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Fil-foreign teams top NBTC finals
Global squads stamped their class as Fil-Am Nation Select-USA and Canada’s Top Flight Sports reigned supreme in the Smart-National Basketball Training Center National Finals Division 1 and 2, respectively, over the weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena......»»
Marina Summers enters RuPaul s Drag Race: UK vs the World 2 finals
Filipino drag queen Marina Summers made it to the finals of the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World" and is eyed as a frontrunner for the crown......»»
Young Creatives Challenge discovers new breed of artists
Six months after the formal launch of the Young Creatives Challenge (YC2), playwrights, songwriters, graphic artists, and content creators trooped to the Samsung Hall at SM Aura for the grand finals and awarding ceremony......»»
Panghulan s Hail Mary shot lifts Top Flight past Arellano in NBTC Division 2 finals
Joey Panghulan’s last-gasp half-court heave towed Top Flight Sports Canada into the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Division 2 finals over the Arellano Braves, 87-84, Friday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City......»»
Elijah Woods on first-ever Asia tour, ‘loving’ Filipino fans
Canadian singer-songwriter and producer Elijah Woods (stylized as elijah woods) is bringing to Asia his ilu 24/7, 365 tour. The series of shows will commence on May 13 in Singapore and travel through Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Tokyo and Taipei......»»
Intentional, premeditated
In a prior editorial, this paper raised the possibility that the Chinese vessels hitting a Philippine Coast Guard ship and a resupply boat it was escorting to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea might have been intentional. While we let readers read between the lines, factual narrations of the event tended to show how improbable it would have been for two separate collision incidents, involving several Chinese and Philippine vessels, to happen by accident in the wide expanse of ocean. The two collisions happened miles away from each other amid fair weather conditions with the sun shining brightly, thus neither poor visibility nor questionable seamanship could have been a factor in the incidents. As in most cases, the simplest explanations often prove to be the correct or accurate ones. In these incidents, the latest in China’s aggressive maneuvers in the WPS, the actions taken by the Chinese coast guard and militia vessels smacked of premeditation. On Monday, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro confirmed in a press briefing that the Chinese vessels “intentionally” hit the Philippine boats trying to resupply troops stationed on the intentionally grounded navy vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre. “While conducting legitimate rotation and resupply operations within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit the Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra,” Teodoro said. It was a conclusion that would not have required the title Defense Secretary to make. Video footage and photos of the first incident showed a China Coast Guard ship chasing the very small resupply boat. As if the David-versus-Goliath affair were not enough, a second CCG vessel then cut off the boat. All the pieces of evidence considered, the word “collision” does not apply to the actions China took because this would presuppose the possibility of their being mere accidents. The operative word should be “bumped” or, if the incident resulted in grave damage to the Philippine vessels, “rammed.” The stern of the smaller resupply vessel and the bow of the Chinese coast guard ship were seen briefly touching in the video released by the Philippine military. According to a statement from the National Security Council, the supply boat sustained damage. It added that a second resupply boat was able to complete its mission to the BRP Sierra Madre. With the United States and Canada condemning China over the incident, the collision may not be the last or it may just be a portent of more serious “interactions” to come between China and the Philippines as both assert their respective sovereign claims in the WPS. If only to ensure peace in the Indo-Pacific region, countries that have pledged to conduct freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea should start doing so. The burden of checking Beijing’s expansionist designs in the region should be shared not only by other claimant nations, but by governments that benefit from the trillions of dollars in trade that pass annually through the South China Sea. We cannot expect the Philippines’ summoning of the Chinese ambassador over the incidents to amount to anything, except to register the country’s strong and continuing opposition to Beijing’s aggressive acts in the WPS. China can never claim Ayungin to be part of its sovereign waters because it lies 1,000 kilometers from its nearest major landmass, Hainan Island, while the shoal is only 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan. This proximity of Ayungin Shoal to Palawan, along with other proof presented by the Philippines to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, was primarily considered by the court in ruling in favor of the Philippines in 2016. China had refused to recognize the arbitral ruling precisely because it did not go its way. In fact, the court declared as baseless China’s nine-dash line claim to nearly the entire South China Sea. CCG’s ramming of Philippine vessels is a calculated act of provocation. It is a message to the Philippines and the rest of the world that China is willing to use force to achieve its goals. Beijing’s actions are a threat to peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Asia-Pacific region. Nations must not allow China to succeed in its bullying tactics. The international community must take a stand and not allow China to undermine the rules-based order in the Asia-Pacific. The aggression being shown by Chinese maritime assets is a threat to the world, and must be stopped. The post Intentional, premeditated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SB19, HORI7ON attending 2023 Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines
P-Pop groups SB19 and HORI7ON are the first local acts confirmed to be attending the 2023 Asia Artist Awards, which will be held for the first time in the Philippines this December......»»
