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Air21 s first trophy is Coach Bo Perasol s favorite in the PBA
In his years in the PBA, Bo Perasol has coached some pretty memorable teams. Coach Bo was at the helm when Air21 made its PBA Finals appearance in 2008, taking Ginebra all the way to Game 7 before ultimately dropping the Fiesta Conference title. In 2012, Perasol and the Powerade put together a run for the ages as the no. 8 Tigers upset top-ranked B-Meg in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Powerade couldn't get past defending champion Talk 'N Text in the Philippine Cup Finals, losing the series in five. While both Finals series were certainly memorable despite unfavorable results, they're not Coach Bo's favorite PBA moment. "I think for me the most meaningful one was yung third place finish of Air21," Perasol said on Coaches Unfiltered, referring to the Express' perfomance in the 2006 Fiesta Conference. "That was our best finish since FedEx/Air21 joined the league. We beat Ginebra dati noon may battle for third pa eh," he added. The 2006 PBA season marked Perasol's first coaching stint in the PBA. In the Fiesta Conference, the Express were fifth entering the playoffs with a 9-7 record and took down San Miguel Beer and Talk 'N Text in the Wild Card and Quarterfinals respectively, both series going the distance. Air21 lost to Purefoods in the semifinals but edged Ginebra, 108-98, to claim their first trophy ever. "That established my position as a coach, you have to remember na syempre professional na yan eh. You have to establish yourself as a coach who can get wins for the franchise also," Coach Bo said. "Sa PBA wala naman pakiusapan pag matatalo ka eh, matatanggal ka talaga. So that was one of my favorite moments in that stint," Perasol added. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
Past champions Clijsters, Murray get US Open wild cards
NEW YORK (AP) — Past U.S. Open champions Kim Clijsters and Andy Murray received wild-card invitations for the Grand Slam tournament Thursday. The U.S. Tennis Association gave all of its other wild cards for singles play to Americans. Clijsters is a four-time major champion and former No. 1 who came out of retirement this year after already being elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The U.S. Open — which she won in 2005, 2009 and 2010 — would mark the 37-year-old Belgian’s first Grand Slam appearance since a second-round loss at Flushing Meadows in 2012. Murray, a 33-year-old from Britain who also has been ranked No. 1, won the first of his three Grand Slam titles at the 2012 U.S. Open. He is working his way back from two hip operations and has not played in an official event since the Davis Cup last November. The WTA and ATP tours were suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The women’s tour resumed this week in Palermo, Italy; the first men’s tournament is later this month. The U.S. Open is scheduled to start Aug. 31 without spectators. Other women’s wild-card recipients: Usue Arconada, CiCi Bellis, Francesca Di Lorenzo, Caroline Dolehide, Ann Li, Robin Montgomery and Whitney Osuigwe. The other men’s wild cards went to: Ulises Blanch, Maxime Cressy, Sebastian Korda, Thai-Son Kwiatkowski, Michael Mmoh, Brandon Nakashima and JJ Wolf. ___ More AP tennis: apnews.com/tag/apf-Tennis.....»»
No rest for Magsayo
Former WBC featherweight champion Mark Magsayo is taking no break for the holidays and was set to jump back into training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles yesterday after knocking out Isaac Avelar in his 130-pound debut last weekend. It didn’t take long for Magsayo to dispose of Avelar who went down twice in the third round and had to be stretchered out of the ring......»»
Stock markets dip as US inflation comes into view
Stock markets drifted lower on Monday as investors eyed the release this week of key US inflation data that could guide Federal Reserve plans for interest rates going into the new year. Oil prices fell nearly two percent before bouncing higher and then sliding back lower as dealers awaited a delayed meeting of OPEC and its allies to decide over output levels. With Wall Street seeing little action at the back of last week owing to the Thanksgiving break, traders had few catalysts to drive action, though analysts were upbeat about the end of the year. "Although there isn't much buying interest at the moment, it's more notable that there still isn't much selling interest," said Briefing.com analyst Patrick O'Hare. The retreat in equities comes after a recent run-up across world stock markets fuelled by bets the US central bank has finished lifting interest rates as inflation comes down and the jobs market comes off the boil. Expectations that the Federal Reserve is done with hiking rates continued to weigh on the dollar Monday. The main focus this week is the release Thursday of the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation. "These numbers will be closely scrutinized for insights into inflation trends and their potential implications for monetary policy decisions," said SPI Asset Management's Stephen Innes. "While the current backdrop does not signify 'mission accomplished' in terms of addressing inflation, policymakers must now focus on planning for the next phase of the economic battle." Still, observers were upbeat about the outlook, with the latest weakness blamed on traders taking a breather after a strong month. Tony Sycamore, at IG Group, said early December could see some selling as investors "rebuild energy and (look) to set up for the end-of-year fireworks". Others said a drop in Wall Street's VIX "fear gauge" -- a measure of equity volatility -- to its lowest since January 2020 suggested investors were getting their mojo back. Eyes are also on developments at OPEC after the group and its allies, notably Russia, delayed a meeting aimed at agreeing production quotas, with some African countries said to be baulking at Saudi Arabian calls for more cuts. The group is thought to be close to reaching an agreement that could see the Saudis and Russia extend output reductions into the new year. OANDA analyst Craig Erlam said the OPEC+ group has shown in the past it usually can get a deal done, even if Saudi Arabia and Russia need shoulder bigger cuts. "But the question is how far they'll push it, given the recent trend in oil prices and increasing concerns around global growth next year," said Erlam. Crude prices have fallen in recent weeks as demand is seen coming down owing to slowing economies, particularly China's, and the Middle East conflict appears to not have expanded to include other countries in the region. Key figures around 1630 GMT New York - DOW: DOWN 0.2 percent at 35,338.58 points London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.4 percent at 7,460.70 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.4 percent at 7,265.49 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.4 percent at 15,966.37 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.4 percent at 4,354.41 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.5 percent at 33,447.67 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.2 percent at 17,525.06 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.3 percent at 3,031.70 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0935 from $1.0922 Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2611 from $1.2585 Euro/pound: DOWN at 86.70 pence from 86.79 pence Dollar/yen: DOWN at 148.94 from 149.56 yen West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.1 percent at $75.44 per barrel Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.3 percent at $80.36 per barrel .....»»
