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India, Philippines have seen very perceptible growth in recent times: Jaishankar
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): Hailing ties between India and the Philippines, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a visit to the Philippines on Tuesday, said that ties between Delhi and Manila have witnessed a very perceptible growth in recent times. Addressing a joint press briefing with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Jaishankar said, "As you all know, India's ties with the.....»»
EAM Jaishankar conveys PM Modi s greetings as he calls on Philippine President Marcos
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on Tuesday called on Philippine President Bongbong Marcos and conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister NarendraModi to President Marcos. "Honoured to call-on President @bongbongmarcos of the Philippines. Conveyed the personal greetings of President @rashtrapatibhvn and PM @narendramodi. Valued his warm sentiments tow.....»»
US lawmakers stand with Philippines vs Chinese sea aggression
Visiting US lawmakers expressed their concern over China’s continued aggression in Philippine waters during their meeting with President Marcos at Malacañang yesterday......»»
Saintfiet confident, hopes for ‘miracle’ as PH men’s football team hosts Iraq
Hoping to take advantage of playing at home, the Philippine men's football team targets a breakthrough win in the joint qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup as it battles favored Iraq.....»»
President Marcos wants Army to bolster cybersecurity capabilities
Amid “emerging threats” to the country’s stability and sovereignty, President Marcos has called on the Philippine Army to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities and keep up with rapid technological advancements......»»
SPEEd officers sworn in; Salve Asis named new president
The newly elected officers and members of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) formally took their oath of office yesterday, March 21......»»
Philippine wrestling chief confident of return to Olympics
Wrestling of the Philippines (WAP) president Alvin Aguilar has expressed confidence that the reforms implemented in the association will result in unwavering success for Pinoy wrestlers, including a return to the Olympics......»»
DavNor’s IP women charity beneficiaries
BAE Rosita Q. Zafra, President of the IP Women Federation in Davao del Norte and the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), expressed gratitude as Indigenous People (IP) women were named beneficiaries of a charity event held on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC)......»»
Blinken Arrives in South Korea to Attend Democracy Summit
Seoul, South Korea - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Sunday in South Korea on the first stop of a brief Asia tour also including the Philippines, as Washington moves to reinforce ties with two key regional allies.Blinken landed Sunday afternoon ahead of the third Summit for Democracy on Monday, an initiative of U.S. President Joe Biden, which Seoul is hosting this week.Before arriving in Se.....»»
ICC can t probe Philippines drug war, Marcos tells Germany s Scholz
MANILA, The Philippines: This week, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no authority to probe the bloody war against drugs conducted by his predecessor. Marcos discussed the Hague-based ICC's probe during a bilateral meeting with Scholz while visiting Germany. Former President Rodrigo Duterte officially withdrew from the i.....»»
Biden to host trilateral summit with Japan, Philippines on April 11
Washington, DC [US], March 19 (ANI): US President Joe Biden will host a three-way summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in Washington on April 11, as announced by the White House, as reported by Kyodo News. This historic summit, the first of its kind involving the United States, Japan, and the Philippines, aims to bolster defence cooperation in response to China's asse.....»»
US warns China against armed attack on Philippines
Washington, DC [US], March 19 (ANI): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China on Tuesday, stating that any "armed" attack on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea would activate a mutual self-defence agreement between Washington and Manila, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region that could potentially embroil the United States in conflict with Beijing, as reported by The New York Times. Despite th.....»»
US State Secretary Blinken begins Middle East tour, marks his first stop in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], March 21 (ANI): US State Secretary Antony Blinken who began his Middle East tour arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking his first stop on this trip to discuss efforts to reach an "immediate ceasefire agreement" between Israel and Hamas, The New York Times reported. Blinken's visit to Jeddah came as US President Joe Biden's administration was hoping it could convince Saudi Arabia to establish.....»»
