It’s not over for Marlon
Marlon Tapales could’ve taken a safe route in defending his WBA and IBF superbantamweight titles against a no-risk challenger but opted to go for all the marbles in a bid to make hi.....»»
Amparo, Taduran fight for challenger status
Amparo, Taduran fight for challenger status.....»»
NU, UST begin SSL title duel
Reigning champion National U and challenger University of Santo Tomas lock horns in an all-UAAP duel as the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Collegiate Pre-Season Championship reaches a thrilling finale today at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila......»»
Indonesia’s three-way presidential race set as deadline nears
The candidates for next year's Indonesian presidential election were set Wednesday, with septuagenarian former special forces general Prabowo Subianto and his running mate, the president's son, seen as the frontrunners. Nearly 205 million eligible voters can cast their ballot on 14 February, with the winner set to succeed President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, after he completes the maximum two terms ruling Southeast Asia's biggest economy. Three candidates -- defence minister Subianto, former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo and former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan -- confirmed their run for the presidency before Wednesday's midnight deadline. Subianto and Widodo's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka were joined by supporters and a marching band in their journey to the election commission on Wednesday, both dressed in baby blue shirts after attending a concert by tens of thousands at a central Jakarta arena. "We... ask for the blessing from all Indonesians. We are now facing a very important point in the history of Indonesia," said Subianto. "We are at a point where we can rise and become an Indonesia that is great... and an Indonesia where the natural resources are utilised optimally for all." The presence of Jokowi's son on the ticket has fuelled criticism that the president is trying to create a political dynasty in the world's third-largest democracy, an allegation he denies. Just before the registration deadline, the constitutional court -- led by Widodo's brother-in-law -- controversially ruled that candidates under 40 years old can run for office if they have served in a regional position. Thirty-six-year-old Raka, who is mayor of Surakarta city, would otherwise have been ineligible to contest the vice presidency. Several polls have put Subianto, 72, marginally ahead of his nearest rival Pranowo. This is his third run at the top office after losing to Widodo in the previous two elections. The incumbent defence chief, a former son-in-law of Indonesia's late dictator Suharto, remains dogged by allegations of his role in human rights abuses in Jakarta, restive province Papua and breakaway nation East Timor, but has never been charged. Widodo's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle has chosen Pranowo as its candidate. He is viewed as a figure from a humble background and was initially touted as the favourite, but his popularity fell after he opposed Israel's participation in this year's U20 World Cup, with FIFA subsequently stripping Indonesia's hosting rights. He has announced chief security minister Mahfud MD as his running mate. The third challenger Baswedan is favoured by conservative Muslims in the Muslim-majority country and chose the chairman of the Islamist National Awakening Party (PKB), Muhaimin Iskandar, as his running mate. The next president will be sworn in next October, the elections commission said. The post Indonesia’s three-way presidential race set as deadline nears appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chooks 3x3 scores upsets
Manila Chooks! pulled off a giant upset yesterday in Doha, Qatar with a 14-12 overtime win over world No. 3 Antwerp TOPdesk of Belgium in the level-9 FIBA 3x3 EXPO Al Bidda Park Challenger......»»
Ecuador officials fired as 7th ‘assassin’ slain in prison
Another suspect in the assassination of a presidential candidate in Ecuador has died in prison, the same fate that befell six other suspects to the crime at another penal facility. The prison authority reported Saturday the killing of the Colombian suspect at the El Inca prison in Quito as President Guillermo Lasso announced the sacking of the police force’s general commander, investigations chief and prisons director. Lasso’s office also said it will file a criminal complaint against the director of the Guayaquil prison, where the six prisoners were said to have died amid “disturbances.” “He has already been detained... to give his version before the prosecutor’s office,” the presidency said. Authorities have not provided details on the inmate deaths, nor explained how the Quito prison failed to provide extra protection for the seventh suspect following Friday’s killings. All dead victims were arrested and detained in August over their alleged involvement in the assassination of anti-corruption crusader Fernando Villavicencio. The centrist candidate who had been polling in second place was gunned down days ahead of the 20 August as he left a stadium where he held a campaign rally. One suspected assassin was killed by police responding to the shooting of Villavicencio, while another six were arrested. The suspects’ deaths come just over a week before the election between leftist frontrunner Luisa Gonzalez and challenger Daniel Noboa. The winner of the 15 October vote will succeed Lasso, who called snap polls to avoid possible impeachment for embezzlement. The post Ecuador officials fired as 7th ‘assassin’ slain in prison appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Derelict destroyer