Molina, Gonzaga shine in wild Cignal-F2 finish; NxLed scores 2nd straight win
Seasoned aces Ces Molina and Jovelyn Gonzaga take over as the Cignal HD Spikers slip past the F2 Cargo Movers in a thrilling PVL windup.....»»
What is push bike and why is it hot in Cebu?
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Push bike is one rising sport in Cebu. Competitions have been held almost every month in the past year, and kids—and their parents— are starting to get hooked into this fast rising grassroots sport. So what is push bike? According to Vince Torrefranca, a member of Team ARK of Cebu, push bike is.....»»
U.S. mass shooting suspect dead
The suspect in a mass shooting that killed 18 people in the US state of Maine has been found dead, the state’s governor said Friday, ending a two-day manhunt that mobilized hundreds of law enforcement agents and set jittery residents of the northeastern state on edge. Robert Card, a 40-year-old Army reservist, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and his body was discovered at 7:45 p.m., Maine public safety commissioner Mike Sauschuck said. Card’s body was found in Lisbon Falls, southeast of Lewiston near the Androscoggin River, authorities said. US media said his body was found near a recycling center that was Card’s place of employment before he lost his job there. Roads leading to the site were blocked by police Friday evening, an Agence France-Presse journalist saw. Sauschuck said he could not immediately say when Card shot himself. Earlier Friday, law enforcement agents deployed along the Androscoggin River — near where Card’s white SUV was found — and divers using sonar entered the river to look for evidence — or a body. “I’m breathing a sigh of relief tonight knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone,” governor Janet Mills told a hastily called news conference. Card is believed to be the perpetrator of a rampage on Wednesday evening that left 18 people dead and 13 others wounded in a bowling alley and a bar-restaurant in this hard-scrabble city. The shooting — and Card’s fugitive status — had brought dread to southern Maine over the past two days. Authorities had described Card as “armed and dangerous.” WITH AFP The post U.S. mass shooting suspect dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
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......»»
Spotify, PPOPCON driving global appetite for P-pop
In the past five years, the P-Pop genre has experienced remarkable growth, captivating audiences with its impressive visual cues, coupled with infectious beats and compelling narratives. From PPOPCON captivating audiences two years in a row to Spotify driving an over 800-percent increase in daily P-Pop streams since 2018, the genre is fast becoming a global genre to watch. According to Blackstar Entertainment, producer of PPOPCON Manila 2023, and PPOPCON executive director Jon Pinto, “The success of PPOPCON 2023 and growth of the P-Pop community has been overwhelming, and together with Spotify, the future holds endless possibilities for P-Pop music for the rest of the year.” With more than 9,000 attendees at PPOPCON 2023, Spotify continues to see the appetite for more of the genre all year round. The especially curated P-Pop On The Rise playlist witnessed a 36-percent surge in streams, connecting artists with fans and enabling music discovery. [caption id="attachment_200891" align="aligncenter" width="306"] THE growth of the P-pop community has been overwhelming the past years, with fans from all ages. | Photographs courtesy of Spotify[/caption] Attendees to the event were also treated to exclusive Spotify online content and exciting on-ground activities that made them feel closer to their P-Pop idols. The phenomenal growth of P-Pop is a testament to the talent and dedication of Filipino artists. Leading the pack is SB19, whose powerful vocals and show-stopping performances have earned them over 2.7 million monthly streams on Spotify. Joining the ranks of top talents for 2023 are RADAR artists ALAMAT, BINI and RADAR alumni BGYO. Solo acts like FELIP, Josh Cullen and PABLO are also making waves. Emerging P-Pop artists KAIA, VXON and G22 add to the list of promising acts, leading to an impressive 250-percent increase in streams on Spotify since early this year. SB19’s track “GENTO” has now surpassed 46 million streams on Spotify. Other notable tracks gaining traction on the platform include G22’s BANG and “Maharani” by Alamat, and “Wild Tonight” by Josh Cullen. The post Spotify, PPOPCON driving global appetite for P-pop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community
Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao - In a significant stride towards ensuring equal rights and protection for the LGBTQIA+ community, the Municipal Council of Panglima Sugala has passed a comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance, No. 001. This landmark decision comes after a series of campaigns, highlighting the pressing need for safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Bangsamoro region, amidst increasing acts of violence and discrimination. HUMAN RIGHTS Caravan headed by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Philippines, along with Google, Commission on Human Rights and implemented by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. The urgency to address the plight of the LGBTQIA+ community was also recognized by the Bangsamoro Parliament through resolutions 524 and 526 in 2021, which called for a thorough investigation into instances of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Emphasizing the significance of these resolutions, they are expected to contribute towards protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals from illegal acts, while preventing discrimination, harassment, and inhumane treatment. Human Rights Training/Workshop lead by