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Amazon launches test satellites in challenge to Musk’s Starlink
Amazon launched two satellites on Friday as part of its plan to deliver the internet from space and compete with Elon Musk's Starlink service. The Atlas V rocket carrying the satellites lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 2:06 pm local time (6:06 pm GMT). The launch was carried out by the United Launch Alliance (ULA) industrial group, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Once up and running, the company founded by Jeff Bezos says its Project Kuiper will provide "fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world," with a constellation of more than 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). "We've done extensive testing here in our lab and have a high degree of confidence in our satellite design, but there's no substitute for on-orbit testing," said Rajeev Badyal, Project Kuiper's vice president of technology. The company has said it would invest $10 billion in the project and has booked 77 heavy-lift launches with commercial providers Arianespace, ULA, and Bezos-owned Blue Origin. The first operational satellites of the Kuiper project are due to be launched in early 2024, according to Amazon, which hopes for initial tests with customers at the end of next year. The test on Friday attempted to establish contact between the probes and Earth, deploy their solar panels, and confirm that all instruments are operating correctly and at the desired temperatures. The two prototypes will then be removed from orbit and disintegrated in the Earth's atmosphere at the end of the test mission. These services are designed to provide internet access to even the most remote and underserved areas around the world, including war zones or disaster-struck areas. Musk's SpaceX launched the first batch of its more than 3,700 operational Starlink satellites in 2019 and is by far the biggest player. Musk's ownership of Starlink caused uproar in Ukraine last month when it was revealed that he refused to turn on the service for a planned attack by Kyiv forces on Russia's Black Sea navy fleet last year. London-headquartered OneWeb is another early entrant in the emerging sector. Given the technology's strategic importance, governments are also keen to join the rush into the sector. China plans to launch 13,000 satellites as part of its GuoWang constellation, while Canada's Telesat will add 300 and German start-up Rivada is eyeing 600. That will be in addition to the European Union's Iris project -- 170 satellites -- and the 300-500 satellites planned to be launched by the US military's Space Development Agency. The post Amazon launches test satellites in challenge to Musk’s Starlink appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Century Peak boosts cement production
Century Peak Cement Manufacturing Corp., a subsidiary of Century Peak Holdings Corp., led by businessman Wilfredo Keng, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing a sales volume of 1.5 million bags in August 2024. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the company’s commitment to cement production. As the president and CEO of the company, Keng expressed his confidence in further increasing the monthly volume to 2 million bags. This optimism stems from their additional investment in a tonner bag facility, which is scheduled to become operational in October 2023. Keng shared his excitement about the promising prospects ahead, especially considering that Century Peak only commenced commercial operations this year. Dedicated to providing premium-quality cement renowned for its durability and cost-efficiency, Century Peak Cement’s vision is to provide premium quality at the lowest cost. Challenge vs foreign competition As a locally-based enterprise, Century Peak Cement Manufacturing Corporation aims to challenge the dominance of multinational cement producers through nationwide distribution of its products. The company’s flagship offering, Type 1 PRIME cement, is a versatile and high-quality cement in demand for major projects, including those undertaken by SM Prime Holdings Inc., such as mall construction initiatives and Priland Development Corporation on residential initiatives. Century Peak Cement has successfully supplied its cement to several prominent projects. The company’s dedication to quality cement production contributed to the successful realization of these structures. Century Peak Cement continues to establish itself as a trusted and reliable supplier for major construction projects, ensuring the durability and strength of the buildings it supports. The post Century Peak boosts cement production appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nathan Studios acquires critically acclaimed Japanese film ‘Monster’
Nathan Studios, the brainchild of the Atayde family and helmed by president and chief executive officer Ria Atayde, has once again showcased its commitment to delivering cutting-edge content. Owned by the Atayde family, Nathan Studios is a top-tier production outfit committed to delivering groundbreaking content. With different projects spanning series, movies and live events, the studio has consistently showcased narratives that challenge conventions and resonate deeply with audiences. Under Ria’s leadership, the company has produced notable projects like Cattleya Killer, Misis Piggy and Topakk. During their recent visit to the Cannes Film Festival, the Nathan Studios team, in collaboration with veteran actress Lorna Tolentino and 888 Films International, secured the rights to the critically acclaimed Japanese drama film Monster. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda and penned by Yuji Sakamoto, Monster bagged the Best Screenplay award at Cannes. Monster marks a significant milestone for director Kore-eda, as it’s the first time he has directed a film he didn’t write himself since Maborosi in 1995. Its score also holds a special place in cinematic history, as the last project by the legendary Ryuichi Sakamoto, who died of cancer two months before its release. The film stands as a tribute to his memory. At its core, Monster is an emotional exploration of adolescence, deceit and the consequences that arise from them. Through the eyes of three different characters, the film demands patience from its viewers, promising a payoff filled with well-earned emotional revelations. The narrative revolves around Minato, his mother Saori and his classmate Eri, each offering a unique viewpoint on the unfolding events, revealing buried truths that trouble all the characters. Kore-eda’s exceptional camera work, combined with Sakamoto’s tender script, creates a cinematic masterpiece. The post Nathan Studios acquires critically acclaimed Japanese film ‘Monster’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Creative Industries Month to witness ‘the grandest battle of creativity’
