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Double pay for workers reporting on Holy Week
Workers nationwide may opt to enjoy a long holiday break or hefty pay this Holy Week......»»
Alden Richards, Jericho Rosales, Dominic Roque among stars at Kathryn Bernardo s yacht party
Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo celebrated her 28th birthday with close friends on a yacht......»»
Paolo Contis masaya sa paglipat ng ‘It’s Showtime’ sa GMA
HAPPY ang Kapuso actor at dating host ng noontime program na “Tahanang Pinakamasaya” na si Paolo Contis sa pagkakaroon ng bagong tahanan ng “It’s Showtime”. Sa kanyang exclusive interview sa GMA News nitong Lunes, March 25, natanong ang aktor kung bukas ba siya sa posibilidad na maka-work ang mga Kapamilya hosts ng naturang noontime program......»»
Kapuso loveteams lead Sparkle’s first overseas show
For its first-ever international show, Sparkle GMA Artist Center has tapped six of its brightest stars to bring a piece (and an experience) of home to Filipinos in Canada and regale them. Hence, it is titled “Sparkle Goes To Canada” on April 5 and 7, with Southview Alliance Church, Calgary, and Toronto Pavilion, Toronto, as venues, respectively......»»
It’s Showtime binigyan ng 3 buwan ng GMA para talunin ang Eat Bulaga?
SA pagpasok ng “It’s Showtime” sa GMA 7 ay siguradong mas magiging matindi pa ang laban ng naturang programa at ng “Eat Bulaga” sa TV5. Isa ito sa mainit na pinag-uusapan ngayon ng netizens na nagsabing mas may tiwala pa raw ang GMA sa mga Kapamilya stars kesa sa kakayahan ng sarili nilang mga talents?.....»»
Vhong pangarap makatrabaho si Bitoy: Marami akong matututunan sa kanya!
KUNG may isang Kapuso star na gustung-gustong makatrabaho ni Vhong Navarro, yan ay walang iba kundi si Michael V. Ngayong mapapanood na rin ang “It’s Showtime” sa GMA Network kung saan isa sa mga regular host si Vhong, hindi na imposibleng maka-work niya ang ilang Kapuso actors. Nang matanong kung sino sa mga GMA stars.....»»
Vice Ganda nakipag-‘dinner date’ sa big bosses ng ABS-CBN, GMA
MATAPOS ang contract signing ng “It’s Showtime” para sa collaboration ng Kapamilya at Kapuso networks, masayang ibinandera ng TV host-comedian na si Vice Ganda ang dinner date kasama ang big bosses ng nasabing media giants. Sa Instagram Stories, makikita ang picture niya na kasama ang ABS-CBN executives na sina Cory Vidanes at Carlo Katigbak, pati.....»»
Darren Espanto ipinakilala bilang regular host ng ‘Showtime’, absent agad
SOBRANG saya ng Kapamilya singer at actor na si Darren Espanto matapos siyang ipakilala sa madlang pipol bilang regular hist ng “It’s Showtime”. Kasabay kasi ng historic contract signing ng GMA- 7 at ABS-CBN executives upang maging pormal nang parte ng Kapuso network ang “It’s Showtime” ay inanunsyo na rin ang pagiging regular host ng.....»»
Lovi Poe joins Prison Break director s upcoming Hollywood film
Actress Lovi Poe has joined the cast of an upcoming Hollywood movie with Canadian actor Adam Beach about Native American fire captain Paul Fullerton......»»
Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings bet magkaroon ng ‘triplets’
PARAMI nang parami na talaga ang nahuhumaling sa tambalan ng Kapamilya stars na sina Maris Racal at Anthony Jennings sa drama series na “Can’t Buy Me Love”. Sa katunayan, maging ang mahusay na TV host-vlogger na si Luis Manzano ay kinikilig sa chemistry ng dalawa na inamin niya habang ini-interview niya ang dalawa para sa.....»»
Anne Curtis, Ogie Alcasid, Karylle return to GMA via It s Showtime
Kapamilya stars Anne Curtis, Ogie Alcasid and Karylle have returned to media network GMA via "It's Showtime.".....»»
Sarah Lahbati shows off beach body anew; dad calls out barking dogs amid split rumors with Richard Gutierrez
Kapuso artist Sarah Lahbati recently showed off her beach body as rumors of her break-up with husband Richard Gutierrez continue to spread......»»
POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine
If you’re a talented fighter nursing dreams of becoming a world champion, there is one guy you need to get in touch with. If you’re a promoter who has got a bevy of promising fighters but with no strong connections to the guys who matter in the world of big-time boxing, you have to meet the fellow who makes things happen. That dude is no other than Sean Gibbons, who heads MP Promotions and a sprinkling of other influential outfits in the United States that gives boxers from all over the opportunity they deserve. Having trouble with your boxer’s stagnant world rating? Call Sean Gibbons. Can’t seem to get the big breaks? Call Sean Gibbons. Being given the run-around by a scammer, give Sean Gibbons a call. You see, Gibbons is a do-it-all boxing man who is a big daddy to just about any major Filipino fighter. He has got a deep knowledge of the fight game since he used to fight during his heyday. But before you start conjuring up images of Gibbons battling it out with boxing’s marquee names, pinch yourself first. Gibbons never achieved greatness as a boxer. He was more of a pretender than a contender, having racked up a 14-7-3 win-loss-draw record with seven knockouts before finally calling it a day in 1996. He never even fought in Las Vegas and instead showcased his wares in obscurity, hopping into one small town and city after another. After spending his first five pro bouts in Oklahoma City, Gibbons brought his act elsewhere and in places he never knew existed: Hugo, Purcell, Waubeek. A year before he retired in 1995, Gibbons, now 56, even traveled to Germany and fought and lost by knockout to local boy Ruediger May. Two more bouts on American soil — the first in Des Moines, Iowa, and the second in Miles City, Montana — paved the way for one final stop in Denmark against Peter Madsen. Gibbons would lose that by stoppage again and decided that enough was enough. Pretty soon, Gibbons got himself doing odd jobs in boxing through a relative — uncle Pat O’ Grady — father to former world lightweight champion Sean O’Grady. “I got the boxing bug from him. I would set up the ring, help sell tickets and train fighters… I started from the bottom,” Gibbons, born in Long Beach, California, said, noting that the first fighter he trained was heavyweight Wimpy Halstead. Oftentimes, Gibbons “would jump in as one of the fighters in the card and I was able to travel the world.” He also got aligned with Top Rank and credits Hall of Fame Bruce Trampler and fight coordinator Pete Susens as his mentors and takes great pride in his close association with eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao. Gibbons actually came to the Pacquiao show rather late. But his seven-year stint working for Pacquiao was the most memorable, saying it doesn’t compare with the 35 other years of involvement with boxing. “Seven years I spent with him were better than the other 35 years,” Gibbons, who graduated from Simi Valley High, said. Gibbons revealed that after Australian banger Jeff Horn elbowed and butted and wrestled his way in carving out a controversial points win in Brisbane in July 2018, “Pacquiao had pretty much been left for dead by some people.” It was right at this time when Gibbons entered the scene as Pacquiao’s go-to-guy for meaningful fights while also providing other Filipino boxers the break they need to become successful. Gibbons didn’t disappoint and was instrumental in striking a deal for fights involving Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman that resulted in a “tremendous run.” The victory over Thurman would go down as an epic as it made Pacquiao the oldest to win a world welterweight crown in July 2019 in Las Vegas. Now that Pacquiao has sailed into the sunset, Gibbons is dedicating his time and effort to the betterment of the other talents under MP Promotions, the Pacquiao-owned company that has majority of the country’s top ring talent under contract. And this is where Gibbons wields his expertise and proof of his savvy can be seen on Jerwin Ancajas, Pedro Taduran, Rene Cuarto, Mark Magsayo and current two-belt world super-bantamweight titleholder Marlon Tapales. Also under Gibbons’ care are Jonas Sultan, Vincent Astrolabio, Jade Bornea and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and Asian Games silver medalist Eumir Marcial. Though not every one of them managed to win a world title, Gibbons draws utmost satisfaction from the helping hand that he had extended to them. “The most satisfying thing is to change lives of the fighters and take fighters who wouldn’t normally get these opportunities.” Also, Gibbons points to Pacquiao as a reason why he was able to pull it off. “I had the name Manny Pacquiao promotions and Manny Pacquiao was behind me but the biggest, biggest key was Al Haymon and he took my word for guys like Jerwin Ancajas, Mark Magsayo, Jonas Sultan and many, many others.” And there is no stopping Gibbons from doing the same thing especially when his clients’ welfare is on the line. A few months ago, Gibbons earned the ire of a state commission and got slapped with a ban. Still, Gibbons swears it is his way of showing that he always got his clients’ back. So how does he want people to remember him? “I would like to be remembered as someone who gave his all, no regrets. Just you know, when I work with someone, I put all my heart and soul into it. I got suspended for five for screaming at referees but I would like to be remembered for a guy who always had his client, fighters and boxers’ back and that when we went at it, we gave it our all.” If you end up going to war, you’d certainly want somebody like Sean Gibbons right by your side. The post POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What we know about the Hamas assault on Israel
