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Cool Smashers eye solo PVL lead
Creamline guns for the solo lead while Cignal seeks a share of it as the two collide in a battle of the giants Tuesday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena......»»
Stocks snap losing streak
Investors yesterday ended the week pushing the market back in the win column, as they finished pricing in the impact of the inflation uptick in February and a number of corporate results......»»
Andrew Moloney is new WBO Global super flyweight champion
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Former world champion Andrew Moloney is officially back in the winning column after making an easy work against Filipino Judy Flores in their World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global super flyweight title bout on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Pullman Hotel in Albert Park City, Australia. Moloney finished the 10-round regional.....»»
Bulldogs get coach s stamp of approval with bounce-back win vs Blue Eagles
NU Bulldogs head coach Jeff Napa was happy to see his players refocus on their ultimate goal in UAAP Season 86 after a tough loss to La Salle last week, as they returned to the win column with a 65-61 victory over defending champions Ateneo on Saturday......»»
BARGE RAMOS: Exponent of modern Barong Tagalog
Barge Ramos was an Atenean who wanted to pursue a career in mass communication, for which he had ample academic preparation. An initial foray into media was an engagement at ABS-CBN with its studio located on Roxas Boulevard, a few strides away from the Ramos home in the old, genteel part of Pasay. Fate, however, took him to a different path. As a college student, he encouraged his female gangmates to have their dresses made in the shop of the then young and mod designer Christian Espiritu. “We would patronize him because we admired his approach to fashion. We would save our allowance to be able to go to him and order our outfits.” From patron-client relationship, Christian and Barge would become friends, and the designer who was very busy designing the ternos and gowns of then First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, asked Barge if he was interested in joining his atelier as an apprentice. Barge accepted the offer and never looked back. A few weeks ago, Barge and I had dinner at Malate’s famed original Spanish restaurant, Casa Armas, where he gamely acquiesced to my unscheduled “interview” as I had realized that the Linggo ng Kasuotang Pilipino was forthcoming. This week then, as we celebrate Philippine costume, I am sharing with you my conversation with the gentleman couturier who dedicated his professional designing life to the preservation and continuous elevation of the Barong Tagalog as our national gentleman’s attire. Our conversation follows: DAILY TRIBUNE (DT): Coming from your apprenticeship with Christian Espiritu, tell me about how you got started on your own. BARGE RAMOS (BR): It was actually my friends who prodded me to open my first shop on Leon Guinto St. in Malate, several blocks away from Christian Espiritu’s atelier. Friends supported me as they were my first clients, plus a wedding job all at once. Being young and hopeful, I tried doing a few ready-to-wear lines for SM Makati and Cinderella, while maintaining a made-to-order client base. [caption id="attachment_190034" align="aligncenter" width="719"] BARGE Ramos[/caption] DT: What were your early projects involving indigenous Filipino costume? BR: In 1981, my fellow designers and I formed the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP), and for the two gala shows that year, we focused on Philippine-inspired fashion. I designed Barong-inspired tunics for women, photo silkscreened with t’nalak patterns and real t’nalak hip belts tied with gold like obi belts. Our honorary chairperson Imee Marcos bought a few of my pieces. Chairman of the board Ernest Santiago called me the next day, saying, “Barge, you’ve arrived.” DT: It’s interesting that you forged a creative path different from the other young designers. BR: That’s how I chose the path in my career, by finding new and newer ways of re-inventing the Barong Tagalog. As Joey Espino would tell in later years, “That’s your DNA.” I even did some cotton Barong Tunics for women, with matching loose cotton pants, an all-white collection, followed by a pastel-colored collection for SM Makati. DT: But you did not only focus on your designing. You also led some industry projects. You have done many things that other designers have not tried or even attempted to try. BR: The ‘80s and the ‘90s were my very active years in fashion. I became the third president of the FDAP and created “Bodyshots Modeling Competition,” originally an all-male competition in two levels, amateur and professional divisions. It was a big hit and it continued for several years with the FDAP at the helm. In 2008 I wrote a coffee table book, Pinoy Dressing Weaving Culture into Fashion, which was a condensed version of the fashion column I wrote for a Malaya newspaper, Pinoy Dressing, which ran for about three to four years. Anvil, the sister company of National Bookstore, published the book, which won a “Gintong Aklat” Award for the publisher. DT: How does one recognize a barong Tagalog by Barge Ramos? BR: I don’t have a signature Barge Ramos barong design, as my aesthetics have evolved through the years. A few years ago, Christian Espiritu told me, “You’re a good designer but you’re a late bloomer.” I really didn’t understand what he meant since Christian was always opinionated on everything. Perhaps he liked my later designs, comparing me to this and that designer. DT: Does designing run in your family? BR: There were two other designers among the Ramoses. One was Danilo Franco, whose father was a first cousin of my Dad. The second one was the late Boying Eustaquio, whose mother was my father’s sibling. DT: What has been your forte? What do you love creating? BR: We’ve made ternos and Barong tunics for women. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I did a line of ready-to-wear cotton Barong tunics and pants for SM Boutique Square in the ‘80s. DT: Any celebrity and VIP clients you are proud of? BR: We did several shirt jacks for the late President Ferdinand Marcos during the ‘80s. Imee Marcos, then an assemblywoman, bought a few of our barong tunics and skirts. We’ve done several barongs for Manny Pangilinan and former President Joseph Estrada, and then, when she was vice president, Gloria Arroyo. But most of our clients are very private persons, many of them businessmen, balikbayans and doctors. DT: How would you describe the evolution of the Filipiniana attire? BR: Filipiniana has always been there, but people mostly associated it with the rich and powerful in society. Nowadays, Filipiniana has seeped down to all levels of society and younger people are getting the hang of it and have interpreted it to fit their sub-culture. I’ve also observed that Filipinos living abroad appreciate it more, probably to assert their identity more in the face of other nationalities. DT: Finally, what can you say about the bolder, more imaginative interpretations of Filipiniana? BR: Fashion always has its quirks and oddities. Designers tend to push the limits and boundaries of Filipiniana in the attempt of creating contemporary looks and trends. One doesn’t have to “like” them but simply look at them and appreciate the designer’s creativity that went into them. Style is a matter of taste. But good taste can sometimes be difficult to ingrain in young minds. The post BARGE RAMOS: Exponent of modern Barong Tagalog appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Many barangay posts in BARMM uncontested
As the October barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections draw near, we wrote about the apprehension of the authorities over the conduct of the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. The Philippine National Police has statistics on several towns flagged as possible election “hot spots.” In fact, they have asked for a postponement of the elections in those areas, but the Commission denied this despite documented incidents of election-related violence. But just as there are conflict areas, there are an almost equal number of barangays where peace is expected to prevail. There will be no contest in those barangays as the candidates will run unopposed. While this could taint the democratic process as the right of citizens to choose their leaders will be somehow restricted, it is still a welcome development. How does this work? This needs the intervention of the patriarchs of families, the elders of the village, and city or town executives. What is essential is to resort to what local tribes (among Maranaws) call “musawarah,” which is Arabic in origin, and “musyawarah,” which is the Malay word for consultation or dialogue. Contending candidates engage in dialogue to find common ground for agreement to avoid a socially, financially, and politically costly election. In the case of a barangay where one family numerically dominates, they choose by rotation from among the siblings or family leaders who will be the Punong Barangay. The other positions, like barangay councilor or kagawad, secretary, treasurer, etc., are equally divided among themselves. And