The buzzwords this month and until November are "creativity" and "creative industries." September has been declared the "Creative Industries Month" by the Philippine government, and one reason for such declaration is the activation of the law known as Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, or Republic Act 11904. Pangasinan 4th District Representative Toff de Venecia is the principal author of the law, the chairman of the House Special Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts. De Venecia's clan on his mother's side used to be entrenched in film production. He is a son of Gina Vera-Perez De Venecia, daughter of Dr. Jose Vera Perez, the patriarch of pioneering film companies Sampaguita Pictures and Vera Perez Productions. Before he joined Pangasinan politics as son of former senator Jose De Venecia, Toff was active in theater, all the way back to his schooldays at the Ateneo de Manila. Sen. Loren Legarda, aside from being Senate President Pro-Tempore, is chair of the Senate committee on culture and the arts. For years a top broadcast journalist at ABS-CBN, Legarda is the principal author of Republic Act 11961, also known as the Cultural Mapping Law. [caption id="attachment_186378" align="aligncenter" width="511"] ODANG Putik Pottery held workshops on basic pottery. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/ ODANGPUTIKPOTTERY[/caption] National competition DTI has announced that it will launch on 24 September a national competition, Young Creatives Challenge (YC2) "through the support of Sen. Imee Marcos." The competition -- described as "the grandest battle of creativity" in the country with a grand prize of P1 million per category -- "aspires to ignite, acknowledge, and spotlight the brilliance of creative minds... in the fields of Songwriting, Screenwriting, Playwriting, Graphic Novel, Animation, Game Development, and Online Content Creation." The semi-finals are set for October 2023, when the Top 30 creators and the Top 10 Grand Finalists will be revealed. At the grand finals on November 2023, cash prizes will be awarded along with millions’ worth of promotions, incentives, registration of intellectual property and possible production or commercialization of creative works. The competition has an Online Content Challenge with distinct mechanics and a separate prize pool. It offers a platform for content creators to showcase their talents and make a significant impact by raising awareness about the vibrant and dynamic Philippine creative industries. The special category will have TikTok as its main channel for entry submission. The DTI invites all natural-born Filipino citizens aged 18-35, regardless of their level of experience, to participate as either individuals or teams. Entrants are required to submit "entirely original creations." The competition theme is deliberately broad, embracing an "open" and "free subject" approach to allow the participants the creative freedom to delve into any topic or subject matter of their choosing. For more information about the competition, visit www.youngcreativeschallenge.com. Capsule workshops On 17 September, the NCCA launched the Creative Industries Month at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium in Manila with creative capsule workshops in the afternoon and a grand concert of songs, dances and puppetry in the evening. The festivities had the full support of the National Parks Development Committee and Concert at the Park. The workshops were anchored on various creative industries in the country. For instance, for the audiovisual media domain, the Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. conducted an introductory workshop on Learning Filipino through Wikaharian. For the digital interactive media domain, Dr. Albert Mulles of METATOKYO tackled “How to Start Your Own Blockchain Game Project” while the Department of Science and Technology presented “Learning Through Minecraft Exhibit.” Under the Design domain, there were workshops on shoemaking, parol and jewelry-making and T-shirt printing Workshop. Under publishing and printed media, Rustico Limosinero offered a basic comics workshop, while the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. discussed book- selling and exhibits. Composer-singer Joey Ayala, meanwhile, held a Songwriting Workshop under the Performing Arts domain and later, at the concert, performed the finale solo vocal numbers. Nanding Josef, artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Pilipino, conducted a capsule workshop on Theater Acting. Also within the Performing Arts domain were the dance and puppetry workshops facilitated by the Samahan ng mga Papetir ng Pilipinas. The other domains that presented workshops included the visual arts, traditional cultural expression and cultural sites. Aside from Ayala, the evening concert featured Noel Cabangon, the revived band Color It Red with Cookie Chua still its lead vocalist, Bayang Barrios and her band, the Sindaw Philippines dance troupe, Halili Cruz Dance Company, Teatro ni Juan and a puppetry group. [caption id="attachment_186377" align="aligncenter" width="1440"] HALILI Cruz Dance Company at the evening concert. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FB.COM/ HALILI CRUZ DANCE COMPANY[/caption] In his remarks, De Venecia pointed out that there are more than 7 million people in the Philippines employed in the creative industries, and the industries' contribution to Gross Domestic Product in 2022 was 7.3 percent percent or P1. 6 trillion, representing an increase of 12.1 percent from P1. 43 trillion in 2021. "This is a sector that has managed to survive and even thrive on its own, but with institutionalized support from the state, it will really help the creative industry sector grow and accelerate to the point where we want it to be — which is by 2030, the Philippines will be the number one creative economy in all of Asia,” said De Venecia. May we be really number 1 just seven years from today! The post Creative Industries Month to witness ‘the grandest battle of creativity’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian execs bare progress roadmap
Revitalizing traditional Asian companies to adopt to the digitalization wave is the biggest challenge faced by top regional executives. Asian business leaders plotted yesterday the precarious path of the region’s economy through their individual organizations in the annual Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore. Sabin M. Aboitiz, president and CEO, Aboitiz Group said: “We are transforming a 100-year-old company to a 25-year-old athlete.” “Thinking as a startup but not forgetting our legacies,” was how he described the transformation of the Aboitiz group. “And at the heart and soul of everything is people,” he indicated. Known for his passion for people and innovation, he is currently leading the Aboitiz Group on a “Great Transformation” towards becoming the first techglomerate in the country. The Aboitiz Group is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines with interests in energy, banking, food, real estate, infrastructure, construction, technologies, data science and artificial intelligence. True industrialist Outside the Aboitiz Group, Sabin holds positions in various business and socio-civic organizations including Lead Strategic Convener of the Private Sector Advisory