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Japan policy paper to focus on US, Philippines to counter China
Tokyo [Japan], March 23 (ANI): Japan released a draft of its annual foreign policy report stating that it will pay attention to the importance of boosting collaboration with the United States and the Philippines to counter China's assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region, Kyodo news reported on Thursday. The Diplomatic Bluebook for 2024 will also underscore that Tokyo "cannot afford to waste even a moment" to solve.....»»
‘Not war with China; don’t rely only on US’ – Marcos Jr.
In an interview on Bloomberg TV last Wednesday, as reported in another national daily, he made two related comments that could represent important government policy stands. First, regarding China’s increasing aggressive moves against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea; second, about the United States’ repeated assurance of its “iron-clad” defense commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. The post ‘Not war with China; don’t rely only on US’ – Marcos Jr. appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Australia, ASEAN Warn Against Confrontations in South China
Members of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations are urging calm among those who operate in the increasingly volatile South China Sea.The plea was made Wednesday in a joint statement between ASEAN and Australia at the end of a three-day summit in Melbourne. The summit marked the 50th anniversary of Australia establishing formal ties with ASEAN.The declaration said Australia and ASEAN "recog.....»»
Australia, ASEAN Warn Against Confrontations in South China Sea
Members of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations are urging calm among those who operate in the increasingly volatile South China Sea.The plea was made Wednesday in a joint statement between ASEAN and Australia at the end of a three-day summit in Melbourne. The summit marked the 50th anniversary of Australia establishing formal ties with ASEAN.The declaration said Australia and ASEAN "recog.....»»
Celebrating 50 years of APCU
Last Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, the Association for Philippines-China Understanding celebrated its 50th anniversary at The Manila Hotel. As a new member of this organization, I was honored to meet more friends from the Filipino-Chinese community as well as the Chinese embassy in the Philippines, where it was very touching to be acknowledged for my Chinese roots, being part of the Lim family, as well as for the columns that I continue to write in The Philippine STAR, most especially when the original author of Roses and Thorns was my granduncle, Alejandro Roces......»»
Donny Pangilinan shares love lessons from parents Maricel Laxa, Anthony Pangilinan
Actress Maricel Laxa and entrepreneur-motivational speaker Anthony Pangilinan recently marked their 30th wedding anniversary......»»
An extraordinary find
The year 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of China’s Belt and Road Initiative where over these past years, the BRI forged significant links between member-countries and regions that contributed to the development and welfare of people around the world......»»
Japan strengthens security partnerships with ASEAN nations to contain China: Analysts
Washington DC [US], December 15 (ANI):Japan has been enhancing its security ties with various Southeast Asian nations ahead of a Japan-ASEAN summit that is scheduled to be held in Tokyo from December 16-18. According to analysts, this forum is being held to offset China's aggressive behaviour in the region, VOA News reported. Japan will host the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo marking the 50th anniversary of ASE.....»»
Japan strengthens security partnerships with ASEAN nations to contain China: Analysts
Washington DC [US], December 15 (ANI):Japan has been enhancing its security ties with various Southeast Asian nations ahead of a Japan-ASEAN summit that is scheduled to be held in Tokyo from December 16-18. According to analysts, this forum is being held to offset China's aggressive behaviour in the region, VOA News reported. Japan will host the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo marking the 50th anniversary of ASE.....»»
Analysts: Japan Strengthening ASEAN Security Ties to Contain China
washington - Tokyo has been expanding its security ties with multiple Southeast Asian countries ahead of a Japan-ASEAN summit that analysts see as a forum to offset China's aggressive behavior in the region.Japan is scheduled to host the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo from Saturday to Monday, marking the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation.Japan and 10 ASEAN countries see.....»»
Analysts: Japan Strengthening ASEAN Security Ties to Contain China
washington - Tokyo has been expanding its security ties with multiple Southeast Asian countries ahead of a Japan-ASEAN summit that analysts see as a forum to offset China's aggressive behavior in the region.Japan is scheduled to host the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo from Saturday to Monday, marking the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation.Japan and 10 ASEAN countries see.....»»