there is an equitable distribution of the salaries and whatever largesse the barangay will receive from the government and local projects. In contested barangays, the town mayor offers a hefty sum to the party running against his chosen candidate and promises a monthly allowance and other assistance. By buying off the different bets, the mayor gets the full support of the barangay, with the Punong Barangay acting as his political operator when the mayoral elections come around. Experience tells us that the mayor, supported by most Punong Barangays, gets to perpetuate his dynastic family in power. This is also one way of settling “rido” or family feuds that are a side issue during elections. Through back channeling and having a common candidate and slate, families that for years were involved in “rido” are open to reconciliation. A Rappler report said about “149 barangays in Maguindanao del Sur’s 24 towns have unopposed bets for barangay chair.” And local leaders are still negotiating to have more unopposed candidates in more barangays. According to local leaders, this scheme is resorted to not necessarily for partisan considerations but for peace because election rivalries are the common cause of “rido.” This is happening also in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and many other BARMM barangays. Through the efforts of provincial governors and city and town mayors, several barangays have candidates running unchallenged in October. Democrats might find this an assault on the freedom of the people to choose their leaders. They will claim that politicians manipulate the people to surrender their fundamental rights as citizens to perpetuate themselves in power and protect their dynasties. But what good is democracy if we have conflict and instability in the villages and one cannot sleep at night for fear of violence? In weighing which interest is preponderant — peace or freedom — pacifists will go for the former. This column supports the work of local leaders in BARMM to have familiar candidates for the coming elections so that lives will not be unnecessarily sacrificed on the altar of politics. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Many barangay posts in BARMM uncontested appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
FIBA: Angola blasts Gilas
An Angolan team came out to disrupt Gilas Pilipinas’ game plan and succeeded in running away with an 80-70 triumph in the FIBA Asia Cup in front of a stunned crowd of 12,784 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. Gerson Goncalves, the man who provided the spark for Angola with back-to-back treys in the second period, also keyed his team’s breakaway in the fourth period that allowed the 11-time African champion to gain firm control. Angola broke into the win column in Group A after pushing Italy to the limit in the opener. This time, the Angolans brought in a more aggressive approach on the defensive end and made things more difficult for the Filipinos. Angola survived a last-ditch rally put up by the Filipinos, who unloaded 11 straight points and came to within 68-73 with 1:12 remaining. But Gerson Domingo’s dagger three-point basket in the 47-second mark, quelled the rally, allowing Angola to escape with the win. With the loss, Gilas found themselves in a must-win situation against Italy on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Gilas had a promising start as they dictated the tempo early. By the end of the first period, Gilas were already able to rotate 10 players and took a 19-12 lead. In the second period, head coach Chot Reyes allowed young big men Kai Sotto and AJ Edu to play at the same time. The two were teammates during the Batang Gilas days four years ago and are now embracing a more challenging role in the men’s level. A Roger Pogoy basket gave Gilas their first sizable lead, 28-17, but an 11-0 run capped by back-to-back three-point baskets Goncalves allowed the Angolans to gain momentum. The post FIBA: Angola blasts Gilas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Idolizing Danny Dolor (The man I might have been if I had at least P500 million)
Here’s sharing with you Cyber Proust’s (now Proust Redux) winning piece when he joined the 2010 Philippine Star Lifestyle Journalism Contest sponsored by Rustan Commercial Corporation and the Stores Specialists, Inc. The announcement called for feature articles, as many as one could submit, about heroes, dead or alive. Cyber Proust submitted three — one about his mother; another about a blogger who tells stories about his clan and people like them, making for a good read for people interested in Philippine upper class but not necessarily high society; and this one, about Danny Dolor, Cyber Proust’s patron and benefactor when Cyber Proust had not yet declared himself rich. Here goes: My hero, my icon, the man I’d rather be When people are asked who they want to be if they ever get the chance to live their lives all over again, they almost always say they want to be the same person. If you ask me the same question, I’d have the same answer, only because I want to keep the same set of parents. But if I could keep my Dad and Mom, and still be someone else, I’d look at you straight in the eye, and declare, I want to be Danny Dolor. I can think of a hackneyed thousand and one reasons why I prefer to breathe and eat and live like Sir Danny, but let me stick to the quintessential five. First, he is rich which we all want to be. He is an art lover which I profess to be. He is a trailblazer even if he is a Libran who prefers balance, while I am an Arian who always wants to be the first. He was a good son who took care of his mother in her old age, which every good son should do especially if he were single. I am single, but I was always away from home, too busy changing and finding writing jobs. The closest I got to emulating Sir Danny was spending endless nights conversing with my mother whenever I was home during Christmas breaks. Sir Danny, on the other hand, never travelled abroad because he wanted to be by his mother’s side every night of the year. When he visited Lipa, their hometown, he would pick up his mobile phone to check on his mother and sister Fe in their Makati home, rattling off his orders to their yaya — check their temperature, don’t forget the medicine after their merienda, and so on. Finally, Danny Dolor is a good Catholic who hears Sunday Mass, fingers his beads when in the car, and joins the procession on Good Friday beside his own Mater Dolorosa. How I wish I could give away lands on which to build churches, donate thousands of portfolio bags for priests attending their annual convention, and build a museum in honor of a townsman, Alfredo Maria Obviar, who may yet be the first Filipino bishop to be beatified and, in God’s time, canonized. First conversation I am lucky to have an icon whom I have seen up close. I have seen Danny Dolor when he goes into a trance as he describes his first conversation with National Artist Atang de la Rama, to whom he became a friend and confidante, or fits of laughter as he recalls the usually funny repartee between his friends Sylvia La Torre and Oscar Obligacion when the latter was still alive. For all the secrets and fun times we have shared, I stick to calling him Sir as I did the first time I interviewed him in his thickly-carpeted, air-conditioned and perfume-smelling den. I had known about the man before I ever met him. I knew about his Tribung Pinoy which concertized all over the country in the late 1970s all the way to the mid 1980’s. I never saw them perform in person, but I read about Danny Dolor and his gang of sopranos, tenors and baritones who rendered their harana, danza, balitaw and, of course, kundiman, in schools and churches, and quixotic venues like the Culion Leper Colony in Palawan, the mental hospital and the women’s correctional where the patients and inmates cried, sang, danced and thanked him because no one ever came to sing for them. The path-breaking Danny Dolor also produced the first ever concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring an all-Filipino-traditional-music repertoire. Danny Dolor’s house, at that time when I interviewed him, was along Tamarind corner Banaba in uppity Forbes Park. In the den, paintings, sculptures, plaques, and trophies vied for the attention of first-time guests. I immediately liked a Zalameda portrait of a basketball player, but what impressed me was a plaque with Latin inscriptions which, my host explained to me, was his papal award. He next brought me to the lanai, thrice as large as the den, where beside the lacquered opium bed stood a gigantic St. Joseph. He showed me a life-size oil portrait of Charito Solis, Ramon Valera ternos worn by Gloria Romero and his sister Fe, and original drawings of Darna by Mars Ravelo. The man, who knows his art, takes pride in his penchant for everything Filipino. It is an interest that goes a long way back to his childhood during the Japanese occupation. In the family hacienda where they evacuated, he listened to the farmers sing native songs. In grade one a year or two later, the young Danny sang Bayan Ko before his classmates, to the shock of the teacher who probably expected Jack and Jill. When Sir Danny was in grade school, he watched Filipino films in the movie houses along Rizal Avenue. As a high