We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Philippines, EU resume free trade agreement talks
MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Monday, the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Tuesday. "Strengthening economic engagement with the EU remains a priority for the Philippines," said Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, adding that the Philippines aims for an ambitious, b.....»»
(Not) remembering things past
Many lamented the destruction of the iconic building housing the Manila Central Post Office when it was razed to the ground after a car battery exploded in one of its storage rooms a few weeks ago. The huge blaze was put out after 30 hours and the damage was estimated at P300 million. The incident also broke the hearts of countless employees who had worked most of their professional lives in the building. But after the usual outcry, the many columns, editorials, and a flurry of outrage on social media, the usual cries for “an investigation,” as in most cases, the issue appears to have died down, buried under an avalanche of political bickering, the brouhaha about quarrels between popular noontime television show hosts and their former partners, and the latest round of fuel and food price increases. So how serious really are we as a people in preserving our cultural heritage? The list of old landmarks and buildings that have been obliterated by way of wrecking balls, natural disasters, alleged acts of arson, sheer negligence, or lack of appreciation for history or the past continues to grow. In Manila alone, where the Post Office built in 1926 once stood, rising proudly after it was heavily damaged during the horrific Battle of Manila in World War II between American and Japanese forces, several buildings or homes that we often referenced as links to the past, or had evoked childhood memories and a fascination for nostalgia can no longer be found, restored, or visited. Think of the Paco Railway Station built in the first two decades of American rule, with its huge clock hands frozen in time; the Jai-Alai building on Taft Avenue where fortunes were found or lost; the cinema palaces with impressive lobbies on the Escolta and Rizal Avenue; the beautiful homes in Binondo and Tondo where once lived national heroes, freedom fighters, writers and poets before these were converted into dirty warehouses, crumbling apartments, and food stalls; the Manila Grand Opera House, site of the newly inaugurated 1907 first Philippine Assembly, and later a venue for stage shows and post-war musical extravaganzas. The list goes on and on. Why preserve these buildings in the first place? Because these old structures provide us with a link to the past, a sense of place and continuity, a connection with our cultural heritage, and a legacy for future generations. These are sources of pride and testimony as to how we evolved as a nation. Apart from being made of more durable (and often not readily obtained now, if not no longer available) materials crafted by artisans of exceptional workmanship, they made for visually attractive works of art that appealed not only to local but international visitors or they could have been easily transformed into adapted use venues for vintage markets and office spaces with an Old-World appeal. Although not all seems lost — look at the heritage cities and towns of Vigan, Ilocos Sur; Silay and Bacolod in Negros Occidental; Iloilo City’s and Taal’s carefully preserved homes of old — the few owners who do not demolish these old buildings or their new tenants would rather renovate than restore, perhaps thinking that new buildings are more attractive or better investments than old ones, thus effacing not only architectural integrity but one’s original roots, so to speak. We continue to forge on in this relentless path of destroying or not revering mementos or souvenirs of the past, choosing instead skyscrapers, huge malls, and fast food outlets, reclaiming what once was pristine and marine-rich waters and turning it into man-made land for more towering and not environmentally friendly structures. When will we ever learn? The post (Not) remembering things past appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fire hits commercial building in Binondo
A fire of still unknown origin broke out at a commercial building in Binondo, Manila yesterday......»»
Fire hits Binondo building
A fire broke out in a commercial building in Binondo, Manila on Saturday morning. The blaze started at 10:30 a.m. on the 5th floor of the PAM building, located at Claro M. Recto, corner Sto. Cristo Street. The Bureau of Fire Protection reached second alarm, and was put under control by 11:45 a.m. and declared out by 12:27 p.m. There were no reported casualties, but the fire caused an estimated damage of P480,000. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, arson investigators are looking into the possibility that the fire was caused by an electrical fault or by a cooking accident. The fire has caused the closure of the PAM building for the time being, with the owners working to assess the damage and make repairs. Residents of Binondo and other parts of Metro Manila were urged to be vigilant and to take steps to prevent fires. The BFP handed some tips on how to prevent fires, including keeping flammable materials away from heat sources, and installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Building owners were encouraged to have a fire escape plan and to practice it regularly. “Be aware of the fire risks in your area and take steps to mitigate them,” the bureau said. The post Fire hits Binondo building appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fire at iconic Post Office under control, damage extent unknown
The massive fire that razed the iconic Manila Central Post Office building has been declared under control by the Bureau of Fire Protection at around 7:22 a.m. Monday. Considered a national landmark with its neoclassical architecture, the building was engulfed in fire that reportedly began around midnight. A general alarm was called to salvage the structure which was considered a masterpiece by Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua. It began construction in 1928. But World War 2 left it heavily damaged until it was reconstructed in 1946 It was designed to nestle at the foot of the Pasig River, the better to transport letters via boat. It also fronted what is now known as Liwasang Bonifacio, which has access to Manila’s busiest districts then like Quiapo. Binondo and Ermita. BFP has yet to issue a statement on the extent of damage as well the cause of the fire. It hasn't been used much in the past few decades as people prefer emails and other high-tech gadgets in sending messages to the traditional "snail mail." The post Fire at iconic Post Office under control, damage extent unknown appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
In photos, video: Binondo Chinese New Year 2023 celebrations
Even if fire broke out in a building near Lucky Chinatown Mall, prompting all of Binondo's volunteer firefighters into the scene, nothing can stop revelers from welcoming the Year of the Water Rabbit yesterday in arguably the world's oldest Chinatown dating back to the 1600s......»»
