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Fil-Am director ready to take on Hollywood with ‘sweeping drama’
While the feverish Hollywood actors’ strike is still ongoing, Filipino-American filmmaker Gerard Pizarro is undaunted. The lawyer-turned-director is currently scouting cast members in the Philippines and LA for his ambitious Hollywood limited television series called Mt. Samat. Pizarro may not be a household name, but the passionate Fil-Am director has been winning awards in the American film circuit for a decade now. Pizzaro’s Mt. Samat has been described as a “sweeping drama of an orphan who rose to riches and wealth amidst time-worn wars and generational family feuds.” Mount Samat, also known as the Dambana ng Kagitingan, is a shrine located in Pilar, Bataan built to honor the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought against the Japanese army during World War II. But Pizzaro’s Mt. Samat will be based on the 2021 biographical novel The Man Behind the Uniform, penned by his own father, Tony Deleon Pizarro. The inspiring story will focus on Pizzaro’s father pursuing the American Dream beginning in Bataan, in the midst of war. It is undoubtedly a big project, as the rags-to-riches story will be backdropped by historical events — a period drama that aims to cast the best Filipino actors, as well as actors from Hollywood. Pizzaro, who said his favorite actor is Sean Penn, studied for four years at the American Conservatory Theater. “And I think my training as a lawyer, we did a lot of listening and observing, we watched,” so he intends to use those skills in casting and directing his film. Big marketplace Mt. Samat will be pitched at the American Film Market on 31 October. The AFM is an eight-day film industry event held each year at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. It’s a big marketplace for the film business, with more than 7,000 participants from 70 countries who attend to network, sell, finance and acquire films. [caption id="attachment_200914" align="aligncenter" width="1694"] ‘BLOOD on Canvas,’ Pizarro’s 2013 drama-thriller film, bagged awards at various film festivals. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF Pizarro Creatives[/caption] Even with Mt. Samat set to be pitched at the AFM to attract film buyers, it is currently being produced with a pilot episode that will open in 1941 with the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. It will then unfold into a dramatic family saga, following the older Pizzaro’s experiences in Bataan before migrating to the United States in 1959 and his struggles as an immigrant before finding success. Aside from the American Conservatory Theater, Pizarro also obtained training from the San Francisco Film School and the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His 2013 drama-thriller Blood on Canvas, starring Kristen Doute and Stephen DeWitt White, bagged awards at various festivals, including Best Feature at the Michigan Film Awards and Best Thriller at the Honolulu Film Festival, and recognition at the Golden Ace Awards and Las Vegas Festival. The post Fil-Am director ready to take on Hollywood with ‘sweeping drama’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Armenia holds drills with US amid rift with Russia
The United States and Armenia opened military drills on Monday, the latest sign of Yerevan drifting from Moscow's orbit as Russia's invasion of Ukraine reshapes post-Soviet relations. The exercises come amid mounting frustration in Armenia over what it sees as Russia's failure to act as a security guarantor amid mounting tensions with its historic rival Azerbaijan. Exercise Eagle Partner opened with some 85 US soldiers to train around 175 Armenian soldiers through September 20, according to the US Army Europe and Africa Command. Armenia's defense ministry said the exercises aimed to "increase the level of interoperability" with US forces in international peacekeeping missions. The US military said the drills would help Armenia's 12th Peacekeeping Brigade meet NATO standards ahead of an evaluation later this year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Armenia's decision not to conduct drills with the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) alliance and instead work with the United States required "very deep analysis". "Of course, we will try to comprehend and understand all this. But in any case we will do so in close partnership dialogue with the Armenian side," he said. The United States brushed off the Kremlin critique and pointed to Russia's wars with both Ukraine and Georgia. "I think that given Russia has invaded two of its neighbors in recent years, it should refrain from lecturing countries in the region about security arrangements," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. He said that the United States has had security cooperation with Armenia since 2003 and called the latest drill "a routine exercise that is in no way tied to any other events." But Moscow last week summoned Armenia's ambassador to complain about "unfriendly steps" the country was taking. The ministry said Armenia's envoy was given a "tough" rebuke but insisted that the countries "remain allies." "It sounded more like a threat to Yerevan than a description of reality," said Gela Vasadze, an independent political analyst. "In fact, Russian-Armenian relations have reached a strategic impasse," he told AFP. 'Weakened Russia' In Yerevan, residents expressed frustration over Russia's lack of military and political support as tensions with Azerbaijan flared again. Mariam Anahamyan, 27, told AFP that Armenia had made a mistake by "pinning its hopes on the Russians". "So now let's try with the Americans. The consequences may be bad but not trying would be even worse," she said. For Arthur Khachaduryan, a 51-year-old security guard, "Russia failed to keep its commitments during the war and has even made our situation worse." He was referring to a brief but bloody conflict in 2020 for control of Nagorno-Karabakh, a separatist region in Azerbaijan. Russia brokered a ceasefire and deployed 2,000 peacekeepers to the Lachin corridor, which connects Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. But Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan recently said Moscow was either "unable or unwilling" to control the passage. His government has accused Azerbaijan of closing the road and blockaded the mountainous region, spurring a humanitarian crisis in Armenian-populated towns. Pashinyan also recently claimed that Armenia's historic security reliance on Russia was a "strategic mistake". Bogged down in its invasion and isolated on the world stage, "weakened Russia is rapidly losing influence in its Soviet-era backyard", said independent analyst Arkady Dubnov. "Armenians are frustrated with Russia, which failed to help them during the Karabakh war and its aftermath," he said, adding that Moscow "also seems to be lacking a clear plan, strategy in the Caucasus". 