We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Thailand posts lower than expected second quarter growth
Thailand registered lower than expected economic growth of 1.8 percent in the second quarter, official data released Monday showed. Officials blamed a slowdown in exports, which fell 5.7 percent year-on-year, for the weak pace. The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council cut its forecast for 2023 to between 2.5 and 3 percent, citing poor global conditions. "The growth in the second quarter is lower than expected due to the slowdown of exports which fell for three quarters respectively since last year," said Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the NESDC. Output from manufacturing fell 3.3 percent and government spending also dropped 4.3 percent, the data showed. The kingdom is stuck in a political deadlock three months after a national election, with no prime minister able to form a government. Danucha sought to calm investors’ fears of looming instability, noting political demonstrations so far have been small and peaceful. Just three years ago violent street protests brought capital the Bangkok to a standstill for months. "If the transition (of government) runs smoothly, investors will be confident and come to invest," he told reporters. The figures were released ahead of a key vote in Thailand's parliament due Tuesday that could see the deadlock broken, and a new prime minister finally elected. tp/rbu/mca © Agence France-Presse Add to cart Print Download Share this document Copy the content The post Thailand posts lower than expected second quarter growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coffee venture expands wings
Homegrown coffee producer Allegro Beverage Corporation, or ABC, will soon bring its brands to Palawan and Legazpi City in Albay to provide more of its imported, industry-preferred espresso machines, brewers, coffee beans, syrups, sauces, and teas. On Monday, ABC unveiled its new Mandaluyong headquarters while announcing its collaboration with UCC Japan, which owns a 65 percent share of UCC Philippines. In 2018, ABC entered a strategic alliance with UCC Japan, the 5th largest coffee company in the world, which now owns majority ABC stake. ABC chief executive officer Yasmin Vasquez said synergy with UCC sets them apart from competitors. “ABC is the only coffee distributor in the Philippines that is backed by a global brand. It is looking into expansion in terms of the types of products we carry, so we are covering it right now with traditional and fully automatic espresso machines. We have premium brewed coffee from Italy, freshly roasted by UCC for us,” she said. Vasquez said they are now selling espresso machines to those who want to have freshly brewed coffee in the comfort of their home, apart from the machines supplied to hotels and coffee shops. “We will try to bring in more home-use equipment and other products that we think meet our goal of being a holistic coffee provider in the country,” she stated. Vasquez said their products are not only seen in restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels in Metro Manila but also in provinces, including Cebu, Davao and Pampanga, while their dealers have branched out in Iloilo, Bohol, Quezon, Laguna, Cavite and in Pangasinan. Synergy with UCC UCC is an integrated family-owned coffee business from plantations, roasting facilities, and product distribution to equipment maintenance services. “UCC Japan is involved in coffee equipment manufacturing in Japan, called Lucky Coffee Machine, as well as involved in coffee manufacturing, coffee shops, and education as it has its own Coffee Academy. On the other hand, UCC Philippines is into manufacturing and creating business-to-business programs and has another company that handles the coffee shops and another company that owns an academy. UCC Philippines is basically duplicating what UCC Japan has been doing,” UCC Philippines president and chief executive officer Hubert Young said. Young said UCC has been “very picky” with franchisees and does not just entertain those franchisees that have a lot of money to spend but do not have a passion for coffee. “Because at the end of the day, it’s the branding of the UCC that I am making sure maintained,” Young maintained. He said owning a franchise costs P16 million for a 150 square meters stand-alone coffee shop, with a break-even return of investments of five years maximum. The post Coffee venture expands wings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Multi-role jets, ships coming
The Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP mulls the acquisition of multi-role fighters as well as additional naval assets and shore-based deterrents under the third phase of the ongoing modernization program. Thus, said AFP chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., in a recent post-State of the Nation Address forum held at the Hilton Hotel Manila, Pasay City. “For the 3rd Horizon of the modernization program, we are looking at acquiring multi-role fighter aircraft, naval assets, command, and control or C-2 systems, shore-based deterrent capabilities, submarines, and the like,” he said, citing the current administration’s full support of the acquisition endeavors of the AFP. Three-pace program The AFP modernization program was scheduled into three phases, with Horizon 1 completed from 2013 to 2017 and Horizon 2 from 2018 to 2022 while Horizon 3 is scheduled between 2023 and 2028. These procurement tranches are designed to acquire equipment, weapons systems, and platforms geared at enhancing the AFP’s external or territorial defense capability. Along with the procurement of the country’s defense equipment, Brawner also said that the AFP is working on the improvement of its military training for its personnel. “We really need to take care of these modern equipment, we have to sustain them properly,” he said. Brawner also noted the AFP’s plan to develop the country’s cyber warfare capability. “One thing that we would like to really develop in the next few years is the capability for cyber warfare and this is one capability where we could excel in the AFP and we could be at par with even the modern countries,” he said. The post Multi-role jets, ships coming appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Temperature reaches new highs as heatwaves scorch the globe
