its frontline employees. The training equips them with skills to better serve customers with different needs or persons with disabilities. Engr. Bien Mateo, senior vice president for Mall Operations and program director of SM Cares Disability Affairs, noted the company’s dedication to creating positive impacts within its communities. “Genuine inclusion starts with us,” he said. “One of the integral steps in line with this effort is by conducting sensitivity training for our employees.” Apart from SM Supermalls’ facilities, the shopping malls of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. promote inclusive spaces through features such as ramps, handlebars in comfort rooms and Braille-labeled elevator buttons. The efforts to promote inclusivity within the malls also rely on equipping its workers with the knowledge and best practices for assisting PWDs. Jay Jess Aquino, a security personnel in SM Mall of Asia for 15 years, shared how helpful the annual sensitivity training is in learning how to respectfully assist customers who have different needs. With daily interactions from different PWD communities, he shared how a simple act of acknowledging guests on the autism spectrum or persons with Down syndrome every time they playfully salute them goes a long way. “Pagpasok po nila sa mall, sumalaudo po sila sa amin mga guards, he said. “Natutuwa rin po kami kasi kahit sa simpleng pag-acknowledge po namin, eh napapangiti na po namin sila.” (They salute us guards as they enter the mall. We are also pleased because even with our simple acknowledgment, we can already make them smile.) As SM front-liners, they must be quick to recognize guests with mobility issues to provide alternative solutions such as wheelchairs and even drive them via golf karts when available. The mall’s administration office is also open to serve as a safe and quiet space for guests who may be sensitive to several sensory inputs. His colleague and fellow security staff Rebecca Flores in Mall of Asia expressed how the sensitivity training has made her more confident to assist patrons with autism spectrum disorder over her nine-year experience in SM. She emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication and building rapport with customers on the spectrum before they enter. This approach helps dismiss any notion that security guards are intimidating. “Opo. Sa entrance pa lang talaga hina-hi (saying hi/hello) na namin sila,” Flores said. “Nagrerespond sila. Bumati ka sa kanila para di sila matakot sa guard. Para kahit mawala sila, di sila matatakot lumapit sa guard. Kasi maalala nila ay ito yung bumati sa akin.” (We see to it that we give them a lively greeting as they enter the mall because they remember you. Even in the unfortunate event of being lost in the mall, they won’t hesitate to approach you to find their way since they will recall the friendly face who said hi to them.) Flores recalled her experience when a child on the autism spectrum playfully kicked her. She remembered how shocked she was during the exchange, although the child’s parent immediately explained the situation. Flores said the child tried to get her again on the way out, but “Di ako nagalit. Mas nagpasalamat ako sa training kasi may kaalaman kami,” she said. (I didn’t get mad. I’m thankful because the training imparted learnings on this.) SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls and a division of SM Foundation, Inc., ensures a barrier-free and disability-inclusive environment for PWDs in all of its malls nationwide. The post Creating inclusive spaces through SM’s sensitivity training appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NoKor missile launches alarming — BBM
JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the recent surge of intercontinental ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK. During his intervention at the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Summit on Wednesday, Marcos underscored the need for the DPRK to fully comply with all UN Security Council resolutions. North Korea, often referred to as DPRK and NoKor, carried out what it called the second military reconnaissance satellite launch from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station last 24 August. Several reports said the launch was unsuccessful due to an in-flight error. The launch came after a prior satellite launch attempt on 31 May. Based on official reports, the nation is planning to carry out a third satellite launch in October. “We (...) affirm our support for the principles embodied in the RoK’s audacious initiative that aims to achieve a denuclearized DPRK, an essential component for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia, and the world,” Marcos said. The RoK may be better known as South Korea. Marcos also appreciated the RoK’s continued support in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as a key pillar of the rules-based international order. “We share concerns on the militarization of reclaimed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and other coercive activities,” he said. “We are equally alarmed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing which are being detected.” Marcos also welcomed the implementation of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which will further deepen ASEAN and RoK’s collaboration on common political, economic, social and cultural concerns. “In particular, we welcome the enhancing policy dialogue on maritime affairs with the RoK under the initiative to contribute to the overall enhancement of ASEAN-RoK comprehensive security cooperation,” he said. Marcos also thanked the RoK for its valuable assistance in addressing the recent oil spill in Mindoro and for its contributions to emergency humanitarian assistance for the damage caused by the recent typhoons. The post NoKor missile launches alarming — BBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM expresses support for ROK’s initiative for a denuclearized NoKor
JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed grave concern over the recent surge of intercontinental ballistic missile launches conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. During his intervention at the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea Summit on September 6, 2023, Marcos Jr. underscored the need for the DPRK to fully comply with all UN Security Council Resolutions. For context, North Korea, often referred to as DPRK, carried out what it termed as its second military reconnaissance satellite launch from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station last 24 August. Several reports mentioned that the launch was unsuccessful due to an in-flight error. This launch comes after a prior satellite launch attempt on 31 May. Based on official reports, the nation is planning to carry out a third satellite launch in October. "We (...) affirm our support for the principles embodied in the ROK's audacious initiative that aims to achieve a denuclearized DPRK, an essential component for sustainable peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia, and the world," Marcos said. Marcos also appreciated the ROK's continued support in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a key pillar of the rules-based international order. "We share concerns on the militarization of reclaimed features; the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels; and other coercive activities," he said. "We are equally alarmed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing which are being detected." Marcos also welcomed the implementation of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI), which will further deepen ASEAN and ROK's collaboration on common political, economic, social, and cultural concerns. "In particular, we welcome the enhancing policy dialogue on maritime affairs with the ROK under the initiative to contribute to the overall enhancement of ASEAN-ROK comprehensive security cooperation," he said. Marcos also thanked the ROK for its valuable assistance in addressing the recent oil spill in Mindoro and for its contributions in emergency humanitarian assistance for the damages caused by the recent typhoons. "We are optimistic that what we have achieved together in the past decades will be quickly surpassed when relations with ROK are elevated to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN," he said. On the economic front, Marcos said that ASEAN and ROK will continue efforts at enhancing ASEAN connectivity and supply chains to further expand mutual trade through the effective implementation of ASEAN-ROK economic cooperation projects and programs. He also underscored ASEAN's strong partnership with the ROK on preserving biodiversity throughout the years. "We thank the ROK for its consistent support for the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, located in the Philippines, in fulfilling their vision of conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity," he said. Marcos concluded by welcoming ROK's intention to elevate their relation with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "We are optimistic that what we have achieved together in the past decades will be quickly surpassed when relations with ROK are elevated to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN," he said. "Such deepening relations continue to serve as a good indicator of the development and evolution of the ASEAN-ROK relation." The post PBBM expresses support for ROK’s initiative for a denuclearized NoKor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
India announces new French fighter jet deal as Modi visits Paris
India announced a new multi-billion-dollar deal for French fighter jets on Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Paris for a two-day trip that will see him feted as the guest of honor during France's national day celebrations. India's defense ministry said that the country intended to order 26 more Rafale jets as well as another three Scorpene-class submarines, with the price and other terms still being worked out. India is one of the biggest buyers of French arms, and Modi announced a landmark deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets during a 2015 trip to Paris that was worth around 4.0 billion euros at the time. Some of those Indian-piloted Rafales will take part in a flypast on Friday during France's Bastille Day military parade where Modi will sit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron as guest of honour. "This closeness is not limited to just the leaders of two countries, it is in fact a reflection of the unwavering friendship between India and France," Modi told an enthusiastic crowd of Indians living in France on Thursday evening. Despite differences over the war in Ukraine and tensions over human rights in India, Western democracies are courting Modi and India as a counterweight to China in Asia. Macron's red carpet welcome comes weeks after Modi was given the rare honor of a White House state dinner in Washington -- a city he was once banned from visiting. "India is one of the pillars of our Indo-Pacific strategy," an aide to Macron told reporters this week on condition of anonymity. Human rights But amid the pomp and diplomatic courting in France, a resolution from the European Parliament on Thursday served as a reminder of Modi's controversial leadership style and Hindu nationalist agenda that has critics at home and abroad. Sitting in Strasbourg in eastern France, EU parliamentarians approved a motion that urged India to end violence in the country's restive northeastern Manipur state and to protect minorities there. Clashes between the majority Meitei, who are mostly Hindus, and the mainly Christian Kuki tribe have left at least 120 people dead, 50,000 displaced and over 1,700 houses destroyed, the parliament said. It criticized the "nationalistic rhetoric" of the local state government, run by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi's role during Bastille Day in France was "an affront not only to India's minority communities, journalists and human rights defenders but also to India as a democracy," the text's chief negotiator, Pierre Larrouturou, said. A protest called against Modi drew only a few dozen people in central Paris on Thursday. Strategic partnership Modi has visited France four times since Macron came to power in 2017, while Macron was honored with a state visit to New Delhi in 2018. Aides on both sides have talked up the personal chemistry between the two leaders and pointed to cooperation on climate change, space technology, and nuclear power as part of a 25-year-old "strategic partnership" between France and India. Modi told the French newspaper Les Echos that bilateral trade had doubled in the last nine years and Macron's "thinking really matches ours". India and France "are naturally compatible" and "we see France as one of our foremost global partners," Modi added. Few observers expect Macron to raise rights concerns with Modi publicly. "The fact that explains France's relative success in this relationship is that unlike the US, the UK, Canada, Germany and a few other European countries, you've hardly seen France commenting on the internal affairs of India," Constantino Xavier from the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, a New Delhi-based think tank, said this week. "That has been appreciated on the Indian side." Modi has been dogged by allegations he was complicit in religious violence during his tenure as chief minister of the western state of Gujarat in 2002 when around 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in