Mujer LGBT+ Organisation. Bangsamoro Region has been marked by a series of reported cases of LGBTQIA+ members being subjected to harassment, physical attacks, and even murder in recent years. The passage of this ordinance is seen as a crucial step towards curbing these acts of violence and promoting tolerance, acceptance, and equality within the community.The passage of the ordinance was spearheaded by Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali, with support from the Mujer LGBT+ Organization, the Commission on Human Rights, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany through their Human Rights Caravan program. The collaborative efforts of these organizations and individuals have been instrumental in ensuring the successful enactment of this legislation along with the members of the Municipal legislative council. This landmark passage was welcomed by the Executive Director of Mujer LGBT+ Organisation Alvin ''Toni Gee'' Fernandez, saying "Our organization is overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing the news of the passage of the landmark law. For years, we have dedicated ourselves tirelessly to create a safe and inclusive space for the Moro LGBTQIA+ community in Bangsamoro. The importance of anti-discrimination ordinances has never been more crucial than now. We firmly believe that these measures serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where every Moro individual is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of our community, and we will continue our unwavering commitment to championing equality and justice for all in Bangsamoro." Panglima Sugala Municipal Government Officials with Mujer LGBT+ Organisation What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the lack of a national anti-discrimination law in the Philippines, which has remained unresolved in the Congress for the past 24 years. This void has left LGBTQIA+ communities reliant on local legislation for protection and deprived them of their basic human rights for decades. The passage of this ordinance is a strong message that local communities are determined to initiate change and create an inclusive and safe environment for all. Panglima Sugala Municipality - Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance No. 001 Under the newly enacted anti-discrimination ordinance, the LGBTQIA+ community in Panglima Sugala will be afforded vital protection against all forms of discrimination, including denial of access to public services, education, employment, and healthcare due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The ordinance also empowers victims of discrimination to seek legal redress by providing a clear avenue to file complaints and ensuring the enforcement of penalties against offenders. ''Whether people agree with it or not, it is a fact that people with different SOGIEs are humans as well. They deserve protection along with every Filipino in the Philippines. The passage of this ordinance is sending a message of inclusivity and acceptance to my colleagues in the Bangsamoro region. It shows that Panglima Sugala local government recognizes the rights and needs of all sectors of society, including those with varying SOGIEs and those living with HIV. By enacting this ordinance, we hope to set a precedent and inspire other municipalities in the Bangsamoro region to follow suit and implement similar measures to protect the rights of marginalized groups.'' - Vice Mayor Sahali strongly affirmed. Panglima Sugala Vice Mayor Dayang Iman Sahali This historic passage of comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance No. 001 adds momentum to the ongoing struggle for equal rights in the Bangsamoro region. It is seen as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community, setting a precedent for other municipalities and cities in the region to address their own local legislation and embrace inclusivity.While this ordinance is a positive step forward, advocates and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to push for the timely passage of the national anti-discrimination bill in the Philippines Congress. The hope is that such a law will provide comprehensive protection and recognition of the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the country.As society progresses towards acknowledging and respecting the diversity of its citizens, the passage of this anti-discrimination ordinance in Panglima Sugala is a commendable milestone in the long journey towards equal rights and acceptance for all, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender identity. The post Bangsamoro Municipality Passes A Landmark Ordinance On LGBTQIA+ Community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tourism, agribusiness need prioritization — PCCI
The country’s biggest congregation of business owners in the country, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Marcos Jr. administration must focus on the industries of tourism and agribusiness as they provide opportunities to Filipinos. Apart from the two, PCCI president George Barcelon said other industries that need further push and support are IT-BPO and creative industries, manufacturing, mining, and mineral resources, considered to be ideal and attractive for local and foreign investments and could amplify the economic growth and competitiveness of the country. “Some of our neighboring countries in ASEAN have really moved fast over the past 10 years. We had been lagging them in terms of exports, investments, and trade and we could not afford to be in this situation, so we really need to review our policies for us to be attractive to local and foreign investors,” Barcelon said. He said this will be the center of discussions at the upcoming 49th Philippine Business Conference & Expo set this month, which will gather industry leaders and practitioners to provide insights and