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POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine
If you’re a talented fighter nursing dreams of becoming a world champion, there is one guy you need to get in touch with. If you’re a promoter who has got a bevy of promising fighters but with no strong connections to the guys who matter in the world of big-time boxing, you have to meet the fellow who makes things happen. That dude is no other than Sean Gibbons, who heads MP Promotions and a sprinkling of other influential outfits in the United States that gives boxers from all over the opportunity they deserve. Having trouble with your boxer’s stagnant world rating? Call Sean Gibbons. Can’t seem to get the big breaks? Call Sean Gibbons. Being given the run-around by a scammer, give Sean Gibbons a call. You see, Gibbons is a do-it-all boxing man who is a big daddy to just about any major Filipino fighter. He has got a deep knowledge of the fight game since he used to fight during his heyday. But before you start conjuring up images of Gibbons battling it out with boxing’s marquee names, pinch yourself first. Gibbons never achieved greatness as a boxer. He was more of a pretender than a contender, having racked up a 14-7-3 win-loss-draw record with seven knockouts before finally calling it a day in 1996. He never even fought in Las Vegas and instead showcased his wares in obscurity, hopping into one small town and city after another. After spending his first five pro bouts in Oklahoma City, Gibbons brought his act elsewhere and in places he never knew existed: Hugo, Purcell, Waubeek. A year before he retired in 1995, Gibbons, now 56, even traveled to Germany and fought and lost by knockout to local boy Ruediger May. Two more bouts on American soil — the first in Des Moines, Iowa, and the second in Miles City, Montana — paved the way for one final stop in Denmark against Peter Madsen. Gibbons would lose that by stoppage again and decided that enough was enough. Pretty soon, Gibbons got himself doing odd jobs in boxing through a relative — uncle Pat O’ Grady — father to former world lightweight champion Sean O’Grady. “I got the boxing bug from him. I would set up the ring, help sell tickets and train fighters… I started from the bottom,” Gibbons, born in Long Beach, California, said, noting that the first fighter he trained was heavyweight Wimpy Halstead. Oftentimes, Gibbons “would jump in as one of the fighters in the card and I was able to travel the world.” He also got aligned with Top Rank and credits Hall of Fame Bruce Trampler and fight coordinator Pete Susens as his mentors and takes great pride in his close association with eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao. Gibbons actually came to the Pacquiao show rather late. But his seven-year stint working for Pacquiao was the most memorable, saying it doesn’t compare with the 35 other years of involvement with boxing. “Seven years I spent with him were better than the other 35 years,” Gibbons, who graduated from Simi Valley High, said. Gibbons revealed that after Australian banger Jeff Horn elbowed and butted and wrestled his way in carving out a controversial points win in Brisbane in July 2018, “Pacquiao had pretty much been left for dead by some people.” It was right at this time when Gibbons entered the scene as Pacquiao’s go-to-guy for meaningful fights while also providing other Filipino boxers the break they need to become successful. Gibbons didn’t disappoint and was instrumental in striking a deal for fights involving Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman that resulted in a “tremendous run.” The victory over Thurman would go down as an epic as it made Pacquiao the oldest to win a world welterweight crown in July 2019 in Las Vegas. Now that Pacquiao has sailed into the sunset, Gibbons is dedicating his time and effort to the betterment of the other talents under MP Promotions, the Pacquiao-owned company that has majority of the country’s top ring talent under contract. And this is where Gibbons wields his expertise and proof of his savvy can be seen on Jerwin Ancajas, Pedro Taduran, Rene Cuarto, Mark Magsayo and current two-belt world super-bantamweight titleholder Marlon Tapales. Also under Gibbons’ care are Jonas Sultan, Vincent Astrolabio, Jade Bornea and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and Asian Games silver medalist Eumir Marcial. Though not every one of them managed to win a world title, Gibbons draws utmost satisfaction from the helping hand that he had extended to them. “The most satisfying thing is to change lives of the fighters and take fighters who wouldn’t normally get these opportunities.” Also, Gibbons points to Pacquiao as a reason why he was able to pull it off. “I had the name Manny Pacquiao promotions and Manny Pacquiao was behind me but the biggest, biggest key was Al Haymon and he took my word for guys like Jerwin Ancajas, Mark Magsayo, Jonas Sultan and many, many others.” And there is no stopping Gibbons from doing the same thing especially when his clients’ welfare is on the line. A few months ago, Gibbons earned the ire of a state commission and got slapped with a ban. Still, Gibbons swears it is his way of showing that he always got his clients’ back. So how does he want people to remember him? “I would like to be remembered as someone who gave his all, no regrets. Just you know, when I work with someone, I put all my heart and soul into it. I got suspended for five for screaming at referees but I would like to be remembered for a guy who always had his client, fighters and boxers’ back and that when we went at it, we gave it our all.” If you end up going to war, you’d certainly want somebody like Sean Gibbons right by your side. The post POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Glaiza De Castro, mister na si David Rainey nagdiriwang ng wedding anniversary: ‘Can’t believe it’s been 2 years!’
