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UN chief rings alarm bell on global security threat from Gaza war
'We are facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system,' UN chief Antonio Guterres wrote in a letter to the Security Council. The implications for Palestinians could be irreversible and for regional security, he said, again calling for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared......»»
Supreme Court demands over P5-million compensation for seafarer s basketball injury
In a 21-page decision, the Supreme Court Third Division granted Rosell R. Arguilles' petition against his employer, Wilhelmsen Smith Bell Manning, Inc. The decision overturned a ruling by the Court of Appeals (CA) regarding his disability benefits......»»
Taxpayer’s right to present supporting documents
Imagine being in an examination. The instructions are clear: “You have two hours to complete the exam.” At the end of the first hour, you were surprised. The bell rang, and everyone was asked to submit their paper. This is analogous to the case of Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Maxicare Healthcare Corporation (G.R. 261065, 10 July 2023). In the beginning, there was nothing outside the ordinary. A Letter of Authority was issued. A tax audit ensued, leading to the issuance of a Preliminary Assessment Notice or PAN. Maxicare filed a response to the PAN. The Bureau of Internal Revenue issued a Formal Letter of Demand and Final Assessment Notice. Maxicare filed a protest against the FLD/FAN requesting a reinvestigation. Maxicare made it explicit that it will submit the pertinent supporting documents and additional explanations within 60 days from the date of filing the protest. However, the BIR issued the Final Decision on Disputed Assessment after the lapse of only 30 days. The Supreme Court declared the assessment against the taxpayer null and void for the manifest violation of the taxpayer’s right to due process. The Court took the opportunity to definitely settle that the reckoning point of the 60-day period for the submission of relevant supporting documents is from the filing of the administrative protest to the FLD/FAN, when such protest constitutes a request for reinvestigation and not from the response or reply to the PAN. The Court clarified that the pronouncement in the Minute Resolution in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Roca Security and Investigation Agency (G.R. 241338, 10 April 2019) wherein the 60-day period was reckoned from the filing of the response to the PAN was a glaring error. By failing to observe the statutory period, the taxpayer was denied the opportunity to present evidence, tantamount to denial of a genuine opportunity to be heard. The Court then dissected Section 228 of the Tax Code and Revenue Regulations No. 12-99, as amended. It emphasized the following points: The “pre-assessment notice” mentioned in Section 228 of the Tax Code corresponds to the PAN. The taxpayer shall be required to respond within a period of 15 days from receipt of the PAN; and Section 228 of the Tax Code explicitly sets the period for an “administrative protest of the assessment” at 30 days, which refers specifically to an FLD/FAN protest. This protest may take the form of either a request for consideration or reinvestigation. The Court strongly noted that it is the request for reinvestigation that carries the 60-day period to submit relevant supporting documents. Such an option was not provided with regard to the response to the PAN. Hence, there could be no other conclusion that the 60-day period to submit relevant supporting documents applies to and should be reckoned from filing the protest against the FLD/FAN. The Supreme Court brushed aside the BIR’s plea to apply leniency to the rules of procedure in the name of substantial justice. The Supreme Court reminded the tax authorities, in no uncertain terms, of the clear necessity for the strict observance of procedural rules to safeguard the due process rights of the concerned parties. This is a necessary check against the exercise of the government’s expansive power of taxation. *** For more of Dean Nilo Divina’s legal tidbits, please visit www.divinalaw.com. For comments and questions, please send an email to cabdo@divinalaw.com. The post Taxpayer’s right to present supporting documents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stocks retreat, oil prices advance on Middle East fears
Stock markets slid and oil prices jumped Friday on worries that an expected ground invasion of Gaza by Israel would spark a wider conflict in the crude-rich Middle East. Risk aversion was compounded by US Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell, who signalled a pause in interest rates at the bank's next meeting but left open the prospect of a later hike. Wall Street moved lower from the opening bell while Europe's main stock markets closed down more than one percent. Brent North Sea crude, the international benchmark, was up one percent at more than $93 per barrel. Gold, a go-to haven asset in times of uncertainty, hit close to $2,000 an ounce. "It has been a tumultuous and eventful week for the global financial markets," said Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at City Index and Forex.com. "The ongoing situation in the Middle East has triggered a surge of volatility in the oil and stock markets, compelling investors to re-evaluate their strategies and shift their focus from riskier assets to 'safer' investments," he wrote in a note. That has in particular led to a rush into gold. "Gold's safe-haven status has been questioned on a number of occasions over recent years, but times like this highlight that in times of significant uncertainty, traders look for assets with a track record," said market analyst Craig Erlam at OANDA. Hamas carried out a deadly attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burned to death, according to Israeli officials. In response, Israel launched a relentless bombing campaign on Gaza. More than 4,100 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to the latest toll from the Hamas-run health ministry. Traders are also wrestling with the prospect that US interest rates will remain elevated for some time as the Fed battles to contain inflation. On Thursday, Powell suggested decision-makers would not hike rates at their next meeting at the end of October but left the door open to more tightening down the line. News that weekly jobless claims in the United States came in lower than expected, suggesting the labour market was tighter than many predicted, dealt a blow to traders' confidence. "Inflation is still too high, and a few months of good data are only the beginning of what it will take to build confidence that inflation is moving down sustainably toward our goal," Powell told a conference in New York. Additional evidence of "persistently above-trend growth" or fresh signs of tightness in the labour market "could warrant further tightening of monetary policy". Investors have also tracked the yield on the 10-year US Treasury note, seen as a proxy for US interest rates, which stood just below five percent on Friday after briefly hitting that level for the first time since 2007 a day earlier. In Britain, the yield on 30-year government bonds rose to their highest since 1998 at 5.16 percent. In currency markets, the dollar was close to topping 150 yen after surpassing the psychological level at the start of October for the first time in a year. The post Stocks retreat, oil prices advance on Middle East fears appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bea Bell rules Philracom 2YO with plenty to spare
Overwhelming favorite Bea Bell (He’s Had Enough-Tocqueville), with Jonathan Hernandez on top, ruled the 2023 Philracom 2YO Maiden Stakes in dominant fashion Sunday at the Metroturf......»»