SB19, Hori7on to join more K-pop stars at 2023 AAA
P-pop acts SB19 and Hori7on are joining the 2023 Asia Artist Awards night at the Philippine Arena on 14 December. Aside from the initial list of artists, local producer Pulp Live World revealed that Seventeen’s BSS unit, Oneus, Kingdom, ATBO and LUN8 are the latest additions to the confirmed K-pop stars that will grace the event. So far, the K-pop and K-drama stars who have confirmed their attendance are actors Lee Jun-ho, Jung Sung-il, Kim Young-dae, Lee Jun-young, Ahn Dong-goo, Park Jae-chan, Moon Sang-min, Yoo Seon-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Seon-ho, Moon Ga-young, Lee Joon-hyuk, Lee Dong-hwi, Cha Joo-young, Lee Eun-sam, Lee Jun-ho, Jung Sung-il, Kim Young-dae, Lee Jun-young, Ahn Dong-goo, Park Jae-Chan, Moon Sang-min and Yoo Seon-ho. [caption id="attachment_185655" align="aligncenter" width="1146"] SB19[/caption] They will be joined by Kpop groups NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, ZEROBASEONE, BoyNextDoor, Stray Kids, ITZY, The Boyz, Kwon Eun-bi, &TEAM, Kim Jae-joong, DinDin, Lee Young-ji, STAYC, Kep1er, KARD, Yao Chen, Dreamcatcher, Ash Island, Lapillus and TEMPEST. IVE’s Jang Won-young of IVE, Kang Daniel and ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Han-bin will serve as hosts. Tickets for 2023 AAA will be available on 12 November. The post SB19, Hori7on to join more K-pop stars at 2023 AAA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl phishing attacks highest in SE Asia, linked to 2% loss in GDP
At least two percent of the global Gross Domestic Product was lost due to increasing cases of online fraud, phishing, and scams, Senator Mark Villar said Monday. Villar, presiding over the hearing by the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial and Institutions and Currencies, lamented that the proliferation of online scams threatened not only the potential of online banking but also the stability of the banking system and the hard-earned money of the Filipino people. “While digitalization and the widespread use of digital finance opened opportunities for the banking sector, it is also apparent that opportunists also devise new methods to take advantage of this emerging financial market,” Villar said. While there’s an increasing number of Filipinos using online payment platforms, Villar noted that crimes related to digital financial transactions are also growing. “A significant number of Filipinos have been targeted by digital fraud attempts and a portion of them eventually fall victim to it,” he said. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it has received more complaints regarding online banking transactions compared to those related to using Automated Teller Machines and credit cards, among others. In fact, the Anti-Money Laundering Council reported a rise in suspicious transactions in 2020 comprising acts of phishing, skimming, and transactions related to money mules. The Security Exchange Commission likewise noted a significant rise in complaints related to online fraud committed by online lending platforms. Villar said as these scammers take advantage of their victims, they also rattle their victims' trust in the country’s banking and financial institutions. “Trust, being the currency of the banking system, must be well-earned. Given the proliferation of online fraudsters, it is imperative that we strengthen our efforts to keep scammers at bay,” he added. Among the existing laws aimed at fighting online bank fraud include Republic Act 11765 or Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act; the RA 11934 or Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act; and RA 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Villa said as criminal elements adapt to legislation to perpetuate fraud, hence, “there is a need to legislate new laws to keep them off track” such as the proposed Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act. “This measure will reinforce and earn back the public’s trust in our financial institutions,” he said. The number of phishing attacks in the Philippines during the first half of 2022 already surpassed the number of attacks at over 1.8 million detected compared to 1.34 million attacks during the entire year of 2021. Villar described the spiking cases of online scams as “extremely concerning.” This, as data from Kaspersky Security Network revealed that cases of financial phishing attempts in the Philippines from February to April 2022 were highest in Southeast Asia. Villar emphasized that the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act or AFASA will evidently deal with cases of online fraud and will provide a regulatory framework that penalizes scammers as well as entails safeguard measures to protect Filipinos and their financial accounts. “Because of the lack of a regulatory framework that penalizes these scammers, there are and there will be more victims in the foreseeable future,” he added. AMLC executive director, Matthew David, said they required banks and payment operators to maintain the 'Know Your Customer document' for their system and store a system that could verify the identity of the clients, including the bank account owners. “They are required to do some verification in order to make sure the true identity of the customers,” David added. The public committee hearing was followed by an Executive Session due to the confidentiality and sensitivity of the issues and information that will be discussed. Villar said the executive session was conducted to ensure that law enforcement measures being undertaken to apprehend and prosecute scammers will not be disrupted. The post Phl phishing attacks highest in SE Asia, linked to 2% loss in GDP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Global protection for local designs