Gun battles raged Sunday between Hamas militants and Israeli forces a day after the Islamist group launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza, in a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Hundreds of people have been killed on both sides since the Iran-backed Hamas launched the multi-pronged assault at dawn on Saturday, with Israeli forces fighting holdout militants and pounding the Gaza Strip with air strikes. This is what we know about the conflict so far: How it unfolded The army said hundreds of Hamas militants attacked Israel from around 6:30 am (0330 GMT) on Saturday, the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, in an assault that also came 50 years after the outbreak of the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The Islamist group fired thousands of rockets into Israel from Gaza as its militants used explosives and bulldozers to break through the fence surrounding the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Using motorbikes, pickup trucks, motorized gliders, and speed boats, the militants streamed into Israeli urban areas including Ashkelon, Sderot, and Ofakim, which is about 22 kilometers (13 miles) from Gaza. The gunmen attacked a rave party attended by hundreds of young Israelis near Kibbutz Reim, close to Gaza, Israeli media reported. Israel said Hamas has taken more than 100 hostages in Israel. They include an unknown number of Americans and Germans. The militants overran several locations inside Israel, including a Sderot police station where they engaged in a shootout with Israeli forces on Sunday. How Israel is responding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to reduce to "rubble" Hamas hideouts in Gaza, an impoverished enclave of 2.3 million people hemmed in by an Israeli blockade for more than 15 years. The army said it has deployed tens of thousands of soldiers to fight the militants who were still "on the ground" Sunday on Israel territory. It has also carried out air strikes on Hamas positions inside Gaza, in an operation it has dubbed "Swords of Iron". Army spokesman Richard Hecht said the air raids had struck 800 targets including Gaza tunnels, buildings, and other infrastructure. The military said it aims to rescue Israeli hostages and then evacuate the entire region within 24 hours. Almost 1000 killed Israel says Hamas gunmen have killed more than 600 people and wounded over 2,000 in Israeli cities, towns, and kibbutz communities. AFP journalists have seen the bullet-riddled bodies of civilians lying on the streets in at least three locations in Israel: the city of Sderot, the nearby kibbutz of Gevim, and Zikim beach north of the Palestinian coastal enclave. An unknown number of people were reportedly killed at the rave. On the Gaza side, at least 370 people have been killed and more than 2,200 wounded, taking the combined toll to almost 1,000 dead. A British man who had been serving in Israel's army was among those killed in the Hamas attack, his family said. Two Ukrainian women who had been living in Israel were also killed, Ukraine said. Thailand has said two of its citizens were killed, while Cambodia reported the death of a Cambodian student. What Hamas said about the offensive Hamas said it fired 5,000 rockets in an offensive it has branded "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood". Its chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday vowed to press ahead with "the battle to liberate our land and our prisoners languishing in occupation prisons". Hamas has called on "resistance fighters in the West Bank" as well as in "Arab and Islamic nations" to join the battle. Early on Sunday, Lebanon's Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah said it launched missiles and artillery shells into northern Israel "in solidarity" with the Hamas offensive. The Israeli army said it retaliated with artillery fire. Elsewhere, media outlets in Egypt said a policeman opened fire on an Israeli tour group in the northern city of Alexandria on Sunday, killing two Israelis and one Egyptian. How the world has reacted United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned "in the strongest terms" Hamas' attack on Israel and called for "diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration". The West, much of which has designated Hamas a "terrorist" organization, has also condemned the Islamist group's assault on Israel. President Joe Biden said the United States support for its key ally Israel was "rock solid and unwavering". The White House said on Sunday he had ordered "additional support" for Israel. The European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said: "I unequivocally condemn the attack carried out by Hamas terrorists against Israel." Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi said the Islamic Republic supported the Palestinians' right to self-defense and warned Israel must be held accountable for "endangering the security of nations in the region". Russia has called for an "immediate ceasefire". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who strongly supports the Palestinian cause, on Sunday urged both sides "to support peace". Saudi Arabia appealed for an "immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, protection of civilians, and self-control". The post What we know about the Hamas assault on Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Germany riding the wave at 2023 FIBA Worlds
by Oliver Trust BERLIN, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- A day at a Japanese beach seemed like the perfect escape for Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner. Taking a break from basketball and the upcoming games of the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia felt like a mini-vacation, especially with an aching ankle still needing attention. "It was a nice day off all hurly-burly coming along wi.....»»
