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Valenzuela city lights ‘Tree of Hope’, celebrates 400th founding anniversary
Welcoming two momentous events in one, the City of Valenzuela commenced the “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony at the Valenzuela City People’s Park over the weekend and was graced by special guests: Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz, and Itchyworms. Alongside, the ceremony also marked the beginning of a three-month-long celebration of the 400th Founding Anniversary of the city. The “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony is a yearly tradition of the city, setting the Christmas spirit early for the Valenzuelanos. This traditional lighting of the 50-foot tree, along with several decors and installations, has been long-running since 2004. This year, the lighting ceremony is coupled with another historical commemoration — the kick-off celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the City of Valenzuela. It is a modern Pinoy Christmas theme bridging the past and future, as a herald to 400 years of history and progress. Mayor WES Gatchalian were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and CDO Foodsphere Inc. Assistant Vice President Jason Ong in lighting up the Tree of Hope this year. Dedicating the Tree of Hope, the city also welcomed PWD children and teens as the primary beneficiaries for this year. Likewise, students from the city’s state universities the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Valenzuela Technological College or VALTECH (formerly named ValPoly) also partake in the event. The historical evening occurred at the heart of the city, the Valenzuela City People’s Park, where many of its residents gathered to witness the gleaming lights from the display. Mayor Gatchalian extended his warm greetings and emphasized the meaning of the Tree of Hope. “Sa ating ‘Tree of Hope’ Lighting ngayong gabi, nawa ito ay hindi lamang maging simbolo ng pag-asa, kung hindi rin magsilbing paalala, na ang liwanag na gumabay sa ating sa nakalipas na apat na raang (400) taon, ay siya ring liwanag na gagabay sa ating hinaharap (For our ‘Tree of Hope’ Lighting tonight, may this event not be a symbol of hope, but also serve as a reminder that the light that has guided over the past 400 years, will be the light that shall guide us in the future)." Joining the event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian, City Councilors Ricarr Enriquez, Gerald Galang, Niña Lopez, Sel Sabino-Sy, Mickey Pineda, Atty. Bimbo Dela Cruz, Louie Nolasco, Marlon Alejandrino, SK Federation President, Councilor Goyong Serrano, and Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jonjon Bartolome. The PWD children and teens performed a meaningful doxology to start the event right. To further make this a night to remember, the local government invited the Christmas icon, Jose Mari Chan, to sing his signature song, “Christmas in Our Hearts” while setting the Tree of Hope and the fireworks alight. A colorful and dashing fountain display provided the finishing touches to the ceremonial night. Following days after the event, multiple attractions in the city such as Valenzuela City Family Park, WES Arena, Fatima Avenue, and Polo Family Park were also set to illuminate their Christmas installations. A post-lighting concert took place at the Valenzuela City Amphitheater wherein special guests, Patrick Quiroz and the band, The Itchyworms, livened up the stadium. Valenzuelanos jammed with some of their iconic songs, concluding the monumental night on a strong note. Getting the ball rolling, the tree-lighting occasion is one of the city’s main festivities for its 400th founding anniversary tribute. The day of the commemoration is 12 November, following Pueblo de Polo’s founding date, 12 November 1623. Back-to-back celebration awaits the city with Polo Fiesta and Casa de Polo inauguration as two of the grand slated events at Valenzuela400 this month. Meanwhile, some of the anticipated huge events for the upcoming months are as follows: Oktoberfest, Polo Fiesta activities, Mass at San Diego de Alcala Church, Casa de Polo blessing and inauguration, Industry Summit, Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela Awarding, Cultural Night, Valenzuela’s coffee table book launch, a visit from delegates of Bucheon, South Korea, Food Fiesta, and a Christmas Bazaar. These activities in line were all open for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos. For the past 400 years, the City of Valenzuela sought several developments and innovations — and it has never stopped evolving. From an agricultural provincial town of Polo to a highly urbanized, industrial, and liveable city, this notable transition led Valenzuela to be recognized as one of the progressive cities in the country. The post Valenzuela city lights ‘Tree of Hope’, celebrates 400th founding anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stitched in time: Likhang Habi Market Fair returns to weave through cultures