It’s interesting to see that in today’s aesthetic-driven consumer age, the success of a product can be influenced by its appearance or design. Think of that flashy pair of rubber shoes in a shop window or the familiar lines of a sports car cruising down the street that caught your eye. If you need some more examples of how design can make an impact, consider the iconic designs of the Volkswagen Beetle, the Coca-Cola bottle, and Apple iMac that are instantly recognizable. The importance of design has even generated not one but two presidential proclamations to remind us of its significance. One was in 1974 when the third week of September of every year was designated Design Consciousness Week (Proclamation 1259, s. 1974). Another was in 2011 when the third week of both March and October of every year were declared Design Week Philippines (Proclamation 277, s. 2011). With this in mind, it’s not surprising that industrial design, or ID, should be considered a valuable intellectual property, or IP, asset that business owners and designers need to protect if they want their products to stand out among their competitors. In the Philippines, ID is protected under the IP Code. Specifically, this protection gives designers and owners of a registered ID the right “to prevent third parties from making, selling or importing articles bearing or embodying a design which is a copy, or substantially a copy, of the protected design, when such acts are undertaken for commercial purposes.” But how do designers protect their designs once they step onto the global stage? Fortunately, there is now an easy way to do this. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, or IPOPHL, held public consultations last August on The Hague System for International Registration of Industrial Designs as part of the preparations for the Philippines’ accession to The Hague Agreement by 2024. Under The Hague System, local designers can take advantage by registering and protecting their designs internationally in a simple and cost-effective way. Through an online mechanism for securing and managing design rights in multiple jurisdictions — including over 90 contracting parties — they only need to utilize a single application with minimal paper work in order to register their designs globally. This system will prove particularly advantageous for our small and medium enterprises who want to avail of the services of The Hague System and enjoy the benefits of reduced cost in filing fees. Aside from protecting our local designs, the Philippines’ accession to The Hague Agreement will also be beneficial to our economy as foreign applicants and designers can take advantage of The Hague System to facilitate technology transfers and commercialization of their designs in our country, which is considered one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. As the Philippines takes the next steps towards acceding to The Hague Agreement, the most important thing that our Filipino designers need to consider is that they should be aware that their designs can be protected separately from their businesses’ processes and brands. As such, they should go and register their designs. On the part of IPOPHL, we will be conducting an information campaign to spread the word about The Hague System at the ground level to inform the public. And of course, we held our consultation last month to ensure that IP stakeholders’ opinions are taken into consideration in forming the Philippines’ position in acceding to the treaty. We hope all of these efforts will lead to even greater breakthroughs for our Filipino designers in global markets, as well as sustain the development and promotion of the Philippines’ design capability. The post Global protection for local designs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Commuters’ group asks Makati Business Club to mind own business
A commuters' group on Sunday said business groups should mind their own business, instead of dipping their hands into the exclusive affairs of the Office of the Ombudsman. Atty. Ariel Inton, who heads the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, particularly chided the Makati Business Club (MBC) for criticizing the dismissal order by the Ombudsman leveled against officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). "The Makati Business Club has no personality to the case," Inton, a former official of the LTFRB, said. Inton was reacting to the MBC statement urging Ombudsman Samuel Martires to reconsider the dismissal of MIAA acting general manager Cesar Chiong and acting assistant general manager Irene Montalbo, who were accused of grave abuse of authority. The Office of the Ombudsman earlier this month ordered the two officials dismissed after ruling that they were guilty of grave misconduct and abuse of authority in ordering the reassignments of nearly 300 MIAA employees. Inton said it is Chiong and Montalbo who should be appealing to the Ombudsman by filing a motion for reconsideration on its decision, "rather than the MBC do the talking." Inton also rebuked Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on how the latter handles the transport system (air, land, and sea) like "hinalong kalamay (mixed rice cake)", adding that the transport chief should have an "iron fist" for his subordinates to focus on their jobs. "As transport commuter advocates, we feel the pressure of his job. He (Bautista) should look to his subordinates to focus on their jobs," Inton said referring to how Bautista should run the DOTr. Critics find Bautista "too soft" in running the DOTr making the NAIA one of the worst airports in Asia, based on passengers' queueing experiences, according to data obtained by property management and hospitality company Casago. The DOTr, they said, should be run by those coming from the land transportation system, not like Bautista who came from the private sector. Inton's group recommended Thomas "Tim" Orbos who was once the general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the Department of Transportation under the Duterte administration; former Party-list Congressman Jonathan A. Dela Cruz and Jess Manalo (Angkla Party-list) as Bautista's possible replacements. Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Secretary Larry Gadon said he stands by the decision of Martires in his ruling to dismiss former airport GM Chiong and former Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) head Lloyd Christopher Lao from service with perpetual disqualification from holding public office. "I know that OMB Martires is apolitical as his decisions are based on the merits, facts, and evidence and beyond personal biases," Gadon said. He emphasized that it should be noted that decisions on removing public officials are not based solely on criminal intent or the consequences of a criminal act. "It may be based also on incompetence or acts of omission the effect of which resulted in irreparable damage to the public and the government. So even if the official is not criminally charged nor proven guilty as yet, the official may still be removed for utter lack of competence or lack of responsibility and due diligence in performing his functions. More so if the acts or omissions have inflicted great damage to the public," the Malacañang official explained. "OMB Martires does not look at personalities but more on the issues and acts that are proven by mere preponderance of evidence," Gadon added. The post Commuters’ group asks Makati Business Club to mind own business appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ben& Ben, Adie, MeloMance, Seori complete on music Festival lineup
The stars have aligned for the upcoming ON Music Festival, which has completed its lineup of exciting performers. On 22 August, a day after the early-bird ticket selling that quickly sold out, the festival announced on social media its second wave of performers — and what a lineup. “Filipino acts Ben&Ben & Adie as well as Korean acts — MeloMance and Seori will be joining ‘ON MUSIC FESTIVAL’ happening on 3 November at the SM Mall of Asia Arena!” the announcement said. MeloMance is an indie-folk duo based in South Korea. Known for smooth vocals, the duo is behind some of the most well-loved theme songs for K-dramas, including “Love Maybe” for Business Proposal, “Feel Like Falling In Love” for Our Blues and “I Will Be By Your Side” for A Korean Odyssey. Seori is the first Korean female artist to perform on the Grammy Global Spin. The artist behind the songs “Lovers In The Night” and “Running Through The Night” has collaborated with other K-pop mainstays such as Tomorrow X Together, Mamamoo’s Moonbyul and former Day6 member eaJ. Meanwhile, Ben&Ben and Adie will complete the OPM lineup of the music festival. Ben&Ben is a nine-piece folk-pop band that is currently one of the most popular musical acts in the Philippines. The multi-award-winning band has generated hit after chart hit, such as “Kathang Isip,” “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay,” “Pagtingin” and more. Singer-songwriter Adie is one of OPM’s rising stars. His singles “Luha,” “Paraluman” and “Mahika” with Janine Berdin have generated millions of streams on various streaming platforms. On 13 August, the organizers unveiled the first wave of performers: Suho from South Korean-Chinese mega group EXO, South Korean indie-rock band wave to earth and Filipino acts Moira dela Torre and Darren Espanto. The general sale of tickets to the music festival begins 26 August at 12 p.m. The post Ben&Ben, Adie, MeloMance, Seori complete on music Festival lineup appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Why is the South China Sea a flashpoint for Asia?
Competing claims to the South China Sea and its hundreds of reefs and islands have for decades been a source of tension in the region. The latest spat erupted on 5 August when Chinese coast guard vessels blocked and fired a water cannon at a Philippine resupply mission to a remote outpost in the disputed waters. Such incidents have fueled fears of a potential miscalculation or accident igniting a military conflict that could draw in the United States. AFP looks at the territorial disputes in the sea and what's been done to resolve them. Where is the South China Sea? The South China Sea covers more than three million square kilometers (1.16 million square miles), ringed by southern China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Borneo island and mainland Southeast Asia. Most of its hundreds of small islands, islets and rocks were originally uninhabited. The Paracel and Spratly chains contain the biggest islands. Scarborough Shoal is a small outcrop in the east. Why does it matter? The sea is the main maritime link between the Pacific and Indian oceans, giving it enormous trade and military value. Its shipping lanes connect East Asia with Europe and the Middle East, with trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade passing through the sea annually. Huge unexploited oil and gas deposits are believed to lie under the seabed, though estimates vary greatly. The sea is also home to some of the world's biggest coral reefs and, with marine life being depleted close to coasts, it is important as a source of fish to feed growing populations. Who claims what? China and Taiwan both claim nearly all of the sea, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei each have overlapping stakes to parts of it. Beijing's argument is based largely on Chinese maps dating back to the 1940s. It originally used an 11-dash line to demarcate its claims, but it was reduced to nine dashes under former leader Mao Zedong. The expansive claim approaches the coasts of other countries. The Paracel Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, though Beijing has held all of them since a conflict with South Vietnam in 1974. China has also controlled Scarborough Shoal -- a rich fishing ground 230 kilometers (140 miles) off the Philippine island of Luzon -- since seizing it from the Philippines in 2012 following a tense standoff, and it holds at least seven of the Spratly Islands. Vietnam controls 21 rocks and reefs in the Spratlys, while the Philippines has outposts on nine reefs and islands in the archipelago. Taiwan holds the largest feature in the Spratlys, Itu Aba, while Malaysia controls five others. How do they assert their claims? For years, rival claimants have been building up the tiny reefs and islets to bolster their claims to ownership. China's land reclamation program has been particularly aggressive. In the past decade, it has ripped up thousands of hectares of reef in the archipelago to create militarized islands, with runways, ports and radar systems. China also deploys hundreds of coast guard and other vessels in key parts of the sea, often more than a