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Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
LWUA firm on intervention as MCWD water leakage increases
CEBU CITY, Philippines –The battle over authority continues in the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) as the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) stands firm in its decision on the six-month intervention, despite the status quo stance. The LWUA expressed confusion as to why the incumbent MCWD board would not honor the partial intervention, clarifying that.....»»
Vita Coco cements partnership with Philippines in new deal with Century Pacific
Philippine company Century Pacific Food inks a new long-term deal with Vita Coco to help fill the US firm's need for 90 million liters of coconut water over the next five years, as more consumers shift to 'healthier' drinks.....»»
Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market
Meta on Wednesday reported that its quarterly profit more than doubled from last year's figure as it looks ahead at a volatile ad market and lawsuits accusing it of profiting from "children's pain." "Meta earnings looked pretty good," said independent tech analyst Rob Enderle. "They have clearly cut back on the bleeding surrounding their metaverse efforts and the company appears to be on a more even keel right now." The tech giant said it made a profit of $11.6 billion as ad revenue climbed 23 percent to $34 billion when compared to the same period a year earlier. "We had a good quarter for our community and business," said Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg. The number of people using Facebook monthly rose slightly to 3.05 billion in a year-over-year comparison while monthly active users of Meta's "family" of apps was 3.96 billion a 7 percent increase from the same quarter in 2022, the company reported. Meta said it had trimmed costs, with layoffs and other belt-tightening measures started last year providing "greater efficiency." Meta had suffered a rough 2022 amid a souring economic climate and Apple's data privacy changes, which allowed users to block ad targeting, the pillar of Meta's business. Meta's vow of austerity on spending brought an unprecedented round of cost-cutting that saw the company lay off tens of thousands of workers since last November. Meta shares, which closed the formal trading day down, fell more than three percent further in after-hours trades to $289.50. Chief financial officer Susan Li said during an earnings call that Meta is seeing "volatility" in an ad market that started to soften when the conflict between Israel and Hamas began. "It's hard for us to attribute demand softness directly to any specific geopolitical event," Li said. "We have seen broader demand softness follow other regional conflicts in the past, such as in the Ukraine war, so this is something that we're continuing to monitor." Lawsuit peril Analyst Enderle maintained that Meta is at risk from lawsuits poised to damage its image and its wallet. Dozens of US states this week accused Meta of profiting "from children's pain," damaging their mental health and misleading people about the safety of its platforms. "In seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its Social Media Platforms," argued a joint lawsuit filed in federal court in California. The states accused Meta of exploiting young users by creating a business model designed to maximize time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health. In total more than 40 states are suing Meta, though some opted to file in local courts rather than join in the federal case. Meta said the states were singling it out unfairly instead of working with social media companies to develop universal standards for the whole industry. "This landmark lawsuit could herald a seismic shift in how social media platforms approach product features and user engagement," said Insider Intelligence principal analyst Jeremy Goldman. "That said, even as tech stocks face uncertainty, Meta's consistent performance cements its leadership in the digital realm." Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking details on measures Meta has taken to stop the spread of "illegal content and disinformation" in light of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The AI race The tech giant is putting artificial intelligence into digital assistants and smart glasses as it seeks to gain lost ground in the AI race. "I'm proud of the work our teams have done to advance AI and mixed reality with the launch of Quest 3, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and our AI studio," Zuckerberg said in the earnings release. The second-generation Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses made in a partnership with EssilorLuxottica have a starting price of $299. "Smart glasses are the ideal form factor for you to let AI assistants see what you're seeing and hear what you're hearing," Zuckerberg said. Meta has taken a more cautious approach than its rivals Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google to push out AI products, prioritizing small steps and making its in-house models available to developers and researchers. "The majority of the world's population will have their first experience of generative artificial intelligence with us," Meta chief technology officer Andrew "Boz" Bosworth told AFP in a recent interview. Meta recently unveiled AI-infused chatbots with personalities, along with tools for creating images or written content using spoken prompts. The post Meta quarterly profit jumps but it sees volatility in ad market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Klook cements position as Asia’s top travel services platform
Klook, Asia’s leading platform for experiences and travel services, posted its strongest business performance to date with an impressive three-fold growth compared to 2019, driven largely by the post-pandemic recovery in the travel and tourism sector......»»