A new ‘Exorcist’ takes possession of North America box office
Fifty years after the original, newly released "The Exorcist: Believer" topped the North American box office this weekend with an estimated $27.2 million in ticket sales, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday. Analyst David A. Gross called that "a good opening for a horror sequel," the best of any of the "Exorcist" movies, despite what he said were poor reviews and lukewarm audience scores for Blumhouse and Universal's Halloween-timed film. Like the original, "Believer" features possessed victims convulsing, covered in sores, and speaking in tongues. It also has a decidedly interfaith exorcism. Leslie Odom Jr. and Ann Dowd star, with an appearance by Ellen Burstyn from the 1973 original. "Believer" was to have opened on Friday the 13th, but the studio moved up its release to avoid conflicting with the release that day of "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," a concert film certain to generate big numbers, Variety reported. Last weekend's box office leader, Paramount's family-friendly "Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie," slipped slightly to second, at $11.8 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period. The Paw Pups, using new superpowers as they fight to protect their city, are voiced by actors Taraji P. Henson, Chris Rock, Serena Williams, and McKenna Grace. In third, also down one spot, is Lionsgate's horror flick "Saw X," at $8.2 million. This latest in the "Saw" series, again with Tobin Bell as the infamous Jigsaw, has received strongly positive reviews. The fourth spot, down from third, went to 20th Century sci-fi thriller "The Creator," at $6.1 million. John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, and Allison Janney play humans in a world at war with artificial intelligence. Holding steady in fifth was Fathom Events' faith-based movie "The Blind," at $3.1 million. It portrays the real-life struggles of swamp-dwelling reality TV star Phil Robertson with addiction and romance. Rounding out the top 10 were: "A Haunting in Venice" ($2.7 million) "The Nun II" ($2.6 million) "Dumb Money" ($2.2 million) "The Equalizer 3" ($1.8 million) "Hocus Pocus: 30th Anniversary" ($1.5 million) The post A new ‘Exorcist’ takes possession of North America box office appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PSE takes part in global financial literacy program bell ringing
PSE takes part in global financial literacy program bell ringing.....»»
Dumaguete City to host national history conference, gathering of historians
Silliman University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental will host this year’s National Conference of Local and National History, slated for 19 to 21 October. Organized by the Philippine National Historical Society, the oldest historical organization in the country founded in 1941, the three-day event will feature 21 paper presentations. It is on its 44th staging and second onsite since 2019. Theme for this year is “Retropolis: Discoveries and Rediscoveries in Philippine History.” Papers to be presented include “Looking for Philippine Art and Artifacts in Spain” by Regalado Trota Jose, formerly of the University of Santo Tomas Archives; “More than Gold: World Treasures in the Philippines” by John Crossley of Australia’s Monash University; “Philippine Sites Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List” by Ivan Anthony Henares of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines; “A Digital Repatriation of a Lost Archive of the Spanish Pacific: The Library of The Convent of San Pablo (Manila, 1762)” by Cristina Juan of the School of African and Asian Studies, University of London; “The Pulangi and Agusan Rivers in Mindanao History, 1599-1648: A Water-Based Perspective” by Jihan Bacug and Sharon Bulaclac of the Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi; “Kudarat and Dutch Links In Caraga Affairs, 1629-1651” by Kimberly Apatan-Lusay and Zizzle Dawn Abecia-Sayson of MSU-Marawi; “The Bell of Taraka: Understanding the Ranaw-Dutch Relations in the 18th Century” by Tirmizy Adbullah and Ruholla Alonto of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage; “When Iligan Finally Stood Alone” by Rey Luis Montesclaros of MSU-Iligan; “Occupation and Resistance: The Guerrilla Movement in Tarlac, 1942-1945” by Marcelino Macapinlac Jr. of De La Salle University; “Bayonets and Bloodshed: Japanese Atrocities in Dumaguete during the Second World War” by Justin Jose Bulado of the Negros Oriental State University; “Glimpses of the Japanese Interregnum in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi” by Calbi Asain of MSU-Jolo; “Who were the Panuypuyes?Resistance and Retreat in the Seventeenth-Century Northern Luzon” by João Paulo Reginaldo of University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio; “Bricks, Heritage, and Identity-Making: The Social Biography of Cagayan Ladrillos” by Aldous Tracy Rubio of UP-Baguio; “Spanish-American Encounters in Las Piñas, 1898-1899” by Cecilia Tangian of MSU-Iligan; “Makalilisang Gutom: A Social History of Hunger in Cebu, 1899 to 1929” by Ophelynn Cano of Cebu Normal University; and “Establishing the Early History of Rabies Virus in the Philippines” by Ian Alfonso of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The post Dumaguete City to host national history conference, gathering of historians appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards
With a distinguished legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change in shaping the future as it adheres to the standards and requirements outlined in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard. This year, following the 2022 compliance period of the ACGS, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. received a 4-arrow recognition after scoring 111.68 points, AEV’s highest ACGS score since the Institute of Corporate Directors inaugurated the Golden Arrow Awards in 2018. Aboitiz Power Corporation and Union Bank of the Philippines both received a 3-arrow recognition for scoring between 100 and 109 points. Consistent top performers It’s also important to note that AEV and AboitizPower have consistently been recognized as top performers in corporate governance, both here in the country and in the ASEAN region since 2013-2017 at the PSE Bell Awards. “This distinction is the result of the Aboitiz Group’s work to transform a legacy business into a hyper-innovative, diversified conglomerate that puts corporate governance and citizenship at the core of its operations. We have always believed that transparency and accountability are essential in building trust amongst our stakeholders and forging strong partnerships in order to drive change,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Group’s chief reputation and sustainability officer. AEV, the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leads investments in