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To the best dad
Designer pieces SSI Life has prepared awesome discounts, special treats, promos, as well as activities to make the season of Dads a happy one for him and the entire family. Celebrate with SSI and get as much as 35 percent off with the season’s participating brands: Armani Exchange, Bally, Clarks, Dune, Lacoste, Payless ShoeSource and Superga. Simply elegant loafers from Dune London and Bally have weekend feels written all over them—perfect for some rest and relaxation with the family. Treat sporty, active dads or partners to cool and classy pieces from Armani Exchange, Lacoste and Payless ShoeSource. Or gift him the ideal bag from Bally or Lacoste for his essentials and valuables. Treat dads to his favorite designer pieces from SSI Life’s multi-brand online store, trunc.ph. Use TRUNCFORDADS to get 10 percent off with no minimum purchase required until 18 June. Ten percent off Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, Hogan, BOSS and Zegna await My SSI Life loyalty app members. Visit www.ssilife.com. Sweet deals Find dad the perfect gift at Rustan’s. Get him a breezy and colorful shirt from Faherty. [caption id="attachment_145096" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY of faherty | FAHERTY breeze shirt in blue sky floral.[/caption] Add to his handy-dandy tools by gifting something that he can use for emergencies wherever he goes with Lexon. Innostyle is also an ideal choice for wireless essentials like the PowerGo Magnetic. Help dad increase his productivity with a laptop and smartwatch stand from Laut. Mophie is also a good option with its 3-in-1 charging pads, making it a lot easier to maintain full battery percentage across earbuds, smartphones and smartwatches throughout the day. For dads with upcoming travels whether for work or leisure, American Tourister, Samsonite and Tumi have many bags and luggage options with innovative features to increase the ease of traveling. You can also get him an AirFly wireless adapter from Twelve South. You can also equip him with a Bondir massager gun to help relieve muscle aches and knots while away. Get to know the refreshed line and complete brands when you drop by Rustan’s Man 2.0 pop-up at Rustan’s Alabang Town Center activity area from 20 to 23 July. If the shoe fits If dad is feeling those vacation vibes, the SeaCycled Bahama II Baja Sneaker from Sperry is a solid gift option. The Hut Ultra Wrap is the newest sandal from Merrell that makes comfort a priority. For something no frills and no fuss, Pony delivers a shoe that can be worn every day with practically anything with its Shooter Low 2. [caption id="attachment_145098" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY of MERRELL | Merrell Hydro Moc — Kangaroo.[/caption] Sperry’s classic Venetian Driver has a clean profile and a hand-sewn leather upper designed to provide maximum comfort and support while driving. If dad is the adventurous and active type who likes to get down and dirty on the trail, he’ll love Merrell’s newest update on its bestselling trail running model: The Nova. Visit www.sperry.com.ph, www.pony.com.ph and www.merrell.com.ph. Timepieces Seiko, the renowned Japanese watchmaker, offers a wide range of exceptional timepieces that are perfect for adventurous and style-conscious fathers. Seiko Prospex is a collection designed for sports lovers and adventure seekers who are constantly pushing their limits. Seiko’s Presage Collection combines Japanese aesthetics, traditional craftsmanship and the bra nd’s watchmaking expertise. [caption id="attachment_145097" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY of Seiko | King Seiko watch.[/caption] The King Seiko Collection represents Seiko’s ability to create exquisitely designed and finished mechanical watches with high accuracy. Seiko is offering an exclusive voucher code DAD15 to be used at shop.seikoboutique.com.ph, valid until 30 June. Everyday style Celebrate fatherhood with everything from M&S matching mini-me moments to soothing bath and body products. Use the occasion as an opportunity for a stylish wardrobe update that dad can wear all year round, with contemporary men’s designs across the M&S Collection. [caption id="attachment_145095" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY of M&S | SEA salt and amber eau de toilette.[/caption] Treat them to some ‘me-time’ with self-care buys they’ll love from the Monte & Wilde fragrance and body and bath range that’s uplifting, warming and energizing. Join the M&S Philippines Viber Community at bit.ly/MSPH-VC. Visit www.marksandspencer.com.ph. Something great Uniqlo offers a variety of clothing that fit different dad’s personalities and activities. The AIRism Short Sleeve Polo Shirt paired with the Ultra Stretch Dry-Ex Jogger Pants are the perfect pieces to keep him cool and comfortable as he pursues his active lifestyle. Consider gifting him Uniqlo’s versatile Smart Ankle Pants that pairs well with just about anything. The AIRism Cotton Crew Neck Oversized T-shirt and AirSense Shorts are pieces that he can wear as he spends casual weekend afternoons out with the family. The Dry-Ex UV Protection Full-Zip Hoodie or the Pocketable UV Protection Parka are the perfect pieces that he can conveniently take to his trips. [caption id="attachment_145100" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY of Uniqlo | Pocketable UV Protection Parka.