Since being invaded by Russia in February 2022, Ukraine has become a testing ground for the most advanced but untested weapons and other military hardware. After anti-missile systems, attack drones, cluster bombs, and portable anti-tank missile launchers, the battle tanks of Russia and the United States would next be pitted against each other. The US is reportedly delivering M1A1 Abrams tanks soon after its Ukrainian crews have completed their training. How it will fare in combat against the Russian T-14 Armata remains to be seen. The US touts the M1A1’s armor-piercing shells and its depleted uranium armor. It has a range of 426 kilometers, a top speed of 72 kilometers per hour, and a 120mm smoothbore gun. Some military analysts, however, regard the Armata as superior to the M1A1 and even Britain’s Challenger-2 and Germany’s Leopard-2 tanks, which are currently being used in Ukraine. The T-14 has a nearly 500-km range, speeds of 80 to 90 kph, and a 125mm smoothbore cannon. While Abramses and Armatas will see action on the battlefields of eastern Ukraine, a tank in another country got embroiled in another kind of battle — a legal one. An old model Israeli battle tank, the Merkava Mark 2, was involved in controversy after it was stolen from a military firing zone. Police found the decommissioned tank near the Haifa suburb of Nesher on 20 September. Four men were arrested on suspicion of stealing it. The main suspect, Ben Zion Raviv, 43, and a resident of Migdal Haemek, argued in a court hearing that he thought the tank was a derelict and was free for the taking. “The tank is all rusted, its chains are crushed, as if it had flipped over. I wouldn’t call it a tank. I don’t think I did anything illegal,” Raviv told the judge, according to The Times of Israel. The tank was stripped of weapons and mobility systems years ago and was being used as a “stationary vehicle for soldiers’ exercises” in a firing zone that is at times open to the public for hiking, TTI quoted the military as saying. Raviv said he called for a crane and mover, which brought the tank to a scrapyard. It was later returned to the Tel Saki memorial site. The post Derelict destroyer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A Chinaman’s chance
(Lest anyone take quick offense, let me say at the outset that I am not a racist. My use of the term is simply for purposes of this column and for context.) Before people became overly sensitive about perceived racist remarks, we used to say — when someone had only a remote chance of succeeding at something — “he doesn’t have a Chinaman’s chance.” I was reminded of that phrase recently when Huawei, one of China’s biggest phone companies, released two weeks ago the Mate 60 Pro, its latest flagship phone, without much fanfare. And never had such a quiet launch made so much noise around the globe. For a bit of context, during the Trump administration, an oppressive trade sanction was put in place by the United States against the selling of advanced microprocessors to Chinese companies, in order to prevent the Chinese from catching up with the US in 5G technology. Not only was the ban imposed on American manufacturers, but pressure was also brought to bear on chip makers in other countries allied with the US. The first to dutifully comply was Korean electronics giant Samsung, which must have regretted its decision, seeing as how it lost 60 percent of its sales almost overnight. For a while, Huawei was in a panic, as it halted the production of 5G phones when stockpiles of the banned chips ran out; for a while, it was reduced to selling mobile phones with obsolescent technology. But the Americans and their cronies did not count on the resilience of the Chinese people, a relentlessness that has helped its civilization survive after more than 2,000 years of foreign intervention. Forced to do without imported chips, Huawei focused all its efforts on developing a substitute. In a couple of years, its team of hundreds of technology experts, mathematicians, engineers, and metallurgists did the seemingly impossible: They created a 5G chip without any help from anyone. One could, therefore, not fault Huawei for releasing its 5G phone at the very same time that US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo was in Beijing on an official visit — as if to say, “In your face, America!” This Chinese triumph is but one of many instances where US attempts to undermine Chinese trade backfired big time on America. In 2011, China was banned by the US Congress from joining the Space Station program of NASA. China promptly built its own space station, the Tiangong, 10 years later. Sometime after, when America was developing the Global Positioning System, it also shut out China, which then launched its own satellites to power its own positioning system. The West also demonized China for being the “world’s biggest carbon polluter,” so its factories started working on lithium-ion batteries (90 percent of whose raw materials are mined in China) and now it dominates the electric car market worldwide. Using the status of the dollar as a world currency, the West imposed other trade sanctions on China, thus impelling it to put up its own version of the World Bank and organizing the BRICS countries that will no longer use the dollar as a medium of exchange. A total of 721 big Chinese companies were blacklisted from trading with US corporations; the Chinese started trading with most of the emerging economies and became the second largest economy in the world. It would appear that it still hasn’t sunk in with the American leaders that their days of global hegemony are long over. There is a new challenger on the scene whose government is more committed to making it stronger economically, militarily, and diplomatically. As the new generation of Americans struggles with questions of pronouns, transitioning, decriminalizing robbery and drug use, and legalizing abortion, the young people of China are concentrating on mastering math and technology, becoming part of a disciplined army, building their GDP, and making their society orderly and crime-free. If this keeps up, it will be America that will, ironically, not have a Chinaman’s chance to prevail. The post A Chinaman’s chance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Easier money transfers via PERA HUB mobile app, virtual card