share some prospects in what an interesting discussion on policies and regulations could be to attract investors and stimulate investments in these sectors. He said tourism and agribusiness are low-hanging fruits that the government should seriously prioritize and develop as it provides many opportunities for Filipinos. In 2022, the tourism and travel industry only contributed 6.2 percent to the country’s GDP lower than 12.7 percent in 2019 prior to the pandemic. The latest data from the Department of Tourism said that from 1 January to 29 September 2023, a total of 4,005,465 visitors arrived in the country, bringing in a total of P316 billion in revenue into the government coffers and hiring 5.35 million Filipinos in tourism-related jobs. The Philippine agribusiness, on the other hand, contributed only around 8.9 percent to GDP in 2022 where in fact its contribution could actually reach 35 percent. The mining and mineral sector, meanwhile, was able to boost the country’s growth by P102B in 2020 during the pandemic while the manufacturing sector contributed 17.2 percent in 2022. “As the private sector takes the lead in mapping out plans for Vision 2050, we hope our government will focus its attention on harnessing these sectors and address the challenges that hinder the country’s economic growth. We have the competitive advantage to become a first world economy by 2050, we just have to do extra work to achieve it,” said Architect Felino Palafox Jr., who chairs the 49th PBC&E happening on 25-26 October at The Manila Hotel. This year’s conference carries the theme Vision 2050: The Philippines A First-World Economy. It will initiate discussions and gather insights from visionary leaders and policymakers on how the country, given its strategic location, natural and human capital resources, and the many advantages it has, can become one of the industrialized and developed economies by 2050. The two-day event will interestingly gather prominent business personalities, national and local executives, and international leaders. The post Tourism, agribusiness need prioritization — PCCI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fusing science and magic
If you’re like Vera Wang, and was “late” getting into the SPF game, today you may be seeing the “badges” of those carefree sunny days of worshipping the sun every time you look in the mirror. But while sunscreens and sun tints, even sun protection capsules, were not part of rituals you ever undertook for your skin, you can let the panic abate — there is hope! So I submitted to a skin analysis last year (screaming inwardly). I was in denial. I felt light years away from the creeping signs of age — fine lines, dark spots, saggy jawline. But the proof was there on the blinking screen. Yes, it screamed back at me, you should have used those sticky, smelly sun lotions your mother used to push into your hands. These days, lucky mortals have a wide range of choices for sunscreens that actually smell good and don’t leave your skin looking pasty white or coated in oily gunk. In fact, there are numerous solutions to almost every skin problem you can think of. [caption id="attachment_193222" align="aligncenter" width="525"] WEARING the Swarovski necklace from the latest collections. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SWAROVSKI[/caption] Acne is addressed by brands like, get this, Acnes, which makes zit-zapping quite a breeze; or even homegrown label Human Nature, which just came out with a Tea Tree Body Cleanser and Tea Tree Body Acne Gel for clearer skin all over. Wrinkles are battled by serums for every need, and if you have not much patience for regimens and rituals, a quick, non-invasive treatment at a reputable aesthetic center can have you feeling refreshed in no time. The era of lunchtime treatments has been food for the soul among a growing number of fans. [caption id="attachment_193225" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SWAROVSKI Afternoon Tea at Raffles Makati.[/caption] Here’s the latest in the arena of skin rejuvenation: Rejuran, a “new concept healer” made of polynucleotides, has arrived in the country courtesy of its exclusive distributor TritanMed. Polynucleotides are DNA fragments of specific size derived from wild salmon. This unique ingredient gives Rejuran its power to “make your skin young and healthy,” meaning “improved hydration, skin texture, skin elasticity and skin repair,” naturally. The injectable delivers the highly bio-compatible polynucleotides directly into the skin, and “activates the self-regenerative ability of the skin and improves the appearance of various skin concerns, such as wrinkles, scars, large pores, redness and pigmentation, etc.” [caption id="attachment_193226" align="aligncenter" width="525"] From the LUNA collection[/caption] It is, in short, the best and proven safest way to look 10 years younger, as testimonials online reveal. Other benefits of the treatment are: “promotes the secretion of collagen and restores Extra Cellular Matrix to recover thin and damaged skin inside caused by aging, while simultaneously improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles; improves pigmentation and overall brightness of the complexion, which is helpful in recovering the tonicity and luminosity of smoother skin texture.” Price-wise, it is said to cost less than the popular “lunchtime treatment” called fillers and delivers results just as quickly. Sometimes I think the multimillion-dollar world of beauty simply wants to inundate us with blurbs just so we will feel a raging need to get that glass skin, wing-tipped eyes and long, outrageous lashes. It’s a good thing science gives us an opportunity to have these “transformative” qualities, just like magic. [caption id="attachment_193227" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ANA Gonzales of Havaianas Philippines.