diverse sectors including power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land, and cutting-edge fields such as data science and artificial intelligence. The Group is presently undergoing a profound transformation to establish itself as the Philippines' first "techglomerate." This innovative growth strategy, fueled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers Aboitiz to drive transformative change, shaping the future of its businesses, host communities, and the nation. The Golden Arrow Recognition serves as a testament to Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Aboitiz has excelled in several key areas such as compliance, sustainability, and innovation — positioning it as a frontrunner in the realm of corporate governance. This honor reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to creating value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader Filipino community. Robust policies Aboitiz Group’s robust policies and procedures across every level of the organization form the bedrock of its commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Furthermore, the company's board of directors is characterized by its independence and diversity, playing a pivotal role in providing oversight and making strategic decisions aligned with the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Aboitiz places great emphasis on transparency, providing clear and comprehensive information regarding its financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to ensure that shareholders and the public remain well-informed. In terms of regulatory compliance, Aboitiz is dedicated to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to corporate governance. The company continuously updates its policies to ensure alignment with evolving requirements. When it comes to ethical business practices, the Group's commitment to ethical conduct and integrity remains unwavering. “This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the business,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the privilege to serve,” he said. Corporate governance For his part, UnionBank lead independent director Roberto Manabat said, “We humbly accept this recognition as a reinforcement of the principles that guide the Bank. Our corporate governance practices reinforce the requirements of a constantly evolving business landscape. We ensure that they comply with new regulations and are ready to adopt best practices.” Aboitiz is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The post Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Linking Fatima-Mediatrix to Russia-Ukraine
(Author’s Note: The Marian messages quoted here are not necessarily authenticated by the Catholic Church.) There was a report years ago from a Mediatrix devotee, who requested anonymity that Our Lady of Fatima healed the aunt of Vladimir Putin and Putin himself. No details were given. The devotee said he visited Putin several times. This report by a Mediatrix devotee links Lipa and Lisbon to Russia and Ukraine. Lipa and Lisbon were linked after Fatima’s Miracle of the Sun was repeated in a Mediatrix shrine in Mindanao on the 100th anniversary of Fatima, precisely to the hour. As a child, Putin was secretly baptized into the Orthodox Church because the Communist Party banned it. The Christian in Putin may be the potential key to ending the war in Ukraine. In 1960, Pope John XXIII unsealed the Third Secret of Fatima in the presence of Cardinal Augustin Bea and his secretary, Fr. Malachi Martin. In an interview at the Art Bell Show USA in 1997, Fr. Martin hinted that, based on the Third Secret, the solution to the world’s ills would come from Ukraine and Russia. The conversion of Russia Our Lady of Fatima revealed that the triumph of her Immaculate Heart would come from the conversion of Russia. St. Pope John Paul II soon consecrated Russia to her Immaculate Heart. Vatican Mariologists attributed the consecration to the ensuing momentary era of world peace, a “Marian intervention.” In 1994, Mikhail Gorbachev visited St. Pope John Paul II, the first visit in history by the Kremlin to the Papacy. Gorbachev instituted Perestroika (reconciliation) and Glasnost (openness), leading to the opening of Christian churches inside Russia. Immediately, Ukraine announced the legalization of the Ukrainian Church (about 70 percent Orthodox), which was brutally disbanded by Joseph Stalin in 1946. The Berlin Wall then crumbled, leading to the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War. Gorbachev’s reforms led to the fall of the USSR. Among its former satellites were Ukraine and Belarus, now arch-enemies in the war in Ukraine. Marian’s intimacy with Ukraine On 22 January 2022, during a Ukrainian Orthodox celebration in an unspecified town, a white dove descended on top of the altar painting of the Baptism of Jesus, a warning perhaps of a Russian invasion, which happened a few days later. Ukraine was the first nation to be consecrated to the Blessed Virgin in 1037. In 1914, two weeks before World War I, the Virgin told 22 field workers near the Church of the Holy Trinity in the village of Hrushiv: “There will be a war. Russia will become a godless country. As a nation, Ukraine will suffer terribly for eighty years — and will have to live through the world wars, but it will be free afterwards.” The prophecy was fulfilled. In 1987, a year after the Chernobyl tragedy, in the same church in Hrushiv, the Virgin told 12-year-old visionary Marina Kizyn: “Do not forget those who have died. Chernobyl is a reminder and a sign that …. THROUGH THE BLOOD OF (UKRAINIAN) MARTYRS WILL COME THE CONVERSION OF RUSSIA.” A bright light filled the church where the Virgin appeared. There were daily apparitions until 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, which attracted about 500,000 people in total. Many witnessed the apparitions. Hrushiv became an instant pilgrim center. The Virgin of Hrushiv became Our Lady of Ukraine. Our Lady appeared to KGB agents trying to manage the huge crowds. At that time, churches were closed, and Christianity was banned. Priests from the “underground Church” emerged from hiding and defied the KGB, saying ten Holy Masses daily outside the church. The KGB did not touch them. Hrushiv was saved from a deadly cholera epidemic in 1855, with not a single death in the village, after the people offered Mass at a spring that suddenly came out of the ground. The Virgin demonstrated her love for the Ukrainian people when she said: “I have come on purpose to thank the Ukrainian people because you have suffered the most for the Church of Christ in the last 70 years. I have come to comfort you and tell you that your suffering will soon end. Ukraine will become an independent state.” (Source: oclarim.com.mo, 6 July 2018) Does Putin have a role in the “conversion” of Russia and the end of the war in Ukraine? Will peace be attained through the blood of Ukrainians as martyrs? These remain to be seen. eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Linking Fatima-Mediatrix to Russia-Ukraine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards
With a distinguished legacy spanning five generations, the Aboitiz Group remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change in shaping the future as it adheres to the standards and requirements outlined in the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard. This year, following the 2022 compliance period of the ACGS, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. received a 4-arrow recognition after scoring 111.68 points, AEV’s highest ACGS score since the Institute of Corporate Directors inaugurated the Golden Arrow Awards in 2018. Aboitiz Power Corporation and Union Bank of the Philippines both received a 3-arrow recognition for scoring between 100 and 109 points. AEV and AboitizPower have consistently been recognized as top performers in corporate governance, both here in the country and in the ASEAN region since 2013-2017 at the PSE Bell Awards. “This distinction is the result of the Aboitiz Group’s work to transform a legacy business into a hyper-innovative, diversified conglomerate that puts corporate governance and citizenship at the core of its operations. We have always believed that transparency and accountability are essential in building trust amongst our stakeholders and forging strong partnerships in order to drive change,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Group’s chief reputation and sustainability officer. AEV, the portfolio management company of the Aboitiz Group, leads investments in diverse sectors including power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure, land and cutting-edge fields such as data science and artificial intelligence. The Group is presently undergoing a profound transformation to establish itself as the Philippines' first "techglomerate." This innovative growth strategy, fueled by technology and a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, empowers Aboitiz to drive transformative change, shaping the future of its businesses, host communities and the nation. The Golden Arrow Recognition serves as a testament to Aboitiz Group's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance. Aboitiz has excelled in several key areas such as compliance, sustainability, and innovation – positioning it as a frontrunner in the realm of corporate governance. This honor reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to creating value for its shareholders, stakeholders, and the broader Filipino community. Aboitiz Group’s robust policies and procedures across every level of the organization form the bedrock of its commitment to excellence in corporate governance. Furthermore, the company's board of directors is characterized by its independence and diversity, playing a pivotal role in providing oversight and making strategic decisions aligned with the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Aboitiz places great emphasis on transparency, providing clear and comprehensive information regarding its financial performance, operations, and decision-making processes to ensure that shareholders and the public remain well-informed. In terms of regulatory compliance, Aboitiz is dedicated to adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to corporate governance. The company continuously updates its policies to ensure alignment with evolving requirements. When it comes to ethical business practices, the Group's commitment to ethical conduct and integrity remains unwavering. The company adheres to a stringent code of conduct that guides the behavior of its employees, fostering an environment of trust and integrity. “This award reaffirms the team’s adherence to the shared responsibility of sustainably managing the organization. This further motivates us to champion the highest corporate governance and ethical standards as we continue to grow the business,” said AboitizPower president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Rubio. “Likewise, we also exert as much effort and diligence in upholding environmental preservation and the societal good within the areas we have the privilege to serve.” “We humbly accept this recognition as a reinforcement of the principles that guide the Bank. Our corporate governance practices reinforce the requirements of a constantly evolving business landscape. We ensure that they comply with new regulations and are ready to adopt best practices,” said UnionBank lead independent director Roberto Manabat. Aboitiz is deeply committed to sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company actively pursues environmental and social responsibility, demonstrating its dedication to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. The post Aboitiz Group bags triple Golden Arrow Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Passive antenna to boose 5G internet rollout in southern PHL
Nokia is deploying modular Interleaved Passive Active Antenna (IPAA+) for Globe Telecom, Inc., across the southern islands of the Philippines to accelerate 5G deployment in the region. Nokia’s advanced IPAA+ has a light, modular design and supports all 5G frequency bands in a single compact antenna, including the 2.6 GHz spectrum band. Nokia’s IPAA+ inherently can support other bands, which means investments are protected. Joel Agustin, SVP and head of Network Planning and Engineering at Globe Telecom, Inc., commented, “We are thrilled that Nokia’s state-of-the-art products will be deployed in the Philippines. Our enduring pain points in site acquisition and TCO efficiency are being addressed by the features and design of the IPAA+. Simplifying the rollout of 4G and 5G services will greatly improve our customer experience, especially in the southern region of the Philippines.” The antenna deployment will enable Globe Telecom to accelerate and simplify 4G/5G rollouts while also delivering a higher level of network efficiency and performance and a faster return on investment. Service providers face the challenge of finding additional space on towers and rooftops to add 5G antennas. Nokia’s IPAA+ accelerates the deployment of 5G by addressing this physical issue. Nokia’s new IPAA+ is the size and weight of a standard multiband antenna and makes it easier and faster for service providers to deploy their 5G networks through a simple antenna swap. Combining the 4G passive and 5G active antennas into a compact solution can also help lower site rental costs and acquire sites faster. Nokia and Globe’s engineering team also successfully trialed a Globe Telecom-specific variant of the IPAA+ in the field. The field test was carried out in Tantangan, South Cotabato, on the island of Mindanao, making Globe Telecom the first operator in the world to test the 2.6 GHz IPAA+ variant successfully. Jeciel Nuyda, president at Nokia Shanghai Bell Philippines, added, “We are delighted to partner with Globe Telecom on this deal to see our state-of-the-art IPAA+ products being deployed in the Philippines. These products are lighter, more modular, and cover all sub-6GHz 5G frequency bands. We look forward to collaborating closely with Globe on this important deployment.” The post Passive antenna to boose 5G internet rollout in southern PHL appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden urges ‘national unity’ 22 years after 9/11
