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Cool Smashers eye solo PVL lead
Creamline guns for the solo lead while Cignal seeks a share of it as the two collide in a battle of the giants Tuesday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena......»»
Panahon ng ‘tag-init’…opisyal nang idineklara ng PAGASA
IT’S summertime na mga ka-BANDERA! Ngayong araw, March 22, opisyal nang idineklara ng Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) ang pagsisimula ng “warm and dry season” o pahanon ng tag-init. Ang ibig sabihin niyan, natapos na ang epekto ng Amihan o North East Monsoon na nagdadala ng “cool breeze” o malamig na hangin......»»
Beat the Heat: Tips for Staying Cool at Work
Summer is just around the corner, and you know how hot the days get, especially with a looming El Niño — days would get hotter and hotter. Sometimes we can’t avoid going outside, especially during work. Whether you are going to meet a client somewhere around the city or just commuting to work, the heat […].....»»
People Power
A child asks her aunt to explain the People Power photographs on display at the MIC Cursillo House in Davao City on Sunday (25 February 2024), the 38th commemoration of the People Power Revolution. MindaNews photo by CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS.....»»
Coleen Garcia’s step-aunt stabbed to death, suspect arrested in Mandaluyong
Coleen Garcia says the suspect used to work as a carpenter for her father.....»»
PSID exhibit showcases cross-cultural designs
The Philippine School of Interior Design-Ahlen Institute Inc. resumes its tradition of showcasing the works of its graduating students through a public exhibition three years after being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Batch 2023’s Phusion exhibit opened last 2 October at the Greenfield Tower in Mandaluyong City and will run every day until the end of the month. “The residential spaces you enter feature cross-cultural design,” the institute’s dean, Dr. Carol Peña, said in her message to exhibition-goers. “Through this theme, PSID-Ahlen aims to showcase how culture influences interior design — and conversely, how interior design exemplifies culture — through the creative adaptation of various design elements and the reimagination of layout.” At the press launch held last Thursday, DAILY TRIBUNE had a walk-through with exhibit guide Jade Vinco, a fourth-year student on the publicity and promotions committee. The exhibit, which serves as the final requirement for graduation, has 12 booths divided among 44 students with a maximum of five members per grouping. For inspiration, each group was given a client, either solo or a couple, representing the mixed cultures they would be fusing to create a unique design for a pre-assigned house area. The students shouldered their expenses with some help from sponsors. [caption id="attachment_193559" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Per Ankh’ Antoinette Nicole Mercado, Joana Mannel Lipana, Katrin Miriel Araja, Janiz Karen Adlawan and Katrina Marie Balkin. | PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOCELYN VALLE FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE[/caption] Filipino x Egyptian: ‘Per Ankh’ Antoinette Nicole Mercado, Joana Mannel Lipana, Katrin Miriel Araja, Janiz Karen Adlawan and Katrina Marie Balkin chose to name their booth from the ancient Egyptian symbol per ankh, meaning “key of life.” But they came up with a very contemporary and homey take on the melding of cultures between a newlywed couple, one Filipino and the other Egyptian, as their clients. Thus, the choices and placements of cultural references — (from the Philippines) Malakas at Maganda, the Bulul and (from Egypt) pyramid pharaoh — look like personal belongings rather than museum pieces. The writings in hieroglyphics (meaning “ikaw at ako, habangbuhay”) and Baybayin (meaning “ikaw ang tahanan”) also make complementary effect. Another well-thought-out cultural fusion is exemplified by the pair of Egyptian interlocking chairs with cushions made of Maranao malong and a backrest in solihiya. [caption id="attachment_193561" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Buhay Ubuntu’ by Sofia Pascual, Cheska Mendoza, Sophia Chelsea Yling and Chloe Carpio.