October is A’TIN month as SB19 celebrates 5 amazing years
P-pop mega-group SB19 has claimed October as theirs ahead of their fifth anniversary, with multiple activities that will keep their fans, known as A’TIN, bristling with joy and excitement. “Kalahating dekada na tayo A’TIN! Maraming salamat sa patuloy na pagsuporta at pagtangkilik sa aming musika at mga kwento (We’re half a decade, A’TIN! Thank you for continuing to support our music and our journey.) And with that, we’ve prepared a month-long celebration para sa inyo. Mark your calendars for all these activities you won’t want to miss!,” said the group’s announcement online. For starters, SB19 revealed that they will be launching a podcast called Atin Atin lang on 9 October, with new episodes to be released every Monday. Apart from the podcast, which promises “heart-to-heart and intimate talks” with the group’s members Josh, Stell, Pablo, Justin and Ken, a new episode of their ardently followed web series Show Break 5 will drop 19 October. Biggest milestone But the biggest milestone the P-pop powerhouse unveiled was the launch of their own company, IZ Entertainment, which they presented to the public in a livestream on 1 October. “Siguro five years ago when SB19 was just starting, together we had a dream: That dream was to have Filipino music, Filipino talent, the whole Filipino culture pinned on the world map,” Pablo, the group’s leader and now CEO of IZ Entertainment, said. In June, SB19 transitioned to being a self-managed group. “It all started as a crazy idea during trainee days. Nagbibiruan kami na ‘Balang araw, gagawa tayo ng sarili nating company, our own management (We were just telling each other in jest that we would create our own company.) We’ll [choose] the people na pagkakatiwalaan namin,” Josh said. And now look where they are — the group that started from nothing, busking on the side of malls to sparse crowds and slaving away at endless training days for four years, the owners of their own newly minted entertainment company and the undisputed P-pop Kings increasingly acknowledged and acclaimed around the world. The group, in fact, is set to resume their world tour with new performances announced for Asia after successful, sold-out concerts in the Philippines, Canada and the United States. The boy band will be performing at Singapore’s Capitol Theatre on 15 November, Thailand’s KBank Siam Pic-Ganesha Theatre on 19 November and Dubai’s Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on 24 November, with more tour dates to be announced in the future. Josh also announced that they will represent the country at the ASEAN-Korea Music Festival Round on 21 October in Indonesia, performing alongside popular K-pop idols and artists from ASEAN countries. Fan meet The month-long celebration will not be complete, of course, without a special gift for their hometown fans. This time, the quintet said that instead of a concert for Filipino A’TIN, they will host an intimate fan meet, called Half a Decade Celebration, on 28 October at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. “Magkakaroon po kami ng fan meet na puno ng malulupit at masasaya na performances, fun games at interactions kasama kayong A’Tin,” Ken said. Fans joining them at the fan meet will go home with special-edition merchandise and cherished “experiences” with the group, added Justin, promising a more up-close and personal encounter than is usually experienced in their concerts. With the global-level career milestones the group has achieved in five years, SB19’s members have nothing but gratitude for everyone supporting them. “Gusto ko magpasalamat sa A’TIN for supporting us ever since. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi mangyayari ang ginagawa natin ngayon (If not for all of you, we won’t be able to do what we’re doing now),” Justin said. “We believe that we’re just starting. This is just the starting line for all of us, so we’re proud and I hope na proud rin kayo sa amin (We’re proud [of what we’ve accomplished], and I hope you’re also proud of us),” Ken added. A’TIN can only nod and say: We are, Ken. We sure are. The post October is A’TIN month as SB19 celebrates 5 amazing years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Menchu Katigbak: The splendid life of a society swan