The 13th edition of the annual Likhang HABI Market Fair, organized by HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, is set to take place from 13 to 15 October at the Glorietta and Palm Drive Activity Center. This celebration, themed “Web of Woven Wonders,” promotes the Philippines’ rich textile legacy while embracing technology. [caption id="attachment_186369" align="aligncenter" width="1418"] A MASTER weaver from the Tagolwanen Women Weavers Association Inc.[/caption] Tradition and innovation “Web of Woven Wonders” pays homage to the World Wide Web, symbolizing the interconnectedness of people, places and textiles. The community is brought together via traditional fabrics and inventive weaves, Adelaida Lim, the former president of HABI, stressed, demonstrating their diversity and expert craftsmanship. “The way textiles tie and bind us to each other,” Lim said. “The country’s traditional textiles and the innovative weaves various groups of Filipinos have come up with are truly wonderful,” she added. “The diversity and beauty of finished products, and the consummate skill it took to make them are something we can all be proud of!” Designer Len Cabili, a strong advocate for traditional textiles and the woman behind Filip+Inna, praised HABI’s efforts in “pushing weaving into the forefront of Philippine culture.” Cabili highlighted how these textiles are a profound expression of the country’s culture and a testament to the “true value of handcrafted textiles and the unique processes” of its artisans. Following the challenges posed by the pandemic, the fair will host an impressive 72 vendors, including Creative Definitions, Ditta Sandico, Gifts and Graces and Ruyag PH, who represent numerous regional and cultural groups around the Philippines. The vendors will display a wide array of hand-woven products, including textiles, ready-to-wear clothes, bags, shoes, home accessories and furniture made from materials like piña, abaca and cotton. This year’s fair will occupy a bigger area, extending from the Glorietta Activity Center to the area in front of Palm Drive, to accommodate the expanding number of attendees. The current president of HABI, Mia Villanueva, emphasized the growth in participants and the association with local government organizations to promote their goods. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="186371,186372"] Embracing global threads As the nation’s de facto textile council, HABI encourages cooperation not only within the Philippines but also the ASEAN neighborhood. Since ASEAN nations are seen as vital sources of inspiration and ideas rather than rivals, the exhibition encourages exhibitors from their nations. Local designers have more options to this collaborative approach, which also allows them to absorb international best practices and experiences. Likhang HABI Market Fair is the climax of the year-round work that HABI has been doing since its founding in 2009. The show, which is sponsored by Ayala Land and the Ayala Foundation, gathers the finest handcrafted textiles, generating respectable employment possibilities and boosting sales for weavers across the Philippines. The fair is more than just a place to sell things; it’s also an opportunity to learn. HABI’s efforts include making documentaries called “The Threaded Traditions Series” about textiles from Panay Island, the Cordillera’s ikat and the Bagobo Tagabawa’s inabal. They’ve also published a book called Piña Futures: Weaving Memories and Innovations by Dr. Randy M. Madrid, edited by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, which celebrates and explains the Philippines’ rich hand-weaving tradition. Paul Jatayna, an artist, will present a textile display this year that will focus on fresh and imaginative uses of textiles in an effort to draw in a younger audience. Weaving a sustainable future For the purpose of recognizing and developing the craft of hand-weaving, the fair also holds two weaving competitions: the second Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Weaving Competition and the sixth annual Lourdes Montinola Pia Weaving Competition. Such events not only honor the best weavings but also promote creativity and the return of lost styles and techniques. HABI sets its sights on sustaining and advancing heritage fabrics made of locally grown natural fibers. As the 13th Likhang HABI Market Fair draws near, it stands as a celebration of history and creativity and ensures that hand-weaving and its place in the Philippines’ cultural fabric have a bright future. The post Stitched in time: Likhang Habi Market Fair returns to weave through cultures appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sweden throws royal bash for king’s golden jubilee