[/caption] Filipino x South African: ‘Buhay Ubuntu’ Sofia Pascual, Cheska Mendoza, Sophia Chelsea Yling and Chloe Carpio discovered the Philippines has many things in common with South Africa. The acacia tree, for instance, is where animals hide in safaris. That’s why they chose a dining set made in solid acacia wood and had it shaped round so their clients, a retired couple, could have a “personal dining experience with their guests.” They also took note of the similarities of Bahay Kubo to the traditional Tswana and Sotho huts in South Africa. Thus, the thatched roofs are made from synthetic materials. The other materials, though, are natural as both cultures utilize what they can find from their surroundings. [caption id="attachment_193562" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘FILLENIUM’ by Michelle Bagro, Rovina Manuel, Rosana Bandola and Romeo Gabriel Conge.[/caption] Filipino x American: ‘Fillenium’ Michelle Bagro, Rovina Manuel, Rosana Bandola and Romeo Gabriel Conge felt challenged designing a kitchen for their client, a Filipino-American in his 20s with a partner who’s a chef. The American influence is so prevalent that they had difficulties zeroing in on just one aspect. They finally decided to focus on the Hollywood Regency style born during the golden era of the world’s movie capital from the 1920s to the 1950s. Thus, the bold colors, specifically blue, with metallic accents and, of course, the iconic black-and-white tiles. A giant pair of kutsara’s tinidor serves as a centerpiece for some Pinoy reference and perhaps humor. [caption id="attachment_193550" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Relajarse’ by Maui Severino.[/caption] Filipino-Nicaraguan: ‘Relajarse’ Maui Severino opted to singlehandedly conceptualize the booth she’s named after the Spanish word for “relax.” She has an actual client — her aunt, a nurse married to a Nicaraguan and currently based in Hawaii. The bathroom she designed comes with a walk-in closet. It also has gold accents because “gold is Nicaragua’s main export.” Then there are Filipino elements, such as solihiya cabinets and closets, as well as ceilings made of abaca. Plus, the potted Monstera Deliciosa plants. It feels like being transported into Central or Latin America. Filipino x Brazilian: ‘A Diversao’ Irish Monique Cube, Reichel Alessandra Baytan and Chey De Guzman confessed to breaking away from their usual muted colors to vibrant hues in designing the den for their client. They then chose Brazilian elements with an organic connection with nature and colors inspired by the Amazon. From the Filipino side, they decided to use natural elements and materials. Thus, the padded walls and banig ceilings also serve as sound absorbers as their clients love music and to party. Filipino-French: ‘L’Amour du Monde Entier’ Alma Marie Lacman, Glovelle Palileo, Kristin Dominique Ramos and Sophia Ejercito designed a decidedly fused Filipino and French design for their client, a supermodel now married to a French national. They mixed the airiness and spaciousness of the French design with the Filipino references. Check out the Luna painting and the Banaue Rice Terraces. Filipino x Scandinavian: ‘Lagom’ Stephen Michael Chan, Maria Beatriz Guiterrez, Nicolette Lee and Carl Lois Mico cleverly and beautifully melded Filipino and Scandinavian elements to create an inviting and exciting dining area. There are mixed dining chairs, including a bench inspired by the bangko. For drama, there’s an accent wall, where, at first glance, “medyo nakatago pa ang accessories,” and then the Filipino elements are revealed. Then there’s a daybed at the back because Filipinos love to have a siesta after a meal. Filipino-English: ‘A Bachelor’s Tavern’ Regine Calupitan, Marielle Marzan, Izabela Galanto and Ailene Carino designed a British kitchen for their client, a Filipino-English rugby player. Thus, the choice of the Chesterfield furniture, which the aristocrats prefer because their clothes don’t get creased. The ambiance also resembles a pub but is elevated. Filipino-Italian: ‘Semantika’ Jana Loise Cruz, Sophia Denise Ignacio and Jeyna Francesa Meria were inspired by their clients’ love story that started in the heart of Milan in designing a romantic and opulent bathroom. They chose accent pieces highlighting both cultures’ craftsmanship and went for an open layout. There’s a bathtub because Italians supposedly love long baths and a garden outside to invite nature in. [caption id="attachment_193555" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘YAKKA’ by Kharen Urbano, Franchesca Eunice Co, Kristine Sempio and Kat Calloy.