'New allies' Nagorno-Karabakh was at the centre of two wars between Azerbaijan and Armenia. In the 1990s, Armenia defeated Azerbaijan and took control of the region, along with seven adjacent districts of Azerbaijan. Thirty years later, energy-rich Azerbaijan, which built a strong military and secured the backing from Turkey, took revenge. After the 2020 war, Yerevan was forced to cede several territories it had controlled for decades. The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains volatile and Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of moving troops near the region recently, raising the spectre of a fresh large-scale conflict. The European Union and United States have taken a lead role in mediating peace talks but have so far failed to bring about a breakthrough. "The Kremlin has no resources -- neither the will -- to help Armenia and is letting Azerbaijan and Turkey to pursue their objectives," Dubnov said. "In that situation, Armenia is trying to forge strong new alliances." The post Armenia holds drills with US amid rift with Russia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Intramuros, citadel of an empire (1)
My appreciation of arts and culture began when I was assigned by the Commission on Audit as the first resident auditor of the Intramuros Administration, or IA, then headed by Dr. Jaime C. Laya. It was our distinct honor and privilege to have worked with Dr. Laya, who was highly admired for his honesty and integrity. His presence in the workplace brought trust, grace and efficiency. He was the chief implementor of the mandates to restore and develop Intramuros as a monument to the Hispanic period of Philippine history, to restore its general appearance to conform to the Spanish architecture of the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, and to sponsor, conduct or otherwise assist and support festivals and cultural activities. Knowing the functions of the agency under audit helped me to review intelligently the economy and effectiveness of the utilization of government resources in the implementation of the mandates to restore the walls of Intramuros, the authenticity of the works it was acquiring, and the cost-effectiveness of the acquisitions. The continuing process of examining things of the past and imbibing into my consciousness bits of knowledge about the makings, the ages, and colors of the porcelain antiques of the Ming and Sung dynasties, the religious relics, the artifacts, the paintings of Luna, Hidalgo, Amorsolo and Castañeda, the archaeological findings, of the rare and ancient books, of the music of various ages and classes of our indigenous peoples, of the architectural and sculptural designs displayed by our own artists in this particular form of discipline — in totality constituted a singular quality of distinction that was uniquely beautiful and globally interesting to behold. The whole process of assimilation enabled me to equip myself with the necessary tools to create my own forms of art out of the stored knowledge that is both teachable and writable for the education and pleasure of man and the Greater Glory of God. President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos founded the Intramuros Administration on 10 April 1979, not only to restore the walls of the oldest city of Intramuros but to perpetuate the memory of the citadel of the only Catholic Empire in Asia. Intramuros was primarily a fortress. How it was built and how it withstood the battle during the Japanese occupation in the Second World War is a fascinating story. The decision of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War to make their last stand in Intramuros against the Allied Forces in the Philippines was a tribute to the formidability of the old walled city as the strongest fortification built by Spain in Asia. The Japanese Army had a worthy commander, Rear Admiral Sanji Iwabuchi, a graduate of the Imperial Japanese Navy Academy in 1915. In 1937, he was promoted to captain and given command of the battleship Kirishima on 20 April 1942. On 15 November 1942, his forces engaged the US Navy in the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal where his battleship Kirishima was sunk but not after it had sunk two US battleships and eight cruisers — a major one-sided triumph for the Japanese Imperial Naval Command which promoted Iwabuchi to Rear Admiral. He was given command of the 11th fleet, in charge of the Japanese defense of Guadalcanal against the United States. General Yamashita later gave him a direct order to withdraw and report to him and not to proceed to Manila. He refused, citing his shame over having lost his Kirishima. He believed he could redeem that loss by holding his position in Intramuros to the death. Before the start of hostilities, Rear Admiral Sanji Iwabuchi addressed his men: “We are very glad and grateful for the opportunity to serve our country in this epic battle. Now with what strength remains, we will daringly engage the enemy. Banzai to the Emperor! We are determined to fight to the last man.” (To be continued) The post Intramuros, citadel of an empire (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A Chinaman’s chance
(Lest anyone take quick offense, let me say at the outset that I am not a racist. My use of the term is simply for purposes of this column and for context.) Before people became overly sensitive about perceived racist remarks, we used to say — when someone had only a remote chance of succeeding at something — “he doesn’t have a Chinaman’s chance.” I was reminded of that phrase recently when Huawei, one of China’s biggest phone companies, released two weeks ago the Mate 60 Pro, its latest flagship phone, without much fanfare. And never had such a quiet launch made so much noise around the globe. For a bit of context, during the Trump administration, an oppressive trade sanction was put in place by the United States against the selling of advanced microprocessors to Chinese companies, in order to prevent the Chinese from catching up with the US in 5G technology. Not only was the ban imposed on American manufacturers, but pressure was also brought to bear on chip makers in other countries allied with the US. The first to dutifully comply was Korean electronics giant Samsung, which must have regretted its decision, seeing as how it lost 60 percent of its sales almost overnight. For a while, Huawei was in a panic, as it halted the production of 5G phones when stockpiles of the banned chips ran out; for a while, it was reduced to selling mobile phones with obsolescent technology. But the Americans and their cronies did not count on the resilience of the Chinese people, a relentlessness that has helped its civilization survive after more than 2,000 years of foreign intervention. Forced to do without imported chips, Huawei focused all its efforts on developing a substitute. In a couple of years, its team of hundreds of technology