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Liza Soberano slays at debut appearance in Hollywood awards show
After earning raves for her Hollywood debut film, “Lisa Frankenstein,” Liza Soberano graced her first major awards show in the US, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, marking another important milestone in her pursuit of a Hollywood career......»»
Grateful
I thought the most memorable event for this year would be my departure from the Port Area after spending my whole working career in that area since the 1980s and seeing The Philippine STAR’s new building in Parañaque, but apparently there was another pleasant surprise for me before the year ends......»»
Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way
Cebuana Lhuillier has changed many people’s lives through the many products and services they offer. From a humble pawnshop to being one of the biggest microfinance companies in the Philippines, Cebuana Lhuillier has become synonymous with the words trust and reliability as it continues to financially empower Filipinos across the nation. But in no place has the impact of Cebuana Lhuillier been more felt than within the confines of the company, where many of their employees have stayed for years and, in some instances, decades. And throughout their decades of service, they are grateful to Cebuana Lhuillier, who inspired their growth by imparting new knowledge and skills, applauding and giving them recognition, and showing that they are valued and cared for like a true family. Recognition and Promotions Ricardo Cruz has been with the company for more than 35 years and has been a dedicated Area Head since 1998. Before his journey in Cebuana Lhuillier, Rey completed a degree in Business Administration with a Major in Management, and started his professional journey as a filing clerk. But fate led him to Cebuana Lhuillier, where his mother worked as a building caretaker for Agencia Cebuana. After passing the exams, Rey worked as a humble messenger and janitor at Agencia Cebuana Baclaran Branch. Among the many memories, Rey cherishes two significant milestones: he was appointed as an Area Head back in 1998 and won the highly coveted Best Area of the Year award. These moments of recognition and achievement fueled his motivation and inspired him to work hard for over three decades. "I am incredibly proud, grateful, and privileged to have been a part of this company for over 35 years. The most rewarding aspect of working at Cebuana has definitely been the continuous learning and personal growth I've experienced, which I've also had the privilege to share with my fellow Ka-Cebuanas. And I’m thankful to be part of this family. Because of Cebuana Lhuillier, I'm able to provide a comfortable life for my family," said Cruz. Marilyn Valencia, a dedicated member of the company for more than 35 years, holds a remarkable background. She is the Area Head for Region 1A, and her journey as a Ka-Cebuana has been filled with numerous achievements and significant milestones. During her tenure with Cebuana Lhuillier, she managed to earn 21 units in education and became a licensed teacher. Not stopping there, she also pursued and successfully completed her Master's in Business Administration at UE Manila, all while dedicating herself to the organization. In addition to her educational achievements, Marilyn's dedication has led her to be appointed as one of the first Area Heads in 1996. In this role, she took on the responsibility of overseeing branches in the entire Northern provinces, CAMANAVA, and parts of Manila and Pasay City. This included the rare opportunity to spearhead the opening of over 100 branches, a significant contribution to local employment and the training of new branch personnel. An Advocate for Continuous Learning Grace Ferolino, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 4A, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While she had various previous career opportunities, Ferolino eventually found a home in Cebuana Lhuillier and has been with the company for over 30 years. Among her countless experiences within Cebuana, Grace cherishes the memory of being selected for intensive diamond training at Gemlab and having the privilege to undergo Area Manager's training. For her fellow employees aspiring for longevity in the company, Grace emphasizes the importance of loving one's work and serving it with utmost honesty; treating the business as one's own; and mastering financial management to eliminate unnecessary debt. Aurora Genilo, Business and Client Relations Manager of Region 1A, is another exemplary employee who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving Cebuana Lhuillier. A graduate of BS Commerce Accounting, she holds her days as cluster leader and her involvement with the esteemed manning team closest to her heart. These roles, according to her, allowed her to nurture her leadership skills and actively contribute to the growth and success of the company. By working hard, she was able to ensure the education of her three children, one of whom has etched their own path within the company. "My journey of 30 years with Cebuana Lhuillier has been a transformative one. Not only did it enable me to provide for my own family, but it also provided me with numerous opportunities to develop my skills and advance in my career. I'm profoundly grateful for the continuous opportunities that Cebuana Lhuillier extends to all of its employees, including me," expressed Genilo. Region 5’s Business and Client Relations Manager, Imelda Quidato, has been with Cebuana Lhuillier for more than 30 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, she first ventured into the world of sales as a promodiser before becoming a part of the Cebuana Lhuillier family. When asked about the best part of working for Cebuana, Imelda cited the skills she acquired in appraising and attending enriching training programs, which played a pivotal role in molding her both personally and professionally. An Open and Compassionate Heart Armed with a degree in Aircraft Technology, Abelardo Aquino Jr. took a leap of faith and applied for a job at Cebuana Lhuillier over 30 years ago. As the Area Head of Region 3, he reveals that the best part about working for Cebuana is the opportunity to interact with diverse individuals and tackle challenging situations head-on. He emphasized the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and embracing a "can-do" attitude. With determination and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and forge a lasting and fulfilling career at Cebuana Lhuillier. At Cebuana Lhuillier, employee appreciation is a top priority. The company demonstrates this commitment through comprehensive training programs, fostering a healthy company culture, and recognizing and celebrating exceptional employee contributions. This culture of appreciation, value, and nurturing is what sets Cebuana Lhuillier apart. The post Valuing Valuable Employees: The Cebuana Lhuillier Way appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rolling Stones return with a little help from a Beatle
The Rolling Stones burst back to life on Friday with "Hackney Diamonds", their first album in 18 years, featuring megastar cameos from Elton John, Lady Gaga and even their old rival, Paul McCartney. Now in their seventh decade of making music together, the legendary British band is back with their 24th studio album. McCartney joins in for the first time, playing bass on the punky "Bite My Head Off". Back in their 1960s heyday, much was made of the rivalry between the Stones and the Beatles, but it was always more marketing than reality, with John Lennon singing on the Stones' "We Love You" in 1967. "Paul and I have always been friends," Stones frontman Mick Jagger, 80, told France 2 this week. McCartney's appearance was something of an accident, Keith Richards told Guitar Player magazine. "He happened to be around and dropped by," Richards said. "I don't even think he intended to play bass on a track, but once he was in there, I just said, 'Come on, you're in. You ain't leaving till you play.'" While McCartney and Elton John's contributions are somewhat hard to pick out, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder make more of an impact on "Sweet Sounds of Heaven", a blues-y ballad in the vein of classics such as "You Can't Always Get What You Want". 'Hackneyed duds' Reviews have been mostly polite rather than gushing. The Guardian gave it four stars, saying: "If this is the end, they're going out with a bang", while the LA Times called it "surprisingly spry, sparked by the deathless riffs". There has indeed been plenty of hype ahead of the release, with some saying it is their best piece of work since "Some Girls" in 1978. But others were deeply unimpressed by the sleek production from Andrew Watt, used to working with popstars like Justin Bieber and Dua Lipa. "Hackney Diamonds" is old London slang for "broken glass", but was used as a pun by Pitchfork, who called the album "a bunch of hackneyed duds, polished until the character has disappeared." No one is pretending it comes close to the legendary run between 1968 and 1972 that saw the release of "Beggars Banquet", "Let It Bleed", "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main St." in quick succession. Nor does it head in any new directions. "The group seemed to concede years ago that, with such a legendary discography, new albums and attempts at new styles are almost superfluous," wrote Variety. "(But) if there's a better way to end the Rolling Stones 60-plus-year recording career, it's hard to imagine what it could be," it added. The post Rolling Stones return with a little help from a Beatle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Video games give sports stars second life