[/caption] Filipino-Australian: ‘Yakka’ Kharen Urbano, Franchesca Eunice Co, Kristine Sempio and Kat Calloy designed an office-cum-den that can be used for a studio condo unit. There’s a working station for the client who runs his own business. Then there’s a spot for relaxation with a hammock to boot! They also used wildlife and Outback inspirations and an original artwork echoing the Great Barrier Reef. [caption id="attachment_193557" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘PearL of the Orient Meet Prosperity’ by Victor Flores, Kaila Laido, Sophia Serrano and Jade Vinco[/caption] Filipino-Japanese: ‘Peart of the Orient Meet Prosperity’ Victor Flores, Kaila Laido, Sophia Serrano and Jade Vinco decided on a round concept for the bedroom they designed for their client. They explained that there’s a round shape in both the Philippine and Japanese flags. The number eight is also considered in Japanese culture. [caption id="attachment_193564" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘KANLUNGAN’ by Karen Cabalquinto, Isobel Merici Dator, Erica Leona Chua and Sheina Rose Gina[/caption] Filipino-Persian: ‘Kanlungan’ Karen Cabalquinto, Isobel Merici Dator, Erica Leona Chua and Sheina Rose Gina opted for a Filipino name to call their booth as it perfectly describes the coziness of the bedroom they designed for their client, who has two kids. They said having a bedroom with two sections in Iran is customary, so they did exactly that. They also used Persian floral patterns and other elements, Filipino elements, such as mahogany wood and Bulacan pattern furniture. The post PSID exhibit showcases cross-cultural designs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cato: Evidence vs Alpha ‘strong’
Krizelle Dianne Respicio yesterday snapped back at two people who had worked for her at Alpha Assistenza SRL, the company now at the center of a visa procurement scandal involving Filipinos seeking jobs in Italy. In an unsigned post that has since been deleted on Alpha Assistenza’s official Facebook account, the agency issued a statement denying Respicio had implicated her aunt, Arlyn Pangan, in any scam. Consul general speaks Pangan, along with Socorro Velasquez who is now cooperating with Philippine authorities investigating Alpha Assistenza, was tagged by some of the complainants as a “runner” for Respicio. Alpha Assistenza said “Ms. Pangan has denied making these statements written” by this reporter. Pangan, however, yesterday stood by her story that was based on her face-to-face interview with DAILY TRIBUNE and Usapang OFW last Friday. The consul general to Milan, Elmer Cato, had issued a statement in a report by TV Patrol on Sunday. “We have strong evidence to prosecute this case, through lawyers here (Italy) and in the Philippines,” Cato said, apparently referring to Respicio and her partner and co-CEO Frederick Dutaro. Cato has denied coddling Respicio and Dutaro and, in an earlier statement by the consulate, averred that they had been undertaking a “case build-up” against the couple’s company. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega also met with the Filipino community in Milan to look into the cases of illegal recruitment there. To recall, Pangan said that she had agreed to help Respicio because she was family, adding that the Alpha Assistenza co-CEO also offered to help her facilitate her trip to Italy so she could get cancer treatment there. The second employee Alpha Assistenza also hit out at Jeffrey Villalon, the creator of its website who also approached DAILY TRIBUNE to “spill the beans” on the company which, he said, promised to bring him back to Italy at no cost to him. Alpha Assistenza claimed Villalon was never its “marketing manager” although he built the Alpha Assistenza website. “Our website had been under the control of Jeffrey Liwanag Villalon, who had been asking me for money and refused me access thereto,” the Alpha Assistenza post said. Respicio appeared on a news report by ANC’s TV Patrol on Sunday to deny all claims of illegal recruitment allegedly committed by Alpha Assistenza. “We vehemently deny that there were illegal activities perpetrated by Alpha Assitenza. I am not hiding. I am not escaping,” Respicio said. The post Cato: Evidence vs Alpha ‘strong’ 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......»»