TILA hindi makapaniwala ang Kapuso actress na si Glaiza De Castro na dalawang taon na ang nakalipas mula nang ikinasal siya sa Irish husband na si David Rainey. Sa isang Instagram post, ibinandera ni Glaiza ang ilang throwback pictures nsang ikinasal siya sa Northern Ireland. Caption pa niya, “Can’t believe it’s been 2 years since I said yes on a windy clifftop in Ireland [happy face emoji].” “Well, I still do [smiling face with hearts emoji],” dagdag pa niya sa post. Baka Bet Mo: Magulang ni Glaiza hindi boto noon kay David Rainey: Parang nag-worry sila sa akin kasi… Bumati naman sa kanila ang libo-libong netizens at narito ang ilan sa mga nabasa namin sa comment section: “Happy 2nd Wedding Anniversary Raineys [heart emojis] Keep the love growing & glowing [emojis] Love u both [smiling face with heart-eyes emoji].” “Happy 2nd Anniversary to the beautiful couple! [white heart emoji]” “Happy Anniversary to you and David on choosing forever!” “Sana magka-baby na kayo para mas masaya ang buhay mag-asawa, God bless!” Matatandaang taong 2021 nang unang nagpakasal sina Glaiza at David sa Northern Ireland. Hindi nakadalo ang pamilya ng aktres doon kaya talagang nagplano ang couple na magkaroon ng isa pang wedding dito sa Pilipinas. Star-studded ang second wedding ng couple na naganap sa Sundowners Beach Villas sa Botolan, Zambales noong January 23. Kabilang sa mga nagsilbing ninong at ninang sa kasal ay ang TV host na si Willie Revillame at ang GMA executive na si Annette Gozon-Valdes. Naroon din si Angelica Panganiban na naging Maid of Honor, at sina Alessandra de Rossi, Isabel Oli-Prats, Chynna Ortaleza, Rochelle Pangilinan at Sheena Halili na nagsilbing bridesmaids. Present din ang asawa ni Chynna na si Kean Cipriano, Maxene Magalona, pati na ang mga kasamahan ni Glaiza sa “Running Man PH” na sina Ruru Madrid kasama ang dyowang si Bianca Umali, Kokoy de Santos, Lexi Gonzales, Mikael Daez, Angel Guardian at Buboy Villar. Umattend din si Gabby Eigenmann with his wife na si Apples Arizabal-Eigemann, Ketchup Eusebio, at marami pang iba. Taong 2018 nang unang nagkakilala ang dalawa sa Siargao at noong 2020 naman nang mag-propose si David kay Glaiza. Related Chika: Glaiza umamin: Mahal talaga yung relationship namin ni David dahil… Angelica, Glaiza wish na makapag-bonding pa rin nang bonggang-bongga kahit may sarili nang pamilya.....»»