thousand kilometers from the Chinese mainland, to guard particular features such as Scarborough and perform other security duties. Has there been military conflict? There have been two armed conflicts between China and Vietnam in the sea that killed more than 130 Vietnamese troops. Beijing gained control of the Paracel Islands in 1974 after clashes with the South Vietnamese Navy. The other major conflict occurred when Vietnam and China fought a naval battle on Johnson Reef in the Spratlys in 1988. Relations between China and the Philippines have been frayed by disputes over the waters, but incidents on the open sea have so far not resulted in military conflict. What are diplomats doing? The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China adopted a non-binding "declaration of conduct" in 2002 to discourage hostile acts. All sides agreed not to use threats or force to assert claims. But negotiations since then to turn it into a legally binding "code of conduct" have failed. Manila will host another round of talks this week. In 2013, the Philippines filed an international arbitration case against China. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in Manila's favor, declaring China's "nine-dash-line" has no legal basis. Beijing refused to take part in the proceedings and has ignored the judgment. The post Why is the South China Sea a flashpoint for Asia? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Proxies and agents
The country has been the focus of China’s foreign influence operations, or FIOs, over the past few years, which are activities that had intensified in parallel to the worsening situation in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines has been the focus for the bulk of the People’s Republic of China FIOs relating to the WPS, as much of the offshore territory claimed by the PRC in this area that lies within the Philippines’ EEZ, based on a report of Dr. Peter Chalk, a former senior analyst with the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA. United Front Work, which is a euphemism for covert activities in the Philippines, is allegedly undertaken mostly by five local groups: China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification, which promotes universal adherence to the CCP’s One China Principle by advocating against recognition of Taiwan and, presumably, its claims in the SCS; Chinese People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries, which works to foster cordial relations with other countries to “improve” their opinions of the PRC; China Overseas Friendship Association, which acts as a platform for information exchanges, and people-to-people links and provides networking across the global overseas China diaspora; and China Zhi Gong Party, which focuses on outreach to overseas Chinese individuals and communities. The groups act as proxies of the United Front Work Department, or UFWD, of the Chinese government which have specific tasks to coopt influential Filipinos and members of the Filipino-Chinese community into backing the PRC’s position on regional affairs. With respect to the WPS, the UFWD focuses on swaying businessmen, civic leaders, academics, journalists, and politicians to act as pliable conduits for promoting and endorsing Beijing’s presence in the littoral area. Chalk then recounted the overarching influence of Beijing that extended to the May 2022 national elections, when the UFWD reportedly attempted to manipulate candidates including one in northern Luzon, who was instrumental in Beijing’s effort to oppose the annual US-Philippines Balikatan exercise. “Though the drill ultimately went ahead, the official issued a statement that he would not support US forces rotating through two military bases” in his province, Chalk stressed. “This reticence may reflect that the governor remains under some degree of PRC influence, at least in terms of his opposition to an American military presence in strategically significant regions of the archipelago,” Chalk continued. Chalk also identified “pseudo-strategic think tanks” in the country as promoting one-sided analyses and commentaries supporting President Xi Jinping’s Indo-Pacific maritime policies. He cited the Philippines Association for China Studies, the Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Association, and the Integrated Development Studies Institute as examples. Apart from using these centers as a means for spreading pro-PRC propaganda, the UFWD has allegedly compromised these organizations’ senior leadership to penetrate the highest echelons of the Philippine government and security establishment. Chalk mentioned a case in point which was in August 2022, when the President of PACS had to withdraw his candidacy to become the deputy national security advisor to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after officials with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency sent an unsigned letter accusing him of having close links to China and selling classified information on the WPS disputes. The post Proxies and agents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OPM x K-POP: On Music Festival reveals first wave of performers
Two worlds will collide as On Music Festival brings OPM and K-pop’s best talents to one stage in November. On 13 August, Star Music PH announced on social media that ABS-CBN and South Korea’s entertainment brand KAMP will band together to mount the On Music Festival on 3 November at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. [caption id="attachment_171033" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Darren Espanto[/caption] “Filipino acts Moira Dela Torre and Darren Espanto join Korean acts SUHO of EXO and Wave to Earth for ‘ON MUSIC FESTIVAL’ — more artists to be announced soon,” said the announcement. Kim Jun-myeon, or Suho from South Korean mega group EXO, released two extended plays in previous years with Self-Portrait (2020) and Grey Suit (2022), featuring ballad rock to modern-indie rock tracks. Wave to Earth, a three-piece indie-rock band known for their whimsical, calming songs like “seasons,” “bad” and “light,” have trended on various social media platforms like Tiktok. [caption id="attachment_171034" align="aligncenter" width="525"] EXO's Suho[/caption] Joining Suho and Wave to Earth are Filipino artists Moira and Darren Espanto. Moira is known for her emotional, hugot songs and beautiful lyricism in songs such as “Malaya,” “Tagpuan” and “Paubaya.” Darren Espanto, meanwhile, who rose to prominence via the Voice Kids Philippines, has unveiled a more mature pop sound in his latest projects. More details, such as early bird tickets, ticket prices and the second wave of performers, are to be announced soon. The post OPM x K-POP: On Music Festival reveals first wave of performers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Over 60 local, int’l acts to grace Manila Improv Festival
