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‘Economic decisions independent from politics’
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has maintained that his decisions will be separated from his long-standing political background as he pushes for the country’s economic progress......»»
Donald Trumps $3.5bn windfall at stake in Spac deal showdow
The Financial Times, known for its in-depth coverage of global business, economics, and politics, is now offering a special subscription deal for its print edition......»»
Celebrate Sinulog in style with Island Souvenirs
Every year, Islands Souvenirs loves to kick-off the new year by celebrating Cebuano’s personalities, history, culture, and creativity through wearable merchandise and this year’s theme, Sinulog Carnival: Life of the Party! Over the years, our institutionalized Cut and Style campaign has cemented itself as a staple Sinulog activity for locals and tourists alike. It has.....»»
P42-M heist: thieves barge into Gaisano Mall in Ozamiz City thru tunnel
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 2 January) – Thieves barged inside a popular shopping mall in Ozamiz City on New Year’s Eve using a tunnel and carted away around P42 million in jewelries and cash, police said Tuesday. Major Euridecy Revillas, Ozamiz City police deputy chief, said they arrested April John Permanhil, a carnival […].....»»
UP s Cansino, Lopez make amends with carnival worker
It seems all is well between UP Fighting Maroons CJ Cansino and Francis Lopez, and the carnival employee who was caught in a mask-grabbing incident earlier in the month......»»
UP players sorry for carnival gaffe
CJ Cansino and Francis Lopez apologized for an improper behavior during the recent holiday outing of the University of the Philippines men’s basketball team that went viral on social media......»»
UP star Francis Lopez apologetic after mask-grabbing incident
'I am sorry for any harm that I have caused and I am committed to learning from this experience,' says UP star Francis Lopez, who has been in hot water after grabbing the mask of a carnival employee.....»»
Michelle Dee wins Spirit of Carnival Award at Miss Universe 2023, other special awards
Despite exiting Miss Universe 2023 at the Top 10, the Philippines' Michelle Dee managed to take home two wins from the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador......»»
Witches, devils scare you straight in indigenous Nicaragua festival
Thousands of people dressed as terrifying characters from fables and legends have taken to the streets in a Nicaraguan festival heavy on fright. The Aguizotes festival, held in an indigenous neighborhood in the city of Masaya, is known for local artisans' spectacularly spooky masks. Music for the event, in the town south of Managua, is cool in its own right -- a hypnotizing soundtrack of drums, cymbals, trumpets, trombones, and tubas. "Our grandfathers and grandmothers did this to instill fear in future generations -- so that they would do the right things," William Guerrero, decked out in a red devil's mask, told AFP. The festival is held on the last Friday of each October. Characters include a black devil with enormous horns and a Witch of the Volcano. Another traditional character, the "nagua" or haunted cart, travels through town at night making a clamorous noise. Driving it -- dressed in a white tunic and carrying his signature scythe -- is the figure of "Death." Several family workshops produce masks for the festival. Artisan Fermina Lopez, 39, told AFP that she inherited her mask workshop. Lester Espinoza, 42, told AFP that his family workshop made more than 1,000 masks for the carnival. "It starts out as a kind of dough, and then we put it in the mold and we begin to style the mask." The post Witches, devils scare you straight in indigenous Nicaragua festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Terrifyingly tasty treats
This month, Marks & Spencer is the go-to destination for terrifyingly tasty Halloween treats. The collection of spooky and delicious snacks is perfect for delighting (or scaring) Halloween party guests or serving up to trick-or-treaters on the 31st. Menacing Malloweenies make a decadent, gory treat for chocoholics with chocolate shells packed with soft mallow and oozing raspberry-flavored sauce. Make Halloween more fun with some fun lollies in dress-up like the Ghoulish Gang or 10 Creepy Chocolate Foiled Lollipops Milk Chocolate Foiled Lollipops. Malloweenies. HALLOWSCREAM Munch Mix. Create the ultimate scary pick ‘n’ mix for guests with a festive Fruity Creepy Carnival, eerie Zombie Eyeballs and hair-raising Sour Spiders. Settle in to watch your favorite thriller movie with the delicious HallowSCREAM Munch Mix — a tasty sweet and salty combo mix. Let there be fright and visit a Marks & Spencer store for more Halloween treats. Visit www.marksandspencer.com.ph. The post Terrifyingly tasty treats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Margaritaville’ singer Jimmy Buffett dies at 76