Japan, U.S.: ‘We got your back’
Key allies of the country expressed their unwavering support after a Chinese Coast Guard ship intentionally collided with a Philippine Navy boat to stop a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. described the maneuver as an escalation of China’s aggression within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. Japan issued a statement expressing support after the incident. “Japan expresses serious concern for actions which increase regional tensions, including a dangerous action that caused a collision between Chinese and Filipino ships on 22 October,” the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. It added that Japan believes the issue of the South China Sea is directly related to the peace and stability in the region and is a legitimate concern of the international community, including Japan. “Thus, Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in the South China Sea,” it said. Citing the Japan-Philippines Joint Statement last February, the Foreign Ministry said the “government of Japan concurs with the Philippines’ long-standing objections to unlawful maritime claims, militarization, coercive activities, and threat or use of force in the South China Sea.” “Furthermore, Japan highly appreciates the government of the Philippines for having consistently complied with the arbitral tribunal’s award as to the disputes between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China regarding the South China Sea, and has shown its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the (West Philippine Sea), as stated in the statement by the Foreign Minister of Japan issued on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the issuance of the award,” it said. Japan said it would continue to cooperate with the international community, such as the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States, to “protect free, open and peaceful seas.” ‘Ironclad’ vow The United States, meanwhile, reiterated its “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines. According to a White House statement, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan assured National Security Adviser Eduardo Año of US support in safeguarding its sovereign rights in the WPS under the Mutual Defense Treaty between both nations. “Sullivan reiterated US support for our Philippine allies following the PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous and unlawful actions on 22 October, obstructing a routine Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal,” the statement read. “Sullivan emphasized the ironclad US commitments to the Philippines under theUS-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces — to include those of its Coast Guard — in the Pacific, including in the West Philippine Sea,” it added. Signed in 1951, the Philippines and the United States agreed that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declared that it would act to meet the common dangers by its constitutional processes. The White House said Sullivan and Año “reaffirmed the enduring alliance and friendship between our nations and discussed upcoming US-Philippine engagements and ways to further strengthen our close partnership.” Manila vs Beijing Both Manila and Beijing condemned the incident, which they said violated their sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal, a low-tide elevation in the WPS. The two countries traded blame for the incident, which also sparked concern from Australia, Canada and South Korea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected Beijing’s historical nine-dash line claim to the WPS. Militia boats utilized Teodoro labeled the Chinese actions near the shoal as deliberate. “Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit the Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra,” Teodoro said. “We are here to decry in the strongest terms this egregious violation and illegal act within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and the obfuscation of the truth by China’s distorting of the story to fit its own ends.” His comments came hours after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with security officials and ordered the Coast Guard to investigate the incident, which was “being taken seriously at the highest levels of government,” Malacañang said. The military monitored “a large number of Chinese maritime militia vessels” swarming in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Council spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, said. In a television interview, Malaya said these vessels were spotted “not only in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc but also in other features, including (Scarborough Shoal) and Sabina (Escoda) Shoal.” “We are alarmed by the environmental degradation our Coast Guard ships were able to monitor in these areas,” he told the ANC. Malaya noted that environmental degradation or coral destruction would directly impact the livelihood of the fishermen in the WPS. “Sometimes we forget the reasons why we are pushing our rights in the WPS. Some critics say this is just posturing on the part of the Philippines or a tug-of-war between China and the Philippines. No, this is not,” he stressed. “This is a battle for the resources of our country, particularly for our fishermen, so that when we monitor coral destruction in parts of the WPS, it alarms the government because it directly impacts the livelihood of our fishermen,” he said. Malaya also slammed China’s “maligned information operation” and sharing of “false narratives” in its sweeping claims on the WPS. “Definitely, there’s a maligned information operation going on nowadays that is shared to the public and we are just happy it is not just the Philippine government that is sharing our side here — we have allies, if we may call them witnesses, from the media,” he said. The post Japan, U.S.: ‘We got your back’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A new ‘Exorcist’ takes possession of North America box office