Temperatures reached new highs on Monday as heatwaves scorched parts of the Northern Hemisphere, triggering health warnings and fanning wildfires in the latest stark reminder of the effects of global warming. From North America to Europe and Asia, people gulped water and sought shelter from the sweltering heat, with the mercury expected to reach new highs in several places in the next few days. Europe, the globe's fastest-warming continent, was bracing for its hottest-ever temperature this week on Italy's islands of Sicily and Sardinia, where a high of 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) is predicted, according to the European Space Agency. "We're from Texas and it’s really hot there, we thought we would escape the heat but it’s even hotter here," Colman Peavy, 30, said as he sipped a capuccino at an outside terrasse in central Rome with his wife Ana at the start of a two-week Italian vacation. With June already having been the world's hottest on record, according to the EU weather monitoring service, Mother Nature seemed intent on July not falling far behind. China reported a new high for mid-July in the northwest of the country, where temperature reached 52.2C in the Xinjiang region's village of Sanbao, breaking the previous high of 50.6C set six years ago. In nearby Turpan city, where ground surface temperatures sizzled at 80C in some parts, authorities have told workers and students to stay home and ordered special vehicles to spray water on major thoroughfares, the meteorological body said. In Cyprus, where temperatures are expected to remain above 40C through Thursday, a 90-year-old man died as a result of heatstroke and three other seniors were hospitalized, health officials said. In Japan, heatstroke alerts were issued in 32 out of the country’s 47 prefectures, mainly in central and southwestern regions. At least 60 people in Japan were treated for heatstroke, local media reported, including 51 who were taken to hospital in Tokyo. The heat was enough for at least one man to dispense with social mortification in Hamamatsu city. "It’s honestly unbearable without a parasol, although I have to admit it is a bit embarrassing," he told national broadcaster NHK of the umbrella in his hand. Japan's highest-ever temperature was 41.1C first recorded in Kumagaya city in 2018. 'Oppressive' US heat In western and southern states in the US, which are used to high temperatures, more than 80 million people were under advisories as a "widespread and oppressive" heatwave roasted the region. California's Death Valley, often among the hottest places on Earth, reached a near-record 52C Sunday afternoon. In Arizona, the state capital Phoenix recorded its 17th straight day above 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius), as temperatures hit 113F (45C) on Sunday afternoon. "We're used to 110, 112 (degrees Fahrenheit) ... But not the streaks," Nancy Leonard, a 64-year-old retiree from the nearby suburb of Peoria, told AFP. "You just have to adapt". Southern California was fighting numerous wildfires, including one in Riverside County that has burned more than 7,500 acres (3,000 hectares) and prompted evacuation orders. Historic highs forecast In Europe, Italians were warned to prepare for "the most intense heatwave of the summer and also one of the most intense of all time," with the health ministry sounding a red alert for 16 cities including Rome, Bologna and Florence. Temperatures were due to hit 42C-43C in Rome on Tuesday, smashing the record of 40.5C set in August 2007. Nevertheless, visitors thronged to tourist hot spots like the Colosseum and the Vatican. "I'm from South Africa. We're used to this heat," said Jacob Vreunissen, 60, a civil engineer from Cape Town. "You have to drink lots of water, obviously wear your hat and that’s about it." Greece saw a respite on Monday, as temperatures eased a bit and the Acropolis in Athens resumed its regular opening hours after shutting for a few hours during the previous three days. But a new heatwave was expected from Thursday and meteorologists warned of a heightened risk of wildfires amid strengthening winds from the Aegean Sea. In Romania, temperatures are expected to reach 39C on Monday across most of the country. Little reprieve is forecast for Spain, where meteorologists warned that "abnormally high" temperatures on Monday, including up to 44C in the southern Andalusia region in what would be a new regional record. Killer rains Along with the heat, parts of Asia have also been battered by torrential rain. South Korea's president vowed Monday to "completely overhaul" the country's approach to extreme weather, after at least 40 people were killed in recent flooding and landslides during monsoon rains, which are forecast to continue through Wednesday. In northern India, relentless monsoon rains have reportedly killed at least 90 people, following burning heat. Major flooding and landslides are common during India's monsoons, but experts say climate change is increasing their frequency and severity. It can be difficult to attribute a particular weather event to climate change, but many scientists insist that global warming is behind the intensification of heatwaves. The post Temperature reaches new highs as heatwaves scorch the globe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US first quarter GDP growth revised sharply up to 2%