‘Pambansang Pabahay’ projects break ground in CamNorte
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development announced Monday that two more housing projects under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program have broken ground, targeting 4,000 families from Camarines Norte as beneficiaries. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar and Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla led the groundbreaking ceremony in the towns of Vinzons and Mercedes. "This is another solid testament of the continuing nationwide rollout of the President’s Pambansang Pabahay," Acuzar said. "This signals the start of our close collaboration to help CamNortenos realize their dream of owning decent yet affordable shelters," he added. The housing czar highlighted the significant role of the local government units in the implementation of the 4PH – from project conceptualization, processing, and identification of beneficiaries up to the sustainability of the projects. For his part, Governor Padilla expressed gratitude to the President and the national government, particularly DHSUD, for looking after the welfare of CamNortenos. Assistant Secretary Daryll Bryan Villanueva said the two projects, facilitated by DHSUD Regional Office 5 headed by Director Richard Manila, target more than 4,000 families, including informal settler families, as beneficiaries. Located near Bagasbas Beach, the Mercedes housing project is enrolled with the Social Housing Finance Corporation, one of DHSUD’s key shelter agencies. It intends to construct 34 four-story buildings to accommodate more than 3,200 families. Meanwhile, the project in Vinzons is a township development composed of 18 four-story medium-rise buildings, targeting more than 800 beneficiaries. Around 30 LGUs have already broken ground for their respective housing projects under 4PH since the flagship program's launch in September last year. The post ‘Pambansang Pabahay’ projects break ground in CamNorte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Warm as the sun’: Pangulasian illuminated
Among the four island resorts under the El Nido Resorts umbrella, Pangulasian stands out for its luxury concept. This property in Bacuit Bay shares the resort group’s ecological vein, but each has its own particular lure. Apulit Island in Taytay is deemed the “adventure” destination in an idyllic setting; Miniloc in El Nido is the “discovery” place for activity-filled holidays; and Lagen Island is the “sanctuary,” made distinct for its “lush, four-hectare forest and calm, shallow lagoon.” While travelers may opt for their own kind of vacations — and at a time when custom travel itineraries are the rage — the enduring appeal of island getaways will always be in most bucket lists. The Philippines offers a mélange of island resorts, but in the realm of true luxury, just a handful may be considered — among them, Pangulasian. El Nido Resorts’ Mags Bautista, senior marketing and communications manager, tells Daily Tribune more about this island destination. [caption id="attachment_140326" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BEDROOM suite.[/caption] Daily Tribune (DT): What makes Pangulasian distinct among other island resorts? Mags Bautista (MB): Pangulasian Island delivers luxury Filipino hospitality designed to match the stunning natural beauty of its setting in the Managed Resource Protected Area of El Nido-Taytay. It brings together sustainable practices and world-class comfort to offer naturally immersive experiences with its 750-meter stretch of white-sand beach, a house reef teeming with marine life, and a spectacular view of the sunrise and sunset — it definitely stays true to its local moniker as the “Island of the Sun.” For accommodations, it has a total of 42 contemporary Filipino villas built sustainably with cutting-edge “green” design. [caption id="attachment_140325" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF REBY TRINIDAD | FROLICKING along the 750-meter white sand at Pangulasian.[/caption] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF REBY TRINIDAD | FROLICKING along the 750-meter white sand at Pangulasian. DT: Would you say Pangulasian is the most luxurious resort in the Philippines? Why? MB: No. While there are other resorts that have superior facilities and amenities, Pangulasian takes pride in its excellent customer relations. Guests always come back to the resort because of the hospitality of the staff that, you could say, is “warm as the sun.” The workforce brings in unparalleled efforts and dedication to ensure that guests have a truly memorable and enjoyable stay. DT: What can you say about the amenities, facilities of Pangulasian? Any special services given to guests — personal butler, dine by the beach, room service? MB: Although the resort does not have butler service, it offers room service from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. The resort also offers private lunches outside Pangulasian and private dinners within the resort. Happy hour at the pool bar from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. [caption id="attachment_140327" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Pangulasian’s team takes extra care to provide a truly meaningful guest experience.