President Joe Biden called Monday for Americans to unite despite bitter political differences as the United States marked the 22nd anniversary of Al-Qaeda's 9/11 attacks. Bells were rung and the names of nearly 3,000 people were read out in somber ceremonies in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania where the hijacked planes struck. "Let's honor September 11 by renewing our faith in one another," said Biden, speaking at a US military base in Anchorage, Alaska as he traveled back from a trip to India and Vietnam. "We must never lose our sense of national unity, so let that be the common cause of our time." Speaking in front of a huge flag, Biden added that "terrorism, including political and ideological violence, is the opposite of all we stand for as a nation." His speech comes as the United States is increasingly polarized, with tensions likely to increase as Biden, a Democrat, heads into a likely election rematch next year with Republican former president Donald Trump. Trump has been indicted four times since April, including for efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, with the 6 January 2021 Capitol attack by his supporters still fresh in the public's memory. 'Never forget' In New York, Vice President Kamala Harris and current and former mayors joined victims' families at the 9/11 memorial on the site of the World Trade Center twin towers brought down by two aircraft flown by hijackers. The names of the more than 2,600 who died in New York were read out by family members and young relatives not alive at the time of the attack. "I wish I had a chance to really know you. Everyone in the family misses you. We will never forget," said the grandson of firefighter Allan Tarasiewicz, who was killed at age 45 during rescue operations at the World Trade Center. At the Pentagon in Washington, where the attackers plunged a third aircraft into the headquarters of the US military, a sailor rang a ship's bell for each of the 184 killed there. And in western Pennsylvania, where a fourth hijacked plane apparently heading toward Washington was forced to crash, bells were rung for each of the 40 passengers and crew who died. "September 11 made America a nation at war, and hundreds of thousands stepped up to serve our country in uniform," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at the Pentagon ceremony. "I know that it aches to remember this milestone year after year... The men and women of the Department of Defense will always remember." Across New York City, in Congress and elsewhere, a moment of silence was held to mark the attack, plotted by Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, who was found and killed nearly a decade later by US Navy Seals in a raid on his hideout in Pakistan. Biden noted in his speech that he himself had given the order for bin Laden's successor Ayman al-Zawahiri to be sent to the "gates of hell" last year in an airstrike in Afghanistan. "The soul of America is the fortitude we found in the fear of that terrible September day," he added. "The terrorists believed they could bring us to our knees, bend our will, break our resolve. But they were wrong, they were dead wrong." The post Biden urges ‘national unity’ 22 years after 9/11 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lucio Tan receives Cabuyao’s first Golden Bell Award
Business tycoon Lucio Tan, head of the conglomerate Lucio Tan Group of Companies, recently received the first Golden Bell Award from the local government of Cabuyao City for helping the city hasten its economic development and protect the environment......»»
How milk can make dishes taste creamier and more delicious
At the recent launch of Judy Ann Santos as the new celebrity endorser of the Alaska milk brand, the actress helped demonstrate how to make dishes taste creamier and more delicious. She was with culinary experts, such as online food content creator Hazel Cheffy. The dishes they whipped up — pumpkin soup, fried chicken with special gravy, halo-halo — were served to the media representatives and other guests at the event. Santos later on shared this tip to DAILY TRIBUNE when asked what makes her halo-halo extra special: use frozen evaporated milk. “Kasi na-realize ko, ‘Oo nga, no, bakit hindi ’yung mismong Alaska evap ang i-freeze ko instead of using ice? Para mas malasahan ko ang gatas. Di ba pag natunaw na ang yelo, nagiging matabang? E, ayoko kasi na tumatabang ang halo-halo ko.” The chef and owner of Angrydobo restaurant also pointed out, “Gusto ko, dire-diretso ang kain ko. Ayoko nang nabibitin.” She then added, laughing, “Masyadong matakaw.” Here are two recipes from Alaska to try. [caption id="attachment_180493" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] Photographs Courtesy of AlaskaCreamy Garlic Chicken Stew.[/caption] Creamy Garlic Chicken Stew 500 g chicken thigh fillet, cut into large chunks Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsp olive oil 2 pcs garlic, pounded to a paste 2 tbsp ginger, minced 2 c evaporated milk 1/2 c water 1 c carrots, cut into chunks 3/4 c button mushrooms, halved 1/2 c red bell pepper, diced 1/2 c all-purpose cream 3 tbsp parsley, chopped Season chicken thigh pieces with salt and pepper, and sear in a sautè pan with olive oil until brown on both sides. Set aside. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic paste until fragrant. Add in ginger and sauté until softened. Add back chicken thighs then pour in evaporated milk and water. Simmer chicken until cooked through for about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add in carrot chunks and mushrooms, and cook until carrots are fork-tender. Add in bell peppers, all-purpose cream and parsley. Simmer for five minutes, then serve. Top with fried garlic bits, if desired. [caption id="attachment_180494" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] No-Bake CreamyTres Leches cake.[/caption] No-Bake Creamy Tres Leches Cake Difficulty: Easy 1/2 c condensed milk 1 can evaporated milk 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 8 pcs mamon cake Toppings: 1 1/2 packs all-purpose cream, chilled 1/3 to 1/2 cup condensed milk Your choice of sliced fruit In a large bowl, whip the chilled all-purpose cream until peaks form. Fold in 1/2 cup condensed milk into the whipped cream. Refrigerate until ready to use. In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of condensed milk, evaporated milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cut one piece of mamon in quarters and the other pieces of mamon in halves. Arrange the mamon to fill up and eight-inch pan. Pour the milk mixture over the mamon layer and let it absorb the milk. Spread the cream mixture from earlier and pour to cover the cake. Chill overnight to let the cake set. Once ready to serve, top the cake with your choice of fruit. Enjoy fresh from the chiller. The post How milk can make dishes taste creamier and more delicious appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Menchu Katigbak: The splendid life of a society swan