Asia’s biggest improv festival is back. After six years, the Manila Improv Festival is now bigger than ever with over 20 local acts and 44 international acts from countries like Korea, Australia, Israel, USA, India, Japan, Singapore and more. Improvisational theater, or improv, is a form of theater where scenes and stories are created spontaneously and on the spot, inspired by audience suggestions. The result? One-of-a-kind shows that are filled with laughter and joy from the magic of spontaneity. With this year’s theme, “Brave the New,” the festival celebrates creative courage and fearless authenticity even in the face of change. Be ready to be treated to a hilarious festival filled with diverse stories, brave comedy and never-seen-before shows. The festival runs 7 to 10 September 2023 at the Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. Tickets out now at bit.ly/mif2023-tickets or via fb.com/manilaimprovfestival. The post Over 60 local, int’l acts to grace Manila Improv Festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Heinous crime on high seas
The West Philippine Sea has been a longstanding flashpoint in Southeast Asia due to the competing territorial claims between China and the Philippines. Amid the territorial dispute, a concerning incident occurred when China’s Coast Guard again fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is an atoll located in the Spratly Islands chain in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines claims Ayungin Shoal as part of its exclusive economic zone or EEZ, while China asserts its historical rights over the entire South China Sea, including areas claimed by neighboring countries. This is not the first time the Chinese Coast Guard committed provocative acts against Philippine vessels. Earlier, on March 2021, when the Philippine Coast Guard attempted to deliver supplies and rotate personnel stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal, the China Coast Guard intercepted the Philippine vessel and used water cannons to deter the resupply mission. The Sierra Madre is a scuttled, rusted Philippine Navy ship that serves as the country’s outpost on Ayungin. The firing of water cannons on Philippine vessels underscores the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea. Such provocative acts heighten the risk of a clash between the two countries’ naval forces, which would surely lead to further instability in the region. With other claimant states, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, having their own territorial disputes with China, any escalation of hostilities could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and peace. The latest water cannon incident further strains Philippines-China relations, which have been marred by territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea for years. The Philippines has consistently sought a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means and in adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. However, China’s assertive actions, including the deployment of its Coast Guard and maritime militia in the disputed waters, have challenged these efforts. The incident at Ayungin Shoal adds to the mistrust and animosity between the two countries, making the prospect of diplomatic negotiations more challenging. It also raises concerns among Filipinos about their country’s ability to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights in the face of China’s growing assertiveness in the region. The Ayungin Shoal incident is just one of many incidents that have contributed to the complexities of the West Philippine Sea dispute. China’s expansive claims and island-building activities in the area have raised concerns among other claimant states and the international community. The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s landmark ruling in 2016, which invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its EEZ, has not deterred China’s actions. China’s militarization of artificial islands and imposition of fishing restrictions further intensified tensions and escalated the territorial dispute. The water cannon incident reflects a broader pattern of behavior, where China uses its military and paramilitary forces to assert dominance and control over contested waters, challenging the norms of international law and UNCLOS. To achieve lasting peace and stability, it is crucial for all parties involved to uphold the principles of international law, including UNCLOS, and engage in diplomatic negotiations in good faith. Moreover, regional and international cooperation is essential to addressing the complexities of the West Philippine Sea dispute and promoting a peaceful resolution that will respect the rights and interests of all claimant states. Only through constructive dialogue and adherence to established norms can the countries in the region find a way to coexist peacefully and ensure the sustainable management of the West Philippine Sea’s resources for the benefit of all stakeholders. **** E-mail: mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post Heinous crime on high seas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The boat is… (error 404)