experts, mathematicians, engineers, and metallurgists did the seemingly impossible: They created a 5G chip without any help from anyone. One could, therefore, not fault Huawei for releasing its 5G phone at the very same time that US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo was in Beijing on an official visit — as if to say, “In your face, America!” This Chinese triumph is but one of many instances where US attempts to undermine Chinese trade backfired big time on America. In 2011, China was banned by the US Congress from joining the Space Station program of NASA. China promptly built its own space station, the Tiangong, 10 years later. Sometime after, when America was developing the Global Positioning System, it also shut out China, which then launched its own satellites to power its own positioning system. The West also demonized China for being the “world’s biggest carbon polluter,” so its factories started working on lithium-ion batteries (90 percent of whose raw materials are mined in China) and now it dominates the electric car market worldwide. Using the status of the dollar as a world currency, the West imposed other trade sanctions on China, thus impelling it to put up its own version of the World Bank and organizing the BRICS countries that will no longer use the dollar as a medium of exchange. A total of 721 big Chinese companies were blacklisted from trading with US corporations; the Chinese started trading with most of the emerging economies and became the second largest economy in the world. It would appear that it still hasn’t sunk in with the American leaders that their days of global hegemony are long over. There is a new challenger on the scene whose government is more committed to making it stronger economically, militarily, and diplomatically. As the new generation of Americans struggles with questions of pronouns, transitioning, decriminalizing robbery and drug use, and legalizing abortion, the young people of China are concentrating on mastering math and technology, becoming part of a disciplined army, building their GDP, and making their society orderly and crime-free. If this keeps up, it will be America that will, ironically, not have a Chinaman’s chance to prevail. The post A Chinaman’s chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ukraine attack hits Russian warship at Black Sea base
Ukraine carried out a seaborne drone strike on a Russian navy ship at a Black Sea base, a security source told AFP Friday, as Moscow said it had repelled a similar attack over annexed Crimea. The number of attacks in the sea has increased from both sides since Moscow exited a deal last month that had allowed Ukrainian grain exports via the shipping hub during the conflict between the two countries. In a video of the attack obtained by AFP, a naval drone is seen speeding towards the darkened silhouette of a military vessel before the connection abruptly cuts off. A Ukrainian attack targeting the Olenegrorsky Gornyak landing ship in the Novorossiysk naval base in southern Russia was "successful", a Ukrainian security source told AFP Friday. "The goal was to show that Ukraine can attack any Russian warship in that zone," the source added. Russia said it had repelled an attempted attack on the base by the Ukrainian armed forces "with the use of two unmanned sea boats". Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been targeted since the beginning of Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine more than a year ago, but attacks have increased in recent weeks. "The presence of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea... will be put to an end," Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said on social media following the most recent drone strike. "Ukraine will ensure freedom and security in the Black Sea for world trade." The port of Novorossiysk also hosts the terminus of a pipeline that carries most Kazakh oil exports through Russia. The fuel artery's operator Caspian Pipeline Consortium said it was continuing to ship oil to moored tankers at the terminal, Russian state media reported Friday. Crimea attack The Russian defence ministry meanwhile said it had downed 13 drones over the Crimean peninsula, without recording casualties or damage. Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, has been targeted by Kyiv throughout Moscow's Ukraine offensive but has seen more intense attacks in recent weeks. Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea in July blew up an ammunition depot and damaged a strategic and symbolic bridge linking Russia's mainland to the peninsula. Earlier this week, Russia's defence ministry said it foiled a Ukrainian drone attack targeting patrol boats in the Black Sea. Three drones were trained on ships navigating in waters 340 kilometres (210 miles) southwest of Sevastopol, the base of Russia's Black Sea fleet in Crimea. Also announced Friday was Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to a combat zone in Ukraine to inspect a command post and meet senior military officers. Shoigu got an update on the situation on the front and "thanked commanders and soldiers... for successful offensive operations" in Lyman in eastern Ukraine, the army said, without mentioning when the visit took place. Frontline under microscope Shoigu last visited the front at the end of June after an aborted rebellion by the Russian paramilitary group Wagner fighting along with Moscow's forces in Ukraine. Ukraine began its long-awaited counteroffensive in the same month but has made modest advances in the face of stiff resistance from Russian forces on the front line. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that the counteroffensive was difficult, reporting "very violent" fighting in the key areas on the eastern and southern fronts. In late summer and early autumn 2022, Ukraine retook swathes of territory around Kherson and Kharkiv in rapid counteroffensives. But Ukrainian forces are now contending with well-entrenched Russian defensive positions built over several months. In the southern sector, Ukrainian troops were "gradually but persistently moving forward", deputy defence minister Ganna Malyar said on Telegram. The post Ukraine attack hits Russian warship at Black Sea base appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russia strikes Odesa cathedral, Putin dismisses counteroffensive