Hers is a story anyone would love to tell and retell, or hear and hear again. Chances are, as in the book of Menchu, so many things are left unsaid because if these were all said, a single book would not be enough. Carmencita “Menchu” Katigbak’s story is one of love, passion, hurts and disappointments, social triumphs and power in its subtle workings, but mostly the good life and the people who live it and make it happen. She is a woman of the world in the sense of one who has lived in, explored and enjoyed New York, Bangkok, Lausanne, Paris and, her current love, Singapore. Of course, her turf is in Manila with a Capital S and Capital P (as in Power), and Lipa the hometown of her roots. [caption id="attachment_180060" align="aligncenter" width="958"] MENCHU with best friend Susie and her daughter Marivic.[/caption] At a time when the term “socialite” can come cheap, trite or even undeserved, Menchu gives the appellation dignity, respect and the awe it once inspired. Her social credentials are, of course, impeccable. For starters, she attended the Chateau Mont-Choisi, a Swiss finishing school for debutantes and pre-debs belonging to royalty and the world’s upper crust. A socialite today, in loose modern parlance, is perceived as being frivolous, one who attends parties because these men and women are party animals, or party people, as one columnist has named her weekly jottings about the social events of the day. The enjoyment of life is what defines this breed and set, and yet, while Menchu, too, knows how to enjoy, and enjoy life with gusto, there is more to her and that differentiates her from the herd. No, she does not top her charmed life with an icing of well-publicized good deeds and philanthropic beneficence, even if she actually shares her bounty with those in need. Menchu is of a different mold. She is a society swan in the manner of Truman Capote’s chums — Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Lee Radziwill. In our part of the world, think Chona, think Minnie, think Chito. She may well be cast in the same crème de la creme mold, glamorous denizens of the inner circles of society, at the same time, ladies who have transcended the vagaries of time. Just recently, Menchu was referred to by a diplomat friend as a global influencer, a 21st-century appellation that only a few are accorded. This one is applied to one who was once a señorita, colegiala and, yes, society girl, again in the tradition of Chona, Baby, Nelly, Chito and Ising. ‘The Katigbaks talk only to the Kalaws’ They don’t need family names, each as important as the other and of the same significance in society. Still, it’s one thing to say that she is Baby Fores, and another if she is Baby Arenas. There were two Vickys, one of national import and memory being the lovely teenager who stood as her father’s First Lady in the early 1950s, and there was the Madrigal matron, Vicky nee Abad Santos, who was low-key and the daughter of the World War II patriot, Jose Abad Santos, who refused to pledge allegiance to the flag of the enemies. Menchu shares first name distinction with Menchu delas Alas Concepcion, also of Batangueña parentage, being the daughter of banker and finance guy and public servant Don Antonio de las Alas. Both aristocrats from Batangas, the two Menchus share many distinctions beauty for one, pedigree, for the other—but that’s as far as I would say, the aforementioned traits being obvious. But to drive his point, Joe Guevarra, the humorous and well-placed columnist known for his tongue-in-cheek pronouncements, once said of the olden times, when the genealogical boundaries were well-defined, “In Lipa, the Katigbaks talk only to the Kalaws, and the Kalaws talk only to the Katigbaks.” [caption id="attachment_180057" align="aligncenter" width="998"] DINNER in Pili with Fernando and Zobel, Tessie Sy-Coson, Guilly Luchangco, Federico ‘Piki’ Lopez | photograph courtesy of MENCHU KATIGBAK[/caption] This self-confessed social climber, as his 8-to-5-and-beyond job would require him to be, admits to not having met (okay, having been introduced to…) the ebullient society hostess, traveler, culinary maven and friend-to-the-powerful Menchu Katigbak. Everything that I am writing here, I learned from the lady’s biography, Menchu, authored by lifestyle journalism icon Thelma Sioson San Juan, the two being decades-old friends. Menchu, one finds out toward the end of the book, is the inspiration for her granddaughter Isabelle’s first tome, Abu, the Sad Princess. I look back on the pages I have read, the memories of Menchu’s lifetime so far, in all its seven glorious and electrifying decades, and I dare say, the description is most apt and is true as well in real life as Menchu today is “living happily ever after” having come to terms with the many issues that confronted her at various times, but more importantly, she is today a fulfilled mother and grandmother and a believer in Jesus Christ. But that is getting ahead of the story. ‘White Matter’ by Lao Lianben Jaime Ponce de