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Pia Wurtzbach muling nakita ang ‘kakambal’ na wax figure sa Singapore
“HAPPY to see my twin again!” ‘Yan ang masayang caption ni Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach matapos niyang pangunahan ang unveiling ng kanyang wax figure sa Madame Tussauds Singapore. Sa kanyang Instagram post, proud na ibinandera ni Pia ang ilang snaps sa nasabing event. “Singapore, that was so much fun!” sey niya sa IG. Nagpasalamat.....»»
Phl sends note verbale to China
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government has sent a note verbale to China after a Chinese coast guard vessel used a water cannon on a Philippine boat that was on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with the media following a command conference in Bulacan, Marcos said the note verbale included pictures and video of the incident. “Our secretary of foreign affairs summoned Ambassador Huang (Xilian) today and gave him a note verbale, including pictures and video of what happened, and we are awaiting their reply,” Marcos told reporters. The incident happened Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard was escorting chartered boats carrying food, water, fuel and other supplies for Filipino military personnel stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands. [caption id="attachment_168205" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela (left), spokesperson for the National Security Council Jonathan Malaya (center) and spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines Colonel Medel Aguilar take part in a press conference in response to recent aggression by the Chinese Coast Guard against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila on 7 August. | Ezra Acayan / POOL/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE[/caption] Howls of protests The US State Department on Sunday condemned the Chinese action, saying it was carried out by its coast guard and “maritime militia,” and it directly threatened regional peace and stability. Britain, Australia, Canada and the European Union also criticized Beijing’s action. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. The Philippine military and Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of breaking international law in blocking and firing a water cannon at the resupply mission, which prevented one of the charter boats from reaching the shoal. Another charter boat successfully delivered its cargo. China said it had taken the “necessary controls” against Philippines boats that had “illegally” entered its waters. Marcos said, “We continue to assert our sovereignty and territorial rights in the face of all of these challenges, consistent with international law and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) especially.” He said the Philippines would also continue to communicate with the Chinese government to try and resolve the issue. “Of course, China’s position is that they say, ‘we own this, that’s why we are defending it.’ On our side, we say, ‘no, this is ours, that’s why we are also defending it.’ That’s why there’s a gray area being discussed now,” Marcos said. The incident at Ayungin Shoal is the latest in a series of Chinese provocations in the West Philippine Sea. In recent months, Chinese coast guard vessels have harassed Philippine fishing boats and blocked resupply missions to its military outposts in the area. 444 diplomatic protests The Philippines has repeatedly called on China to respect its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. China, however, has refused to recognize the Philippines’ claims to the area. For context, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday the Philippines has so far filed 444 diplomatic protests against China regarding its activities in the West Philippine Sea since 2020. Of this number, this year alone Manila has so far filed 34 diplomatic protests against Beijing. In the same media interview, Marcos said the recent West Philippine Sea incidents are unrelated to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent visit to China. Marcos was asked about what Duterte reported to him regarding his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and why the incidents have recurred. “I don’t think it’s related. I don’t think this is related to his visit,” Marcos said. He said he and Duterte discussed the latter’s conversation with Xi, but that some things that were discussed need to remain confidential. “That is between President Digong and myself,” Marcos said. He said the incidents in the South China Sea involved “operational aspects” of the Philippines’ military, navy, and coast guard, which is why it is “difficult to discuss them in too much detail.” “These are things that are being handled by our military, our navy, our coast guard,” he said. Duterte and Xi met in Beijing on 17 July, shortly after the Philippines marked the seventh anniversary of the arbitral decision that affirmed the nation’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, countering China’s extensive territorial assertions. Chinese media reported that Xi expressed hope that Duterte would maintain a significant position in fostering an amicable collaboration between the Philippines and China. Another report said that Xi urged Duterte to “play an important role in the friendly cooperation between the two countries.” Marcos acknowledged the former president’s visit to China and expressed openness to establishing fresh channels of communication amid ongoing concerns in the South China Sea. The post Phl sends note verbale to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘The Cheating Game’ director thinks Julie Anne is superstar material