[/caption] With a minimum receipt purchase of P3,000 from 16 to 18 June in stores and online, you can receive a voucher for gas discounts at Shell (P3 off per liter for FuelSave Diesel and V-Power Diesel; and P4 pesos off per liter for FuelSave Gasoline, V-Power Gaso line and V-Power Racing.) Visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/. Smell good Blackwater’s Bossing Deo Spray collection features four affordable yet luxurious scents — Blackwater Bossing Deo Spray in Slam Dunk, Blackwater Bossing Deo Spray in Fade Away, Blackwater Bossing Deo Spray in Cross Over and Blackwater Bossing Deo Spray in Jump Shot. [caption id="attachment_145094" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY Blackwater | SLAM Dunk deo spray.[/caption] Help the bossing in your life look and feel good this Father’s Day with these must-have affordable deo spray fragrances. All products are available in leading supermarkets nationwide and at Lazada and Shopee. The post To the best dad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Timberwolves hold off Nuggets to stay alive, Warriors edge Kings
Anthony Edwards scored 34 points, including a three-point dagger with 11.5 seconds left, as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 114-108 in overtime Sunday to stay alive in the NBA playoffs. Western Conference top seeds Denver, led by 43 points from reigning two-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, closed regulation on a 12-0 run to force overtime. But they were out-scored 18-12 in the extra session at the Target Center in Minneapolis as the Timberwolves pulled within 3-1 in the series. Minnesota still face a daunting task -- no NBA team has come back from 3-0 down to win a best-of-seven series. "See you in Denver, we're going back," said Edwards, whose 16 third-quarter points keyed a Timberwolves charge that carried them to a 12-point lead midway through the fourth. Mike Conley added 19 points for Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 17 points with 11 rebounds and Rudy Gobert added 14 points and 15 rebounds as the Timberwolves withstood another big night from Jokic. The Serbian star matched his playoff scoring high and added 11 rebounds and six assists. The teams swapped the lead four times in overtime, but Nuggets coach Michael Malone said too many defensive lapses in the extra session doomed his team. "You hold them to 16 points in the fourth quarter, then (they have) 18 in five minutes," Malone said. "That's the hardest thing to stomach about this game is that when the game was on the line, we were unwilling and unable to get the necessary stops." 'Sloppy' Curry It was the second Western Conference thriller of the day, after the Golden State Warriors held off a ferocious fourth-quarter fightback from the Sacramento Kings to secure a 126-125 victory that leveled their series at two games apiece. Harrison Barnes almost snatched victory for Sacramento at the buzzer, but his long-range effort bounced off the rim to leave the NBA champions celebrating. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 32 points -- and breathed a sigh of relief after two uncharacteristic blunders in a frenetic finale at the Chase Center. Curry missed a wide-open three-pointer with his team-leading 126-121 with less than a minute remaining. He then erroneously called a timeout when the Warriors had none left, earning a technical foul and allowing Sacramento's Malik Monk to make it a four-point game with a free throw. De'Aaron Fox's three-pointer pulled Sacramento within 126-125 and Curry missed another floater to give the Kings a final chance. "It was kind of sloppy not knowing how many timeouts we had left, and a couple of dagger shots didn't go in -- but we did what we needed to do defensively in those last 10 seconds," a relieved Curry said. Klay Thompson added 26 points and Jordan Poole had 22. Draymond Green, back from suspension, scored 12 points with 10 rebounds and seven assists off the bench to help the Warriors withstand a 38-point performance from Fox. Knicks, Celtics close in In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics moved within a victory of advancing, the Knicks beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93 and the Celtics downing Atlanta 129-121 to each take 3-1 series leads. Jalen Brunson drained five three-pointers on the way to 29 points for the Knicks, who again electrified Madison Square Garden. With just one win from three more games the Knicks can advance past the first round for the first time since 2013. Darius Garland led Cleveland with 23 points but Donovan Mitchell scored just 11 -- only two in the second half. The Cavs will try to extend the series when they host game five on Wednesday. The Celtics can wrap up their series at home on Tuesday after bouncing back from a disappointing game-three defeat with a convincing victory in Atlanta. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 31 points apiece for the Celtics, each delivering a dunk in the final minute as the Celtics thwarted the Hawks' final rally bid. Hawks star Trae Young finished with a game-high 35 points and handed out 14 assists. But Boston stepped up their defensive intensity and had an answer for every Atlanta run, never trailing after the first quarter. Brown got off to a slow start, making just one of his first seven shots. Then he got rid of the protective mask he's worn since suffering a facial fracture in February and made 11 of 15. "Maybe it was all in my head," Brown said. "I took it off and started to turn things around a little bit." The post Timberwolves hold off Nuggets to stay alive, Warriors edge Kings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Warriors down Kings to level series; Knicks and Celtics on brink