Russia's latest strike on Odesa on Sunday killed two people and severely damaged a historic Orthodox cathedral, drawing a vow of retaliation from Ukraine's leader. The attack came as President Vladimir Putin met his Belarusian counterpart for talks in Russia and claimed Kyiv's counteroffensive had "failed". Russia has pounded the Ukrainian port city of Odesa since quitting the Black Sea grain deal last week. Locals watched in disbelief as the Transfiguration Cathedral -- originally built in 1794 under imperial Russian rule -- was hit. The biggest Orthodox church in Odesa lies within the UNESCO-protected historic city center. UNESCO condemned the "brazen" attack, which hit several sites in the World Heritage area, marking "an escalation of violence against (the) cultural heritage of Ukraine", according to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay. Clergymen rescued icons from rubble inside the badly damaged shrine, which was demolished under Stalin in 1936 and rebuilt in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The culture ministry said it had so far identified damage to 29 monuments of important cultural heritage. The Ukrainian government condemned the cathedral strike as a "war crime", saying it had been "destroyed twice: by Stalin and Putin". President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation: "They will definitely feel this," he said. "We cannot allow people around the world to get used to terrorist attacks," Zelensky added in his evening speech late on Sunday. "The target of all these missiles is not just cities, villages or people. Their target is humanity and the foundations of our entire European culture." Icons pulled from rubble Images showed smashed mosaics on the cathedral floor as workers cleared the rubble. The outside of the building appeared intact. "There was a direct hit to the cathedral," said Father Myroslav, the assistant rector, adding that three altars were ruined. Icons were pulled out from under the rubble and the shrine was "very badly damaged inside", with "only the bell tower intact", he added. Clergymen said a security guard and a priest getting ready for a morning liturgy were inside during the attack but both survived. Russia blamed the cathedral damage on Ukrainian air defense. It said it had hit all its intended targets in the Odesa strike, claiming the sites were being used to prepare "terrorist acts" against Russia. But local people said Russia had hit residential areas. "We have ordinary residential buildings here, where people live," a woman who owns a beauty salon nearby, Tetiana, told AFP. "There are no military facilities here. Just simple beauty salons, a marine agency, a groomer. Nothing military here at all." Russia launched a wave of attacks on the Black Sea port this week, after exiting a deal between Moscow, Kyiv, Istanbul and the UN allowing the safe passage of cargo ships. Ukraine has vowed to find a way to continue exports from the ports and said Sunday repeated Russian strikes on Odesa this week were an attempt to "prevent and neutralise international efforts to restore the functioning of the "grain corridor." Putin meets Lukashenko As Odesa cleared rubble from the Russian strikes, Putin hosted his closest ally, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, in his native city of Saint Petersburg -- their first meeting since Minsk helped end a revolt by Russia's Wagner force. Both leaders were dismissive of the Ukrainian counteroffensive to take back land captured by Russia. "There is no counteroffensive," Lukashenko said at the meeting, before being interrupted by Putin: "There is one, but it has failed." The Belarus strongman now hosts Wagner fighters on his territory, after brokering a deal that convinced its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to end a march on Moscow and exile himself to Belarus. "We are controlling what is happening (with Wagner)," he said, thanking Putin for vowing to defend Belarus should it be attacked. Wagner's presence in Belarus has rattled EU and NATO member Poland, which has strengthened its border. On Sunday, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said a new battalion of sappers would be formed in the country's northeast. Polish, US, British, Romanian and Croatian soldiers were training "shoulder to shoulder", he said, during a visit to the northeastern city of Augustow. The comments came two days after Putin said western Poland was a "gift" from Stalin at the end of World War II, when victorious allies decided on the contours of post-war Europe. Warsaw summoned the Russian ambassador over the remarks. Both Putin and Lukashenko also accused Warsaw of having territorial ambitions on Ukraine and Belarus. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded quickly on Twitter. "Putin's attempts to drive a wedge between Kyiv and Warsaw are as futile as his failing invasion of Ukraine," he wrote. "Unlike Russia, Poland and Ukraine have learned from history and will always stand united against Russian imperialism and disrespect for international law." Fighting in Ukraine continued Sunday, with Russia launching 17 cruise missiles and two ballistic missiles, according to the Ukraine army. The post Russia strikes Odesa cathedral, Putin dismisses counteroffensive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cluster munitions showdown looms
Russia’s military is ready to use its own stockpile of cluster munitions against Ukrainian forces should the latter use the same weapon supplied by the United States in the battlefield. “If they are used against us, we reserve ourselves the right to tit-for-tat actions,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview published Sunday. “Russia has a sufficient stockpile of various kinds of cluster munitions,” Putin told a state-television journalist. Cluster munitions disperse up to several hundred small explosive charges, which can remain unexploded in the ground. Europe bans its use under the 2008 Oslo Convention, but Russia, the US and Ukraine are not parties to the international treaty. Meanwhile, Moscow accused Kyiv of bombing a bridge in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. A Ukrainian source told Agence France-Presse that a water drone was used in the attack that Moscow said killed two people on Monday. “Two civilians died: a man and a woman, driving a car on the bridge,” the Russian Investigative Committee said. “Their minor daughter was wounded.” The roadway on the Crimea side of the bridge had been “damaged,” Russia’s transport ministry said on Telegram. Traffic has been halted in the bridge used for transporting supplies to Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The Kremlin blamed Ukraine for the attack on the Russian-built bridge linking Crimea to Russia’s Krasnodar region. “Today’s attack on the Crimea bridge was carried out by the Kyiv regime,” Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on social media. “Today’s attack on the Crimean bridge is a special operation of the SBU and the navy,” a source from Ukraine’s security service told AFP on Monday. The overnight strike was carried out using waterborne drones, according to the same source. Near the contested Bakhmut city in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have retaken seven square kilometers of the city, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Ganna Malyar said on Telegram. Ukraine has recently acknowledged difficult battles and called on the US and other allies to provide long-range weapons and artillery. Putin, however, said the counteroffensive has failed. “All enemy attempts to break through our defenses... they have not succeeded since the offensive began. The enemy is not successful,” Putin said. The Russian army announced that it advanced 1.5 kilometers near the town of Lyman in eastern Ukraine. WITH AFP The post Cluster munitions showdown looms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go’s office assists conflict-affected residents in Libmanan, Camarines Sur