GMA Public Affairs, GMA Network’s news and public affairs division, is now producing movies. Its debut feature, the romantic drama, The Cheating Game, stars real-life couple Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, or “JulieVer.” San Jose plays Hope, an NGO worker who breaks up with her fiancé and colleague Brian (Martin del Rosario) for cheating on her. [caption id="attachment_164002" align="aligncenter" width="1708"] Martin del Rosario as Brian.[/caption] Trying to move on from her painful break-up, she starts looking for a new job until she is finally hired by a company specializing in social media content, where she channels all her negative energy. Hope soon meets a random guy, Miguel (Cruz), at a Kamuning overpass, who begins to actively pursue her without reason. Wary at first, she eventually warms up to Miguel, who tells her that he is giving her license to use him as her rebound. [caption id="attachment_164001" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Rayver Cruz as Miguel.[/caption] But Hope’s promising new romance with Miguel is not that hopeful, as it is still overshadowed by a viral sex video that involves Brian its leakage may or may not involve those close to her. The Cheating Game is directed by fiction author Rod Marmol, who is best known for helming Cuddle Weather (2019) and Mata Tapang (2018). The story and concept are by Peabody award-winning documentary writer and producer Shao Masula, with Marmol and Jessie Villabrille serving as screenwriters. Julie Anne San Jose’s acting method In an exclusive chat with Daily Tribune, Marmol describes the 29-year-old San Jose, who showed impressive naturalism in her performance as the scorned woman. “I sincerely think that Julie has all the makings of a movie superstar. She has it all. Unparalleled professionalism. Magaan sa set (Easy to work with on set). Understands her character through and through,” Marmol said. In the film, San Jose’s Hope is frequently tearful. Effortless in her small and big dramatic scenes, she earned the admiration of her director, who reveals San Jose’s talent in shedding tears in front of the camera. “She knows not just one way of crying, marami (but many). She knows how to cry beautifully, how to wail uncontrollably, how to let only one tear drop fall, how to hold back her tears. She has mastered her instrument and this allows her to seamlessly morph from one character to another,” Marmol said. Marmol further told Daily Tribune that while they were filming The Cheating Game, San Jose was also shooting the final episodes of GMA’s hit series Maria Clara at Ibarra, praising the actress for her excellent command of her craft. “Ganoon siya kahusay (That’s how good she is),” he praised. Not your typical romance The Cheating Game cannot be simply boxed in a specific genre, making the film not your typical or formulaic love story. When asked about his influences as a director, Marmol candidly revealed his inspirations for GMA Public Affair’s first offering. “Some of my inspirations for this movie are films like Amélie (2001), Once (a 2007 Irish romantic musical drama) and, of course, Phoebe Waller-Bridges’ series Fleabag (on HBO). Gustong-gusto ko ng mga madaldal na pelikula na hindi takot mag-swimming sa emosyon (I am enamored with dialogue-heavy films that are not afraid to wallow in emotion). I’m a big sucker for beautifully-flawed female leads,” he explained. He also explained that his top three favorite filmmakers are Hirokazu Kore-eda, Jordan Peele and Lino Brocka. “Ang galing nilang maghimay ng kalungkutan (They are so good at dissecting sadness),” he explained. For the film’s style, treatment and color palette, which sometimes shifts to dreamy, with a touch of European vibe but highlights the nitty-gritty reality of Metro Manila, Marmol does not take credit for it alone. “Regarding the treatment of The Cheating Game, tingin ko ay (I think it is the) combined effect iyon ng (of the) talent ng core team namin (of our core team). Our assistant director is Chad Cabigon, who has mounted dozens of the most-awarded Filipino films of the past decade. Our director of photography is Arbi Barbarona, an Urian-winning filmmaker from Davao. Our production designer, this is his first movie, Kenneth Villanueva. Kaya, ang fresh pa ng mata and ramdam mo pa yung (So the vision is still fresh and you can feel that) hunger to be excellent. And syempre lahat ng ito, nakabalot sa (And of course, these are all under wrapped in the) guidance ng (of) GMA Public Affairs.” Millennial issues When asked what he is most excited about showing this movie to the Filipino audience, Marmol said: “I hope that the Filipino audience appreciates the honesty of the movie. We tried to capture the gray area that most people find themselves in when trying to heal from a traumatic heartache while building the foundation of a new romance. I also hope that they appreciate what Julie’s character, Hope Celestial, is trying to represent — which is the generation of overworked, underpaid millennials.” Asked about the challenges of directing The Cheating Game, Marmol said: “Challenges? Hmm, as always, marami (a lot) haha. Pero siguro, like most Filipino films, resources. It’s hard to compete with Hollywood movies when we only get less than a tenth of the resources that they get.” He explained that 95 percent of The Cheating Game was shot in only 11 days. “I hope that in the future, we get more investors betting on Filipino films so we can afford to prepare more and execute our stories in the best manner possible. We owe that to ourselves, we owe that to our stories, we owe that to our audiences.” The film also stars Winwyn Marquez, Yayo Aguila, Candy Pangilinan, Phi Palmos, Thea Tolentino, and Paolo Contis. The Cheating Game is now playing in cinemas. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="163999,164000"] The post ‘The Cheating Game’ director thinks Julie Anne is superstar material appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Future of banking unfolds with AI, blockchain
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is increasingly forcing traditional banks to become more digital for compelling reasons. Experiments with this technology show banks ways to speed up their product design, widen customer access to loans, and build an organized and secure record of financial transactions. “My perspective is that the future of banking is digital banks. With AI, traditional banks are saying, I’m going to provide a service through someone else, and you see suddenly that you have this almost Rubik’s cube of possibilities,” David Hardoon, group chief data officer of Union Bank of the Philippines and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation, said. [caption id="attachment_161492" align="aligncenter" width="1440"] David Hardoon, group chief data officer of Union Bank of the Philippines and chief executive officer of Aboitiz Data Innovation.[/caption] Both operate under the Aboitiz Group, which aims to be the first tech conglomerate in the Philippines. AI helps humans analyze data by categorizing information, stitching related data, and automatically detecting unusual patterns or activities logged in computer devices. “It’s the capability to distill from complex information,” Hardoon said. For example, he said the Union Bank team could quickly gauge its performance by looking at the AI-processed analysis of customer feedback they sent through email or chatbots. “Just beyond calculating the number of happy and unhappy individuals, it helps us understand what is happening. When we listen to the customer, we can say if we need to create a new product or service that we weren’t aware of or adjust an existing product.” Hardoon said the products or services include the company website, which some customers might need help to navigate initially. “We realized that some issues are related to information on the website. The way we designed it isn’t the best. Okay, we change it. And that’s how we use that feedback continuously, across all channels.” Hardoon said all managers could be updated on any bank problems through AI as the technology pools information into a single system. “But there’s also been a few other emails that have come in with other offices, which I may not be aware of unless I’ve had an in-person conversation with the team. This tool runs continuously in the background and can identify my teammate and say, David, this may be coming up.” AI coupled with blockchain also allows the bank to reach more customers who lack traditional bank accounts but have incomes and can repay loans. Blockchain is an online data storage that links various data types and identifies their sources. In this way, individuals can build proof of financial capacity to avail of loans. Hardoon explained that this technology mix could provide loans to small business owners, such as sellers on Facebook, to ensure they have enough working capital or funds to expand their operations. “The blockchain layer can provide me with that authenticated aspect, saying it comes from Facebook, not some spoofed website. Or if you’re working with another vendor providing you with product ingredients. That now becomes another block in the chain.” With analysis and data traceability features of AI and blockchain, Hardoon said bank managers could also reduce losses from clients as the technologies guide them in adjusting their terms for new loans based on their credit and payment histories. “They can help calculate risks. For example, I will give you P10,000 and see how you respond. Respond. When I see it’s good, or the client paid, I can give P100,000 next time. We need to remember that it’s always this learning process because, fundamentally, the principle of risk is the same.” With these benefits, Hardoon said digital banks will likely become an easy option for Filipinos to fulfill their financial needs. “So it’s completely different to a certain extent from the traditional. Now you have AI and blockchain to incorporate as a new capability. The digital bank, in principle, can simply plug and play.” The post Future of banking unfolds with AI, blockchain appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Daily Tribune soars on its 23rd year at The Peak