Loan process simplified for DepEd teachers
City Savings Bank, the thrift arm subsidiary of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines, continues to make headway with its groundbreaking Loan Ranger Mobile App, which caters to the banking needs of Department of Education teachers. The mobile app provides public school teachers a fast, convenient and secure way to check their savings and loan account balances, as well as apply for a reloan anytime, anywhere. Over 170,000 DepEd teachers and employees have enrolled in Loan Ranger Mobile. True to its tagline “Simple is Good,” CitySavings has simplified the loan process for DepEd teachers. With Loan Ranger Mobile, teacher-clients can view their account balance in real time. If they qualify for a reloan, they can simply apply using the app, without having to visit a CitySavings branch. They can also check the status update of their loan application. Angelica Loretizo of Aurora Elementary School in Quezon Province said using the app now saves her long hours of travel to and from the branch. “The CitySavings Loan Ranger Mobile is very easy to use. I no longer have to worry about spending time commuting. It’s very convenient for teachers like me with just a few clicks to make our transaction. I hope all banks will have this kind of customer service,” Loretizo said. One of the key features of Loan Ranger Mobile is its simplicity and user-friendly interface. The app is designed to ensure a seamless navigation experience, making it accessible to all DepEd teachers, regardless of their level of technological expertise. The intuitive layout and easy-to-understand instructions enable users to easily perform banking transactions, eliminating the need for time-consuming visits to bank branches. It is also easy to register with Loan Ranger Mobile, which is available to download on Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery and Apple App Store. Teachers can sign up with their existing CitySavings account or card number and validate their registration with a one-time password. They can then add their other savings and loan accounts with CitySavings to check their balances and pay bills. Soon, they can receive and transfer funds, and earn and redeem rewards. Recognized by International Finance Awards as the Most Innovative Savings Bank in the Philippines, CitySavings is committed to delivering exceptional, technology-driven banking experiences to its customers. This innovative solution further cements CitySavings’ vision to be the leading mass market bank in the country and the bank’s contribution to the Aboitiz Group’s Great Transformation growth strategy to become the Philippines’ first techglomerate, propelled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset. The post Loan process simplified for DepEd teachers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Globe cements connectivity supremacy
In the battle for network supremacy, Globe has cemented its claim after Internet testing and analysis firm Ookla awarded the company as the Most Reliable Mobile Network in the Philippines five times in a row. This achievement is based on Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence data analysis, which showed that Globe won in reliability based on Q2 2022, Q3 2022, Q4 2022, Q1 2023 and Q1-Q2 2023. “Globe’s supremacy in reliability, which only a few operators in the world achieve, reflects our relentless pursuit to improve our network and services to uplift the lives of Filipinos. Our commitment to our customers goes beyond network quality; it’s about enhancing their lives through connectivity. We will continue to invest in our infrastructure to ensure that we live up to this title and provide even better future services,” said Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu. Its latest win covering Q1-Q2 2023 showed that Globe had the highest Consistency Score of 83.64 percent and was the most available all-technology mobile network at 92.63 percent. Reliability is earned by the mobile operator who achieves the highest scores in two key metrics: All Technology Consistency and All Technology Availability. In Q2 2022, when it first lorded over in reliability, Globe achieved a Consistency Score of 79.44 percent and the highest all-technology mobile network Availability at 93.11 percent. It maintained momentum the following quarter, reaching a Consistency Score of 82.55 percent and an Availability score of 92.03 percent. In Q4 2022, Globe further improved its Consistency Score to 83.13 percent, with an Availability score of 92.38 percent. Globe’s victory in reliability underscores the brand’s ongoing dedication to delivering top-notch service, fortifying its position as the foremost mobile network in the Philippines. Its continued network buildup aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which fosters infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. The detailed findings, authenticated by Ookla’s globally accepted methodologies, can be accessed through the Speedtest Intelligence Portal. It is a testament to Globe’s extraordinary consistency, availability, and commitment to its customers. The post Globe cements connectivity supremacy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Safe, durable homes