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s office extended assistance to conflict-affected and Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Libmanan, Camarines Sur on Friday, 14 July. The initiative reflects Go’s continuing commitment to assist the most vulnerable communities in the country, particularly barangays where the distribution of government assistance is hampered due to their geographical locations and the existence of local conflicts. “Our goal is not just to address immediate needs, but also to create long-lasting impacts. We are extending our hand to the communities often neglected and forgotten due to their geographical location or internal conflicts. Everyone deserves equal access to government aid and support, regardless of where they live,” said Go. Go also reminded the residents about the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming challenges. “In these times of crisis, it is paramount that we come together as one nation. Our strength lies in our unity and collective action,” he stated. During the activity held at Brgy. Villasocorro covered court, Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, snacks and shirts to 108 beneficiaries. The team also provided several individuals with balls for basketball and volleyball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended financial assistance to the beneficiaries in coordination with the 81st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reached out to individuals with medical issues. Through a video message, he urged them to visit the Malasakit Centers located at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City and the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao. The Malasakit Centers program was initiated by Go in 2018 and was later institutionalized through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored. The program aims to facilitate easy access to various medical assistance programs provided by DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are currently 158 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, successfully aiding over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go also stressed the significance of the Super Health Centers, which he initiated, in bridging the healthcare gap especially in communities. Through the concerted efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funding has been allocated for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and additional 322 centers in 2023. The DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built. In Camarines Sur alone, 18 Super Health Centers have been funded for construction in 2022 and 2023. Super Health Centers are designed to provide basic health services, including database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (such as laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units. In addition, specialized services like eye, ear, nose, and throat care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine capabilities for remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will also be available. Go, in his capacity as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported a range of projects aimed at improving infrastructure in the province, including the construction of the Mabolo-Almeda Bypass Road in Naga City. Go was also instrumental in the enhancement of the San Fernando Sports Complex in San Fernando town, improvement of the Bula and Nabua Section channel, and construction of the Lalud-Garchitorena Road, among others. On July 13, Go also provided assistance to poor transport sector workers in the town of Calabanga in the province. His office also provided assistance to poor families in Ragay and Libmanan, on 4 and 5 July, respectively. ### The post Bong Go’s office assists conflict-affected residents in Libmanan, Camarines Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Israel shells Lebanon after missile attack
Israel’s army fired artillery shells towards southern Lebanon sites where an anti-tank missile was launched earlier and struck Israeli territory. There was no report of casualties in the exchange and the commander of the United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon called on the two sides to exercise restraint. Parts of the missile fell in the town of Ghajar and no one claimed responsibility for the attack, Israel’s military said. A spokesperson for the town, Bilal al-Khatib, said the projectile struck “close to homes. Meanwhile, the Israeli shelling hit open land away from residential areas, an Agence France-Presse correspondent in Lebanon said. Lebanon’s official National News Agency said “more than 15 artillery shells” hit around the communities of Kfar Chouba and Halta. Earlier on Thursday, Lebanon’s armed Hezbollah movement had denounced Israel for building a concrete wall around Ghajar. The so-called Blue Line cuts through Ghajar, formally placing its northern part in Lebanon and its southern part in the Israeli-occupied and annexed Golan Heights. The Iran-backed Shiite group called on the Lebanese state to take action to “prevent the consolidation of this occupation” by Israel of Ghajar, home to around 3,000 people. Khatib said residents built the barrier to protect their lands and children from wild animals. The two countries are still technically at war, and peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon patrol the border between them. The post Israel shells Lebanon after missile attack appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nobel-winning lithium battery inventor John Goodenough dies at 100