American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, best known for his 1977 hit "Margaritaville," has died at age 76, according to a statement on his website. "Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs," the statement said. "He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many." The statement did not include a cause of death. Buffett's classic chill-out anthem "Margaritaville," about beachfront living with a drink in hand, spent 22 weeks on the Billboard chart, and helped launch his decades-long music career and a business empire. Known as the "Mayor of Margaritaville," he released nearly 30 studio albums of country, folk and tropical tunes, and also launched a line of resorts, restaurants and retail stores that capitalized on his laid-back, escapist image. Born December 25, 1946, in the US state of Mississippi and raised in Alabama, Buffett began playing guitar in college and later started performing on the streets and in the clubs of New Orleans, according to his website. He released his first record "Down to Earth" in 1970, and a year later traveled to Key West, Florida, a place that became synonymous with Buffett's paradise-themed music and lifestyle brands. Buffett also penned bestselling books, appeared in movies and on television, and had a brief Broadway run with his musical "Escape to Margaritaville." But his signature song -- and its refrain: "Wastin' away again in Margaritaville, searchin' for my lost shaker of salt" -- is what his legions of fans and beach holidaymakers remember most. "There are people out there looking for a good time for a few days a year," Buffett told Rolling Stone magazine in 1996, referring to his fans, known as "Parrotheads." "We come to town and we're the carnival or the Mardi Gras. People blow off steam and then go back and become basically law-abiding citizens," he said. "But to see them on those two days, you'd go, 'My God, this is the most drunk and boisterous maniac crowd you ever saw!'" "Rest in power @jimmybuffett," rapper LL Cool J wrote Saturday on social media platform X. "I'm glad we had time to vibe. You were and always will be a Truly inspiring human." Former US senator from Alabama Doug Jones said he was sad to hear of Buffet's death. "Following the election in 2017 he serenaded us in Key West with 'Stars Fell on Alabama,'" Jones posted on social media platform X, referring to Buffet's 1981 song. "He lived life to the fullest and the world will miss him." Buffett was preparing to release a new record this year, according to his website. sco/leg © Agence France-Presse The post ‘Margaritaville’ singer Jimmy Buffett dies at 76 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malays in technicolor
Malaysia is a merry mix of Muslims, Indians, Chinese and Christians whose vibrant culture and traditions vitalize its calendar with a variety of celebrations and festivals that, in themselves, give every reason to visit the country. In every celebration, the tradition of holding an “open house” or “welcome all” provides the opportunity for the various races to visit each other to enliven the celebration. Muslim For Muslims, the two major festivals are celebrated namely Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri) and Hari Raya Haji (Aidiladha). Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, which requires Muslims to fast for a month. Hari Raya Haji is celebrated on the 10th day of Zulhijjah (the month of Islam) when Muslims perform the Haj in Mecca and are in the final stages of their worship. In conjunction with the festival, Muslims who are capable are encouraged to perform sacrificial worship (ibadah korban) and, due to this, it is also known as Hari Raya Korban. Other than the two major festivals, Muslims also celebrate Maal Hijrah (Awal Muharam), which is a celebration of the Islamic New Year; Maulidur Rasul to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW, and Nuzul Quran to commemorate the day of the revelation of the al-Quran among Muslims. Chinese Chinese Malaysian communities celebrate Chinese New Year on the first day of the Chinese calendar in January or February each year. The festival starts with the whole family gathering for dinner. The celebration lasts for 15 days to the day of “Chap Goh Meh”, which is celebrated on the night of the 15th day of the festival. The festival gesture or goodwill package “angpow” is a tradition that enlivens the atmosphere of Chinese New Year, especially for the children. For the majority of Chinese who are Buddhist, the month of May every year marks the arrival of Wesak Day to commemorate three important events in Buddha’s life: the day of birth, the day of the achievement of maturity of thoughts and the day of death. During the celebration, ceremonies and parades are normally held with prayers. In addition, there are other celebrations, such as the mid-autumn lantern celebration (Tanglung), Month of the Ghost Festival and Qing Ming. Indian For Hindu devotees, Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, during the month of “Aippasi,” according to the Tamil calendar (October to November) is a time to rejoice. It marks the victory, brightness overcoming darkness, goodness overcoming evil, and wisdom over ignorance. The festival begins with prayers, followed by visiting of relatives and friends. In the evening, the house will be decorated with lights to enliven the festive atmosphere. Hindu devotees also celebrate Thaipusam in January as a sign of respect to the God Muruga. During the festival, Batu Caves in Selangor will be the focus of Hindu devotees carrying presentations above the “kavadi” to be presented to the gods. In addition, Hindus also celebrate Ponggal, Hindu New Year, Navarathiri and Kharthigai. Other festivals On 25 December each year, Christians celebrate Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus with prayers in churches and visits to their relatives and friends. In Sabah and Sarawak, there are also the traditional ethnic festivals. In Sabah, in the month of May every year, the Kadazans will celebrate the Harvest Festival (Tadau Kaamatan), an important event to the farmer groups. Tamu Besar or Pasar Tahunan is a carnival created to organize traditional sports events. For the Dayaks, Ibans and Bidayuh in Sarawak, 1 June every year is a day to be awaited because, on that day, they will celebrate Hari Gawai. For the Dayaks, they will have specific celebrations consisting of Gawai Batu (beginning of the paddy planting season), Gawai Burung (celebration associated with a bad sign or nightmare), Gawai Bersimpan (thanksgiving upon completion of harvesting), Gawai Antu (celebration for the souls of the dead) and Gawai Kenyalang. Apart from the different races and festivals, Malaysians also celebrate Labor Day on 1 May, National Day or Independence Day on 31 August, Birthday of His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on the Saturday of the first week of June, Birthday of the King/Sultan at state level and Good Friday for various states. The post Malays in technicolor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmonte taps youngest kagawad as Brgy. Pasong Tamo acting chairman