The boat is sinking… the boat is sinking… group yourselves into… two?.. three?.. or maybe four? Who is responsible for saving everybody? Oh no my dear readers, not me talking about the literal sinking of boats all happening recently, I’m talking about the game — “Boat is sinking.” You know, the simple icebreaker game where in the end we determine who is the least affected because they were saved after clinging to each other in a certain number declared by the game master. However, since this topic crossed our minds, let us refresh our memories about the horrible sea mishaps in the country and yes we are talking about boats, huge boats in case you are interested to know. Well, I know you do because it is Thirstday! We are always thirsty for facts and information, you silly. The most recent of course is the tragedy in Binangonan Rizal last week where 27 people lost their lives. One cannot help but ask, “Where are their life vests?” “Why are they overloaded?” “Who gave them the clearance to sail despite the bad weather?” “Whose responsibility is it? The captain or the Philippine Coast Guard?” I have the same questions myself. Let us not forget that three years ago, there was the Ilo-Ilo-Guimaras Strait Tragedy wherein 28 people died. Former President Rodrigo Duterte personally visited their wakes. Four Philippine Coast Guard personnel and two Marina officers were removed from their posts after the incident. I was personally there to cover the painful event with their relatives crying non-stop, as I witness it firsthand when I was still a news reporter. After that tragic event, a couple of recommendations floated in the water, including those from then-Transportation Secretary Art Tugade who said local boats should be modernized. Suggestions from relatives of the late victims stated that the designs of the local boats should be improved using aluminum materials and not wood. If we zoom out a bit, another terrifying sea tragedy in the Philippines is the tragic demise of 437 people aboard MV Princess of the Stars in 2008 after sailing despite Typhoon Frank. Out of the 800 plus passengers recorded, only 32 survived while the rest remain missing until now. Again, “Who is responsible?” is the same old question everyone is asking. In December 1987, the passenger vessel MV Doña Paz collided with an oil tanker MT Vector causing a deadly water inferno and one of Asia’s bloodiest sea accidents ever. Out of more than 4,000 passengers, only 24 survived. A simpleton may ask, out of the vastness of the sea, collision is still possible? The board of inquiry back then figured out several violations which are preventable in nature. Doña Paz had been refurbished to add two more decks to allow more passengers when its certificate of stability was only based on two and not four decks when it went down. It was not sea-worthy during the collision, but then again why was it allowed to sail in the first place? And MT Vector? Well, its crew are underqualified and some equipment and instruments are malfunctioning. Just like you, I have so many questions as well. Many maritime companies are still operating old inter-island ships and vessels whose seaworthiness may be questionable and oftentimes these boats are overloaded while passengers have no choice but to ride and pray for their safety. According to government records particularly Marina, the country has an average of 200 sea accidents every year. Mainly because of overloading, dysfunctional ships, bad weather and ship crew error. This is despite the countless directives of every administration and official to implement measures to avoid such accidents. Unfortunately, every year there is always a painful tragedy followed by finger-pointing on who should be blamed — government maritime agencies? Or the shipping industry? With more than 7,000 beautiful islands, ferry and boat travel are the most economical mode for many locals. We cannot stop people from riding even the most dangerous vessel for them. If we cannot yet build bridges to connect our islands due to lack of funds or due to the technological limits of the time, then let us start improving and modernizing the shipping and maritime industry. Why not infuse capital into our own shipbuilding production? Why not invest in our maritime schools to train more skilled crew members? Why not improve our system of checking whether it is good to sail or not? Why don’t we do the basic things we can to save lives? These measures will not only save lives but will contribute to the economy. When shall we wake up from this nightmare of neglect of the safety of life at sea? Do we need another horrific sea accident before we get our acts together? Are we not yet alarmed by the biggest sea mishaps that happened over time? Or do we not value lives as much as we value businesses? Well, your guess is as good as mine. We need to rally our efforts and stand together. All hands on deck! …because we are on the same boat, not the sinking one. The post The boat is… (error 404) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Divided ASEAN condemns Myanmar violence again, supports five-point plan
ASEAN foreign ministers on Thursday condemned violence in Myanmar again and repeated support for a peace plan ignored by its junta rulers, as the divided bloc struggled to find unity over the protracted crisis. Myanmar has been ravaged by deadly violence since a military coup ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government in February 2021, unleashing a bloody crackdown on dissent. A joint communique finally arrived late Thursday, more than a day after a two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations ministerial meeting ended as the fractured group wrangled over its content and wording. It said a five-point plan agreed with Myanmar's junta two years ago -- which they have failed to implement -- remained the bloc's best hope of solving the crisis, despite Thailand launching a separate track to ASEAN efforts in recent months. "We... reaffirmed our united position that the five-point consensus remains our main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar," it said. "We strongly condemned acts of violence, including air strikes, artillery shelling, and destruction of public facilities and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence (and) denounce any escalation." It asked all sides of the Myanmar conflict to "create a conducive environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and inclusive national dialogue." ASEAN