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Kadayawan sa Dabaw now on its 38th year
Today, 20 August, is the culmination of Kadayawan sa Dabaw, touted to be the festival of all festivals in Mindanao. Now on its 38th year, the official festivity of Davao’s most colorful and bonggacious celebration started last 10 August. [caption id="attachment_173332" align="aligncenter" width="784"] street dancing at the festival. | Photographs By Henrylito Tacio For The Daily Tribune[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173333" align="aligncenter" width="763"] Floralfloat.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173334" align="aligncenter" width="898"] The streets of the city were on fire as dancers stomped their feet, swayed their hips and cheered in their loudest voices.[/caption] A week later, 17 August, Kristine Claire Tar of the Bagobo-Klata was crowned as this year’s Hiyas ng Kadayawan. “Hiyas sa Kadayawan is a great avenue for us to show not only for our strength as a tribe but to show as a woman that we are powerful, we have a voice and that we are talented,” she answered when asked the question: “How does Hiyas sa Kadayawan empower the women of Davao City?” “The Hiyas sa Kadayawan,” she further explained, “is a showcase of different diversity, the unique beauties of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes of the city. It is a way for us to showcase our uniqueness and our diversity, and I am an example for that.” Tar then concluded her reply, “I, as a Hiyas, have experienced the great opportunity to show and share my voice, in sharing my advocacy and my plans as a tribal youth president, and as a woman.” First runner-up Juhana Sultan of the Maranao ethnic group was chosen as Hiyas sa Panaghiusa while Althea Asnawi of Taosug tribe settled for second runner-up as Hiyas sa Kalambuan. Sultan also got the following special awards: Eastern Smile of the Night, The Spectrum, Pau-Pau Choice, Hiyas of Mr. D.I.Y and Best in Cultural Presentation. Street dances On the 19th, the streets were filled again with contingents from the city itself and even those from other provinces of Davao and even other regions with the execution of Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan. Some streets of the city were literally on fire as street dances stomped their feet, swayed their hips and shouted with their loudest voice ever during the event. Moving colors — mostly red, yellow, orange and green — flooded the streets. For the Davao City School-Based Category, there were six contingents: Apo Duwaling Dance Company of the Mabini National High School; Tribung Lacson Performing Arts and Ensemble of Lacon Integrated School; Sining Sayon Dawet Cultural Ensemble of Davao City National High School; Hinugyaw Dance Performing Arts of Don Enrique Bustamante National High School; Sining Mananayaw Ensemble of Catalunan Pequeno National High School; and the Performing Arts Company of Lapu-Lapu Elementary School. There were 13 entries in the Open Category or those contingents outside of Davao City. Davao Oriental was represented with four entries: Caraga Matimawa of Caraga National High School (from Caraga), Tribu Maganahay Matiao National High School (from Mati City), Banayan Performing Arts (from Banaybanay) and Rise and Shine Caraga of San Luis National High School. (also from Caraga). Davao del Norte had two entries: Madyaw Samalikha Cultural Dance Troupe (from Island Garden City of Samal) and Asuncion National High School Performing Arts Guild (from Asuncion). There was a lone entry from Davao de Oro: Indak Elizalde Performing Arts Guild of Elizalde National High School (from Maco). Entries outside of Davao Region were as follows: Tribung Balovebagueño (from Balabagan, Lanao del Sur), Agusan del Sur Artists’ Guild (from Agusan del Sur), Landan National High School Performing Arts Group (from Polomolok, South Cotabato), Kalingawan Dance Troupe (from Sto. Niño, South Cotabato), Gagandilan Akbar Performing Arts Guild (from Akbar, Basilan) and Sindac Anib Performing Arts Guild (from Bislig, Surigao del Sur). “The Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan is wildly popular because of the distinctively Mindanaoan beat and costumes,” one pundit commented. “Several tourists come to Davao to watch hundreds of people dancing with vigor in the streets, clad in their native attire and carrying extravagant props that would give Hollywood studios a serious run for their money.” Unlike in the past, the street dancing was moved to the afternoon instead of the usual morning. When asked why, Second District Council Al Ryan Alejandre, the festival spokesperson, told Davao media: “So, it will not be too hot for the children, and we have a good vantage view since it will be in the afternoon and the evening.” (Editor’s note: By the time this feature came out, the winners were already announced.) ‘Pamulak sa Kadayawan’ Also today, August 20, the Pamulak sa Kadayawan will be held. It is a sight to behold as it is patterned after the Pasadena Parade of Roses in the United States — where flowers and fruits are set in colorful floats by business establishments, community assemblies and peoples’ organizations as they promenade on the streets symbolizing all the bounty sustainably enjoyed by the city’s residents. This year, the Daku Category has nine entries: Ipi Kadayawan Float, Kadayawan Kaleidoscope: A multicultural Float Gala, The Fruits of Love and Caring the Nature, Kahayas sa Kalipay (XVI Global Holdings B.V.), IQOR Nurturing Hands, Nurturing Hearts, Harmony in Motion: Vista Estates and Vista Mall Tribute, Fly with