John Goodenough, who shared the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the lithium-ion battery that revolutionized modern life, has died at the age of 100, the University of Texas announced. Goodenough died on Sunday, said the university, where he worked as an engineering professor. The US scientist's contributions to the development of lithium-ion batteries paved the way for smartphones and a fossil fuel-free society. "John's legacy as a brilliant scientist is immeasurable -- his discoveries improved the lives of billions of people around the world," Jay Hartzell, president of the University of Texas at Austin, said in the statement. "He was a leader at the cutting edge of scientific research throughout the many decades of his career." In 1986, at the age of 64, Goodenough joined the University of Texas where he served as a faculty member in the Cockrell School of Engineering for 37 years. "The world has lost an incredible mind and generous spirit. He will be truly missed among the scientific and engineering community, but he leaves a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of future innovators and researchers," said Sharon Wood, provost of the University of Texas. Goodenough became the oldest person to win a Nobel Prize when at the age of 97 he shared the 2019 chemistry award with Britain's Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino of Japan for the invention of the lithium-ion battery. Seeking an alternative source of power during the oil crisis of the 1970s, Whittingham discovered a way to harness the potential energy in lithium, a metal so light it floats on water. However, the battery he constructed was too unstable to be used. Goodenough built on Whittingham's prototype, substituting a different metal compound and doubling the potential energy of the battery to four volts. This paved the way for far more powerful and durable batteries in the future. In 1985, Yoshino instead used a carbon-based material that stores lithium ions, finally rendering the battery commercially viable. The culmination of the trio's research resulted in the most powerful, lightweight and rechargeable battery ever seen. 'A rechargeable world' "They created a rechargeable world," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which awarded the accolade, said at the time. "Lithium batteries have revolutionized our lives since they first entered the market in 1991," and were "of the greatest benefit to humankind". Their work considerably boosted human mobility, and allowed millions in developing countries to access information and services online with just a mobile phone. Lithium-ion batteries have also reduced the reliance on planet-warming fossil fuels, especially in electric cars. On receiving news of his Nobel, Goodenough expressed pride in the worldwide impact of his work. "I'm extremely happy that my discovery has been able to help communication through the world," he said. "We need to build relationships, not wars. I am happy if people use this for good, not evil." Born in 1922 in Germany, Goodenough grew up in the United States and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Yale University. After serving as a meteorologist in the US Army during World War II, Goodenough earned a master's degree and a PhD in physics at the University of Chicago in 1952, according to the University of Texas statement. From 1952, he worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory for 24 years and laid the groundwork for the development of computer random-access memory (RAM). Goodenough was head of the inorganic chemistry laboratory at Oxford University when he made his lithium-ion battery discovery. In 1986, he joined the University of Texas where he was known for his "quick wit and infectious laugh." He was still coming into work well into his 90s, the university said. Goodenough and his wife Irene were married for 70 years, until her death in 2016. The post Nobel-winning lithium battery inventor John Goodenough dies at 100 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Resign en masse, Rody tells cops
Former president Rodrigo Duterte demanded yesterday the resignation of the entire Philippine National Police force, saying that many of its members had become the “gatekeepers” for the nation’s illicit drug trade. “We have a fractured police force in this country,” Duterte said on his weekly program over the SMNI channel. Duterte expressed dismay over the Senate’s recent investigation into the alleged cover-up by police officials of the P6.7-billion shabu bust where the drugs were allegedly seized from a police sergeant. He lamented that some police officers were not just protecting drug dealers, “but are into drug dealing themselves.” “The volume is one too many. How many police personnel are involved? There are many; it goes up to the generals,” he said. If he were still president, Duterte said he would order all members of the PNP, from the lowest-ranked patrolman to its chief (General Benjamin Acorda Jr.) to surrender all the firearms issued to them. He said he would then order the Armed Forces of the Philippines to take over police duties following the dismantling of the PNP. “The army would be happy to take over. And I suppose that is what should happen,” Duterte said, adding that he trusted the military more than the police. “The AFP knows what is right and wrong, and what is right for the country,” he said, slamming the “built-in arrogance” of rogue cops, especially those involved in the drug trade. Generals accused of coverup In October 2022, PNP officers seized 990 kilograms of shabu, worth P6.7 billion, from an office in Tondo, Manila. Several PNP generals were accused of trying to cover up the arrest of an alleged drug dealer, dismissed police sergeant Rodolfo Mayo, even as kilos of the drugs were found to have been pilfered. Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who oversees the PNP, assured Duterte and the public that the PNP was not hopeless as an organization. Abalos said criminal complaints had been filed against about 50 PNP members, including two generals. Abalos said a plan is afoot to place the PNP Internal Affairs Service under the supervision of the Office of the President or the DILG to make it totally independent of the PNP. Go welcomes raps Meanwhile, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go backed the filing of charges against the police generals and policemen tagged in the coverup in the P6.7-billion drug bust. “I welcome that. That’s the right thing to do. The truth must always come out, and those found guilty should be held accountable and prosecuted,” Go told reporters Thursday. “We, along with [former] President Duterte, fully supported the PNP. That’s why we worked to double their salaries to work against the illegal drug trade so they would not engage in those activities,” he said. ‘PNP functioning well’ For his part, PNP public information chief P/Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the PNP continues to function well, citing a 10-percent decline in so-called index crimes, from 18,270 from 1 January to 9 June last year to 16,492 crimes for the same period this year. In the campaign against illegal drugs, Maranan said the PNP conducted 19,464 operations, arrested 25,641 persons, and confiscated P6.2 billion worth of illegal drugs for the period cited this year. A total of 836 PNP personnel were dismissed and 1,703 were suspended as of 7 June, Maranan added. “This is a manifestation of the PNP’s well-functioning disciplinary mechanism to weed out those who are unfit to be in the organization,” Maranan said. He said the PNP recently achieved an 80-percent trust and performance rating. The post Resign en masse, Rody tells cops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Largest, most advanced’ Chinese drill ship arrives in Manila
