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Rombawa, Diaz triumph in Escudero juniors netfest
Aljhon Rombawa proved to be an unstoppable force at home, claiming two titles in the boys’ category, while Bacoor, Cavite’s Jana Diaz dominated the girls’ division in the Don Arsenio Escudero Sr. National Juniors Tennis Championships......»»
Rombawa, Diaz twin champs in Escudero netfest
Aljhon Rombawa proved to be an unstoppable force at home, claiming two titles in the boys’ category, while Bacoor, Cavite’s Jana Diaz dominated the girls’ division in the Don Arsenio Escudero Sr. National Juniors Tennis Championships at the Aera Tennis Club in San Pablo City......»»
Agusan mayor offers P100k bounty for arrest of suspects who killed 2 farm workers
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 8 March) – San Francisco Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo has offered a P100,000 cash reward for residents who can provide information leading to the apprehension of the suspects behind the fatal shooting of two oil palm workers and the injury of another during an ambush on February 29 […].....»»
U-BIX Chairman and CEO Edilberto B. Bravo: The King of Hearts (and Paper)
On paper, U-BIX founder, Chairman, and CEO Atty. Edilberto B. Bravo is intimidating. Prior to our round-table interview, this writer was given pages of materials about the man, his family, and the legacy he has built, transcending the paper and copier business he started in 1968 with his wife, Dr. Felina Bravo......»»
Gaballo faces Indonesian in February in Manila
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Former interim world champion Reymart “Assassin” Gaballo ends his eight-month hiatus with a regional title bout in Manila on February 13, 2024. This will be Gaballo’s fight since June 17, 2023, where he won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental bantamweight title against fellow Filipino Michael Bravo via a split decision.....»»
Pura Luka Vega welcome kaya sa bagong drag club nina Ice, Liza at RS?
BONGGA ang bagong drag club na pag-aari ng actor-businessman na si RS Francisco kung saan kasosyo niya ang mag-asawang Ice Seguerra at Liza Diño. Ang tinutukoy namin ay ang RAMPA kung saan co-owners din sina Loui Gene Cabel, Cecille Bravo at ang mga drag queens na sina Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas De Luxe at Brigiding.....»»
The Clash Champion Jeremiah Tiangco pinasaya Intele Christmas Party
MATABILni John Fontanilla ISANG beach party ang naging tema ng Intele Builders and Development Corporation sa La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort noong December 16, 2023 sa pangunguna ng mag-asawang Don Pedro Bravo(president) at Ma. Cecilia Tria Bravo (vice president) na nagsilbing host sina Russel Lim at Barangay LSFM 97.1 DJ Mama Emma. Present din sa Christmas Party ang kanilang mga anak na sina Anthony, ….....»»
Domingo to face Bravo in WBO Global flyweight title bout on Monday
CEBU CITY, Philippines — It’s all systems go for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global flyweight title bout between Esneth “Hard Hitter” Domingo and Michael “Chieftain” Bravo in the double-main event boxing fight card on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the The Flash Grand Ballroom in Manila. Domingo of the Cebu-based ZIP Sanman Boxing Team.....»»
Domingo guns for vacant WBO Global belt vs. Bravo
Domingo guns for vacant WBO Global belt vs. Bravo.....»»
Bravo, JM! Lyceum guard earns weekly NCAA accolade
This time, it was JM Bravo's turn to be the hero for LPU......»»