Holcim Philippines Inc. is using its expertise in building materials and strengthening engagements with key stakeholders to help develop solutions for disaster-resilient building in the Philippines. In the past two years, the company has stepped up partnerships with shelter organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Base Bahay Foundation and Build Change to advance innovations to make resilient building more accessible in the Philippines, which is vulnerable to typhoons and earthquakes. Holcim Philippines has also expanded its portfolio of low-carbon blended cements to help mitigate impacts of climate change. Holcim Philippines president and CEO Horia Adrian: “Our expertise on building materials makes us uniquely positioned to make a positive impact in this area. We can make available locally, innovative solutions to build safer and more durable homes and structures. Along with our focus on decarbonization and circularity, we also promote resilient construction in the Philippines in line with our commitment to support progress by building greener, smarter, and for all.” Holcim Philippines chief Sustainability Officer Zoe Sibala: “Our company has regularly participated in relief and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by natural disasters and conflict. We can further increase our impact by working with like-minded partners to advance newer and more resilient ways of building.” In 2021, the company backed The Habitat for Humanity Challenge to find cost-effective retrofitting solutions so houses can withstand a 6.5 Richter scale earthquake and a typhoon with 200-kph winds. Holcim Philippines also supports the Base Bahay Foundation in advocating its cement-bamboo frame technology for building affordable and resilient homes. The company is also set to have another run of its Sustainable Construction course with the University of the Philippines Institute of Civil Engineering to influence aspiring building professionals to embed resilience and sustainability in their projects. Furthermore, Holcim Philippines inked a partnership with climate-resilient housing organization Build Change to enable vulnerable, low-income families to strengthen their homes using low-carbon Holcim products. The program also involves training construction workers on using the right product for the right application to reduce the carbon footprint in the construction process. The post Safe, durable homes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MPL PH: Blacklist rules Season Awards; Agent Zero cements place in Hall of Legends
Dapadap's accolades include MPL-PH Season 7 champion, MPL-PH Season 7 grand finals MVP, MPL-PH Season 8 champion, M3 World Champion, MPL-PH Season 10 champion and MPL-PH Season 10 grand finals MVP. .....»»
IOGP slot bolsters Prime Energy clout
Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. or Prime Energy, a Razon-led natural gas exploration and development company, seeks to ante up its expertise following its recent membership in a global group of upstream industry stakeholders. Sebastian C. Quiniones Jr., managing director at Prime Energy, disclosed Wednesday that the company has become the 88th member of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers or IOGP The group is a global forum for the upstream industry in the areas of health, safety, security, environment, engineering, industry, and energy transitions. Collectively, members of the organization produce 40 percent of the world’s oil and gas. Expertise, operations strengthened Prime Energy now has access to technical standards and guidance, reliable data, talent development opportunities, and representation in key industries that will further strengthen its expertise and operations. “Our membership of the IOGP, alongside other industry trailblazers, cements our position as an exploration company with established expertise and credibility, especially as the operator of the Malampaya project,” Quiniones said. “Our vision for a cleaner energy Philippines aligns with IOGP’s advocacy to promote a reliable and sustainable energy supply,” he added. IOGP has been serving the petroleum industry since 1974, pioneering excellence in safe, efficient, and sustainable energy supply. It works with over 2,250 experts from its member organizations to share knowledge and practices to improve performance across the global industry. EKR: Future requires caution Prime Energy parent International Container Terminal