BBM: Our calm, kind, gentle President
The most challenging thing is to write an essay about the country’s President who is celebrating his birthday. I should probably go back to the years when he was the “crush ng bayan.” From London, he would come home for vacation and would be met at the airport by his doting parents, with his mother kissing him on the forehead. He was very fashionable, from his haircut to his clothes and, well, he was the epitome of “cuteness” as cute could be. He did not sport long hippie hair but had bangs and his lips were well-pronounced. His mom took pride in his looks. “Kamukha ko (he looks like me),” she would say. Bongbong grew into the Oxford student who would come home and occasionally appear on television. I recall in 1973, he and his friends danced the latest craze on live television. He was, by then, oozing with appeal, his shy and boyish smile adding to the enigma that comes with being the president’s son. Many years later, I saw him when he and his sister Irene graced the opening of a project in Isabela. I am trying to remember if it was for natural gas or the largest dam in Asia. But he was there on the stage set up at the Cauayan airport, looking fresh and friendly, although he was smiling at everyone and no one in particular. I stood alone, away from the other welcomers, and somehow got him to look at me. I looked at him like I was telling him I know you or we know each other, and he stared back, smiling too, looking like he was wondering if he might have seen me before somewhere. It was one of my tricks. [caption id="attachment_183135" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The President has a long way to go, but that’s no reason for him to relax and wait for things to happen. | Photograph courtesy of BBM FB[/caption] Much would be said of the young gentleman, of his not being who he was supposed to be because he had died somewhere. Also, that he had killed someone who had called his father a dictator. Bongbong Marcos, for better or worse, was the fodder for both favorable and malicious talk. He became governor of Ilocos Norte in the mid-1980s when he took over from his aunt, Elizabeth Keon. At the same time, he wore the military uniform of the officer rank bestowed on him by his father, the President. Moving fast forward, Bongbong Marcos became a congressman and a senator, ran for vice president, and lost. Sometime after he caught Covid-19. After he had lost the vice-presidential contest and was protesting its result, he appeared on Daily Tribune’s online show, Spotlight. I remember only a little, not because he or his remarks were forgettable, but I blame my old age for not remembering. But I recall a pleasant interview, for he was relaxed and calm, and while he seemed occupied by his electoral protest, he was at the same time accepting of it. It was the Marcoses’ turn to be cheated, people said. The next presidential election had him and Leni Robredo, along with others, slugging it out. And while everyone had taken to microphones to condemn and attack him and his father, martial law and the dictatorship, he remained silent. He chose not to participate in the debates, leaving it to his supporters and fans to fight back for him. One UP professor who may have been unbiased took a liking to him, like an older woman in love for the first time, gushing over the assets of a fine, young, sexy gentleman. But that was not unexpected. Bongbong Marcos, after all, was the “crush ng bayan” from the time he was a teenager. Today, he is the President of the Philippines. I was talking with one youthful matron who possesses both beauty and wisdom and whose family was best known to be in the opposition against the Marcoses. She said that when President Rodrigo Duterte began his term, she gave him a chance to prove himself because he had been elected. As her gauge for the success of a presidency had much to do with how the stock market fared, she was disappointed because stocks dived very low to the depths. She gave RRD a failing mark. When BBM became President, she also gave him a “chance.” She told me, “I have yet to see what will happen next because he has just finished his first year, and it is too early to know how well or evil he has done. The people elected him, he is now the President, so let’s give him a chance.” The woman’s statement, I believe, more or less sums up the general feeling of the Filipino people. Here is one President perceived to be good and kind, and one who is not to be feared compared to his father or even his daring and feisty elder sister. One would hear, “Matatakot kayo pag si Imee ang presidente (You would be afraid if Imee were president),” which is people’s way of saying what they feel and think about the Marcos siblings. So, we have a kind President who has had to deal with all kinds of issues and problems: Typhoons, the pandemic, and now the rice shortage. I have always been a BBM fan (after all, he was “crush ng bayan” in our youth), and even if he had not become a statesman in the tradition of many of our top legislators, one thinks of him as a pleasant guy who plays it cool and is lovable. Now comes a wife who is perceived to be running the show. All because, like it or not, she has the educational credentials; she proved herself in the Big Apple; and as her husband himself would tell one and all, she has excellent organizational abilities. She ran the campaign, many would assume, although she much preferred to keep to the sidelines. Like it or not, Liza Marcos, the First Lady, is a potent mover