The post-retirement careers of the biggest sports stars can be fascinating to watch -- Viagra ads, property ventures, crypto projects -- but one option is becoming a sure-fire winner: put your face on the cover of a video game. And death is no barrier for this particular career, with two popular games this year choosing sports legends who are no longer with us. LA Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter accident in 2020, graces the cover of "NBA 2K24". And two of the world's greatest footballers from bygone eras -- Pele and Johan Cruyff -- get posthumous respect with their figures emblazoned on "FC 24" from EA Sports. They are joined on the cover of the EA game by a galaxy of still-living stars of the more recent past -- Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho -- and present -- Erling Haaland and Alexia Putellas. French legend Zidane told AFP in June that many young children now knew him largely through his appearance in the EA's game, formerly known as "FIFA". "Kids aged eight to 10 don't know me, unless their dads have told them about what I did back in the day," said the World Cup winner. "It's more through PlayStation, so it's kind of funny. I'm used to it." Marketing nostalgia The ties between video game publishers and sports stars go deep, particularly in the United States. The leading video game series on American football bears the name of a former player, John Madden, who retired in 1978 to become a sports commentator. Julien Pillot, an economist specializing in cultural industries, told AFP the endorsement of bona fide legends was clearly a powerful marketing tool. And the often huge cost of getting their endorsement, he said, was "more than offset" by the sales they generate -- both of the games themselves and the ubiquitous in-game "cards" required to unlock additional content. Gaming firms were playing on the "intergenerational aspect" and adding "a touch of nostalgia", said Pillot. It's a feature that executives are not shy about highlighting. "My seven-year-old only really knows who Pele is because of his amazing rating on FC," David Jackson, vice-president of the EA Sports FC brand, told AFP. He said the game had allowed fans to feel a little bit of the magic of playing with stars from earlier generations. And it works both ways, according to some of the stars involved -- even those who don't rate as highly as Pele. "People of a certain generation know me by what I've done on the pitch," said World Cup winner Robert Pires at the launch party for the EA game in Paris. But a 12-year-old boy told Pires recently he had only learnt who the French star was through playing the game. "I asked him: 'Am I good?'" said Pires. "He told me: 'You're good, but you're slow.'" The post Video games give sports stars second life appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Harry Potter’ actor Michael Gambon dies aged 82
British-Irish actor Michael Gambon, best known for playing Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight "Harry Potter" films, has died in hospital aged 82, his family announced Thursday. Gambon won four television BAFTAs and an Olivier award during a decades-spanning acting career across television, film, radio, and theatre, which was capped by his beloved role as the headmaster of the wizarding school Hogwarts in the Potter series. "We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon," a statement issued on behalf of his family said. "Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia." Gambon, born in Ireland, began his illustrious acting career in theatre, making his first appearance on stage in a production of "Othello" at the Gates Theatre in the Irish capital Dublin in 1962. He became well known in Britain for playing a French detective in the ITV series "Maigret", and for his 1986 role as Philip Marlow in screenwriter Dennis Potter's "The Singing Detective". He put in a memorable performance in the BBC's 2015 adaptation of JK Rowling's "The Casual Vacancy", while his theatre credentials include appearances in Alan Ayckbourn's "The Norman Conquests", "The Life Of Galileo" and Nicholas Hytner's National Theatre productions of "Henry IV". Film roles included in period dramas such as 2010's "The King's Speech" and 2001's "Gosford Park". But he won global acclaim for his performances as Dumbledore in the wildly popular "Harry Potter" films, beginning with 1997's "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Gambon was knighted for his contribution to the entertainment industry in 1998. Tributes began to pour in following news of his death. "I'm so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died," former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson said on social media, recalling that the actor was such a "tremendous guest" he had a corner named after him on the BBC show's race track. "He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him." The post ‘Harry Potter’ actor Michael Gambon dies aged 82 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘One day I said stop’: models describe pressure to stay thin
Maud Le Fort won't be seen on the runways of Paris Fashion Week, which kicks off on Monday, having chosen her health over a career on the catwalk. Now in her 30s, Le Fort came to Paris when she was 18 to pursue a career in modeling and was immediately labeled a "commercial model" -- i.e. not thin enough for the top-end fashion shows. "I had a 36.6 cm waist, 85C chest so I was 'curvy'," she told AFP. "In Paris, I was told that I was only going to do lingerie and perhaps very commercial things, but not much fashion." Le Fort refused to let go of her dream and worked to shed the little weight she carried -- though without any exercise since muscles are as unwelcome as fat on the catwalk. "I was measured almost every day. And the more weight I lost, the more congratulations I received," she said. She got herself down to 49 kilograms (108 pounds) despite being 1.81 meters (5.11-feet) tall and managed to land gigs for Armani, Balmain, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Yohji Yamamoto. But then she realized it was madness. "One day, I said 'stop'. I'm going to eat, I'm going to do sport," said Le Fort. Eating disorders Now in her 30s, she does theatre classes and therapy in a bid to gain self-confidence and put the years of depression and eating disorders behind her. "I still don't completely accept my body the way it is," she said. "I do not have a completely healthy relationship with food." These days, she does mostly photo sessions where the pressure is much lower. But it also bothers her to see how much her photos are retouched, saying it creates unrealistic expectations for young girls. "It's absolutely shocking and it's sad," she said. Some are blessed with a situation that allows them to escape the torment. Sophie (not her real name) is a 22-year-old medical student in Paris. She works as a commercial model and dreams of the catwalk, but knows she has a longer-term career to fall back on and is not about to sacrifice her health. "Fashion is not an environment that I would recommend to someone who has psychological weaknesses," she said. "If this was all I did for a living, I would be constantly worried. "For me, if I go on the catwalk, that's cool, but if I don't get the job, too bad." 'Skinny girls passing out' Many are not so lucky. Brazilian model Tatiana (not her real name) was dropped by her agency after five years when she gained a few kilos from stress and hormone treatment. Fashion was the only job she had known since adolescence. "I was fired without notice. Losing fashion was very hard," she told AFP. Both she and Sophie praised the 1980s when sporty, feminine physiques were prized in fashion. Today, the few examples of curvy models on top-end catwalks are people who built up a celebrity status before entering fashion. Tatiana remembers seeing "very skinny girls pass out during fittings -- they could barely walk on the heels," she said. Now 37, she weighs 53-54 kilos and is 1.78 m tall. She works as a fitting model -- used by designers to check the appearance of an outfit when it is adapted for real-world shops, rather than the fantasy land of the catwalk. The post ‘One day I said stop’: models describe pressure to stay thin appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Margaritaville’s’ Jimmy Buffett, 76