It was “the 23rd at the 60th” for Daily Tribune, which toasted recent milestones on Tuesday, 11 July, at The Peak at the Grand Hyatt in Bonifacio Global City. [caption id="attachment_157650" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Gibbs Cadiz, Vangie Baga-Reyes, Jojo Silvestre, Cielo Villaluna, Manny Torrejon and Teddy Montelibano.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157697" align="aligncenter" width="525"] dileep Tiwari and Jiyo President Gauswami Jigar.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157696" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Jonjon San Agustin, Philip Cruz and Queenie Dizon.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157695" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Mitch Arce, Josephine Fabro, and Archie Nicasio.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157694" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Willie Fernandez (rightmost) with (from left) JG Puzon and Sen. JV Ejercito and friends from Aboitiz Group including Maricar Bautista, Kerry Tinga, Ginggay Hontiveros, James Ileto, Leslie Lagdameo and Henry Aguda, among others.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157689" align="aligncenter" width="525"] mediablitz Group president Jenny Lei Caberte with Raffy Ayeng.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157688" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Friends from Designworks and Filinvest having fun at The Peak’s veranda.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157687" align="aligncenter" width="720"] larry Payawal, Avic Clemente, Lor Bulacan and Raffy Ayeng.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157686" align="aligncenter" width="525"] LIZAMARIE Domingo, Nica Julianda and Elmer Manuel.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157685" align="aligncenter" width="525"] LIZAMARIE Domingo, Nica Julianda and Elmer Manuel.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157684" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHEENEY Eugenio and Zita Los Baños.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157682" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Sophia Chi, Aina Elinon, Marco Grajo, Joy Andrade, Cid Santillan, Belle Cahulogan, Archie Nicasio and Sonia Kuo.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157680" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Atty. Ferdie Topacio with Jack Animam and Sofia Roman.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157677" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ace Yabut[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157676" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Gela Palisoc,Mirasol Garbinand Caye Palacol.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157675" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Romer Sto. Domingo, Mani Raman and Chingbee Fernandez.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157674" align="aligncenter" width="525"] WILLIE Fernandez, Primer Pagunuranand Bing Carreon.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157673" align="aligncenter" width="525"] RUPERT Jacinto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157672" align="aligncenter" width="525"] James Ileto and Komfie Manalo.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157670" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Marc Anthony Reyes, Rey Joble, Willie Marcial, Julius Manicad and Ivan Suing.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157669" align="aligncenter" width="525"] pat Santos (left) and his band.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157668" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Pauline Songco and Pauline Joyce Pascual.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157667" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Rey Joble, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Ballout and Vismin Cup Commissioner Cris Bautista and executive of Kalosph Sportswear.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157666" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (clockwise)Willie Marcial, Vinz Bautista, Gracey Bautista of Bartolome of Island Industrial Corporation and Justine Paul Cano.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157665" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Queenie Rodulfo, Gigie Arcilla, John Dodson and Rose Novenario.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157664" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Atty. Nilo Divina, Chingbee Fernandez, George Royeca, Dinah Ventura, Agile Zamora, Bing Carrion and Henry Aguda.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157663" align="aligncenter" width="525"] manny angeles, Willie Fernandez, Marc Anthony Reyes and Julius Manicad.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157662" align="aligncenter" width="525"] chito Lozada, Dinah Ventura and Cielo Villaluna.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157661" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Chabeng Garcia, Atty. Nilo Divina, AiAI Garcia and (standing) Romina Gervacio.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157660" align="aligncenter" width="525"] George Royeca, Chingbee Fernandez and Agile Zamora.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157659" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Rupert Jacinto, Patrick Jacinto, Nedy Tantoco, Jojo Silvestre and Butch Mendizabal[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157657" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Kevin Lapeña[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157656" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Willie Fernandez, Ching Cruz and Carol Mercado. (Inset) Cory Quirino.