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Pia binasag nga ba si Heart sa ‘worth ng kababaihan’ campaign?
MAY “silent war” nga ba sina 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach at Kapuso international fashion icon na si Heart Evangelista? Yan ang nakakaintrigang tanong ng mga netizens nang mapansin nilang tila sinagot ni Pia ang lumang Instagram post ni Heart noong January, 2024. Usap-usapan ngayon ng mga Marites ang matapang na statement ni Pia para.....»»
Franki Russell dream come true ang maging Miss Universe New Zealand
SUPER grateful ang aktres at dating “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate na si Franki Russell sa pagiging representative ng New Zealand para sa prestihiyosong Miss Universe pageant. Sa kanyang Instagram page ay ibinandera niya ang mga larawan na kuha noong araw na italaga siya bilang Miss Universe New Zealand. “A new chapter. Where to begin?” panimula.....»»
Pia Wurtzbach s wax figure moves to Singapore temporarily
The wax figure of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach by Madame Tussauds is on display at the museum's Singapore branch until the first of September......»»
Pia Wurtzbach muling nakita ang ‘kakambal’ na wax figure sa Singapore
“HAPPY to see my twin again!” ‘Yan ang masayang caption ni Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach matapos niyang pangunahan ang unveiling ng kanyang wax figure sa Madame Tussauds Singapore. Sa kanyang Instagram post, proud na ibinandera ni Pia ang ilang snaps sa nasabing event. “Singapore, that was so much fun!” sey niya sa IG. Nagpasalamat.....»»
Franki Russell itinalaga bilang Miss Universe New Zealand
RARAMPA ang aktres at dating “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate na si Franki Russell bilang representative ng New Zealand sa Miss Universe. Sa isang Instagram post na ibinahagi ng Dubai-based magazine na XPEDITION nitong Huwebes, March 21, ibinandera nito ang opisyal na kandidata ng New Zealand para sa Miss Universe ngayong taon. “This is her official.....»»
Franki Russell appointed Miss Universe New Zealand 2024, country s first in 5 years
Filipino-Kiwi actress and model Franki Russell has been appointed as Miss Universe New Zealand 2024, making her the country's first representative to the annual pageant since 2019......»»
Catriona Gray naka-focus sa kalusugan, may struggle sa scoliosis
NAGING bukas si Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray sa kanyang pinagdaraanang challenges dahil sa sakit niyang scoliosis. Sa kanyang panayam sa ABS-CBN News, ibinahagi nito na mas nararamdaman na raw niya ngayon ang epekto ng sakit. “‘I’m getting older, magthi-thirty na ako, sorry older in my context. I’m starting to really feel the effects of.....»»
Catriona Gray reacts to Miss Universe s fake inclusivity issue
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray hoped that the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) would prove that the pageant's inclusivity shouldn't be seen as "token thing" after owner Anne Jakrajutatip had a leaked viral video about the pageant's alleged "fake inclusivity." .....»»
Herlene Budol reacts to pageant luto, Miss Universe fake inclusivity issues
Kapuso actress and beauty queen Herlene Budol believed that beauty pageants are really fair to every contestant. .....»»