Sweden celebrates the 50th anniversary of King Carl XVI Gustaf's reign with pomp and circumstance on Friday and Saturday, with a gala banquet, street parties and a procession through central Stockholm. The 77-year-old king was the world's youngest monarch when he came to the throne aged 27 in 1973 after the death of his grandfather Gustaf VI Adolf. The two days of festivities will be attended by foreign dignitaries as well as hundreds of thousands of people who are expected to line the capital's streets to catch a glimpse of the king and Queen Silvia in a cortege on Saturday. Several of the festivities will be broadcast live on television to Sweden's 10 million inhabitants. "It's an intense week," palace spokeswoman Margareta Thorgren told AFP, adding that preparations have been underway for several years. On Friday, a Te Deum church service will be held at the Royal Chapel attended by the royal family, other Nordic royals and heads of state, as well as Swedish political leaders, followed by a gala banquet hosted by the king at the palace. The highlight of the celebrations will be Saturday's afternoon cortege, when the royal couple will wave to the public from a horse-drawn carriage escorted by 3,000 troops from the army, navy and air force and military bands. The final leg of the procession will see the royal couple being rowed across the water in the royal barge to the steps below the palace in the Old Town. That will be followed by an outdoor concert nearby featuring several popular Swedish acts. Dancing in the streets As afternoon heads into evening, the city center will transform into a giant public dance floor, with DJs playing everything from boogie woogie to Cuban salsa, rock 'n' roll, disco and Swedish hits, and food trucks serving food and drinks. Several hundred thousand people are expected to turn out for Saturday's festivities, police spokeswoman Rebecca Landberg told AFP, comparing the event to the massive crowds that lined the streets for Crown Princess Victoria's 2010 wedding. "It feels really exciting," said Jenny Schannong, a 53-year-old medical secretary who plans to be in place early Saturday to get a good viewing spot for the cortege. "It'll be cool to experience this in my lifetime... I was just a little baby when he became king, I was three years old so I don't really remember that," she said. However, the celebrations are taking place under heightened security, after Sweden last month raised its terror alert level following a spate of Koran burnings that have angered the Muslim world. Carl Gustaf XVI is the longest reigning monarch in Sweden's history. Born on April 30, 1946, Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus Bernadotte was only nine months old when his father, Prince Gustaf Adolf, died in a plane crash in Denmark. He grew up with four older sisters and an often-absent mother -- Princess Sibylla of Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha -- before becoming king in 1973. He is the European monarch with the second-longest reign, behind his cousin Queen Margrethe of Denmark who took the throne in 1972. Popular despite sex scandals Despite occasional scandals -- the biggest when a 2010 book alleged he frequented sex clubs and had numerous affairs -- the king still enjoys broad support. A poll this month in Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter said 62 percent of Swedes were in favor of the monarchy, a level that has remained stable over two decades. The king's role has been purely ceremonial since constitutional reform in 1974. The palace has remained tightlipped on the cost of the weekend festivities. "It's a public celebration and the costs will be detailed in a report to be published in April," palace spokeswoman Margareta Thorgren said. This year also marks the 500th anniversary of the reign of Gustav Vasa, Sweden's first king elected in 1523, ending the Kalmar Union that joined the three Scandinavian kingdoms under a single monarchy from 1397. The post Sweden throws royal bash for king’s golden jubilee appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Feel the Cyber Thrill this August!
Looking for the best deals on everything tech? Ready to play at the largest nationwide sports area? Now is the best time to visit SM Supermalls and unleash the gamer within as it celebrates the latest tech innovations and gadget trends, with exclusive deals and promos this Cyber Month! From 1 to 31 August, a celebration of e-sports and all things tech that make our lives easier and more convenient will take place at SM Supermalls. Essential gadgets, thrilling activities, and new discoveries are waiting to be made and will welcome every individual with various needs. Get ready as SM transforms its malls into a larger-than-life e-sports arena. Gamers and e-sports fans are in for a treat at the CyberMonth celebration, at over 60 malls nationwide, as community tournaments and an immersive gaming environment take center stage. Tag along with your friends and watch some intense and epic battles as players try to outplay each other at the community matches. Gaming that never goes out of style. If you are a gamer who loves classic video games, the Retroverse is for you. Select malls every Saturday will be setting up Retro Gaming Stations featuring classic consoles and games from the past. Relive the magic of iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, Tetris, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Venture into different worlds with AweSM Kids. Kids and kids at heart can have some