Stephen Curry scored 32 points as the Golden State Warriors held off a ferocious fourth-quarter fightback from the Sacramento Kings to secure a series-leveling 126-125 victory in the NBA playoffs on Sunday. Harrison Barnes almost snatched victory for Sacramento on the buzzer, but his long-range effort bounced off the rim to leave the NBA champions celebrating a result that leaves them tied at 2-2 in the best-of-seven series after dropping games one and two. In the East, meanwhile, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics moved within a victory of advancing, the Knicks beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93 and the Celtics downing Atlanta 129-121 to each take 3-1 series leads. Curry breathed a sigh of relief after two uncharacteristic blunders in a frenetic finale at the Chase Center. The Warriors talisman missed a wide-open three-pointer with his team-leading 126-121 with less than a minute remaining. Curry compounded that rare miss by erroneously calling a time-out when the Warriors had none left, earning a technical foul and allowing Sacramento's Malik Monk to make it a four-point game with a free throw. A superb De’Aaron Fox three-pointer from 28 feet then left Sacramento within one at 126-125, and when Curry missed another floater, the Kings had a chance to win it only to see Barnes's late effort bounce out. "I ain't gonna lie, I thought it was the smartest play in the world," Curry said of his timeout call after a failed challenge had cost the Warriors their last time out. "I looked over at the bench and everybody was shaking their head. "But we did what we needed to do defensively in those last 10 seconds," a relieved Curry said. "We've protected home court, and now we move on." Barnes's late miss was the final act of a thrilling battle between the Western Conference rivals that saw the lead change hands no fewer than 19 times as momentum ebbed and flowed throughout. Golden State looked to have turned the screw decisively in the third quarter, outscoring the Kings 37-23 to start the fourth with a 10-point advantage. Sacramento, however, came surging back with a 7-0 run to start the final quarter and only a handful of points separated the two teams in the waning seconds. Curry led the Warriors' scoring with 32 points while Klay Thompson added 26, including four three-pointers, and Jordan Poole had 22. Andrew Wiggins added 18 points while Draymond Green, returning after suspension, had 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists off the bench. Fox produced a dazzling performance for Sacramento with 38 points while Keegan Murray added 23 and Monk 16. The Kings host game five on Wednesday. In New York, Jalen Brunson drained five three-pointers on the way to 29 points for the Knicks, who again electrified Madison Square Garden. With just one win from three more games the Knicks can advance past the first round for the first time since 2013. New York led by as many as 15 on the way to a nine-point halftime lead. A big third quarter saw the Cavs sneak into a narrow lead before a sustained Knicks rally in the fourth. Brunson was one of four players in double figures with R.J. Barrett providing offensive support with 26 points. Darius Garland led Cleveland 23 points but Donovan Mitchell had a game to forget after finishing with just 11 points -- only two in the second half. The Cavs will try to extend the series when they host game five on Wednesday. The Celtics can wrap up their series at home on Tuesday after bouncing back from a disappointing game-three defeat with a convincing victory in Atlanta. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 31 points apiece for the Celtics, each delivering a dunk in the final minute as the Celtics thwarted the Hawks' final rally bid. Hawks star Trae Young finished with a game-high 35 points and handed out 14 assists. But Boston stepped up their defensive intensity and had an answer for every Atlanta run, never trailing after the first quarter. The post Warriors down Kings to level series; Knicks and Celtics on brink appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WHAT IF… Ateneo didn t lose to La Salle for an elims sweep in UAAP 80