Fifty years after the original, newly released "The Exorcist: Believer" topped the North American box office this weekend with an estimated $27.2 million in ticket sales, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday. Analyst David A. Gross called that "a good opening for a horror sequel," the best of any of the "Exorcist" movies, despite what he said were poor reviews and lukewarm audience scores for Blumhouse and Universal's Halloween-timed film. Like the original, "Believer" features possessed victims convulsing, covered in sores, and speaking in tongues. It also has a decidedly interfaith exorcism. Leslie Odom Jr. and Ann Dowd star, with an appearance by Ellen Burstyn from the 1973 original. "Believer" was to have opened on Friday the 13th, but the studio moved up its release to avoid conflicting with the release that day of "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," a concert film certain to generate big numbers, Variety reported. Last weekend's box office leader, Paramount's family-friendly "Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie," slipped slightly to second, at $11.8 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period. The Paw Pups, using new superpowers as they fight to protect their city, are voiced by actors Taraji P. Henson, Chris Rock, Serena Williams, and McKenna Grace. In third, also down one spot, is Lionsgate's horror flick "Saw X," at $8.2 million. This latest in the "Saw" series, again with Tobin Bell as the infamous Jigsaw, has received strongly positive reviews. The fourth spot, down from third, went to 20th Century sci-fi thriller "The Creator," at $6.1 million. John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, and Allison Janney play humans in a world at war with artificial intelligence. Holding steady in fifth was Fathom Events' faith-based movie "The Blind," at $3.1 million. It portrays the real-life struggles of swamp-dwelling reality TV star Phil Robertson with addiction and romance. Rounding out the top 10 were: "A Haunting in Venice" ($2.7 million) "The Nun II" ($2.6 million) "Dumb Money" ($2.2 million) "The Equalizer 3" ($1.8 million) "Hocus Pocus: 30th Anniversary" ($1.5 million) The post A new ‘Exorcist’ takes possession of North America box office appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mediatrix controversy
Author’s note: In the last column, I wrote that the 1951 Pius XII decree that said the Mediatrix apparitions had “no supernatural character or origin” is not binding because it was never promulgated officially. Pope Francis recently appointed a new Prefect of the Dicastery, Cardinal-to-be Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, SJ. Like his predecessor, Fernandez is a Jesuit and an Argentinian. He is the “theological alter ego” of Pope Francis. How will controversial Archbishop Fernandez handle the 70-year-old Mediatrix issue? Will the current Dicastery, which is vehemently anti-Mediatrix, under the helm of Archbishop Fernandez tone down its stance? As a background, there was a decree of the Dicastery but not of Pope Pius XII. The Dicastery of 1951, whose members have died, claimed Pope Pius XII directly approved its decision (not to recognize the Mediatrix apparitions), but it was never formally entered into the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, the official Vatican publication, a requirement of Canon Law for it to take effect. What are the implications if the 1951 Pius XII decree is in truth non-existent? Under the domino principle, this implies that technically all subsequent declarations and orders of the Dicastery for 70 long years are also not binding, including the latest, wherein Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera was ordered by the Dicastery to ban all celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Mediatrix apparitions. However, the Dicastery never authenticated the Mediatrix apparitions, so the apparition celebrations are rightfully banned. But there is a contradiction that must be resolved — since the original 1951 Pius XII decree is in question. The members of the Dicastery in 1951 were caught in a lie because then apostolic administrator Bishop Rufino Santos stated in his decree of 12 April 1951 that he was still awaiting the Vatican decision regarding Lipa — when the Dicastery reported in its Protocol 226/1949 that a decision had been made, contradicting Bishop Santos. Archbishop Fernandez has to resolve this issue because the evangelization of Asia, which is the focus of Pope Francis, is at stake. Pope Francis looks to the Philippines, the only Christian nation in Asia, as the launch pad for the evangelization of Asia and the “conversion” of China. Conversion means stopping the persecution and massacre of Christians in China, permitting churches there to open, reuniting the Underground Church (who are the target of assassinations) and the Vatican-led Church, and finally, changing China’s belligerence to benevolence in the South China Sea to prevent a full-blown US-China confrontation. The Virgin can bring peace to Asia better than any military solutions. A well-publicized message of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Grace was a warning about China: “Pray hard for China’s dream is to invade the whole world. The Philippines is one of its favorites.” (17 October 1949). There is a Mediatrix shrine in a chapel in a small village near Nanjing that was built by Metropolitan Bank when it was commissioned by the Chinese government to develop two villages. This “foothold” in China is evidence the Virgin Mediatrix is fulfilling her mission of evangelization and conversion. Archbishop Fernandez and Pope Francis must be informed of the history of the Mediatrix to sharpen their perspectives on its geopolitical ramifications. The continued suppression of Mediatrix devotion