Millions of children affected by climate disasters – UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund warned on Thursday that weather disasters brought on by climate change caused 43.1 million child displacements between 2016 and 2021 and criticized the lack of attention given to the victims. Co-Author Laura Healy told American for Prosperity, or AFP, that the data only indicated the “tip of the iceberg,” with many more possibly affected, in comprehensive research on the subject that included the heartbreaking stories of some children affected. Khalid Abdul Azim, a child from Sudan, recalls his terrible experience in a flooded village that can only be reached by boat. "We moved our belongings to the highway, where we lived for weeks," he said. In 2017, sisters Mia and Maia Bravo watched flames engulf their trailer in California from the back of the family minivan. "I was afraid, in shock," Maia said. Statistics on internal displacements caused by climate disasters generally do not account for the victim’s age. The Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, a non-governmental organization, and UNICEF collaborated to analyze the data and uncover the hidden toll for children. Four types of climate disaster (floods, storms, droughts, and wildfire) has led to 43.1 million child displacements in 44 countries in which frequency of the said disasters has increased during global warming, the report says. Ninety-five percent of those displacements were caused by floods and storms. “It’s equivalent of about 20,000 child displacements every day,” Healy lamented on AFP highlighting how the afflicted children are then at risk of suffering other traumas, such as being torn away from their parents or being the prey of child traffickers. As one child may be uprooted more than once, the numbers reflect the number of displacements rather than the number of children affected. The number of displaced people as a result of drought is “radically underreported,” according to Healy because they are less abrupt and hence harder to measure. This is just the tip of the iceberg based on the available data that we have," she said. "The reality is with the impacts of climate change, or better tracking of displacement when it comes to slow onset events, that the number of children who are uprooted from their homes is going to be much greater." Healy added. UNICEF Report Reveals Alarming Predictions for Child Displacements Due to Climate Events In a recently released UNICEF report, startling forecasts have been unveiled for specific climate-related events. According to the report, the next three decades could witness a staggering 96 million child displacements due to flooding caused by overflowing rivers. Additionally, cyclonic winds are projected to force 10.3 million child displacements, while storm surges may result in 7.2 million displacements. It's worth noting that these estimates do not factor in preventive evacuation measures, raising concerns about the potential scale of displacement. UNICEF's Executive Director, Catherine Russell, emphasized the profound impact on those compelled to flee, including the fear of an uncertain return, disruptions to education, and the possibility of further relocations. Russell stressed that while migration may save lives, it also brings significant upheaval and challenges. "As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement. We have the tools and knowledge to respond to this escalating challenge for children, but we are acting far too slowly." She added. At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in November and December, UNICEF urged world leaders to take up the climate issue. According to Healy, children, particularly those who have already been compelled to move must be prepared “to live in a climate change world”. While the effects of climate change are spreading across large portions of the planet, the UNICEF report highlights some of the most susceptible nations. The biggest number of displaced people (almost 23 million in six years) occurred in China, India, and the Philippines because of their massive populations, strategic positions, and precautionary evacuation measures. However, in proportional terms, Africa and small island states are most at risk; in Dominica, 76 percent of all children were uprooted between 2016 and 2021. More than 30 percent of the said amount went to Saint Martin and Cuba. The post Millions of children affected by climate disasters – UNICEF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tens of millions of children uprooted by climate disasters — UNICEF
Weather disasters fueled by climate change -- from floods to droughts, storms to wildfires -- sparked 43.1 million child displacements from 2016 to 2021, the UN Children's Fund warned Thursday, slamming the lack of attention paid to victims. In a sweeping report on the issue, the United Nations agency detailed the heart-wrenching stories of some of the children affected, and co-author Laura Healy told AFP the data only revealed the "tip of the iceberg," with many more likely affected. "We moved our belongings to the highway, where we lived for weeks," recounts Sudanese child Khalid Abdul Azim, whose flooded village was only accessible by boat. In 2017, sisters Mia and Maia Bravo watched flames engulf their trailer in California from the back of the family minivan. "I was afraid, in shock," Maia says in the report. "I would stay up all night." Statistics on internal displacements caused by climate disasters generally