Hers is a story anyone would love to tell and retell, or hear and hear again. Chances are, as in the book of Menchu, so many things are left unsaid because if these were all said, a single book would not be enough. Carmencita “Menchu” Katigbak’s story is one of love, passion, hurts and disappointments, social triumphs and power in its subtle workings, but mostly the good life and the people who live it and make it happen. She is a woman of the world in the sense of one who has lived in, explored and enjoyed New York, Bangkok, Lausanne, Paris and, her current love, Singapore. Of course, her turf is in Manila with a Capital S and Capital P (as in Power), and Lipa the hometown of her roots. [caption id="attachment_180060" align="aligncenter" width="958"] MENCHU with best friend Susie and her daughter Marivic.[/caption] At a time when the term “socialite” can come cheap, trite or even undeserved, Menchu gives the appellation dignity, respect and the awe it once inspired. Her social credentials are, of course, impeccable. For starters, she attended the Chateau Mont-Choisi, a Swiss finishing school for debutantes and pre-debs belonging to royalty and the world’s upper crust. A socialite today, in loose modern parlance, is perceived as being frivolous, one who attends parties because these men and women are party animals, or party people, as one columnist has named her weekly jottings about the social events of the day. The enjoyment of life is what defines this breed and set, and yet, while Menchu, too, knows how to enjoy, and enjoy life with gusto, there is more to her and that differentiates her from the herd. No, she does not top her charmed life with an icing of well-publicized good deeds and philanthropic beneficence, even if she actually shares her bounty with those in need. Menchu is of a different mold. She is a society swan in the manner of Truman Capote’s chums — Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Lee Radziwill. In our part of the world, think Chona, think Minnie, think Chito. She may well be cast in the same crème de la creme mold, glamorous denizens of the inner circles of society, at the same time, ladies who have transcended the vagaries of time. Just recently, Menchu was referred to by a diplomat friend as a global influencer, a 21st-century appellation that only a few are accorded. This one is applied to one who was once a señorita, colegiala and, yes, society girl, again in the tradition of Chona, Baby, Nelly, Chito and Ising. ‘The Katigbaks talk only to the Kalaws’ They don’t need family names, each as important as the other and of the same significance in society. Still, it’s one thing to say that she is Baby Fores, and another if she is Baby Arenas. There were two Vickys, one of national import and memory being the lovely teenager who stood as her father’s First Lady in the early 1950s, and there was the Madrigal matron, Vicky nee Abad Santos, who was low-key and the daughter of the World War II patriot, Jose Abad Santos, who refused to pledge allegiance to the flag of the enemies. Menchu shares first name distinction with Menchu delas Alas Concepcion, also of Batangueña parentage, being the daughter of banker and finance guy and public servant Don Antonio de las Alas. Both aristocrats from Batangas, the two Menchus share many distinctions beauty for one, pedigree, for the other—but that’s as far as I would say, the aforementioned traits being obvious. But to drive his point, Joe Guevarra, the humorous and well-placed columnist known for his tongue-in-cheek pronouncements, once said of the olden times, when the genealogical boundaries were well-defined, “In Lipa, the Katigbaks talk only to the Kalaws, and the Kalaws talk only to the Katigbaks.” [caption id="attachment_180057" align="aligncenter" width="998"] DINNER in Pili with Fernando and Zobel, Tessie Sy-Coson, Guilly Luchangco, Federico ‘Piki’ Lopez | photograph courtesy of MENCHU KATIGBAK[/caption] This self-confessed social climber, as his 8-to-5-and-beyond job would require him to be, admits to not having met (okay, having been introduced to…) the ebullient society hostess, traveler, culinary maven and friend-to-the-powerful Menchu Katigbak. Everything that I am writing here, I learned from the lady’s biography, Menchu, authored by lifestyle journalism icon Thelma Sioson San Juan, the two being decades-old friends. Menchu, one finds out toward the end of the book, is the inspiration for her granddaughter Isabelle’s first tome, Abu, the Sad Princess. I look back on the pages I have read, the memories of Menchu’s lifetime so far, in all its seven glorious and electrifying decades, and I dare say, the description is most apt and is true as well in real life as Menchu today is “living happily ever after” having come to terms with the many issues that confronted her at various times, but more importantly, she is today a fulfilled mother and grandmother and a believer in Jesus Christ. But that is getting ahead of the story. ‘White Matter’ by Lao Lianben Jaime Ponce de Leon, dear Jaime, the man of the hour of Philippine arts for as long as Juan Luna’s missing masterpiece, remains ensconced at the Ayala Museum – gaining for the discoverer more than a foothold in our cultural history – asked me if I was interested in writing about the socially formidable Menchu Katigbak, and I readily said yes, having seen her photographs in the select and more discriminating society pages and columns. I thought to myself it would be an opportunity to meet the lady face to face and add her to my glossary of so-called newfound friends, but that was not meant to be. I was, oh, I was treated to the next best thing – a copy of Menchu which, to someone who aspires to be a bibliophile, is all that matters in the world, except that I am first a social climber. And since I have not been allowed an audience, I take solace in the book and, as my honeyed revenge, will tell you what I feel about the lady who, I understand, could be frank and outspoken. Abrasive is too strong a word, and unfair for I am not sure if I will ever meet her in my lifetime, but I am told the lady will never mince words, that’s probably why she has legions of true friends who probably can give as much as take, or so I am imagining. [caption id="attachment_180055" align="aligncenter" width="1475"] Lunch in the kitchen in Pili with Patty Araneta (left) and Monet Recio-Schem.