US economic growth came in at two percent in the first quarter this year, the Commerce Department said Thursday, making a significant upward revision to earlier estimates partly on stronger-than-expected consumer spending. While GDP growth in the world's biggest economy has still cooled from 2.6 percent in the final three months of 2022, the latest first-quarter figure is markedly higher than the annual rate of 1.1 percent initially estimated. "The updated estimates primarily reflected upward revisions to exports and consumer spending," said the Commerce Department in its report. Analysts had expected a lower annual rate of 1.3 percent, according to Briefing.com. The Commerce Department added Thursday that the shift upwards was partly offset by downward revisions in other areas, such as non-residential fixed investment. Consumption has provided a boost to the US economy, giving it a strong start in 2023 even as banking sector turmoil and higher interest rates weighed on the outlook. This was in spite of 10 consecutive rate hikes by the US central bank over the past year or so -- to ease demand and rein in stubborn inflation -- before pausing at its most recent meeting. "The US economy is currently displaying genuine signs of resilience," said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon in a note. "This is leading many to rightly question whether the long-forecast recession is truly inevitable," he added. Instead, another possibility is a "soft landing of the economy" where inflation falls to a two percent pace without a recession, he said. Risks remain But analysts flag risks on the horizon, with High-Frequency Economics chief US economist Rubeela Farooqi noting that the lagged effects of the Federal Reserve's rate hikes will slow the economy. There are also risks from "a further tightening in credit conditions, which will have an impact on business hiring and investment decisions," she said in a note. But a strong household sector supported by job growth could help the US economy avoid a contraction, Farooqi added. In a separate report released on Thursday, initial jobless claims slipped in the week ending June 24. Continued claims came down from a recent peak as well. Initial claims dropped by 26,000 to 239,000, according to Labor Department figures, a level lower than analysts had predicted. "The data are a reminder that labor markets are still quite tight," said Nancy Vanden Houten, lead US economist at Oxford Economics. This raises the risk that the Fed lifts interest rates again next month, she added. The post US first quarter GDP growth revised sharply up to 2% appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pride screenings showcase a rainbow of stories
Cinema is one of the most engaging artforms and creative expressions through which the LGBTQ+ community documents their lived experiences, conveys their desires and struggles, celebrates their identities and advocates for reforms and deeper understanding. Thus, film screenings are popular activities during LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This year, several institutions, streaming service companies and film groups are mounting screenings, giving these works more opportunities to reach more audiences. Here is a rundown: FDCP’s Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ Film Festival The Film Development Council of the Philippines brings back the Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ Film Festival this year with the theme “Mga Kuwentong Mapagpalaya” (Liberating Stories), and the aim is training the spotlight “on underrepresented members of the LGBTQIA+ community to promote a better understanding of inclusivity, diversity and equality.” According to Tirso Cruz III, FDCP chairman and chief executive officer, Pelikulaya “aims to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues. We believe that by using the power of film, we can do our part in showcasing films that celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories. Hoping to create understanding of the lives, perspectives and advocacies shown in each film.” “With that, the FDCP sends our love and gratitude to you all for being with us, and we hope you’ll have a memorable experience in all of our Cinematheque Centres across the Philippines,” he added. To be held from 23 to 30 June, Pelikulaya will screen titles at the Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Nabunturan and Bacolod, and several theaters in Metro Manila including Cinema ‘76 and UP Film Institute’s Cine Adarna/Videotheque. Some of the titles will also be available for streaming on JuanFlix (www.juanflix.com.ph) starting 30 June with a subscription fee. A special screening of a digitally restored and remastered version of Wong Kar Wai’s Happy Together will kick off the festival on 23 June at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City. Aside from Happy Together, films that will be screened at the Cinematheque Centres are Girl (directed by Lukas Dhont); Portrait of a Lady on Fire (directed by Celine Sciamma); Women Do Cry (directed by Vesela Kazako and Mina Mileva); Billie and Emma (directed by Samantha Lee); Mamu, and a Mother Too (directed by Rod Singh); Metamorphosis (directed by J.E. Tiglao); and The Boy Foretold by the Stars (directed by Dolly Dulu). Ishmael Bernal’s Manila by Night will have a free screening. Priced from P100 to P200, tickets to Manila screenings may be purchased through bit.ly/CCManilaTickets. [caption id="attachment_146567" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Lukas Dhont’s ‘Girl’ is inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina.[/caption] Short films will be screened for free at the Cinematheque Centres, and the lineup includes Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (directed by Vahn Leinard Pascual); Love in the Ungodly Hour (directed by Bradley Jason Pantajo); Dikit (directed by Gabriela Serrano); Gulis (directed by Kyle Jumayne Francisco); Noontime Drama (directed by Kim Timan and Sam Villa-Real); and Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag (directed by Kukay Zinampan). [caption id="attachment_146563" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Dikit,’ a short film by Gabriela Serrano.[/caption] To be available for streaming on JuanFlix are Sila-Sila (directed by Giancarlo Abrahan); Metamorphosis; Mamu, and a Mother Too; Rome and Juliet (directed by Connie Macatuno); How to Die Young in Manila (directed by Petersen Vargas); Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag; and This is Not A Coming Out Story (directed by Mark Felix Ebreo). Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Women Do Cry will be also be available on a pay-per-view basis. At Cinema ’76 Cinema ’76 Film Society is bringing in acclaimed movies this Pride Month. Headlining is Happy Together, the 1997 Cannes-winning romantic drama directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai and featuring Tony Leung and the late Leslie Cheung as two lovers caught in a turbulent affair. Aside from Happy Together, two films featuring transgender experiences will also be shown. Girl is the debut film of Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont and won the Camera d’Or for Best Feature Film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. The film was inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina. On the other hand, Fanny: The Right to Rock is a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart about Fanny, the legendary Filipina-American-fronted rock band whose trailblazing impact in music was written out of history. The film touches on the place of women, women of color, queers and older women in a straight male-dominated industry. [caption id="attachment_146564" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Fanny The Right to Rock,’ a documentary about a forgotten queer band.[/caption] The three films will have a limited run from 21 to 27 June at Cinema ’76 on Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. On iWantTFC A streaming platform with international reach, iWantTFC celebrates all types of love with a special selection of movies and series called Love is Love that includes Drag You and Me, iWantTFC’s latest original series that tackles drag culture and stars Andrea Brillantes, JC Alcantara and Christian Bables. Other iWantTFC originals that viewers may stream are the Girls’ Love series Sleep with Me, starring Janine Gutierrez and Lovi Poe, and Fluid, Boys’ Love (BL) rom-com Oh, Mando! and advocacy series Mga Batang Poz. [caption id="attachment_146566" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of Dreamscape Entetainment | ‘Drag You and Me’ is an iWantTFC original series that tackles drag culture.[/caption] There are also empowering movies and series about loving freely and living authentically, such as The Boy Foretold by the Stars and its sequel series Love Beneath the Stars, Black Sheep’s hit series Hello Stranger starring Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara, and the Star Cinema film My Lockdown Romance, starring Jameson Blake and Joao Constancia. Stories on learning how to embrace one’s sexuality and being true to oneself are told by The Panti Sisters, Die Beautiful, The Third Party and Baka Bukas. Thai BL series, such as 2gether the Series, Still 2gether, A Tale of a Thousand Stars and Bad Buddy are also available to stream as well as well-loved and classic LGBTQ-themed movies, such as T-Bird at Ako, Si Chedeng at si Apple and In My Life. These can be viewed on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com). In other select countries, watch iWantTFC on a larger screen with select devices, including VEWD, ROKU and Amazon Fire streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV (in Australia) and VIDAA. On Jungo Pinoy New Filipino streaming app Jungo Pinoy, which boasts of having the largest Filipino-dubbed movie library in the world, as well as original films and TV series, also has a selection of LGBTQ-themed and queer-created films and series, which can be viewed either for free or through a subscription plan. Recommended watch includes: eCupid (exclusive Filipino-dubbed), a romantic comedy directed by JC Calciano and starring Morgan Fairchild, Houston Rhines and Noah Schuffman, tells the story of a gay man nearing 30 years old tapping into an otherworldly internet advertisement that begins to control his life. Hoping to end his seven-year romance rut, he uses the site to get everything he wants until he discovers that what he thought he wanted wasn’t the thing that would ultimately make him happy. Ten Year Plan (exclusive Filipino-dubbed) is another romantic comedy directed by Calciano and starring Jack Turner and Michael Adam Hamilton. In the film, two best friends make a pact to be together in a decade if neither finds love. With two months left until their deadline, they both scramble to find someone to avoid being each other’s last resort. [caption id="attachment_146565" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘TEN Year Plan,’ directed by JC Calciano.[/caption] Adan is a Filipino lesbian mystery and romance movie starring Cindy Miranda, Rhen Escano and Ruby Ruiz. In the movie, a naive provincial girl finds a way to be independent through the help of her girl best friend, but their actions have consequences. [caption id="attachment_146562" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photographs Courtesy oF JUNGO PINOY | ‘ADAN’ tells about a lesbian story.[/caption] Daddy Issues, starring Jo Ashe and Rachel Barry, is a comedy about loss and starting over. In the film, when her emotionally distant father dies and leaves her his company, a hapless stand-up comic moves to Los Angeles to take over the family business. Tucked is about an aging drag queen who forms an unlikely friendship with a younger queen. As they discover more about each other, they realize how to truly be themselves. Starring Derren Nesbit and Jordan Stephens, this film is about love, loss and friendship. Lady Gaga: iTunes Festival features the pop star’s performance at the Itunes Music Festival, which also marked the world premiere of tracks from her album ARTPOP. [caption id="attachment_146570" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JUNGO PINOY | WATCH pop star Lady Gaga perform in ‘Lady Gaga iTunes Festival.’[/caption] Sam Smith: Austin City Limits features the non-binary English singer and songwriter performing their greatest hits, such as “Nirvana” and “I Know I’m Not the Only One” on the stage at Austin City Limits. [caption id="attachment_146569" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Sam Smith: Austin City Limits.’