do not account for the age of the victims. However, UNICEF worked with the non-governmental Internal Displacement Monitoring Center to unpick the data and reveal the hidden toll on children. From 2016 to 2021, four types of climate disasters (floods, storms, droughts, and wildfires) -- the frequency of which has increased due to global warming -- led to 43.1 million child displacements in 44 countries, the report says. Ninety-five percent of those displacements were caused by floods and storms. "It's the equivalent of about 20,000 child displacements every day," Healy told AFP, underscoring how the children affected are then at risk of suffering other traumas, such as being separated from their parents or falling victim to child traffickers. The data reflect the number of displacements and not the number of children affected, as the same child could be uprooted more than once. The figures do not allow for a distinction between those evacuated before a weather event, and those forced to leave in the wake of a disaster. And, according to Healy, the number of displacements due to drought is "radically underreported," because they are less sudden and thus more difficult to quantify. "This is just the tip of the iceberg based on the available data that we have," she said. "The reality is with the impacts of climate change, or better tracking of displacement when it comes to slow onset events, that the number of children who are uprooted from their homes is going to be much greater." 'Far too slowly' The UNICEF report offers some partial predictions, for specific events. Floods linked to overflowing rivers could spark 96 million child displacements in the next 30 years, while cyclonic winds could force 10.3 million displacements, it says. Storm surges could lead to 7.2 million displacements. None of those estimates include preventive evacuations. "For those who are forced to flee, the fear and impact can be especially devastating, with worry of whether they will return home, resume school, or be forced to move again," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. "Moving may have saved their lives, but it's also very disruptive," Russell said. "As the impacts of climate change escalate, so too will climate-driven movement. We have the tools and knowledge to respond to this escalating challenge for children, but we are acting far too slowly." UNICEF called on world leaders to take up the issue at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in November and December. Healy says children, including those already forced to move, must be prepared "to live in a climate change world." Even if the intensifying effects of climate change are affecting wide swathes of the planet, the UNICEF report shines the light on particularly vulnerable countries. China, India, and the Philippines are the countries with the largest number of displacements (nearly 23 million in six years) because of their huge populations and geographic locations -- but also because of their preventive evacuation plans. But in proportional terms, Africa and small island nations are most at risk -- in Dominica, 76 percent of all children were displaced from 2016 to 2021. For Cuba and Saint-Martin, that figure was more than 30 percent. The post Tens of millions of children uprooted by climate disasters — UNICEF appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pope appoints 21 new cardinals to fill highest ranks of Church
Pope Francis on Saturday elevated 21 clergymen from distant corners of the world to the rank of cardinal, saying diversity was indispensable to the future of the Catholic Church. Under sunny skies and with a crowd that filled half of Vatican City's grandiose, colonnaded St Peter's Square, the 86-year-old pope welcomed the new, so-called "Princes of the Church" -- one of whom could one day become the successor to the current pontiff. "The College of Cardinals is called to resemble a symphony orchestra, representing the harmony and synodality of the Church," said Francis, seated under a canopy before the gathered cardinals on the steps of St Peter's Basilica. "Diversity is necessary; it is indispensable. However, each sound must contribute to the common design," said the Argentine Jesuit. The choice of the new cardinals, who include diplomats, close advisers and administrators, is closely watched as an indication of the priorities and position of the Church. One of them could also one day be elected by his peers to succeed Francis, who has left the door open to stepping down in the future should his health warrant it. Saturday's ceremony, known as a consistory, is the ninth since Francis in 2013 was named head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. One by one, the scarlet-clad cardinals knelt before the pope, who bestowed on them the two symbols of their high office: a scarlet four-cornered cap known as a biretta, and a cardinal's ring. To some, a grinning Francis uttered an encouraging "Bravo!" or "Courage!" as he shook their hand. Eighteen of the 21 newly made cardinals are under the age of 80 and thus currently eligible to vote as "cardinal electors" in the next conclave, when Francis' successor will be decided. They are among 99 cardinal-electors created by Francis, representing about three-quarters of the total That has given rise to speculation that the Church's future spiritual leader will be cast in the same mold as Francis, preaching a more tolerant Church with a greater focus on the poor and marginalized. Bishops taking action Throughout his