A training ship of China's People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) arrived in the Philippine capital on Wednesday for a four-day goodwill port call. PLAN Ship Qi Jiguang, named after a Chinese Ming Dynasty navy officer, is the "largest and most advanced naval training vessel" designed and built by China, according to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian in his online post. The Chinese envoy further said that it is the first Chinese naval vessel to visit the country since January 2019, and also the ship's first port call in Manila since its commissioning in February 2017. Ambassador Xilian, together with Philippine Naval Littoral Combat Force commander Commodore Carlo Lagasca and representatives of various Chinese sectors in the Philippines, led a warm reception for the ship and its crew. "A steady step in CN-PH defense cooperation, the Ship’s four-day goodwill port call is following the tradition of exchanges between the two militaries in addition to implementing the important consensus between the heads-of-state of China and the Philippines," Xilian stated. Prior to its arrival in Manila, Ship Qi Jiguang had also visited Vietnam, Thailand, and Brunei, the Chinese envoy said. See more photos here: The post ‘Largest, most advanced’ Chinese drill ship arrives in Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese naval training ship to visit Phl for goodwill visit
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines announced on Friday that the Chinese naval training ship "Qi Jiguang" would make a goodwill visit to Manila by the middle of next week. “This is a Chinese PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Naval training ship for a goodwill port visit to Manila. It has paid a visit to Vietnam, Thailand, and Brunei before the Philippines,” the embassy said. According to the embassy, Qi Jiguang, China’s largest naval training ship is expected to arrive in Manila by 14 June. The training ship is a large naval training ship independently designed and built by China. It is 163 meters long, 22 meters wide, has a full load displacement of more than 9,000 tons, and has a maximum speed of 22 knots, which can meet the requirements for wind resistance of grade 12. A welcome ceremony will be held at the Manila South Harbor, where both Chinese and Filipino government officials are expected to join. According to state news agency Xinhua, Qi Jiguang departed for the Philippines on Thursday after concluding its tour in Brunei. The Bruneian side held a grand farewell ceremony at the Muara Port. “More than 200 people, including Chinese Ambassador to Brunei Xiao Jianguo, defense attache Dai Qilin, representatives of Chinese companies, local Bruneians, and representatives of the Royal Brunei Navy, went to the port to see off the ship,” it said. The visit coincides with the 22nd anniversary of the China-Philippines Friendship. The post Chinese naval training ship to visit Phl for goodwill visit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos declares AFP external defense shift
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday declared the recalibration of the focus to external security defense as he pressed full support to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Speaking at the 125th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy in its Manila headquarters, Marcos feted the Navy personnel who have exemplarily fulfilled their mandates and duties to defending and securing the Philippine archipelago “from Batanes and the Kalayaan islands, the Philippine Rise, to the West Philippine Sea.” “Considering the changing tides of our national security and the significant gains that we have made in terms of internal security, our armed forces is working to recalibrate its focus more towards the external defense of our borders,” Marcos said in his speech. He added: “In this crucial transition, full support for the Armed Forces must be guaranteed, especially for the Philippine Navy’s priority goals of enhancing its intelligence, defense, and coordinative capabilities.” During the ceremony, the Philippine Navy commissioned two of its “acero-class vessels” namely Patrol Gunboat 903 and Patrol Gunboat 905, which will respectively be deployed in Visayas and Mindanao. Addressing gaps These vessels will mainly address gaps in operational support against transnational crimes and protect the country’s territorial integrity and maritime interests. “With the commissioning of the two vessels today, we look further forward to the completion of the AFP Modernization Program, particularly its Horizon 3, which is significantly devoted to the naval aspect of our military operations,” he said. Philippine Navy Chief, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., said the commissioning of these vessels symbolizes the “promising future” of the country’s maritime defense and military efforts toward enhanced capabilities, increased resilience, and stronger presence in the Philippine maritime domain. “I extend our gratitude to the national leadership for making this possible and for the continued support to our Navy as we realize our vision of becoming a modern and multi-capable naval force,” Adaci said. Marcos on Friday confirmed that there is a plan to acquire submarines for the Philippines, showcasing the government’s commitment to bolstering the country’s naval capabilities. When asked about the plan to acquire a submarine, President Marcos responded affirmatively, saying “Right now, we are in the middle of developing mostly our anti-submarine capabilities.” “So ‘yun ang uunahin natin (we will prioritize that) and then maybe, hopefully, when the time comes and the conditions are agreeable then we might be able to acquire those submarines.” Highlighting the importance of prioritizing the enhancement of existing defenses against submarine threats, he outlined the government’s current focus. Submarine acquisition Various countries have presented offers to the Philippines regarding the submarine acquisition. President Marcos disclosed that these offers extend beyond purchasing submarines, with some countries expressing interest in constructing the submarines locally. This prospect holds significant advantages for the Philippines, as President Marcos said, “If they are built here and we can actually build submarines here and provide those submarines to other countries, then that’s another source of jobs and income and increased capability for our Navy.” In May 1898, the Philippine Navy was formally established following the hoisting of the Philippine flag in one of the Filipino revolutionary navy vessels during the revolt against the Spanish colonizers. The “Off-Shore Patrol” which was previously a naval component of the Philippine Army was expanded and became a major service of the AFP. It was named the “Philippine Navy” with expanded objectives and resources in 1951. The Philippine Navy, Adaci said, has become instrumental in enhancing maritime security, promoting humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts, and fostering international cooperation since then. “Today, we commemorate the legacy of those who came before us, the pioneers who laid the foundation of our Navy, and the heroes who selflessly served our nation. Their sacrifices and contributions have shaped the Philippine Navy into a resilient force, one that stands ready to defend our nation’s territorial integrity and uphold regional peace and stability,” Adaci said. The Philippine Navy has currently seven operational commands namely Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Central, West, Western Mindanao, Eastern Mindanao and Fleet-Marine Ready Force, and 14 support and command units. The country’s naval force has a total strength of 26,830 officers, enlisted personnel, and candidate soldiers, supported by 1,378 civilian employees, as of 15 May. The post Marcos declares AFP external defense shift appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Of battles and bottles: Books on Norzagaray and Philippine history and culture