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte over the weekend, tapped the highest voting kagawad (village councilor) Stephanie Tricia C. Pilar as the Acting Punong Barangay (Barangay Chairman) of Barangay Pasong Tamo. Pilar replaced suspended Barangay Chairman Mae Tagle after the 38-member City Council concurred with the resolution issued by the Special Investigation Committee ordering the suspension of Tagle over grave misconduct and abuse of authority charges slapped against her on three occasions. Pilar, the youngest voted 'barangay 'kagawad' (village councilor) was sworn in by Belmonte in a simple rite at her office for the services in Barangay Pasong Tamo in District 6 to continue, and the residents there, to have the lowest form of government to aid them. Tagle was first meted with a 30-day suspension ordered by the SIC over the complaint of the entire fire brigade which she fired after assuming the post when the former chieftain run for councilor and won in 2022. Two other charges of abuse of authority were also filed against Tagle which also landed in SIC who meted her another 30-day suspension order for each case, paving the vacancy to the position which required to be filled according to the rules of succession under Barangay Elections rules. The two cases stemmed from Tagle's approval of a 'perya' or street carnival which she allowed to occupy part of a road thereby causing traffic. While the other case was filed by the Sangguniang Kabataan chairman who told the SIC that Tagle hold on to their funds, stalling their programs and projects as well as their allowances. Pilar meanwhile, assured Belmonte that she will give her best in running the barangay affairs according to what the law mandated. The post Belmonte taps youngest kagawad as Brgy. Pasong Tamo acting chairman appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tagle suspended anew
Barangay Pasong Tamo chairperson Mae Tagle was suspended for another 30 days without pay on Thursday by the Quezon City local government’s legal office. This after the Quezon City Council confirmed the resolution of the Special Investigation Committee in the case of Jalandoni vs. Tagle, docketed as Administrative Case 424-23. The SIC found Tagle guilty of simple negligence for allowing a perya or carnival to operate in the barangay for several days, even though it was causing traffic congestion. It was the second administrative case for misconduct that Tagle was found guilty of in the past year. In July 2022, she was suspended for 30 days for firing the entire fire brigade of the village. Tagle has refused to comment on the charges against her. In addition to the two administrative cases, Tagle is also facing seven other cases of abuse of power. The cases have led to calls for her resignation from the barangay chairmanship. The post Tagle suspended anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A Rose at the ‘Tertulia’ in Intramuros
After the successful staging in 2022 of a fabulous ball and an awards night, the Philippine Heritage Society held a tertulia as it continues its support for local arts and culture, as well as the creative soul of Filipinos. Britannica defines tertulia as a “type of Spanish literary salon that was popular in Spain from at least the 17th century and that eventually replaced the more formal academies. Tertulias were held in private homes at first, but from the early 19th century they met in clubs and cafés.” The Philippine Heritage Society Casa Blanca in Intramuros was the setting for Tertulia Flores de Mayo: A Celebration of Fashion, Arts Music on 30 May. It was directed by Nathan de Leon, who founded the society together with Sherwin Sozon, a businessman and opera singer who leads LyrOpera; and Tess Castro, a former bank executive who is now a philanthropist and heritage advocate. “Lubos akong nagagalak na naka-unang anibersaryo pa lamang ang The Philippine Heritage Society pero tumitibay na ang ating pundasyon, at tayo ay nakagagawa na ng mga kongkretong hakbang upang itaguyod ang mga pamanang sining sa ating lahi. At ngayong gabi nga, ating ipinagdiriwang ang Flores de Mayo sa pamamagitan ng fashion, arts at music (I am delighted that The Philippine Heritage Society, just on its first anniversary, is growing stronger, and we have been able to take concrete steps to promote our cultural heritage. And tonight, we celebrate Flores de Mayo through fashion, arts and music),” Castro said in her welcome speech. [caption id="attachment_142323" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Philippine Heritage Society with co-founder Nathan de Leon (extreme left) and members serving as models at the Tertulia.