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157655" align="aligncenter" width="525"] photographs by joey sanchez mendoza, king rodriguezand sonny espiritu for the daily tribuneFlowers by Michael Ruiz add a colorful touch to the comfortable spaces of The Peak.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157654" align="aligncenter" width="525"] VENTURA, Millet Liberato-Simeon, Chingbee Fernandez and Jingjing Romero.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157653" align="aligncenter" width="525"] VENTURA, Millet Liberato-Simeon, Chingbee Fernandez and Jingjing Romero.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157652" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Chingkee Mangcucang, Bing Carrion and David Ackerman.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_157651" align="aligncenter" width="525"] James Ileto, Senator JV Ejercito and Willie Fernandez.[/caption] From six in the evening till past midnight, special guests and VIPs arrived to celebrate with the Daily Tribune family over heavy cocktails and overflowing drinks. The place was packed, as guests to the exclusive event came to enjoy “a breather,” as the invitation said. The media organization’s partners, old and new, came to wish the Daily Tribune more success and long years ahead. Gratitude filled the air for all the triumphs and lessons of the past year, which culminated with a 170-page anniversary supplement. This was meaningfully put into words in a prayer that said, “We are grateful for the vision, commitment and steady leadership of our president, Willie Fernandez, and the dedication of our entire team to propel Daily Tribune to where it is today. “Bless every member of the Daily Tribune family with renewed strength and inspiration to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. Forgive us for any transgression committed as we carried out our tasks. “Fill our hearts with compassion for all that we’ve gone through and everything that we hope for.” Acoustic music by Ace Yabut entertained early arrivals before ace host Kevin Lapeña led everyone through quick review of how the Daily Tribune had grown through the past five years under the new management. Indeed, “crossing its second decade in the Philippine media industry was a turning point for Daily Tribune, as a global pandemic demanded a wider approach to delivering news and views to an ever-developing market of readers. The company took a challenge and soared with it — never stopping for a minute. This year, the Daily Tribune continued to grow its reach. From print alone in 2000 to print with online presence some years after that, Daily Tribune in 2018 beefed up its website and added social media channels like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The times called for a change in the way the company delivered its content, challenging it to step up its game. Daily Tribune led the way in developing content for Facebook and YouTube, creating different shows that expanded and synergized with stories in its print medium. Its tie-up with broadcast company RJ completed the circle to make it an Omnimedia company. Still, the print medium is not left behind. The newspaper is going from strength to strength — with anniversary issues getting thicker and thicker each year. Daily Tribune’s much-talked about tabloid Dyaryo Tirada is going from purely online to having print copies soon. From trending reels on Tiktok to Threads, and who knows what’s to come, Daily Tribune continues its journey to the peak! The post Daily Tribune soars on its 23rd year at The Peak appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Anne Curtis moved to tears by ‘Mini Ms. U’
[caption id="attachment_153719" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ANNICA Co. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MINI MS. U[/caption] The Multimedia Superstar Anne Curtis-Smith was brought to tears by a touching interaction with a young contestant during an impromptu segment on the popular noontime show It’s Showtime on 3 July. The poignant scene also won over the “madlang people.” The Filipina-Australian actress, who is a doting mother of three-year-old Dahlia Amelie, took to twitter and expressed her admiration for the child. “Genuinely kind and pure soul,” she described the young contestant in her tweet. Curtis-Smith continued to shower praises, acknowledging the parents of the child for instilling such beautiful values in her. She said that if more people possessed the kindness and purity demonstrated by the young contestant, the world would be free from hatred and harmful words. “Imagine if we were all like this. No hatred or harmful words would exist,” the television host stated. The remarkable contestant who sparked this emotional response from Anne was Annika Co, a seven-year-old hopeful from Muntinlupa City. Annika initially impressed both the hosts and the audience with her impressive singing talent. However, it was her spontaneous acting skills that left the studio cheering and Anne in tears. Annika took on the character of Vice Ganda’s best friend during an on-the-spot acting performance with the well-known comedian. Their characters were getting ready to sing a duet on stage in the skit, when Vice Ganda started to get nervous right before the performance. She comforted Vice Ganda’s character by saying, “Who cares