Leon, dear Jaime, the man of the hour of Philippine arts for as long as Juan Luna’s missing masterpiece, remains ensconced at the Ayala Museum – gaining for the discoverer more than a foothold in our cultural history – asked me if I was interested in writing about the socially formidable Menchu Katigbak, and I readily said yes, having seen her photographs in the select and more discriminating society pages and columns. I thought to myself it would be an opportunity to meet the lady face to face and add her to my glossary of so-called newfound friends, but that was not meant to be. I was, oh, I was treated to the next best thing – a copy of Menchu which, to someone who aspires to be a bibliophile, is all that matters in the world, except that I am first a social climber. And since I have not been allowed an audience, I take solace in the book and, as my honeyed revenge, will tell you what I feel about the lady who, I understand, could be frank and outspoken. Abrasive is too strong a word, and unfair for I am not sure if I will ever meet her in my lifetime, but I am told the lady will never mince words, that’s probably why she has legions of true friends who probably can give as much as take, or so I am imagining. [caption id="attachment_180055" align="aligncenter" width="1475"] Lunch in the kitchen in Pili with Patty Araneta (left) and Monet Recio-Schem.[/caption] A painting that Menchu has kept all these years, “White Matter” by Lao Lianben, signed and dated 1997, has been featured as one of the rare pieces to be auctioned in Leon Gallery’s forthcoming magnificent September auction, with the starting bid of P2,600,000. So, there, if you’re wondering what Jaime, who moves around the best circles, has got to do with this enigmatic swan. ‘We are not rich’ But let’s stick to what the book says. While she intersperses in her narrative personal encounters with her subject, TSJ, for the most part, devotes the pages of this book to Menchu alone, and with our cosmopolitan lady, the many friends in the upper echelons whose lives she has touched and who have touched hers in turn. Menchu, once she was ready to be told, heard it straight from her mother, “Tandaan mo, baka akala mo mayaman tayo. Hindi tayo mayaman. Kung napadala ka namin sa Switzerland at si Tita at si Tony napadala naming sa America, kasi nagpawis ako ng dugo (Remember, you may think we are rich, we are not rich. If we sent you to Switzerland and Tita and Tony to America, it was because I sweated blood). If you think you’re going to inherit something from us, banish the thought. So if you don’t study well, bahala ka sa sarili mo (you’re on your own).” The perfect words for the Asuncionista (Assumptionista) who much preferred to bake food for the gods, brownies and upside-down cakes and do naughty things like hiding the bell used to signal the start and end of class periods. Her mother, the former Charing Roxas Dimayuga, who attended Assumption Convent, dealt in buying, developing and selling homes in the gated Makati villages. She also developed horizontal and vertical commercial spaces as well as imported retazos from abroad. [caption id="attachment_180056" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Wearing the Van Cleef earrings purchased before their public launch.[/caption] Her father, Enrique Luz Katigbak, on the other hand, was a top certified public accountant, an alumnus of the Northwestern University and a director on the boards of Monte de Piedad and Philtrust banks. Of his connections, none is more eminent than his friendship with His Eminence, Rufino Cardinal Santos, archbishop of Manila and the first Filipino Cardinal of the Catholic Church. It was not a happenstance that Menchu received the sacrament of confirmation from the Cardinal himself right in the Katigbak home, the first ever that was held in a private home if any other followed at all. Like most children, Menchu recalls in the book how she detested being “slapped” by the pious prelate. If she was any pleased about her family’s closeness to the holy man, it was that the Assumption sisters did not expel her for her not-too-infrequent infractions because they went to her father if they needed something from the Cardinal. Dona Aurora Recto for a ‘guardian’ Hers was a lonely childhood since her older siblings were away. They were the triple seven, which alluded to their being born seven years apart, with Menchu as the youngest. On certain days, her parents, both busy, would deposit her in the home of the statesman Claro M. Recto where she would play with his favorite granddaughter, Techie, who had all these toys, Menchu could not help realizing her parents did not buy her a toy. She played with her jackstones while Techie had a closetful of toys, including a toy “cash register.” Techie was so generous she was giving this fancy plaything to her, but Menchu refused knowing her mother would not approve. What she remembers best of that time was the sight of Dona Aurora, the first beautiful woman she beheld in her young mind and eyes, and from her, she learned her first lessons in etiquette, because the family ate with a full complement of silverware and flatware. (To be continued) The post Menchu Katigbak: The splendid life of a society swan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl glitters after Gilas routs China