in this administration. Her many worthy projects in the creative industry, health care, education, and environment, along with her brand of diplomatic maneuvering using Filipiniana fashion as a vehicle for international friendship, bode well for this administration. We got two leaders for one vote, and we are better off as a nation. To the President’s credit, he recognizes the role his wife plays in his administration, and that speaks of a man secure in his position as the head of his family. Regarding cronyism, BBM has his friends in the business sector, top men and women, titans and tycoons, czars and magnates, who accompany him on his travels abroad. One of them described their roles as similar to those of club guest relations officers — entertaining guests and clients. We are told that they talk with their counterparts on the international scene, wherever the presidential itinerary takes them. Hence, the public does not see the usual kind of cronies who are there for what they could take. These friends want to help because if this administration succeeds and the economy improves, the Filipino people, including the business sector, will live better lives. The greatest challenge to BBM, everyone perceives, is the conflict with China over the West Philippine Sea. In this regard, BBM has proved to be wise, circumspect and decisive. He has the backing of the international community and his people. We hope he will pass the test, because if he passes it we are all together the victors. BBM deserves our prayers and hopes for the best of his administration. If he succeeds, and we hope he does, we will rise as a people. The President has a long way to go, but that’s no reason for him to relax and wait for things to happen. There are some things that people feel he should handle with steel gloves, akin to his father’s style, and that is up for him to decide. A kind and gentle President may be all we need to make this nation great again, and there’s Bongbong Marcos to take on the role and fulfill the promise of a happy, progressive, and peaceful country and people. BBM is not only the best-looking President, but the kindest and, of late, the most eloquent, as he is proving himself to be. He is also the coolest. The post BBM: Our calm, kind, gentle President appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Visiting the quiet town where Audrey Hepburn once lived
One cold and rainy winter morning while on a visit to Switzerland, Peter and Badette Navarette got me inside their car for a trip to Vaud somewhere north of Lake Geneva to visit his aunt. “Pete’s Tita” lived in Tolochenaz, a small, quiet town where fenced-in chateaus alternate with quaint cottages and with small farms......»»
Sky-high irony
Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific, a budget airline that always manages to raise eyebrows, has once again blessed us with a seat sale. Oh, how lucky can we be? The airline has hyped up anew its marketing mantra that “Every Juan flies,” only weeks after being forced during a congressional hearing to confront 3,000 complaints of irate customers over its endearing practice of overbooking flights and offloading passengers. To be obstinately hooked on the jingle of cash registers while ignoring the suffering of your paying customers takes a unique kind of expertise, of being able to remain deadpan and sleep at night through the turmoil of your aggravated passengers. For many of those who attended the hearings, Cebu Pacific only cares about the cold ca-ching of its cash registers. No doubt, the seat sale it resurrected last week would result in more passengers being kicked off flights. Overbooking and the accompanying forced passenger dumping, in Cebu Pacific’s vision of reality, well, there’s just a “slight chance” of that. That’s a joke, right? But no one’s laughing, as the joke is on us, the public. Let the sentence hang there for a while. “Slight chance,” they say in an entry on airlineratings.com, as though they’re talking about the prospect of seeing a rare unicorn galloping around the departure gate. But no, this is not about fantastical creatures; rather, it is about reservations piling up on a shaky table like a house of cards. It involves accepting the idea of reserved seating as merely a suggestion, a fun idea to play around with. That is if your idea of fun is being forced to reprise the role of Tom Hanks in the movie, The Terminal. Speaking of whimsical, have you ever heard of their brilliant response to situations in which appeals to “volunteers not to travel on their booked flights” fall on deaf ears? Cebu Pacific has your inconvenience covered, so do not be alarmed. They’ve cleverly reserved the power to refuse boarding to travelers “involuntarily,” or against their will, if involuntarily is not clear enough. This translates to passengers gnashing their teeth, pulling their hair, and tearing up their shirts all they want at CebuPac’s check-in counters, without any chance of boarding a flight for which they’d been sold “reserved” seats. However, let’s not limit our discussion to Cebu Pacific’s poetic handling of passenger interactions. Let’s explore the drama that occurred during the probe of the Senate Committee on Tourism. Senators turned their attention to the airline’s fervent devotion to overbooking as the cause of this comedy of errors, becoming unimpressed by the inventive justifications offered by the company for canceled flights and interminable delays. One senator related tales of suffering and annoyance from her own staff as well as from