the Champions — Philippines Air Asia, Inc., The Davaoeño Spirit (Aeon Blue), and National Food Authority Region XII. The Gamay Category has 13 entries: Guardians Anti-Crime Phil, International Inc., Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines First District, Teleperformance, Kababaihan Group, Duterte Squad Solid Supporters Group, Hudyaka sa Sutherland, Black Hawk Extreme Riders of Davao, Inc., Eng Seng Products, Tahawrog Tribe, Own Your Future — Alorica Teleservices, Inc., The Cause and Effect — A and L Marketing Solutions Hub, Inc., and Balangay — Philippine Retirement Authority. The Non-Competing Category has 14 entries. Perhaps not too many know that the festivity actually started in the 1970s when then Mayor Elias B. Lopez initiated tribal festivals featuring the lumad (native) and the Muslim tribes of Davao City where they showcase their dances and rituals of thanksgiving. It was then called “Apo Duwaling,” in honor of the three royalties for which Davao is famous for — Mount Apo, durian and waling-waling. In 1988, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte renamed “Apo Duwaling” to “Kadayawan sa Dabaw.” Kadayawan is derived from the friendly greeting “Madayaw,” a term taken from a Dabawenyo word dayaw which means “good,” “valuable,” “superior” or “something that brings good fortune.” “As the longest-running community festival in Mindanao, Kadayawan sa Davao has metamorphosed into a grand celebration that honors Davao’s rich cultural heritage and the many blessings bestowed on the city,” the Davao Tourism Office said. “Kadayawan’s sights and sounds remain unparalleled.” The post Kadayawan sa Dabaw now on its 38th year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Newest Foodie paradise Down South.
Food brings people together, but it is the discovery of decadent, sinful and mouthwatering dishes that really brings people more joy and satisfaction. The opening of Mercato Centrale at the Festival Mall Alabang allows food lovers to discover new favorites and savor a wide selection of treats from budding food entrepreneurs — from crispy bagnet and Vigan-style empanadas to takoyaki balls and tender, juicy steaks. This newest foodie’s paradise in the south will run until 31 December. “Filinvest’s Festival Mall has always been very strong in supporting the growth of both businesses and communities. That’s why we are very happy to work with them,” said RJ Ledesma, co-founder of Mercato Centrale, the pioneer in outdoor food lifestyle market that was established in 2010. “We feel that the environment in Festival Mall is an ideal opportunity for us to continue our advocacy in supporting micro and small food enterprises.” [caption id="attachment_162735" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Solid partnership (From left) Vanessa Ledesma, Mercato Centrale president; RJ Ledesma, Mercato Centrale co-founder; Mitch Dumlao, Filinvest Supermall Inc. first vice president and business unit head; and Denise Rae Lagayan, Filinvest Supermall Inc. senior assistant vice president. | Photograph by Vangie Baga Reyes for the Daily Tribune.[/caption] “On our end, we are always on the lookout for new, exciting concepts that the Mercato Centrale brings,” shared Mitch Dumlao, first vice president and business unit head of Filinvest Supermall Inc. “They are one of those key components that the mall should have and, in this kind of concept, it really brings together many people and introduce new cuisines. In fact, some of the food that they are bringing in are very local that many people from the south do not know about. It’s like a whole new dining experience for our customers.” The 15 to 20 food booths offering varied cuisines (Korean, Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern) are strategically set up at the mall’s Water Garden Park to keep diners close to nature and breathe in fresh air while enjoying their food. Once in a while, there will be performances and fireworks to entertain diners. [caption id="attachment_162738" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Popular Korean snacks.[/caption] “It is also experiential,” explained Ledesma. “Aside from food, we have buskers to pump up the atmosphere. There will also be regular theme events, such as cultural celebration or special barbecue night or healthy food week, so that every time you visit us there’s always a different experience with food.” He added: “It is a time for revenge spending for everybody now. People spend their money in food, travel and shopping. What we want to leverage right now is that so many entrepreneurs were created during the pandemic. We are here to give them a venue and build a platform for them to showcase their products. There is an opportunity to grow as well.” Among the featured vendors are Royal Tea Shots (coffee, milk tea and fruit tea), Mamays Ihaw (grilled dishes), City of Drinks (fruit juices), Manang Joy Empanada (hot empanadas), Bagnet Patong (rice meals), Unkle Kimz and Grub Streat (Korean food), Steak Garrage (steaks), Grid Ion (shawarma and sausage) and Supreme Hungarian (sausages). There are also nonfood items available. [caption id="attachment_162736" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Grub Street food booth. | Photographs Courtesy of Mercato Centrale[/caption] Mercato Centrale at Festival Mall Alabang is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursdays to Sundays. Filinvest’s Fora Mall Tagaytay will also host Mercato Centrale from 4 September to 31 March 2024. The post Newest Foodie paradise Down South. 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......»»