papacy, Francis has sought to create a more inclusive, universal Church, looking past Europe to clergy in Africa, Asia and Latin America to fill the Church's highest ranks. With his latest roster of cardinals, Francis has again looked to the world's "peripheries" -- where Catholicism is growing -- while breaking with the practice of promoting archbishops of large, powerful dioceses. "He is looking for cardinals who correspond to the times. These are people who have all taken a step away from the Church of the past, who positively ensure a break," an informed observer of the Holy See who asked to remain nameless told AFP ahead of the ceremony. The array of cardinals represent "a richness and a variety of experience, and that's what the Church is all about," the Archbishop of Cape Town, Stephen Brislin, told AFP Thursday before his elevation to cardinal. "The Church encompasses all people, not just a certain group of people," he said. There are three new cardinals from South America, including two Argentinians, and three from Africa, with the promotion of the archbishops of Juba in South Sudan, Tabora in Tanzania, and Cape Town's Brislin. Asia is represented by the Bishop of Penang in Malaysia and the Bishop of Hong Kong, Stephen Chow, who is seen as playing a key role in seeking to improve tense relations between the Vatican and Beijing. Diplomats and managers Some of the new cardinals, like Chow, have experience in sensitive zones of the world where the Holy See hopes to play an important diplomatic role. The list includes the Holy Land's top Catholic authority, Italian Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the first seated Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to be made cardinal. "Jerusalem is a small laboratory, interreligious and intercultural, and that's a challenge that the whole world is facing at this point," Pizzaballa told AFP. Also promoted was the apostolic nuncio, or ambassador, to the United States, France's Christophe Pierre, whose decades-long diplomatic career includes posts in countries including Haiti, Uganda and Mexico. Francis also tapped top administrators in the Curia, the Holy See's government. His new choices include Claudio Gugerotti, the Italian prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; Argentina's Victor Manuel Fernandez, whom Francis recently named head of the powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith; and Chicago-born Robert Prevost, a former missionary in Peru who leads the Dicastery for Bishops. Following the ceremony, the new cardinals were congratulated by members of the public at the Vatican's sumptuous Apostolic Palace. The post Pope appoints 21 new cardinals to fill highest ranks of Church appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dingdong may pa-tribute kay Tirso Cruz sa pagtatapos ng Royal Bloood: ‘Isang matinding standing ovation! Bravo!’
KALOKA! Ayaw kaming tantanan ng mga adik sa panonood ng “Royal Blood” sa tanong kung ano ang magiging pasabog na ending ng top-rating series ng GMA 7. Bukas ng gabi, malalaman na ng buong universe kung paano magwawakas ang biggest murder mystery on primetime TV na pinagbibidahan ng Primetime King na si Dingdong Dantes. Ngayong.....»»
‘Rama, Hari’ gala is a cultural feast
Rama, Hari (Rama the King) returns to live stage, becoming one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. Produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the ballet and musical had its gala at the rehabilitated Manila Metropolitan Theater on 15 September. Aside from the show itself, there were a lecture and a small tiangge (bazaar), affording the audience a fuller experience and a deeper appreciation of the ballet, as well as the source material, the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. Also an initiative in line with the recently signed Philippines-Indonesia Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation and the Philippines-India Cultural Exchange Program, the lecture, “Perspectives: Understanding Ramayana, The Great Epic of Asia,” was held in the early afternoon at the Metropolitan Theater Ballroom, tackling the impacts and different interpretations of Ramayana not only in India but also in Southeast Asia. Speakers were Agus Widjojo, ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines; Shambu Kumaran, ambassador of India to the Philippines; and Dr. Marilyn Canta, retired professor from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. [caption id="attachment_185911" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Indian Ambassador Shambu Kumaran, Dr. Marilyn Canta, NCCA chairman Ino Manalo and Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo. | Photograph by Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] The Hindu epic, said to date back as early as the mid-eighth century BCE, is a much beloved work and has many versions in Southeast Asia. Its influence is very much evident in Indonesia, where the epic has a version written in old Javanese, called the Kakawin Ramayana. The Prambanan, the ninth-century Hindu temple compound, has bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the epic, and the Ramayana Ballet is regularly performed up to this day. In the Philippines, the Meranaw people of Mindanao has a folk story derived from Ramayana, “Maharadia Lawana,” which was adapted into an hours-long, modern theatrical showcase for the Budayaw: The BIMP-EAGA Festival of Cultures in 2017. On the other hand, the tiangge, at the Hardin ng Ekspresyon, the west courtyard