[/caption] She continued: “Marami mang pagbabago sa panahon ngayon at sa ating mga Filipino, dahil sa modernisasyon at bagong teknolohiya, nanatiling buhay at matibay ang tradisyon na ito, na patuloy na sumasalamin sa ating malalim na pananampalataya, mayamang kasaysayan at makulay na kultura (Despite the many changes in today’s time and in our Filipino society, due to modernization and new technology, this tradition remains alive and resilient, continuing to reflect our deep faith, rich history and vibrant culture).” An entertaining and elegant night Hosted by JM Salamat, the night was a showcase of the best of Filipino creativity. World-class entertainment was provided by Ana Feleo of the LyrOpera of the Philippines, who performed Agot Espino’s “Kundiman sa Langit” and “Bituing Marikit” by Nicanor Abelardo. The UP Filipiniana Dance Group swayed to “Binoyugan” and “Maria Clara Dance Pitik Mingaw.” There was the Marcy Band and Prinsipe Makata. Tenor Randy Gilongo sang “Kundi Man Mahalin” by National Artists Ernani Cuenco and Levi Celerio, and “Madaling Araw.” Co-founder Sozon sang “Kalesa” by Cuenco and “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko” by George Hernandez. The highlight of the night was when the glamorous members of the group offered flowers to the Virgin Mary during the Flores de Mayo Fashion Walk segment. Led by this year’s “hermana,” Mache Torres-Ackerman, the awesome women were Chanel Sun, Sophia Yara, Jennifer Tipton Angeles, Minerva Racuya, Isabel Tiqui Dunn, Maricris Callo, Charo Laude, Ruby Chua, Loubelle Gardiola, Isabel Dennise Garcia and Aileen Geralde. They were the muses of designers Frankie de Leon, Oskar Peralta, Ronaldo Arnaldo, Ole Morabe, Peri Diaz and jewelry god Gerry Sunga. The night also attracted such fashion luminaries as Oscar Atendido, Zardo Austria, George Yano, Raymond Villanueva and Pando Manipon. Designer and muse as cultural protectors A compelling designer-muse collaboration on that elegant night was between Lito Perez and entrepreneur and philanthropist Rose Tolentino Santiago. “Pink Rose became a valued client even before the pandemic. Her favorite color is pink, thus Pink Rose is her nickname,” Perez explained. “She wore a fully embroidered terno reminiscent of the carnival queens of the 1920s. It is a baro’t saya and matching panuelo and long-train tapiz. The gown is made of embroidered American tulle and lace.” [caption id="attachment_142326" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Radiant in pink, Rose in a Lloyd Arceo terno ensemble[/caption] Within the realm of fashion and design, Pink Rose admires the works of Perez, considering him one of the finest Filipino designers. “Lito’s designs reflect his deep love for Philippine heritage, showcasing the rich tapestry of Filipino culture through his creations. I appreciate Lito’s dedication to preserving and incorporating elements of Philippine traditions and aesthetics into his designs, as it serves as a testament to the beauty and uniqueness of Filipino artistry,” she enthused. Alongside her spiritual devotion, Santiago is committed to preserving Filipino culture and traditions, ensuring that the younger generation never forgets their roots. In her admiration for Perez, she finds inspiration in his designs that celebrate the rich heritage of the Philippines. As a proud Filipina, Santiago holds her cultural heritage dear to her heart. She cherishes the traditions and values instilled in her by her ancestors and believes it is essential for young Filipinos not to forget their roots. She emphasizes the importance of preserving Filipino culture, traditions, and historical sites. Through this safeguarding, she believes that future generations will be able to appreciate their heritage and maintain a strong connection to their identity as Filipinos. In honor of the Mother Pink Rose stands as a testament to the power of unwavering faith, deep cultural appreciation, and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people. She was excited to participate in the “Tertulia Flores de Mayo,” as the Blessed Virgin Mary plays a pivotal part in her life. When her mother left her at a young age, she was overwhelmed with sadness and longing for maternal care. She sought solace in her faith and became a devoted follower of the Blessed Mother. In her belief, she found the comforting presence of a mother figure who would listen to her and understand the deepest thoughts and emotions of her heart. In her expression of devotion, Santiago has embraced a selfless approach. She believes that her acts of charity and kindness are not contingent on counting donations or material offerings. Instead, she believes that her good deeds should come from the pure intentions of her heart. She sees Mary as the ultimate example of a loving and caring mother, who extends her protection and guidance to all, regardless of material wealth or status. “The reverence and devotion I hold for the Blessed Mother stems from my acknowledgment of her divine role as the Mother of God,” Santiago professed. “For me, Mary is more than just a figure in religious teachings; she is the epitome of love, compassion, and nurturing. Through my devotion to Mary, I find solace and strength, believing that the Blessed Mother can take care of me in ways that no one else can.” The post A Rose at the ‘Tertulia’ in Intramuros appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hong Kong police detain more than 20 on Tiananmen anniversary
Hong Kong police on Sunday detained more than 20 people, including key pro-democracy figures trying to commemorate the anniversary of the bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown, as hundreds in Taiwan mourned the dead with a vigil. For years, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers would converge on the city's Victoria Park and its surrounding neighborhood to commemorate the events of June 4, 1989 -- taking part in candlelight vigils. But since Beijing's imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 to quell dissent, the annual vigil has been banned and its organizers charged under the law. This weekend, scores of police were deployed in the area, stopping people for searches and questioning. Some found with a candle -- regarded as a symbol of the Victoria Park vigil -- were questioned and detained. More than 700 kilometers (430 miles) away on the self-ruled island of Taiwan, hundreds gathered at Taipei's Liberty Square to chant "fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong" as night fell. They