Globe’s five-month nationwide food festival series targets hunger
Standing firm against hunger, Globe recently launched the Longest Hapag — a five-month nationwide food festival series. The campaign kicked off in time for the commemoration of World Hunger Day on 28 May, amplifying the global call to eradicate chronic hunger. This initiative is part of the Globe-led Hapag Movement, which aims to help address the staggering problem of involuntary hunger among 13.5 million Filipinos. The advocacy raises funds and spreads awareness about the problem while empowering communities to create sustainable livelihoods. "Involuntary hunger is one of the critical societal challenges of our time. With the Longest Hapag, we are leveraging strategic partnerships and collective effort to confront the hunger problem that continues to affect our nation,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe group chief sustainability and corporate communications officer. The campaign calls on restaurants, food chains, chefs, commercial centers, brands and civic organizations to mount fundraising efforts through their food offerings to support the Hapag Movement. This united front will create a ripple effect of change, reflecting the campaign's core message: Be part of the Longest Hapag and help make a difference. The Longest Hapag will also align with local food festivals across the country, ultimately culminating on World Food Day on 16 October 2023. Chef Jessie Sincioco is the first culinary expert-turned-advocate who supported the Hapag Movement. She launched a special Hapag menu where half of the proceeds will go to the implementing partners and their family beneficiaries. The Longest Hapag campaign was inspired by Sincioco’s project Chefs Unite, which seeks to encourage chefs from around the world to support the Hapag Movement. Chefs Sau del Rosario and Kay Carreon have also signed up to support the movement. With successful fundraising activities such as the recent Hapag ni LuzViMinda fund-raising dinner, and Chef Kay's generous contribution of her book proceeds, Chefs Unite exemplifies the profound impact that the culinary industry can have on the cause. Despite a slight decrease in food insecurity to 9.8 percent, hunger remains higher than pre-pandemic levels in the Philippines. It ranks 67th out of 113 countries in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, falling below the global average. As such, Globe’s efforts aim not just to alleviate immediate hunger but also to address these long-term challenges. "We invite everyone to be a part of the Longest Hapag and make a tangible difference. By working together, we can help families conquer the problem of involuntary hunger and help uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Crisanto added. The Hapag Movement brings life-enabling support through supplemental feeding and livelihood opportunities to hunger-afflicted communities through its mobilization partners Ayala Foundation Inc., Caritas Philippines, Scholar of Sustenance, Tzu Chi Foundation and World Vision. For more information about the Longest Hapag movement and how to get involved, email globeofgood@globe.com.ph or visit the Hapag Movement website. The post Globe’s five-month nationwide food festival series targets hunger appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rocket fire kills AFP journalist
A journalist from the French news agency Agence France-Presse has been killed in a rocket fire in eastern Ukraine, with co-workers witnessing his death. AFP’s Ukraine video coordinator Arman Soldin died in the attack Tuesday at around 4:30 p.m. on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar in the eastern region of Donetsk. The town is close to Bakhmut, the epicenter of fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops in eastern Ukraine for several months. The AFP team came under fire by Grad rockets while they were with a group of Ukrainian soldiers. Soldin, 32, was killed when a rocket struck close to where he was lying. The rest of the team was uninjured. “The whole agency is devastated by the loss of Arman,” AFP chairman Fabrice Fries said. “His death is a terrible reminder of the risks and dangers faced by journalists every day covering the conflict in Ukraine.” French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Soldin on Twitter, hailing his “bravery.” “With bravery, from the first hours of the conflict he was at the front to establish the facts. To inform us,” Macron wrote, saying he shared “the pain of his relatives and all his colleagues.” Ukraine’s defense ministry offered its “heartfelt condolences” to Soldin’s family and co-workers in a statement on Twitter. “He dedicated his life to informing the world about the truth. His legacy, as well as his cause, will live on,” it said. Soldin’s death brings to 11 the number of journalists, fixers or drivers for media teams killed while covering the war, according to the media advocacy groups Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists. Ukraine aid Meanwhile, the United States on Tuesday announced a new $1.2-billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country’s air defenses and provide it with additional artillery ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the new assistance, saying on Twitter that “we appreciate this sign of solidarity with Ukraine shown on a symbolic day for us — Europe Day and the Day of Victory over Nazism in WWII.” “Together we’re moving towards a new victory!” he added. The package features unspecified air defense systems and munitions as well as equipment to integrate Western systems with Ukraine’s existing gear, which is mainly of Soviet vintage. Ukraine’s defense ministry offered its ‘heartfelt condolences’ to Soldin’s family. Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder told journalists Tuesday that the specific air defense systems have not yet been selected, saying the announcement represents “the beginning of a contracting process to provide additional priority capabilities to Ukraine.” The post Rocket fire kills AFP journalist appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Moderating oligarchs’ greed
Last July 13, President Rodrigo Duterte spoke before soldiers in Jolo, Sulu and triumphantly declared he “dismantled the oligarchy that controlled the country’s economy without the need to declare martial law.” This came a few days after a committee in the House of Representatives rejected ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal bill. During his penultimate State of the Nation Address on July 27, Duterte took another swipe at the oligarchs whose great wealth has enabled them “to influence public policy to their advantage.” He cited as an example the Lopezes “who used their media outlets in their battles with political figures” including himself during the 2016 elections. People seem to forget that Duterte’s avowed mission to put oligarchs in their proper place was part of his 2016 campaign promise to stamp out corruption. At that time, he said the corruption in the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue was “small change in comparison to the high-level corruption that runs in the billions among the economic elite.” Oligarchy means the rule of the few, but its meaning has evolved to refer to powerful individuals or groups outside of government who are able to benefit from political connections to amass vast amounts of wealth and gain control of major industries. The term “oligarch” started popping up recently in mainstream and social media but its context in relation to what is happening in our society has become warped and obfuscated. To be fair, the President has given credit where credit is due, even to the so-called oligarchs when they helped the government in this COVID-19 crisis, but he said it is their abuses that he abhors. On several occasions, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano pointed out how oligarchs use their wealth to gain power, while the political elite used their power to amass wealth. He expressed full support to Duterte’s advocacy in changing the current system where he believes the people “willingly consent to being held back by the few who control the economy and through that, the running of the nation.” According to Cayetano, the real threat to the stability of our socio-political and economic systems are those backroom deals that make exploitation legal – “the quiet acquiescing to a system that naturally favors the ultra-rich and very powerful.” He believes that not all oligarchs are bad, saying in a media interview: “Just like every entrepreneur wanting to expand their business, these would-be oligarchs might very well have started off with the most benign or even benevolent intentions. But the malignant DNA of unabated, uncontrolled capitalism, especially corporate capitalism, eventually comes to play, leading to people and systems being abused and exploited.” Cayetano clarified, though, that capitalism and democracy work as we have seen in other economies. He thinks the situation in the Philippines is not hopeless, and we can begin to change this corrupt system by acknowledging there is a problem and we are part of it. “This is a battle between those who are willing to fight their self-interest and change with the system, versus those who deny that there is anything wrong with the status quo, specifically as it relates to themselves, and instead simply choose to blame the politicians and officials in government,” he said. This brings to mind the statement attributed to a Cabinet member of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who advised another top official to “moderate your greed.” Another cautionary tale is found in the recently re-launched book of Ricardo Manapat, who served as National Archives Director during the Arroyo and Ramos administrations. Manapat’s book is titled “Some Are Smarter Than Others: The History of Marcos’ Crony Capitalism” which is a classic work on anti-cronyism exposing the ill-gotten wealth of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Oligarchs may not be totally wiped out in the Philippines, since developed economies even have to contend with their presence. But Duterte’s relentless campaign against them could very well result in moderating their greed and freeing the country from their tight grip. nextgenmedia@gmail.com.....»»