Tolentino: Our athletes are prepared
Team Philippines will be prepared and ready to win when it marches to the 19th Asian Games that will open on Saturday at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, China. No less than Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino declared their readiness, saying that they will deploy the best and most prepared athletes in the prestigious quadrennial meet that got delayed by a year due to Covid pandemic. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal, will be at the helm together with other standouts like pole vaulter EJ Obiena, swimmer Kayla Sanchez, and boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam. Although expectations will be tempered on the chances of Diaz as she will compete in the heavier 59-kilogram category, she is still expected to make her presence felt as she had already warmed up in the World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after finishing seventh. Even the boxers will be ready as they are coming off an intensive training in India and Australia in a bid to dominate the Asian Games that will also serve as a qualifying tourney for the Paris Olympics. Tolentino said he has high hopes for the 396-man national delegation. “We are very much prepared. Some of our athletes are coming off from their training abroad,” said Tolentino, who will join Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann in leading the send-off ceremony for Team Philippines on Monday at the Philippine International Convention Center. In the previous edition of the Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018, the Filipinos finished 19th after pocketing four gold, two silver and 15 bronze medals. It was the country’s best finish since grabbing five gold medals in 1951 in New Delhi, seven gold medals in 1962 in Jakarta, eight gold medals in 1958 in Tokyo and 14 gold medals in 1954 in Manila. The first batch of Filipino athletes had already left for Hangzhou. First to leave were Olympian Cris Nievarez and the national rowing team composed of Joanie Delgaco, Tammy Sha, Feiza Lenton, Edgar Ilas, and Zuriel Sumintac with coaches Shukhrat Ganiev, Ed Maerina, Nic Jasmin and Con Fornea. The rowers will kick off their campaign in the men’s single sculls, lightweight men’s double sculls, women’s single sculls, and lightweight women’s double sculls on Wednesday at the Olympic Sports Expo Center. Also first to arrive in the bustling city in Hangzhou, the capital and most populous city in Zhejiang Province, are the staff of the national women’s football team, windsurfers and indoor and beach volleyball players. The national booters, popularly known as the Filipinas, are expected to arrive in the coming days in batches as they kick off their campaign on Tuesday. Tolentino said exceeding their performance in the previous Asian Games will already be considered as a success. “This will be the best of the team. We hope to exceed our performance for the last four years,” said Tolentino, who is pinning his hopes on Diaz as well as Asia’s best vaulter Obiena, Olympic medalists Marcial, Petecio and Paalam, and two-time Olympic medalist Sanchez. “We have high hopes for medals in weightlifting, boxing, swimming, and e-sports, with potential surprises in martial arts as well.” The post Tolentino: Our athletes are prepared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Huge’ overfishing problem shows need to ratify ocean treaty: Greenpeace
Overfishing in international waters has surged in the past five years and demonstrates the need to ratify a recent global treaty to protect the high seas, a Greenpeace report said Wednesday. The non-governmental network is calling on as many countries as possible to sign the treaty next week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Finalized in June, the text was hailed as a "historic" accord with the potential to better safeguard the oceans. A key element in the treaty is the creation of a legal framework to protect high seas marine areas -- beyond 230 miles (370 kilometers) from coastlines -- whose good health is vital to humanity. But without enforcement of the accord, such protections are minimal, the report warned. "Reality at sea is moving in the opposite direction from the ambition laid out in the Treaty," it said. Governments must step up immediately, urged Greenpeace oceans campaigner Chris Thorne, aboard the group's ship Arctic Sunrise, which was docked Wednesday in Long Beach, California for an event marking the report's release. To protect 30 percent of Earth's land and oceans by 2030, the target adopted last year by the COP15 convention on biological diversity, "there is no time to waste," he told AFP. Fishing hours on the high seas increased by 8.5 percent between 2018 and 2022, according to the report, which compiles data from an organization capable of tracking boat movements via their transmitters. Such intensification is especially pronounced in the ecologically sensitive areas identified by the UN as potential future marine sanctuaries. Greenpeace reported fishing there has increased by 22.5 percent over the same period. "Overfishing is a huge problem," Thorne said. "That fishing pressure is just absolutely unsustainable, and it's pushing our oceans to the brink." Greenpeace's report notes that in the span of 30 years, stocks of Pacific bluefin tuna have collapsed by more than 90 percent. It also draws attention to the damage caused in open seas by longline fishing, which uses cords fitted with thousands of baited hooks dozens of miles long. The destructive method catches many sharks by mistake. 