[/caption] At the Quezon City Public Library A weekly film screening is part of the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month of one of the country’s most active public libraries, the Quezon City Public Library (QCPL). With the theme, “Equality for All,” their celebration aims “to highlight the unique contributions and lived experiences of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community through various library activities and informational resources.” “This celebration also forwards an aspiration: that one day, we will be able to genuinely acknowledge the existence of our fellow LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters as equally valuable as everyone. And that they too deserve equal opportunity in any given situation and honest representation in all of its forms, shapes and sizes,” the library explained. The film screenings started with Love, Simon and Everything Everywhere All at Once on 9 June and All My Life and Bekikang on 16 June. Other films to be shown are Perks of Being A Wall Flower and Boys in the Band on 23 June, and Eternals and Imitation Game on 30 June. Screenings are from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Conference Room of QCPL. Contact the library to reserve slots. At the UPFI Film Center The University of the Philippines Film Institute also had screenings of LGBTQ+ films on 17 June, in partnership with the UP Diliman Gender Office. Shown were short films Gutab, Dory, Niknik, Kurozetto, Bakit, Papa? and Nang Maglublob Ako sa isang Mangkok ng Liwanag. The post Pride screenings showcase a rainbow of stories appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NASA finds key building block for life in a moon of Saturn
The long hunt for extraterrestrials just got a big boost. Scientists have discovered that phosphorus, a key building block of life, lies in the ocean beneath the icy surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus. The finding was based on a review of data collected by NASA's Cassini probe and was published Wednesday in the prestigious journal Nature. Cassini started exploring Saturn and its rings and moons in 2004, before burning up in the gas giant's atmosphere when its mission ended in 2017. "This is a stunning discovery for astrobiology," said Christopher Glein of the Southwest Research Institute, one of the paper's co-authors, adding: "We have found abundant phosphorus in plume ice samples spraying out of the subsurface ocean." Geysers on Enceladus' south pole spew icy particles through cracks on the surface out into space, feeding Saturn's E ring -- the faint ring outside the brighter main rings. Scientists previously found other minerals and organic compounds in the ejected ice grains, but not phosphorus, which is an essential building block for DNA and RNA, and is also found in the bones and teeth of people, animals, and even ocean plankton. Simply put, life as we know it would not be possible without phosphorus. While geochemical modeling had previously found it was likely phosphorus would also be present, and this prediction was published in an earlier paper, it is one thing to forecast something and another to confirm, said Glein. "It's the first time this essential element has been discovered in an ocean beyond Earth," added first author Frank Postberg, a planetary scientist at Freie Universitat Berlin, in a NASA statement. To make the new discovery, authors combed through data collected by Cassini's Cosmic Dust Analyzer instrument and confirmed the findings by carrying out laboratory experiments to show that Enceladus' ocean has phosphorus bound inside different water-soluble forms. Over the past 25 years, planetary scientists have discovered that worlds with oceans beneath a surface layer of ice are common in our solar system. These include Jupiter's moon Europa, Saturn's largest moon Titan, and even the more distant body, Pluto. While planets like Earth that have surface oceans need to reside within a narrow window of distance from their host star to maintain the right temperatures for life, the discovery of worlds with subsurface oceans expands the number of habitable bodies that might exist. "With this finding, the ocean of Enceladus is now known to satisfy what is generally considered to be the strictest requirement for life," said Glein. "The next step is clear –- we need to go back to Enceladus to see if the habitable ocean is actually inhabited." The post NASA finds key building block for life in a moon of Saturn appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
El Nino arrives, raising extreme weather fears
An expected El Nino climate phenomenon has arrived, raising fears of extreme weather and temperature records, scientists at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday. Marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator, the weather pattern last occurred in 2018-19 and takes place every 2-7 years on average. "Depending on its strength, El Nino can cause a range of impacts, such as increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and droughts in certain locations around the world," said NOAA climate scientist Michelle L'Heureux. "Climate change can exacerbate or mitigate certain impacts related to El Nino. For example, El Nino could lead to new records for temperatures, particularly in areas that already experience above-average temperatures during El Nino," she added. Australia this week warned El Nino would deliver warmer, drier days to a country vulnerable to fierce bushfires, while Japan said a developing El Nino was partly responsible for its warmest spring on record. Most of the warmest years on record have occurred during El Ninos, and scientists are concerned that this summer and next could see record temperatures on land and in the sea. Mariana Paoli of relief agency Christian Aid said: "Poor people are already being pushed to the brink through