school student, he listened to the Mabuhay singers over the radio. In college, he watched Tawag ng Tanghalan on television. Is it any wonder that he should mount a best-selling exhibit of movie ads from the golden years of Philippine cinema? Or that he has maintained, for more than ten years, a column in the Philippine Star, “Remember When?” featuring the movie stars and great musical talents of yesteryears? Danny Dolor is unique in that he straddles the worlds of show business and high society, which many find incompatible. Not with him who has produced movies, including Indie films, and concert tributes honoring luminaries of the silver screen like Director Hermogenes Ilagan and movie queen Carmen Rosales. His involvement in the upper strata, on the other hand, is never without a good reason. For example, he collaborated with the socialite businesswoman Nedy Tantoco in organizing the best-selling Ramon Valera retrospective exhibit. If he is chummy with the grand dame Imelda Cojuangco that’s because he is a loyal and trusted officer the Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion, of which she is the chair. Every year, come Feast of the Immaculate Conception, they gather hundreds of children from depressed areas to receive their first holy communion. Imagine the mix For all of these, he takes a break from his duties as chairman of various companies that include a hospital, hotel, educational institution, bank and subdivisions. Imagine the mix — movies, music, church, business and high society. And he dances the Rigodon too. How can one not desire such completeness? There’s something though he’d rather not be said about him. In my times of need, he does not hide under his canopied bed, and in the milestones of my life, he gives me a thick red envelope. Once I ran out of cash to pay my rent, I called him up and told him that if only I could touch the tip of his pants, I was sure to have what I needed. Scolding me first for being such a cheap copy of the woman in the bible, he said Yes to my pleadings, while reminding me to help him prepare another souvenir program for yet another concert tribute for another forgotten gem of Philippine music. The man does not believe in outright charity. Not to me, anyway. And while he is patient with me, he insists that I “fix” my life for “all these things you delight in will soon come to pass” and “if you do not take care of yourself, who will?” and so on. From his mother, he passes on a classic gem, “Never do anything that people will notice from afar,” a rough translation of “Huwag kang gagawa ng kahit anong matatanaw mula sa malayo.” In short, don’t be a show-off. My hero and icon, Danny Dolor, is not only a model for living the successful and well-lived life that I dream about. He is also a saviour, a mentor and an angel who, despite the “professional distance” we keep between us as a “client” and as a “talent,” if the relationship must breed results, has come closest to being my “Tito” and best friend. Sir Danny will not be pleased with this article. He will think that I need to borrow money from him again. The post Idolizing Danny Dolor (The man I might have been if I had at least P500 million) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino fashion brilliance at SONA 2023
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) turned into a spectacular fashion extravaganza as politicians, their significant others and esteemed guests graced the red carpet in stunning ensembles, capturing the attention of the nation. Behind the sparkle and splendor of this grand affair were the brilliant minds and artistic souls of Filipino designers who brought their enchantment to life, turning the SONA fashion into an absolute triumph. The Batasang Pambansa was transformed into a runway of style expressions, a welcome sight amidst the gravity and solemnity of the political event where the President will present his first-year report to Filipinos. [caption id="attachment_161835" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ALBERT Raqueno’s hand-painted barong inspired by Andres Bonifacio.[/caption] Leading the pack of top designers who dressed the powerful and influential was Michael Leyva, whose about 100 ensembles garnered attention from the moment they hit the red carpet. Among the notable personalities who donned his creations were Senator Mark Villar’s wife, Atty. Emmeline Aglipay, in a white draped modern Filipiniana; Congresswoman Len Alonte, exuding elegance in a French lace white tasseled couture Filipiniana gown; Angelica Alita Revilla, the wife of Jolo Revilla, draped in a Filipiniana gown with floral applique details; and Senator Nancy Binay, who stunned in a vision in white gown, accentuated with her mother’s jewelry and organza sheer details. Senator Koko Pimentel’s wife, Ma. Anna Kathryna Pimentel, also made heads turn with her elegant appearance. In addition to the roster, Heart Evangelista, an actress and fashion influencer, was in a breathtaking cutout white column gown with embellished pearls and crystals. Ivar Aseron unveiled a stunning banig terno jumpsuit that was exquisitely embellished by Senator Chiz Escudero’s wife Heart Evangelista, deviating from the norm during the opening ceremonies of the Senate. [gallery columns="5" size="full" ids="161837,161838,161839,161840,161841"] Puey Quiñones displayed his expertise with Sandro Marcos, the representative of Ilocos Norte’s 1st District, who stood out thanks to his simple yet attractive barong outfit. The talented designer’s modern floral Filipiniana made for Marga Nograles, wife of Civil Service Commission chair Karlo Nograles, looked stunning. The event’s centerpieces included Jhobes Estrella’s works, but Senator Koko Pimentel’s wife once again stole the show in a stunning emerald Filipiniana gown. Ladylyn Riva, the wife of Congressman Irwin Tieng, made a fashion statement with her choice of blue Filipiniana, while Congresswoman Ruth Marian Hernandez of Laguna dazzled in a white Filipiniana attire. [gallery columns="5" size="full" ids="161842,161843,161844,161845,161846"] The next in the fashion line-up was Rajo Laurel, who gave the Philippine Senate’s opening a graceful air by dressing Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s wife, Audrey Tan Zubiri, in an embroidered garden terno. Randy Ortiz showcased his talent as Senator Nancy Binay donned a fully embroidered Filipiniana terno in pale powder blue, adorned with dove gray geometric senepa abstract patterns and gilded calado/lubid accents all over. Completing her ensemble was a cerulean Beatrice clutch bag, adding a touch of elegance to her overall look. [caption id="attachment_161882" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Senator Loren Legarda in a Patis Tesoro ensemble. | PHOTOGRAPH BY DIANNE BACELONIA FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE[/caption] Joel Acebuche drew inspiration from the Philippine weaving tradition, translating it into a modern baro’t saya for Senator Risa Hontiveros. The senator looked stunning in a hand-embroidered piña calado, woven by the skilled women weavers of Lumban, with the bodice made of piña fabric intricately woven into a banig-like pattern. [gallery columns="5" size="full" ids="161848,161849,161850,161851,161847"] Even student-artists left a mark on the red carpet as Albert Raqueno’s hand-painted barong, inspired by Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio, turned heads. The mural on the barong depicted a katipunero handkerchief with a heart at the center and a multitude of youth at the back, symbolizing the spirit of unity and patriotism. The post Filipino fashion brilliance at SONA 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless
Reduced budgets against big, supportive words paint a grainy picture of how the Marcos Jr. administration is prioritizing the arts and culture sector of the Philippines. In 2022, “proposed budget cuts for four key agencies tasked with preserving history and culture,” as said in a report, got critics’ hackles up, implying that the Marcoses had no love lost for history as it was allegedly bent on revisionism. However, a source from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts acknowledges that this has been a “period of recovery,” and that “the administration has continuously supported and assisted in the recovery of the sector, which is one of most adversely affected by the pandemic. Through the government’s cultural agencies, support to the culture still continues” to this day, one year into the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. For its part, the Duterte government, at the height of the pandemic, took steps to alleviate the needs of all those affected in the arts and culture sector. Assistance Data from the Cultural Center of the Philippines reveals that during that time, about 800 events were canceled, losing about 800,000 audiences or participants, and at least P90 million in revenues. About 3,000 artists, cultural workers and other kinds of workers were affected. This was the same all over the country and the world. The NCCA’s Assistance Program for Cultural Workers Under the State of Calamity aimed to provide quick cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 to around 800 beneficiaries. Artists and cultural workers who were not under an employer-employee relationship, without