History lesson: Ateneo de Manila University is the first-ever team to sweep the season - both elimination and championship rounds. Winning each and every one of its 16 games in the eliminations and then winning back-to-back games in the UAAP 82 Finals, the Blue Eagles were perfect en route to being hailed as king for the third year in a row. It was a momentous milestone that let all of Isaac Go, Thirdy Ravena, Adrian Wong, and Nieto twins Mike and Matt to move on from their collegiate careers on the highest of highs. Only, they could have actually made history two years prior. In Season 80, the blue and white won 13 games in a row to start the season. And then, in the last game in the elims, they were thwarted by archrival De La Salle University, 76-79. And so, Ateneo fell short of an elims sweep and an automatic advance into the Finals. They were then upset in the first game of the Final Four by Far Eastern University before taking care of business in the do-or-die match. In the championship round, they went toe-to-toe with the Green Archers and ultimately prevailed - winning the first of their three-peat. However, how would the story have gone if and only if the Blue Eagles got an elims sweep? If so, they would have jumped straight into the Finals, therefore jumping over the Tamaraws who had always given them a tough time. If so, a stepladder playoff would have taken place, with Ron Dennison, Arvin Tolentino, and fourth-seeded FEU charging through third-seeded Adamson University led by Jerrick Ahanmisi and Sean Manganti. If so, in the next rung, back-to-back Season MVP Ben Mbala and La Salle would have made quick work of the Tamaraws. If so, it would still be Ateneo-La Salle in the championship round for the second straight season. Still, if so, the Blue Eagles' record would have been perfect at that point. Then in Game 1, well-rested Ravena and company would then impose their will on their archrivals for a convincing victory. Mbala and Ricci Rivero would not quit just yet, however, and energize La Salle to a well-earned win in Game 2. Game 3 would then, pretty much, play out the way it played out in real life - a close contest that had Isaac Go hitting the win-sealing three. In the end, Blue Eagle, the king, still. And in the end, they still don't get a perfect season. Worse, however, is the fact that the story would have been a lot less interesting. Without having been challenged by FEU in the Final Four, Ateneo would not have witnessed the beginning of Go's rise Remember, it was the 6-foot-9 big man who fired a triple to send the do-or-die match into overtime. Then in the extra period, Go made good on an impossible short stab just as he was falling to the floor to ice the game. Put simply, a world without those shots is not a world worth living in. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Retail Sales in US Fall Short of Expectations Following Previous Month’s Decline
US retail sales saw a slight increase of 0.6% in February, falling short of predictions and sparking worries about consumer spending strength. This uptick follows.....»»
Philippines remains on FATF gray list
The Philippines failed anew to exit the gray list or list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring after falling short in addressing the remaining concerns on its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime, according to global dirty money watchdog Financial Action Task Force......»»
Smart Sports Scribes fall short vs Smileys in PSA Cup thriller
AJ Bolando scored 19 points and Julio Sampedro added 18, but those weren’t enough as the Smart Sports Scribes came up short against the Say Chiz Smileys in a thrilling 66-64 contest in the opening of the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Cup......»»
G2 Blacklist ends Wild Rift League campaign at 2nd
All-Filipino team G2 Blacklist settled for second place, falling short in the 2023 Wild Rift League (WRL) Asia Season 2 finals with a 3-4 loss to China’s Keep Best Gaming......»»
Philippines posts 5.6% GDP growth in 2023, misses gov t target
The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.6% in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, falling short of the government target, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday......»»
Thirdy Ravena impresses anew as San-En keeps hot streak going
After falling one point short of a triple-double, Thirdy Ravena delivers once again to help the San-En NeoPhoenix notch their eighth straight win in the Japan B. League.....»»
EU: Falling Short of Protecting Those Most in Need
(Brussels, January 11, 2023) - The European Union and its member states renewed their commitments to uphold and protect rights in 2023, but they have persistently failed to translate these commitments into practice, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2024......»»
Aaron Gordon returns from dog bite injury as NBA champion Nuggets rout Hornets
After needing 21 stitches to his face and right hand due to a Christmas Day dog attack, high-flyer Aaron Gordon returns to help the Denver Nuggets maul the Charlotte Hornets.....»»
Five-point swing: How the UP Maroons can fight back in UAAP Season 87
The UP Fighting Maroons seek to contend again for the UAAP championship after falling short of the Season 86 crown.....»»
Short story on Matigsalugs bags Gawad Bien Lumbera award
A story of a Matigsalug family who lost their land to a rich owner in the time of the pandemic and how they made it costly to the owner won second prize for Cebuano short story in the recent 2023 Gawad Bienvenido Lumbera National Literary Contest......»»
City gov’t eyes P75-M income from economic enterprise
ILOILO CITY, Dec. 17 (PNA) — Admitting to falling short of their around P70-million target collection for this year, the head of the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) of the city government........»»