if the others don’t like you? I like you and everybody else does. What matters is somebody still likes you. If some people don’t like you, then it’s fine. What’s important is someone still likes you.” Annika also reminded Vice Ganda, “You shouldn’t be worrying about if you’ll be the best in the world. You have to be the best version of yourself.” Anne could be observed clapping along with the “madlang people” during this moving scene as Annika spoke her words. Anne cries caught Vice Ganda’s attention, and said, “Naiyak ako kasi (I was moved because) it was so pure na parang (that) if everyone could be as kind as this child, wala nang (there would be no) hatred sa mundo (in the world). It was so innocent and pure. So beautiful.” Annika Co ultimately won the daily title of “Mini Ms. U,” beating out two other competitors and making an impression on the audience. Recently, It’s Showtime! achieved a historic milestone on Philippine television when it made its formal premiere on the GTV Channel, a joint venture of ABS-CBN and GMA. The program is still being shown on a number of channels, such as Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, GTV, A2Z, iWantTFC and TFC. The post Anne Curtis moved to tears by ‘Mini Ms. U’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Swiss welcome offers sweet respite
Welcome to “The Suite Life,” which explores the world of hotels in and out of the Philippines. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious novice, I hope this column helps guide you to what hotels in the Philippines and beyond have to offer. From the bustling cityscape of Manila to the tranquil beaches of Boracay, it’s a journey through the best hotels, resorts and villas in the country and beyond to discover the most exciting and exotic hotels in the world. Pack your bags and join me on this exciting adventure as I share the hidden gems and ultimate destinations for your next getaway. Our first hotel for this month is the Swissötel Clark in Pampanga. [caption id="attachment_148661" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF Swissötel Clark | Swissötel Clark Pampanga.[/caption] Cheese and chocolate, watches and private banks — if there’s any country defined by these words, it’s Switzerland. Renowned for its punctuality and precision, the country is very well-known for its high-end horology. If you want to know how deep this characteristic runs within the country, Switzerland’s national hero, William Tell, is more famous for shooting an apple off his son’s head than his defense of Switzerland from many a tyrant. Such precision is what Tell and Switzerland are known for, and it’s this exact value that the Swiss carry into hospitality. [caption id="attachment_148662" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THE atrium.[/caption] Apart from what the history books will say about Switzerland, it’s also a place I’ve gotten to know up close. I lived in Neuchatel when my husband was taking his post-grad degree and got to imbibe in its culture and way of life, day in and out. It’s always in the details. These may seem minute or effortless, but they always add a thoughtful layer to the whole experience. Such touches abound at Swissötel Clark, and it definitely reminded me of the Swiss approach to doing things. The welcome: Located in the Clark Freeport Zone, I was surprised to find the hotel packed and buzzing. The lobby café was full, leaving no seats available, and the bright, bustling lobby was filled with people waiting — either for loved ones or colleagues — to be taken in by Swiss hospitality or having just finished a relaxing stay. The lobby was a walk away from the casino, leaving the vibrant lobby to shine all on its own. The room: Rooms and suites at Swissötel Clark welcome you with floor-to-ceiling views of the city or the mountains, flooding the room with natural light. A medley of creams, grays and browns, coupled with a king-size bed and Posturepedic mattress, high-speed Wi-Fi, cable and satellite TV channels, and USB charging stations provide a great sense of comfort for anyone looking to relax. The bathroom continues this philosophy with marble furnishings, a rain shower, and a soaking tub. Anyone looking for a more luxurious experience can upgrade to a Swiss Executive Lounge access suite with complimentary breakfast and refreshments. [caption id="attachment_148664" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PREMIUM room with king size bed.[/caption] The restaurants: I wasn’t able to try the breakfast because my alarm didn’t go off that morning, but I was able to try meals at Swissötel Clark’s two restaurants. Markt is their all-day dining buffet with incredible food. Initially conceived as an a la carte offering for diners to choose from, every station offers the full package with mains at every section, making them all stars in their own right. The hotel also has a permanent place on the menu for classic Swiss dishes like älplermagronen (Swiss macaroni and cheese with applesauce) and Zurich-style veal with mushrooms. [caption id="attachment_148663" align="aligncenter" width="525"] NASI, a contemporary restaurant that specializes in Filipino cuisine.