sectarian riots. The Indian government and judicial probes have cleared him of culpability. Since his first crushing electoral victory in 2014, he has also been denounced by rights groups for increased discrimination and violence towards the country's Muslims, as well as stifling independent media. "Diversity is the biggest strength of our democracy," he told the meeting on Thursday evening that also lauded the country's economic growth. Many European and American businesses, including US tech giant Apple, are ramping up production there to mitigate the threat of supply chain disruptions from China. The war in Ukraine has heightened concerns in the West about the risk of conflicts disrupting the flow of key raw materials and technology from China, but it has also exposed a rift with India. New Delhi, which has long sought to balance its ties with Moscow and the West, has declined to condemn Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and has emerged as a top buyer of discounted Russian oil during the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. The post India announces new French fighter jet deal as Modi visits Paris appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, French armies want to become observers of jungle, mountain operations drills
The chiefs of the Philippine and French armies have agreed to become observers in army exercises focused on jungle and mountain operations and peacekeeping operations. In a statement Saturday, Philippine Army spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, said the recent development came after Joint Commander of the Asia-Pacific and the Armed Forces in French Polynesia, Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné rendered a courtesy call on Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on 29 June. Trinidad said d’Andigné presented topics on the strategic environment in the Pacific and the commitments of the French Armed Forces in the region. “The Army Commanding General appreciated Admiral d’Andigné’s visit, which marked another milestone in the long partnership between the Philippines and France, particularly in defense matters,” Trinidad said. The post Phl, French armies want to become observers of jungle, mountain operations drills appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Laurice Guillen praises Korean dramas for excellent stories, great production value
Korean dramas have earned praise from Filipino film, TV and theater director and actress Laurice Guillen for their production value, stories and casting. The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) and the Korean Embassy in the Philippines in partnership with BGC Arts Center and Mind S-Cool hosted the webinar “The Role of K-Dramas in Sharing and Shaping Culture Beyond Borders” on Nov. 6 on YouTube. Guillen joined “Winter Sonata” producer Kim Hee-yeol, vice president and head of drama production of Korean drama company Pan Entertainment, and Lee Young-hoon, chief of the Broadcasting Industry Team of the Korean Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), in discussing Korean dramas, which have become a leading content of Hallyu, or Korean Wave, not only in Asia but in countries around the world. “I only started watching K-dramas early this year before the pandemic came to the Philippines and so far I have watched more than 50 Korean drama series excluding films,” said Guillen, adding that there are many outstanding features of a Korean drama. Laurice Guillen She added that “the most outstanding is really the stories which are excellently written. The writing integrates narrative, things and subject matter in a seamless way. The stories do not concentrate on one genre alone and it seems that they are unafraid to make innovations. That is something that is different from our situation in the Philippines where we usually produce the same kind of dramas that have rated very well previously in the ratings.” “Always the stories are character-based. There is always the moral of the story. In Korean dramas, it is not only the lead character who shines but also the support. They are strong and necessary and the audience loves them,” she said. The second most outstanding feature, she said, is the “production value in the staging of the drama as seen in the production design. Care is given to the production design, care is given to the selection of the locations, setting for the scenes and also the technical value.” Guillen also cited the outsourcing production system in Korean dramas. One Korean drama outsourcing company is Pan Entertainment, which has produced top-rating dramas including “Moon Embracing the Sun,” “Brilliant Legacy,” “Kill Me, Heal Me” and “When the Camellia Blooms.” (Center) Laurice Guillen and (clockwise from top left) Park Bogum in “Record of Youth,” Lee Min-ho in “The King: Eternal Monarch,” “Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin in “Crash Landing on You” and Kim Hee-ae and Park Hae-joon in “The World of the Married” (Twitter, Facebook) “Here we don’t have that. We are only just starting but the production of dramas is done by the big networks and productions. However this is something that I have just now learned about the style of production in Korea. The outsourcing production system has worked for the industry as it encourages growth,” she said. Korean dramas are one of Korea’s leading cultural exports. Guillen said she agrees that the growing popularity of Korean dramas in Asia and other countries “is due to common values that Asian can relate to such as love, filial piety and triumph of good over evil. These are values that Filipinos can relate to as an idea.” She said that as a director and after watching Korean dramas, she has appreciated “the detail by which cultural values, customs and traditions, in short the Korean way of life, is shared with the audience.” Korean dramas, she said, integrate many elements including weather, fashion, music, food, Korean standard of beauty, Korean products including food and cosmetics, issues and blending of Western culture into Korean lifestyle. “The drama seems to promote not only cultural patriotism and identity to its home audience in Korea but Korean consumer goods as well to its wider Asian market and beyond,” she said......»»
‘Strong’ peso, weak economy
Reports describe the Philippine peso as the “best performing” currency in Asia this year so far, having appreciated against the US dollar by 4.3 percent since the year started, thereby “outperforming its regional peers.” I have a basic discomfort with statements like this, because the economist in me knows that a currency rising in value […] The post ‘Strong’ peso, weak economy appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
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.....»»