other passengers. Inevitably, as the hours passed, the hearing evolved into a “grief-sharing session.” People stepped up, spilling stories of delayed flights and canceled hopes. If you will, picture a traveler hoping to leave Tokyo but being compelled to crash on the chilly, hard floor of Narita International Airport. Her offense? Having faith in Cebu Pacific to deliver even the most basic amenities. Then there was the dentistry board exam that was almost missed. How about the flight to Cebu from Manila that was diverted to Busuanga and the haggling that followed to force Cebu Pacific to honor its “Passenger Rights” guarantee of free hotel accommodations? The cherry on top? While those who had been put through the wringer were left wondering how the airline’s priorities seemed to be joyously dancing in the skies, the examinee’s lucky aunt, all the way from Australia, managed to score a ticket for a lovely fee. The spokespersons of Cebu Pacific did, however, exhibit some artistic talent. Lightning strikes, bird crashes, and even runway debris were included in the gallery of “freak incidents” they presented as the causes of their errors. During the sleeper hearing, the way Cebu Pacific’s flight operations unfolded resembled an elaborate opera, complete with loud fights and dramatic exits, as if the cosmos had conspired to make it happen. But what was the highlight of Cebu Pacific’s ludicrous theater? Respect for the “Air Passenger Bill of Rights.” To pledge loyalty to rights that seem to exist only in the world of press releases is a truly great gesture. Amid this flying fiasco, passengers may wonder if they are only pawns in a much bigger game when the airline offers its earnest apologies, makes a few promises, and reveals plans for standby aircraft as if they were doing magic. So here we are, seeing the re-erection of Cebu Pacific’s circus tent of antics. Seat sale? Rubbish. The post Sky-high irony appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sen. Risa dons a modern take on the baro’t saya at the SONA
The Philippine weaving tradition is the designer’s (Joel Acebuche) inspiration for Senator Risa Hontiveros’ ensemble, translating it into a modern Baro’t Saya. The senator is wearing a hand-embroidered piña calado, woven by the women weavers of Lumban. The bodice is made of piña fabric cut into strips and woven into a banig-like pattern. She is also wearing a pair of shoes soulfully made by Zapateria—a century-old Marikina shoemaker. The shoes also have a woven design named after the senator’s aunt, Leonor, and a hand-woven tikog purse made from Samar. The post Sen. Risa dons a modern take on the baro’t saya at the SONA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pia at her best
Half way into 2023 and Pia Wurtzbach continues to win the year with her recent marriage with Jeremy Jauncey and being able to balance and conquer work, family duties and health goals. Pia has always been vocal about her health goals as one of her biggest focuses for the year and achieving this not only involved improving her fitness track record to feel and look her best, but also maintaining a healthy diet so she can take on this journey that she is on. As a health advocate, Pia always chooses food that’s best for her health. Her go-to is Century Tuna. Whether if it’s for a breakfast or a snack, Century Tuna boasts a good amount of protein and Omega 3 DHA. And it’s easy to prepare and mixes well for a variety of dishes. “I know how challenging it is for everyone to eat healthy because of many reasons. I always get so busy with my schedule and work. That is why having easy-to-make meals with Century Tuna has been the best option for me. I can simply make a quick post-gym snack or come-up with a hearty meal for lunch or dinner,” shared Pia. Aside from maintaining her health, Pia has also prioritized her quality time with loved ones before she embarked on her new journey as a newlywed wife to her partner Jeremy Jauncey. She has always been family-centered. She treasures being a doting aunt to her niece Lara and nephew Logan and when she’s not training for a marathon, Pia always makes it a point to make the most out of her free time by bonding with her family. The post Pia at her best appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Proud tita gifted nephew with P100,000 garland
An aunt gifted her nephew with P100,000 worth of money garland during the latter's moving-up ceremony. That's 100 pieces of P1,000 bills arranged in a shape of a garland! Shiela Mae Enad Magtoto took online her happiness, showing how proud she was of seeing her nephew Justin Lee Enad excel in his schooling. She shared on social media some pictures of her and Justin at the 8th Junior High School Commencement Exercises of Notre Dame of Matalam school in North Cotabato. "Wish Granted. Congratulations koy! Justin Lee Enad. Bahalag walay medal basta may 100k lang," Sheila said to her nephew, adding he would get bigger rewards next time if he will remain a "good boy". The post Proud tita gifted nephew with P100,000 garland appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The six-meter club
There was some confusion as to how many pole vaulters had breached the six-meter mark after EJ Obiena joined the elite club last weekend. Depending on the source, Obiena was reported to be either the 26th or 27th to clear the six-meter bar. Luckily, Obiena’s long-time benefactor Jim Lafferty sent over a comprehensive list assembled from World Athletics data by the athlete’s aunt Edna to settle the issue......»»