Council to the government, co-chairperson of the Sustainable Growth Working Group in the APEC Business Advisory Council of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, member of the United Nations Global Compact Network Philippines Board of Trustees, and Steward of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism. According to Forbes, Sabin’s creative and resourceful approach to employee engagement has earned him the Philippine Quill Award of Excellence for Communication Management, and his commitment to sustainability has led the Aboitiz Group to the frontlines of renewable energy in the country. In its 21st year, the annual conference convened CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders to discuss key issues of global concern and to build new partnerships, according to Forbes. The business bible said it takes boldness and vision to pilot an enterprise as the global business scene is transformed by new realities. Valuable perspective “The view from the top provides some perspective, but the rest of the crew must be motivated to embrace change as well,” it added. “Leadership is about appreciating the perspective of all your stakeholders, and I think that’s what politics teaches you,” according to Binod K. Chaudhary, chairperson of CG Corp. Global, said during the Captains Courageous session. The post Asian execs bare progress roadmap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati subway facing delays due to SC ruling
The Makati City subway project, the first underground railway project undertaken by a local government unit, is facing another headwind after its alignment was adversely affected by the tug-of-war between the cities of Makati and Taguig over territorial disputes. In a stock report on Wednesday, private proponent Philippine Infradev Holdings, Inc. disclosed that the project alignment is no longer viable as the depot and a few stations, which were supposed to traverse through Makati City properties, were found to be within the jurisdiction of Taguig City instead as ruled by the Supreme Court or SC. "Under the Joint Venture Agreement executed between the Makati City Government and the Company, the depot and a few stations of the Makati City subway system will be in the affected areas. Also, the alignment of the subway will no longer be feasible," the company informed the stock exchange. Particularly, the SC decision affected the Makati City subway project's depot in Cembo as well as the planned stations in the University of Makati in West Rembo, and Ospital ng Makati in Pembo. Thus, Infradev said it has reached out to the Makati City government, through an Intent Notice, to discuss the next course of action that they should take following the SC order. In April 2022, the SC Third Division ruled with finality that the disputed areas, Bonifacio Global City and nearby Enlisted Men’s Barrio or EMBO barangays, were under Taguig City's jurisdictions. However, before Taguig City’s courts assume pending litigations over the said areas, which used to be part of Makati, it first needs to secure a writ of execution. A writ of execution is a legal order issued by a court that qualifies the enforcement of a judgment or court decision. In 2019, the Makati City Government signed the Joint Venture Agreement with Infradev and its partner after the company hurdled the competitive Swiss Challenge and obtained approval for the construction, operation, and management of the intra-city subway. Under the joint venture, Makati would only contribute land it currently owns for the project. The subway aims to connect key points in Makati like the current Central Business District at the corner of Ayala and Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Circuit City, Makati City Hall, University of Makati, Ospital ng Makati and other new growth areas within the city. The subway is planned to have up to 10 air-conditioned, underground island stations whose entrances will be linked to destinations across the city. The project can accommodate up to six-car trains, with room for over 200 persons per car, with more than 700,000 passengers per day to be accommodated and served by the proposed mass transport system. The post Makati subway facing delays due to SC ruling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GSIS buys up 12% MPIC stake
State pension fund Government Service Insurance System, or GSIS, has accumulated shares in diversified Metro Pacific Investments Corp,, or MPIC, the flagship company of tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan which is up for bourse delisting. The state financial institution led by veteran investment banker Wick Veloso has amassed the MPI shares the past two weeks, buying a total of 2.5 billion shares from 23 August to 4 September. In a report to the stock market, MPIC said it received a letter from GSIS dated 4 September informing the company that from 23 August to 4 September, GSIS purchased 2,490,509,574 common shares of MPIC. GSIS also mentioned that as a result of these purchases, GSIS now owns 3,438,549,038 common shares which represents approximately 11.98 percent of the total outstanding common shares of MPIC. Strong challenge Analysts said the GSIS move poses a challenge to the MPIC proposal to leave the stock exchange. COL Financial research head April Lynn Tan said that with the purchases, MPIC share owners may not attain its target to acquire 95 percent of the company which is pivotal to the delisting plan. MPIC chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan on Monday expressed hope the consortium would secure enough shares to push through with the plan. “The tender period will expire on 7 September, so let’s wait. We are hopeful that the amount of shares will translate to qualification for delisting,” Pangilinan said. In a social media post, Tan said the delisting option can still pull thorugh. “According to industry peers, there is still a chance that the delisting will push through. Since GSIS now owns 12 percent (more or less) it might not be counted in the public float based on PSE proposed amendments. This means that the tender offer might proceed if over 14.58 percent of share owners tender their shares,” she added. The post GSIS buys up 12% MPIC stake appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Let there be light: Davao de Oro rice mill gets energized