“Margaritaville” singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett has died on 1 September at his home in Sag Harbor, New York. He was 76. A statement from his official website reads: “Jimmy passed away peacefully on the night of September 1st surrounded by his family, friends, music and dogs. He lived his life like a song till the very last breath and will be missed beyond measure by so many.” Buffett succumbed to Merkel cell skin cancer to which he was diagnosed four years ago. “He continued to perform during treatment,” the statement said while playing his last show, a surprise appearance in Rhode Island, in early July. Buffett, whose real name is James William Buffett, was born on Christmas day in 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and grew up in Alabama. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1969. He credited early years playing and singing in the streets and bars of New Orleans. Buffett’s recording career spans more than 50 years. His hits include “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” His fans call themselves “Parrot Heads.” He also wrote songs about his plane being shot at by Jamaican police (“Jamaica Mistaica”), getting lost in the Sahara Desert (“Buffet Hotel”) and smugglers he had known around the Florida Gulf Coast (“A Pirate Looks at 40”). Buffett also authored bestsellers on both the fiction and non-fiction lists of the New York Times Book Review. The bona fide business mogul put up diversified lifestyle brand businesses, such as Margaritaville hotels, restaurants and retirement communities, along with sidelines such as Land Shark beer. Buffett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jane (Slagsvol) Buffett, his daughters Savannah Jane (Joshua) and Sarah Delaney, his son Cameron Marley (Lara), his grandson Marley Ray and devoted dogs Lola, Kingston, Pepper, Rosie, Ajax and Kody. He is also survived by his Montana sister, Laurie Buffett McGuane (Tom), their children Heather Hume, Anne Buffett McGuane, Maggie McGuane and Thomas McGuane IV; his Alabama sister, Lucy Buffett and daughters Mara Delaney Buffett O’Dwyer and Melanie Leigh Buffett “and many more wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.” His family requests that donations be made to Jimmy Buffett’s Foundation Singing for Change, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute or MD Anderson Cancer Center. The post ‘Margaritaville’s’ Jimmy Buffett, 76 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu council pries pending flood control project
The Cebu City Council had raised an inquiry on what happened on a certain flood control project which was paid P199.32 million in advance last 15 June 2021. North District city councilor Jerry Guardo — who also chairs the committee on infrastructure — disclosed that the winning contractor identified as A.M. Oreta has not yet executed the task since the project contract was awarded to them on 15 April 2021. To recall, the Commission on Audit described as “excessive” the advance payment of P199.32 million — a portion of the total project cost of P1.328 billion for flood control projects. In his privilege speech, Guardo requested the council to call for an executive session to find out from different stakeholders — especially the winning contractor, the city legal officer and city engineers — the causes of the delays in the project’s implementation. DAILY TRIBUNE tried to get the side of A.M. Oreta but has yet to reply. “This is to inform us about any lapses, violations as to why until now the contractor did not comply with the contract,” Guardo said. He revealed that the contractor had been invited to attend the regular session scheduled last 16 August but did not attend the session and instead requested to postpone their appearance to a later date. The P1.328 billion was allotted to enhance and restore the current drainage system in Cebu City with a specific focus in the south district. According to state auditors, the contract was signed for a flood control system involving the construction of drainage mains at Cabreros Street-N. Bacalso Avenue-V.H. Garces Street, A. Gabuya Street and Leon Kilat Street-Escano Street in Cebu City. Guardo cited that 80 percent of the budget was designated for addressing flooding issues in the south such as barangays Cogon Pardo, Basak, San Nicolas, Cabreros and Mambaling and in an area near a mall on N. Bacalso Avenue which extends toward Carbon Public Market while the remaining 20 percent was allocated for the north district. The post Cebu council pries pending flood control project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Michael Ted Macapagal: Making tracks in public service
If life were a train, then Michael Ted Macapagal’s has been quite a ride. Raised by a labor leader and human rights lawyer father who served the people of Olongapo, including the workers of the US American Base in Subic, Michael Ted Macapagal had always wanted to become a public servant. It took Ted, though, a long journey to reach his goal, first achieving success in the insurance field in the United States where he lived for 20 years starting in 1991. Today, he is the chairman of the Philippine National Railways, a position “that allows me to make a difference in the lives of my countrymen,” he shared during his recent visit to the Daily Tribune office in Makati. Ted, good-looking and affable, proudly spoke of a father, his namesake, Atty. Teddy C. Macapagal who, early on, exposed his son to a firsthand view of a gentleman who looked beyond himself and his personal interests, and instead dedicated his career to protecting the common man and bettering their lot. The elder Ted served as a city councilor for 10 years. In 1984, he ran for the Batasang Pambansa, and in the late 1980s, for city mayor. “In all these electoral processes, I was involved and saw for myself how my father related to the people. He was a sincere man who helped them in the best way he could. He provided free legal services to those in need,” Ted recounted. Ted grew up in Olongapo, his place of birth. It was in the neighboring province of Pampanga, though, at the Don Bosco Institute in Bacolor town, where he first studied, but he eventually returned home to Olongapo, where he finished high school at the St. Columban. Aiming to become a lawyer, he enrolled at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, where he majored in History, which he intended as his pre-law course. Not unexpectedly, he joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi, his father’s fraternity. He also joined rallies where he stood with those who wanted the retention of US bases in the Philippines, in keeping with the sentiments of his townsmen. “It was the one concern where the whole of Olongapo was united,” he recalled, “because the people’s livelihood was connected to the base and the American presence in the community.” As a lawyer who specialized in labor, his father himself handled cases for the base employees. In 1988, his father lost his mayoralty bid in Olongapo. He fought against his fraternity brother, Richard Gordon. Actually, the two had been fighting it out for decades. “Olongapo became too small for them,” shared Ted. “A vivid memory to me to this day was the night I cried after my father lost. I was heartbroken because, for the most part of my life, I saw him give his all to the people. Throughout all those years, I just loved assisting my father. I followed him whenever he visited his constituents. I was a witness to everything that happened to him, his conflict with his political adversary and the loyalty of the people who believed in him and saw in him the man who would change the face of politics in our city.” The elder Macapagal became OIC-Mayor in 1986, but only two months after he received his appointment from the new president because the incumbent mayor did not easily give up his post which he was required to vacate under the new revolutionary government. “The next local election was the most expensive political exercise that our family ever waged,” Ted recounted. “It was then that my father decided that I pursue a new life in the United States, away from politics back home. “All the while, my heart never left the Philippines. Even before I left, I promised myself I would return to continue what my father started.” First non-white president Ted stayed in San Francisco for 20 long years. He had a tough time at the beginning of his new life. “I started off doing odd jobs. I worked as a security guard, janitor and waiter in a pizza parlor. “I also guarded the heavy equipment in a construction site in San Francisco. Thievery was a problem in that kind of situation. We would sleep in a trailer. “I transferred to a construction firm because I found out it offered a bigger salary. But I didn’t know the technical aspects of construction. Once, I made a portable ladder, but it fell apart, for which I was scolded by the owner of the company. I was fired on my third day on the job. Too bad because it paid high.” Ted then decided to pursue another degree, one that would be more useful in the United States. He took up Human Resource Management, a four-year course at the University of California in Berkeley. When he finally entered the corporate world, his first job was as a clerk. It wasn’t long before he became Division President of Stewart Title Company, one of the largest underwriters in the world, with offices across the United States, and in some 80 countries around the globe. He was based in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I may have been the first non-white president,” he said. “And I was a division president for the whole of North America. I was the first Filipino to reach that level.” Of his trailblazing accomplishments, he shared, “I was able to bring cultural diversity to the company, which enhanced its value. I got the top post because I asked for a meeting with the president. I told him we were not diverse enough to appeal to the non-white clients, and there were many of them who were first-time home buyers. Then, I told him to make the rounds. He would see that none of the home buyers was white. They were of different ethnic groups. I told him that if he appointed me as vice president, I would give him multi-cultural buyers because I would appeal to them and they would be our first-time buyers. So, he appointed me, and one month later, he made me president.” As an adjunct, he lectured on the topic of title insurance and escrow procedures in several community colleges in and around the San Franciso Bay Area. Through it all, he