droughts, floods, and storms caused by the burning of fossil fuels and now they will be facing the supercharged temperatures of the El Nino effect. "These people are the worst affected by climate change but have done the least to cause it." Suppressive effect on Atlantic hurricanes The phenomenon's influence on the United States is weak during summer but more pronounced starting from late fall through spring, NOAA said in its statement. By winter, it is estimated there is an 84 percent chance of a "greater than moderate" El Nino developing, and a 56 percent chance of a strong El Nino. This in turn would typically cause wetter than average conditions in some parts of the country, from southern California to the Gulf Coast, but drier than average conditions in the Pacific Northwest and Ohio Valley. It also raises chances for warmer-than-average temperatures in northern parts of the country. Developing El Nino conditions were already factored into NOAA's hurricane predictions last month. It has a suppressive effect on hurricane activity in the Atlantic, but typically boosts hurricane activity in the central and eastern Pacific. El Nino, meaning "Little Boy" in Spanish, is the warm phase of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation. La Nina, meaning "Little Girl," is its colder counterpart, where sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean near the equator are lower than normal. The post El Nino arrives, raising extreme weather fears appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pita Limjaroenrat: Thailand’s opposition earth-shaker
Harvard graduate, corporate titan and unlikely pro-democracy champion, 42-year-old Pita Limjaroenrat has shocked the Thai establishment with a grassroots campaign pushing royal reform that has seen him emerge as a frontrunner to be the kingdom's next prime minister. His Move Forward Party (MFP) has captured the majority in an election that saw record turnout -- with 14.1 million people throwing their support behind him. Vowing Monday that he would be "the next prime minister of Thailand", Pita said in a triumphant victory speech that his party is now ready to form a government. "Today is a new day, and hopefully it is full of sunshine and hope," he said in English. Pita first appeared in Thailand's political scene as one of the fresh faces of the newly formed progressive Future Forward Party in 2018. It drew the third-largest share of voters in the following year's poll -- but after facing a barrage of legal challenges that critics say were politically motivated, Future Forward was dissolved and its leaders banned from politics. Reborn as the Move Forward Party, Pita has been a dynamic presence on the campaign trail -- capitalizing on his youth and energy to reach voters disillusioned and yearning for change after more than eight years of military-backed government. "We will together rewrite Thai political history," he told ecstatic supporters at MFP's last rally in Bangkok on Friday. The election is the first since major youth-led pro-democracy protests erupted across Bangkok in 2020 with demands to curb the power and spending of Thailand's king -- breaching a long-held taboo on questioning the monarchy. MFP is the only party promising to reform the kingdom's draconian lese majeste laws, known as "112" in Thailand after their section in the penal code. A hugely controversial and sensitive subject, it has long been held as an untouchable in Thai politics. Even opposition rivals Pheu Thai -- once Thailand's most popular party -- said they would leave the issue to parliament. But Pita has not shied from it, telling reporters late Sunday that "no matter what, we will push for royal lese majeste law reform". Harvard graduate In a Thai political scene more commonly populated by ageing wheeler-dealers, the charismatic father of one inspires rockstar levels of enthusiasm from his supporters. Educated in New Zealand and the United States, Pita studied at Harvard on an international scholarship, before going on to become an entrepreneur. However, following his father's death when he was 25, Pita returned home to run his family's heavily-in-debt business Agrifood, turning its fortunes around. He later became executive director of transport and delivery app Grab Thailand. In 2012 he married Thai TV actress Chutima Teepanat, and they have a seven-year-old daughter. The marriage broke down in 2019. His young daughter has featured prominently in the campaign with Pita bringing her on stage after speeches, much to the crowds' delight. Online, he has utilised a public "personal" account -- followed by almost one million users -- to share images of him and his daughter wearing matching t-shirts and eating ice cream together. But despite the success at the ballot box, there is no indication his path to prime minister will be straightforward. He must now cobble a coalition together to surpass government-appointed senators who elect Thailand's prime minister from among eligible candidates. The post Pita Limjaroenrat: Thailand’s opposition earth-shaker appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl topbills Asia as global dynamo
The country will continue setting the pace for economic expansion in the region which is being considered the engine of global growth for the coming years. Based on the projections of First Metro Investment Corp. or FMIC, the investment arm of major lender Metrobank, the economy will show a robust performance in the first quarter. Figures showed that growth in employment by February reached 8.6 percent led by the services sector which increased by 11.6 percent. The latest FMIC report supported the International Monetary Fund projections that the Philippine economy will sustain its momentum and outpace other Asian countries this year. In its World Economic Outlook (April 2023), the IMF raised the country’s growth forecast from five to six percent, the highest in Asia, while, in contrast, lowering the global growth projection from 2.9 percent to 2.8 percent. Manufacturing PMI in March reflected expansion for the 