[/caption] Shine on An afternoon tea worth a sip is one that is currently being served at the Raffles Makati’s The Writers Bar. Aptly described as “a shimmering fusion of history and luxury, the Swarovski Afternoon Tea was unveiled on 27 September with Swarovski’s latest collections on display. The new pieces, coming in bright jewel tones of green, pink and blue, were designed by Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, who was inspired by “multiple worlds.” Also, science and magic met in this latest output, from “Idyllia’s secret gardens filled with wondrous creatures, or Luna’s star-covered skies illuminated by crescent moons.” See for yourself the exquisite Swarovski’s unmistakable “shapes of Dextera” and “the show-stopping cuts of Mesmera.” Luna is the newest collection to date, and for sun-worshippers, perhaps a little foray into the darker realms will balance it out, giving “mystical energy” amid too much reality. Raffles Makati’s executive chef Bela Rieck presented the afternoon tea, with delicacies like “green mango tart with sea grapes, seared tuna with mango cilantro salsa for the culinary art tier, and desserts like the crystal glazed reinvented raspberry, white wine coconut spritzer and a mesmerizing crystal-inspired praline.” The special afternoon tea is available until 30 November. [caption id="attachment_193228" align="aligncenter" width="320"] COLOR and comfort in new slides.PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF HAVAIANAS[/caption] Slide into comfort and color It’s here: the Havaianas Slides are the newest way to walk on the side of style. Wear it anywhere, even at the Mansion Sports Bar, and feel the comfort and cool all at once. A cushioned footbed and slip-resistant sole are pluses for this fashionable footwear option. The post Fusing science and magic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Five things to know about Pope Francis’ Synod
Pope Francis opened the Synod of Bishops' general assembly in Rome on Wednesday, which in a historic first gives women a vote, after a vast global consultation on the future Catholic Church. Here are five things to know about the event: Input from faithful Since 2021, the world's 1.3 billion Catholics have been invited to express their views on the Catholic Church and its challenges to help guide the institution through the 21st century. The "Synod on Synodality" was launched by Francis, 86, as a way to make the Church more inclusive and transparent as it sought input from the faithful around the world. Insights from local dioceses were submitted to episcopal conferences, all contributing to a 50-page working document called the "Instrumentum Laboris" that will be used during the discussions that will take place over the next four weeks. A second session of the assembly is scheduled for October 2024, after which a final document will be given to the pope. He will then decide whether or not to incorporate its findings into a papal document known as an apostolic exhortation. "It's an important forum for reflection for the Church, on its way of being, of moving forward," Italian priest Giacomo Costa, the special secretary of this assembly, told AFP. 21st-century issues The current Synod is the first time the Vatican has waded into so many of today's contentious social issues so openly. The topics to be addressed include the place of LGBT+ people within the Church, whether women should be ordained deacons, and whether married men can serve as priests in regions with insufficient clergy, among others. While there has been consensus on some issues, "there are other issues on which we disagree in substance," said Costa. Contributing to discussions will be theologians, experts, and sociologists, he said. Women and laypeople The Synod is a consultative institution created by Pope Paul VI in 1965 that meets regularly through assemblies. Francis presided over three previous Synods: those of the Family in 2014-2015, Youth in 2018, and Amazonia 2019 -- where he rejected a proposal to open up the priesthood to married men in remote areas of the Amazon. The current Synod marks a major break from the past, however, with Francis' decision to allow women and lay people to vote. "It's a total change from Paul VI: this time, the people of God are being summoned, not representatives," a Vatican observer told AFP. The source said the laymen and women in the assembly will be trying to push past the "ecclesiastic culture" pervading the event. "They won't be satisfied with good words, there will be a demand for procedure, the will to change, efficiency," said the source. Busy calendar For four weeks, the 464 participants, including 365 voting members, will meet every day, divided into 35 working groups divided into five languages (English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese). Among them are 54 women. The Synod will open and close with a mass presided over by Francis in St. Peter's Basilica and will be marked by periods of prayer. Francis said last month that discussions during the assembly will be behind closed doors to "safeguard" the synodal climate. Dissent Although Francis has warned that there is "no room for ideology in the Synod", there are likely to be differences. Vatican observers will be closely watching the conservative wing of the Church, which is hostile to the Argentine pope. Its members, which include Germany's Cardinal Gerhard Mueller and US Cardinal Raymond Burke, maintain that Francis risks creating confusion and division in the Church, given the Synod's reflections on possible doctrinal changes on thorny issues such as gay rights or celibacy. The post Five things to know about Pope Francis’ Synod appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China to make Mobile Legends debut in M5 Wild Card
Moonton Games has announced the final region joining the M5 wild card in Malaysia this November: China......»»