chair Indonesia had on Wednesday urged a political solution to the crisis at two-day foreign minister talks. But more than two years after the coup, the divided 10-member bloc's peace efforts remain fruitless, as the junta ignores international criticism and refuses to engage with its opponents. A Southeast Asian diplomat attending the meetings told AFP on condition of anonymity the delay was because they were "working on the language on Myanmar". An early draft seen by AFP on Tuesday had left a section on Myanmar blank. The diplomat said some countries wanted outright re-engagement with the junta, while others said the five-point plan that aims to end the violence and renew talks must remain the basis for re-engagement. This confirmed the "deep divisions within ASEAN on the Myanmar issue", the diplomat added. Thai dialogue track Thailand has made its own initiative to speak directly with the Myanmar junta and other actors in the conflict. Last month, Bangkok hosted the junta's foreign minister for controversial "informal talks" that further split the bloc. Then on Wednesday, on the second day of ASEAN talks, Thailand's top diplomat announced that he met last week with Suu Kyi -- who has been detained since the coup, and jailed by a junta court for a total of 33 years. Don Pramudwinai said he met the Nobel laureate on Sunday in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw and that she was in "good health" and "encouraged dialogue". Don "freely discussed what he wanted" with Suu Kyi, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said in an audio statement posted by the military's information team Thursday, adding that her health was "good". On Thursday, Don told reporters: "It has been two years now, (and) not much improvement. So there must be re-engagement with Myanmar." 'Safe, stable, prosperous' Indonesia has said any other efforts must support ASEAN's existing five-point peace plan. Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir told reporters that all members were working towards the "same issue", which was ensuring that Southeast Asia was "a region that is safe, stable and prosperous". Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Jakarta had engaged in "quiet diplomacy" with all sides of the conflict, and in its seven months as chair had held more than 110 engagements concerning Myanmar. But analysts said Thailand was taking the lead on the crisis, undercutting ASEAN efforts and shifting the centre of negotiation to Bangkok. A Thai foreign ministry official declined to comment on Indonesia's work as ASEAN chair. The post Divided ASEAN condemns Myanmar violence again, supports five-point plan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Myanmar crisis to top agenda at ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting
ASEAN foreign ministers will gather in Indonesia on Tuesday for talks set to be dominated by the crisis in Myanmar, with the regional bloc divided over how or whether to reengage with the coup-wracked country's ruling junta. The two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting will be followed by talks with Beijing, Washington, and other powers where top US diplomat Antony Blinken will seek to push back on China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. ASEAN has long been decried as a toothless talking shop, and it remains split over diplomatic attempts to resolve the Myanmar crisis. The country has been ravaged by deadly violence since a military coup deposed Aung San Suu Kyi's government more than two years ago and unleashed a bloody crackdown on dissent. A Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP that "extra efforts" were being made in the days before the meeting to unite the group around the issue. However, the official was "not too optimistic" that would happen given that a "few members have different perspectives on how to approach the problem", they said. Myanmar remains an ASEAN member but has been barred from high-level meetings over the junta's failure to implement a five-point plan, agreed two years ago, to end the violence and restart negotiations to resolve the crisis. ASEAN efforts to kick-start the plan's execution have been fruitless, as the junta ignores international criticism and refuses to engage with its opponents. Thailand, meanwhile, hosted the junta's foreign minister for controversial "informal talks" last month, deepening the divisions between the ASEAN members that attended and abstained. 'Clearer' plan The bloc's initiatives are limited by its charter principles of consensus and noninterference, but analysts say the meeting could push members to do more. "It is hoped there will be a clearer implementation plan on what will ASEAN do going forward," Lina Alexandra of Jakarta-based think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies told AFP. The meeting would be a "crucial" opportunity for Indonesia as ASEAN chair to unite the regional bloc after the Thailand talks, she said. On Thursday, an ASEAN-plus-three ministerial meeting with Japan, South Korea, and China will take place ahead of an 18-nation East Asia Summit foreign ministers' meeting on Friday, which will also include Washington and Beijing. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is expected to attend the latter meeting, again putting him in the same room as US Secretary of State Blinken after a brief March meeting as Moscow's Ukraine invasion grinds on. Beijing's actions in the dispute-rife South China Sea will also be high on the agenda, Daniel Kritenbrink, the top US diplomat for East Asia, told reporters Saturday. China has made sweeping claims in the strategic waterway despite protests from ASEAN members Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as other nations who argue for unimpeded freedom of navigation and that their own territorial claims be respected. The United States and ASEAN will seek to "push back on behavior that runs counter to that vision and to those principles, including the many irresponsible acts that we've seen carried out by China over the last several years", Kritenbrink said. The post Myanmar crisis to top agenda at ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»