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Araneta takes on Magramo for IBF world title eliminator in Cebu
CEBU CITY, Philippines — World-rated knockout artist Christian “The Bomb” Araneta will test his mettle against an equally dangerous foe in the main event of “Kumbati 16” on January 26 at the plush Nustar Resort and Casino’s convention center at the South Road Properties, here. The 28-year-old native of Borbon town in north Cebu will.....»»
PBA: Thompson helps Ginebra get Christmas win over TNT
MANILA, Philippines–Scottie Thompson canned a pair of clutch threes to seal Barangay Ginebra’s 86-78 win over TNT and a place in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals before a big Christmas Day crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Thompson finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and seven assists as the Gin Kings overcame a shorthanded Tropang Giga side.....»»
US-Canada military center marks 68th year of Santa tracking
WASHINGTON– This year, the longstanding Christmas tradition of monitoring Santa’s location continued with a collaborative effort from a military agency shared between the United States and Canada. The agency, dedicated to tracking Santa, assisted children worldwide in discovering the anticipated arrival time of his gift-laden sleigh powered by reindeer. A 3-D, interactive website at www.noradsanta.org.....»»
High price to pay
TNT will play Barangay Ginebra without an import in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup nightcap game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tomorrow but the Tropa is going all out to win, no matter what. San Miguel Beer takes on Phoenix in the opener of the Christmas Day twinbill treat for fans......»»
5 Delicious Hams to try this Christmas
As Christmas nears, Filipino homes get ready to feast, and the much-loved hams take center stage. These five special versions promise to make your Christmas meal even more delightful. Pear Shape Ham This ham stands out due to its unique pear-like shape, bringing a charming and distinctive appeal to your festive table setting. Its unconventional.....»»
ArenaPlus adds glitter to PBA
ArenaPlus, the fast growing 24/7 sports app, makes Christmas extra special and memorable to all basketball fans as it presents the PBA Christmas Games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum......»»
Cardinals, Lions for all the marbles
Mapua and San Beda face off today in the deciding NCAA Season 99 finals game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with each side seeking the victory that would make this Christmas a more memorable one......»»
KathNiel muling nagpakilig, happy 2geder sa ABS CBN event
REALITY BITESni Dominic Rea MUKHANG walang pinagdaanan ang pinakasikat na tambalang KathNiel. Mukhang sa closure ng episode ng pagmamahalan ng dalawa ay happiness pa rin ang nanaig kahit wala na sila officially. Tila good sport ang nangyari dahil sa katatapos na Christmas special ng ABS-CBN na ginanap sa Araneta ay hindi lang ang KathNiel ang namayagpag at nagpadagundong ….....»»
Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla nagreunite sa stage human sa ilang panagbuwag
Human sa ilang highly publicized breakup, di na nato mapugngan si Kathryn Bernardo ug si Daniel Padilla sa pagbuhat sa ilang una nga public appearance sa dihang niperform silang duha on stage para sa ABS-CBN Christmas Special live sa niaging gabii sa Araneta Coliseum. Videos sa performance sa kanhi managuyab sa Rembrandt’s “I’ll Be There.....»»
A creative Christmas
The First Lady, Liza Araneta Marcos, personally invited me and my family and group to a Dec. 10, 2023 dinner and ballet presentation at the Mabini Grounds of Malacañang......»»
‘Rent a tree’: Have yourself a merry, green Christmas
LONDON— On a crisp, winter’s day at a London scout center, seasoned customers picked their way along muddy rows of Christmas trees in pots labeled with their names while newcomers mulled over which one to rent. “It’s a big decision,” said one. With a rise in popularity of artificial trees for environmental reasons, Londoners who.....»»
DSWD chief thanks Media partners for helping fight fake news
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian thanked the members of the Media for keeping the public informed about the programs and services of the department and for helping fight fake news during the first-ever Christmas party with DSWD Beat Reporters held at the New Press Center at the Central Office on […].....»»