fun at the Kids Zone–-an interactive area featuring popular games like SM Kids Roblox and Minecraft every weekend for the whole month of August. The GeekCon is on! SM celebrates all things geek this Cyber Month including a Cosplay Competition. Every Sunday, bring your favorite anime, manga, games, TV, series, and comic book characters to life through elaborate costumes and performances that will wow the crowd. The GeekCon will also feature activities that geeks will love such as collectible toy displays, visual arts masterclasses, meet-and-greets with popular streamers, and Collectible Card Game Tournament. Techtopia for all your tech needs. SM malls nationwide will have multiple activity areas bringing together a wide range of gadgets, interactive installations, and displays at Techtopia. Get your hands on the newest and trendiest gadgets, devices, and even smart home appliances at SM. Plus, at the Techtopia zone, you can check, test, and ensure the product’s quality before making that big purchase. Discover the hottest tech deals. Gear up and get your baskets ready for SM Supermalls’ month-long nationwide tech and gadget sale. Whether you shop at your favorite SM mall or scroll through your go-to SM Online and SM Deals apps, there are a lot of great gadget deals all for you. Avail of these special promos, special offerings, and bundles on select items with up to 50% off in participating stores this August. Mark your calendars! August is geek-out month with these fun-filled activities and deals in store for you this Cyber Month at an SM mall near you. Game on and shop #TechAssured gadgets and get exciting deals when you #CheckCyberzone. For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com/cyberzone or follow @SMSupermalls and @smcyberzone on social media. [caption id="attachment_167231" align="aligncenter" width="843"] The 2023 Cyber Month Launch at SM North EDSA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_167232" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] SM City Marikina[/caption] [caption id="attachment_167234" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] SM City Cauayan[/caption] The post Feel the Cyber Thrill this August! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Luxurious escape in Iloilo
Richmonde Hotel Iloilo opened its doors in 2015 and pioneered the transformation of the hospitality industry in the Western Visayas region by introducing first-rate facilities and services world-class travelers deserve. As it turns eight years old this month, the hotel is spreading cheer and good fortune with exciting room offers and an epic dinner experience. Designed for those looking for a luxurious escape to revel in fun relaxation, Richmonde’s Celebrate Eight Room Packages will make any guest feel lucky. For a day of soothing comfort and stimulating activities, book the Rejuvenate Package, which is suitable for two persons and comes with an overnight stay in a Deluxe room with a breakfast buffet at The Granary, choice of ventosa, aromatherapy, Moroccan full body, head+back, or head+foot massage service, P1,500 worth of dining credits that may be used for food and beverage orders at any of the hotel’s restaurant outlets, namely The Granary, BizBar and Zabana Bar, or from room service. This package is priced at only P8,888. [caption id="attachment_163861" align="aligncenter" width="768"] RICHMONDE Hotel Iloilo[/caption] Level up quality time with family and friends and create meaningful moments with the special Rest & Recreation Rates, valid for two-night stays. Room accommodations for two persons are as low as P8,888 or P4,444 per night (room only) and P9,888 or P4,944 per night (room with breakfast buffet). All rates mentioned above include Wi-Fi access and complimentary use of the gym and pool. This special anniversary room offer is available until 31 July. Richmonde Hotel Iloilo has always been known for its tasty and innovative menus that pay homage to Iloilo’s rich culinary heritage. For its eighth anniversary, Richmonde presents Panumdúman, a unique one-night-only gastronomic adventure that aims to capture the nostalgic flavors of our fondest childhood memories in an elevated degustation dinner. As Richmonde Hotel Iloilo celebrates another year in the business, it is also primed and ready to serve its guests even better. General Manager Natalie Lim said, “We owe our success to all the guests and clients who have supported us throughout the years. In return, I can assure you that we will continue to work hard to provide you with only superb products, excellent services, and most of all, happy, enriching experiences.” The post Luxurious escape in Iloilo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Enchanted Kingdom celebrates Eldar the Wizard’s birthday
Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, announces two limited-time offer in celebration of its beloved character’s birthday this month. Eldar the Wizard is a home-grown, jolly character in EK known to teach children to uphold virtues of kindness, humility, patience, honesty, diligence, generosity, and love of God and family. Eldar’s Birthday Treat Promo – 16 July to 13 August 2023 The grand celebration will kick off with the EK online store exclusive Eldar’s Birthday Treat promo of one Regular Day Pass bundled with one Eldar’s hat for a discounted price of P1,200. Guests can avail of this promo exclusively at the EK Online Store until 30 July and experience the enchanting world of Eldar while donning this iconic hat until 13 August. Eldar’s Birthday Bash Promo – 30 July 2023 Meanwhile, EK’s Eldar’s Birthday Bash promo entitles guests with access to Eldar’s Birthday Bash and one EK Regular Day Pass on 30 July at the Enchanting Events Place. Guests will be captivated by the performances of Enchanted Kingdom characters and talented musicians, magicians, and dancers. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy face painting and other fun and interactive games and activities. Eldar will also treat his guests with scrumptious snacks and give away magical souvenirs. To attend Eldar’s Birthday Bash promo on 30 July, guests can book tickets from 16 to 30 July at the EK Online Store, Front Gate ticket booths, and Makati Sales Office. Non-members of the EKsperience Magic Card (EKMC) pay for only P1,500 while EKMC members can get this for only P500. For more information, guests can visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or visit EK’s official Facebook Page. The post Enchanted Kingdom celebrates Eldar the Wizard’s birthday appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cookbook features Pinoy classics using Australian products
It was a celebration of great food and great friendship during the recent launch of Australian-Filipino food and travel writer, photographer and cookbook author, Yasmin Newman’s Under Coconut Skies: Feasts an Stories from the Philippines at SM Aura Premier. The event, organized by the Australian Embassy and the Australia Global Alumni in the Philippines, brought together members of the Filipino-Australian community, alumni and corporate executives. During the afternoon reception at the mall’s Skypark, Visum Ventures founder and chief executive officer John Michael Hilton, also a Filipino-Australian, joined Newman in preparing kinilaw na isda using kalamansi and Australian finger lime. Broadcast personality and Australian alumnus Martin Andanar hosted the program. They were welcomed by SM’s Millie Dizon. [gallery columns="4" size="large" ids="141790,141791,141792,141793"] Under Coconut Skies is Newman’s second Filipino cookbook. The book is a celebration of the Philippines and its food, and takes her readers on a journey to discovering classic Filipino dishes through stunning photographs and unique culinary traditions, folklore and personal stories. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu PSM said: “One of the things that Filipinos and Australians share is our love for food — we love bringing people together to enjoy great food and have great conversations. We are delighted to have Filipino-Australian Yasmin Newman here in the Philippines to celebrate Philippine culinary heritage with the best of Australian products — a culinary fusion of the best of both countries.” In the cookbook, Newman invites readers into her kitchen and into the homes of friends and locals, sharing traditional dishes and vegetarian and modern interpretations on the classics. From sizzling wild mushroom sisig, golden turmeric and cassia bark rice from the Muslim south and pork belly adobo to glistening candied kalamansi cake, Filipino food celebrates and satisfies all the senses. Guests were seen enjoying the afternoon tea curated by Newman which featured well-loved Filipino dishes from her cookbook using fresh Australian ingredients, such as Tasmanian salmon with turmeric rice and ube pavlova. As a proud ambassador of Filipino cuisine and Australian food products, Newman also shares her love for food and her Australian and Filipino influences in a series of cooking videos called A Taste of the Philippines, produced by the Australia Philippines Business Council in partnership with the Australian Government. In 2013, she also wrote and published her debut cookbook 7000 Islands: A Food Portrait of the Philippines. Under Coconut Skies: Feasts and Stories from the Philippines is available on www.amazon.com The post Cookbook features Pinoy classics using Australian products appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pinoy drag queens shine at DragCon LA, join ‘Drag Race Philippines’ cast reunion