Blessed widows on All Saints Day
Around the year 1995, 28 years ago, I wrote my first book, titled Wives Are Lovers Too, which became an instant bestseller. It must be because of the catchy title but I believe it was the inspiring narratives of the wonderful women and men who gladly shared with me their authentic and loving stories of their married lives. Today, however, I would like to share with my numerous readers who constantly message me to inquire about the nature of my next column -- the powerful, emotion- filled stories of the strong-hearted widows who survived the grief of losing their beloved husbands. This is the topic I write today on the occasion of the forthcoming celebration of All Souls Day. While interviewing the amazing widows who appeared in my bestseller, I was bombarded with the haunting images of my own childhood at the young age of six. While barging into my mother’s bedroom one early morning, I found her sobbing in front of her altar. She was grieving for my dead father, Ramon, who had just passed on. Among the most profound memories which flooded into my consciousness, I vividly recall hugging my mother tight, clasping her hands in mine as I felt the rising and falling of her chest as she sobbed and cried out the name of my father Ramon. I felt so helpless then as the warm, stinging liquid dropped tear by salty tear into my young bewildered face. THE columnist’s parents. In childlike fashion, I tried to comfort her by asking her why she was so sad. Her short gentle reply will forever be etched into my memory: “Maria Rosa, I feel so alone and lonely without Ramon by my side.” As she said this response, I caught the emotion of the moment and the deep sense of loss conveyed through the anguish in her beautiful face and the tremor in her soft voice. The unforgettable memories and lessons I learned from my encounter with my beloved mother Rosario and those courageous widows I interviewed who survived the death of their beloved partners, I have come to empathize with their strong feelings of loss which reflect those misty, tear-filled memories of long ago. Today as we honor the beloved members of our families who have gone ahead to the great beyond, we can only offer them our sincere prayers as we continue living our lives with the wonderful and joyous times we shared with them. The valuable lessons and values they imparted to us which continue to guide us in our day-to-day existence marks the deep joy we hold in our hearts for the love we have for them. We honor all those who are left behind as we successfully regenerate our meaningful lives through loving and being loved by our families and close friends. The post Blessed widows on All Saints Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The joy of eating
There is almost always a restaurant opening in the metropolis — either to excite the taste buds or simply elevate the Filipino dining experience. Yes, from Filipino dishes to American-Italian fare and specialty steakhouse, there will always be something for everyone to discover, relish and enjoy. LOCAVORE AT ESTANCIA MALL A cozy, contemporary space ensconced inside the Estancia Mall in Pasig City, Locavore is given true Filipino touches with its warm woods, rattan chairs, rustic pendant lights and an expansive glass window that provides an exceptional view of the surrounding environs. [caption id="attachment_192645" align="aligncenter" width="771"] OLIVE Garden’s Herb Roasted Chicken.[/caption] Opened last May, Locavore at Estancia Mall is the seventh branch of the restaurant, which catapulted to prominence in the culinary arena in 2014 after it opened its first branch at Brixton Barrio Kapitolyo, also in Pasig City. It then opened at Forbestown in Taguig City, Valero Street in Makati City, S’Maison in Pasay City, Eastwood Mall in Quezon City and SM City Bacoor. With the talented chef Mikel Zaguirre and his team at the helm, Locavore takes the homey heartwarming flavors of Filipino cooking gives a more sophisticated interpretation. And with the newly opened branch comes an expanded menu and new dishes exclusively in the Estancia outlet. For starters, have the crisp BBM or Bagnet, Buro and Mustasa — a platter filled with thinly sliced, crispy pork bagnet chips that you wrap in mustasa leaves (Samgyup style) seasoned with burong (pickled) hipon and burong mangga with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Follow it up with Bistek Pintxos, toasted bread decked with bistek-style beef tenderloin, grilled quesong puti, truffle aioli and red onions. [caption id="attachment_192646" align="aligncenter" width="525"] OLIVE Garden’s Purple White Cocktail.[/caption] “The new dishes are presented on slate plates because they are mostly bar chows,” says Alejandro Pahan Jr., operations manager. “That’s our new concept. We were thinking of madaling kainin (easy to eat) and something fun. Because samgyup is trending, we came up with pintxos.” The resto also has Bulalo Pintxos, roasted bone marrow with pickled labanos and pares jam; Yakitori Platter, grilled skewered chicken wings, chicken thigh meat, gizzard and liver served with annatto aioli, tocino butter, miso butter and spiced suka; Bagnet Chips, housemade bagnet chips served with spiced vinegar; and Inasalitos, inasal chicken with salsa, labuyo aioli served in lumpia taco shell. All these dishes are paired with seven new signature cocktail drinks, crafted by its in-house mixologist. Pahan says the new refreshing drinks heavily relies on the food being served at the restaurant. They complement the taste of the meals. Locavore serves alcohol and spirits. The drinks include Hardin, a hybrid between gin tonic and Tom Collins, with tonic water and botanicals and floral notes like blue pea and elderflower (which has a similar taste notes of lychee), garnished with rosemary and black pepper; Kinilig, a combo of Disaronno amaretto, honey, lemon juice and rum, with rice paper art design on top; Diwata, a blend of Bombay Sapphire gin with Giffard Lychee liqueur, sugar syrup and lemon juice, dressed with basil sprig and forget me not flower; and Antibayotiko, a whiskey-based mix of bourbon, ginger liqueur, honey and lemon juice. Locavore at Estancia Mall has a seating capacity of 120 people and targets bar goers in the area. It’s open until 1 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. The rest of the week, it follows the mall hours. OLIVE GARDEN AT THE VERVE A visit to the newly opened third branch of Olive Garden at The Verve in BGC, Taguig City, is a journey of discovery into a world of delicious and affordable pasta, bread, salad, chicken and pizza sensibilities. The menu is broad and touches base with all the departments of classic Italian-American fare. Upon arrival, diners are swiftly delivered a basket of freshly baked breadsticks, which are widely popular in all 900 Olive Garden stores all over the world, including the Philippines. They are buttery, a bit garlicky, moist and chewy. The unlimited breadsticks, including the never-ending soups and salads, come free with every order of an entrée. What a treat! [caption id="attachment_192647" align="aligncenter" width="525"] LOCAVORE’S BBM (Bagnet, Buro, Mustasa).[/caption] The refreshing salad is a merry mix of healthy greens, tomatoes and olives with a light house dressing, while the soup selection includes Pasta E Fagioli, Zuppa Toscana, Minestrone and Chicken & Gnocchi. Olive Garden first opened at the Mall of Asia on 12 September 2022 and at Glorietta 3 in Makati City on 9 January 2023. “It is, more or less, the same menu that we have for our first branch in MOA and also the same menu all over the United States,” Rechele Tiongson, chief operating officer of The Bistro Group, the company responsible for bringing in Olive Garden which was founded in 1982 in Orlando, Florida. “We never changed anything aside from modifying some of the portions that would fit the Filipino market, but the taste and flavor are the same. We use the finest ingredients like imported cheeses.” She adds: “Just to be clear, we did not reduce the portions but we introduce the smaller ones like solo version for those will smaller appetites. The big portions remain the same.” Browsing the menu uncovers more inviting dishes, such as the signature item, Tour of Italy (a huge platter of everything good — Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna Classico and Fettucino Alfredo pasta), Amazing Alfredos (made from scratch using imported cheeses, not just heavy cream) and an Italian classic, Shrimp Scampi. Just recently, four new dishes were introduced — Mediterranean Chicken, Chicken Tuscany, Roasted Herb Chicken and Italian Braised Short Ribs, all served with a choice of mashed potato or steamed rice. “We are happy with the response of the public to Olive Garden,” shares Tiongson. “It was extremely unexpected when we first opened in MOA. We were busy for the next six months of the restaurant. The queue was really long. People had to wait for 30 to 45 minutes, which we felt bad for our customers, but that was how they responded to the first opening of Olive Garden in the Philippines.” Olive Garden’s vibe is casual, light and bright yet it is warm and comforting with olive green accents. The design of the interiors is an allusion to the Italian countryside through earth tones and natural textures. It can accommodate 150 people. Olive Garden at The Verve in BGC is open from Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. [caption id="attachment_192648" align="aligncenter" width="525"] LOCAVORE’S Sizzling Sinigang.[/caption] ASTON’S SPECIALITIES AT ARCOVIA Tron Ng, Astons business development executive based in Singapore, flew to Manila last, 22 September, in time for the opening of the third branch of Astons Specialities, a Singapore-based restaurant chain renowned for serving affordable steaks and Western cuisine, at Arcovia City in Pasig City. Astons is a casual steakhouse which first opened in the Philippines last year on the 4/F of Mega Atrium in SM Megamall. The second branch was at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City early this year. Silver Lush Food Corporation brought in the Singapore brand to satisfy the cravings of steak lovers and those who enjoy more seafood, chicken, sausages, burgers and pasta dishes. “This is our third outlet in the Philippines in a span of 16 months,” says Ng. “We have been around since 2005 when it was founded by Aston Soon. We started as a very small coffeeshop in Singapore. Eventually, we managed to draw a lot of attention because we offer quality food at affordable prices.” He adds: “Within a year, we opened our own restaurant and we continue to grow and expand. We have introduced many different brands under Astons and we have over 40 restaurants only in Singapore alone.” [caption id="attachment_192649" align="aligncenter" width="525"] OLIVE Garden Pasta Twirl. (From left) Zachary Reams of Darden Int’l Learning and Development partner; Marc Buencamino, Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation operations director; RC Tiongson, The Bistro Group chief operating officer; Lourdes Reyes, FBDC chief financial officer; and Lisa Ronquillo-Along, The Bistro Group chief marketing officer.