chose to keep his Filipino citizenship. The ‘Railway President’ For all the successes he was enjoying, the Philippines beckoned. He felt he still had a mission to accomplish. “My father was surprised. He asked me why I would still want to go home when I was doing well in the States. I insisted, so I came back and I plunged into political life. I worked on difficult campaigns, like the one for Rodrigo Duterte.” Back to his first love and passion, the political arena, he was in his element and served as president of PDP LABAN in Olongapo City from 2016 to 2021. In 2022, he joined LAKAS-CMD as its local chairman. This engagement led to his original target, as his father had achieved in his lifetime — serving the people. This time, he would be appointed to key posts in the government. He became director of the Clark Board and Gulf Oil Philippines. He took his oath of office as chairman of the Philippine National Railways on 28 April 2023. It is a job in a government agency where he is confident “I could make a difference because I can see that President Bongbong Marcos is really intent on improving the railway system of the country. “On my part, I want to make a difference. I want to be able to contribute whatever I can to help the president to achieve that objective. I call him now the ‘Railway President’ because I consider him the father of the railway system in our country.” Of course, he noted that many plans have been formulated during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. Moreover, he recognized that President Gloria Arroyo “navigated our country through the global crisis. I was in the United States when the global economic crisis happened, and the Philippines was one of the countries spared, and I give credit to her. The economic fundamentals were very strong during her time. Being an economist, she was there at the right time when the country needed her the most.” With President BBM at the helm, he is confident “we will be able to push through with our development plan and finish the projects we have started, like the North-South Commuter Railway, which is a 147-kilometer stretch from Clark to Laguna. We hope to have the dry run in 2026 and it will be fully operational in 2027.” He also looks forward to the completion of the Bicol South Long Haul project. He is equally hopeful for the North Long Haul, the Subic-Clark and the Mindanao railways. He clarified that “we are now talking with the proponents, while some negotiations are being undertaken.” Working boots and a hard hat It would seem that this successful insurance executive was out of place in the railway sector. He pointed out, though, that “coming from the outside, I have the technical advantage of being able to look outside the box. So, I’m looking at it from outside the box, looking in. I am able to see the problems that need to be fixed. Stoppage is one of the problems so we have a bus augmentation program. We will also deploy UV Express units. We are closely coordinating with the LTFRB to provide emergency alternative transportation.” On the other hand, his exposure to people of all backgrounds from his youth, being his father’s son, has given him the advantage of “knowing how it is to be one of the boys. Something that I also experienced in the United States. “When people ask me what my management style is, I tell them straight I like to go down to the ground. I like hands-on supervision. I want my hands to be dirty. If you open the trunk of my car, you will find my working boots and my hard hat. I enjoy going to the construction sites and seeing for myself the progress, the problems, whatever it is that needs to be attended to. “Finally I want those working in the field doing the most difficult tasks to be satisfied and never to be hungry. Gusto ko, busog sila lagi. I am not happy when I get invited by the constructors and I am honored with a feast-like lunch or dinner, and not knowing what the workers are eating. I am on a diet anyway, so I make sure that my hosts bring the food to where the workers are eating. I can only eat so much and I would rather that the workers and the staff are full and happy. I am vocal about my displeasure when the construction workers are not eating the same food that is served to me. I may not be able to invite them to where I am eating but I can have the food brought to them.” Smiling from heaven Without a doubt, the old man Atty. Teddy C. Macapagal is smiling happily from his heavenly perch. He had served his fellowmen well, but he had done right as well by raising a son who took after his heart, to whom service to the people and compassion for the less fortunate matter more than any personal gain. His father, according to Ted, “died a broken man at the young age of 63. But whatever he lacked in longevity and riches, he made up for it with his compassion for others, for the free legal services that he gave to the people of Olongapo. “If you didn’t have money, you went to him because he was generous with his time and expertise. He would even give you some cash to use for your transportation fare to go home. That was my father. “The people whom he helped in turn would come to our home and bring him gifts like eggs, fruits, fish, vegetables and native chickens that they raised in their backyards. My father accepted them all. When I came home and saw all this, I teased him and said that he should probably open a sari-sari store so he could resell them. “Of course, we had a good laugh. But beyond the laughter, we both knew in our hearts that doing good to one’s fellowmen is its own reward and nothing in this world can take the place of personal fulfillment for having put a smile on people’s faces because you somehow made their lives better. “I am grateful that I have been raised by such a great father.” The post Michael Ted Macapagal: Making tracks in public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go leads Super Health Center groundbreaking in Tagum City
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Tagum City Super Health Center in Davao del Norte on Thursday, 14 July. The project aims to address the growing healthcare needs of the community and improve the overall healthcare system in the area. The groundbreaking ceremony was also attended by government officials, including Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy, Councilors Ester Angoy, Leo Revita, and Lou Suaybagiuo, among others. Go emphasized the crucial role that such health facilities play in advancing the country's healthcare system. He also highlighted the importance of accessible and quality healthcare services, especially in remote and underserved areas. “Mga kababayan ano ba itong Super Health Center? Akin lang ipapaliwanag sa inyo, mayroong itatayo na 307 na Super Health Center sa taong 2022 at 322 na Super Health Center sa taong 2023 sa buong Pilipinas kasali na diyan ang inyong Super Health Center na itatayo dito sa Tagum (City). Alam n’yo sa kakaikot ko sa Pilipinas, nakita ko ang mga ibang mahihirap na lugar na wala talagang sariling mga health centers. Ang mga buntis nanganganak na lang sa tricycle o jeepney dahil sa sobrang layo ng mga ospital. Ngayon hindi n’yo na kailangan pa na pumunta sa mga ospital, pwede na kayo dito magpagamot,” Go said. “Ang kagandahan dito pwede dito ang dental, laboratory, x-ray. Pwede rin i-expand ni Mayor, pwede lagyan ng dialysis machine para hindi na kailangan pa na bumyahe sa Tagum Medical Center, pwede dito na mismo. And it will help decongest the hospital para hindi mapuno... Primary care, checkup pwede dito,” he continued. Super Health Centers are targeted to be built in strategic locations to help far-flung communities and ensure basic health services are accessible to more Filipinos. The centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. For Davao Del Norte, Super Health Centers will be constructed in the Island Garden City of Samal, Carmen, Talaingod, and two more in Panabo City as identified by the Department of Health. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. On the same day, Go also led a relief operation for 1,500 struggling residents at the Energy Park gymnasium in coordination with Vice Governor Oyo Uy and other local officials. Go and his team provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks to all while the senator also gave away bicycles, mobile phones, shoes, shirts, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries. “Para sa mga fellow public servants na andito ngayon, may gusto akong ipaabot na mensahe, a quote that says, ‘I think there is no higher calling in terms of a career than public service, which is a chance to make a difference in people’s lives and improve the world.’ Sa mga public servants, let us continue to make a positive difference sa ating probinsya sa Davao del Norte at sa buong Pilipinas,” Vice Governor Uy said. “Mas naging espesyal ngayong araw na ito kaya gusto ko rin magpasalamat kay Senator Bong Go dahil sa kanyang pagdalo sa groundbreaking ng Super Health Center at inauguration ng SP building sa lungsod. Maraming salamat, Mr. Malasakit,” he added. Earlier that day, Go witnessed the inauguration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod building. The senator also visited the Tagum City Motorpool where he was able to see the progress of the local government’s Care for School Chair program. The senator lauded the local government of Tagum City for the said initiative, which aims to address the shortage of chairs in public schools. By providing sufficient chairs to public schools, the program not only enhances the student's learning experience but also promotes inclusivity and equality in education, said Go. “Gaya ng ipinangako ko, kahit saang sulok kayo ng Pilipinas pupuntahan ko kayo basta kaya ng aking katawan at panahon. At sisikapin ko na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Hindi ako pulitiko na mangangako sa inyo, magtatrabaho lang ako para sa inyo,” Go emphasized. “Maraming salamat mga taga-Tagum, mga taga-Davao del Norte. Ingat kayo palagi at ating tatandaan, minsan lang po tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na po tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako po ang inyong Senador kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako’y naniniwala na ang serbisyo po sa tao, serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos,” he concluded. To further help the province and fellow Davaoenos, Go also supported several projects as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. Among these projects is the rehabilitation of the bypass road and the construction of a dike along the Libuganon River. The post Bong Go leads Super Health Center groundbreaking in Tagum City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Turn ‘harmful’ to ‘helpful’ instantly