lit candles in the shape of "8964" -- numerals forbidden in mainland China because it references the events of June 4, 1989. "We need to cherish the freedom and democracy we have in Taiwan," Perry Wu, 31, told AFP. "I feel really sad to see the news of people getting arrested today in Hong Kong." Hong Kong police said late Sunday they had detained 23 people between the ages of 20 to 74 who were suspected of "breaching the peace". One woman, 53, was arrested for obstructing police officers. Among the most prominent activists AFP saw bundled into police vans was Chan Po-ying, the leader of the League of Social Democrats, one of the few remaining opposition parties. The veteran activist, who was released hours later, held a small LED candle and two flowers before she was seized by police. Other recognizable figures taken were Alexandra Wong, a well-known activist nicknamed "Grandma Wong" and Leo Tang, a former leader of the now-disbanded Confederation of Trade Unions. On Saturday, Hong Kong police arrested four people for "seditious" acts and "disorderly conduct". Another four were detained on suspicion of breaching the peace. The office of UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a tweet late Sunday it was "alarmed by reports of detentions" in Hong Kong and called for the "release of anyone detained for exercising freedom of expression & peaceful assembly." 'Let the world know' Discussion of the Tiananmen crackdown is highly sensitive for China's communist leadership and commemoration is forbidden on the mainland. The government sent troops and tanks to Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989 to break up peaceful protests, brutally crushing a weeks-long wave of demonstrations calling for political change. Hundreds -- by some estimates, more than 1,000 -- were killed. Hong Kong was for decades the only Chinese city with a large-scale commemoration -- a key index of the liberties and political pluralism afforded by its semi-autonomous status. This year, Victoria Park was transformed for a "hometown carnival fair" organized by pro-Beijing groups. Erase memories Beijing has gone to exhaustive lengths to erase the 1989 event from public memory in the mainland. All mention of the crackdown is scrubbed from China's internet. Over the weekend, sites of more recent protests -- a bridge in Beijing where a "freedom" banner was unfurled, and Wulumuqi Street in Shanghai where demonstrations happened in November -- also saw heightened security. Hong Kong authorities were vigilant in the weeks before June 4, with police seizing a commemorative "Pillar of Shame" statue for a security trial and removing books on the Tiananmen crackdown from public libraries. But there were still pockets of defiance on Sunday around Hong Kong -- a shop gave away candles, while a bookstore displayed Tiananmen Square archival material. At the US consulate in the evening, dozens of candles could be seen shimmering in the large complex's windows. 'Face the consequences' Sidestepping questions about whether public mourning was allowed, Hong Kong's leader John Lee had repeatedly maintained that the public must act according to the law or "be ready to face the consequences". Vigils planned around the world, from Japan to Australia, saw people standing with candles next to images of the brutal crackdown. In London, protesters staged a re-enactment featuring a blow-up tank and women dressed in white, emulating a statue to liberty set up on Tiananmen Square in 1989. A 59-year-old poet from China's Sichuan province, told AFP at the Trafalgar Square rally that his family fled soon after brutal crackdown. "Chinese people in my generation know what happened, but the younger ones, not really," said the man, who declined to be named for fear of Chinese reprisals. "Their parents, their grandparents, need to keep up the knowledge, and we all need to remember at events overseas like this." The post Hong Kong police detain more than 20 on Tiananmen anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hong Kong police detain prominent democracy figures on Tiananmen anniversary
Hong Kong police on Sunday detained several key pro-democracy figures attempting to commemorate the anniversary of the bloody Tiananmen crackdown, as hundreds in democratic Taiwan mourned the dead in a candlelight vigil. For years, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers would converge on the city's Victoria Park and its surrounding Causeway Bay neighborhood to commemorate the events of 4 June 1989 -- taking part in candlelight vigils. But since Beijing's imposition of the national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 to quell dissent, the annual vigil was banned, and the organizers were charged under the law. This weekend, scores of police were deployed in the area, stopping people to search their belongings and question them. An armored vehicle was sighted parked near a shopping center. Anyone found with a candle -- regarded as a symbol of the Victoria Park vigil -- was questioned and even detained, while police appeared to cast a broad net on what was deemed offensive. More than 700 kilometers (430 miles) away, nearly 500 people gathered at Taipei's Liberty Square to chant "fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong" as night fell. They lit candles in the shape of "8964" -- numerals that are forbidden in mainland China because it references the events of 4 June 1989. "We need to cherish the freedom and democracy we have in Taiwan," Perry Wu, 31, told AFP. "I feel really sad to see the news of people getting arrested today in Hong Kong." By evening, AFP reporters in Hong Kong had witnessed more than a dozen people taken away by police in vans. Among the most prominent was Chan Po-ying, the leader of the city's League of Social Democrats, one of the last few remaining opposition groups. The veteran activist was holding a small LED candle and two flowers before she was seized by police. Other recognizable figures detained were Alexandra Wong, a well-known activist nicknamed "Grandma Wong", former chairwoman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association Mak Yin-ting, and Leo Tang, a former leader of the now-disbanded Confederation of Trade Unions. At Victoria Park, a man sitting on a bench holding an unlit candle was surrounded by cops. As he was led to a police van, he said, "I raised a candle... I was (taken) for just sitting there." The swift removal of people comes a day after police arrested four for "seditious" acts and "disorderly conduct". Another four people were detained on suspicion of breaching the peace. 