'Let her heal' Given such dire situations, using the treaty to create high seas sanctuaries is crucial, said Samantha Murray, a marine biodiversity specialist at the University of California San Diego. "We have up to 670 percent greater biomass inside highly protected and fully protected reserves," she told reporters. "When we sort of leave the ocean alone and let it be who she is and let her heal, we get more complex ecosystems that can be more resilient." In order to come into force before the next UN Ocean Conference, in 2025, the treaty will need ratification from at least 60 nations. This would enable convening a conference of the parties, empowered to create the marine sanctuaries. Scientists and non-governmental organizations have already identified a dozen priority high seas zones needing protection. They include the Costa Rica Thermal Dome, a nutrient-rich marine biodiversity hotspot hospitable to blue whales; the Emperor seamount chain of underwater mountains near Hawaii; and the Atlantic's Sargasso Sea region. In addition, the Salas y Gomez and Nazca ridges off Chile's coast may be among the first sanctuaries to see the light of day. The post ‘Huge’ overfishing problem shows need to ratify ocean treaty: Greenpeace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Super Typhoon Saola sweeps towards southern China megacities
Tens of millions of people across southern China hunkered down Friday as Super Typhoon Saola swept toward the megacities of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, forcing the cancellations of hundreds of flights, shutting businesses, and closing schools. Packing sustained wind speeds at 210 kilometers (130 miles) per hour as it moved toward Hong Kong, Saola could be one of the most powerful typhoons to hit Guangdong if it makes landfall in the province. By 11 am (0300 GMT), it was 180 km east-southeast of Hong Kong, where the stock market canceled trading because of the T8 signal -- the city's third-highest typhoon warning level. By late morning, neighboring Shenzhen in Guangdong announced the suspension of work, businesses, and market activity from 4 p.m., while transportation will be halted in the evening. "Apart from emergency response personnel and livelihood protection personnel, people are advised not to go out," said the emergency response department of Shenzhen, a city of 17.7 million. "The city will open all shelters for the public to take refuge." Authorities had already issued the highest typhoon warning for the storm, which Chinese state media said would make landfall "in the coastal areas stretching from Huilai to Hong Kong" on Friday afternoon or evening. Across the mainland border in Hong Kong, the city's weather observatory warned that Saola could skirt within 100 kilometers south of the territory, causing a storm surge around Victoria Harbour. "There may be serious flooding," it said, adding that the eastern coastal areas could see water levels reach the heights of 2018 when Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong and injured more than 300 people. Streets were deserted as a drizzle blanketed Hong Kong Island, with wind and rain expected to pick up later. Businesses and homes around Hong Kong duct-taped glass displays and windows, while office buildings near the harbor barricaded their entrances to prevent water damage. Surfers took advantage of the high winds -- expected to reach 63 kilometers per hour -- and tackled the huge waves generated by the coming typhoon at a Hong Kong beach. Flights mostly normal A direct hit on Hong Kong is rare, but the observatory said it would "assess the need to issue higher tropical cyclone warning signals" in the evening -- with the possibility of raising the threat level to the highest "T10". Hong Kong's airport authority said the morning departing flights were "mostly normal" but from 2 pm, arriving and departing flights have "basically been canceled". "As of now, we have had 366 flights canceled and 40 flights delayed... Thanks to the support of airlines and our various service providers, we could ensure that 600 flights today operated normally," Wing Yeung, general manager of Airport Authority terminal operations, told reporters. Hong Kong's flagship airline Cathay Pacific had already canceled all flights in and out of Hong Kong between 0600 GMT Friday and 0200 GMT Saturday. Its subsidiary, budget airline HK Express, announced it was canceling 70 Friday and Saturday flights in and out of Hong Kong. Saola displaced thousands earlier this week as it passed the northern Philippines, but no direct casualties have been reported so far. Southern China is frequently hit in summer and autumn by typhoons that form in the warm oceans east of the Philippines and then travel west. While they can cause temporary disruption to cities like Hong Kong and Macau, fatalities have become much less common thanks to stronger building codes and better flood management systems. The post Super Typhoon Saola sweeps towards southern China megacities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bea to Dom: ‘I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you’