150 couples in Kasalan sa Pasko
Around 150 couples are preparing to get married at the upcoming Kasalan sa Pasko (Wedding on Christmas) event in Davao City. The event, organized by the Local Civil Registrar, will take place at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center. Couples from remote barangays, including tribal communities such as Ata, Matigsalug, Bagobo-Klata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, and Obu Manuvu, have participated in the registration process. The requirement for the event is the birth certificate of the couple or any other proof of their birthplace and date. The office offers free registration and a Certificate of No Marriage Record (Cenomar) to encourage early registration. Couples who have been cohabitating for over five years will exclusively benefit from free registration and Cenomar. For independent marriage arrangements, couples must present the same requirements but pay for the Cenomar themselves......»»
Valenzuela: 4 centuries and counting
Valenzuela City marked the culmination of its 400th founding anniversary celebration with a grand night of festivities, including the launch of the city’s coffee table book, “Valenzuela: History and Progress,” and a vibrant Cultural Night fashion show. The event, held at Casa de Polo in Barangay Poblacion on Sunday, 26 November, was graced by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, who joined Mayor Wes Gatchalian and the city council in unveiling the building marker of Casa de Polo. The inauguration of Casa de Polo, a heritage-themed events space, signifies its opening for all accommodations, marking a significant milestone in the city’s history. Mayor Gatchalian emphasized the importance of celebrating the city’s 400th founding anniversary, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the successful series of celebrations. The coffee table book features a comprehensive walk-through of the city’s heritage, tracing remarkable events from the old town of Polo to its gradual transformation into an urbanized city. The book delves into the city’s unique culture, showcasing its food, art, customs, traditions, churches, and local governance aspects, including education, health, social services and ecotourism. Leading to the grand finale, Cultural Night, a fashion presentation that paid homage to Valenzuela City’s history and cultural heritage, took center stage. The program showcased the works of three renowned local designers: Michael Leyva, Robbie Santos and Daniel Manila. The fashion show exhibited three blocks, resonating themes of Polo, showcasing Pueblo de Polo’s agricultural background; Fatima, highlighting the vibrant culture and faith of Valenzuelanos; and Agos, focusing on the city’s relentless pursuit of progress and “riding the waves” of continuous growth and innovation. The event was also graced by Senators Grace Poe and Mark Villar, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, National Museum of the Philippines Director Jeremy Barns, LGU department heads, members of the city council, punong barangays, judges, fiscals, delegates of the Comelec, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and JCI, among others......»»
Freed Pinoy now out of hospital — DFA
The Israel-based Filipino caregiver who was among those freed by the Hamas extremist group has been discharged from the hospital, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega said Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco received medical evaluations at Shamir Medical Center, one of the largest government hospitals in Israel. “[He is] out of the hospital and staying at a hotel near the embassy,” De Vega told Daily Tribune. Pacheco, a 33-year-old caregiver, was among the first batch of hostages freed by Hamas following its surprise cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October. His release was a result of the Qatar-mediated deal for a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The deal includes the release of 50 captives held in the enclave, as well as the release of around 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Pacheco was one of the two Filipinos missing since the 7 October surprise attack. The other Filipino has been identified as Noralyn Babadilla. Like Pacheco, Babadilla is believed to have also been taken hostage by Hamas along with over 200 individuals from Israel. De Vega said Pacheco was not physically hurt by his captors. He, however, was traumatized by the incident. “He was traumatized by what he experienced. He said he did not have any wounds or anything,” De Vega said in a separate interview. Despite his traumatic experience in the Middle East, Pacheco said he does not have any plans to return to the Philippines for good. He, however, intends to visit the Philippines next month. “Coming home next month. In December shortly before Christmas. No exact date [yet],” De Vega said. Over the weekend, Hamas released 17 hostages held in Gaza, including a 4-year-old American girl in the third batch of hostages. For its part, the Israeli government freed 39 Palestinian prisoners......»»