Whether it’s heavy rains or times of drought, attention is given to the level of water in a number of water reservoirs in the country, which are mostly located in the island of Luzon. One of these reservoirs, which are massive engineering feats of the 20th century, is the Angat Dam in the province of Bulacan, which supplies water for irrigation in the Central Luzon province and adjacent Pampanga and for domestic use in Metro Manila. A common misconception is that this dam is in the town of Angat as its name suggests, but it is geographically and politically located within the town of Norzagaray. The dam was built in the 1960s at the upper portion of the Angat River, hence the name. Apart from the Angat Dam, Norzagaray has another dam called Ipo, located downstream from the former. The present Ipo Dam was completed in 1984 but the old one which was replaced by the current one was completed in 1938 and was the site of the Battle of Ipo Dam in 1945. Historic battles In that battle, the dam was taken by the Filipino and American forces from members of the Shimbu group of the Japanese army commanded by General Shizuo Yokohama, which had control of the important water supply installations for Manila and its environs. Half a century prior, the town also had its share of history during the battles for Philippine independence. In the Philippine Revolution against Spain, a local unit of the Filipino revolutionaries was organized by Sinfroso de la Cruz and made the Pinagrealan Cave in the village of Minuyan as their hideout and secret meeting place. His group was involved in battles against the Spanish forces in Norzagaray, Angat and San Jose in 1896 to 1897. Now, the said cave is a tourist destination in the town together with other natural and cultural sites. These pieces in Norzagaray’s history are discussed in the recently released book, Casaysayan ng Norzagaray Año 1860, by Bulacan historian and cultural advocate Jaime Salvador Corpuz. [caption id="attachment_130022" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photographs courtesy of Jaime Corpuz | A book on the history of Norzagay, Bulacan.[/caption] Corpuz also presents different facets of the town’s culture and heritage including the Dumagat ethnic group, which also inhabits the area, being a part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range; its foundation as an independent town from Angat in 1860; its church dedicated to San Andres de Apostol; the Philippine-American War, Commonwealth and World War II; educational development; barangays; known personalities; and the history of the Norzagaray, Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Council, the publisher of the book. The book, an added resource in the study of local histories, is a product of a cultural heritage mapping done more than five years ago. Uncapping the history of bottles Corpuz also recently launched another book on the history of bottles in the country, the first of its kind in the Philippines. A novelty and an important undertaking, the book MaBOTEng Usapan: Samu’t Saring Kuwentong Bote is his joint project with fellow author Kyle Gianan, who is popularly known as the “Filipino Picker.” It was co-published by Corpuz’s Bahay Makabayan in Marilao, Bulacan and Gianan’s Museo ng Kahapon in Mandaluyong. The book presents the various stories about bottles in the country including those that are now considered rare such as the Balintawak Beer, Halili Beer and Mactan Softdrinks of San Miguel in Bulacan. [caption id="attachment_130023" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A book on the history of bottles in the Philippines.[/caption] The book is replete with information on the role of bottles in Philippine movies and old print advertisements. It even tells about how bottles for alcoholic drinks were reused as disinfectant alcohol bottles during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. This book is important as it delves into a lesser known or lesser discussed aspect of Philippine society and history. These bottles are artifacts that are historically, culturally, economically, scientifically and socially significant. They are mute witnesses in the planning of revolutions and important events as well as significant social gatherings. This undertaking by Corpuz and Gianan is laudable and is definitely a source of “ma-boteng usapan” among its readers. The post Of battles and bottles: Books on Norzagaray and Philippine history and culture appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Casino gaming around the globe
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Israel bombs Gaza, fights Hamas around hospitals
Israeli forces pounded besieged Gaza on Wednesday and fought Hamas around several hospitals, despite a UN Security Council demand for a ceasefire. Talks in Qatar towards a truce and hostage release deal involving US and Egyptian mediators have brought no result so far, with Israel and the Palestinian militant group blaming each other. READ: Israel.....»»
Australia s reputation among Pacific neighbours weakening
From carrying the Coalition's AUKUS pact to supporting Israel's self-defence initiative, Labor's reputation is souring among voters. Bilal Cleland reports.ASIA IS SENSITIVE to memories of the White Australia Policy, the f.....»»
Philippines declares 'strategic defeat' of NPA rebels
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines declared on Tuesday a "strategic defeat" of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels, who have been fighting against the government since the 1960s, saying there is no more active guerilla fronts in the country. Eduardo Ano, National Security Adviser and former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said "thousands" of NPA insurgents have decided to return t.....»»
3 suspected rebels killed in clash in Philippines Batangas
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. The troops recovered three rifles, six jungle packs, and some mater.....»»