Although the aspirational campaign of the Philippines for a berth in the Paris Olympics in 2024 is all over, the 38,155 Filipinos and millions of others are hurting. Why should Gilas Pilipinas suffer four straight losses before waking up to the reality that we are the host of the world’s most prestigious basketball tournament? National interest should have been the guiding principle in preparing for this global affair that our people love so much. In deference to the presence of our guests let us wait after they have left to discuss in this column the various other interests that may have spoiled our preparation for FIBA World Cup 2023 Philippines. Meanwhile, let us share and enjoy together the blessings that this thing called sport has provided us in celebration of humanity in our country. It was midway through the third quarter before Jordan Clarkson took over with his fantastic shooting, with four straight three-point shots that put Gilas ahead 73-51 at the end of the third, maintaining that lead until the end of the fourth, with the final score, Philippines 96, China 75. Clarkson scored 34, Rhenz Abando 14, Kai Sotto 12, Dwight Ramos 11, Jun Mar Fajardo 9, Roger Ray Pogoy 7, AJ Edu 5, Scottie Thompson 4, Kiefer Ravena 0, Japeth Aguilar 0. This situation was similar in the first game of Gilas with the Dominican Republic, except that had Chot paced Clarkson and allowed him some rest before the fourth quarter, the inaugural game could have been an easy win for the home team. The colossal defeat devastated the 38,115 basketball-crazy fans present. The attendance at the world’s largest indoor coliseum in the country registered in the Guinness World Records the biggest numbers for a single FIBA World Cup basketball match. It took Chot and his players to play “and practice” four times and lose on thin margins — in the Philippine Arena, Mall of Asia, and Araneta Coliseum — before the watchful eyes of basketball enthusiasts from all over the sports capitals of the world. It was only after the fourth loss that Chot gained mastery of the plays that could clinch a victory, and he did it wonderfully. It was a massacre. Gilas registered its biggest win ever, at home, in FIBA World Cup history. The fault, perhaps, for Gilas’ four losses lay in a lack of practice. Had the team had sufficient time to practice their winning combinations, it might have been a different story. No sports team in the world can win a championship without practice. Practice makes perfect. Jordan Clarkson saved the Philippines from another winless FIBA World Cup run, salvaging a lackluster team performance. The third-place finish of the national team in the 1954 FIBA World Cup in Brazil has remained unsurpassed by any Asian country until now. The 1954 squad will always be remembered for having been inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame of the Philippine Sports Commission. The feat of the immortal squad included winning six and losing only two. The Philippines beat the following countries: Paraguay 64-52; Taipei 48-38; Uruguay 67-63; Canada 83-76; Israel 90-56; and France 66-60. The Philippines lost to: Brazil 62-99; and USA 43-56. The scoring leader was Carlos Loyzaga with an average score of 16.4 points per game. The captain ball was Lauro Mumar and the coach was Herminio Silva. Player and senator-to-be Ambrosio Padilla headed the 1954 national basketball team. The post Phl glitters after Gilas routs China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clarkson weirded out by booing from home crowd
The home crowd booing Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes ahead of the Philippine team’s FIBA World Cup clash against Italy at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday is “weird,” according to star Jordan Clarkson......»»
Super Junior adds more fan benefits ahead of July fan party
More fan benefits await E.L.F.s as K-pop group Super Junior gears up for their upcoming "fan party" at the Araneta Coliseum this July 21......»»
