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Fusing science and magic
If you’re like Vera Wang, and was “late” getting into the SPF game, today you may be seeing the “badges” of those carefree sunny days of worshipping the sun every time you look in the mirror. But while sunscreens and sun tints, even sun protection capsules, were not part of rituals you ever undertook for your skin, you can let the panic abate — there is hope! So I submitted to a skin analysis last year (screaming inwardly). I was in denial. I felt light years away from the creeping signs of age — fine lines, dark spots, saggy jawline. But the proof was there on the blinking screen. Yes, it screamed back at me, you should have used those sticky, smelly sun lotions your mother used to push into your hands. These days, lucky mortals have a wide range of choices for sunscreens that actually smell good and don’t leave your skin looking pasty white or coated in oily gunk. In fact, there are numerous solutions to almost every skin problem you can think of. [caption id="attachment_193222" align="aligncenter" width="525"] WEARING the Swarovski necklace from the latest collections. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SWAROVSKI[/caption] Acne is addressed by brands like, get this, Acnes, which makes zit-zapping quite a breeze; or even homegrown label Human Nature, which just came out with a Tea Tree Body Cleanser and Tea Tree Body Acne Gel for clearer skin all over. Wrinkles are battled by serums for every need, and if you have not much patience for regimens and rituals, a quick, non-invasive treatment at a reputable aesthetic center can have you feeling refreshed in no time. The era of lunchtime treatments has been food for the soul among a growing number of fans. [caption id="attachment_193225" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SWAROVSKI Afternoon Tea at Raffles Makati.[/caption] Here’s the latest in the arena of skin rejuvenation: Rejuran, a “new concept healer” made of polynucleotides, has arrived in the country courtesy of its exclusive distributor TritanMed. Polynucleotides are DNA fragments of specific size derived from wild salmon. This unique ingredient gives Rejuran its power to “make your skin young and healthy,” meaning “improved hydration, skin texture, skin elasticity and skin repair,” naturally. The injectable delivers the highly bio-compatible polynucleotides directly into the skin, and “activates the self-regenerative ability of the skin and improves the appearance of various skin concerns, such as wrinkles, scars, large pores, redness and pigmentation, etc.” [caption id="attachment_193226" align="aligncenter" width="525"] From the LUNA collection[/caption] It is, in short, the best and proven safest way to look 10 years younger, as testimonials online reveal. Other benefits of the treatment are: “promotes the secretion of collagen and restores Extra Cellular Matrix to recover thin and damaged skin inside caused by aging, while simultaneously improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles; improves pigmentation and overall brightness of the complexion, which is helpful in recovering the tonicity and luminosity of smoother skin texture.” Price-wise, it is said to cost less than the popular “lunchtime treatment” called fillers and delivers results just as quickly. Sometimes I think the multimillion-dollar world of beauty simply wants to inundate us with blurbs just so we will feel a raging need to get that glass skin, wing-tipped eyes and long, outrageous lashes. It’s a good thing science gives us an opportunity to have these “transformative” qualities, just like magic. [caption id="attachment_193227" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ANA Gonzales of Havaianas Philippines.[/caption] Shine on An afternoon tea worth a sip is one that is currently being served at the Raffles Makati’s The Writers Bar. Aptly described as “a shimmering fusion of history and luxury, the Swarovski Afternoon Tea was unveiled on 27 September with Swarovski’s latest collections on display. The new pieces, coming in bright jewel tones of green, pink and blue, were designed by Swarovski Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, who was inspired by “multiple worlds.” Also, science and magic met in this latest output, from “Idyllia’s secret gardens filled with wondrous creatures, or Luna’s star-covered skies illuminated by crescent moons.” See for yourself the exquisite Swarovski’s unmistakable “shapes of Dextera” and “the show-stopping cuts of Mesmera.” Luna is the newest collection to date, and for sun-worshippers, perhaps a little foray into the darker realms will balance it out, giving “mystical energy” amid too much reality. Raffles Makati’s executive chef Bela Rieck presented the afternoon tea, with delicacies like “green mango tart with sea grapes, seared tuna with mango cilantro salsa for the culinary art tier, and desserts like the crystal glazed reinvented raspberry, white wine coconut spritzer and a mesmerizing crystal-inspired praline.” The special afternoon tea is available until 30 November. [caption id="attachment_193228" align="aligncenter" width="320"] COLOR and comfort in new slides.PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF HAVAIANAS[/caption] Slide into comfort and color It’s here: the Havaianas Slides are the newest way to walk on the side of style. Wear it anywhere, even at the Mansion Sports Bar, and feel the comfort and cool all at once. A cushioned footbed and slip-resistant sole are pluses for this fashionable footwear option. The post Fusing science and magic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BRP Sierra Madre: A rusting hope beacon