[/caption] A painting that Menchu has kept all these years, “White Matter” by Lao Lianben, signed and dated 1997, has been featured as one of the rare pieces to be auctioned in Leon Gallery’s forthcoming magnificent September auction, with the starting bid of P2,600,000. So, there, if you’re wondering what Jaime, who moves around the best circles, has got to do with this enigmatic swan. ‘We are not rich’ But let’s stick to what the book says. While she intersperses in her narrative personal encounters with her subject, TSJ, for the most part, devotes the pages of this book to Menchu alone, and with our cosmopolitan lady, the many friends in the upper echelons whose lives she has touched and who have touched hers in turn. Menchu, once she was ready to be told, heard it straight from her mother, “Tandaan mo, baka akala mo mayaman tayo. Hindi tayo mayaman. Kung napadala ka namin sa Switzerland at si Tita at si Tony napadala naming sa America, kasi nagpawis ako ng dugo (Remember, you may think we are rich, we are not rich. If we sent you to Switzerland and Tita and Tony to America, it was because I sweated blood). If you think you’re going to inherit something from us, banish the thought. So if you don’t study well, bahala ka sa sarili mo (you’re on your own).” The perfect words for the Asuncionista (Assumptionista) who much preferred to bake food for the gods, brownies and upside-down cakes and do naughty things like hiding the bell used to signal the start and end of class periods. Her mother, the former Charing Roxas Dimayuga, who attended Assumption Convent, dealt in buying, developing and selling homes in the gated Makati villages. She also developed horizontal and vertical commercial spaces as well as imported retazos from abroad. [caption id="attachment_180056" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Wearing the Van Cleef earrings purchased before their public launch.[/caption] Her father, Enrique Luz Katigbak, on the other hand, was a top certified public accountant, an alumnus of the Northwestern University and a director on the boards of Monte de Piedad and Philtrust banks. Of his connections, none is more eminent than his friendship with His Eminence, Rufino Cardinal Santos, archbishop of Manila and the first Filipino Cardinal of the Catholic Church. It was not a happenstance that Menchu received the sacrament of confirmation from the Cardinal himself right in the Katigbak home, the first ever that was held in a private home if any other followed at all. Like most children, Menchu recalls in the book how she detested being “slapped” by the pious prelate. If she was any pleased about her family’s closeness to the holy man, it was that the Assumption sisters did not expel her for her not-too-infrequent infractions because they went to her father if they needed something from the Cardinal. Dona Aurora Recto for a ‘guardian’ Hers was a lonely childhood since her older siblings were away. They were the triple seven, which alluded to their being born seven years apart, with Menchu as the youngest. On certain days, her parents, both busy, would deposit her in the home of the statesman Claro M. Recto where she would play with his favorite granddaughter, Techie, who had all these toys, Menchu could not help realizing her parents did not buy her a toy. She played with her jackstones while Techie had a closetful of toys, including a toy “cash register.” Techie was so generous she was giving this fancy plaything to her, but Menchu refused knowing her mother would not approve. What she remembers best of that time was the sight of Dona Aurora, the first beautiful woman she beheld in her young mind and eyes, and from her, she learned her first lessons in etiquette, because the family ate with a full complement of silverware and flatware. (To be continued) The post Menchu Katigbak: The splendid life of a society swan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Passive antenna to boost 5G Internet rollout in southern PHL
Nokia is deploying modular Interleaved Passive Active Antenna, or IPAA+, for Globe Telecom Inc., across the southern islands of the Philippines to accelerate 5G deployment in the region. Nokia’s advanced IPAA+ has a light, modular design and supports all 5G frequency bands in a single compact antenna, including the 2.6 GHz spectrum band. Nokia’s IPAA+ inherently can support other bands, which means investments are protected. Joel Agustin, SVP and head of Network Planning and Engineering at Globe Telecom Inc., commented, “We are thrilled that Nokia’s state-of-the-art products will be deployed in the Philippines. Our enduring pain points in site acquisition and TCO efficiency are being addressed by the features and design of the IPAA+. Simplifying the rollout of 4G and 5G services will greatly improve our customer experience, especially in the southern region of the Philippines.” The antenna deployment will enable Globe Telecom to accelerate and simplify 4G/5G rollouts while also delivering a higher level of network efficiency and performance and a faster return on investment. Service providers face the challenge of finding additional space on towers and rooftops to add 5G antennas. Nokia’s IPAA+ accelerates the deployment of 5G by addressing this physical issue. Nokia’s new IPAA+ is the size and weight of a standard multiband antenna and makes it easier and faster for service providers to deploy their 5G networks through a simple antenna swap. Combining the 4G passive and 5G active antennas into a compact solution can also help lower site rental costs and acquire sites faster. Nokia and Globe’s engineering team also successfully trialed a Globe Telecom-specific variant of the IPAA+ in the field. The field test was carried out in Tantangan, South Cotabato, on the island of Mindanao, making Globe Telecom the first operator in the world to test the 2.6 GHz IPAA+ variant successfully. Jeciel Nuyda, president at Nokia Shanghai Bell Philippines, added, “We are delighted to partner with Globe Telecom on this deal to see our state-of-the-art IPAA+ products being deployed in the Philippines. These products are lighter, more modular, and cover all sub-6GHz 5G frequency bands. We look forward to collaborating closely with Globe on this important deployment.” The post Passive antenna to boost 5G Internet rollout in southern PHL appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ACEN raises P25 billion from preferred shares offering