United States auto strike expands with 7,000 more workers joining
Another 7,000 members of the biggest US automobile workers' union on Friday joined its already major strike against the country's "Big Three" Detroit car manufacturers. The latest walkouts leave a total of some 25,000 workers on strike in 21 states -- or around 17 percent of the United Auto Workers' membership. UAW president Shawn Fain said the latest members to join the strike were at two plants in Chicago and Michigan, who downed tools at 1600 GMT. "Our courageous members at these two plants are the next wave of reinforcements in our fight for record contracts," Fain said. The industrial action is the first-ever joint strike at the major automakers -- Ford, GM, and Chrysler producer Stellantis -- in a push for higher salaries and other improvements. Fain noted however that he would not call on additional members to suspend their activity at Stellantis due to "significant progress" on several points currently under discussion. Fain mentioned a mechanism for adjusting salaries to the cost of living as well as the right to strike in the event of a site closure or relocation announcement by the manufacturer. The union has asked for a 40 percent pay raise over the next four-year contract, while the three companies have been offering raises of around 20 percent. It's also been negotiating to represent workers at battery plants planned by Ford, which the auto giant has so far resisted. UAW has used the targeted strike, which began on September 15, as a bargaining chip, ramping up the pressure on the three automakers in a bid to reach a deal. holding the deal hostage Ford President Jim Farley, who has remained relatively silent until now, came out strongly Friday against Fain's negotiating tactics. "I believe we could have reached a compromise on pay and benefits, but so far the UAW is holding the deal hostage over battery plants," he told reporters. Fain later hit back. "I don’t know why Jim Farley is lying about the state of negotiations. It could be because he failed to show up for bargaining this week, as he has for most of the past ten weeks," he said. "If he were there, he’d know we gave Ford a comprehensive proposal on Monday and still haven’t heard back." Ford recently paused construction at one of its plants and warned it may have to scale back its ambitions for the project. Stellantis said in a statement it has been "intensely working with the UAW to find solutions to the issues that are of most concern to our employees while ensuring the company can remain competitive." "We have made progress in our discussions, but gaps remain," it said, adding it was committed to reaching "a fair and responsible agreement that gets everyone back to work as soon as possible." The strike gets political The strike has ramped up the significance of Michigan's swing state status in the 2024 presidential election. Earlier this week, Joe Biden became the first sitting US president to stand on a picket line, joining UAW members in Michigan in a bold pitch for blue-collar votes against likely election rival Donald Trump. Wearing a UAW baseball cap, the Democrat used a bullhorn to tell red-shirted workers they deserved "a hell of a lot more than what you're getting." Trump's Republican party is typically hostile toward unions, though is often able to pick up significant numbers of working-class votes. Trump spoke at a non-union auto facility in the Detroit suburbs saying that he wants "a future that protects American labor, not foreign labor." On Friday, Fain called Biden's visit a "historic day." "The most powerful man in the world shows up for one reason only," he said. "Because our solidarity is the most powerful force in the world." "When we stand together united in the cause of economic and social justice, there's nothing we can't do," he added. The post United States auto strike expands with 7,000 more workers joining appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brain implants could restore paralyzed patients’ arm movements
A paralyzed Swiss man has become the first person to test a new technology that reads his thoughts using AI and then transmits signals through his own nervous system to his arms, hands and fingers in order to restore movement. The treatment, a combination of a brain-computer interface and a spinal implant, had previously allow a paraplegic patient to walk again, a breakthrough that was published in the scientific journal Nature in May. But this is the first time it's being used for "upper extremity function," Onward, the Dutch company behind it, said Wednesday. "The mobility of the arm is more complex," surgeon Jocelyne Bloch, who carried out the implantation procedures, told AFP. Though walking comes with its own challenges -- notably balance -- "the musculature of the hand is quite fine, with many different small muscles activated at the same time for certain movements," she said. The patient, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a 46-year-old who lost the use of his arms after a fall. Two operations were carried out last month at the Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland. The first involved removing a small piece of cranial bone and inserting in its place the brain implant, which was developed by the French group CEA-Clinatec and measures a few centimeters in diameter. In the second, surgeons placed a stimulator roughly the size of a credit card developed by Onward inside the patient's abdomen, and connected it through electrodes to the top of his spinal column. The brain-computer interface (BCI) records brain signals and decodes them using artificial intelligence to make sense of the patient's intentions, acting as a "digital bridge" to send these instructions on to the spinal cord stimulator. "It's going well so far," said Bloch, who co-founded Onward and is a consultant for the company. "We are able to record brain activity, and we know that the stimulation works," she said. "But it is too early to talk about what progress he has made. " Still in training The patient is still in the training phase, teaching his brain implant to recognize the different desired movements. The movements will then have to be practiced many times before they can become natural. The process will take a few months, according to Dr. Bloch. Two more patients are scheduled to participate in this clinical trial, and the full results will be published later. Spinal cord stimulation has already been used in the past to successfully move paralyzed patients' arms, but without reading their thoughts by pairing it with a brain implant. And brain implants have already been used so that a patient can control an exoskeleton. The Battelle research organization used a brain implant to restore movement in a patient's arm -- through a sleeve of electrodes placed on the forearm, stimulating the muscles required from above. "Onward is unique in our focus on restoring movement in people who have paralysis by stimulating the spinal cord," the company's CEO Dave Marver told AFP, adding the technology could be commercialized by the end of the decade. Brain implants were long trapped in the realm of science fiction, but the field is now rapidly growing thanks to firms like Synchron and Elon Musk's Neuralink. They are working on having paralyzed patients to control computers through thought, restoring for example the ability to write. The post Brain implants could restore paralyzed patients’ arm movements appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports
The former Office for Transportation Security chief lambasted the cultural decay in the airport security teams that allows negligent screeners to continue working there, this before he could begin an internal purge. Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, who resigned from his post over the airport screener caught on closed-circuit television swallowing $300 bills taken from an outbound Chinese national, said the problem with airport security is “more than systemic, it is cultural.” “There was the problem with ‘tanim-bala.’ Maybe the problems were not highlighted in the past because no one was caught. Based on our records, for the past several years, no one was dismissed in the OTS for violations of our disciplinary policies,” he said. Aplasca said when he was the director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, his initial task was to clear the country’s airports of the “tanim-bala” scheme, in which airport inspectors hid bullets in travelers’ luggage to extort money. “That tanim-bala was the first marching order to me by former President Duterte, and that’s where I felt his 100-percent support; that’s why, in less than one month, we were able to solve the problem,” he said. Aplasca said that before his resignation Tuesday, the OTS had initiated 68 cases against erring personnel, with at least 11 people dismissed. Found guilty Meanwhile, DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the female Security Screening Officer and three other OTS screeners involved in the cash swallowing incident last 8 September were “found guilty of stealing.” Bautista said the guilty verdict was included in the investigation report handed to him by the OTS group of investigators, which included the CCTV footage that showed the lady scanner stuffing the money into her mouth at Terminal 1’s final security checkpoint at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The four SSO screeners face administrative and criminal cases. “The investigation showed that she was guilty and swallowed the money. However, what she said in an affidavit was that it was chocolates. But the investigators saw that she was guilty,” Bautista said in Filipino in an interview with the media after a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The CCTV footage showed that at around 8:20 p.m. on 8 September, a Chinese passenger, identified only as Mr. Cai, placed his shoulder bag on the inspection tray at the final security checkpoint. After trying to promote the gateway to potential foreign investors who may want to operate the NAIA, Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident. He authorized the imposition of the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the Department of Transportation’s determined push to rid the NAIA and attached agencies of scalawags. Aplasca submitted his courtesy resignation last Tuesday, 26 September, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through DoTr Secretary Bautista after House Speaker Martin Romualdez told him to resign or the Speaker would personally block the budgets of the DoTr and OTS. Not enough Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday the resignation of Aplasca would not be enough to stop the criminal activities at the country’s airports. “A resignation at the top does not clean up the ranks,” said Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services. “More than ever, the Office of Transportation Security needs steady leadership to implement much-needed reforms,” she said. “There should be zero tolerance for criminal acts and unprofessional behavior,” she added. “While a witch hunt might put a syndicate on pause, the OTS urgently needs to review and tighten its security program,” she said. She continued: “Our airports should improve the physical layout of the security screening stations and provide proactive measures to prevent further incidents.” She also noted that the challenge now is to appoint someone with “immense political will to overhaul the agency and stop these incidents once and for all.” The senator stressed that the OTS must improve its hiring system and enforce ethics training. “Employees must undergo extensive background checks,” she said. “In the long-term, we should also look into providing better compensation and benefits to these employees so they would not be enticed to do this nonsense,” she added. The post Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The business of building stars
When it comes to the creation of stars who will either make it to Philippine Tinseltown or fall along the wayside, let us count the many expensive experiments and gambles that have been made with no assurance of a return of investment. StarStruck, the phenomenal reality-based artista search on GMA 7 and considered one of the shows that propelled the network to its number-one stature, dared teenagers and young adults “to dream, believe and survive.” After seven seasons and 538 episodes, the remaining women standing are all from the original batch: Jennylyn Mercado with her contemporary Yasmien Kurdi, Katrina Halili and the “avengers” who transferred to ABS-CBN, Cristine Reyes and lone guy Paulo Avelino. Mark Herras is now a character actor, and the “Bad Boy of the Dance Floor” tag he once had is nothing but a blast from the past. Rainier Castillo still possesses his killer smile, and that is still all he can offer. [caption id="attachment_186612" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NET 25Drei Arias.