We have all been told to use sunscreen on every exposed area every day, even when we are not on the beach. Your older self will thank you for keeping your skin safe from the harmful rays of the sun. Yet many still hesitate to use sunscreen, mainly because they find the cream “too greasy” or “sticky,” says Dani de Leon, lead for Anessa PH. “Another reason is people don’t see the damage caused by sun exposure yet; but it will show at some point.” Anessa, which has been named the number one sun care brand in Japan for 22 consecutive years, is part of the Shiseido family of brands and benefits from its 100 years of research. A new addition to its product line-up, Anessa Day Serum SPF50+ PA++++ is all you need for a makeup-ready morning — emulsion, UV protection and makeup primer all in one. [caption id="attachment_157185" align="aligncenter" width="371"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ANESSAANESSA Day Serum is boosted with 50 percent skincare ingredients that blend easily with the skin.[/caption] Because of its lightweight formulation that glides on skin, the Day Serum is easy to incorporate into one’s skincare routine. The daytime UV essence is equipped with the world-first ingredient approach technology called “Sun Dual Care” that not only cuts ultraviolet rays, but at the same time converts a portion of sunlight into “Beauty Beams” for moisturized and plump skin. Green light technology reduces redness and improves skin surface and tone. It not only converts the light, but makes the cells “do something beneficial,” De Leon explains. Red light technology, meanwhile, is super anti-inflammatory and improves skin’s firmness. Consistent use will result in skin that is rejuvenated, not just protected. That is how Anessa has managed to harness the sun’s rays into a beneficial part of one’s skincare. Key ingredients that make this product work with all its promised benefits include spirulina and yellow flower extracts that help improve skin moisture and plumpness and improve skin appearance. Designed for everyday use, the Anessa Day Serum does not only protect skin against UV rays, it also provides skin with 12 hours long-lasting moisturization. Day Serum gives skin a moderately rosy complexion and a bright translucent look. It can also be used as a makeup primer. The post Turn ‘harmful’ to ‘helpful’ instantly appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TRUE TO ITS NAME
At first blush, Jetour Dashing is that futuristic car you see in the movies screeching to a halt. Stirring up a cloud of dust and dropping off the action hero out to save the world. But in reality, it is the mid-size SUV that’s the star of the show. At least that’s how it is in Jetour Alabang, owned by Rachel Villanueva. [caption id="attachment_155574" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ALL of Jetour’s lineup can be found in its Alabang dealership.[/caption] “People are naturally attracted to the Dashing,” said sales manager Kris de Jesus. “Maybe it’s because of its appearance. It’s every inch dashing.” Its huge, macho grille and futuristic headlights never fail to turn heads. Add that to the 2,720 wheelbase and low-profile ground clearance, then you have an exciting ride that could take on the roughest of weather and road conditions. “Filipinos love good-looking cars,” added De Jesus. “That’s why when they come here, they would first look at Dashing.” The 1.5 Turbo-engine, gas-fed five-seater car is the answer to such popular brands as Tucson and CRV. But what gives Dashing the edge is the P1.329 million price tag that is easily P200,000 lower than that of its rivals. Dashing's features include an intelligent lighting interactive system, a multi-function external rearview mirror, a panoramic sunroof and a hidden-sensing door handle. It also has a smart Rubik's Cube key, soft-touch dashboard, all-in-one sports seats, four-way steering wheel adjustment, and middle-seat armrest, among others. They come in black, white, blue, grey and red. Just two months in operation, Jetour Alabang — located at Phase 1, Block 7 Spectrum District Drive, Filinvest Alabang, Muntinlupa — is the first car dealership for Villanueva who also owns Estetika and Auto Flare. But Villanueva’s partner, Dexter Co, already has several other car distributorships and dealerships. And from De Jesus’ perspective, Jetour’s entry into the Alabang area is such an auspicious event. “We can say that the market is ripe for Chinese cars,” De Jesus said. “The public confidence is there already. That’s why I think we are doing well.” That explains the rise in popularity of the likes of Geely, Foton, MG and Changan which have been giving well-established Western brands a run for their money, so to speak. For Jetour, the key is its engine which Dashing shares with Jetour X70s. It is also very popular among the Jetour lineup, primarily because of its fuel efficiency. Based on after-sales, the Jetour X70 runs 12 kilometers per liter of gasoline. On city-driving at that. “Our X70 is one of the most efficient in fuel economy,” said De Jesus, who added that the 1.5 turbo-engine is just the right balance of fuel efficiency and power. Jetour Alabang offers all four variants of X70 with entry-level selling at P1.09 million, or roughly P100,000 more affordable than other cars in that segment. Yet De Jesus said Jetour Alabang has more: They are offering a P100,000 discount for Jetour X70 as part of their introductory promos. That means a customer can bring home an X70 for only P999,000. Not bad, right? Of course, Jetour Alabang has got more: The wildly popular Ice Cream EV. Jetour’s answer to the call for the environment is steadily making a niche. Thanks to its famous endorsers, the Kramer Family. Ice Cream EV boasts 170 kilometers in one full charge of eight hours. It can be plugged in in regular 220-volt sockets at home. “It comes with a charger that can safely be plugged in at home,” according to De Jesus. “One charge lasting eight hours is equivalent to just P150. That is its main selling point.” That sure is comparable to an ordinary household appliance. The only difference is that Jetour Ice Cream EV takes you places. The colors on offer for the Jetour Ice Cream EV come on, well, ice cream flavors. Namely Strawberry, Blueberry, Matcha and Vanilla. The post TRUE TO ITS NAME appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Yes, anybody can fly with aerial arts
photograph courtesy of Lariza Jane E. Cabaltierra AERIAL silks. photograph courtesy of Kate Cometa AERIAL hammock. Zendaya as circus aerialist Anne Wheeler in the 2017 musical drama film The Greatest Showman is truly captivating. But do you know that you can also do her aerial tricks? Well, yes, if you take lessons in aerial arts, which are offered in local studios. Aerial arts is a type of performance in which one or more artists perform aerial dance and acrobatics with the use of an apparatus, such as hoop, silks and hammock as the most common ones. Aerial hoop Aerial hoop (also known as lyra) looks a lot like hula hoop, though made of steel and suspended from an overhead point upon which a performer can do tricks while spinning. Nesh Zamora teaches aerial hoop at Elite Aerial Arts, which she co-owns. She began her aerial arts journey in 2012. She was then engaged to be married and weighed about 138 pounds, so she wanted to slim down to fit nicely into her wedding gown. She “chanced upon” a dance and fitness studio around the Ortigas area, where she discovered pole fitness, dance and eventually, aerial arts. She fell in love with aerial hoop and silks that she continued taking lessons in different studios in Metro Manila and in the United States even after she achieved her ideal weight. “It was a slow start for me,” she recalls. “I needed to psych myself to believe that I can be at par with the other girls in class. Would you believe it took me six sessions to just be able to climb the aerial fabric? There are no shortcuts in learning aerial arts. It is truly for everyone as long as they are willing to put in the work.” Zamora says she started teaching aerial hoop and silks in 2014, after taking “intensive classes from known aerialists in countries like Thailand, Hong Kong and the US.” Today, she also teaches and performs (during parties or corporate events) aerial silks and hammock, as well as less common types like aerial straps, cube, moon and lyrapole. She recommends aerial arts not only for only for its health and health and confidence-boosting benefits but also the friendships formed among students and teachers. “Whatever lifestyle, gender, age and even weight you may have when you enter our studio, you will end your first session knowing that aerial arts is for you.” Tips for new students: 1. Make sure you choose a studio with qualified instructors and which puts premium to student safety in terms of the quality of equipment used and instruction pacing. 