ACEN Corporation has formally listed its Series A and Series B preferred shares through a bell ringing ceremony held at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Friday, 1 September 2023. ACEN raised P25 billion from the sale of firm offer shares and over-subscription option shares during its follow-on offering (FOO). PSE president and CEO Ramon S. Monzon lauded ACEN on its oversubscribed FOO. He also commended the energy firm for continuously tapping the equities market as a funding source to boost its renewable energy portfolio. The company raised Php 30.32 billion and P11.58 billion from the stock market in 2021 and 2022, respectively. “This oversubscribed offering, at a time when other companies are putting off their capital raising plans, speaks of the level of trust that investors have in ACEN, and their confidence at how the company is working towards the achievement of its vision and strategic initiatives, including its target of having 20 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030,” Mr. Monzon said. The post ACEN raises P25 billion from preferred shares offering appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
As wildfires multiply, a new era of air pollution
From Quebec to British Columbia to Hawaii, North America is facing an extraordinary wildfire season -- and regions both near and far have found themselves increasingly blighted by smoke exposure. Here's what you should know about air pollution from these blazes. What we know One of the defining aspects of smoke from wildfires is "particulate matter" -- toxins that, in their numbers, can make smoke visible. Particulate matter of 2.5 micron diameter, PM2.5, is "particularly dangerous for human health and emitted in really large quantities," Rebecca Hornbrook, an atmospheric chemist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, who flies in planes through smoke for her research, told AFP. "Typically if you are downwind of a wildfire, that's the thing that's causing the majority of the darkening of the sky and the lack of visibility," she said, such as the shrouded skies seen in New York as a result of fires hundreds of miles away in Quebec earlier this year. PM2.5 penetrates deep inside the lungs and potentially even the bloodstream. The average American had already been exposed to 450 micrograms of smoke per cubic meter by early July, worse that the entirety of the years from 2006-2022, economist Marshall Burke at Stanford posted on X recently, citing calculations made by the university's Environmental Change and Human Outcomes Lab. Also of concern are invisible substances known as volatile organic compounds such as butane and benzene. These cause eye and throat irritation, while some are known carcinogens. When VOCs mix with nitrogen oxides -- which are produced by wildfires but also are abundant in urban areas from burning fossil fuels -- they help form ozone which can exacerbate coughing, asthma, sore throat and difficulty breathing. What we don't know Automobile ownership exploded after World War II, and in the decades since scientists have gained insights on how it impacts humans -- from the onset of asthma in childhood to increased risk of heart attacks and even dementia later on in life. That breadth of knowledge is lacking for wildfire smoke, explained Christopher Carlsten, director of the Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory at the University of British Columbia. Based on the two dozen studies published "there seems to be a greater proportion of respiratory versus cardiovascular effects of smoke as compared to traffic pollution," he told AFP. The reason might be that nitric oxides are more prominent in traffic pollution. Carlsten's lab has begun conducting human experiments with wood smoke to gain more clarity. Medical interventions exist, said Carlsten, who is also a physician, including inhaled steroids, non-steroid inflammatories, and air filters -- but research is urgently needed to know how best to use them. Will it spur action? The warming planet also impacts our psychological wellbeing in myriad ways, Joshua Wertzel, chair of the American Psychiatric Association's committee on climate change in mental health, told AFP. One response is distress, "anger, grief, anxiety, in the face of the natural disasters they expect to come," with these rates far higher in younger people than older. Another is mental "acclimatization," a byproduct of evolution that helps us cope with new stressors, but if we're not careful can inure us to dangers, much like the proverbial frog in boiling water. For Hornbrook, who is based in Colorado, what eastern North America experienced in 2023 is what the western side of the continent has already been dealing with for many years -- and the global picture is only set to worsen given humanity's appetite for burning fossil fuels. While historic pollution regulations helped rein in emissions from cars and industry, climate action will be needed to tackle the wildfire scourge, she said. "It gets frustrating knowing that we've been ringing the warning bell for years and years, and we're now seeing what we've been warning about," she said, but added there was still hope. "Maybe now people are actually starting to notice and we'll see some change." The post As wildfires multiply, a new era of air pollution appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Where’s the beef? US man sues Taco Bell over filling size
A New York man unhappy with the amount of filling he received in his Taco Bell order has sued the fast food chain for false advertising. Frank Siragusa claims the Mexican Pizza he bought last September had approximately half the beef and bean filling shown in adverts. Had he known this, the plaintiff "would not have paid the $5.49 price," according to the class-action lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of New York Monday. Siragusa is seeking upwards of $5 million from the chain for "unfair and deceptive trade practices." The Mexican pizza offers seasoned beef and refried beans between two pizza shells with sauce, cheese and tomatoes on top, with add-ons including guacamole and chicken. Siragusa filed the suit on behalf of himself and other customers who were left similarly disappointed with items, including Taco Bell's popular Crunchwraps. The court filing juxtaposes photos of food taken from the chain's website with photos of the "actual" item that customers say they received. The restaurant's images show brightly colored meat, cheese, and salad oozing out of tightly packed tacos. The customers' photos show duller food looking rather sad and limp. The lawsuit claims the adverts are "unfair and financially damaging to consumers as they are receiving a product that is materially lower in value than what is being promised." "Taco Bell's actions are especially concerning now that inflation, food, and meat prices are very high and many consumers, especially lower-income consumers, are struggling financially," it adds. The suit includes links to media articles making similar claims about Taco Bell's portions. In one, published in the US edition of The Sun last September, a journalist wrote that the Mexican Pizza "wasn't as beefy as the commercial pictures made it look." A spokesperson for Taco Bell did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP. The post Where’s the beef? US man sues Taco Bell over filling size appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»