regular income or were working freelance, with no benefits, and/or had no employers to run to, and those whose source of income were gone due to the pandemic, were prioritized. The executive council members of the NCCA’s 19 national committees, which represent the different fields of culture and the arts, were tasked to list 35 priority beneficiaries. The NCCA “is the overall policy-making body, coordinating and grants-giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and tasked to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts — a fund exclusively for the implementation of culture and arts programs and projects.” Executive Order 80’s. 1999, under then President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, put the NCCA on top of other cultural agencies: the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines), National Museum, The National Library (now, The National Library of the Philippines) and the Records, Management and Archives Office (now, the National Archives of the Philippines). In 2001, Section 8 of Republic Act 9155 added the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino/Commission on the Filipino Language under the NCCA umbrella tied up with education goals. It states: “The Komisyon ng Wikang Pilipino, National Historical Institute, Record Management and Archives Office and the National Library shall now be administratively attached to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and no longer with the Department of Education. The program for school arts and culture shall remain part of the school curriculum.” Putting these cultural agencies together was meant to synergize efforts to strengthen the Filipinos’ sense of heritage and nationhood. Budget allocations In 2023, a year after President Marcos first stepped into office, what “resources” are we talking about? When budgets were being deliberated on in 2022, reports came out on calls for an increase in the proposed budget for arts and culture. At the hearing of the Senate Committee on Finance, NCCA chairman Rene Escalante said, “…we are proposing additional funding of a total of P33 million” to cover expenses for “more manpower and space as some regulatory functions of the National Museum of the Philippines were transferred to it.” Department of Budget Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in her newspaper column wrote last 31 May: “For 2023, DBM has released funding for our cultural agencies to sustain their projects. It has allocated P212 million for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; P33 million for NCCA; P164 million for the National Archives; P70 million for the Commission on the Filipino Language; P356 million for CCP and P444 million for the National Museum.” ‘Full support’ Prior to his State of the Nation Address this year after one year in office, expressed his “commitment to promoting Philippine culture, as well as the preservation and protection of the country’s cultural heritage, In a speech at the NCCA Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) awarding ceremony in Malacañang, he said: “Makaaasa kayo na kaisa ninyo ang pamahalaan at administrasyong ito sa pagsusulong at pagpapayaman ng ating sining at kultura (You may rest assured the government and this administration is one with you in the promotion and development of our arts and culture),” pointing out its importance in and interconnection to efforts to boost our economy while uplifting the image of Filipinos across the globe. [caption id="attachment_161350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] TRADITIONAL style of mat weaving. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF LIKHA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_161351" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Banig weavers.[/caption] ‘Who we are’ What a rich and thriving culture means to a nation cannot be emphasized enough. In October 2018, when Malacañang hosted the awarding of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Philippine Heritage Award and the Order of National Artist, then President Rodrigo Duterte noted the role that cultural heritage plays in the formation of the Filipino identity. “We must recognize and fulfill our duty to stay true to who we are, remember where we came from and honor the timelessness of our culture and traditions,” he said. His commitment was evident as the pandemic went on, with the NCCA offering assistance to the affected workers in the arts and culture sector. The unspoken benefit from that experience was that the arts community bounced back immediately, as artists and cultural workers continued to create, to entertain, to impart insights, to provoke and stimulate, to inspire. Creativity might have taken a pause during the pandemic but not for long as artists began to turn to cyberspace to share their works and interact with their audiences mainly in their social media accounts. Taking this cue, cultural institutions and companies, arts organizations and culture-related groups took the online route, creating virtual events such as online galleries, webinars and talks, film showings, workshops and tutorials, live-streamed musical shows and even presentations of recorded theatrical and dance performances. The digital arts have blossomed and traditional artforms have found themselves increasingly and suddenly in the digital world. Post-pandemic, establishments reopened, but cultural spaces such as museums, galleries and theaters were among the last ones to reopen. Local artistry In the first year of Marcos’ presidency, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos took on the role of promoting Filipino culture by spearheading projects like the Malacañang museums and Likha exhibits, which shone the limelight on local artistry and craftsmanship. One of the legacies of the pandemic that will continue in the coming years is incorporation of streaming or recording for posting and sharing in social media and other mediums. This is true for certain events such as launchings and talks. We have discovered the far-reaching reach of online platforms as well as the convenience of it, saving us time and money. With online platforms, we can reach thousands and disseminate information further beyond borders. Our audiences are not limited to certain geography, certain spheres. However, for theatrical productions, dance, films and music, we have to devise ways to monetize them so that the creatives involved can make a living out of their crafts. That is one of the challenges that the sector will be facing, which is part of the recovery process from the pandemic. One other important factor to be considered is the creative industries or creative economy. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 was launched in 2017, and for the first time, arts and culture and the creative industries are included in the national agenda. An inter-agency board has been created focusing on the creative industries, with the NCCA as one of the key agencies. This entails creating a collective vision and aspiration of Filipinos for themselves and for the country, and is an acknowledgment of the power of arts and culture to shape and elevate consciousness and ways of life and inspire communities. In that chapter, the government promises to “boost the development of Filipino creativity as tool for social cohesion and impetus for culture-based industry and creative economy.” Let’s not forget that a thoughtful and caring governance and industry would indeed include arts and culture in order to prosper in all aspects, recognize the important roles of their artists and cultural workers, and would preserve their cultural legacy, which contribute to realizing a deeper sense of self and national identity. True prosperity does not dwell on the material level but must include the nourishment and nurturing of the soul. The post Without ‘soul, progress is meaningless appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clock ticking on Gilas