Eco-friendly ornaments adorn mall’s 33-ft Christmas tree
SM Supermalls began the first of 84 Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies to usher in the holiday season at SM Aura with “Ilaw at Ligaya,” a modern Filipino spectacle featuring a Pinoy-themed fashion show set to Pinoy carols and beats by Pinoypela, ROFG and Prestige Band. Leading the lighting ceremony of a giant Capiz parol and a bedecked 33-foot Christmas tree were Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan and SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans Sy Jr. “Ngayong taon, inaanyayahan namin kayong lahat na mahal naming pamilyang Pilipino na ipagdiwang ang pagbibigayan at saya ng tunay na Pasko dito sa SM. Hihintayin namin kayo at ang mga mahal ninyo ngayong araw ng ilaw at liwanag!” Tan shared. [caption id="attachment_200874" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Filipiniana-themed fashion delighted audience with its mix of fashion forward streetwear and formal pieces.[/caption] From eco-friendly ornaments incorporating rattan, raffia, abaca and buri that adorn the tree and mall décor to the glittering curtain of LED lights that brighten the halls, this year’s holiday display at SM Aura is especially meaningful and unique. Taking center stage is the mall’s 33-foot Christmas tree adorned with handmade ornaments using locally sourced materials, such as Christmas balls wrapped in rattan and abaca, iridescent orchid blooms of capiz and traditional bamboo parols. A stunning three-foot capiz shell star to represent the Star of Bethlehem sits atop the tree bringing light, hope and joy to mallgoers this festive season. The highlight of the night featured mall tenants Rhett Eala, Kultura, Dona Lim, Frankie General Store, Plains & Prints and Zarah Juan in a fashion runway show directed by Runway Productions’ Joey Espino which delighted the audience with its mix of Pinoy streetwear and formal pieces worn with whimsy and fun accessories. SM Supermalls will continue to launch its much-awaited Christmas centerpieces all over the country, from this week towards the end of October and early November, with uniquely designed and themed trees and holiday installations. The post Eco-friendly ornaments adorn mall’s 33-ft Christmas tree appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Joey Generoso returns to stage for Side Ko Lang concert
Original Pilipino Music singer Joey Generoso is set to do a concert on November 5 at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta Center......»»
Phl economy still strongest this year — RCBC
The Philippine economy will remain among Asia’s strongest in the fourth quarter despite a possible higher interest rate because of strong consumer demand for certain products and services and more employed Filipinos, the chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation said Saturday. “This growth forecast is still among the fastest in the region because our economy is doing well,” RCBC’s Michael Ricafort said. The World Bank recently downgraded this year’s Philippine economic growth to 5.6 percent from 6 percent due to inflation risks, apart from lower government spending and weaker demand for exports. However, it is still higher than China’s 5.1 percent, Indonesia’s 4.9 percent, and Malaysia’s 4.3 percent growth forecast. Ricafort said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) might raise its policy rate this year to slow inflation to 4 percent by year-end after it accelerated again to 6.1 percent last month. “The BSP is working to bring down prices of goods and services. As an unintended consequence, the economy could slow down. Borrowing costs for business owners also increase and consumer demand weakens,” he said. Ricafort said global oil prices have started falling which could discourage the central bank from raising its rate drastically. “Global oil prices have declined to $82 to $83 per barrel from a peak of $95 per barrel last month or since the war between oil-rich countries Russia and Ukraine began,” the economist said. He also expected a downtrend in rice prices starting this month as he said local farmers have begun collecting fresh harvests. “Inflation quickened last month mainly from higher prices of rice which accounted for nearly 9 percent of the inflation basket and grew 17 percent year-on-year,” Ricafort said. While a higher interest rate aims to slow consumption, Ricafort said the continued flow of remittances from overseas Filipino workers, or at least 3 percent growth yearly will still support substantial levels of consumer spending, especially during the Christmas season. “That is more than $40 billion a year. That’s the fourth largest in the world after India, China and Mexico,” the economist said. He added more Filipinos or 800,000 could earn from business process outsourcing or BPO this year as the industry’s revenue could rise from $32.5 billion to $59 billion based on data from the Contact Center Association of the Philippines. Another growth area is tourism, which Ricafort said saw 4 million foreign visitors last month, nearing the 4.8 million full-year target of the government. He added higher productivity among Filipinos is also expected as the country’s unemployment rate declined to 4.4 percent in August from 4.8 percent in July, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Moving forward, Ricafort said the government must improve science and technology education for higher quality jobs and increase spending on infrastructure amid the full reopening of most economies. “We are now fully reopened. Students are also back in schools which encourages putting up food businesses. Labor market in the US also improved which will affect export trade,” he said. Ricafort added the government could continue distributing financial and other assistance to farmers to control inflation. He believed the inflation rate will approach 3 percent next year, close to the ideal 2 percent for healthier economic growth. The post Phl economy still strongest this year — RCBC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Sinag’ and ‘Lupa’: Light that guides and land that nourishes