First Lady posts family photo ahead of Independence Day
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos posted a photo on Instagram on Sunday, 11 June, ahead of the Philippine Independence Day. The photo shows her husband, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and her mother-in-law, former first lady Imelda Marcos. "Happy Sunday everyone!" Araneta-Marcos wrote in her brief caption. The photo has been liked at least 1,200 times and received hundreds of comments as of writing. The Philippine Independence Day is a public holiday in the Philippines. It commemorates the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain on June 12, 1898. The holiday is typically celebrated with parades, festivals, and other cultural events. This year's Independence Day will be the first time that the Marcos family has celebrated the holiday in power. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was elected president in May 2022. His father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., ruled the Philippines as a president from 1965 to 1986. The post First Lady posts family photo ahead of Independence Day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Artificial intelligence and the legal practice
The Sony World Photography Awards of 2023 chose the entry of Boris Eldagsen to receive the first prize in its creative open category. Yet this German artist refused to accept the award. According to a CNN news article, this was because what he submitted was generated by an Artificial Intelligence or AI program. AI can be defined as the simulation of human intelligence by software-coded problem-solving shortcuts. The topic of AI has recently generated buzz. If before it was only a theme of futuristic movies, now the concept is materializing in present-day reality. AI has not only affected the industries of manufacturing, media, and transportation, it has now found its way into the field of law. OpenAI, a San Francisco-based AI research laboratory, launched ChatGPT in late 2022. This is a chatbot, which is an application that can imitate real-world and human-like functions. Some of these functions cover what comprises much of a lawyer’s work — drafting pleadings, reviewing contracts and writing memoranda, among others. Since the possibilities for the development of AI are endless, one cannot help but weigh the pros and cons of using it. In an interview with Reuters, Suffolk University Law School Dean Andrew Perlman thought that much like conducting research in Westlaw and LexisNexis, first-year law students should learn about using ChatGPT as a tool in their legal research and legal writing classes. However, just like any creation undergoing development, AI is far from being perfect. According to a recent national daily news article, an American lawyer is facing controversy when the court document he submitted cited six false cases generated by ChatGPT. He claimed that he was unaware that the AI program may produce fake content. As a result, he will be facing a sanctions hearing. This is not the first time that AI has generated misleading content. Fake photos of former US President Donald Trump being arrested, as well as fake photos of Pope Francis wearing a puffer jacket, went viral on the Internet. With the plethora of information accessible online, it is getting harder to detect what is true and it is getting easier to fabricate what is false. In an article published on the official website of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo revealed in a virtual meeting that the Court had proposed the use of AI for improving court operations. The proposal aims to build on the areas of preparation of transcripts of stenographic notes and digitalization of judgments that were already rendered. Since it has been established that AI can further progress as a powerful tool, it begs to answer the question, “What lies ahead for us in the legal practice?” As a new lawyer, I regularly use electronic legal research tools like CD Asia. Compared to the traditional way of going to the library, electronic tools greatly save time. How much more effort can be saved when one uses AI that can produce output by simply typing an instruction? It is my humble opinion, however, that while AI programs indeed promise cost-cutting benefits, there is nothing wrong with sticking to our old ways of diligently doing our legal work, especially when AI research programs are still problematic. We must err on the side of caution when using Artificial Intelligence because the stakes are high when we talk about what we represent before the courts. Putting myself in the shoes of clients, it would also be disconcerting if the lawyers they hired were charged for work that was only generated by an AI tool. Artificial Intelligence truly has its potential in legal practice. But pertaining to the core of what lawyering is and what the profession means, nothing beats our human touch. (Atty. Kristine Arlyce R. De Guzman just became a Member of the Philippine Bar in 2023. She received her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. She is currently an Associate at the Aranas Cruz Araneta Parker & Faustino Law Offices.) The post Artificial intelligence and the legal practice appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»