Services Inc. has committed to staying cautious in managing capital expenditures to maintain the steadfast growth of the business despite recurring economic headwinds. “For several years now, we have been prudent in controlling our capital expenditures, allocating funds for ongoing projects and terminals demonstrating imminent growth.” “At the same time, we continue with our cost optimization efforts in this inflationary environment,” ICTSI chairman and president Enrique Razon Jr. said during the company’s Annual Stockholders Meeting. “We remain steadfast in our strategy and approach in ensuring that our portfolio continuously performs and to transform any additions to the portfolio,” he added. The company’s continuous vigilance in its management was evident in its financial performance last year. Revenues grow 20% ICTSI booked a 20 percent growth in revenues from global port operations in 2022, which clocked in at $2.24 billion from the previous year’s $1.87 billion. The company attributed the topline improvement to volume growth and market recovery, favorable container mix, tariff adjustments, new contracts with shipping lines and services, and higher revenues from ancillary services. It also booked a $618.46 million net income attributable to equity holders, which was 44 percent higher than the recorded $428.57 million a year ago due to higher operating income. “2022 was a relatively quiet year for acquiring new terminals. However, we expect that to change in the near future,” Razon said. ICTSI handled a consolidated volume of 12,216,190 twenty-foot equivalent units last year, which was 9 percent more than the 11,163,473 TEUs handled last year. The post IOGP slot bolsters Prime Energy clout appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PLDT takes over Sky Cable’s internet business
PLDT Inc. has acquired the broadband business of Lopez-owned Sky Cable Corp. for almost P7 billion in a deal that cements the market dominance of the telco giant......»»
Michelle Yeoh cements Oscar frontrunner status
When (not if, mind you) she wins on Sunday, March 12 (Monday morning in Manila), Michelle, a proud Malaysian, will become the first unambiguous Asian to win the highly-coveted Best Actress Oscar......»»
Senate cements Philippines membership in RCEP trade deal
The Senate on Tuesday concurred with the ratification of the Philippines’ membership in RCEP......»»
JTI Philippines named top 2 employer for 2nd year
JTI Philippines has been certified as the number two top employer for 2023 by Top Employers Institute, the global authority on recognizing excellence in people practices. It marked the second consecutive year JTI has received the prestigious national accreditation and further cements the company’s reputation where its people come first......»»
DTI junks petition to extend cement safeguard measures
The Department of Trade and Industry has dismissed the petition to extend the safeguard measures on importations of two types of cements following the recommendation of the Tariff Commission......»»
The Huddle Room, Laddr celebrate creative growth in first-ever CreaCon
This initiative cements the agency's commitment to look out for the continuous growth of its people, partners, and the industry. With a string of inspiring talks, CreaCon cultivated the agency’s passion to help raise the industry’s bar in creativity......»»
Eagle purchase cements SMC foothold in industry
San Miguel Corp. aims to further strengthen its position in the cement business with its acquisition of Eagle Cement Corp......»»
Batch 2018 cements No. 4 spot after downing Batch 2020 in SHAABAA
CEBU CITY, Philippines — SABR Solutions-Batch 2018 demolished RDAK Powersports-Batch 2020, 94-77, on Wednesday, cementing its No. 4 spot in Division C of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 25 at the Magis Eagles Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City. Batch 2018 improved its record to four wins with one defeat […] The post Batch 2018 cements No. 4 spot after downing Batch 2020 in SHAABAA appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Janine Gutierrez bags Rising Star Award in New York fest
Kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez cements her name in the international scene as she bags the Rising Star Award in the recent New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) for her role in the film “Dito at Doon”(Here and There)......»»
iQiyi Arrives on Amazon Fire TV
Singapore, 3 August 2021 - iQiyi, the Asian entertainment streaming leader today announced the launch of their iQiyi International app on all Amazon Fire TV devices. The launch cements iQiyi’s position as a leading global streamer and accelerates its international growth as it offers the best-in-class Asian entertainment to users of Amazon Fire worldwide, including the Philippines (Fire Stick Basic Edition)......»»