and of the entire Philippine Church may hamper the Church’s efforts to evangelize Asia. In truth, Satan is scared of the Mediatrix, that is why, in his panic, he tortured Mediatrix visionary Sr. Teresing Castillo, as she wrote in her second diary that the Vatican failed to destroy but which is now available on the Internet. Is Satan behind the suppression of the Mediatrix by using Cardinals in the Vatican without them knowing it? For centuries, Satan has been penetrating the sacred halls of the Vatican and using the Cardinals without their being aware of it. That Satan works in the Vatican is nothing new. Historically, the Spanish Inquisition in the Middle Ages beheaded on mere suspicion about a thousand “heretics.” The ongoing “apostasy” (civil war) within the Vatican, which Fatima prophesied, is another sign of Satan’s works. It is thus in the interest of the Vatican to consider the Marian evangelization that it is suppressing — to have a change of heart. In the end, the Virgin will triumph over the Vatican, if need be, as revealed in the Bible. The Lord said, “I will put enmity between you (Satan) and the Woman (Mary), and between your offspring (demons) and hers (Jesus). Her offspring will crush your head and you will bruise His heel.” Genesis 3:15. “A huge red dragon stood before the Woman about to give birth, to devour her Child. She gave birth to a Son destined to rule all nations. In utter rage, the serpent waged war against the rest of her offspring, those bearing witness to the Son born of Her womb.” Revelation 11:1-17 (excerpts). *** eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Mediatrix controversy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating Mooncake Festival
Grand Hyatt Manila Grand Hyatt Manila holds 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival until 29 September. Handcrafted by the Chinese chefs of No. 8 China House, this year’s offerings range from well-loved staples White Lotus with Salted Egg Yolk and Red Bean to the more modern ube, chestnut, pandan and black sesame. The hotel’s collection of specially curated hampers include box of two mooncakes with Don Papa Rum 7 Years Old, box of four mooncakes with a bottle of wine, mooncake hamper with a bottle of wine and signature retail items and box of four mooncakes with Johnnie Walker Black and signature retail items. The Mid-Autumn Festival collection is available at Florentine. Guests can pre-order in bulk and receive special discounts, starting at 10 percent for 10-19 boxes and up to 25 percent discount for 100 boxes and above. Orders of 20 boxes and above require a 48-hour lead time. Receive complimentary delivery to a single location for orders of 50 boxes and above. Call 8838-1234, e-mail manila.grand@hyatt.com. [caption id="attachment_183406" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of KEE WAH BAKERYKEEWAH Bakery mini mooncakes.[/caption] Kee Wah Bakery Kee Wah Bakery’s premium mooncakes are available in the Philippines for a limited time only. The Kee Wah Supreme Mooncakes come in tin can decorated with a classic emperor’s portrait, signifying sovereignty. It’s available in White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake with Two Yolks and Golden Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake that both come in 185g per piece and four pieces per tin. Other flavors are Red Bean Paste Mooncake, Assorted Nuts Mooncake and Red Bean Paste Mooncake with two Egg Yolks. The Kee Wah Celestial Series Mooncakes come in sweet and savory flavors. This series offers the Quadrangle Mooncake Gift Box with four pieces assorted bestseller mooncakes -- Supreme Assorted Mini Mooncake with eight pieces assorted mooncake and the Supreme Selected Mini Mooncake with eight assorted mooncakes. Also available are Mini Red Bean Paste Mooncake with Mandarin Peel and Assorted Nuts Mooncake with Salted Pork. Kee Wah Supreme Mooncakes also has lower calorie version -- Maltitol Low Sugar Mini White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncake with Yolks and Maltitol High Fiber Mini Assorted Nuts Mooncake. Kee Wah Bakery also offers a line of Egg Custard Mooncakes that are both smooth and sweet and wrapped in a crispy golden pastry. It also features classic-style Chinese Ham, mixed with assorted nuts. Produced and imported from Hong Kong, all Kee Wah Bakery products from Font Brands Concept Inc., are safely packed and delivered through Lazada, Shopee, Pickaroo, Metromart, GrabMart and Tiktok Shop. It also has stores at Robinsons Magnolia, S Maison and The Podium. [caption id="attachment_183407" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of HONGKONG MXMUSANG King Durian Molten Mooncake.[/caption] Hong Kong MX Hong Kong MX brings innovative flavor and twist to the classic mooncake with MX Durian Mooncake, filled with 100 percent Musang King Durian pulp from naturally ripened fruits from Malaysia chosen for its richer flavor and silkier texture. In celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary, Hong Kong MX also brings an exclusive mooncake gift box with classic Disney characters. Inspired by a vintage vinyl record player, the box is decorated with Disney’s most iconic characters and includes four Mickey Mouse-shaped White Lotus Seed Paste Mooncakes with Egg Yolk. Hong Kong MX also offers its pioneering products, the Lava Custard Mooncake, Lava Duet Mooncake, Lava Quartet Mooncake and Custard Duet Mooncake. Hong Kong MX mooncakes are available on all social media platforms. Call 0917-1372129 or 8635-0748. Hong Kong MX outlets are at SM Aura Premier, V-Mall Greenhills, SM Southmall, DoubleDragon Plaza and SM Mall of Asia. The post Celebrating Mooncake Festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China Bank leverages AI to hike work productivity
China Banking Corp. is leveraging artificial intelligence via the CHIB GPT, its first AI solution, to boost employee production as it marked its 103rd anniversary......»»