on 20 July. Love greeted me at the horizon with a heavenly smile. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Happiest birthday to you, my love @dominicroque,” she said, along with a photo of the celebrity couple on a beach looking endearingly at each other. On 19 July, the 35-year-old actress broke the news on Instagram that she was now engaged to Roque after more than two years of dating. She had no idea that Roque would propose to her at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar since she was there for a shoot with celebrity photographer Mark Nicdao, said Alonzo. The black-and-white photo series came with Alonzo’s recounting of their love story. “You see, I have done so many proposal scenes in my entire career, but nothing beats the real thing… Everything went in slow motion. And I felt different emotions all at the same time — joy, excitement, love,” she said. “But I didn’t want that moment to end. I want this real thing to happen forever… and right then there… In front of the people we love… we decided on forever,” she added. The post has garnered more than 1 million likes. Celebrities and social media superstars, among them Anne Curtis, Maine Mendoza, Catriona Gray, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Mimiyuuuh and David Guison, immediately sent congratulatory messages to the couple. Alonzo, hailed as one of the best actresses of her generation, is known for the box-office hits One More Chance (2007) and its sequel A Second Chance (2015), Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013), The Love Affair (2015) and Eerie (2018). Roque, meanwhile, is a model and actor known for the popular television series Aryana (2012-2013), May Isang Pangarap (2013) and Moon of Desire (2014). Rumors about Alonzo and Roque’s romance began in 2019-2020. The two became official in January 2021, with Alonzo publicly confirming their relationship in August 2021. The post Bea to Dom: ‘I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Deadly love, trauma, romance and death-defying stunts
[caption id="attachment_154993" align="aligncenter" width="669"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF VIVAMAXTHE cast of Vivamax’s ‘Deadly Love.’[/caption] Series Deadly Love. Last Wednesday, a few press members were teased with the first two episodes of Derick Cabrido’s romantic murder mystery Deadly Love at Cinema ’76 Tomas Morato. Top-billed by Louise Delos Reyes, Marco Gumabao, McCoy De Leon, and award-winning actress Jaclyn Jose, the series is set in a small fictional coastal town in the superstitious province of Pangasinan. Something sinister is lurking — but who? While I have problems with the clunky, inconsistent script, there is no denying that Cabrido knows how to hold your interest with his moody thriller. There is a mystery vibe all throughout, with my mind constantly swimming with guesses. But what strikes me the most is the breathtaking location and the pretty cinematography. The quality of the visuals is superb, evoking eerie feels all throughout, which makes me look forward to finishing the rest of the episodes. The miniseries will drop tomorrow, 10 July, on Viva One, Vivamax’s newest app. [caption id="attachment_154992" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF primE VIDEO‘THE Summer I Turned Pretty’ stars Lola Tung and Chris Briener.[/caption] The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2. I am a big fan of Season 1, bingeing the entire season in two days tops. Based on Jenny Han’s best-selling books, the coming-of-age tale focuses on Belly (the captivating Lola Tung) and how her life unravels in an unforgettable summer at Cousins Beach. It’s basically a love triangle between teenagers. Still, even adults will fall in love with the wholly engrossing story that also involves Belly’s novelist mom (Jackie Chung) and her cancer-stricken best friend, Susannah (Rachel Blanchard). Season 2 picks up a year after the events of the first season and is based on Han’s book It’s Not Summer Without You. The eight episodes will drop on a weekly basis beginning 14 July on Amazon Prime. [caption id="attachment_154994" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT TOM Cruise and Vanessa Kirby in ‘Mission Impossible— Dead Reckoning Part One.[/caption] Movies Causeway. Another A24 gem. Jennifer Lawrence stars in Lila Neugebauer’s gripping and powerful drama Causeway as Lynsey, an injured soldier returning home from her Afghanistan tour. Suffering from traumatic brain injury, Lynsey struggles to return to her daily life in New Orleans. During rehabilitation, she befriends an auto-mechanic, played by Brian Tyree Henry, who also has physical and mental trauma. Slow-burn but rich with deeply explored themes on mental health, trauma, and friendship, Causeway, which earned Henry a nomination at the 95th Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, is a must-see if you are on the hunt for quality drama. It is now streaming on AppleTV+. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. The sequel to Mission: Impossible — Fallout (2018) and the seventh installment in the Mission: Impossible film series is a blockbuster event you would not want to miss. Dead Reckoning Part One follows the events of Fallout, where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) leads his crew to save the world from a nuclear apocalypse. The trailer is enough to convince you to head to the cinema on its opening day on Wednesday, 12 July. The death-defying stunts, including a 61-year-old Tom Cruise riding a motorcycle off the edge of a cliff, should only be seen on the big screen. The beloved franchise’s latest offering will surely be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. The post Deadly love, trauma, romance and death-defying stunts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NLEX gears up to improve road infra, quality of service
Now that the pandemic is gone and the restrictions have been relaxed, most Filipinos are making up for lost time by traveling to various destinations, especially during long weekends. Most Filipinos opt to go on road trips to popular destinations in central and northern Luzon, such as beach resorts in Zambales and Pangasinan, surfing resorts in La Union, beautiful parks in Baguio, and historical sites in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. These destinations are usually accessible via the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX. Although maintaining the road infrastructure and quality of service remains a big challenge, the management of NLEX Corp. through Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC continues to invest in various capital projects to continuously improve the road quality and motorist experience. Thus, the recent toll fee adjustment approved by the Toll Regulatory Board or TRB will be of great help to the management of NLEX in carrying out its planned projects, such as improving road conditions and modernizing its toll collection system. The TRB allowed NLEX to adjust its rates effective 15 June 2023. Under the new toll fee matrix, Class 1 vehicles will pay an additional P7, Class 2 vehicles P17, and Class 3 vehicles P19. The new rates are part of NLEX’s allowed period adjustments from 2012, 2014, half of 2018, and 2020, and now 2023 is the fourth and final tranche of adjustments. In an interview, Rogelio L. Singson, MPTC president and CEO, assured motorists they can expect improvements to NLEX’s road infrastructure and quality of service. MPTC will prioritize plans and projects to decongest chokepoints or areas of heavy traffic flow. It plans to build and implement multi-lane barrier-less systems throughout its expressway network to improve traffic flow by 30 percent. The plan includes expanding the roadway at entry and exit points, which are occasionally filled with vehicles. Right-of-way acquisition remains a challenge to the road expansion at several entry and exit points. Hence, NLEX has been coordinating with the local government units and has suggested letting the national government take over these road-widening projects. This way, the Department of Public Works and Highways will manage the budget and maintenance of these roads. “Admittedly, the improvements at NLEX will not be immediate. There is still much to fix on the roads and our toll collection system. Nonetheless, our chairman, Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, has instructed us to implement these improvements as soon as possible,” Singson said. What is surprising is that critics are actively opposing the latest toll fee adjustment, even though these were pre-programmed and agreed upon by NLEX and the government. Under its agreement with the government, NLEX can file a petition for a rate adjustment with the TRB every two years. The actual increase is manageable to motorists, as NLEX and TRB have staggered the collection, which should have taken place in 2012. Hence, the recent adjustment is a win-win for all stakeholders, such as the TRB, NLEX, and the motorists. The improvements at NLEX since MPTC took over its operations have helped greatly develop the central and northern Luzon regions. The road infrastructure and service quality improvements have moved goods and people much faster and more cost-efficiently, thus spurring the growth of businesses and industries in the regions. The difference between NLEX today and back in the day is also undeniable. Traveling is much faster and more comfortable, particularly with the opening of various establishments along the expressway where motorists can eat and rest before proceeding to their destinations. In the end, motorists also stand to benefit from the latest toll adjustment, as it would allow MPTC to continue investing in capital projects to maintain NLEX’s road infrastructure, decongest traffic and reduce queues, improve its facilities and services, and ensure the safety of motorists. The post NLEX gears up to improve road infra, quality of service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Making the most of Philippine Summer