of the theater, had booths offering Indian food, spices and home decors. Fashion brand Plains & Prints also set up a corner featuring their latest collection featuring heritage sites in collaboration with photographer Mark Nicdao. On the other hand, the tiangge, at the Hardin ng Ekspresyon, the west courtyard of the theater, had booths offering Indian food, spices and home decors. Fashion brand Plains & Prints also set up a corner featuring their latest collection featuring heritage sites in collaboration with photographer Mark Nicdao. Audience members started arriving at six. The first-timers to the theater explored and took photographs of the different corners. Illustrious guests were led by National Artists Virgilio S. Almario, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Ricky Lee and Agnes Locsin, as well as cultural agency heads, National Archives of the Philippines executive director and NCCA chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, National Museum of the Philippines director Jeremy R. Barns and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino chairman Arthur P. Casanova. Also in the audience were theater and cinema scholar Nicanor Tiongson, professor and researcher Galileo Zafra, actor and satirist Mae Paner, actor Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, talent manager Noel Ferrer, theater critic Amadis Maria Guerrero, Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo, chef Gelo Guison and designer Barge Ramos. Aika Robredo, the eldest daughter of former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, also enjoyed the show. [caption id="attachment_185913" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The wedding of Rama and Sita.[/caption] Her mother graced a rehearsal on 6 September, especially invited by Rama, Hari choreographer and director, National Artist Alice Reyes and composer, National Artist Ryan Cayabyab. On 7 September, Robredo enthused on Facebook: “Yesterday, we, together with some local artists from Naga, trooped to the Metropolitan Theater in Manila to watch their first full stage rehearsal and we were stunned. They were not in costumes yet and the stage design was not even mounted yet but the entire production left us breathless and speechless!! It is the best of Philippine Dance and Music.” She encouraged everyone not to miss “the only collaboration that features the masterful works of five National Artists.” Aside from Reyes and Cayabyab, the other National Artists involved in the production are the late Bienvenido Lumbera, who wrote the lyrics and libretto; Salvador Bernal, who designed the stage and costumes; and Rolando Tinio, who translated it to English. They were not yet declared National Artists when the production by Ballet Philippines premiered on 8 February 1980 at CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. The original staging featured Nonoy Froilan, Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma, Leo Valdez and Edna Vida. Rama, Hari was not restaged until 2012, starring Christian Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Richardson Yadao and Katherine Trofeo. It won 14 Philstage Gawad Buhay awards. An adaptation was mounted in 1999, called Rama, Hari, Rama at Sita, The Musical, featuring Ariel Rivera and Lani Misalucha as performers, directed by Leo Rialp and choreographed by Locsin. The music was composed by Cayabyab and Danny Tan, and the lyrics written by Roy Iglesias and Dodjie Simon, based on Lumbera’s book. Rama, Hari was planned to be the closing production of Ballet Philippines’ 50th season in March 2020, but was canceled when lockdowns were imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. When Reyes established her own dance company in 2022, the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Rama, Hari became one of its cherished projects. [caption id="attachment_185909" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Energetic dancing by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. | Photographs courtesy of Teddy Pelaez[/caption] Reyes put both dancers and singers on the same stage, interpreting scenes and emotions in both words and movements. The cast is led by Arman Ferrer as Rama with alternate Vien King and dancer versions Ronelson Yadao and Ejay Arisola. Sita is portrayed by singers Karylle Tatlonghari, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and neophyhte Nica Tupas and dancers Monica Gana and Katrene San Miguel. [caption id="attachment_185910" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Erl Sorilla as Lakshmana and Monica Gana as Sita. | Photograph courtesy of Teddy Pelaez[/caption] Singers Poppert Bernadas, Matthew San Jose and Jonel Mojica and dancers Richardson Yadao (also dancer for King Janaka) and Tim Cabrera take on the villain role, the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. Other performers are Audie Gemora (singer, King Dasaratha), Lester Reguindin and John Ababon (dancers, King Dasaratha); Miah Canton and Raflesia Bravo (singers, Kooni and Soorpanakha); Ma. Celina Dofitas and Sarah Alejandro (dancers, Soorpanakha); Michaella Carreon and Dofitas (dancers, Kooni); Katrine Sunga and Maron Rozelle Mabana (singers, Kaikeyi and the Golden Deer); Janine Arisola and Karla Santos (dancers, Kaikeyi); Erl Sorilla and Renzen Arboleda (dancers, Lakshmana and King Sagreeva); Paw Castillo and Jon Abella (singers, Hanuman and Lakshmana); and Dan Dayo and Ricmar Bayoneta (dancers, Hanuman); Alejandro and Krislynne Buri (Golden Deer); Dayo and James