5 awesome local Google Doodles that made Filipinos proud
This year, the Philippines celebrates its 125th Independence Day from the Spanish — remembering and honoring our freedom to be proud as Filipinos is always a cause for celebration. For a long time now, Google has stood in solidarity with the Philippines. And one of the many ways they show that support is through occasional Filipino-themed Google Doodles, beyond the Philippine Independence Day Doodle. To get in the Pinoy Pride spirit this Independence Day, here are five Google Doodles worth revisiting: Jose Rizal’s 158th birthday No Filipino pride celebration is complete without honoring the country’s greatest hero. Google paid tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal back in 2019 with a Doodle that put the hero’s visage front and center, flanked by “Google” stylized similarly to the famous original cover of Noli Me Tangere, one of his two masterpiece novels — both of which are included at the bottom of the illustration. As an added touch, the opening passages of the novel are written in the artwork’s background, while the quill and the magnifying glass bordering it refer to Rizal’s professions as a writer and ophthalmologist. The Adobo Doodle To celebrate Filipino culture is also to celebrate its food, which is why Google put everyone’s favorite adobo front and center earlier this year. The mouthwatering illustration by Filipino-American Google artist Anthony Irwin calls back to the savory goodness of adobo, which is always enjoyed in different and unique ways among different cooks, households, and restaurants. The legendary Las Piñas Bamboo Organ This 2019 Doodle commemorating the 195th anniversary of the creation of the oldest, largest, and only bamboo pipe organ in the whole world brought immense pride to the Philippines. The Doodle is simple and powerful: the Gs, L, and E of Google were rendered in bamboo pipes, while the two Os are signified by the full organ. If you haven’t visited this at the St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas, this is your sign to do it now. The colorful Regatta de Zamboanga With has 7,107 islands, the Philippines offers colorful rituals and traditions that are worth seeing. This includes the vivid Regatta de Zamboanga, a fluvial race held every October comprised of vintas, outrigger boats with vibrant and intricate sails. Google’s Doodle celebrating the Regatta last October is in-your-face, just like the parade of dazzling vintas — nothing complicated, just a bevy of boats with sails spelling out Google. Rosa Sevilla de Alvero’s 142nd Birthday Rsa Rosa Sevilla de Alvero is a journalist, educator, and activist who is widely considered one of the most influential suffragists in Filipino history. As a child, she was sent to live with her aunt, an educator who hosted Filipino patriots and intellectuals at her home. Sevilla often eavesdropped on their conversations about battling educational colonialism — revolutionary discussions that helped mold her beliefs. At just 21, Alvero founded the Instituto de Mujeres of Manila, one of the first schools for women. The post 5 awesome local Google Doodles that made Filipinos proud appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Delivery rider faces better future through Hapag Movement, Tzu Chi Foundation
At 27, delivery rider Angemar Abot has big responsibilities. He and his wife are raising a six-year-old, and another is on the way. Three of his siblings are also still in school in need of support. That’s why despite qualms about shuffling all his tasks, Abot signed up for a technical-vocational training offered by Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines through its partnership with Globe. The Hapag Movement is Globe’s banner program that aims to help address involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and sustainable livelihood programs that provide education, training, and mentorship. By partnering with various organizations, Globe creates opportunities for marginalized members of society to upskill and uplift their lives. Under the training program of Tzu Chi Foundation, a Hapag Movement implementing partner, Abot completed a two-month ‘Refrigerator and Air-conditioning’ Course, which provides hands-on training under a scholarship covering tuition, school supplies, transportation allowance, and an assessment fee with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Abot initially hesitated to enroll, as it may take away from his main source of livelihood — his delivery job. But he challenged himself as he saw the training as a way towards better earning capacity. “If I studied from 8 a.m. to 5 pm, where was I going to get the resources for our daily needs?” said Abot, who learned about the scholarship through his aunt, a Tzu Chi volunteer active in the foundation’s upcycling initiative. “But I also saw it as a good opportunity because everything is free. All I had to do was show up. If I finish the course at Tzu Chi, I would have more and better work options. So I focused on my family’s future rather than the hardships I was facing,” he said. It was a difficult road for Abot, who had to immediately go to work once classes ended at 5 p.m. But his perseverance paid off when he completed the program, and he is now equipped with skills and knowledge that put him at an advantage in the workforce. Through the experience, he also learned about the importance