A rural farming cooperative in the town of Laak in Davao de Oro has ramped up its livelihood operations following the energization assistance provided by the One Meralco Foundation, resulting in better income opportunities for members of the local community. [caption id="attachment_179231" align="aligncenter" width="1170"] Members of the Laak Multipurpose Cooperative in Laak, Davao de Oro prepare to mill rice grains or palay following the electrification assistance of the One Meralco Foundation.[/caption] The project involves the installation of a 5.1-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic system for the rice milling facility of the Laak Multipurpose Cooperative, whose operations have long been hampered by the lack of reliable power supply. With the new solar facility, the cooperative has increased its production by over threefold to over 100 sacks of milled rice daily from around 30 sacks per day previously. The boost in rice mill production also provides additional capital for farmers to sustain their crops throughout the planting season. LAMPCO general manager Edesa Morante said the energization assistance provided by OMF also allowed the cooperative to cater to more community members. “While power is a basic need, the impact it generates to our organization and the community magnifies how power in its basic form can change lives and make it better. We are now moving forward as a multipurpose cooperative and along with us are the many households that depend on our services. The benefits we gained from the energization will ripple to our members and the rest of the communities we serve,” Morante said. The energization of agriculture and livelihood projects is among the initiatives of OMF under its community electrification program, which also covers off-grid public schools, low-income households in the Meralco franchise area, rural health centers and water access. “Lack of electricity continues to be a challenge for many communities especially in rural Philippines. The agriculture and livelihood electrification is an expansion of our community electrification program that fosters inclusivity and equitable access to basic services powered by sustainable and renewable energy solution,” OMF president Jeffrey O. Tarayao said. As the corporate social development arm of the Manila Electric Company, OMF is committed to providing access to energy to as many underserved communities as possible as part of its mission to spreading the light. The post Let there be light: Davao de Oro rice mill gets energized appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Vietnam tie-up spurs tech growth
Financial technology firm E-commerce Thrive Asia-Philippines seeks a self-regulatory body that will ensure ethical business practices and lead in countering digital scams plaguing the industry — a move that will also prompt economic growth. In a statement over the weekend, it announced its collaboration with CTO Network Vietnam, the largest financial technology and E-commerce organization in Vietnam, to implement its targets. The agreement includes stringent checks and monitoring of each member’s online business practices. “The collective effort seeks to create a robust foundation for secure and ethical digital commerce while stimulating economic growth through technological advancements and cooperative initiatives,” according to the company. Ecom Thrive Asia-Philippines is a movement to empower the micro, small, and medium enterprises and the country’s economy through digital commerce and continue education of its members and stakeholders on current technology and best practices. There are around 30 million e-commerce users nationwide but only less than one percent are formally registered, while the rest are on underground operations. According to ECom Thrive Founders Nani Razon, Raffy Canare and Charlie Gengos, all players need to take part in nation-building by registering their business with the government. While this may be a challenge, at least adding companies will increase the number of companies who are willing to support the government. 8,000 members vs digital scam Meanwhile, CTO Network Vietnam boasts an impressive membership base, with over 8,000 individual and corporate members. Recognizing the need for industry-wide vigilance against digital scams, the two organizations have united to safeguard the interests of industry stakeholders. In a recent six-day visit to Hanoi, the Philippine delegation conducted a series of coaching and mentoring sessions with Vietnam’s ECommerce tycoon, Hai Dang Nguyen of SEA International and BB Capital Vietnam and Branding Guru and Philanthropist, Hung Vu of CES Talk. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had mentioned during his recent State of the Nation Address that a stronger E-Commerce industry will help propel economic growth. He said a roadmap firmly in place ensures that the government will deliver a robust economy driven by active digitalization of both the commercial sector, the government and consumers. The post Phl, Vietnam tie-up spurs tech growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sherwin Lucas glides with Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod
Like a graceful swan on a lake, general manager Sherwin Lucas determinedly steered Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod through some rough waters during the health crisis, which the public seemed to not have noticed just how difficult he tirelessly paddled underwater. He initially targeted a college double major in Business and Accounting. However, with the closure of the American bases where his dad was gainfully employed, a reversal of fortunes occurred. When it was finally time to continue his studies, he graduated with a degree in Commerce instead. [caption id="attachment_175659" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Art Cove[/caption] Fresh out of university, he initially applied as a Cost Controller, but was quickly referred to the Front Office. Little did he know this would kickstart his career in the hospitality industry. He soon became the supervisor and the events head for Discovery Suites. He then accepted the challenge to become the resident manager of the Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay. A firm believer in continuous education, he trained at the Asian Institute of Management and at the prestigious Professional Development Program in Cornell Nanyang in Singapore. He also possesses hands-on experiences in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="175660,175661"] While on a holiday in Hong Kong, he chanced upon an interview opportunity for The Venetian Macao Resort-Hotel as the assistant events manager. Strange as it may seem, this began his back-and-forth stints between properties in Manila and Macau — as he methodically climbed the ranks, as the director of operations, events manager and director of events. When the global pandemic brought the world to a standstill, he grabbed the opportunity to be the general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and has settled with his wandering pair of shoes ever since. Established in 2021, the property boasts 150 rooms and suites, all located within the accessible SM City Bacolod Complex. Guests look forward to amenities, such as the pool deck, in-room spa services, fitness center, a jogging path, and even an art cove, where one may acquire featured pieces from local artists. [gallery size="full" ids="175662,175663,175664"] Culinary-wise, executive sous chef Billy Jo Andaca offers the all-day international dining at Arima, a grab-and-go counter of DASH, the chill Lobby Lounge and the popular pool bar Marapara al Fresco. Should Lucas not have been a hotelier, he would have pursued a career in education or medicine. In his free time, in addition to reading spy, crime and mystery novels, he looks forward to this private time in the kitchen. He likewise lets out stress by driving while listening to music. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="175665,175666"] We recently had a brief chat with Lucas, where he shared some interesting tidbits on himself and the Park Inn. Career highlights As a resident manager, there was not a same single day in the perplexing world of hotel operations. I recall I handled my biggest-ever event — with 15,000 delegates in attendance — as the director of events. Finally, I’m so glad and fulfilled when I was appointed as the general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod. Management style I believe in engaging the team by having a clear and relatable ‘reason for being’. We stand by four tenets: our guests, the owning company, our team and the community-at-large. All these factors affect each other, but may sometimes be seemingly conflicting in interests. All our decisions — may it be big or small — always consider the effects on these four pillars. I stand by guided empowerment — teach and mentor not just the officers, but also individual staff members to enable them to make informed decisions. We also need to provide safety nets that allow them to learn without major harm to the organization. Important ingredients to be a property of choice It’s definitely an empowered and engaged team. We also need to continue to fine-tune and self-improve our systems and processes as the need arises. Location is of utmost importance. Marketing preference Social media has a wider reach — with almost limitless creativity and possibilities! Dream post I am living my dream post — it allows me to explore my talents to form, to lead and to nurture the team. Sometime in the future, I would wish to mold promising hospitality leaders. The post Sherwin Lucas glides with Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Students look forward to Puregold CinePanalo
Creating opportunities for the Filipino youth is a crucial advocacy of Puregold. With their latest endeavor, Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, the company aims to help student filmmakers fulfill their aspirations and jump-start their careers. Vincent Co, president of Puregold Price Club, Inc., affirms the company’s intention to reach out to the youth through Puregold CinePanalo. “Education, complemented with hands-on experience, opens doors for our youth,” he says. “We are proud to extend this support to students seeking to tell their stories. And we anticipate seeing their works at the upcoming Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.” Puregold seeks 25 talented and motivated student directors to join the inaugural festival. The select few will each be given a grant of P100,000 to fund their short film production. Filmmaking remains one of the most financially challenging among all creative pursuits. The costs can be daunting: location and equipment rentals, plus the professional fees of the cast and crew. It’s money that can be hard to find. Even seasoned, experienced directors speak of the difficulty of securing project funding. Thus, it is a struggle for aspiring filmmakers to raise the resources they need for their art. Lack of funds likewise deter many film students from completing their final thesis projects. It is a matter that Vincent understands. He discloses that most filmfest applicants cite their final thesis as their primary motivation for the challenge. “There’s a whole host of potential talents out there just waiting for a break,” he says. “We hope that Puregold CinePanalo will provide a platform for these budding filmmakers to show their craft and acquire the means to finish their studies.” The completed student shorts will be screened alongside five feature-length films at Gateway Cinemas from 8 to 10 March 2024. The shorts will also be posted across Puregold’s official social media pages, such as YouTube and TikTok. The post Students look forward to Puregold CinePanalo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Making Filipinos proud through our folk dances
The summer that Marielle Benitez-Javellana participated in the performances of the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company in various barangays of Manila, she was balancing her time between football and folk dance. [caption id="attachment_175404" align="aligncenter" width="841"] Marielle Benitez-Javallana with son Lucho.[/caption] She had just graduated from De La Salle University where she played for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. She was also a member of the national women’s football team. Between her graduation and return to the football field, she attended the Philippine Women’s University’s Bayanihan folk dance workshop. This culminated in a class recital at the Folk Arts Theater where she danced “Aray.” As she recalled in her interview with the DAILY TRIBUNE, it was quite a challenge for her to give her equal attention to football and dance. She recounted laughingly, “I would run from one rehearsal to one training. Or from a game to a performance. In the car, I would fix my make-up or change into my costume or my sportswear. “I stayed in dance because I enjoyed the company. We goofed around a lot, and we didn’t care if we fell from a bench, tripped or looked awkward because of our mistakes. We kept trying and we learned how to do the steps correctly.” It was a rite of passage for Marielle and the new Bayanihan applicants because they had to follow the rules, “such as attending rehearsals with our makeup on and our hair pulled up in a bun. They were inculcating in us the standards for which Bayanihan was known and admired.” Grace and precision While folk dancing may be different from playing football, she somehow found similarities in both. “At first, I felt a little bit awkward because I was a football player and at the same time dancing Itik-Itik, Binasuan and Tinikling. In both, precision and grace are important. Both require commitment and hard work. And in dance, as in football, you perform as a team. You can’t do things by yourself. You have to be in sync with the other team members and be connected with them.” She would have her first international engagement in August that year and, to her delight, it was in Athens where the Olympics were being held. “Just like most athletes, my dream was to be part of the Philippine team in the Olympics. And there I was exactly at the Olympics, but I was not in my athlete’s uniform. Instead, I was in my Filipiniana costume, with my hair teased up. We were the Philippine representatives at the Cultural Olympiad, which took place alongside the Olympic Games. “We had shows at night over the week. One headline said, ‘Philippines bags the gold in the Cultural Olympiad because of Bayanihan.’ I was there mesmerized by all those athletes gathered and there I was, all made up, dancing to Philippine folk music. Still, being there for my country and eliciting thunderous applause made me proud of my country and the Bayanihan.” The rest is, of course, history. She went on to dance in various international performances, festivals and competitions and had been part of many award-winning showcases. A challenge every day Fast forward to 2023, Marielle is the executive director of the Bayanihan. One would think she has adapted to the rigors of managing a world-class performing arts group and can now take it easy, having become accustomed to running the organization. On the contrary, Marielle clarified, “I think it’s a challenge every day because, number one, I obviously would continue all my mom’s programs but, at the same time, I would also need to move forward. “At the time that she was on top of the administration of the Bayanihan, she had different challenges naman. And I think, what she was able to set and implement will now create more challenges and opportunities for me. What we share is our passion for work and for a cause. Like her, I work passionately and enthusiastically. “If you ask the younger generation now who the Bayanihan is, they wouldn’t know it the same way the older generation knew the prestige of Bayanihan. That is a challenge for me. Without having to put the Bayanihan on TikTok, it is my responsibility to make ourselves visible and relevant without breaking the Bayanihan traditions.” But if it was a top dream for the young women then to join the Bayanihan so they could see the world, today is quite different “since everyone could travel now. What has remained is that certain character that qualifies one to be a member. There is no money in Bayanihan, so one has to have that desire for advocacy to share with the world the best of our country. A Bayanihan member should be capable of taking to heart our mission to promote Philippine culture. It’s a cause. A thing of the heart. That’s why we’re also known as cultural ambassadors.” Hall of Fame Bayanihan has survived, Marielle explained, “because we always have new trainees. We constantly recruit and we receive applications often. But of course, we also see through the applications. Not just anyone would really be able to last long rehearsals. One has to have that specific attitude and frame of mind that they need to be able to balance school or work and rehearsals. There has to be a certain kind of maturity, which comes from exposure and work ethic that one learns in a working environment. The thing is if you’re working, you cannot just leave for tours and performances so all these factors come into play.” “Right now, we have 30 members — 15 men and 15 women,” Marielle said. “We also brought in new trainees in our annual production Continuum — A Dance Spectrum Through the Years. In the short time that Marielle has assumed the post of executive director, Bayanihan has added to its long list of awards at the same time that it scored new milestones. “Last year, we won our 14th grand prize in Korea so we have been installed into the Hall of Fame. This year we are participating as a guest organization.” “Last year, we were the first Philippine dance group to perform in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Early this year, we were the first Philippine group to perform at the Royal Opera House in Oman, Muscat.” First face-to-face festival Looking forward, Marielle enumerated future plans including a tour in September that will bring them to Cyprus and Greece, and in October, to Korea. Marielle will also be active as an officer of the Federation of International Dance Festivals, of which her mom was the local chair for Asia. “When I came in as Bayanihan executive director, it was crucial for me to continue what my mom had begun. Fortunately, during the election last October, I was elected as vice chair for Asia.” In December, Bayanihan will finally host its first face-to-face international dance festival. So far, countries that have confirmed their attendance are Austria, Spain, Poland, Korea and Indonesia. They will all perform in week-long productions. Marielle acknowledged the support of her brother Philippine Women’s University president Marco Benitez and the Bayanihan Board of Trustees composed of its chair, Congressman Kiko Benitez; the president, Ambassador Rosario Manalo; and the members, namely, Rosky Balahadia-Hilado, Judith Pantangco, Imelda Trillo, Leni Cabili, Neny Apostol Regino, Chingay Lagdameo, Marilou Mirasol, Rachy Cuna, Marilou Mirasol and Boy Abunda. Of course, behind them too is the PWU chair Vicky Nazareno. Finally, Marielle shared, “We will continue with our mission to research our dances all over the Philippine archipelago and create our distinct Bayanihan adaptations. And, of course, we will strive to continue inculcating in our members the Bayanihan values that I believe make our performing artists stand out — commitment, discipline, perseverance, leadership, teamwork, time management and the ability to balance late-night hours of rehearsals with your work and home responsibilities when you wake up the next day. These practices make us excel as dancers and because we do our best to excel, we proudly represent our country and hopefully make our countrymen proud.” The post Making Filipinos proud through our folk dances appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The bold lip returns
After a decade of “no-makeup makeup” and minimalist looks, the second decade of this century is getting bolder than ever. Following the maximalism trends seen on runways, Avon has introduced the innovative Hydramatic Lipstick in the Philippines. The unique moisturizing core of this new matte lipstick, which incorporates hyaluronic acid and glycerin for smooth, plump lips, represents a shift in current beauty trends. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="172196,172195"] Avon listened to women’s requests for comfortable matte lipstick from all across the world. Due to its distinctive core, the Hydramatic Lipstick provides long-lasting hydration in addition to a matte appearance. It has a hydrating effect in addition to its brilliant matte hue. Six lovely hues of the Hydramatic Lipstick are offered: Hydra Garnet, Hydra Plum, Hydra Pink, Hydra Rosy, Hydra Ruby and Hydra Siren Red. This gives every Filipina the confidence to express themselves. Avon’s global head of Makeup, Emily Howarth, appreciated the creative strategy and emphasized the reasonable price. The lipstick appeals to women who are embracing their diverse identities and giving them the freedom to challenge conventional notions of beauty. Beauty queen Pia Wurtzbach highlighted the importance of authentic self-expression and the rejection of narrow ideals. This sentiment resonated during the launch event, where women united to celebrate individuality. The Avon Hydramatic Lipstick personifies confidence and compassion, reflecting the company’s 135-year dedication to empowering women. It encourages women to embrace their different personalities, transcends stereotypes, and stands for authenticity. Shop online via www.avonshop.ph/collections/hydramatic, Lazada, and Shopee. The post The bold lip returns appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OpenAI Aims for GPT-4 to Tackle the Content Moderation Challenge
OpenAI’s GPT-4 Technology: A Revolution in Content Moderation OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, believes that its latest innovation, GPT-4, has the potential to.....»»