Don’t look now, but a piece of junk rusting away in the middle of a contested shoal stands proud as a symbol of a nation’s resolute stand to assert its territorial rights. Yes, whether we like it or not, the BRP Sierra Madre, deliberately grounded there in 1999, carries a profound significance for the Philippines in its quest to keep its sovereignty in the face of an ambitious challenge from an aggressive neighbor in the West Philippine Sea. Fighting boredom just to keep the country’s presence at the shoal — that is also claimed by China by so-called historical right — are Filipino marines no more than a platoon strong who are keeping watch from the aging naval vessel converted into a makeshift military outpost. The West Philippine Sea is an area of immense strategic and economic importance to the Philippines. It encompasses a vast expanse of maritime territory rich in natural resources, vital to the nation’s growth and development. Amid the complex geopolitical dynamics that characterize this region, the BRP Sierra Madre has become a controversial structure atop Ayungin Shoal. The decommissioned former US Navy tank landing ship is proving to be a hindrance to Beijing’s efforts to annex the controversial sea feature also known as Second Thomas Shoal. Removing it by force would set in motion the Philippines’ Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States and we all know what that means. Why do you think China is so interested in occupying the shoal they named Ren’ai? The shoal is a pivotal feature within the West Philippine Sea. It is situated approximately 105 nautical miles from the coast of Palawan, well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone as defined by international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The strategic importance of Ayungin Shoal cannot be overstated. It serves as a natural gateway to the broader Kalayaan Island Group, which includes several other reefs, atolls, and islands that are integral to the Philippines’ sovereignty and territorial integrity in the region. In this context, therefore, the BRP Sierra Madre plays a crucial role. The decision to deploy the BRP Sierra Madre to this location was a bold assertion of the Philippines’ territorial rights, serving as a physical manifestation of its sovereign claim in the face of aggressive territorial expansion by its neighbor. The symbolism of the BRP Sierra Madre extends beyond its physical presence. It embodies the spirit of Philippine resilience and the steadfast defense of its sovereign rights. Despite the vessel’s deteriorating condition due to the harsh marine environment, the Filipino soldiers stationed aboard continue to maintain their presence, demonstrating the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding its interests in the West Philippine Sea. This dedication, often in challenging conditions, has drawn international attention to the Philippines’ determination to uphold the rule of law and protect its territorial integrity. The Philippines’ stance in the West Philippine Sea is not about asserting dominance over other nations, but rather about safeguarding its rightful interests in accordance with established international norms. UNCLOS, to which both the Philippines and China, among others, are parties, provides a clear framework for resolving maritime disputes. The Philippines has consistently advocated for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the West Philippine Sea, seeking to engage in dialogue and multilateral negotiations to find a resolution that respects the rights of all nations involved. The BRP Sierra Madre, as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty, also underscores the need for international support and solidarity. The Philippines does not stand alone in its effort to defend its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. It relies on the principles of international law and the support of its allies and partners. A peaceful and stable West Philippine Sea is in the interest of the international community, as it ensures freedom of navigation, promotes regional stability, and upholds the rules-based international order. The BRP Sierra Madre serves as a poignant reminder that sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental principles that every nation must uphold. It calls upon the international community to respect the legitimate claims of nations based on established rules and norms. The Philippines’ determination in maintaining its presence at Ayungin Shoal is not just about a piece of land or maritime territory. It is about defending the rule of law, promoting regional stability, and safeguarding the rights of nations, large and small. The post BRP Sierra Madre: A rusting hope beacon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DA studies Taiwan-inspired agribiz proposals
The Department of Agriculture is hoping to adopt Taiwan’s agricultural technologies such as data analysis and mobile applications. In a statement on Friday, DA said officials will be reviewing business proposals from 47 agri-entrepreneurs who recently completed the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan and returned to the Philippines on 14 July. The program ran for 11 months and was created through the partnership of DA-Agricultural Training Institute, Manila Economic and Cultural Office, and Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office. “Youth involvement in the agriculture sector is highly important as we are facing the challenge of an aging farmer population. Having completed their international internship program, we believe that they are now prepared to take the next level of their training,” ATI Director Remelyn R. Recoter said. Through a planning workshop, the young agri-entrepreneurs were required to write agribusiness proposals on agricultural and fisheries techniques, marketing strategies, and management practices. Recoter said this will also help the youth apply for new foreign internships in the future. Since 2017, Taiwan has been implementing smart agriculture with the use of sensors, the internet, mobile applications, robotics and artificial intelligence to boost its agricultural production amid a faster aging population. Global data show that half of the population of Taiwan are aged 40 and older; meanwhile, in the Philippines half of total population are 25 years old and younger. Taiwan’s Council for Agriculture is advancing the aforementioned technologies for greenhouse farms where plants are protected from the harmful effects of the sun and rain, resulting in stable production levels year-round. Philippine agricultural exports decreased by 20.8 percent to $1.55 billion in the first quarter this year from $1.95 billion in the same period last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The post DA studies Taiwan-inspired agribiz proposals appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New Candaba Viaduct to make travel faster, safer