'Let the world know' Discussion of the Tiananmen crackdown is highly sensitive for China's communist leadership and commemoration is forbidden on the mainland. The government sent troops and tanks to Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989 to break up peaceful protests, brutally crushing a weeks-long wave of demonstrations calling for political change. Hundreds -- by some estimates, more than 1,000 -- were killed. For decades, Hong Kong was the only Chinese city with a large-scale commemoration -- a key index of the liberties and political pluralism afforded by its semi-autonomous status. But after the vigil was banned since 2020, the park was barricaded with metal barriers. This year, Victoria Park was transformed for a "hometown carnival fair" organized by pro-Beijing groups. "The pro-Beijing camp wants to... occupy the venue to exclude the mourners," said Chiu, a 68-year-old retiree, who sat on a park bench with an unlit candle by him in quiet defiance -- a short distance from the fair. Erase memories Beijing has gone to exhaustive lengths to erase the 1989 event from public memory in the mainland. All mention of the crackdown is scrubbed from China's internet. Over the weekend, sites of more recent protests -- a bridge in Beijing where a "freedom" banner was unfurled, and Wulumuqi Street in Shanghai where demonstrations happened in November -- also saw heightened security. Hong Kong authorities were vigilant in the weeks before June 4, with police seizing a commemorative "Pillar of Shame" statue for a security trial and removing books on the Tiananmen crackdown from public libraries. But there were still pockets of defiance Sunday around Hong Kong -- a shop gave away candles, while a bookstore displayed Tiananmen Square archival material. 'Freedom to mourn' Sidestepping questions about whether public mourning was allowed, Hong Kong's leader John Lee had repeatedly maintained that the public must act according to the law or "be ready to face the consequences". Vigils planned around the world, from Japan to Sydney, saw people stand solemnly with a candle next to images of the 1989 crackdown. Hong Kong activist Wong Yat-chin, currently in prison for a national security charge, said he mourned the "loss of the freedom to mourn". "It's not a crime to remember a day," he said on his Instagram page Sunday. The post Hong Kong police detain prominent democracy figures on Tiananmen anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Flowers and fashion at Nustar
Maia International Flower Festival — the first edition in Cebu — magically transformed the Nustar Resort and Casino into a botanical paradise with vibrant blooms in a kaleidoscope of colors. The event was inspired by Maia, an ancient Roman goddess of springtime, warmth and abundance. Held at the spacious mall within the expansive property of the Gokongwei Group, the well-attended event was participated in by 12 international florists from the Philippines, neighboring Asian countries including Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea and even the United Kingdom, which is famous for its annual flower show on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, London. [caption id="attachment_136977" align="aligncenter" width="524"] Jun Escario and florist Joseph Ven Dumadag from the Philippines.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136993" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Wendell Quisido and florist Joohyun Lee from South Korea.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136985" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Valerie Alvez and florist Opas Yarcammee from Thailand.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136984" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ronald Enrico and florist Lina Loka from Indonesia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136983" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Rei Escario and florist Michael Yu from the Phlippines.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136982" align="aligncenter" width="505"] Protacio Empaces and florist Edward Millers Khoo from Malaysia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136981" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Philipp Tampus and florist Hung Shu-Yuan from Taiwan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136980" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Philip Rodriguez and florist Keith Lin from Singapore.[/caption] The florists collaborated with 14 of Cebu’s globally acclaimed and celebrated fashion designers. The experts created ethereal looks and bespoke dresses for the runway, rendered in flowers and foliage for their interpretation of the theme “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The floral sartorial items — complete with headdresses, cuffs, necklaces and purses — which complemented the designer couture pieces, showcased a visual feast featuring various concepts, among them Flowers of Friendship, Dancing with the Wind, Iridescent, Carnival, Tropical Bonanza and Kaleidoscope. These were all inspired by the beauty of nature and the changing seasons, a gentle reminder that everything is fleeting and life should be lived and celebrated. [caption id="attachment_136978" align="aligncenter" width="513"] Oj Hofer and florist Eunjeong Lee from South Korea.