[/caption] DT: What makes the food and beverage at Pangulasian special? MB: Staying true to our commitment to sustainability, we source many of our products locally, importing internationally only to provide the occasional familiar option for international guests who would like a bit of a taste of home. We commit to support local suppliers with an emphasis on sustainable development. The resort offers unique drinks such as our signature thirst-quenching Tropical Spice, blended Watermelon, and Mango Ginger drink. Guests will also enjoy our very own Pangulasian Sunrise made with hand-squeezed dalandan juice paired with premium tequila. [caption id="attachment_140330" align="aligncenter" width="525"] STEAK with asparagus and potato slices.[/caption] DT: Are there any dishes that are a must-try for guests? MB: Absolutely! Our head chef recommends the following set of dishes: Starting with Ensaladang Talong soup; Tomato and Shrimp for the main course; US Angus Rib eye with Pangulasian Bistek sauce; and Baguna Calamansi pie for the dessert. DT: How about the beach and sports/water activities? Some say the waters are better for activities like snorkeling rather than swimming. Would you agree? MB: Though nestled in the protected marine seascape of El Nido, guests of Pangulasian can enjoy various water activities. Through the regular island-hopping tours, guests can engage in kayaking, snorkeling and swimming activities all across Bacuit Bay to better appreciate the beauty of El Nido. The crystal-clear waters with its sustainably managed house reefs make El Nido a good spot for snorkeling and diving. We also offer more immersive activities like the mangrove cruise in Aberawan, bottom fishing with the local fishermen, and the hiking trail through the forest of Pangulasian. DT: What do most guests like to do at the resort? MB: Guests, mostly foreigners, are fascinated by El Nido’s big and small lagoons, its pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, and of course, its stunning limestone rock formations. As such, Pangulasian guests always look forward to hop on the daily complimentary island tours and join the morning snorkeling to see the coral reefs and spot some black-tip reef sharks. DT: How does one get to Pangulasian? What does the resort do to make guests feel relaxed and comfortable getting there? MB: Airswift offers daily flights from Manila to El Nido, Palawan. Travel time is approximately one hour long. Guests are welcomed by one of Pangulasian’s tour guides upon arrival at the airport. They are then transported to the Jetty Lounge for refreshments and a bathroom break. After which, a 30-minute boat ride takes guests across the Bacuit Bay to Pangulasian Island Resort. DT: What makes a stay worth the splurge for guests of the resort? MB: As what most people would say, “Money can’t buy happiness,” but here in Pangulasian, the island team takes extra care to provide a truly meaningful guest experience — all the way from their arrival at Lio airport, to their festive welcome at the resort, through guided tours and activities, and up until we bring them back to the airport for their departure. With its spacious villas, its local and international selection of dishes, and island tours and activities, the team strives to deliver on the promise of excellent service and hospitality. The post ‘Warm as the sun’: Pangulasian illuminated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Making the most of Philippine Summer
Despite perennially reeling from the scorching heat, Filipinos nevertheless look forward to summer to take a break from the rigors of daily life and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. The months of March to May is always a time to enjoy the outdoors, as the Philippines, being a tropical country, is replete with summer destinations that local and foreign tourists go gaga about. Topping these getaway spots, hands down is the beach. With over 7,000 islands, the country boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Among the most popular are Boracay, Palawan and Siargao — all known for their crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands and stunning sunsets. [caption id="attachment_129829" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A boy ignoring warnings not to swim in polluted Manila Bay dives in to beat the summer heat as boats prepare for the fist annual regatta, 26 May 2002, aimed at increasing public awareness on the environment. The Philippine government has been taking steps to clean-up the historic bay, famed for its breath-taking sunsets, which has become a depository for trash and industrial waste in recent years. AFP PHOTO/Joel NITO (Photo by JOEL NITO / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129827" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tourists relax along a beach in Boracay island in Malay town, Aklan province, central Philippines on April 7, 2018. - The Philippine tourism industry scrambled on April 6 to manage the fallout from the temporary shutdown of its world-famous Boracay island, which threw into chaos trips planned by hundreds of thousands of tourists. (Photo by AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129828" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A surfer takes advantage of the conditions at Big Wave Bay on the southern side of Hong Kong island 05 July 2001 as tyhoon 'Utor' heads nearer to the territory after lashing southern Taiwan and the Philippines. 