Motorists can expect a much faster and safer journey to Central and Northern Luzon once the third Candaba Viaduct is completed. The third viaduct will be constructed by NLEX Corp., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC, the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. The first 5-kilometer Candaba Viaduct connects Bulacan and Pampanga along the North Luzon Expressway. It has been an important bridge for motorists traveling from Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon for over 50 years. The viaduct has withstood natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. The current project was recently inaugurated in a groundbreaking ceremony led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Toll Regulatory Board Executive Director Alvin Carullo, Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, Department of Public Works and Highways Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino, MPTC president Rogelio L. Singson, and NLEX president and general manager Jose Luigi L. Bautista. Targeted for completion in November 2024, the P7.89-billion third viaduct requires the construction of a new bridge between the two existing viaducts. Once completed, the road capacity of the new viaduct will increase from three lanes without shoulders to three lanes with inner and outer shoulders in each direction. These lanes and shoulders will be wide, boosting safety and convenience for travelers. According to MPTC president and CEO Singson, who is a former Public Works and Highways secretary, “This project will not only increase the capacity of the 5-km Candaba Viaduct but will ultimately improve safety and convenience of the motorists and will aid in the acceleration and growth of trade and commerce in Central Luzon.” Speaker Romualdez emphasized the importance of the new bridge which is expected to decongest traffic and reduce travel time for motorists. “This project will not only enhance the efficiency of our transportation network but also contribute to the overall socioeconomic development of the region. It will create jobs, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth,” Romualdez said. The third Candaba Viaduct will be built using green and sustainable engineering practices and comply with the country’s latest bridge design requirements. It will have piers every 20 meters, with each pier supported by two columns and two bored piles, strengthening the structure amid the swampy condition of the natural ground beneath it. NLEX president and general manager Bautista assured motorists the construction of the new bridge would not affect the operation and traffic flow on the two existing viaducts. Based on the studies, constructing the third viaduct is necessary because the existing structures are aging and operating at a lower capacity. Competent engineers and management teams will manage the construction site to ensure efficiency and safety. “This new mobility project will offer easy journeys and make travel safer for the public traveling between Metro Manila and Central and Northern Luzon as there will be a new structure to augment the existing ones and that will safely allow the speed limit to be increased to 60 to 80 kilometers per hour from the current 40 to 60 kilometers per hour,” said Bautista, adding that upon completion, Class 3 vehicles or large trucks will be directed to the new bridge so that the old structures will be relieved of heavy loads. Since 2005, MPTC has been upgrading the viaduct. Among the upgrades were pavement resurfacing, bridge link slab, girder, and deck replacement; girder and column strengthening; and construction of lay-bys or emergency bays in the northbound and southbound directions of the bridge. Since 2020, stricter anti-overloading policies, such as the 33-ton gross vehicle weight limit for the southbound viaduct, were implemented to ensure the safety and stability of the bridge. With projects like the third Candaba Viaduct underway, motorists can expect even more improvements in the quality of the road infrastructure and service along the NLEX. These projects aim to ensure the utmost comfort and safety of motorists traveling to Central and Northern Luzon through the expressway. With the BBM administration’s vision of taking the country into the golden age of infrastructure, this project will certainly add to the many programs in the pipeline that in the end will benefit millions of Filipinos. The post New Candaba Viaduct to make travel faster, safer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Megawide-GMR takes over NAIA rehab project after rival consortium drops out
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US reaffirms support for Philippines sovereignty amid its tensions with China
Washington, DC [US], March 28 (ANI): US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Manila in defending its sovereignty while criticising China's "dangerous" water cannon attack at the Philippine supply mission vessel on Saturday. In a telephonic conversation between Austin and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro, the US Secretary reiterated the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty.....»»
Philippines announces decisive measures amid tensions with China
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Mayor Uy posts cryptic messages amid Igacos power problems
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Companies State it Takes More Than 6 Months to Fill Cybersecurity Positions
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DSWD-Davao to aid disaster victims in recovery, rehab amid regionwide ECT payouts
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JG Summit core profit soars in 2023
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Indian Coast Guard ship docks at Manila port amid tensions in South China Sea
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The Mystery of Post-Inflation Stability: Exploring Economic Uncertainty
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