There’s only almost a month left before the FIBA Basketball World Cup but Gilas Pilipinas has yet to train with a complete roster. Various problems have hounded the national squad. In fact, barely a few days after the announcement of the 21-man pool, rising star Carl Tamayo pulled out, saying that he needed to rest following a grueling campaign in the Japan B League. Injuries further marred the formation of the squad with Roger Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Ray Parks, and naturalized player Justin Brownlee begging off from the training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna, while AJ Edu showed up hobbling with an ankle sprain that he sustained in a workout in Brisbane. Still, Gilas, with a depleted roster, left for Estonia and Lithuania. Their training went well where they faced top collegiate, national, and club teams from Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Lithuania. But shortly before flying back to Manila, Scottie Thompson, one the team’s most versatile players, crashed with yet another injury as he hurt his finger in the final stretch of the camp. The injury was so severe that it could take six to eight weeks for him to recover, practically reducing him to a mere spectator when the World Cup unwraps on 25 August. Then, shortly after their return from Europe, gunner Jordan Heading also withdrew due to a nagging back injury that needs therapy in the United States. But coach Chot Reyes never lost hope. After all, Kai Sotto had returned to the country following a two-game stint in the National Basketball Association Summer League, while Jordan Clarkson was scheduled to arrive based on his earlier commitment that he will join Gilas training six weeks before the World Cup fires off. But as of last Friday, both Sotto and Clarkson had yet to play a single minute with Gilas Pilipinas as it heads for a crucial four-nation pocket tournament in China next week. Their continuous absence is not only a major concern for Reyes, but also for their teammates, who are obviously getting impatient and demoralized for training with a crippled roster for over a month now. There is no doubt that Sotto and Clarkson are the best Filipino players in the world right now. But Sotto seems too busy chasing his dream of becoming the first Filipino to play in the NBA, while Clarkson just signed a new contract with the Utah Jazz that would make him richer by more than $50 million in the next four years. When Sotto showed up to Gilas training on Thursday, he just talked to Reyes and asked for a few more days of rest as he sustained a back injury in his final game in the Summer League. Meanwhile, Clarkson’s initial agreement with the federation appears to have fizzled out as Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio admitted that they were still in the “middle of negotiations,” something that should have been done three or four months ago. Reyes has to make a decision quickly. The World Cup is coming up and time is no longer on his side. He has to devise a backup plan — a Plan B — before the support of this basketball-crazy country for this massive and very expensive mission completely erodes. If he has to drop Sotto and Clarkson from his plan, so be it. The important thing is that he comes up with a solid preparation and a game plan that is built around those who have been training regularly. At this point, what Reyes and Gilas Pilipinas need are not the best dribblers, the best passers, or the best defenders. They don’t even need the tallest or the quickest players. What they need are players who are committed. Players who are willing to play for the flag and put the country ahead of their personal goals and ambitions. Players who are armed with big fighting hearts. The clock is ticking on this Gilas squad. Reyes should grab the ball and deliver the dagger before the time expires. The post Clock ticking on Gilas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Short shorts are back, Hermes says
It's time for guys to embrace short shorts again, according to French brand Hermes, which put plenty of leg on display at its Paris Fashion Week show on Saturday. "Guys have nice legs too. It's time to see their legs!" creative director Veronique Nichanian said backstage at the show. It has been a menswear week with plenty of skin, and Hermes kept with the trend. "I don't yet do skirts for men, but I like shorts and particularly short shorts," Nichanian said. There were also some transparent fabrics -- another notable trend this week -- alongside ankle-length trousers and souped-up tank tops. Nichanian said that as gender barriers break down in fashion, "it's especially the men that are coming to steal from women's wardrobes." "And it's interesting to offer them materials they've never had. I'm delighted with this openness to a more feminine world. This widens the scope of the men's wardrobe and allows all men to express their personality, their desires," she said. Contrasting with the bold colors of previous collections, this time the Hermes palette was "mineral" with shades of grey, beige and faded blue -- "a desire for a very light summer with a little breeze blowing", as Nichanian put it. The sandals had openings on the sides but covered the toes, since "men, in general, do not like their feet," said the house's shoe designer, Pierre Hardy. "Much of the collection is sporty and casual, and this sandal is a sort of alternative to the sneaker... an easy-to-wear casual shoe," he told AFP. See more photos here: The post Short shorts are back, Hermes says appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Heat on brink of NBA Finals after 128-102 win over Celtics
The Miami Heat knocked the stuffing out of the Boston Celtics on Sunday, powering to a 128-102 victory to take a 3-0 stranglehold on the NBA Eastern Conference finals. The Heat, who host game four on Tuesday, are one win away from reaching the NBA Finals against either the Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics meanwhile are battling the weight of history -- no NBA team has rallied from 0-3 down to win a best-of-seven playoff series. Heat talisman Jimmy Butler could afford a relatively quiet 16-point night as point guard Gabe Vincent led the way, connecting on 11 of 14 shots from the field, including six of nine from three-point range, on the way to a game-high 29 points. Duncan Robinson added 22 points off the bench for Miami, who are vying to become just the second eighth-seeded team -- after the 1999 New York Knicks -- to reach the NBA Finals. Unlike in their first two wins of the series in Boston, there would be no need for the Heat to claw back a double-digit deficit. In front of a pumped-up crowd at Kaseya Center in Miami, the Heat dominated, Boston unable to build on an early three-point lead in the face of a total team effort from the hosts on both ends of the floor. "I don't know if 'surprised' is the word," Vincent said of the lopsided result. "We played well tonight. We defended. We made shots. We forced them into turnovers." "The next game, the mentality is to come out and compete at a high level, defend, try to make the right read every time offensively and just play good basketball. "It's the first to four games. We are not satisfied with three." Boston star Jayson Tatum scored 14 points and Jaylen Brown added 12, but Tatum made just one of his seven three-point attempts and Brown missed all seven of his as the Celtics connected on just 11 of their 42 three-point attempts. Miami made 19 three-pointers on 39 attempts, connecting on 46 of their 81 shots overall. "As you can tell, the rim was as big as the ocean for everybody," said Miami center Bam Adebayo, who thrilled the crowd with a pair of alley oop dunks and a spin around Brown for a one-handed slam on the way to 13 points. "(We were) making the extra pass, making the right pass and everybody played together." Caleb Martin scored 18 points off the bench for Miami. Max Strus chipped in 10 and the Heat didn't miss a beat when veteran Kevin Love departed after less than five minutes with an ankle injury. The Heat closed a fast-paced, physical first quarter on a 9-2 scoring run to lead 30-22 and pushed their lead to as many as 22 points in the second quarter. Boston managed to cut the gap, but with the Celtics again struggling from three-point range and with turnovers, Miami's 61-46 halftime lead represented the biggest halftime deficit faced by Boston this post-season. There would be no re-set for the Celtics in the third quarter. They had managed to trim the deficit to 12 early in the second half, but Miami out-scored them 32-17 to take a 93-63 lead into the fourth. Tatum and Brown combined for just three baskets in the third, Miami's dominance evident on back-to-back Boston possessions midway through the period when Adebayo blocked Tatum's shot on one and Martin came up with a steal to set up a Strus three-pointer. The shell-shocked Celtics went more than three minutes in the period without scoring. "I don't even know where to start," Brown said. "I feel like we let our fan base, organization down, we let ourselves down, and it was collective. We could point fingers, but in reality, it was just embarrassing." Boston's first-year coach Joe Mazzulla, who took the helm after Ime Udoka was abruptly suspended before the season for an improper workplace relationship, took the blame for the Celtics' disjointed performance. "I just didn't have them ready to play," Mazzulla said. "Whether it was the starting lineup or it was an adjustment, I have to get them in a better place ready to play, and that's on me." The post Heat on brink of NBA Finals after 128-102 win over Celtics appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pinoy drag queens shine at DragCon LA, join ‘Drag Race Philippines’ cast reunion