'Utor' one of the biggest typhoons to hit the South China Sea in thirty years is expected to hit landfall in southern China tommorrow morning coming close to Hong Kong at the same time.AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129830" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A tourist goes airborne while kite boarding in the waters of Boracay island on November 9, 2008. The white sand beach resort island is in center of controversy as investors and property owners accused the government of land grabbing following the 2006 proclamation by the Philippine government that the entire island belongs to the state. Boracay island located in central Philippines draws half a million tourists each year to its spectacular beaches, more than one sixth of tourist visitors to the country. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Aside from the beach, summertime is a chance to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and island hopping. Tourists take advantage of the summer months to explore the natural beauty of the country. [caption id="attachment_129826" align="aligncenter" width="525"] This picture taken on October 12, 2019 shows members of Myanmar's national surfing team resting during a competition on Ngwe Saung beach in Irrawaddy division, ahead of the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines. - Competitive surfing was barely known in Myanmar a few years ago but a group of super-stoked dudes and dudettes from a local beach town are riding a wave of enthusiasm to the Southeast Asian Games for the first time ever. (Photo by Ye Aung THU / AFP)[/caption] Among the more popular hiking spots are Mt. Pulag, Mt. Batulao and Mt Pinatubo which all offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Of course, we should not forget that summer in the Philippines is also a time for festivities. One of the most celebrated festivals during this season is the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon. The festival is held every May in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. During the event, the town is decorated with colorful kiping (rice wafers) and other agricultural products. [caption id="attachment_129831" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Children on a float made of native materials and decorated with vegetables and rice stalks parade on the streets for a contest ahead of the annual "Pahiyas" harvest festival in the town of Lucban, in Quezon province, south of Manila, 14 May 2005. During the festival, residents use native plants, vegetable products and rice paper to decorate their floats, homes and vehicles in imaginative ways. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Another popular festival during this time is the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. The festival is held every August and is a celebration of the city’s bountiful harvest. It is a colorful event that features street dancing, music and a parade of flowers. Whatever one fancies to beat the summer heat, there is always something to look forward to hereabouts. Whether one wants to relax, go on an adventure or celebrate, one can find it here in a paradise even tourists call paradise. The post Making the most of Philippine Summer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress
Picture this: A luxurious, but safe and quiet abode. Yes, that’s the commitment of Mantawi Residences, the newly launched property of Robinsons Land Corporation Residences in Cebu. Who wouldn’t want to be in such a place that promises its residents ultra-spacious living spaces and built-in smart home devices? Not to mention exclusive and sizeable penthouses with multiple loggias where residents can comfortably marvel at the city’s skyline. For the Gokongwei-led RLC Residences, Mantawi Residences exemplifies condo design. It’s one of those properties where each element conspires with all the rest to create a singular experience. “We are happy to come back here in Cebu with another promising project, Mantawi Residences,” said John Richard B. Sotelo, RLC Residences senior vice president and business unit general manager. “We are very proud to finally unveil this development that we envisioned for our future residents who are on the lookout for a home and investment that they can proudly call theirs.” Mantawi Residences is the newest and most ambitious addition to RLC Residences’ roster of properties in Cebu after its successful projects in Azalea Place Cebu, Galleria Residences Cebu, and Amisa Private Residences. [caption id="attachment_122273" align="aligncenter" width="650"] MANTAWI Residences grand launch at Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu. (From left) Allen Miranda, RLC Residences vice president and head of sales; Winnie Go; Heart Evangelista, RLC Residences brand ambassador; Karen Cesario, marketing head and chief integration officer; John Richard B. Sotelo, senior vice president and business unit general manager; Engr. Emmanuel Arce, vice president project management; and Stephanie Anne Go, business development and design head.