In late September 2019, the Cultural Center of the Philippines mounted the son et lumiere titled “Sinag: Festival of Radiance,” accompanied by a video projected on the façade of its iconic Brutalist Main Building, dancing fountain, performances and installations, as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of one of the Philippines’ revered cultural institutions. The light show was staged again in the following years with different themes even during the imposed lockdowns in the first years of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and 2021, serving as beacon of hope during one of the most challenging times for the arts and culture sector. The “Sinag” light-and-sound show continued to be mounted this year, fast becoming a tradition for CCP, as it commemorated its 54th founding anniversary and signaled the sector’s embarking on the road to recovery. It also recognized the sector’s perseverance and determination to continue creating and healing with its theme, “Tuloy Ang Palabas”(The Show Continues).” This year, the Main Building has remained dark and silent as it closed down in January for a three-year rehabilitation and renovation, but it came alive again from 28 September to 1 October for “Sinag 2023: Tuloy Ang Palabas.” A short video was projected on the façade, showing snippets of productions, projects and performances in the past nine months, all held in different venues outside the Main Building. The main part was a spectacle of colors and moving patterns, conceptualized by CCP light designers Camille Balistoy, Danilo Villanueva, Louie Alcoran and Shantie De Roca. This was accompanied by music by Soundridemusic and Makai-symphony, spliced by Jerry Tria. Capping the show was a video showing CCP’s reach in the country, through a map created by Reily Villaruz, as well as glimpses of performances and projects in the planning, accompanied by Jed Balsamo’s “Rurok.” As the CCP Main Building highlighted art’s role as light giver, the park beside it, CCP Liwasang KaLIKHAsan, is venue for an exhibit of installations depicting popular creatures of Philippine folklore. [caption id="attachment_191675" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Kapre. | PhotoGRAPHS by Roel Hoang Manipon FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE[/caption] The kapre, aswang and tikbalang often figure in horror stories told to children, but acclaimed artist Abdulmari “Toym” de Leon Imao, son of the late National Artist for visual arts Abdulmari Asia Imao, regarded them as nature guardians, thus the title “Tanod-Lupa.” “Tanod-Lupa” was first mounted in celebration of Earth Day on 22 April, but was brought back for the anniversary celebration, and it seems fitting for the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Imao was inspired by stories about these creatures, many of which most likely can be traced from pre-colonial times, during his childhood. “My mom is Kapampangan, and they have wonderful stories of mythology such as Apo Mallari god of Mount Pinatubo. My dad came from the South. He was a Tausug. Mindanao is also rich in stories. The Sarimanok itself is a mythical creature. My appreciation comes from a fascination from childhood and growing up with these stories and narratives from my parents,” he said. “I am very fascinated with tikbalang. There are some stories that tell that it is actually a friend. The tikbalang also has a masculine appearance, very heroic,” he added. Working together with lantern makers from San Fernando City, Pampanga, headed by Arvin Bondoc Quiwa, and using materials such welded steel, fiberglass, ropes and lanterns with LED lights, Imao reimagined the creatures to be cartoonish but still retaining some scary and mysterious qualities. [caption id="attachment_191676" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Manananggal.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_191674" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Duwende.[/caption] The bright installations of kapre, duwende, manananggal, aswang, nuno sa punso and tikbalang are scattered around the park — under a balete, in between coconut trees, among overgrown weeds and unkempt bushes — and accompanied by eerie sounds designed by TJ Ramos. The most prominent among Imao’s works is his large installation in the shape of the panolong, a decorative detail of the traditional house of the Meranaw people, and the sarimanok, a popular design motif of several Moro ethnic groups, frequently used by his father in his works. [caption id="attachment_191677" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Nuno sa punso.[/caption] “Tanod-Lupa” is a work in progress, and more installations are being planned to be added to the collection. “With themes like climate change and cultural promotion, it’s perfect for us to bring these creatures from folklore and mythologies to the forefront. We are not the only inhabitants of our environment. We share it with other beings and creatures. Our ancestors remind us that we take good care of our environment lest these ‘tanod-lupa’ come out to remind us of our shortcomings,” Imao said. The post ‘Sinag’ and ‘Lupa’: Light that guides and land that nourishes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A tribute to people working behind the scenes