Several Filipino drag queens participated in RuPaul’s DragCon Los Angeles on 12 and 13 May at the Los Angeles Convention Center, California, United States. This year’s expo of drag culture welcomed its first delegation of Filipino drag performers and it was a sizable group, led by Drag Race Philippines’ first winner Precious Paula Nicole. She was joined by Marina Summers, Eva Le Queen, Xilhouete, Minty Fresh, Viñas DeLuxe, Turing, Gigi Era, Corazon and Prince — all contestants of the Philippine version of the phenomenal drag reality series RuPaul’s Drag Race. [caption id="attachment_135144" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph COURTESY of Twitter.com/@minortiz | Double Mints Minty Fresh with Sminty Drop from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Season 4.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_135147" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph COURTESY of Twiiter.com/@VinasDeluxe | Vinas DeLuxe in the Filipiniana version of her famous tuwalya look in ‘Drag Race Philippines.’[/caption] [caption id="attachment_135146" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Photograph COURTESY of FB.com/Prince Marell | Prince, dramatic in black and red.[/caption] The annual RuPaul’s DragCon LA, which started in 2015, is an outgrowth of RuPaul’s Drag Race and is also organized by the series’ producer, World of Wonder. This year, it spotlighted about 150 queens from 12 countries and received thousands of attendees from all over the world. One of the biggest events for drag fans, it featured many events, such as a market, performances, meet-and-greets, wig and sewing workshops, talks and parties. The Queens’ Walk One of the highlights was the Queen’s Walk on the now famous Pink Carpet on the first day after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The queens were introduced to the public one by one and sashayed down the pink carpet in their fabulous outfits. Eva Le Queen was in an all-white ensemble inspired by the Philippine national flower — the sampaguita or Indian jasmine — designed by Ehrran Montoya, who described the outfit as a “long-sleeve corseted column dress with bias folds and structured draping on top” with “a detachable train with voluminous cascades.” [caption id="attachment_135151" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph COURTESY of FB.com/Eva Le Queen | Eva Le Queen’s all-white Pink Carpet outfit.[/caption] Montoya was also behind’s Marina’s pink-carpet look, which is inspired by the sea. “Splashing from the Philippine sea to the pink carpet of @rupaulsdragcon. Bringing the sea to the City of Angels in custom @ehrranmontoya,” Marina wrote on her social media posts. According to Montoya, the gown was a “full-length mesh bodice with slit embellished with rhinestones, pearls and sequins adorned with dangling crystals, attached with voluminous layers of iridescent ruffles and pleated organza on the train, epitomizing a goddess rising from the sea.” Corazon was also in a Montoya creation, inspired by the butterfly. A “Fairytopia Fantasy,” the drag queen described. [caption id="attachment_135143" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph COURTESY of FB.com/Corazon Filipinas | Corazon on the Pink Carpet.[/caption] “Transforming our Lepidoptera SS22 piece into a new breed of majestic full-on metamorphosis look with this full-length serpentine gown with cape adorned with voluminous ruffles and cascades embellished with beadworks and crystals,” the designer explained. Minty was in a gown with an open slit and dripping with large silver sequins, while Precious was in all gold. The Filipino queens took centerstage at one of the reunion events, “Bring Back My Girls.” The Drag Race Philippines cast reunion happened on 13 May with one of the judges, Jiggly Caliente, serving as host. WOWIE winners They also shone at the WOWIES, which celebrates trailblazers in different fields, such as drag, art, activism, pop culture and entertainment. Precious was one of the Breakout Star awardees. The nine other winners were Admira Thunderpussy, Danny Beard, Drag Couenne, Giselle Lullaby, LA Diamond, Matt Rogers, Paloma, Spankie Jackzon and Stephanie Hsu. The awarding ceremony was held on 13 May, hosted by Ts Madison, with special performances by Marina Summers and Sasha Colby. Two more Filipino drag queens were announced as winners — Marina for WOWlebrity on the Rise and Eva Le Queen for Best Beauty Guru. [caption id="attachment_135148" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph Courtesy of David Martinez | WOWlebrity on the Rise Marina Summers’ Pink Carpet look, inspired by the Philippine seas.[/caption] Marina received her The Can’t Get You Out of My Head Award right after her performance, dancing to Beyonce’s “Love on Top.” She bested Anetra, Gemini Dai, Grant Vanderbilt, Kristen Kish, Lemon, Liam Krug and Rylie. On the other hand, Eva bagged the Painted Award, besting Abby Roberts, Bosco, Emira D’Spain, Gigi Gorgeous, Julie Vu, Silky Nutmeg Ganache and Sminty Drop. The other WOWIE winners are Gigi Goode (Best Instagram); Sugar and Spice (Best TikTok); Miss Fiercalicious (Best Twitter): Rock M. Sakura (Best YouTube Channel); Krystal Versace in Girls Aloud Performance at London Marathon (Best Viral Moment); Chase Strangio (Resistor of the Year); Fire of Love (Best Documentary); BenDeLaCreme on The Daily Show (Best Television Appearance); RuPaul’s Black Butta (Best Album); Amethyst (Best New Artist); The House of Avalon (Fiercest Nightlife People); Ariana Grande (Best Ally); Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers of Las Culturistas (Best Podcast); Ts Madison (Best Comedian); Trixie Cosmetics (Best Beauty Line); Sasha Velour’s The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag (Best Book); Taylor Hale (Biggest Drag Superfan); Jazell Royale (Hottest Hottie Award); and Sam Smith, Kim Petras, Gottmik and Violet Chachki at the Grammys (Best Dressed). Meaningful and memorable The Filipino drag queens expressed delight and gratitude for being part of DragCon LA. “After all the madness I just want to say that I had the best time of my life with my family. It just blows my mind to think that this was beyond our wildest dreams a few years back. And to know that Filipino drag is LOVED AND RAVED all the way here. Thank you everyone!,” wrote Eva Le Queen on her Twitter account (@eva_lequeen) on 15 May. “To know and hear it from Queens like Sasha Colby, Angeria and many others that Drag Race PH is their FAVORITE FRANCHISE IN THE WORLD is just f*ckin wild!!! I would think we have made a mark in the PH mainstream but guuurl — we made a mark in the WORLD,” she added. On the other hand, Viñas DeLuxe, on her Twitter (@vinasdeluxe), said: “Being part of @rupaulsdragcon was an unforgettable experience, feeling the love and connection with supporters from all over the world, making an impact one glittery step at a time!” This year’s DragCon had an extra special meaning as attacks on drag queens and trans persons are intensifying and laws against them are being pushed in the United States. The post Pinoy drag queens shine at DragCon LA, join ‘Drag Race Philippines’ cast reunion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
My Alphabet Bucket List
There’s this cool improv game called ABC Soap, and it’s basically running a scene where the players ask for a long word prompt, then use the letters of that word to start the sentences of their scene with. This is a derivative of the original Alphabet Game, which uses the letter sequence of the alphabet to play a scene. I wanna make this piece fun by combining my topic of bucket list and the Alphabet Game. I’ll try to be as “improvisational” about it as I can, in the spirit of the game — so I won’t overthink, and also not over-explain, just write what’s top of mind and top of heart. Let’s see what comes up! A — Adventures, because life is a daring adventure or nothing, and I intend to be on the lookout for unusual and exciting things that appeal greatly to me and just go for it! B — Broadway, because I love theater, especially musical theater, and want to experience watching the best productions in the Great White Way. And Breakthroughs, which means growth! C — Coaching career that’s thriving, because it’s my spiritual career, and my social entrepreneurship vehicle of choice. D — Dogs, which everyone knows I love, and I intend to always have a couple of furbabies in my life. And Drum lessons, because I’m a self-taught drummer, and would love to get better at it. [caption id="attachment_134224" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF pexels/bluebird | I INTEND to have a couple of furbabies in my life.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_134224" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF pexels/bluebird | I INTEND to have a couple of furbabies in my life.[/caption] E — Event for top coaches and other helping professionals, a dream project that I will put together, hopefully sooner rather than later. F — Flower garden, because I love flowers, and I wanna have a flower garden in my terrace, or in a future bigger house with space for an honest-to-goodness garden. G — Go-with-the-flow, because this is my mantra of choice, and something I want to imbibe as a habit. H — Heartwarming stuff, like conversations, books, films, experiences, which I intend to fill my life with. I — Improv, which is my past-time of choice—both performing and watching, and I would like to develop an Applied Improv workshop for coaches. J — Jive dance, which suits my personality, and I want to learn it while I can still skip and bounce around as the dance requires. K — Keepsakes, which I wish to gift my dearest and closest with; the goal is to give them something I own and value that suits them to a tee. L — Lightworker, which is a mission I’m working on to embody. M — Mommy’s 80th birthday celebration this year, which is something I want to organize and surprise her with (so ssssshhh). N — Nature trips, because we have a gorgeous planet, in spite of everything, and there’s still so much I have to discover and feast my senses on the world over. O — Oracle card deck, because this is another dream project of mine, and I want to create an inspired deck for my coaching Signature Program. P — Podcast, also a dream project, and something a number of friends have suggested I do; what a treat it would be to have animated conversations with people I admire and immortalize these exchanges in a podcast. [caption id="attachment_134225" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/COTTONBRO | DOING podcasts is a dream project of mine.