Several Filipino drag queens participated in RuPaul’s DragCon Los Angeles on 12 and 13 May at the Los Angeles Convention Center, California, United States. This year’s expo of drag culture welcomed its first delegation of Filipino drag performers and it was a sizable group, led by Drag Race Philippines’ first winner Precious Paula Nicole. She was joined by Marina Summers, Eva Le Queen, Xilhouete, Minty Fresh, Viñas DeLuxe, Turing, Gigi Era, Corazon and Prince — all contestants of the Philippine version of the phenomenal drag reality series RuPaul’s Drag Race. [caption id="attachment_135144" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph COURTESY of Twitter.com/@minortiz | Double Mints Minty Fresh with Sminty Drop from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Season 4.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_135147" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph COURTESY of Twiiter.com/@VinasDeluxe | Vinas DeLuxe in the Filipiniana version of her famous tuwalya look in ‘Drag Race Philippines.’[/caption] [caption id="attachment_135146" align="aligncenter" width="504"] Photograph COURTESY of FB.com/Prince Marell | Prince, dramatic in black and red.[/caption] The annual RuPaul’s DragCon LA, which started in 2015, is an outgrowth of RuPaul’s Drag Race and is also organized by the series’ producer, World of Wonder. This year, it spotlighted about 150 queens from 12 countries and received thousands of attendees from all over the world. One of the biggest events for drag fans, it featured many events, such as a market, performances, meet-and-greets, wig and sewing workshops, talks and parties. The Queens’ Walk One of the highlights was the Queen’s Walk on the now famous Pink Carpet on the first day after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The queens were introduced to the public one by one and sashayed down the pink carpet in their fabulous outfits. Eva Le Queen was in an all-white ensemble inspired by the Philippine national flower — the sampaguita or Indian jasmine — designed by Ehrran Montoya, who described the outfit as a “long-sleeve corseted column dress with bias folds and structured draping on top” with “a detachable train with voluminous cascades.” [caption id="attachment_135151" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph COURTESY of FB.com/Eva Le Queen | Eva Le Queen’s all-white Pink Carpet outfit.[/caption] Montoya was also behind’s Marina’s pink-carpet look, which is inspired by the sea. “Splashing from the Philippine sea to the pink carpet of @rupaulsdragcon. Bringing the sea to the City of Angels in custom @ehrranmontoya,” Marina wrote on her social media posts. According to Montoya, the gown was a “full-length mesh bodice with slit embellished with rhinestones, pearls and sequins adorned with dangling crystals, attached with voluminous layers of iridescent ruffles and pleated organza on the train, epitomizing a goddess rising from the sea.” Corazon was also in a Montoya creation, inspired by the butterfly. A “Fairytopia Fantasy,” the drag queen described. [caption id="attachment_135143" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph COURTESY of FB.com/Corazon Filipinas | Corazon on the Pink Carpet.[/caption] “Transforming our Lepidoptera SS22 piece into a new breed of majestic full-on metamorphosis look with this full-length serpentine gown with cape adorned with voluminous ruffles and cascades embellished with beadworks and crystals,” the designer explained. Minty was in a gown with an open slit and dripping with large silver sequins, while Precious was in all gold. The Filipino queens took centerstage at one of the reunion events, “Bring Back My Girls.” The Drag Race Philippines cast reunion happened on 13 May with one of the judges, Jiggly Caliente, serving as host. WOWIE winners They also shone at the WOWIES, which celebrates trailblazers in different fields, such as drag, art, activism, pop culture and entertainment. Precious was one of the Breakout Star awardees. The nine other winners were Admira Thunderpussy, Danny Beard, Drag Couenne, Giselle Lullaby, LA Diamond, Matt Rogers, Paloma, Spankie Jackzon and Stephanie Hsu. The awarding ceremony was held on 13 May, hosted by Ts Madison, with special performances by Marina Summers and Sasha Colby. Two more Filipino drag queens were announced as winners — Marina for WOWlebrity on the Rise and Eva Le Queen for Best Beauty Guru. [caption id="attachment_135148" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph Courtesy of David Martinez | WOWlebrity on the Rise Marina Summers’ Pink Carpet look, inspired by the Philippine seas.[/caption] Marina received her The Can’t Get You Out of My Head Award right after her performance, dancing to Beyonce’s “Love on Top.” She bested Anetra, Gemini Dai, Grant Vanderbilt, Kristen Kish, Lemon, Liam Krug and Rylie. On the other hand, Eva bagged the Painted Award, besting Abby Roberts, Bosco, Emira D’Spain, Gigi Gorgeous, Julie Vu, Silky Nutmeg Ganache and Sminty Drop. The other WOWIE winners are Gigi Goode (Best Instagram); Sugar and Spice (Best TikTok); Miss Fiercalicious (Best Twitter): Rock M. Sakura (Best YouTube Channel); Krystal Versace in Girls Aloud Performance at London Marathon (Best Viral Moment); Chase Strangio (Resistor of the Year); Fire of Love (Best Documentary); BenDeLaCreme on The Daily Show (Best Television Appearance); RuPaul’s Black Butta (Best Album); Amethyst (Best New Artist); The House of Avalon (Fiercest Nightlife People); Ariana Grande (Best Ally); Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers of Las Culturistas (Best Podcast); Ts Madison (Best Comedian); Trixie Cosmetics (Best Beauty Line); Sasha Velour’s The Big Reveal: An Illustrated