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186613" align="aligncenter" width="525"] John Heindrick[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186611" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Celyn Favid[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186615" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Patrick Roxas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186616" align="aligncenter" width="525"] NICKY Gilbert[/caption] On TV 5, Artista Academy propelled the careers of Sophie Albert and Vin Abrenica. They are married with a daughter, while their respective careers are best described as neither here nor there. Of the three major networks, the most successful in talent manufacturing and nurturing is the network Goliath that is ABS-CBN. From Star Circle Quest, first runner-up Sandara Park produced a hit song, “In or Out,” and became an international singing sensation when she went back to Korea. From the Pinoy Big Brother House came, just to mention a few, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, James Reid and Maymay Entrata. A-listers have also originated from ABS-CBN’s singing contests, such as Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Erik Santos, Darren Espanto and all the biriteras and balladeers that are regulars in the network’s Sunday noontime variety show that has outlasted all its timeslot competitors. Giving new hope and perhaps the biggest push these days to fresh talents is NET 25, which recently launched its Star Center, with 32 talents comprising the Starkada. These young finds had to undergo three months of training and workshops in acting, hosting singing and dancing. Multi-awarded actor and director Eric Quizon heads Star Center. At the presscon that presented NET 25’s fresh faces to the public, the thrilling 32 performed solos, duet, trios and various other production numbers to show off their dancing and singing skills. They also hosted the presentation and showcased their acting skills in short films directed by esteemed actor and director Ricky Davao. Of the 32, my ladies with an attitude favorites are Nicky Gilbert, who moves like a modern jazz dancer and is expensive-looking, with a beauty similar to GMA 7’s Max Collins. She would fit bida/kontrabida roles. Sofi Fermazi is a true ingénue with a melodious voice that conveyed the stories of all the songs she sang during the launch. And Celyn David is a true standout beauty in the short film she was part of where she almost had no makeup. Her elegant face will remind you of the class of Sandy Andolong and the elan of Hilda Koronel. For fellows with the perfect groove, my top pick is tall and handsome Drei Arias. Every inch of him screams leading man. John Heindrick registers handsomely as well on screen and in person, reminding us of the time when the likes of Gabby Concepcion, Albert Martinez, Alfie Anido and Matthew Mendoza were the crème dela crème of matinee idols. He can even pass for Eric Quizon’s son. Patrick Roxas is the fresh prince of the Starkada. In the short film where he played lead, his eyes were not blank or devoid of emotions, but were expressive! Roxas is the truest embodiment of an eye candy. To the 32 new stars of NET 25, your talent and luck factor are the basic reasons why you are “in.” To prolong the adoration and madness of the fans, protect your “in” status with television shows and films that will matter and make an impact. Love what you do, be kind to the people you work with, and make sure discipline and professionalism are what will bolster your star to stellar heights. Longevity, respect and reverence in showbiz requires more than the usual good looks and sunshiny smiles. Dare to create your magic and pixie dust, sing your special songs and make your own kind of music. Dance as if there is no tomorrow, and act with sincerity and truth. The post The business of building stars appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
India’s Nipah virus outbreak: what do we know so far?
Authorities in India are scrambling to contain a rare outbreak of Nipah, a virus spread from animals to humans that causes deadly fever with a high mortality rate. Here is a look at what we know so far: What is the Nipah virus? The first Nipah outbreak was recorded in 1998 after the virus spread among pig farmers in Malaysia. The virus is named after the village where it was discovered. Outbreaks are rare but Nipah has been listed by the World Health Organization -- alongside Ebola, Zika, and Covid-19 -- as one of several diseases deserving of priority research for their potential to cause a global epidemic. Nipah usually spreads to humans from animals or through contaminated food, but it can also be transmitted directly between people. Fruit bats are the natural carriers of the virus and have been identified as the most likely cause of subsequent outbreaks. Symptoms include intense fever, vomiting, and a respiratory infection, but severe cases can involve seizures and brain inflammation that results in a coma. There is no vaccine for Nipah. Patients have a mortality rate of between 40 and 75 percent depending on the public health response to the virus, the WHO says. What has happened during previous outbreaks? The first Nipah outbreak killed more than 100 people in Malaysia and prompted the culling of one million pigs in an effort to contain the virus. It also spread to Singapore, with 11 cases and one death among slaughterhouse workers who came into contact with pigs imported from Malaysia. Since then, the disease has mainly been recorded in Bangladesh and India, with both countries reporting their first outbreaks in 2001. Bangladesh has borne the brunt in recent years, with more than 100 people dying of Nipah since 2001. Two early outbreaks in India killed more than 50 people before they were brought under control. The southern state of Kerala has recorded two deaths from Nipah and four other confirmed cases since last month. Authorities there have closed some schools and instituted mass testing. This marks Kerala's fourth recorded spate of Nipah cases in five years. The virus killed 17 people during the first instance in 2018. The state has managed to stamp out previous outbreaks within a matter of weeks through widespread testing and strict isolation of those in contact with patients. Are animal-to-human viruses becoming more frequent? Having first appeared thousands of years ago, zoonoses -- diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans -- have multiplied over the past 20 to 30 years. The growth of international travel has allowed them to spread more quickly. By occupying increasingly large areas of the planet, experts say, humans also contribute to disruption of the ecosystem and increase the likelihood of random virus mutations that are transmissible to humans. Industrial farming increases the risk of pathogens spreading between animals while deforestation heightens contact between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. By mixing more, species will transmit their viruses more, which will promote the emergence of new diseases potentially transmissible to humans. Climate change will push many animals to flee their ecosystems for more livable lands, a study published by the scientific journal Nature warned in 2022. According to estimates published in the journal Science in 2018, there are 1.7 million unknown viruses in mammals and birds, 540,000-850,000 of them with the capacity to infect humans. The post India’s Nipah virus outbreak: what do we know so far? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poe frowns on suspending SIM registration
No way should the mandated SIM card registration be suspended just because of glitches that enabled fake ID cards to slip past its system, Sen. Grace Poe said yesterday as she urged telecommunication firms to make sure they do their part well in implementing the law......»»