2. Come to class with an open mind. 3. Try out all types of aerial equipment to see what excites you the most. 4. Listen and watch intently. Don’t be shy to ask your instructors to repeat or demonstrate what is being taught. 5. Enjoy and document your progression by taking photos and videos. 6. Never compromise your safety. Elite Aerial Arts Address: 143-3 Maginhawa St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Website: eliteaerialarts.com. FB: Elite Aerial Arts, IG: @eliteaerialartsph. Aerial silks Aerial silks (also referred to as tissu, fabric and ribbon) are two long pieces of fabric made of not silks but a blend of polyster-lycra or nylon tricot that measure at least 16 meters each. These fabrics are draped down from a single point, which is then connected on a ceiling or outdoor rig using steel or aluminum hardware. The performer will climb the silks and do different kinds of sequences on them. Lariza Jane E. Cabaltierra is an aerial instructor at Idanceph dance studio and a junior member of the Whiplash Dance Company. In 2014, or merely a year after she learned aerial silks, this former teacher of ballet for kids made the cut in the Hall of Fame of TV5’s Talentadong Pinoy with her stunning performance. Over the years, she’s learned many other apparatuses, such as hoop, hammock, chandelier, moon and helix. She says not to believe in misconceptions that aerial arts is only for women who are young, strong and have a dance background. “It’s a step-by-step process. Little by little, your body will become strong and you will have confidence that you can do the tricks. As long as you’re happy with what you are doing, just keep going. What matters is what your heart wants.” Tips for new students: 1. Wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for the class you will be attending. 2. Do some proper warm-ups before class starts. 3. Expect more laughter and be ready to surprise yourself. 4. If you have a health concern, don’t be shy or don’t hesitate to tell the teacher or coach about it. 5. Be friendly, so you can make new friends and have a support system. 6. Most of all, just enjoy the class. Idanceph Address: #96 Maginhawa St., M Place Building, Diliman, Quezon City. FB: Idanceph. Aerial hammock Aerial hammock (also called slings) is similar to the one used in aerial yoga or aerial fitness, but with a much longer fabric, so the performer can do more tricks while spinning. Kate Cometa teaches aerial hammock at Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio. She discovered aerial arts in 2016, when, as she tells it, “life had me all kinds of confused,” especially in her relationships and career choices, while suffering from insomnia and anxiety. “When I started in aerial silks, I looked more like a flailing sausage than a graceful aerialist. For two whole months, I couldn’t even manage a simple invert.” But she didn’t give up and even became “obsessed” with aerial arts, not minding “spending all my money on class cards and super cool aerial outfits.” She then joined her first recital and realized that it wasn’t just a hobby but already her “heart and soul.” She also ventured into hoop and silks, and even outside her comfort zone with pole dance. In 2018, she started teaching aerial hammock and joined her first competition, the Philippine Aerial Cup, in the amateur women pole division. “The most important thing is to allow yourself to be a beginner and fully enjoy the class,” Cometa points out. “There’s no need to worry about your fitness background or any preconceived notion. Everyone is welcome. It’s an inclusive community that embraces diversity and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual.” Tips to new students: 1. Listen to your teacher and truly know your body parts, both left and right. It may sound simple, but you’d be surprised how often we forget those essential details when we’re hanging in the air. 2. Approach your aerial journey with an open heart that is ready to accept new things, embrace challenges and love every step of the process. It’s through this openness that you’ll find the true magic of aerial arts. 3. Let the guidance and expertise of your instructor sink in and trust that they are there to support you on your incredible journey. (Cometa leads the aerial flow workshop in Cebu on 8 to 10 July.) Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio Address: 2nd Floor, Pioneer Centre, United Street corner Pioneer St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City. FB: Beast Home Pole and Aerial Dance Studio. IG: @beasthomeph. The post Yes, anybody can fly with aerial arts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tingting Cojuangco — Christian Espiritu’s ultimate muse
Through the years of Philippine fashion history, Margarita “Tingting” de los Reyes Cojuangco has always been known as the muse of the iconic Filipino designer Christian Espiritu who recently passed away. Theirs is a friendship that had stood the test of time. Tingting was named one of the 100 beautiful women of the world by the international magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, on the occasion of its 100 founding anniversary. During the early years of the 1970s, she made it to the Hall of Fame of Manila’s Best Dressed List, an annual selection initiated by the old guard of Philippine fashion, among them Ramon Valera, Salavacion Lim Higgins of Slim’s, Pilar Romack of New Yorker Gown Salon, and Imelda Reyes of Milie’s Gowns. In the 1980s, Tingting, who graced the social pages as a teenager and a young matron, transformed into a new woman, this time as a street activist braving the firecanons and tear gas, a Yellow campaigner in the South, and finally a graduate student and scholar specializing in the ethnic muslim communities of Cotabago and Zamboanga. She would cap this with a National Defense College master’s thesis on the then rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Through it all, she kept her friendship with the man who first showed the world her potential. Christian saw in Tingting, this gangly yet beautiful teenager, a lady worth grooming and turning into an icon of fashion. Tingting thus became Christian’s muse. Chosen by her mother and grandmother, Christian made her outfit for her high school prom at Maryknoll College. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and collaboration that would pass through social, political and economic upheavals in this country. No matter, they were constant in each other’s lives, not minding intrigues, the cycle of fortunes and The recent demise of her original mentor and designer, Christian, brought Tingting out of her reculsive and quiet life to share with the Daily Tribune her memories of the designer who streamline Filipiniana, incorporating his knowledge as a graduate of architecture. The interview with Tingting Cojuangco follows: “He launched my modeling career” Daily Tribune (DT): How did you meet Christian? Did you go to him for your teenage formal dresses, and not only during your wedding? Tingting delos Reyes Cojuangco (TRC): My mom and grandma Lucia “Dada” admired the simplicity of his designs on the Christian Espiritu shop on their way to fetch me from Maryknoll College. [caption id="attachment_148162" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHRISTIAN and Tingting photographed by Jaime Zobel de Ayala.[/caption] The display changed constantly but the clothes were cut simply along the revered lines of Audrey Hepburn’s and Jackie Onassis. His below the knee dresses were sleeveless, with a boat collar, 2-pin tucks under the bust accentuated the waist and hips that ended in semi straight skirt. Mom brought me into his shop at age 15 it was called “Christian” for Christian Espiritu. He launched my modeling career at 16 years old with Gilbert Perez who taught me how to pose. Mother always reminded me, a pretty face looses attraction if the voice isn’t modulated or manners are impeccable and courteousness for elders. Christian reinforced Mom’s belief, simplicity are carried off with poise, beauty and elegance. Christian’s creativeness suggested taste with ease and wealth subdued characterizing by minimalism. DT: Tell me about that wedding gown. Why did you choose him and not Valera or one of the stalwarts of the era? What was his inspiration for the gown? What did you tell him about your preferences? TRC: He made my wedding gown and the whole entourage. My in-laws wanted my wedding gown to be made by Valera a great designer of his time. But I insisted on Christian. For my wedding gown he sketched the simplest white gown, it turned out he had sequins sewed on the satin fabric one by one. He put a sheer fabric organza on top of the gown. It was very elegant for my morning wedding as the sequins shined different colors depending on the lights. That was his precision. For my wedding Christian was at home with his assistant Romulo Estrada. I recall Inno Sotto as his right hand, both dressed me up constantly. Did I have a preference in designs? He said “bahala na ako” and I agreed. That was trust and loyalty. He designed my dresses with