Phl envoy to China lauds Manila LGU
Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz hailed the local government of Manila recently for maintaining close and friendly relations with its sister cities in China. Florcruz expressed his gratitude during a courtesy visit made to the Philippine Embassy in Beijing by the Manila delegation headed by City Administrator Bernardito “Bernie” Ang. Ang expressed the positive response of the Manila local government headed by Mayor Honey Lacuna, in the interest of certain cities in China to revive their sister-city relationship with the Philippines’ capital city. Joining Ang in the visit were Manila Chinatown Development Council Executive Director Willord Chua, Universidad de Manila President Dr. Felma Carlos-Tria, UdM Director for Quality Assurance, Accreditation, Compliance and Linkages Dr. Rejan L. Tadeo and Director for Information and Communications Technology Emmanuel Gatdula, among others. Ang told Florcruz that almost every month, secretaries-general of provinces in China get in touch with the Manila city government for the re-establishment of sister-city ties as in fact, the local government already made it possible with the provinces of Fuzhou, Chongqing and Guangzhou, with a number more in the works. He also told Florcruz that the resumption of sister-city agreements with Manila local government unit stems from the fact that Guangzhou, for instance, is the first sister city that Manila had. According to Ang, no less than the influential and revered chairman Mao Ze Dong told then First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, wife of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and mother of current Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., that he wants Manila to be the sister city of Guangzhou. Ang noted that the 47-year-anniversary of the relationship between Manila and Guangzhou will be in November, adding that while the relationship contained in a formal accord was signed in 1982, the relationship between the two cities actually began in 1975, during the visit made by First Lady Imelda Marcos to China. At this point, Ang told Florcruz that Marshall Louis Alferez, consul-general of the Philippines in Guangzhou, was doing a very good job. Alferez was on hand to welcome the Manila delegation during a visit made in Guangzhou months ago. Ang said the Manila-LGU is very happy that Beijing had written to say it wants an accord with Manila and the city is just as thrilled about pushing through with it. The post Phl envoy to China lauds Manila LGU appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malcolm Gladwell explains what makes the new generation tick
How are people interacting with the world today? Renowned Canadian writer and bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell, as keynote speaker of SM Supermalls’ Tenant-Partners Summit held on Monday, 4 September, posed this question to explain how retailers may reach the younger market. [caption id="attachment_179648" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Malcolm Gladwell (Photo by Dinah S. Ventura)[/caption] “People in the past recognized a hierarchy,” he said. When it comes to engaging the youth in the previous generations, there was always a “leader, an ideology and strategy.” Social movement in the social media age had radically changed things so that mass participation is no longer ruled by the same concept. Nowadays, it’s about people connecting on social media and showing up for some kind of protest or participation. “My generation’s default was the hierarchy,” said Gladwell, who just turned another year older the day before the event held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. “The new generation’s default is the network,” he added. “I don’t think a hierarchy or a network is better or worse. What we need is to understand.” In celebration of SM’s 65th anniversary, Gladwell visited Manila along with Emma Chiu, global director of Wunderman Thompson, a creative agency. Gladwell, as information in the SM website states, “is known for his skills in simplifying complex concepts and making them appealing, engaging and accessible." He is recognized for his New York Times bestsellers: “Outliers,” “The Tipping Point,” “Blink”, and “What the Dog Saw.” Chiu, meanwhile, “takes charge of producing thought-leadership macro trend reports, including the popular almanac, ‘The Future 100.’” Currently operating 83 malls in the Philippines and seven malls in China, SM Supermalls aims to have 100 malls by 2026, a feat they see possible with partnerships with “the world’s best retailers,” among other factors including engaging today’s diverse market. The post Malcolm Gladwell explains what makes the new generation tick appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos seeks closer Phl-Thai relations
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday conveyed his warm congratulations and best wishes to Srettha Thavisin on his election as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand. Marcos congratulated the new prime minister after the Southeast Asian country’s monarch approved the individuals comprising the new Thai Cabinet, clearing the way for Thavisin’s government to assume office three months following the general election. “I look forward to working with you in strengthening Philippine-Thailand relations, which celebrates its milestone 75th anniversary next year,” Marcos said in X (formerly Twitter). “Our government is committed to deepening the long-standing friendship between the Filipino and Thai peoples,” he added. On 22 August, the Thailand Parliament appointed Srettha, who belongs to the Pheu Thai party, as the prime minister. Before his formal entry into politics last year, he had a notable career as a real estate developer. Additionally, he will be taking on the role of finance minister. The post Marcos seeks closer Phl-Thai relations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»