ABS-CBN review petition vs Willie dismissed
Issues actually and directly resolved in a former suit cannot again be raised in any future case between the same parties involving a different cause of action. This was the ruling of the Supreme Court’s Third Division, in a 22-page decision penned by Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, dismissing the Petitions for Review filed by ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and partly granting the Petition for Review filed by Willie B. Revillame. The petitions challenge various rulings of the Court of Appeals thus on 23 August 2010, Revillame filed a civil action before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court seeking to cancel, terminate, and rescind his three-year contract with ABS-CBN (Civil Case No. Q-10-67770). Revilla under the contract, was to host the show “Wowowee” on the ABS-CBN network until 10 September 2011 “or upon cancellation or earlier termination of the program.” The suit prompted Revillame to withdraw from “Wowowee” on 5 May 2010, which was followed by ABS-CBN’s refusal to release Revillame as its talent and the network’s subsequent replacement of “Wowowee” with a different program. The television company on 15 September 2010, filed its Answer with Compulsory Counterclaim, praying for liquidated damages in the amount of over P700 million, plus over P400 million for each further violation by Revillame, or for each week of violation of their contract. Later on, ABS-CBN applied for a Temporary Restraining Order and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction to restrain Revillame from performing with TV5, owned by ABC Development Corporation (ABC Corporation) on a similar show, titled “Willing Willie.” The RTC denied the TRO application but ordered Revillame to post a bond in the amount of P426,917,646.96 as security for any damage that may be incurred by ABSCBN. The company then proceeded to file a complaint with the Makati RTC for copyright infringement against Revillame, ABC Corporation, Wilproductions Inc., and one Ray Espinosa. This prompted ABC Corporation and Espinosa to go to the CA to restrain the Makati RTC from proceeding with the copyright infringement case. The CA ruled in favor of ABC Corporation and Espinosa, finding that ABS-CBN engaged in forum shopping for filing two suits: (1) its Compulsory Counterclaim in Civil Case No. Q-10-67770 pending before the Quezon City RTC and (2) the Complaint for Copyright Infringement pending before the Makati RTC. The CA found that both cases are based on one cause of action: Revillame’s alleged breach of its contract with ABS-CBN. The Supreme Court would later affirm the CA’s ruling in a separate case (G.R. No. 201664). The post ABS-CBN review petition vs Willie dismissed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Larone Crafts’ trendy Filipino handbags make waves in Europe
Jennifer Lo is living proof that an eye for aesthetics can be inherited. Based in Makati City, Metro Manila, the third-generation entrepreneur has carried on her family’s business of handicrafts—Larone Crafts, registered in 1984. Growing up, she helped her mother during trade shows, observing how business was conducted with foreign buyers and taking minutes of business meetings. After completing a short course on Manufacturing Management at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles in 2006, she worked with various fashion companies before coming back to the Philippines to help in her mother’s handbag business. “I’m the steward of my parents’ and grandparents’ hard work. My goal is to make the business sustainable for another 20 years,” said Jennifer, who operates out of a compact 500-square-meter office that includes a production area and warehouse on the top floor. Larone Crafts’ designs are modern but remain true to Pinoy traditions by incorporating Tinalak weaves and the woven fabric Inabel. Natural plant fibers such as abaca, raffia and seagrass sourced from all around the Philippines add an indigenous charm to the products. The results are timeless accessories that buyers can keep in their wardrobe season after season. “The bags are meant to be used all year round. We do not make items that are just for a certain season to be thrown away the next. We manufacture them to last," said Jennifer. Among Larone Crafts’ handbags, the signature hand-embroidered clutch bags are a particular hit with buyers. Larone Crafts' agility to keep abreast with technological advancements and design trends has kept it exporting successfully over the years. The company’s first exports were made in 1984 to the USA. Back then, Jennifer was only three years old. “I can see how conducting international business at a time when the Internet was not yet existing must have been quite a challenge,” she said. In 2009, when Jennifer joined the company, she continued to step up to evolving market trends. “Smaller niche brands were coming into the field. Rather than large containers of orders with thousands of pieces of the same style, orders of several styles and colors in a few hundred pieces were preferred,” she recalled. In 2022, following the pandemic, 3 percent of Larone’s customers were from the European Union, 90 percent from the USA and the rest a mix from other countries. For a long time, the only way to start an international business was through participation in trade fairs, which is not an easy thing to do alone. The company has been part of the Manila FAME almost every year since the 1980s. Showing at Maison et Objet, NY Now and Ambiente over the last 10 years has also been fruitful. “We received support from the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the export promotion arm of the Philippine government’s Department of Trade and Industry, to participate in international trade shows in the EU and in the USA. Before the internet and emails, this was the only way of gaining new overseas customers.” Jennifer feels that her company’s participation in these trade shows has been instrumental in reaching customers, particularly in the EU. Trade shows boost market research, linkages, design aesthetics and competitiveness. She emphasized that CITEM’s support in terms of product design, booth design and implementation, and pre-show marketing has been invaluable in upgrading her business. “These are all high costs that would be difficult for our small business to absorb when initially trying to enter into a new market.” Jennifer sees many benefits from the EU Generalized System of Preference Plus (GSP+). “The EU GSP + makes our products more competitive in the EU market by reducing the cost of importing our goods into the country for our buyers. It improves access to the 27 countries in the EU.” Larone Crafts is already exporting to Spain and the Netherlands, with samples sent recently to Italy which are expected to generate more orders. “The EU is an attractive export market for our company because of the ease of doing business with their bilingual teams, the market’s love for sustainable, handmade and natural products, and the favorable trade policies such as the GSP+.” As Jennifer works towards expanding her product assortment in home and lifestyle products, she is cognizant of those who work for her. Depending upon the volume of orders, in any given season, she employs approximately 100 workers. She not only retained artisan families from her mother’s time, but also sources from small businesses that employ women. “We work with weavers and artisans in their communities from all over the Philippines, giving them a reliable livelihood and helping to preserve the region’s traditional crafts.” The ARISE Plus Philippines project is enabling Philippine exporters to take advantage of European Union market access and the trade privileges granted under the GSP+. It supports the overall EU-Philippines trade relationship and trade-related policies. ARISE Plus Philippines is a project of the Government of the Philippines, with the Department of Trade and Industry as lead partner together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, Bureau of Customs, the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the private sector. It is funded by the EU, with the International Trade Centre as the technical agency for the project. The post Larone Crafts’ trendy Filipino handbags make waves in Europe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former Twitter exec says a mercurial Musk rules by ‘gut’