[/caption] Q — Queenlike, which is my chosen way of being, plus basically the heart of my signature Dating Queen Program. R — Retreat space, because I would love to have my own perfect place to hold coaching retreats and workshops in. S — Self-love and self-care, which need to be constant, because we are worth it, and love is our birthright. T — Team for my coaching practice, one that’s after my own heart. And True love, because #goals! U — Uplifting stuff, which includes my column, a second (maybe even a third) book when the time is right, and a dream foundation—all for sharing blessings and giving back. V — Vacations, because I will always be work-play balanced, and travelling rocks. W — Women’s Circle, yet another dream project, run by myself and other like-minded women trainers. X -- Xmas traditions, because Christmas is love, family, and all things warm and cheery, and it’s never too late to create new traditions. Y — Youthfulness, because age is just a number, and I intend to remain young at heart. Z — Zeitgeist-inspired coaching practice, because I aim to always meet real needs that bring forth timely transformations. So this is how the rest of my life will look like if it were up to me. And no, it doesn’t have to happen in alphabetical order. Care to make your own Alphabet Bucket List? The post My Alphabet Bucket List appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tatum comes through as Celtics hold off 76ers to level series
Jayson Tatum scored 16 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter as the Boston Celtics held off the Philadelphia 76ers 95-86 on Thursday to force a decisive game seven in their NBA playoff series. The star Boston forward was enduring a dismal shooting night, making just one of 13 attempts from the floor through the first three quarters before erupting with four three-pointers in the final period as the Celtics thwarted Philadelphia's rally bid and leveled their Eastern Conference semifinal three games apiece. They'll host game seven on Sunday, trying to deny the Sixers a first trip to the conference finals since 2001. James Harden epitomized the 76ers' offensive struggles. He scored 13 points on four-of-13 shooting while newly minted NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid scored 26 points with 10 rebounds. Tatum, who averaged 30.1 points per game in the regular season, said he never lost confidence even as he struggled. "It's a long game," Tatum told broadcaster ESPN. "Thankfully I've got some great teammates that held it down." Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 22 points. Jaylen Brown added 17 and Malcolm Brogdon scored 16 off the bench. Even amid Tatum's troubles, the Celtics raced to a 15-3 lead, Smart and Brogdon carrying the early load before the Sixers began to find their feet. Philadelphia cut the deficit to three points before the Celtics pulled away again, pushing their advantage to 16 points twice in the second period. But the Sixers clawed back, taking advantage of 17 Celtics turnovers and finally taking the lead on two free throws from Harden that put them up 64-62 with less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Philadelphia led 73-71 going into the final frame and was up by two when Tatum made his first three-pointer of the game to put Boston ahead. Tatum then drilled a step-back three-pointer over Tyrese Maxey. Another pair from beyond the arc pushed the Celtics' lead to 11 points with 37.6 seconds remaining. "All that mattered was we won this game," said Tatum, who also had seven rebounds, six assists, a steal, and two blocked shots. "It's game seven, it doesn't get any better than that." Later Thursday, the banged-up Phoenix Suns tried to fend off elimination when they hosted Western Conference top seeds Denver in game six of their series. Phoenix was again without veteran point guard Chris Paul, who missed games three four, and five after suffering a groin injury in game two. Center Deandre Ayton was ruled out with a rib injury that has reportedly affected his breathing while All-Star guard Devin Booker went into the contest nursing an ankle injury. The Nuggets, who routed the Suns on Tuesday to take a 3-2 lead in the series behind a 29-point triple-double from Nikola Jokic, listed ailing Jamal Murray as questionable. The post Tatum comes through as Celtics hold off 76ers to level series appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Relocating the seat of BARMM
It was an idea long awaited. Past Moro leaders of note had toyed with it but it remained just that — an idea. It never saw the light of day nor was it transmuted into fiat. Until recently when the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM took the bull by the horns to legislate it into law. It was no mean feat considering the political dynamics of the region. The problem of selecting the seat of the autonomous government had been a long drawn-out issue. It was a problem of President E. Marcos Sr.’s version of the autonomous government down to the present BARMM. It was a ticklish issue because of the multi-tribal identities of the stakeholders who would be affected. Distance and easy accessibility to the seat of power were essential elements in the choice of venue. Unfortunately, the topography of the BARMM is not contiguous but separated by water. The residents are dichotomized into, for lack of a better term, the “mainlanders” for residents of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur and the “islanders” for residents of the so-called BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) islands. In fact, this geographical oddity was one of the main reasons the Marcos Sr. administration had to separate the autonomous government into Autonomous Government for Central Mindanao and another for Western Mindanao. The center of government of the former was Cotabato City, while for the latter it was Zamboanga City. Not that they could not co-exist harmoniously, after all, they were part of Ummah Islamiya or the Islamic community. But it was more for convenience and the practical reason for effective governance. With the BARMM replacing the defunct autonomous governments, Cotabato City became the de facto seat of government without any formal executive or legislative decree. The principal reason for this was the availability of government buildings and other infrastructure needed by the regional government. Since then, proposal after proposal were drawn up to search for a permanent administrative seat of the autonomous government. Until recently, when it was finally decided and legislated that it would be in the coastal town of Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. Some gadflies, however, raised their eyebrows. The selected venue, by accident or design, is the home base of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which now dominates the leadership of the BARMM. Did this move bear the stamp of the consent of the “islander” residents of BARMM? This column fully agrees with the relocation site. The reason is not only because of its convenient accessibility to the Maranaws of Lanao del Sur but the decision was a product of study, planning, and consultation among stakeholders. Parang is a coastal town in the northern part of Mindanao which borders Lanao del Sur. It is traditionally a fishing community whose progress was propelled more by the logging industry because of its thick virgin rainforest. Its mountain ranges with huge forests were the reason why Camp Abubakar, the main military camp of the MILF, is nestled thereat. When this writer was the Speaker of the Regional Assembly of then President Marcos’ version of the autonomous government, we frequented the place because of its mini golf course constructed by the Philippine National Police within its regional center. There are negligible murmurs of displeasure over the BARMM decision. And these come from the unrepentant opposition who cannot see anything right in everything the BARMM does. They had even questioned the constitutionality of creating the BARMM. In this case, however, any discordant voices against the move are sure to be drowned out by the merits and popularity of the decision. There will always be naysayers and gadflies. But what counts is that due process as an essential element of a representative democratic government was observed. Meaning, the legislative protocol of consultation was observed giving everyone their “day in court.” What remains to be debated is: whether or not the town of Parang is ready for the challenge and the toll the transfer will exact upon the peace and social life of the residents. Whatever it lacks in terms of infrastructure will be filled in by the BARMM government. And we anticipate the transformation of the once laid-back town into a city. amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Relocating the seat of BARMM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NU, UST try to boost twice-to-beat chances