Tothapi may bagong single, ka-join na sa Sony Music family
LEVEL up ang breakthrough Bicol-based band na Tothapi! Sila kasi ang pinakabagong pamilya ng Sony Music Entertainment na kinabibilangan ng ilan sa mga biggest OPM acts ng bansa, katulad ng Ben&Ben, SB19, Denise Julia, Clara Benin, Ace Banzuelo, The Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, at marami pang iba. “It has been an amazing ride with Sony Music.....»»
Andi Eigenmann brings some of Jaclyn Jose s ashes to Siargao
Actress Andi Eigenmann brought some ashes of her mom Jaclyn Jose to Siargao. .....»»
iWantTFC brings inspirational programming this Holy Week
iWantTFC brings inspirational programming this Holy Week.....»»
Decline in exploitation cases; advocacy efforts strengthened
AN OFFICIAL from the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) reported two cases of online exploitation of women and children in the region in 2022......»»
Unique love storyline brings ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ close to viewers
‘There was a farfetched but intriguing circumstance that would give the story a richer context, namely, the kidnapping and the four-year experience that would transform the protagonist from a protected, middle-class bride to a toughened survivor when she returns. That was the thing that was different in this project,’ says director Laurice Guillen of the ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ storyline......»»
Digital connectivity space tackled in amendments to National Building Code
A pending legislation at the House of Representatives amending the 47-year-old National Building Code of the Philippines would make it more responsive to the broadband connectivity demands of a digital economy, a citizen advocacy group said......»»
Regine bet na bet gawing National Artist For Music, aprub kayo?
MGA ka-BANDERA, payag ba kayo sa panawagan ng mga fans na gawin nang National Artist for Music ang Asia’s Songbird na si Regine Velasquez? Ito ang isinusulong ngayon ng mga supporters at social media followers ng OPM legend at TV icon matapos niyang tanggapin ang kanyang award sa Billboard Philippines’ Women in Music. Talagang naging.....»»
SB19 s Pablo leads Earth Hour in Manila
SB19 leader Pablo, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippine's new Earth Hour Music Ambassador, led the annual switch-off event in Manila City last weekend......»»
It s important that you speak up : Morissette scores People s Choice win after gig issue
Morissette still has the people's trust after she won the fan-voted People's Choice at the inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music last Friday in Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. .....»»
I bloom on my own : Moira Dela Torre named Hitmaker at 1st Women in Music
Moira Dela Torre was a picture of calmness as she walked the blue carpet and later received her Hitmaker award at the first-ever Billboard Philippines Women in Music last Friday in SM Aura Premier in Taguig City. .....»»
Belle Mariano wins Listeners Choice at 1st Billboard Philippines Women in Music
Belle Mariano said she hopes to inspire little girls to be singers, composers, or anything they would want to be as she received the fan-voted Listeners' Choice Award at last Friday's inaugural Billboard Philipines Women in Music......»»
Mikey Belmonte bags Water Warrior Award
Quezon City Councilor Belmonte was conferred the “Water Warrior Award for Advocacy Leadership” during the 2024 World Water Day Awards in recognition of his contributions as an active partner of Maynilad in championing access to safe water, reliable sanitation and environmental responsibility......»»
She has such a big heart : Jackie Lou Blanco on iconic mom Pilita Corrales
Pilita Corrales was honored with the Icon award at the inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music on March 22 in Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Taguig City. .....»»
Josh Cullen, rapper Al James nagsanib-pwersa sa hugot song na ‘Yoko Na’
ISANG kakaibang collaboration song ang nabuo ng P-Pop star na si Josh Cullen at breakthrough rapper na si Al James. Ito ang bagong single na “Yoko Na” under Sony Music Entertainment. Ayon sa dalawang music artist, ipinahayag nila sa lyrics ang mga salitang hindi nasasabi sa isang relasyon na unti-unting nasisira. Ang kanta ay tungkol.....»»