Despite perennially reeling from the scorching heat, Filipinos nevertheless look forward to summer to take a break from the rigors of daily life and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. The months of March to May is always a time to enjoy the outdoors, as the Philippines, being a tropical country, is replete with summer destinations that local and foreign tourists go gaga about. Topping these getaway spots, hands down is the beach. With over 7,000 islands, the country boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Among the most popular are Boracay, Palawan and Siargao — all known for their crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands and stunning sunsets. [caption id="attachment_129829" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A boy ignoring warnings not to swim in polluted Manila Bay dives in to beat the summer heat as boats prepare for the fist annual regatta, 26 May 2002, aimed at increasing public awareness on the environment. The Philippine government has been taking steps to clean-up the historic bay, famed for its breath-taking sunsets, which has become a depository for trash and industrial waste in recent years. AFP PHOTO/Joel NITO (Photo by JOEL NITO / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129827" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tourists relax along a beach in Boracay island in Malay town, Aklan province, central Philippines on April 7, 2018. - The Philippine tourism industry scrambled on April 6 to manage the fallout from the temporary shutdown of its world-famous Boracay island, which threw into chaos trips planned by hundreds of thousands of tourists. (Photo by AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129828" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A surfer takes advantage of the conditions at Big Wave Bay on the southern side of Hong Kong island 05 July 2001 as tyhoon 'Utor' heads nearer to the territory after lashing southern Taiwan and the Philippines. 'Utor' one of the biggest typhoons to hit the South China Sea in thirty years is expected to hit landfall in southern China tommorrow morning coming close to Hong Kong at the same time.AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129830" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A tourist goes airborne while kite boarding in the waters of Boracay island on November 9, 2008. The white sand beach resort island is in center of controversy as investors and property owners accused the government of land grabbing following the 2006 proclamation by the Philippine government that the entire island belongs to the state. Boracay island located in central Philippines draws half a million tourists each year to its spectacular beaches, more than one sixth of tourist visitors to the country. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Aside from the beach, summertime is a chance to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and island hopping. Tourists take advantage of the summer months to explore the natural beauty of the country. [caption id="attachment_129826" align="aligncenter" width="525"] This picture taken on October 12, 2019 shows members of Myanmar's national surfing team resting during a competition on Ngwe Saung beach in Irrawaddy division, ahead of the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines. - Competitive surfing was barely known in Myanmar a few years ago but a group of super-stoked dudes and dudettes from a local beach town are riding a wave of enthusiasm to the Southeast Asian Games for the first time ever. (Photo by Ye Aung THU / AFP)[/caption] Among the more popular hiking spots are Mt. Pulag, Mt. Batulao and Mt Pinatubo which all offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Of course, we should not forget that summer in the Philippines is also a time for festivities. One of the most celebrated festivals during this season is the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon. The festival is held every May in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. During the event, the town is decorated with colorful kiping (rice wafers) and other agricultural products. [caption id="attachment_129831" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Children on a float made of native materials and decorated with vegetables and rice stalks parade on the streets for a contest ahead of the annual "Pahiyas" harvest festival in the town of Lucban, in Quezon province, south of Manila, 14 May 2005. During the festival, residents use native plants, vegetable products and rice paper to decorate their floats, homes and vehicles in imaginative ways. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Another popular festival during this time is the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. The festival is held every August and is a celebration of the city’s bountiful harvest. It is a colorful event that features street dancing, music and a parade of flowers. Whatever one fancies to beat the summer heat, there is always something to look forward to hereabouts. Whether one wants to relax, go on an adventure or celebrate, one can find it here in a paradise even tourists call paradise. The post Making the most of Philippine Summer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMA Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell plays peacekeeper in California protest