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136976" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Hanz Coquilla and florist Christina Yew from Taiwan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136975" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Edwin Ao and florist Sandra Taslim from Indonesia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136974" align="aligncenter" width="456"] Dexter Alazas and florist Kai-yun Lo from Taiwan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136973" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Cary Santiago and florist Harijanto Setiawan from Indonesia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_136972" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Anthony Romoff and florist Teresa Skues from the United Kingdom.[/caption] The post Flowers and fashion at Nustar appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Festival Mall: Celebrating 25 years of cherished moments and lifelong memories
There was only one instance in her life that Josephine Gotianun-Yap, president and chief executive officer of Filinvest Development Corporation, felt restless and could hardly sleep. And that was on the eve of the opening of Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa — 25 years ago. “Normally, I’m a businesswoman who’s always in control,” claimed Gotianun-Yap. “But I have to say this was different. I always remember the one night that I could not sleep and that was the night before we opened the mall. We only had 30 stalls and most of them were in the food court. We didn’t have supermarket or any anchor stores.” She added: “But we had cinemas and theme parks. We had a beautiful mall that many of our competitors literally would come and take notes to see the way the mall was designed because this was really ahead of its time.” Because of the amusement experience the mall offered, Gotianun-Yap said, about 30,000 people came on the opening day. “And the numbers doubled and kept adding up,” she said. “Seeing the foot traffic was there, stores started to come in.” Since opening its doors in 1998, Festival Mall has become the premier go-to lifestyle and recreational destination in the south of Metro Manila. It has also become an iconic development in the south offering diverse shopping, dining and leisure experiences. [caption id="attachment_134440" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (FROM left) Mitch A. Dumlao, first vice president and retail business head, Festival Supermall Inc.; Joseph M. Yap, former ambassador of the Philippines to Singapore and chairman of FREIT Fund Managers Inc.; Muntinlupa Congressman Jaime R. Fresnedi; Josephine Gotianun-Yap, director, president and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation; Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy B. Biazon; and Tristan Las Marias, president and CEO of Filinvest Land Inc.[/caption] “Festival Mall is very close to my heart,” stated Gotianun-Yap. “We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of our customers, merchants, suppliers and employees who have journeyed with us through the years.” Now, the mall has 800 tenants and eight leading anchor stores. “We value our collaboration with major retailers, which has enabled us to bring together SaveMore, Ace Hardware, Robinson’s Department Store, Handyman, Shopwise, H&M, Decathlon and Landmark all under one roof. As we build on its strong foundations for the future, we see Festival Mall continuing to serve as a place where time stops for making memories with family and friends,” Gotianun-Yap added. Leisure experience Through the years, Festival Mall has undergone a lot of renovations having new stores and attractions to provide a better shopping, dining and leisure experience. From local and foreign brands to family-focused amusement centers and choice restaurants and generous outdoor, indoor spaces, Festival Mall brings together a new lifestyle of safety, comfort and ease for its loyal customers. “Festival Mall has achieved many milestones over the past 25 years, but what makes me very proud is the way it has become a cherished part of the community in the south,” said Gotianun-Yap added. [caption id="attachment_134441" align="aligncenter" width="422"] The exciting Xtreme coaster and Xyber Trax at X-Site, among the favorite in-mall amusement ride attractions.[/caption] Working with a leading architectural firm, Festival Mall was designed to have not just one, but two large theme parks inside the mall. True to its name, they brought the fun and exciting elements of a carnival inside the mall. Today, it has become a hub where customers can conveniently shop, dine and bond with their loved ones. Festival Mall is the fifth largest mall in the Philippines housing two indoor amusement centers and eight cinemas. It has two wings: East and West. The West Wing, also known as the main mall, is where you will find basic necessities — specialty stores, food stores and entertainment center. The East Wing, commonly called the expansion wing, was designed to integrate an organic river and natural contour of the land through the Water Garden and the River Park that initially opened in 2014. It completes the mall’s offerings promoting an active lifestyle like WiiJUMP Trampoline Park, Surge Fitness and the newly-opened amusement arcade Timezone, to name a few. Festival Mall also takes pride in the 99-year old Art Deco building that was restored and incorporated into the mall in 2009, and is now home to renowned Spanish restaurant, Las Flores. The near century-old space welcomes guests with timeless features that resonate with the rich history of the building and its design-driven architecture. Not to be missed is the replica statue of Jose Rizal’s The Triumph of Science Over Death clay sculpture by Genaro Sy-Changco, located adjacent to the building. “After 25 years, Festival Mall remains committed to its vision of a complete and balanced lifestyle mall with amenities and options for the whole family,” concluded Gotianun-Yap. The post Festival Mall: Celebrating 25 years of cherished moments and lifelong memories appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Festival Mall Celebrating 25 years of cherished moments and lifelong memories