A fired Twitter product manager said Elon Musk ran the company newly renamed X by instinct not data, surrounded by sycophants with his mood changing unpredictably. Esther Crawford, whose picture sleeping in a Twitter office late last year made her a viral sensation, shared her thoughts on Wednesday in a lengthy post at X. "I disagree with many of his decisions and am surprised by his willingness to burn so much down, but with enough money and time, something new and innovative may emerge," Crawford said in the post. Crawford joined Twitter when it bought her startup in 2020, before Musk bought the social media platform for $44 billion. "In person Elon is oddly charming and he's genuinely funny," Crawford said. "The challenge is his personality and demeanor can turn on a dime going from excited to angry." Twitter employees feared being called into meetings with him or having to deliver negative news, according to Crawford. "At times it felt like the inner circle was too zealous and fanatical in their unwavering support of everything he said," Crawford wrote. "Product and business decisions were nearly always the result of him following his gut instinct, and he didn't seem compelled to seek out or rely on a lot of data or expertise to inform it." Musk seemed to trust random feedback and Twitter polls more than employees working to solve problems at the company, according to Crawford. "His boldness, passion and storytelling is inspiring, but his lack of process and empathy is painful." Musk has proven success tackling engineering problems, but a social networking platform requires emotional intelligence, Crawford said. She did not spare the previous management, calling it "bloated" and "soft and entitled" where "teams could spend months building a feature and then some last-minute kerfuffle meant it'd get killed for being too risky." Musk killed off the Twitter logo this week, replacing the world-recognized blue bird with a white X. After buying Twitter, Musk had said that he wanted to create a super-app inspired by China's WeChat, which would function as a social media platform and offer messaging and payments. Since Musk bought Twitter last October, the platform's advertising business has collapsed as marketers soured on Musk's management style and mass firings at the company that gutted content moderation. In response, the billionaire has moved toward building a subscriber base and pay model in a search for new revenue. Many users and advertisers alike have responded adversely to the social media site's new charges for previously free services, its changes to content moderation, and the return of previously banned right-wing accounts. The post Former Twitter exec says a mercurial Musk rules by ‘gut’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TikTok challenges Twitter, offers text format
TikTok, the social platform known for its addictive video content, announced Monday that it will offer text-only posts, becoming the latest tech giant to offer an alternative to embattled Twitter. The text posts on TikTok will most closely resemble similar offerings on Instagram, which earlier this month also launched a challenge to Twitter — which owner Elon Musk renamed X — called Threads. Like Meta-owned Threads, TikTok benefits from its size, with around 1.4 billion monthly active users, according to specialist site Business of Apps. But unlike Facebook’s parent company, it has chosen to integrate its new text-only feature into its app rather than launch a separate product, as Meta did with Threads. TikTok’s version will remain more visual than a Twitter or Threads post, with users able to add a color background, music and stickers to the post. The Chinese-owned company said the new format will expand “boundaries of content creation for everyone on TikTok” and tap into the “creativity” seen in comments and captions, the company said. In addition to Threads, smaller platforms such as Mastodon, Bluesky and Substack Notes have emerged as potential rivals to Twitter, but none have so far dethroned it despite its troubles. WITH AFP The post TikTok challenges Twitter, offers text format 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......»»
Creating safer and more resilient communities
With a thorough understanding of the Philippines’ urban landscape and the risks it is exposed to as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, SM Development Corporation has long been a forerunner in the development of sustainable, resilient communities. Recognizing the value of a robust social fabric in building resilience, SMDC recently launched “Ready To Rescue,” a disaster-preparedness training program that aims to educate more Filipinos on the impacts of climate change and the knowledge and skills needed to respond and recover from disasters effectively. In partnership with Philippine Red Cross, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, and its Quick Response division, SMDC gathered local government members and community volunteers for a two-day training session in Iloilo and Bacolod. Rene Tamayo, barangay tanod team leader of Brgy. In Bacolod City, Granada was one of the many attendees of Ready to Rescue’s Bacolod leg. When averting the loss of life and damage to property, he said: “I now realize that unpreparedness is not an option.” Meanwhile, Alfredo Talimodao Jr., chairman of Brgy. Granada said as a community leader, he found early warning systems, as well as the timely and effective dissemination of information, to be imperative. “[I plan] to collaborate with local authorities and fellow community members to establish a comprehensive disaster response plan, focusing on improving communication channels and educating others about the importance of preparedness,” said Talimodao Jr. The training introduced concepts such as the DRRM and the Incident Command System, enabling a systematic response to disasters. Demonstrations and practical knowledge were provided on fire, earthquake, flood, and tropical cyclone survival and evacuation, simple first aid for injuries, and essential life support. A Disaster Control Group was also developed during the sessions. Good guys help save lives Did you know that one blood bag can save up to three lives? A reliable and adequate blood supply can make a life-saving difference in medical emergencies, surgeries, and critical treatments. Steadfast, in its partnership with Philippine Red Cross, SMDC is a leading advocate of blood donation. Through their “Good Guys Help Save Lives” initiative, SMDC empowers residents, tenants, employees, and members of neighboring communities to help address the persistent challenge of blood shortages in healthcare facilities through blood donation. Regularly conducted in different SMDC properties and SM offices across the country, the “Good Guys Help Save Lives” initiative raises awareness of the importance and benefits of blood donation and fosters a culture of care and compassion. Shared social responsibility The idea of shared social responsibility is at the core of disaster risk reduction and management. Climate change is a global concern that knows no borders. It affects ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods on a worldwide scale. As such, it demands a collective, “whole-of-society” response from individuals, businesses, and governments. A recipient of Carousell Property Awards’ “Best Developer for Building Sustainable Communities” and Dot Property Philippines Awards’ “Special Recognition for Corporate Social Responsibility,” SMDC seeks to be a partner in nation-building in all aspects — advocating for humanitarian agenda, pushing sustainable development forward, and strengthening public-private partnerships to help make the Philippines more resilient. For one, SMDC and its parent company, SM Prime Holdings Inc., are members of the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies — a global network of private sector entities led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction that collaborate to implement the targets of the Sendai Framework. It also co-chairs the National Resilience Council in the Philippines. The post Creating safer and more resilient communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»