[/caption] Ristorante Di Verona, on the other hand, is easily one of the best places to try modern and authentic Italian cuisine without leaving the country. With large, luxurious windows and al fresco seating, their spacious halls are filled with soothing Italian music and the noise of happy diners. They offer a fine selection of aperitifs, over 300 wines sourced from various regions of Europe, digestivos, and other Italian favorites, as well as their famous balsamico de Modena 25 anni 550, delightfully paired with Italian bread. Unique touches to the hotel: Details like the collar brooch and the shoe buckle of the doorman did not go unnoticed. The doorman is the first to greet visitors and serve as the best representation of the Swiss tradition of service. Their gear resembles the Appenzell costume designed by Ida Gout and the delicate brooch designed by goldsmith Sebastian Fassler shows a lot of care and thought for the kind of service they want to bring. The hotel itself also makes use of Appenzell design, the town famous for its mountain range. One must also have the Swissötel traditional cake with its notable ingredient of ground hazelnuts. Experiential for all senses that pull focus on their attention to what matters. The Spa: Swissötel Clark will launch their spa and Vitality suites soon. Every one of their six private suites will have its own gym equipment for guests to enjoy their fitness regimens in private. Swiss mindfulness podcasts, the Vitality kit, wellness treatments, and menus round out the entire experience for a great session. Outside, on the other hand, lets guests exercise with fresh air on bike and jogging paths as part of the hotel’s promotion of a healthy environment. I’m hearing that one of the managers hails from a 5-star hotel in Mandaluyong with a very good spa, who is also a professional therapist with a good grasp of wellness and treatments — a lot of which they can do themselves, so consider my expectations high. [caption id="attachment_148665" align="aligncenter" width="525"] VITALITY suite[/caption] Great food, comfortable rooms and fresh air for all — they did not miss a beat when it came to bringing Swiss hospitality to the country, even down to the finest details. Taking a trip up north to Pampanga is a great way to retreat from the city for a bit, made even better if you’re staying at Swissötel Clark. The post Swiss welcome offers sweet respite appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
It’s Pride Month on Cinema One
This LGBTQ+ Pride Month, one of ABS-CBN’s channels, Cinema One, is holding the Rainbow Festival, which celebrates queerness and individuality. The lineup of films includes Markova: Comfort Gay, T-Bird at Ako, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, Barbi: Maid in the Philippines, Boyette: Not A Girl Yet, Bromance: My Brother’s Romance, and Beauty and the Bestie. These and other films will air on 24 June. [caption id="attachment_140731" align="aligncenter" width="919"] Photograph courtesy of cinema one | ‘Boyette Not A Girl Yet.’[/caption] Cinema One, which shows Filipino blockbuster movies, is available on Cignal (channel 45), SKYcable (channel 56), GSat Direct TV (channel 14), and other local cable service providers. The post It’s Pride Month on Cinema One appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
7-foot Fil-Am hoops prospect Sage Tolentino channels inner-Manny Pacquiao in workout video
7-foot Filipino-American high school prospect Sage Tolentino isn’t a household name yet, but don’t be surprised if he becomes one in the near future. The 16-year old is currently ranked as the top high school player in Hawaii, and should be a coveted recruit for any university, or eventually follow in the footsteps of fellow towering Pinoy Kai Sotto in the G-League. Tolentino could also be one of the cornerstones of future Philippine National Teams, with the SBP already reaching out to him. Always looking for new ways to push himself and improve physically, it looks like Tolentino is keen on taking up another sport as a form of cross-training. A video posted on East West Private’s Instagram page shows Tolentino trying his hand at boxing, channeling Filipino boxing legend and eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. View this post on Instagram When training for your future basketball dreams it doesn’t always mean you find yourself daily on the court. @mannypacquiao Sage said he LOVED IT! Maybe one day you can come train with @kzsotto and @sagee23_ for some cross training. Show them a few moves. At EWP today our goal for Sage was: - Hand-eye coordination - Understanding time and space - Footwork relative to basketball, positioning, and leverage - Learning how to stay focused through fatigue - Muscular endurance - Controlled aggression A post shared by EWP (@eastwestprivate) on Jul 2, 2020 at 4:25am PDT “When training for your future basketball dreams, it doesn’t always mean you find yourself daily on the court,” the post’s caption read, before giving a shout out to Pacquiao himself and inviting him to train Tolentino and the G-League-bound Sotto. Boxing is actually a pretty popular cross-training sport for a lot of NBA players, as it’s a good way to build up cardio and improve footwork. Stars like Damian Lillard, Joel Embiid, Kyle Kuzma, John Wall, and many others have put on a pair of 16-ounce gloves and hit the mitts to keep themselves in tip-top shape during the off-season. With Pacquiao being an avid hoops fan himself, what’s the likelihood that he does bite on the offer to help train two of the Philippines’ most promising young stars?.....»»
Ashley Tisdale buntis sa 2nd baby: ‘We can’t wait to meet you!’