Pilmico on World Bread Day: Bread’s transformative impact on communities
Every year on 16 October, the world celebrates “World Bread Day” to honor all kinds of bread around the world. A dietary staple in people’s lives for centuries, bread plays a much more significant role in the lives of those who bake bread as their primary source of livelihood. Pilmico has been a steadfast partner of bakers since 1962. It has given out 108 bakery kits nationwide since it started distributing livelihood kits in 2016. In honor of the “World Bread Day,” Pilmico reflects on how it has helped change the lives of several people through bread. Feeding the future Pilmico’s “Kutitap Feeding Program” was launched as a sustainable initiative to address malnutrition in public schools while at the same time supporting local bakeries. The program was made possible through the help of its partner bakeries, who went through technical training and received equipment from Pilmico. They provided bread to public schools within their communities. The Kutitap Feeding Program started in Iligan City in 2015 and in Tarlac in 2018. Since then, the program has progressively evolved through the years. Due to pandemic restrictions, it was turned into the “Kutitap Care Package,” where students received baked goods and eggs through its partner bakery, Aguila Bakeshop. Now, the program has also started incorporating meats in the meals served to the daycare students in Bamban, Tarlac. Aside from feeding students with nutritional bread, this initiative also contributed to the success of some partner bakeries such as C&G Bakery from Iligan City. Marlon C. Gecale, owner of C&G Bakery, has devoted his life to baking — from when he was a teen working as a baker to an adult owning his bakery. In between, he worked as an OFW and his passion for baking grew stronger, prompting him to have his own bakery. After buying an oven with his first salary, Gecale and his wife spent the next five years building their small bakery while he worked abroad. In 2017, they applied to become a bakery partner for Pilmico’s “Kutitap Feeding Program.” They were determined to prove that their small bakery could fulfill the demands of the program despite their new and small bakery. By partnering with Pilmico for the Kutitap Feeding Program, C&G Bakery, owned by Marlon Gecale, was able to expand to three more branches in Mindanao. Gecale underwent a month-long training with Pilmico where he earned new technical skills in baking and new recipes, which he still uses in his bakery. Since then, their bakery has grown and has been a reliable partner of Pilmico in various programs including the Iligan Community Pantry. Today, C&G Bakery has expanded to three branches in Iligan City, Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga del Sur. 'Tinapay Ti Uno' program Aside from Pilmico’s own initiatives, it has partnered with local government units such as the Department of Agrarian Reform Tarlac for the “Tinapay Ti Uno” program in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Congressman Jaime Cojuangco from the 1st District of Tarlac province. This program aims to create healthy buns using locally sourced ingredients from Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations and provide them to public school students in the 1st district of Tarlac. A total of 11 ARBOs participated in a bun and special bread competition where the winners will be responsible for the distribution of buns to the students. In the competition held last 24 2023, three ARBOs were hailed as the grand winners: Cabayaoasan Farmer Agriculture Cooperative from Paniqui, Tarlac; Bacabac Farmers Producers Cooperative from Brgy. Bacabac, Camiling, Tarlac; and Sinulatan 1st Agriculture Cooperative from Brgy. Sinulatan 1st, Camiling, Tarlac. Each winner received a bakery livelihood package from Pilmico that included an oven, stainless steel table, bread rack, bread showcase, proofer with cover, spiral mixer and 10 Pilmico flour sacks. In addition to the equipment, the winners were to receive technical assistance and bakery management training from Pilmico as they set up their bakery business. During the winners’ onsite bakery training in Camiling, Tarlac last 3 October, it was revealed that two out of the three ARBOs have already opened their bakeries within their communities. In celebration of “World Bread Day,” Pilmico emphasizes its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality flour that helps create nutritional bread products. “We believe in the transformative power that a simple loaf of bread can bring to people’s lives, especially those who rely on it as their main source of livelihood. Pilmico is dedicated to delivering the finest flour for the community’s bread making needs,” said Ma. Katrina Bayog, Pilmico Corporate Social Responsibility manager. The post Pilmico on World Bread Day: Bread’s transformative impact on communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Energy sector workers run out
Amid the energy transition frenzy, listed Aboitiz Power Corp., or AboitizPower, recognized a growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers. It is thus necessary to develop a workforce that can adapt and implement energy security, affordability, and sustainability. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre said. “Among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry’s energy mix, digital systems and regulations,” she said. Power forum held “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc., or AmCham, in partnership with AboitizPower. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated 1 million skilled workers in engineering, architecture, and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the most challenging occupations to fill up. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DoLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy program management director Engr. Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population, brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” Intimidating STEM “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. The forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate, and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool, and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the energy sector. The post Energy sector workers run out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition
Amid the Philippine energy transition, Aboitiz Power Corporation recognized the growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers and, hence, the necessity of developing a workforce that can adapt and willingly carry the important task of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability for today’s and tomorrow’s Filipinos. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” said AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre. “However, among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry's energy mix, digital systems and regulations.” “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. in partnership with AboitizPower. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated one million skilled workers in engineering, architecture and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the hard-to-fill occupations in the country. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy Program management director Engineer Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. In a panel discussion, AboitizPower Chief People Officer MaLu Inofre (2nd from right) said that the energy industry must come together to craft and implement programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. The Philippine Power Industry HR Forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the Philippine energy sector. A panel discussion moderated by Atty. Jose Layug Jr. of Divina Law saw Michael Page regional director and country head Albert Perez, Meralco chief HR officer Edgardo “Egay” Carasig, Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. president Atty. Anne Estorco Montelibano and ACEN chief HR officer John Philip Orbeta discuss the need to calibrate existing government programs to be more in sync with the needs of the energy industry. This includes building competencies within communities to turn locals into more competitive applicants. Meanwhile, another panel discussion moderated by AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee co-chair Ernie Cecilia had Global Business Power Corporation VP-Human Resources Maria Luz Blanco-Uriarte, One Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. founder and president Erel Narida and AboitizPower’s Inofre talk about how retaining workers involves investing on their skills, ensuring talent mobility opportunities and giving them a sense of purpose. “The energy industry must create an acceptable, progressive plan to resolve the talent crisis. AboitizPower, for one, makes an effort to resolve the shortage of estimated skilled workers in our industry by maintaining academic-industry linkages with universities in the country, providing long-term scholarships [and] establishing programs with TESDA that help promote electrical engineering skills at the grassroots level, among other initiatives,” Inofre said. “Through similar initiatives, I believe we can successfully empower a community of like-minded individuals who work towards implementing human resource programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry,” she concluded. The post A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ernie Gawilan starts 4th Asian Para Games defense of 3 golds
Dabawenyo Paralympian swimmer Ernie Gawilan will be defending his three gold medals from the 3rd Asian Para Games at the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China on Monday, October 23. Gawilan is nervous but prepared for the competition, and is focused on retaining his titles in the men's 200-meter individual medley (IM) SM7, men's 100m backstroke S7, and men's 400m freestyle S7. The 32-year-old para-swimming champion has experience in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and brought home two golds, two silvers, and one bronze in the 12th Asean Para Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia set in June this year......»»
PBBM administration eyes stiffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked the public to report agricultural commodity smuggling and hoarding to authorities as his administration eyes stiffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage. As the Chief Executive led another round of rice distribution in Capiz, Marcos told the Filipinos not to be afraid of reporting the smugglers to authorities if they had information against those involved in these transactions. "If you know someone involved in these types of transactions, do not be afraid to report them to the authorities," Marcos said. "No matter how big their syndicate is, just like the smuggler we apprehended at the Zamboanga pier last August, they can't even compare to our united strength," he added. Marcos also asked the public to help the government safeguard the local market from smugglers and hoarders, who continue to manipulate the prices of agricultural goods. The chief executive also assured that his administration is already coordinating with legislators to amend the Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, and impose severe sanctions on these perpetrators and their accomplices. "We are also coordinating with Congress to amend certain laws to officially classify agricultural economic sabotage as a crime and to increase the penalties for it," he said. Marcos meets Mar Roxas