simplicity, cut perfectly, shaping my thin body whether it was a day dress or gown. “His dresses were cut perfectly.” DT: When you were married already, did you still see him for your outfits? Which of the dresses and gowns he made for you do you remember? TRC: Yes, we had a friendship of two family’s compadres and ninangs. He did China’s wedding gown of gray and pink even if he claimed he was retired. I forced him. DT: What made him an outstanding designer? TRC: Simplicity. His dresses were cut perfectly and fabrics that didn’t crumple with pin tucks here and there. With the timelessness in the designs and his execution I could wear Christian’s couture clothes for many years. DT: You are in the Best Dressed Hall of Fame. Was he among the designers that you admired and commissioned to do your dresses? TRC: Yes and our friendship developed through the years and confidence. He never spoke bad of anybody. He would just put his hands together and smile. DT: Any unforgettable creation of his exclusively for you? Can you describe some of the gowns and dresses he made for you? TRC: I had a satin dress with a round Chinese emblem and tassel. His clothes for me were stand outs…my gowns for formal functions were of full skirts. “He said, ‘The language of fashion is refined, cultured and well-mannered.’” DT: When was the last time you saw him? Tell us about that last encounter with him. TRC: At an Elegant Women event in Diamond Hotel, Elegance…Merriam-Webster defines it as “refined grace or dignified propriety; tasteful richness of design or ornamentation; restrained beauty of style.” The Cambridge Dictionary writes “graceful and attractive in appearance or behavior.” When the project of elegant women first came up, it was for me to make a list of best dressed women. It had been done too many times now without a conclusion. I figure that there are many Filipinas who have the perfect body for dressing, who dress and accessorize well – but money and a stylist can do that. And, as the cliché goes, money cannot buy class. So, the concept evolved and we agreed on making a list of The Elegant Filipina. We also decided that, first, this project would be for a cause, and second, that I would be allowed to redefine the meaning of elegance to inspire others to contribute to one’s community, society and country by being an elegant example. While the list was handpicked by me, I sought advice to validate my choices. This panel was composed of designer Christian Espiritu, fashion entrepreneur Tina Ocampo, Monaco Consul Fortune Ledesma, Philippine Tatler’s Editor-In-Chief Anton San Diego, and Managing Editor Chit Lijauco and Pete Cura. We defined an Elegant Filipina as: He said “The woman at the center of attention knows that the language of fashion is refined, cultured and well-mannered; Commands respect in her chosen field; leaves a legacy of power and grace, beauty and sophistication, wisdom and compassion.” At the first Elegant Women event, he was elegant in his suit with a scarf wearing his trade mark of silver bracelets or varied silver rings. I called him three weeks ago and we promised to see each other. It didn’t happen. “He never mixed politics with art.” [caption id="attachment_148158" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A PORTRAIT of Christian Espiritu by Jaime Zobel de Ayala, 1987.[/caption] DT: He turned his back on his number one client, Imelda Marcos, after Ninoy died. Were you ever with Christian during the Anti-Marcos rallies? Do you recall if he was in EDSA? TRC: Christian was calm, well educated, schooled and respectful. He wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Never mixed politics and arts. I don’t know about that. I was not with Christian rallying. For rallies I only wore blue jeans or khaki pants and trubenized blouses made of cotton white t-shirt. DT: Who are his other clients from your social set? Who were his loyal customers. TRC: I don’t know. I didn’t care nor ask. That’s not my concern. DT: How did your relationship evolve in the latter years of his life? TRC: I love him. He was part of my growing up and getting old. DT: What do you think was his greatest contribution to Philippine fashion? How did he influence the Philippine fashion industry? TRC: He kept piña alive and the Paranaque bordaderas working day to midnight in their livelihood of Filipino tradition. He used muted colors of fabric. He made women look elegant and desired without showing of their bodies. I agreed that elegance can be expensive. But elegance can be inexpensive too, but confidence and amiability are the key factors. The post Tingting Cojuangco — Christian Espiritu’s ultimate muse appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Two killed in shooting at Japan army training range
A new military recruit shot and killed two fellow soldiers and wounded a third at a training range in central Japan on Wednesday, the military said, with the 18-year-old suspect detained at the scene. "During a live-bullet exercise as part of new personnel training, one Self-Defense Forces candidate fired at three personnel," the Ground Self-Defense Force said in a statement, confirming two deaths. The shooter was an 18-year-old SDF candidate who joined the military in April, GSDF chief of staff Yasunori Morishita told reporters, adding he was detained on the spot by other soldiers. "This kind of incident is absolutely unforgivable for an organization tasked with handling weapons, and I take it very seriously," Morishita said. He said the three victims had been tasked with training new recruits, including the attacker, at the range, without further elaborating on their relations. The suspect, whose identity is being withheld for now, has been charged with the attempted murder of a 25-year-old soldier, a local police spokesman told AFP, declining to be identified. The cadet "fired a rifle at the victim with the intent to kill", the spokesman said. National broadcaster NHK reported the casualties were a man in his fifties and two other men in their twenties. Details of the casualties' identities have yet to be officially confirmed. Aerial footage broadcast by the station showed military and civilians gathered around an emergency vehicle and police blocking nearby roads. Some appeared to be investigators, wearing covers over their shoes and hair. A local resident told NHK he saw several emergency vehicles rushing to the area at around 9:30 am local time (0030 GMT) but had not heard anything before that. Morishita said as far as he is aware, gun violence by GSDF personnel that resulted in injuries or fatalities last took place in 1984 at a camp in Yamaguchi. Recent incidents The training range is administered by the region's Camp Moriyama and is a covered facility of more than 65,000 square meters. Gun possession is tightly controlled in Japan, where violent crime is rare. But several high-profile incidents have rattled the country over the last year. In July 2022, former prime minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead on the campaign trail by a man who allegedly targeted him over his links to the Unification Church. The accused assassin, Tetsuya Yamagami, was due to make his first appearance in court this week, but the session was cancelled after a package sent to the facility set off a metal detector. It was later found to contain no explosives, but rather a petition signed by thousands calling for a lenient sentence for Yamagami. He has garnered surprising sympathy from some quarters over the effect his mother's devotion to the Unification Church had on his family and childhood. In April, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida escaped unharmed after a man threw an explosive device towards him at a campaign event. That incident came shortly before Japan hosted the Group of Seven leaders' summit in Hiroshima and prompted renewed calls for stepped-up security. Thousands of police were deployed to secure the gathering, which passed without a security incident. Last month, police in the Nagano region west of Tokyo detained a man after an hours-long knife and shooting rampage, followed by an extended stand-off. The man killed four people, including two police officers, before he was detained. He is reportedly the son of the speaker of the local city assembly. The post Two killed in shooting at Japan army training range appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kathryna Yu-Pimentel’s success recipes: ‘Good partners, location, products, service’