[/caption] “Mantawi Residences marks yet another strong signal from RLC of its confidence in Cebu — the strength of its economy and the vibrancy of its people,” Sotelo said during the grand launch event held at the Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu City. Sotelo added that Mantawi Residences reflects the best thinking of RLC Residences to date, with something they haven’t done even in Metro Manila — its sprawling 1.3 hectares of amenities. Add to that are their efficient space layouts with larger unit sizes and loggias, sustainable certification with EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) and BERDE (Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence) and its curated retail areas. “We’ve brought our best thinking and understanding of the customers in Cebu, as well as those outside of Cebu and outside of the Philippines who are keen to invest in the Cebu market,” Sotela added. Upscale living Mantawi Residences is a four-tower premium condominium on the 20,328-sqm property with 474 units spread across the four 40-floor towers. The property, named after the Mantawi Festival, is situated along Ouano Avenue in Mandaue City. The pre-selling property offers 310 one-bedroom units (46 sqm), 148 two-bedroom units (92 sqm and 115 sqm), 12 three-bedroom units (138 sqm), and four penthouse units (207 sqm). Price ranges from P15 million to P60 million. [caption id="attachment_122277" align="aligncenter" width="525"] MANTAWI Residences Penthouse living room, dining and kitchen.[/caption] The opulent penthouse covers three bedrooms, a dining area, a kitchen, a living room, a study den, a utility room, a powder room, and a balcony. Sotelo disclosed that two of the penthouse units have already been sold. Stephanie Anne Go, RLC Residences assistant vice president and business development and design head, said each unit has upgraded home furnishings, including porcelain tile floorings, a kitchen with glass doors and a pantry cabinet, and glass shower enclosures. For the penthouse, the master bedroom’s toilet will have a bathtub. “We also want to make sure that most of the bedrooms of every unit will have their own loggia,” she said. “We have to be conscious about efficiency, not generally where we just want to put the bedrooms. Rest assured that all the units will be efficiently laid out.” Go ensures that there will be a feeling of airiness and openness in the property. Yes, fresh air and open spaces – who would have thought these two simple things could be luxuries for condo homeowners? The premier project enjoys a vast 1.3-hectare amenity area that provides landscaped areas, beach-inspired swimming pools, a cascading water wall, a pet park, and an outdoor play area, among others. Indoor amenities include a game room, a private theater, a fitness center, a kids’ playroom, and function rooms. It will also feature curated global retail brands on the ground floor. Mantawi Residences is near academic institutions, shopping destinations and hospitals. The area is also currently being modernized to become the main gateway of Cebu City. One of the critical projects in the area is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ rehabilitation of the Mahiga River. The property is also accessible to two progressive cities: Mandaue and Cebu City and is only five kilometers away from the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway — considered one of the area’s progress indicators. Future developments are also in the pipeline, as the Mandaue government plans to develop the Metro Cebu Expressway and the Cebu Bus Transit, plus turning the Cebu International Port into an international cruise docking area. Another essential program is the development of a premier waterfront development featuring commercial space and a luxury district. Target market Cebu continues to be the biggest real estate outside Metro Manila, with the demand increasing from six percent in 2020 to 24 percent in 2021. Karen Cesario, RLC Residences senior director-marketing head and chief integration officer, said they target overseas Filipinos and growing professionals aged 35 to 45 as potential homeowners. A one-bedroom, 46-square meter unit starts at P15 million. “We did take a long, hard look at the price point that we feel the Cebu market is ready for and willing to take,” said Sotelo. “When we were made to look at the design specifications and the features that we have incorporated into the building, we felt that it’s worth more than our previous premium properties. We are guided by what the market is telling us, what and how our competition also prices. The market in Cebu is telling us that it is ready.” Sotelo added that they expect to break ground Mantawi Residences in the fourth quarter of this year, with the turnover of the first tower by the fourth quarter of 2029. The post Mantawi Residences: Cebu’s next frontier of progress appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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