Meanwhile, former Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas joined Marcos as they distributed rice in Capiz. Marcos said Roxas, a relative of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, is his "long-time friend" despite sharing different ideas of the political spectrum. "Mar Roxas is here. You might not know this, but Mar and I have been friends for a long time, and even though we sometimes don't see eye to eye in politics, we spent a long time together in New York," Marcos said. "I haven't talked to him in a long time... we had the opportunity to speak here in Capiz," the President added. Roxas and Marcos had been at odds with each other in several instances in the past. When Marcos said he was running for President in 2016, he told Roxas – who was the Interior and Local Government secretary at that time – to quit his job. Roxas is the party mate of former Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running against Marcos for President in 2022, and the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, whose family is in competition with the Marcoses. The post PBBM administration eyes stiffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM administration eyes sniffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked the public to report agricultural commodity smuggling and hoarding to authorities as his administration eyes stiffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage. As the Chief Executive led another round of rice distribution in Capiz, Marcos told the Filipinos not to be afraid of reporting the smugglers to authorities if they had information against those involved in these transactions. "If you know someone involved in these types of transactions, do not be afraid to report them to the authorities," Marcos said. "No matter how big their syndicate is, just like the smuggler we apprehended at the Zamboanga pier last August, they can't even compare to our united strength," he added. Marcos also asked the public to help the government safeguard the local market from smugglers and hoarders, who continue to manipulate the prices of agricultural goods. The chief executive also assured that his administration is already coordinating with legislators to amend the Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, and impose severe sanctions on these perpetrators and their accomplices. "We are also coordinating with Congress to amend certain laws to officially classify agricultural economic sabotage as a crime and to increase the penalties for it," he said. Marcos meets Mar Roxas Meanwhile, former Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas joined Marcos as they distributed rice in Capiz. Marcos said Roxas, a relative of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, is his "long-time friend" despite sharing different ideas of the political spectrum. "Mar Roxas is here. You might not know this, but Mar and I have been friends for a long time, and even though we sometimes don't see eye to eye in politics, we spent a long time together in New York," Marcos said. "I haven't talked to him in a long time... we had the opportunity to speak here in Capiz," the President added. Roxas and Marcos had been at odds with each other in several instances in the past. When Marcos said he was running for President in 2016, he told Roxas – who was the Interior and Local Government secretary at that time – to quit his job. Roxas is the party mate of former Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running against Marcos for President in 2022, and the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, whose family is in competition with the Marcoses. The post PBBM administration eyes sniffer penalties for agricultural economic sabotage appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better services seen after GCash acquires ECPay
Customers can expect better services from financial service provider Gcash after its parent firm Globe Fintech Innovations Inc. or Mynt acquired 77 percent of Globe Telecom Inc.'s stake in Electronic Commerce Payments Inc. or ECPay for P2.31 billion. In a stock report on Monday, Globe disclosed that ECPay’s minority stakeholder, Payment One, Inc., is also a party to the transaction — effectively making it a full acquisition of ECPay by Mynt. The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals but once it is closed, ECPay will have access to GCash's platform which would translate to easier and more seamless services for users. “Mynt’s digital savviness will spill over to ECPay, maximizing its previously untapped potential. GCash, on the other hand, can further differentiate itself from its competition as mobile wallets in various shapes and sizes continue to pop up," Globe’s Chief Finance Officer, Rizza Maniego-Eala said in the report. "With ECPay in Mynt’s capable hands, Globe can better steer its ventures and synergistically grow the entire Globe Group ecosystem,” she added. Meanwhile, for Globe President and CEO Ernest L. Cu, GCash's "aggressive expansion" presents a "perfect environment for strategic synergies with ECPay." "Mynt’s acquisition of ECPay will enable more efficient and effective sharing of each other’s strengths and resources, thus creating a seamless and upgraded experience for their customers," Cu said. Incorporated in 2001, ECPay is one of the leading electronic payment service providers in the country. It was acquired by Globe in 2019 to enhance its distribution network. The ECPay Platform enables merchant partners to process bill payments, electronic prepaid mobile phone top-up loading, electronic pins, e-wallet and cash card reloading, airline ticket payments, online shopping payments, and credit card payments in their various outlets. Aside from boosting payment services, GCash, through its subsidiary Fuse Lending Inc., is also improving its lending services to its end-users. The recently said it expects to disburse hundred million pesos more loans to Filipinos in need — a move that will uphold digital and financial inclusion nationwide. Since 2016, Fuse has disbursed P100 billion in loans and has helped over 3 million Filipinos achieve their dreams. The post Better services seen after GCash acquires ECPay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nicole Borromeo crown-ready for Miss International 2023