7 lumang simbahan sa Metro Manila na swak pang-‘Visita Iglesia’
TUWING sasapit ang Semana Santa, isa sa mga tradisyon ay ang “Visita Iglesia.” Para sa mga hindi aware, isa ito sa mga taunang ginagawa ng mga Katoliko na bumisita sa pito o higit pang simbahan upang magdasal at magmuni-muni sa mga istasyon ng Krus. Sa pamamagitan nito, ibinabandera ng mga deboto ang kahalagahan ng pananampalataya,.....»»
Philippines logs 40 pertussis deaths this year
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Forty children have died of whopping cough, a respiratory infection also called pertussis, since this year, the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has reported. The DOH said in a statement on Wednesday that cases have continued to increase since the start of this year, recording 568 cases from Jan. 1 to March 16. "The total number of cases for the same period in 2023 was.....»»
DMK criticises Election Commission for being biassed in allocating symbols to political parties
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 28 (ANI): The Deputy Secretary of the Student Wing of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Ka Amutharasan, has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of having a biassed attitude towards opposition parties by allocating election symbols as per their wishes. "ECI has allocated the symbols for the Tamil Manila Congress and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhgam that those parties wished for. Th.....»»
Unlock business success at Franchise Asia Philippines Expo
The Franchise Asia Philippines Expo 2024 is set to hold a series of dynamic seminars designed to empower entrepreneurs, investors and business enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of franchising. Slated from April 12 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, these seminars offer invaluable insights into key aspects of franchising and business growth......»»
Catch-up Fridays eased for teachers
JENIELITO "Dodong" Atillo, spokesperson of the Department of Education (DepEd-Davao), clarified during the AFP-PNP press conference held on Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024, at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, that the implementation of “Catch-up Fridays” has been streamlined to alleviate any perceived burden on teachers......»»
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,.....»»
Pertussis or whooping cough: 40 child deaths so far this year – DOH
MANILA, Philippines — Assistant Health Secretary Albert Domingo reported on Wednesday that as of March 16 this year, some 40 children had died of whooping cough — a respiratory infection also called pertussis. An increase in new pertussis cases nationwide had been observed nationwide, with 28 cases reported from March 10 to 16. READ: What.....»»
Xdinary Heroes make ‘extraordinary’ concert in Manila
Members of the South Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes showed that they were no ordinary musicians during their first world tour, “Break The Brake” last March 23 at the New Frontier Theater......»»
EAM Jaishankar visits Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar in Manila
Manila [Philippines], March 27 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar on Tuesday during its port call to Manila and said that India's Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision will continue to give it a more contemporary form. He presented his remarks at the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar on Tuesday and said that his visit and the ship's presence signify th.....»»
India backs Philippines in dispute with China
New Delhi has drawn a strong response from Beijing after reiterating its support for Manila in a territorial dispute India has "firmly reiterated" its support for the Philippines and its "national sovereignty," as Manila remains locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. Ten.....»»
India backs Philippines in sea dispute with China
New Delhi has drawn a strong response from Beijing after reiterating its support for Manila in a territorial dispute India has "firmly reiterated" its support for the Philippines and its "national sovereignty," as Manila remains locked in a territorial dispute with Beijing in the South China Sea. Ten.....»»
Eala advances in W75 Croissy-Beaubourg tennis tilt
Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has gone into the next round of the W75 Croissy-Beaubourg tournament in France after sweeping hometown bet Emeline Dartron, 6-3, 6-4, late Tuesday night (Manila time)......»»
What s Wrong With Secretary Kim star Park Min Young making first-ever Manila visit in May
The Korean star of "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim" and "When The Weather Is Fine" Park Min Young will be having her first-ever fan meeting in the Philippines this May......»»
P1.1 billion released to restore heritage school buildings
The Department of Budget and Management has released P1.1 billion to conserve and restore heritage school buildings in the country......»»