[/caption] Aside from the Philippines, Aston Specialities can also be found in Myanmar and Malaysia. It was also recognized by the AsiaOne’s People Choice Awards and Asian Enterprise Brand Awards for its service and offerings. “I believe Astons will do well in the Philippines because the locals lean more on western food,” Ng says. Of course, the piece de resistance of Astons revolves around its steaks and meat, as it should be. The different cuts of meat from prime sirloin and New York strip to prime ribeye steak do not disappoint. Each has wonderful marbling with the juiciness of the meat, coating your tongue with every bite. The perfect grill marks immediately excite one’s appetite and invite you to dig in with your own side dishes — potatoes (baked, mashed, wedges or fries), Mexican nachos (chicken or beef) or Mac & Cheese. Other items on the menu are also a treat, such as Surf & Turf and Chargrilled Salmon Fillet, Grilled Porkchops and Honey Bourbon Ribs. Cocktail drinks are also aplenty — Piña Colada, Tequila Sunrise, Daiquiri, Orange Margarita and Sangria, to name some. With its industrial chandelier, brick accents and dark wood touches, the place takes on the air of an upscale roadhouse, but softened by the muted walls and expansive glass windows. Astons Specialities at Arcovia City is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. All told, a trip to any of these newly opened restaurants guarantees a truly gratifying dining experience. The post The joy of eating appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global governance is stuck in time
We confront a host of existential threats — from the climate crisis to disruptive technologies — and we do so at a time of chaotic transition. For much of the Cold War, international relations were largely seen through the prism of two superpowers. Then came a short period of unipolarity. Now we are rapidly moving toward a multipolar world. This is, in many ways, positive. It brings new opportunities for justice and balance in international relations. But multipolarity alone cannot guarantee peace. At the beginning of the 20th century, Europe had numerous powers. It was truly multipolar. But it lacked robust multilateral institutions and the result was World War I. A multipolar world needs strong and effective multilateral institutions. Yet global governance is stuck in time. Look no further than the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods system. They reflect the political and economic realities of 1945, when many countries were still under colonial domination. The world has changed. Our institutions have not. We cannot effectively address problems as they are if institutions do not reflect the world as it is. Instead of solving problems, they risk becoming part of the problem. And, indeed, divides are deepening. Divides among economic and military powers. Divides between North and South, East and West. We are inching ever closer to a Great Fracture in economic and financial systems and trade relations; one that threatens a single, open Internet; with diverging strategies on technology and artificial intelligence; and potentially clashing security frameworks. It is high time to renew multilateral institutions based on 21st century economic and political realities — rooted in equity, solidarity and universality and anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. That means reforming the Security Council in line with the world of today. It means redesigning the international financial architecture so that it becomes truly universal and serves as a global safety net for developing countries in trouble. At the same time, divides are also widening within countries. Democracy is under threat. Authoritarianism is on the march. Inequalities are growing. And hate speech is on the rise. In the face of all these challenges and more, compromise has become a dirty word. We have just survived the hottest days, the hottest months, and the hottest summer on the books. Behind every broken record are broken economies, broken lives and whole nations at the breaking point. Actions are falling abysmally short. There is still time to keep rising temperatures within the 1.5-degree limits of the Paris [Climate] Agreement. But that requires drastic steps now — to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and to ensure climate justice for those who did least to cause the crisis but are paying the highest price. The fossil fuel age has failed. If fossil fuel companies want to be part of the solution, they must lead the transition to renewable energy. No more dirty production. No more fake solutions. No more bankrolling climate denial. Climate chaos is breaking new records, but we cannot afford the same old broken record of scapegoating and waiting for others to move first. And to all those working, marching and championing real climate action, I want you to know that you are on the right side of history and that I am with you. I won’t give up this fight of our lives. *** Excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s address to the General Assembly, 19 September 2023. The post Global governance is stuck in time appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Think tank: SMGPH faces liquidity crunch