14th consecutive month. National government spending on operating and capital costs also had growth of 12.2 percent for the year until April, not readily visible from the weak total public spending due to a beneficial sharp reduction in interest payments (-13.4 percent) and allotments to local government units (-14.8 percent). The inflation rate in March slowed to 7.6 percent from 8.6 percent a month earlier due to a -0.3 percent monthly decline in the consumer price index or CPI. On top of these, business sentiment jumped to 34 percent towards the first quarter from 23.9 percent in the previous quarter, and towards the next 12 months, optimism surged to 61.9 percent from 46.2 percent. “We expect a more robust economy in the first quarter compared with projections of most analysts of a GDP growth of 7.1 percent from a year ago albeit with a little downside risk,” the report noted. The income tax cut and the downward trend in inflation should provide support although the recent crude oil price surge (due to a huge OPEC production cut) would clip that partially. FMIC expects the infrastructure buildup through public-private partnerships to be a growth driver. “Government and private sector through PPP will have ramped up infrastructure spending after the usual hesitancy of agencies in the first month. In short, domestic demand will again lead the economy,” the FMIC report stated. It said external factors may drag overall growth as exports have tanked in the first three months while import volumes of petroleum products have risen due to lower prices. Inflation should ease further to an average of 6.6 percent in the second quarter compared to last year despite higher crude oil prices and weakening further to a low five percent by September. The peso-dollar rate will weaken due to the jump in petroleum product prices, the paper forecasted. Raft of infra “Apart from government and official development assistance-funded infrastructures like the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Line that is gaining traction, major PPP projects such as the North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway second connector elevated tollway, Metro Rail Transit-7, Cavite-Laguna Expressway or Calax, an extension of Light Rail Transit-1 to Cavite, among others have hurdled key obstacles. The manufacturing sector continues to show expansion both in terms of manufacturing purchasing managers’ index or PMI and volume of production index or VoPI in the first two months. Faster return of hotels and restaurants to normal after the pandemic will also help drive the sector, FMIC said. Besides, the income tax cut which started January 2023, higher employment and infrastructure spending should bolster consumer spending, the report indicated. The report added that inflation is on a downtrend and should slip to 6.2 percent by June from a year ago despite a renewed climb in prices of petroleum products. Final May rate adjustment Easing food prices will likely offset the fuel price gains. Since we do not see a decline in actual CPI in April and May, BSP will likely proceed with raising its policy rates by 25 basis points in its May meeting. However, we expect a pause thereafter, FMIC said. The post Phl topbills Asia as global dynamo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Team Lakay s Geje Eustaquio open to testing himself in ONE Super Series
Team Lakay flyweight star Geje "Gravity" Eustaquio has reached the mountaintop of the division after having held the ONE Flyweight World Championship from mid-2018 to early-2019. For the 31-year old former world champion, getting his belt back remains a top priority, but he's open to trying his hand at ONE Championship's striking-only platform, the ONE Super Series. Home to some of the world's best strikers, ONE Super Series has been a successful addition to ONE's brand of martial arts action, and it's also giving their athletes a chance to shift from sport to sport. For Eustaquio, who's considered as one of the best strikers in the division, competing in kickboxing or muay thai is a welcome challenge. “It would be a privilege for me to compete in ONE Super Series among legends, but right now, I’m just focused on my MMA career and looking to get back on track," Eustaquio told ONE Championship. "It’s been a rough couple of years, but I still consider myself among the top in my division. My mind is still on the flyweight title, and that’s what I’m working towards." “But yes definitely, I want to test my striking against the best in the world," he continued. In the flyweight division, ONE's best striker is arguably reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang "The Iron Man" Jitmuangnon of Thailand, who's known for his unparalleled toughness inside the circle. "Gravity" has nothing but the utmost respect for Rodtang because of his abilities inside the ring and his personality out of it. “I think Rodtang is a tremendous athlete, and a big inspiration to many. Even though he’s the champion, he never forgets where he came from. You can still find humility in him, and I have so much respect for him,” said Eustaquio. “I think his greatest strength is his durability. His ability to walk through the line of fire, and just goad his opponents into a fight, it’s admirable. At the same time, it’s his biggest weakness. Fighters with that kind of style tend to underestimate things. In this sport, you can never predict what is coming, or how heavy or dangerous a strike could be. We’re only humans, after all, and he’s just a man," Eustaquio continued. Rodtang is scheduled to defend his title against countryman Petchdam Petchyindee Academy when ONE returns to action at ONE: No Surrender this coming July 31st. If Rodtang can remain the champion, it's definitely not outside the realm of possiblity that Eustaquio be tapped as the next challenger. “One day it would be an honor for me to share the ONE Super Series ring with this legend,” Eustaquiao said. “Or maybe, if he wants to shift over to MMA, I can put together a welcome party," he concluded. .....»»