Galarpe (Bharata). Aside from ARDP and CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program, other performers come from Guang Ming College Artist Residency Program, Philippine High School for the Arts, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers. Music is performed by Orchestra of the Filipino Youth with Antonio Maria P. Cayabyab as conductor. After the two-night gala on 15 and 16 September at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, the production moves to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater of Circuit Makati in Makati City on 22 and 23 September. The post ‘Rama, Hari’ gala is a cultural feast appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM’s Singapore trip ‘fruitful’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said he had “promising” meetings with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong over the weekend. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos said they discussed ways to enhance collaboration between the Philippines and Singapore. He said they expressed their commitment to work together to address common global challenges. “Our countries can expect enhanced collaboration on multiple fronts to address common global challenges,” Marcos said. Last Sunday, the President and the First Lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos, watched the Ferrari team clinch the F1 Grand Prix trophy. Mrs. Marcos shared some photos at the race on her social media pages. “Formula 1 is a global sport that provides opportunities for networking with a diverse range of people — including political figures, celebrities, and business leaders. Bravo Ferrari,” she said. The President arrived in Singapore on 13 September to participate in the 10th Asian Conference and to watch the F1 finals. According to the Presidential Communications Office, he returned to Manila after midnight on 18 September. While his presence at the same race in 2022 drew criticism, Marcos defended it, saying it was an effective way to boost business. The post BBM’s Singapore trip ‘fruitful’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM had ‘promising’ talks with Singapore PM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said he had “promising” meetings with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos said they discussed ways to enhance collaboration between the Philippines and Singapore over the weekend. He added that the leaders expressed their commitment to addressing shared global challenges. "Our countries can expect enhanced collaboration on multiple fronts to address common global challenges," Marcos Jr. said. Last Sunday, Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos watched the Ferrari team clinch the podium at the F1 Grand Prix. Araneta-Marcos shared some photos at the race on her social media pages. “Formula 1 is a global sport that provides opportunities for networking with a diverse range of people — including political figures, celebrities, and business leaders. Bravo, Ferrari,” Araneta-Marcos said. Marcos arrived in Singapore on 13 September to participate in the 10th Asian Conference and to watch the F1 finals. According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos returned to Manila after midnight on 18 September. While his presence at the race in 2022 faced public scrutiny, the President defended it, stating it was an effective way to boost business. The post PBBM had ‘promising’ talks with Singapore PM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blasts rock Quito, inmates take 57 guards hostage
Grenades and car bombs have exploded in Ecuador’s capital, followed by inmates in six prisons taking hostage 57 guards in an apparent retaliation for crackdowns on jail weapons and transfer of notorious prisoners. One of the explosions outside the headquarters of the SNAI prisons authority on Wednesday night was caused by a car rigged with “two gas cylinders with fuel, a slow fuse and apparently dynamite sticks,” the police’s anti-drug investigations boss, General Pablo Ramirez, told reporters Thursday. The other car bomb detonated at a building that formerly housed SNAI offices. Three grenade explosions also hit the capital city, Quito Mayor Pabel Muñoz said. No one was hurt in the explosions. Six people, including a Colombian national, were arrested near the scene of one of these explosions, according to Ramirez. The official said an inmate transfer and the police raid of a prison in the southern city of Latacunga to search for weapons, ammunition and explosives earlier Wednesday may have triggered the blasts. Inmates in Cuenca — hundreds of kilometers away from Latacunga — and jails in five other unnamed locations then took dozens of prison guards hostage. “They want to intimidate the state to prevent us from continuing to fulfill the role of the armed forces and the police in controlling these penitentiary centers,” Security Minister Wagner Bravo told FM Mundo radio. The condition of the hostages is unknown but Interior Minister Juan Zapata expressed concern over their safety during a press conference in the capital Quito. Meanwhile, six people, including a Colombian national, were arrested near the scene of one of the explosions, according to Ramirez. WITH AFP The post Blasts rock Quito, inmates take 57 guards hostage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CLASSIC ROCK OPERA BALLET ‘RAMA, HARI’ RETURNS