Audiences always see the work that the actors, and rest of the cast — the so-called front-liners of a production — put into a successful performance, but they seldom are aware of the “backliners” — the backstage and production crew — who also spent time and energy on the production. As the cast receives applause and adulation, the behind-the-scenes crew often goes unnoticed — the costume designer who works on the fittings and alterations, the technical staff who makes sure that the lighting and sound system works, the production people who make the artistic vision come alive with their hammers, paint brushes, etc. Some take great pride in their backstage work such as Annie Ignacio and Amado Bonifacio III, who are in production design for the Cultural Center of the Philippines. A theater arts graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ignacio first encountered CCP when she was invited as a performer for Pasinaya: The CCP Open House Festival, the country’s largest multi-arts festival happening every February. After hearing great things about CCP from her friends who have been working at the premier cultural institution, she decided to try her luck and inquired about a job opening. Weeks later, she started her new job as part of the theater crew at the Production Design Center. Later on, she was promoted as a draftsman. [caption id="attachment_185925" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Amado Bonifacio III prepares a production’s scale model with his mentor Manong Junior.[/caption] Bonifacio, meanwhile, recalled undergoing an on-the-job training at CCP in 2016, a requirement to finish his engineering degree at the University of Manila. Two years later, in 2018, he became a reliever for one of the theater crewmembers. He was later tasked to supervise the layout of the CCP’s Christmas decorations. Ignacio and Bonifacio both trained under Francisco M. Galvero Jr., or “Manong Junior” to people he worked with. For more than five decades until his retirement last year, Manong Junior remained the only scenic painter of the CCP. After watching him create huge sets for different CCP productions, the mentees started shadowing this master. They would always see Manong Junior doing the scale models and then bringing these miniatures into life-sized sets and sceneries. Curiosity led Ignacio to this path. She would ask questions, inquire about the process of producing sets, find out how to make things realistic and experiment with colors and textures to make the design come alive, among others. “While working with Manong Junior, I noticed his hands. I told him that his hands look like my father’s hands,” shared Ignacio in an interview. Bonifacio added that Manong Junior served as a father figure to him and his fellow workers. “As a mentor, he gave us artistic freedom to explore. He allowed us to express our creativity, but he would appraise our works and rectify what we’d done wrong in a very patient way,” he said. Being a backstage crewmember has its share of ups and downs. Sometimes, several productions are scheduled simultaneously, with everything happening all at once. When these happen, the workload could become overwhelming for the crew. “There was a time when work piled up. We didn’t know what we should do first. My mind went blank, and I just cried. But after that, I returned to work as if nothing happened,” said Ignacio. Bonifacio noted a similar experience. “Even if we don’t want to, the nature of the work forces us to be workaholics. Things could get stressful and tiring, but we love what we are doing. That’s why we are still here.” For them, work does not feel like work. They find fulfillment in seeing what they worked hard for and pour their hearts into it. Ignacio’s biggest achievement to date was creating the now-iconic eye balloon for the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2019. The work was displayed at the CCP Main Building Grand Staircase and became an instant hit as an Instagrammable spot among film enthusiasts. She also did the realistic bibingka and puto bumbong props for Tuloy Ang Pasko. These involved trials and errors, and hearing the compliments and receiving recognition made it all worthwhile. She said, “Manong Junior always told us not to be afraid to keep trying and make mistakes.” [caption id="attachment_185927" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Francisco M. Galvero Jr., with his apprentice Annie Ignacio, preparing the set for a ballet production.[/caption] Bonifacio, who takes pride in his work with the Art House Cinema facade decor and Sinag: Festival of Lights, reveals that he doesn’t see himself as an artist. It was only when his mentor Manong Junior recognized him as an artist that he started pondering about his work. They know that backstage work is rarely recognized, but CCP is paying homage to these unsung heroes through a series of mini-documentaries by filmmaker Joseph Mangat, Backstage Pass. Launched during Cinemalaya 19, the second installment features Manong Junior, who had been working on sets for various CCP productions since the early 1980s. The first release featured the technical theater crew in the lights and flying sections. More Backstage Pass episodes will feature the CCP film technicians, sound crew and costume custodians, as well as venue booking and front-of-house operations. The series also gives viewers a glimpse of the lesser-known careers in cinema and theater work. The post A tribute to people working behind the scenes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»