Manifesto of Drag (Best Book); Taylor Hale (Biggest Drag Superfan); Jazell Royale (Hottest Hottie Award); and Sam Smith, Kim Petras, Gottmik and Violet Chachki at the Grammys (Best Dressed). Meaningful and memorable The Filipino drag queens expressed delight and gratitude for being part of DragCon LA. “After all the madness I just want to say that I had the best time of my life with my family. It just blows my mind to think that this was beyond our wildest dreams a few years back. And to know that Filipino drag is LOVED AND RAVED all the way here. Thank you everyone!,” wrote Eva Le Queen on her Twitter account (@eva_lequeen) on 15 May. “To know and hear it from Queens like Sasha Colby, Angeria and many others that Drag Race PH is their FAVORITE FRANCHISE IN THE WORLD is just f*ckin wild!!! I would think we have made a mark in the PH mainstream but guuurl — we made a mark in the WORLD,” she added. On the other hand, Viñas DeLuxe, on her Twitter (@vinasdeluxe), said: “Being part of @rupaulsdragcon was an unforgettable experience, feeling the love and connection with supporters from all over the world, making an impact one glittery step at a time!” This year’s DragCon had an extra special meaning as attacks on drag queens and trans persons are intensifying and laws against them are being pushed in the United States. The post Pinoy drag queens shine at DragCon LA, join ‘Drag Race Philippines’ cast reunion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Book launching celebrates former President Duterte’s ‘Build, Build, Build’
The ambitious, trailblazing “Build Build Build” infrastructure modernization project of former President Rodrigo “Rody” Roa Duterte, which is one of the reasons he remains a popular Filipino politician today among the general public, was recently celebrated in a 351-page book authored by now Department of Information and Communication Technology Undersecretary Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo entitled Night Owl: A Nationbuilder’s Manual......»»
Your Mother s Son to premiere at IdeaFirst Film Festival
Jun Lana's controversial film "Your Mother’s Son" is set for its Philippine premiere at the EnlighTEN: The IdeaFirst Film Festival......»»
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
Manila [Philippines], March 28 (ANI): Amid the escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has announced decisive measures to protect his country's sovereignty and maritime rights while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Marcos, known as Bongbong, said that the measures, aimed at addressing what he said is the "open, unabating, and illegal" actions by China's Coast.....»»
PH media slam Chinese foreign ministry’s claims of manipulating WPS reports
Philippine media groups criticized the Chinese foreign ministry for suggesting that recent reports on Chinese harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea involved video manipulation and sensationalism to portray the Philippines as a victim. The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expressed offense.....»»
Akbayan to Sara: You don’t have to be president to speak vs China
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Akbayan said on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have to be a president of the country for her to call out China’s intrusive actions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Empathy and a moral backbone is just what it takes to stand up with fisherfolk and frontline.....»»
China: PH is ‘straying down a dangerous path’
MANILA, Philippines — China continued to blame the Philippines and its ally, the United States, for the continued tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In a statement on Thursday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian warned that the Philippines is going down a dangerous path. READ: No letup in Chinese water cannon attacks.....»»
Philippines beats India for back-to-back wins in women’s Asia ice hockey tiff
The Philippine women’s ice hockey team picked up where they left off after their opening win in the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup with a 7-0 shutout of India at the Bishkek Arena in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday......»»
Marc Pingris speaks out vs affair rumors with Kim Rodriguez
Former Philippine Basketball Association star player Marc Pingris denied having an affair with actress Kim Rodriguez......»»
Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»
ANZ raises Philippine inflation forecast to 3.8% this year
ANZ Research hiked its inflation forecast for the Philippines to 3.8 percent this year, from 3.5 percent previously, as risks may drive inflation up to above the central bank’s two to four percent target in the coming months......»»
Oplan Harabas yields 3 drivers positive for drugs
FOLLOWING the surprise drug test conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Davao and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on public utility vehicles (PUVs) last March 26, 2024, two taxi drivers in Davao City were found to be positive for drugs......»»