There was only one instance in her life that Josephine Gotianun-Yap, president and chief executive officer of Filinvest Development Corporation, felt restless and could hardly sleep. And that was on the eve of the opening of Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa — 25 years ago. “Normally, I’m a businesswoman who’s always in control,” claimed Gotianun-Yap. “But I have to say this was different. I always remember the one night that I could not sleep and that was the night before we opened the mall. We only had 30 stalls and most of them were in the food court. We didn’t have supermarket or any anchor stores.” She added: “But we had cinemas and theme parks. We had a beautiful mall that many of our competitors literally would come and take notes to see the way the mall was designed because this was really ahead of its time.” Because of the amusement experience the mall offered, Gotianun-Yap said, about 30,000 people came on the opening day. “And the numbers doubled and kept adding up,” she said. “Seeing the foot traffic was there, stores started to come in.” Since opening its doors in 1998, Festival Mall has become the premier go-to lifestyle and recreational destination in the south of Metro Manila. It has also become an iconic development in the south offering diverse shopping, dining and leisure experiences. [caption id="attachment_134440" align="aligncenter" width="525"] (FROM left) Mitch A. Dumlao, first vice president and retail business head, Festival Supermall Inc.; Joseph M. Yap, former ambassador of the Philippines to Singapore and chairman of FREIT Fund Managers Inc.; Muntinlupa Congressman Jaime R. Fresnedi; Josephine Gotianun-Yap, director, president and CEO of Filinvest Development Corporation; Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy B. Biazon; and Tristan Las Marias, president and CEO of Filinvest Land Inc.[/caption] “Festival Mall is very close to my heart,” stated Gotianun-Yap. “We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of our customers, merchants, suppliers and employees who have journeyed with us through the years.” Now, the mall has 800 tenants and eight leading anchor stores. “We value our collaboration with major retailers, which has enabled us to bring together SaveMore, Ace Hardware, Robinson’s Department Store, Handyman, Shopwise, H&M, Decathlon and Landmark all under one roof. As we build on its strong foundations for the future, we see Festival Mall continuing to serve as a place where time stops for making memories with family and friends,” Gotianun-Yap added. Leisure experience Through the years, Festival Mall has undergone a lot of renovations having new stores and attractions to provide a better shopping, dining and leisure experience. From local and foreign brands to family-focused amusement centers and choice restaurants and generous outdoor, indoor spaces, Festival Mall brings together a new lifestyle of safety, comfort and ease for its loyal customers. “Festival Mall has achieved many milestones over the past 25 years, but what makes me very proud is the way it has become a cherished part of the community in the south,” said Gotianun-Yap added. [caption id="attachment_134441" align="aligncenter" width="422"] The exciting Xtreme coaster and Xyber Trax at X-Site, among the favorite in-mall amusement ride attractions.[/caption] Working with a leading architectural firm, Festival Mall was designed to have not just one, but two large theme parks inside the mall. True to its name, they brought the fun and exciting elements of a carnival inside the mall. Today, it has become a hub where customers can conveniently shop, dine and bond with their loved ones. Festival Mall is the fifth largest mall in the Philippines housing two indoor amusement centers and eight cinemas. It has two wings: East and West. The West Wing, also known as the main mall, is where you will find basic necessities — specialty stores, food stores and entertainment center. The East Wing, commonly called the expansion wing, was designed to integrate an organic river and natural contour of the land through the Water Garden and the River Park that initially opened in 2014. It completes the mall’s offerings promoting an active lifestyle like WiiJUMP Trampoline Park, Surge Fitness and the newly-opened amusement arcade Timezone, to name a few. Festival Mall also takes pride in the 99-year old Art Deco building that was restored and incorporated into the mall in 2009, and is now home to renowned Spanish restaurant, Las Flores. The near century-old space welcomes guests with timeless features that resonate with the rich history of the building and its design-driven architecture. Not to be missed is the replica statue of Jose Rizal’s The Triumph of Science Over Death clay sculpture by Genaro Sy-Changco, located adjacent to the building. “After 25 years, Festival Mall remains committed to its vision of a complete and balanced lifestyle mall with amenities and options for the whole family,” concluded Gotianun-Yap. The post Festival Mall Celebrating 25 years of cherished moments and lifelong memories appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»