Legend has it that former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell got his “The Iceman” moniker from keeping cool and stress-free before the fight. As it turns out, Liddell can keep himself pretty cool and collected in pretty much any high-stress situation. As seen on a news report from ABC 7 in the United States, Liddell kept his chill as he helped diffuse a high-tension situation at a George Floyd protest in Huntington Beach, California. In the video, Liddell can be seen breaking up altercations and getting in between protesters who appear to be losing their tempers. Protests have been widespread all over the United States in the past few days as people have rallied against racism and police brutality following the death of George Floyd, an un-armed African-American man who was violently and forcefully subdued by Minneapolis Police, which resulted in his tragic death. Some of the protests have been peaceful while others have escalated into vandalism, looting, destruction of property, and even violence. Liddell, according to the report, was out in the streets looking to make sure that things didn’t go off the rails as business owners feared for their establishments and their own safety. “It’s good to see people defending their city, and it’s terrible, violence begets violence. Violence doesn’t help anybody,” Liddell said. “We all know what happened was wrong, everybody I know thinks it was wrong, it’s hard to watch,” Liddell continued, talking about the footage of Floyd being choked to death as a police officer knelt on his neck. Liddell however says that violence, destruction, and looting isn’t the right way to go about protesting. “But this does not help, destroying cities, destroying people, hurting people does not do any good for anybody. So hey, protest all you want, just do it peacefully.” Another light heavyweight great, Jon Jones, was also seen actively trying to prevent destructive protesting in his area in New Mexico. The 50-year old Liddell is best known for his career with the UFC, which spanned from 1998 to 2010. In 2005, Liddell captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship and defended it four times. In 2009, Liddell was inducted to the promotion’s Hall of Fame. In 2018, Liddell came out of retirement after 8 years to face long-time rival Tito Ortiz in a trilogy bout which was the headliner of Golden Boy Promotions’ first MMA show. Liddell lost to Ortiz by KO in the first round. (READ ALSO: MMA legend Tito Ortiz says he's been offered a fight with Mike Tyson).....»»
PLDT, Smart named among world’s leading employers
PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have been named among the Top One Percent of Leading Employers of 2023 by German firm Institute of Research and Data Aggregation......»»
The significance of Holy Thursday
In the Christian world, there are three very popular scenes found in many Filipino homes......»»
Singaporean embassy in India extends Holi wishes, shares images of celebrations in Barsana
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): As Indians across the world geared up to ring in the festival of colours, the Singaporean embassy in the national capital extended its greetings for Holi, wishing that the festival would bring peace and joy to all. It also shared mesmerising pictures of Holi celebrations in one of India's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, Barsana, in Uttar Pradesh. A post on the official X handle.....»»
Singaporean embassy in India extends Holi wishes, shares images of celebrations in Barsana
New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI): As Indians across the world geared up to ring in the festival of colours, the Singaporean embassy in the national capital extended its greetings for Holi, wishing that the festival would bring peace and joy to all. It also shared mesmerising pictures of Holi celebrations in one of India's oldest and most popular pilgrimage sites, Barsana, in Uttar Pradesh. A post on the official X handle.....»»
Food vlogger Kevin Garcia reveals how he earns from social media
Content creator Kevin Garcia, the man behind the popular vlog Eat’s A Small World, revealed how food vloggers like him earn through social media. .....»»
Lovi Poe joins Prison Break director s upcoming Hollywood film
Actress Lovi Poe has joined the cast of an upcoming Hollywood movie with Canadian actor Adam Beach about Native American fire captain Paul Fullerton......»»
Beach pingpong king
Beach pingpong king.....»»
Bantayan Island bliss: Beach getaway for less than P5,000
Bantayan Island bliss: Beach getaway for less than P5,000.....»»
Moalboal gov’t launches investigation on viral diving incident
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The local government of Moalboal town in southwestern Cebu reminded the public not to touch marine wildlife when diving in their seawaters. This after a diver was caught on video touching a passing turtle while diving in Tañon Strait near Panagsama Beach, in Moalboal. READ MORE: Thresher shark joins sardine run in Moalboal.....»»
Sunset Kayak
SUNSET KAYAK. A woman kayaks while the sun sets behind Unib Island, locally known as Lalaking Bukid, at a beach in Barangay Sta. Cruz, San Jose, Dinagat Islands province on Sunday, 10 March 2024. MindaNews photo by IVY MARIE MANGADLAO.....»»