and purpose of life. “I learned to give, not because I have much, but because I know exactly how it feels to have nothing. It’s really hard when you have nothing. But you don’t have to be rich or wait to be rich to help. Whatever you have, no matter how small, you are blessed and you should share it with others,” he said. Thanks to Tzu Chi and its involvement in the Hapag Movement, Abot is now looking forward to a brighter future, one where he will be able to better provide for his family. There are plenty more people like Abot who need help, and the Hapag Movement is determined to make sure they are provided with the same opportunities. Being a leading digital solutions platform, Globe is leveraging technology to provide a way to drive collective action towards achieving sustainable and inclusive development for families experiencing involuntary hunger. Aside from providing supplemental feeding, the Hapag Movement, through its partners, also provides micro-entrepreneurship training and support for community-based cooperatives, and assistance with job placements. The post Delivery rider faces better future through Hapag Movement, Tzu Chi Foundation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Delivery rider sees better future with help from Hapag Movement, Tzu Chi Foundation
At 27, delivery rider Angemar Abot has big responsibilities. He and his wife are raising a six-year-old, and another is on the way. Three of his siblings are also still in school in need of support. That’s why despite qualms about shuffling all his tasks, Abot signed up for a technical-vocational training offered by Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines through its partnership with Globe. [caption id="attachment_137852" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Angemar Abot[/caption] The Hapag Movement is Globe’s banner program that aims to help address involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and sustainable livelihood programs that provide education, training and mentorship. By partnering with various organizations, Globe creates opportunities for marginalized members of society to upskill and uplift their lives. Under the training program of Tzu Chi Foundation, a Hapag Movement implementing partner, Abot completed a two-month Refrigerator and Air-conditioning Course that provides hands-on training under a scholarship, covering tuition, school supplies, transportation allowance and an assessment fee with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Abot initially hesitated to enroll, as it may take away from his main source of livelihood — his delivery job. But he challenged himself as he saw the training as an opportunity to earn better. “But I also saw it as a good opportunity because everything is free. All I had to do was show up. If I finish the course at Tzu Chi, I would have more and better work options. So I focused on my family’s future rather than the hardships I was facing,” said Abot, who learned about the scholarship through his aunt, a Tzu Chi volunteer active in the foundation’s upcycling initiative. It was a difficult road for Abot, who had to immediately go to work once classes ended at 5 p.m. But his perseverance paid off when he completed the program, and he is now equipped with skills and knowledge that put him at an advantage in the workforce. Thanks to Tzu Chi and its involvement in the Hapag Movement, Abot is now looking forward to a brighter future, one where he will be able to better provide for his family. There are plenty more people like Abot who need help, and the Hapag Movement is determined to make sure they are provided with the same opportunities. Being a leading digital solutions platform, Globe is leveraging technology to provide a way to drive collective action toward achieving sustainable and inclusive development for families experiencing involuntary hunger. Aside from providing supplemental feeding, the Hapag Movement, through its partners, also provides micro-entrepreneurship training and support for community-based cooperatives, and assistance with job placements. Those who want to send support to the Hapag Movement may donate via the GlobeOne app using Globe Rewards points. Donations may also be made using GCash or via credit card on the Globe of Good website. The post Delivery rider sees better future with help from Hapag Movement, Tzu Chi Foundation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aloguinsan stabbing: Nephew kills aunt over ‘tapped’ electric power connection
CEBU CITY, Philippines — An argument over the cutting off of electric power to his house pushed a 35-year-old man over the edge, causing him to stab and kill his 61-year-old aunt in the afternoon of May 18 in Aloguinsan town in southwestern Cebu. Police Captain Jose Dante Talandron, acting Aloguinsan Police Station chief, said […] The post Aloguinsan stabbing: Nephew kills aunt over ‘tapped’ electric power connection appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Wake-up call
What lies ahead? Head trauma. A septuagenarian aunt of a friend was visiting from the United States and accidentally hit her head when she slipped in the bathroom. There was no loss of consciousness or visible contusions. Five days later, she complained of severe headache. A CT scan was done and revealed intracranial hemorrhage, which […] The post Wake-up call appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»