The declining profitability of San Miguel Corporation’s energy unit San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. has affected the capability of the company to meet near-term financial obligations, according to a report of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, or IEEFA. Local groups held a forum on Wednesday ahead of the 133rd anniversary of the Adian conglomerate that focused on the “losing strategy” of maintaining its dependence imported fossil fuel with its planned shift from traditional coal to liquefied natural gas, or LNG. Think tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development indicated during the event that SMGPH is implementing “a losing strategy that is having devastating consequences on shareholders and investors, energy consumers, and the environment.” “While SMC is pursuing the country’s further dependence on fossil fuel, it is also losing on the actual energy transition development. SMC had lost in the race to secure new permits for renewable energy capacity, which will be built in the next two to three years,” Gerry Arances, CEED executive director, said. Sam Reynolds, author of an Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, or IEEFA, report titled San Miguel Global Power: Fossil fuel-oriented growth strategy raises financial red flags, said the article detailed the financial issues SMC faces because of its reliance on coal and gas. IEEFA is a Detroit-based advisory group for energy industry strategies. He warned the company’s overexposure to volatile fossil fuel prices could sink its financial health and that “SMGPH’s overreliance on fossil fuels has weakened its financial health — moving from coal to LNG is not going to solve the fundamental problem of overexposure to fossil fuel prices.” SMGPH debts are falling due between 2024 and 2026, according to the study. The company’s financial position would likely remain inadequate to address the callable perpetual securities, amounting to $3.4 billion (P193 billion). “SMGPH could face a double-edged sword. On one hand, the need to redeem perpetual securities demands additional capital or funding. On the other, opting not to exercise the call option subjects the company to additional financial costs, further straining its financial position,” according to IEEFA. No contract to back up projects “This is especially true when you consider the company’s lack of contracts for its existing and proposed LNG facilities,” he added. SMC’s status as one of the country’s biggest conglomerates entails that the company should be among those leading the transition away from fossil fuels, Reynolds added. Reynolds also doubts the company will be able to fulfill the 2050 net zero commitment it unveiled earlier this year. “Unless there is a major, material pivot within the company to transition to renewables and phase out its fossil fuel expansion plans, the company is going to have very little chance of achieving its 2050 net zero target. Without a strategic, material, immediate pivot, that goal is simply unrealistic,” he said. Liquidity crunch possible As a result of SMGPH’s declining profitability, IEEFA’s analysis indicated that its ability to cover near-term financial commitments in the form of debt, interest and capital distribution for perpetual securities may have worsened considerably. This points to an overall liquidity crunch, which could translate to a longer-term funding shortfall if not carefully managed. IEEFA indicated that its view “aligns with conclusions from Bloomberg Intelligence, which stated that the company may need $900 million (P51 billion) by the end of this year to meet its financial commitments. “SMGPH’s funding constraints also depend on its ability to extend P21 billion worth of short-term loans. There is also a possibility of obtaining local funding due to its connection to parent company SMC,” IEEFA indicated. Its financial SMGPH’s perpetual securities come with a notable feature: a step-up interest mechanism. If the call option on the security is not exercised, the interest rate increases by a certain percentage each year. SMGPH has strategically tapped into the issuance of bonds and loans to fund its expansion plans, increasing its total debt. Total equity has also grown, driven largely by the company’s issuance of perpetual securities. The paper added that a broader assessment, beyond operating cash flows, reveals a rising liquidity risk for SMGPH. It measured the SMGPH’s cash flow from operations (CFO)-to-current liabilities ratio, the results of which pointed a “concerning trend.” The ratio has been on a downward trajectory since 2019. In 2022, the CFO-to-current liabilities ratio plummeted to an all-time low of -0.12, indicating insufficient cash flow to cover short-term liabilities. The same ratio remained weak in the first half. Its ratio in 2022 was 1.00, down from 1.43 in 2021, meaning the company has exactly one dollar of current assets for every dollar of current liabilities. “In essence, the company holds a relatively tight margin of assets available to cover its immediate financial obligations. Meanwhile, the accounts receivable turnover ratio stood at 3.15, marking its lowest value since 2016.” The post Think tank: SMGPH faces liquidity crunch appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Man leaps to death from Sampaloc dorm
A still unidentified man instantly died after falling from the 13th floor of a dormitory building Sunday afternoon in Earnshaw Street, Sampaloc Manila. Investigator PCMS Joseph Kabigting of the Manila Police District-homicide section, described the unknown suspect as a male aged between 25 to 30 years old, medium built, 5-foot-4 tall wearing a T-shirt. white short pants and white rubber shoes. The victim, reportedly went inside the Lucky Dormitory at 614 Earnshaw Street, Sampaloc at around 4:16 p.m. The security guard on the ground floor identified as Almar Jundan accosted the victim while in the act of entering the elevator but when asked the suspect said that he going to the 13th floor. SG Jundan followed the victim to the 13th floor where he saw Jay-R Alba a student and resident of Room 610 of the Lucky dormitory looking at the victim and trying to persuade the victim not to jump. In a few seconds, the victim was seen walking at the edge flooring of the building before he jumped. The victim fell crashing down at the concrete road of Earnshaw where he died instantly. The post Man leaps to death from Sampaloc dorm appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»