Philippine bet Nicole Borromeo is enchanting in her official photo as the country’s official delegate to Miss International 2023. On 18 September, Miss International posted Borromeo’s official photo, along with the inspiring story of her journey toward the international competition. “I wholeheartedly embraced the role of Carcar City’s lead dancer for the Sinulog Festival. This path ultimately led me to be crowned the Sinulog Festival Queen of 2019, an achievement that forever reshaped my view of Filipino tradition,” she wrote. “My commitment to mastering graceful movements, amidst the relentless demands of both physical and academic pursuits, took me to my breaking point,” she recalled. “Dancing along the festival’s vibrant streets for an arduous eight-hour procession, surrounded by elaborate floats and donning an 11-kilogram ensemble, tested my endurance to the fullest.” Still she pulled through, and “This triumph epitomized devotion, showcasing the profound connection between people, culture, and faith — a connection I carry with me to the Miss International pageant, infused with the same passion, commitment, and purpose.” said the 22-year-old host and beauty queen. As of writing, her profile has garnered over 41,000 likes and 3,000 shares. Following the release of her official photo, Borromeo thanked all her supporters in a heartfelt post on Instagram. “Overflowing with gratitude seeing all the incredible support I’ve received since the release of my official Miss International headshot, your unwavering love has touched my heart deeply!! Thank you for standing by my side on this remarkable journey,” she wrote. Filipino pageant enthusiasts have the opportunity to send their love and support to the beauty queen as Binibining Pilipinas has announced her official send-off on 27 September at the Gateway Mall 2 Quantum Skyview at 4 p.m. The send-off can also be viewed virtually through the organizations’ official YouTube Channel. Since the beginning of the Miss International pageant in 1960, the Philippines has brought home six crowns. Gemma Cruz was the first Filipino and Asian to win the title in 1964, followed by Aurora Pijuan in 1970, Mimilanie Marquez in 1979, Lara Quigaman in 2005, Bea Rose Santiago in 2013 and Kylie Versoza in 2016. Borromeo is all fired up to bring home the country’s seventh Miss International crown. Her predecessor, Hannah Arnold, finished in the top 15. The coronation night for Miss International 2023 will be on 26 October in Tokyo, Japan. The post Nicole Borromeo crown-ready for Miss International 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Post-pandemic scenario presents great opportunities for trade, says Swiss envoy
Europe should consider the "exciting" opportunities Asia has to offer due to exciting developments in the region, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently said. In a statement from Malacañang released on Thursday, Marcos made the remark last Wednesday after the new Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines, Nicolas Brühl, presented his credentials in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila. "I think it is actually wise in terms of European countries, Switzerland included, to look to ASEAN, to look to Asia. Although there are other geopolitical disturbances, shall we say, but the opportunities are quite exciting," President Marcos said in welcoming in Brühl. "ASEAN leaders have come together to really strengthen the economic systems that we have in place, the weaknesses that have shown up during the pandemic. We're all trying to learn the lessons that the pandemic brought with it," he added. The President, who accepted the credentials of the Swiss envoy, said that he thinks the post-pandemic scenario presents a great opportunity for greater collaboration with the Philippines now understanding how the world works. The world doesn't work the same way that it did in 2019 and it is faring differently, Marcos said. "And so that's why I always value partnerships and alliances and agreements between countries. And I think (with) Switzerland, that has always gone very smoothly. Let's hope that it continues in that direction," Marcos told the Swiss ambassador. The Swiss ambassador said that the Swiss Foreign Ministry's Southeast Asia strategy proves that the region is of utmost importance and vowed to partner with it in the future. Last year's 65th-year celebration of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Switzerland is already a good start, he said. The two countries celebrated 65 years of diplomatic relations in January 2022. The Philippines and Switzerland continue to maximize the benefits of the Philippines–European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement (PH-EFTA-FTA). The EFTA States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Philippines in Bern, Switzerland on April 28, 2016. The EFTA-Philippines FTA entered into force on 1 June 2018, for the Philippines, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland and on 1 January 2020 for Iceland. The FTA covers trade in goods, trade in services, investment, competition, the protection of intellectual property rights, government procurement, and trade and sustainable development. The post Post-pandemic scenario presents great opportunities for trade, says Swiss envoy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM: ‘Phl rejects misleading narratives framing disputes in South China Sea’
JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected misleading narratives that framed the disputes in the South China Sea due to geopolitical tension between the United States and China. Marcos made the remarks at the intervention during the 43rd ASEAN Summit Retreat Session this week, as he called on all parties to the disputes in the South China Sea to exercise self-restraint and resolve their differences peacefully. “The Philippines firmly rejects misleading narratives that frame the disputes in the South China Sea solely to the lens of strategic competition between two powerful countries," Marcos said. "This not only denies us our independence, our agency, but it also disregards our own legitimate interests," he added. Marcos also reiterated the Philippines' commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. He said that the Philippines will continue to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, in accordance with international law. "We do not seek conflict," Marcos said. "But it is our duty as citizens and as leaders, to always rise and meet any challenge to our sovereignty, to our sovereign rights, and our maritime jurisdiction in the South China Sea." Marcos also called for self-restraint from all parties involved in the South China Sea disputes. He said that actions should be the ultimate measure of their commitment to securing peace and stability in the region. “History will ultimately judge whether the supremacy of the rule of law will prevail, ushering in an era where all nations truly stand as equals, independent and unswayed by any single, outside power,” Marcos said. “The challenge for us remains: we must never allow the international peaceful order to be subjected to the forces of might, applied for a hegemonic ambition. The future of peace rests now on how we, together, face this challenge to that peace,” he added. China asserts control over almost the entire South China Sea, but the international tribunal in The Hague rejected this assertion in 2016, after a case brought by the Philippines in 2013. Despite the tribunal's decision, Beijing has consistently disregarded and downplayed it, maintaining that it possesses an "undeniable" and "historical" right to most of the waters, even as it encroaches on the territories of smaller neighboring countries like the Philippines. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam have all contested China's extensive claims in the South China Sea. The post PBBM: ‘Phl rejects misleading narratives framing disputes in South China Sea’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
San Jose del Monte City strives to shine
Defying rains and strong wind brought by two typhoons — “Goring” and “Hanna” -— and the southwest monsoon, the local government of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan kicked off the celebration of its Tanglawan Festival on 1 September with a flashy program and a fashion show. This year, the city in the eastern portion of the Central Luzon province is holding its biggest festival yet, which lasts until 10 September. Tanglawan is spearheaded by the city’s prominent political family, led by its mayor Arthur Robes and his wife, congresswoman Florida P. Robes. Meant as a celebration of the anniversary of San Jose del Monte’s achievement of cityhood on 10 September 2000, the festival aims to project the city as a beacon of progress in the province, thus the name, which derived from the Tagalog word tanglaw, meaning “light.” Launched in 2016, it is also, of course, an opportunity for San Joseños to gather together, enjoy and be entertained. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="179659,179658"] In the 2017 festival, the city made a bid to be included in the Guinness World Records for mounting the largest lantern parade on 19 September, involving 14,173 people. During the two years of lockdowns because of the coronavirus pandemic, the festival was held virtually. It made a comeback as an onsite event in 2022. This year, Tanglawan Festival, which has the theme, “Tanglaw ko, Bukas Mo, Mananatiling Bulakenyo. Yes to HUC!,” is made grander to promote its bid to secure a highly urbanized city status, according to the deputy festival director Glenn de Jesus. The Pasiklab ng Tanglawan: Tanglawan Festival Grand Opening at the CSJDM Sports Complex featured celebrities, such as Robi Domingo, Darren Espanto, Paul Salas, AC Bonifacio and Jillian Ward. The show also featured the debut of the new signature moves created by dance group Douglas Nierras Powerdance, performed by about 400 dancers to the new festival theme song composed by Ato del Rosario. The moves and music would be used for their street-dancing parade and competition, the Arya-aryahan Street Dance Comp the first time that the festival featured a fashion show, a nod to the city’s garment industry. Organizers said that San Jose del Monte was once considered the fashion capital. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="179653,179654"] The “Tanglaw ng Kahapon” part of the fashion show showcased the collections of Viña Romero, who is from San Jose del Monte, with accessories by Arnel Papa. A collection took heavy inspiration from the Dumagat people, an indigenous people of the city, which can be problematic. Another collection was inspired by the piña fabric. The second part of the show featured the luxurious pieces of Francis Libiran, who hails from the town of Balagtas. Organizers hope that the fashion show would be a regular part of the lineup of events of the Tanglawan Festival, which includes events regularly seen in modern festivals in the country, such as trade fairs, sporting competitions, concerts and parades. The post San Jose del Monte City strives to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»