Defending champion National University and University of Santo Tomas would rather downplay the angle of a hyped-up rivalry and just focus on what’s at stake when they cross paths once again in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Sharing the second spot with identical 9-3 win-loss records, both Final Four-bound squads have an opportunity to better their chances of claiming the last twice-to-beat advantage with a victory in their scheduled 11 a.m. battle. The Tigresses are on a four-game roll after five outings in the second round and are looking to take advantage of their momentum to complete an elimination head-to-head sweep of the Lady Bulldogs. UST was the last team to complete the Final Four cast after eliminating Far Eastern University from contention to join league-leading twice-to-beat De La Salle University and Adamson University in the next round. The Tigresses snapped NU’s 20-game winning streak that spanned three years in their first meeting in a thrilling come-from-behind fashion, 25-23, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11, last 4 March. Head coach Kungfu Reyes knows that the Lady Bulldogs are out to exact revenge against them but he doesn’t want his players to get too emotional and lose focus. “We want to play volleyball and not play for the occasion. We can’t let the hype (of the game) get into our heads, otherwise, we’ll be overwhelmed,” Reyes said. “We must remain on target, on the dot, because NU surely will be.” Top Most Valuable Player contender Eya Laure, who dropped 28 points against FEU, Imee Hernandez, Regina Jurado and Milena Alessandrini will again be at the center of the Tigresses march to replicate their first round win over the Lady Bulldogs. But NU is far from the shaky team it once was. The Lady Bulldogs have also piled up four consecutive victories after their back-to-back losses at the hands of the Lady Spikers to end the first round and at the start of the second. NU has not dropped a set since then. Reigning MVP and last year’s Rookie of the Year Bella Belen acknowledges that the Lady Bulldogs are eager for payback but they need to keep their emotions in check. “We are really eager to get back at UST because they defeated us in the last round. But we need to be composed,” Belen, who had 21 points in a sweep of winless University of the East last Saturday, said. “We have to be relaxed. If we get overeager we risk committing errors.” Helping out Belen are Alyssa Solomon, Ces Robles, Vange Alinsug, setter Lams Lamina and libero Jen Nierva. Meanwhile, the sliding University of the Philippines and UE clash at 3 p.m. The Fighting Maroons are on a nine-game losing skid for a 1-11 card while the Lady Warriors try to barge into the win column after failing in their first 12 attempts. In men’s play, unbeaten NU (12-0) seeks to move closer to an outright Finals seat in a showdown against UST (10-2) at 9 a.m. while UE (4-8) looks to remain in contention for a semis seat when it clashes against UP (1-11) at 5 p.m. The post NU, UST try to boost twice-to-beat chances appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
La Salle mauls Ateneo, takes semis top seed
Games Wednesday: (FilOil EcoOil Centre) 9:00 a.m. --- UST vs NU (m) 11:00 a.m. --- UST vs NU (w) 3:00 p.m. --- UP vs UE (w) 5:00 p.m. --- UP vs UE (m) De La Salle University turned to rookie Shevana Laput in a masterful dismantling of also-ran Ateneo de Manila, 25-22, 25-19, 25-18, to secure the top seeding in the Final Four of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The 6-foot-2 opposite spiker picked the perfect time to drop her career-high 16 points, carrying the Lady Spikers to a 12-1 win-loss record and extending their head-to-head winning streak over their archrivals to 12 dating back to Season 79 spanning six years. Laput had an efficient 15-of-25 spiking clip and added one ace as a starter in all three sets in her breakout performance. La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo had to remind his wards of protecting their school pride after a rusty start. The Lady Spikers had to play chase in the early goings of the opening frame before eventually winning the set. It was all La Salle in the next two sets. “We had a slow start so we just reminded them to play with pride. That we can’t relax because Ateneo is fighting back. We told them not to wait for Ateneo to commit mistakes. We should be the ones creating our points, not them, they won’t do that for us,” Orcullo said. Angel Canino added 13 markers, 11 excellent receptions and five digs while Thea Gagate had 12 for La Salle, which will close its elims campaign on 29 April against winless University of the East. The Blue Eagles, who lost Lyann De Guzman to a left ankle sprain in the opening set, absorbed their fourth loss in a row for a 4-9 card. Vanie Gandler and Faith Nisperos scored 13 and 12 markers, respectively, while AC Miner posted 10 in a losing effort for Ateneo. The post La Salle mauls Ateneo, takes semis top seed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nuggets take 3-0 lead over Timberwolves, Knicks dominate Cavs
The Denver Nuggets, fueled by a Nikola Jokic triple-double, beat Minnesota 120-111 on Friday to take a 3-0 stranglehold on their NBA Western Conference playoff series as the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks notched big home wins. The Knicks had Madison Square Garden rocking with a dominant 99-79 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers that put New York up 2-1. The Hawks clawed back to 2-1 after dropping the first two games against the Celtics in Boston with a 130-122 triumph. Atlanta crucially avoided falling into a 3-0 hole -- a deficit no NBA team has ever recovered from to win a best-of-seven series. And that's exactly where Western Conference top seeds Denver have the Timberwolves after two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic's seventh career playoff triple-double. Jokic scored 20 points with 11 rebounds and 12 assists, and when he was limited by foul trouble in the third quarter his teammates kept the pressure on. Michael Porter Jr scored 25 points to lead six Nuggets players in double figures and Denver's reserves out-scored the Timberwolves bench 29-10. They kept the Timberwolves at bay despite a sparkling 36 points from Anthony Edwards, whose three-pointer early in the third pulled Minnesota within three points. They were down by five with less than five minutes remaining, but couldn't break through. Jokic, who led the league with 29 triple-doubles in the regular season, said he knows they'll be even more determined on Sunday to prevent a sweep on their home floor. "We know they're going to go even more aggressive in two days," Jokic said. "So we just need to keep our composure and we know what to expect." In New York, Jalen Brunson scored 21 points and RJ Barrett added 19 for the Knicks, who rebounded from a humbling game two defeat in Cleveland. The Knicks' suffocating defense contributed to a dismal night for Cleveland's Darius Garland, who missed 17 of his 21 shot attempts on the way to 10 points. Donovan Mitchell scored 22 to lead the Cavs, who became the first team this season to be held under 80 points in an NBA game. To top it off, Garland -- who scored 32 points in the Cavs' win on Tuesday -- needed treatment on his left ankle in the second half after stepping on a courtside photographer's foot. The game was the first playoff contest at Madison Square Garden in two years and the "chaos" that New York native and Cavs star Mitchell predicted materialized. Both teams made sloppy starts in the raucous atmosphere, but the Knicks steadied to take a 13-point halftime lead that they pushed to as many as 27. "This was great," said Brunson, but he warned that the Cavs would punch back in game four on Sunday. "You want to carry it over, but at the same time we've got to be focused, we've got to be ready to go." In Atlanta, Trae Young scored 32 points and Dejounte Murray added 25 as the hot-shooting Hawks clawed back into their series against the Celtics. Young shook off two sub-par performances with a stellar display, connecting on 12 of 22 shots from the field with six rebounds and nine assists. "Our whole team was making plays all night and it was up to me to go make the right one," Young said. "It's not only to score, sometimes it's to get everybody involved." He also produced a pair of blocks as the Hawks out-hustled the second-seeded Celtics -- who fell to Golden State in the NBA Finals last year. Jayson Tatum scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Boston. Marcus Smart added 24 and Jaylen Brown had 15 for the Celtics, who drained 21 three-pointers but were out-rebounded 48-29. Smart said there was no secret to the Hawks' advantage on the boards, which led to their 23-9 edge in second-chance points. "It's just a matter of will," Smart said, "and they wanted it more tonight." Tatum still had a chance to tie it with 58.1 seconds left but his three-point attempt bounced off the rim and the Hawks pulled away. "I've got to play better," said a dejected Tatum, who said he made too many untimely turnovers and poor decisions. "This one tonight is on me." Atlanta will try to level the series when they host game four on Sunday. The post Nuggets take 3-0 lead over Timberwolves, Knicks dominate Cavs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»