MAY exciting news ang Hollywood actress at “High School Musical” star na si Ashley Tisdale sa madlang pipol! Ayon sa kanya, ipinagbubuntis niya ang second baby nila ng mister na si Christopher French. Sa Instagram, ibinandera ni Ashley ang kanyang baby bump at ang caption niya: “We can’t wait to meet you [emoji].” Baka Bet.....»»
Andrea Brillantes niregaluhan ng Rolex nina Whamos at Antonette
NAWINDANG ang Kapamilya actress na si Andrea Brillantes matapos itong makatanggap ng mamahaling relo na Rolex mula sa social media personalities na sina Whamos Cruz at Antonette Gail del Rosario. Sa isang video na ibinahagi ni Whamos sa kanyang Facebook page ay sinurpresa nila ang dalaga na nag-celebrate ng birthday kamakailan. “Mayroon na naman tayong.....»»
Daily Gospel, March 28
This is the Daily Gospel for today, March 28, 2024, which is Holy Thursday (Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper). READ MORE: Daily Gospel, March 27 Daily Gospel, March 26 Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 13, 1-15. Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass.....»»
LIST: Dragonpay’s payment channels schedule for Holy Week
Some payment channels will have shortened hours of operation while others will be temporarily deactivated from March 27 (Holy Wednesday) to March 30 (Black Saturday)......»»
Sheryl na-starstruck kay Ate Guy; Martin may pa-Tortang Talong!
HINDI napigilan ng Kapuso actress at singer na si Sheryl Cruz ang magpaka-fan girl nang makita up close and personal ang Superstar na si Nora Aunor. Inamin ng seasoned actress na na-starstruck siya nang makasama ang National Artist sa taping ng GMA afternoon series na “Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law.” Baka Bet Mo: Ellen hinamon ng netizens.....»»
Bela pasok na rin sa ‘Pamilya Sagrado’, ka-loveteam din si Piolo?
KASAMA pala si Bela Padilla sa bagong seryeng “Pamilya Sagrado” mula sa Dreamscape Entertainment na nagsu-shoot ngayon sa Baguio City. Nag-post kasi ng video ang aktres sa kanyang Instagram na binubuhat siya ng lead star ng serye na si Piolo Pascual sa iba’t ibang anggulo na ikinatuwa naman ni Bela. Ang caption ng aktres sa.....»»
Missing man found dead in Barangay Bonbon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 50-year-old man who had been missing for two weeks was found dead in Sitio Golivas, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. The victim was identified as Adriano Fuentes Durano, a resident of Kiniasan, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. Police Major Philip John Libres, chief of Malubog Police Community Precinct, stated that on Tuesday.....»»
Dating child star na si Krystal Reyes engaged na sa non-showbiz BF
ENGAGED na ang former child star na si Krystal Reyes sa kanyang non-showbiz boyfriend na si Lawrence dela Cruz. Ibinandera ni Krystal sa kanyang Instagram account kahapon, March 25, ang ginawang marriage proposal sa kanya ng partner. Makikita sa photo na ipinost ng dating child actress sa IG ang kanyang fiancé na nakaluhod sa harapan.....»»
Max Collins may manliligaw pero dedma, hugot na hugot sa true love
MAS gusto muna ngayong maging single ng Kapuso actress na si Max Collins kaya dedma muna siya sa mga lalaki at pakikipag-date. Matagal-tagal na ring walang dyowa si Max matapos silang maghiwalay ng kanyang asawang aktor na si Pancho Magno. Sa panayam kay Max ng “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” ay diretsahan siyang tinanong kung.....»»
Regine hugot na hugot: Mahirap kapag tumatanda ka na sa industriya!
INISA-ISA ng Asia’s Songbird na si Regine Velasquez-Alcasid ang ilang mga pagbabago na nararanasan ng isang babae habang nagkakaedad. Diretsahang inamin ng singer-actress at TV host na napakaraming challenges ang kailangang harapin ng mga kababaihan, kabilang na silang mga nasa entertainment industry. Sa naging speech ni Regine sa naganap na kauna-unahang Billboard Philippines’ Women in.....»»
Austria leads Grumpy Joe to CJHGC Corporate Cup triumph
Jonar Austria recorded a consecutive 54 points to anchor Grumpy Joe to victory in Group 1 at the close of the 18th Corporate Cup at Camp John Hay Golf Club here Friday......»»