10 things that make Alyssa Valdez phenomenal
Alyssa Valdez has arguably made the biggest impact in Philippine volleyball. Her skills, passion and charisma endeared her to volleyball supporters, purists or casual fans, from all walks of life. She brings energy and leadership to every team that she’s joined. Valdez draws a huge crowd every time she plays. Valdez is the poster girl of the sport that for years struggled to draw mainstream attention in a nation which considers basketball as its biggest sporting event. The 27-year old pride of San Juan, Batangas is the face of local volleyball. So on her birthday today, let’s look at some of the things that makes the Phenom really phenomenal. Two-time UAAP women’s champion Valdez is Ateneo de Manila University’s undisputed Queen Eagle. Talks about the Lady Eagles’ breakthrough championship will not be complete without the mention of her name. After two years of bridesmaid finishes, Ateneo bagged its first-ever UAAP title in 2014 after beating the thrice-to-beat De La Salle University in four games in the Finals despite leading a young band of Lady Eagles playing under the new system of Thai coach Tai Bundit. The following year, Ateneo, with Valdez at the helm, retained its crown in a tournament-sweeping fashion. Three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Her skills during her collegiate career stood out among her peers. Valdez’s effort was rewarded with three Most Valuable Player awards in Season 76, Season 77 and in her last playing year in Season 78 in 2016. She also pocketed the Season 76 Finals MVP award. Young phenom Valdez didn’t build her reputation overnight. It was her hard work and effort that brought her where she is right now. She was still a diamond in the rough when she was recruited by University of Sto. Tomas in a regional meet. But the Espana-based squad polished Valdez into a real gem of a player. Valdez, backed by a powerful lineup that featured the likes of Kim Fajardo and Jaja Santiago, won three straight UAAP girls’ titles and in the process collected three season MVPs. She was also named UAAP high school athlete of the year twice. National team mainstay With her talents, dedication and good work ethics, Valdez has been a mainstay with the national team. Her first tour of duty was in 2008 when she represented the country in the Asian Youth Championship held in Pasig City. She joined the PHI Team in the 2014 FIVB Southeast Asian Zone qualifier in Vietnam. In 2015, she donned the tricolors for the Asian U-23 Championship and on the same year saw action in the country’s return in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore after a decade of absence. Since then Valdez participated in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur and 2019 Manila SEA Games. She also took part in the 2017 Asian Senior Women’s Championship and the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. 2015 SEA Games flagbearer Valdez also carries the honor as being the first-ever volleyball player to become the PHI flag-bearer in the SEA Games. She marched holding the national color in front of Team Philippines during the traditional parade of nations inside the OCBC Arena in the 2015 Singapore SEA Games. Accomplished commercial league star She has been collecting commercial league titles since high school starting from the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League. Valdez was also successful in the different conferences of the defunct V-League, racking up championships and individual accolades. In the Premier Volleyball League, she powered Creamline to three titles including a sweep of the Season 2 Reinforced and Open Conferences in 2018. She won three conference MVP awards. Import abroad International leagues took notice of Valdez’s talents and charm so it’s not surprising that she landed offers to play abroad. Valdez played as an import in Thailand for 3BB Nakornnont from 2016 to 2017. After her stint in Thailand, Valdez flew to Taiwan to play for Attack Line. Host, Actress, TV personality Valdez is a regular fixture in different sports shows in ABS-CBN S+A. She’s a host, courtside reporter and a game analyst. Valdez also had a few showbiz stints. She appeared in some Kapamilya teleserye including a cameo in ‘And I Love You So’ in 2016 alongside Julia Barretto and Miles Ocampo and in the movie ‘My Letters to Happy’ with by TJ Trinidad and Glaiza De Castro. Aside from her TV and movie career, Valdez is also one of the most recognizable athlete product endorsers. Social media influencer She is also one of the most popular Filipino athlete on social media. As of posting, Valdez has 1.9 million Twitter followers, 1.3 million followers on Instagram and her YouTube channel has more than 76,000 subscribers. Featured in the Olympics Channel website While the likes of Sisi Rondina, Jaja Santiago and Bryan Bagunas were featured in the FIVB website, Valdez’s impact on Philippine Volleyball was highlighted in a feature article in no less than the Olympic Channel website. The article touched about her humble beginnings to her meteoric rise and why she is regarded as the nation’s brightest star in the sport. These are just some of the things take make Valdez a true pride of our nation in the sport Happy birthday, Alyssa!.....»»
Century Pacific expands and extends coco product supply agreement with Vita Coco
Century Pacific Food said that it has entered into a new agreement with The Vita Coco Company, which CNPF describes as a “global leader in the coconut water category”, to supply Vita Coco with 90 million liters of coconut water over the next five years......»»
Special report: Rice fund raises stakes for farmers
Five years ago, lawmakers and government officials made a promise of a lifetime: the country’s rice farmers would be competitive at long last......»»
After 6 years, Boracay beach parties are back
When Boracay reopened in October 2018 after a six-month rehabilitation project, parties have been confined to establishments.....»»
NCR retail prices rise at slowest pace in nearly 2 years
Retail prices of goods in Metro Manila in January posted its lowest growth rate in nearly two years due mainly to slower food price hikes, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority......»»
Indonesian Vice President to visit New Zealand
Indonesia's Vice President Ma'ruf Amin will visit New Zealand next week, the first here by an Indonesian leader since 2018, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has announced."New Zealand and Indonesia have a strong partnership," Mr Peters says. "The Vice President's visit is an opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen this further, building on 65 years of par.....»»
TYBOX: A Year of the Dragon Forecast
I was about to hang the dragon decor by the doorwhen I noticed the old tiger decor was left hanging for two yearsapologies to the rabbit who’s hopping home now after a year but the past two years do seem like a hazehow my tiger year got swept by a spellstirred by the jade and […].....»»
BDO raises record P63 billion from bond offer
BDO Unibank Inc. raised a record P63.3 billion from its bond issuance, as retail and institutional investors swarmed the bank’s second foray into the ASEAN sustainability bond market after almost two years......»»
Thai man faces a record 50 years in jail for royal insult
Thailand's lese majeste law, one of the strictest in the world, protects the palace from criticism and carries a jail sentence of up to 15 years for each perceived violation.....»»