There are no shortcuts to success, says entrepreneur Kathryna Yu-Pimentel. At the start of her career, the self-taught culinary artist was pushed into the extremes while running her now-defunct food services. Humbled by the lessons she’s learned from her initial ventures, she has moved on to team up with other partners for her current businesses and has been reaping in it with the Singaporean casual dining restaurant chain Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice and Alpina Lounge and Wellness. Entrepreneurship came naturally to Kathryna who started earning money in her elementary and high school days by making and selling polvoron and cookies. In college, she supplied 500 packed cookies a week to a classmate who owned a coffee cart in the school. After graduation, they became suppliers to lobby coffee shops and school canteens. Likewise, she ran her own catering business and an Italian restaurant. Shifted careers Kathryna shifted careers when she worked at the law firm of her future husband Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and at the Senate office upon his election. Six years ago, she came upon Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice restaurant while on a trip to Singapore. Its long name distinguishes itself from Tiong Bahru, Singapore’s oldest neighborhood and tourist destination. Located in the hawkers’ area, the restaurant attracted long queues of office workers. The come-on was the bite-size pieces of succulent Hainanese chicken on fragrant turmeric rice with ginger, chili and hoisin sauces. “It was a hearty meal yet you didn’t feel the guilt because the chicken was not fried,” says Kathryna. Chicken rice Whenever she visited in Singapore, she kept returning to Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice. In 2019, Kathryna and several partners, including the Singaporean owner established the local corporation, Tiong Bahru Philippines, which aims owns and manage its restaurants here. The restaurant opened at MET Live Mall in Pasay City followed by a branch at Easton Place in Makati. Lockdowns notwithstanding, the businesses flourished with its healthy offerings and efficient delivery. The famous chicken rice dish clicked because it offered top quality and value for money for less than P300 for a solo serving. Some customers kept ordering daily. Post-pandemic, Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice now has seven outlets in the metropolis. The flagship restaurant was recently inaugurated at the Eastwood Mall. The eighth branch is slated to open at the Greenhills Shopping Center later in the year. Aside from the poached and roasted chickens, with their tender and juicy meat, the restaurant chain is also known for its tofu appetizer with sweet chili sauce, the sausage-like kikiam Singapore, and the beef and fish head curries. Cooked on-site A major advantage is that the food is cooked on-site to guarantee freshness. Before each restaurant opening, the Singaporean principal, Andrew Koh, trains the kitchen staff to ensure authenticity in taste. Customers seek fresh taste and healthy meals at pocket-friendly prices. Kathryna attributes Tiong Bahru’s success to her harmonious relationship with her partners. The investors, who come from diverse fields, offer their expertise. Kathryna and two other partners are foodies who conduct taste tests and visit the different branches to check consistency in quality. She adds that the location in malls and high-traffic areas help bring in customers. Meanwhile, Alpina Lounge and Wellness, a nail and brow salon cum spa, at Uptown Parade in Taguig City has been thriving. Kathryna is joined by her sister, Stephanie Yu Chua and Russian brow expert Maria Zhukova, as managing partners in this business. Aside from offering minimally invasive services, specialized blood tests and massages, Alpina doubles as a party place at night. Business is flourishing because it uses top quality machines and products executed by professionals who follow international standards in nail art, semi-permanent makeup and aesthetic procedures. Kathryna says her earlier ventures taught her to be resilient. Maturity, location and timing are important to success. Learning from her lessons, she follows the classic recipe for success, that is: “Good partners, good location, good products and good service.” The post Kathryna Yu-Pimentel’s success recipes: ‘Good partners, location, products, service’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
French rugby star Haouas detained over domestic violence: lawyer
French rugby star Mohamed Haouas has been placed in police custody for alleged domestic violence, his lawyer Marc Gallix told AFP on Saturday. The 29-year-old married father of two who plays for Montpellier and has won 16 international caps was detained on Friday, Gallix said, confirming a report published earlier on Saturday by French sports daily L'Equipe. He was part of France's Six Nations squad this season, although he received a red card for headbutting on his only appearance, against Scotland, and was banned for the rest of the tournament. He is currently awaiting the verdict of a trial held in Montpellier this month for his role as "leader" in a brawl 10 years ago. Prosecutors have requested he receive a two-year suspended sentence with the court's decision due on 30 June, two months before the World Cup in France. In February 2022, Haouas received an 18-month suspended sentence for his part in a series of robberies in April 2014 and for receiving a stolen car. Haouas told his trial in Montpellier this month that "my aim is to never to return to court" and that he wanted to "turn the page on" mistakes made during his childhood. He has spent his entire playing career at Montpellier, but next season is switching to rival Top 14 side Clermont. "I've decided to leave Montpellier before the end of my contract to have a complete change, a change of house, of city, of life" he explained. The post French rugby star Haouas detained over domestic violence: lawyer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
12 things to know about your thyroid
It’s International Thyroid Awareness Week, from 25 to 31 May. We each have a thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, just above your collarbone. It is usually flat and cannot be felt even if you press around that area of your neck. Here are some things other things that you should know about your thyroid. The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormone, a substance that controls your metabolism. An excess of thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism, where your metabolism can be very fast. This can cause weight loss, palpitations, sweats, tremors, feeling warm and a characteristic eye stare. A lack of thyroid hormone is the opposite, with a slow metabolism that can lead to weight gain, a slow heart rate, constipation and feeling cold. Any enlargement of the thyroid is called a goiter. The whole thyroid can be enlarged or just a small part which can be a nodule if it is a solid mass, or a cyst, which is filled with fluid. There can also be multiple nodules or cysts or both. [caption id="attachment_137002" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MAKATI MEDICAL CENTER | Any enlargement of the thyroid is called a goiter.[/caption] Having a goiter does not always mean that you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Most patients have normal thyroid function tests, which are known as TSH, free T4 and free T3. There are many misbeliefs about goiter. Goiters are not caused by shouting, singing, drinking cold water, lifting heavy things, straining or eating certain foods. You can do all these things without causing your thyroid to become enlarged. Goiters can affect anyone and can be present at birth. If they remain small they may not even be detected until they are found on a routine physical examination or incidentally with tests done for other reasons, like a CT scan or X-ray of either the head or chest that may include part of the neck. [caption id="attachment_137005" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/clem onojeghuo | The most common symptom of thyroid goiter is a lump in the neck.[/caption] The most common cause of goiters worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet, which is needed to make thyroid hormone. Other causes are autoimmune disorders where antibodies produced by your immune system mistakenly attack your thyroid gland. [caption id="attachment_137004" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/JAKUB KAPUSNAK | FISH are rich in iodine.[/caption] Pregnancy can also cause the thyroid to enlarge slightly, and thyroid problems can occur with the hormonal changes of pregnancy and menopause. Certain medications can also stimulate the thyroid or damage it, such as amiodarone and lithium. Exposure to radiation through radiation treatments to the head and neck also increase the risk of developing a goiter. Most goiters are not cancer. A neck ultrasound is the best imaging test to take a closer look and depending on the appearance and size of the nodule, an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy can be done if it looks suspicious for cancer. If thyroid cancer is found, the good news is that the usual thyroid cancers are slow to grow and slow to spread or metastasize. Complete removal of the thyroid or a total thyroidectomy is recommended for high risk patients, and this includes Filipinos. And unlike some cancers that require several courses of chemotherapy, a single dose of radioactive iodine in a capsule may be all that is needed in thyroid cancer to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. If your entire thyroid removed you have to take thyroid hormone replacement for life. Thyroid hormone should be taken regularly on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, and only take with water. One way to remember is to place the medication next to your bed and to take it upon waking. Wait at least 30 minutes before taking any other food or medication. [caption id="attachment_137003" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/mary skrynnikova | DAIRY, such as milk, is a major source of iodine in human nutrition.[/caption] If you think you have a goiter, consult your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and timely treatment. And remember to see your doctor regularly for follow-up tests. Thyroid cancer patients need blood tests done every three to six months to monitor hormone levels for medication dose adjustment and to check that the cancer has not recurred. The post 12 things to know about your thyroid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»