Rama, Hari, the acclaimed Filipino rock opera ballet, returns to the stage this September, with performances at the Metropolitan Theater on 15 to 16 September and at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on 22 to 23 September. The production holds the prestige of being the only collaboration that features the masterful works of five National Artists: Alice Reyes for direction and choreography, Ryan Cayabyab for music, Salvador Bernal for production Design, and Bienvenido Lumbera for lyrics and libretto with English translations by Rolando Tinio. Presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in partnership with the Metropolitan Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with the generous support of Birch Tree Adult Boost, the production features artists from CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. Inspired by the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, the ballet tells of the adventures of Rama, prince and incarnation of the god Vishnu, who comes down to earth to save the world from Ravana, the most powerful of demons, and in time falls in love with Sita, daughter of the king of Mithila, Janaka, and eventually marries her. The evil Ravana attempts to tear the two apart, only to find himself defeated. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, a new musical genre was born, referred to as OPM, or Original Pilipino Music. Rama, Hari has the distinction of being the first OPM music and dance theater masterpiece. Rama, Hari was last restaged in 2012 and won 14 Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards. It was intended to be restaged once more in 2020 but was canceled due to the pandemic lockdown. The 2023 cast features Arman Ferrer in the lead role of Rama, with Vien King alternating. They will perform alongside dancers Ronelson Yadao and Ejay Arisola. Karylle Tatlonghari, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Nica Tupas alternate in the role of Rama’s beloved wife Sita, with dance counterparts, Monica Gana and Katrene San Miguel. Rak of Aegis Star Poppert Bernadas takes on the role of the demon King Ravana, alternating with Los Angeles-based musical theater actor Matthew San Jose (making his Manila debut) and Jonel Mojica. Dancing the role are Richardson Yadao and Tim Cabrera. Theater icon Audie Gemora takes on the role of King Dasaratha. Also joining the cast are Katrine Sunga and Maron Rozelle Mabana in the dual role of King Dasaratha’s Third Wife, Kaikeyi, and the Golden Doe, while Miah Canton and Raflesia Bravo take on the dual role of Kaikeyi’s evil adviser Kooni and Ravana’s demon sister Soorpanakha. Paw Castillo and Jon Abella do double duty as Monkey Army General Hanuman, and Rama’s brother Lakshmana. Certain performances of Rama, Hari will have live music performed by The Orchestra of the Filipino Youth. The post CLASSIC ROCK OPERA BALLET ‘RAMA, HARI’ RETURNS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mining eyes permits using energy model
The Philippine Nickel Industry Association, or PNIA, the largest group of the country’s nickel industry players, is proposing to establish a “one-stop shop” program to expedite permitting processes in the mining industry. At the sideline of the Nickel Initiative Forum on Tuesday, PNIA president Dante Bravo said the PNIA has reached out to government partners to discuss a proposal that is similar to what was provided for the energy sector. Once implemented, the streamlined process, according to Bravo, would significantly cut the tedious permitting process that could take as long as five to 10 years to just six months to a year. While the government is focused on attracting investors in value-added processing, Bravo pointed out that industry development efforts should include mining exploration and extraction because a nickel processing plant requires more than 100 million tons of raw nickel ore for at least 20 years to be considered viable. Ease permits process “We can’t push for value-added processing without mitigating uncertainties in minerals exploration and extraction because all of these are integral parts of the minerals development value chain,” Bravo said. “To produce the minimum raw ore input requirement of one processing plant, mining permits need to be approved efficiently, and awarded contracts should be allowed to operate with minimal disruption under a predictable, rules-based regulatory regime,” he added. Bravo also cited other industry areas for reform such as streamlining of fiscal regime, harmonization of national and local mining regulations, and monitoring and evaluation of environmental protection laws. “While there is a lot of interest in the Philippines as a mining investment destination, we need to convince investors that the business environment is ready and conducive for their entry to the Philippines,” he said. Bravo estimated that if the support for the sector improves, players can produce more nickel, especially due to the increasing demand. “We have a potential to supply beyond 40 million tons, probably even more because the take-up of nickel right now in the battery sector is increasing year in, year out. We have more batteries being produced using nickel material,” he said. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau data showed that the Philippines is one of the world’s top producers of nickel. Last year, PNIA nickel mining companies produced a total of over 11 million metric tons of nickel. Notably, 33 out of 56 operating metallic mines in the country are nickel mines. The post Mining eyes permits using energy model appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»