PERA HUB, one of the country’s foremost consumer financial services providers, has launched a more enhanced and inclusive PERA HUB Mobile App with a new PERA HUB Virtual Card feature, which enables users to experience a fast and easy way to do remittances, cash and e-commerce transactions online without using any physical cards or having to go to a branch. With more Filipinos choosing digital-based solutions for their remittances and other cash-related services, PERA HUB aims to provide a broader range of channels and options for Filipinos to do their transactions anytime and anywhere. The PERA HUB Virtual Card serves as the main highlight of the new and improved mobile app. App features include sending or receiving Western Union domestic and international remittances; Interbank transfers to over 50 banks and e-wallets; Bills Payments with over 250 billers to choose from; Free PERA HUB to PERA HUB fund transfer; Cash-in via ECPay at over 15,000 partner locations nationwide; Cash-out at any of the 186 PERA HUB branches nationwide without additional charges; e-load and game credits; and affordable microinsurance. The enhanced PERA HUB Mobile App has a user-friendly interface where users can personalize their home dashboard and feature the services they always use and are interested in, so they can easily make transfers and keep track of their payments any time and receive or send money transfers instantly within minutes. Fast and easy It allows users to perform fast and easy PERA HUB to PERA HUB fund transfers by scanning their recipient’s unique PERA HUB Account QR code, saving contacts, and scheduling transfers for remittance and interbank transfers. The PERA HUB Virtual Card, powered by Visa, may also be used for Lazada, Shopee, Amazon and other local and international online shopping platforms. It is available for new and existing users with FREE registration for all via the app or via any of the 186 PERA HUB branches nationwide. “It has always been our priority to deliver innovative solutions for our customers. With the enhanced mobile app and the new PERA HUB Virtual Card feature, we want to create a digital experience that is inclusive for all so they always have access to convenient remittance and other financial services across different channels,” said PERA HUB president and chief executive officer Ian Ocampo. “There are Virtual Cards available in the market, but a challenger will always find a place, especially when it offers more relevant and customized solutions to address the remittance and other cash-related needs of the community it serves,” said assistant vice president for the PERA HUB Mobile App Mennie So. The post Easier money transfers via PERA HUB mobile app, virtual card appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meta’s Twitter rival Threads launches web version
SAN FRANCISCO, United States — Threads, Meta’s challenger to depose Twitter as the go-to platform for celebrities, companies and governments, is now available on the web as it seeks to revive its underwhelming launch. A web version of Threads is seen as key to attracting professionals and media types who are the most active users The post Meta’s Twitter rival Threads launches web version appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Collazo intends to keep WBO belt: ‘What’s mine, stays mine’
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) world minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo said he was determined to keep his WBO belt as he defends his title for the first time on Saturday August 24, 2023 (Aug. 25 Manila Time) against Filipino challenger Garen Diagan in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “He (Diagan) wants what’s mine The post Collazo intends to keep WBO belt: ‘What’s mine, stays mine’ appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Meta’s Twitter rival Threads launches web version
Threads, Meta's challenger to depose Twitter as the go-to platform for celebrities, companies, and governments, is now available on the web as it seeks to revive its underwhelming launch. A web version of Threads is seen as key to attracting professionals and media types who are the most active users of social media and post mainly from their computers during working hours. "Threads.net is now live for everyone. Let us know what you think," posted Instagram head Adam Mosseri on Thursday, who also leads Threads. Until now, Threads was accessible only as a mobile app on iPhones and Android phones. "The Threads team is working hard to bring this experience to parity with mobile, and will be adding more functionality to the web experience in the coming weeks," a spokesman said. The rival to Twitter (now called X) was rushed out in early July by Meta, which invited its more than a billion Instagram users to download the app. This helped Threads become the fastest-downloaded app ever, crushing the previous record held by AI sensation ChatGPT. However, the initial excitement did not last, with usage by the early adopters falling steadily ever since and users calling out for a web version of the app and other tweaks. Many of the celebrities who were given privileged early access to Threads - such as Jennifer Lopez or American Football star Tom Brady - have posted only rarely. X, owned by Elon Musk, still dominates as the platform for comment and news, but the chaos endured at the platform since the Tesla owner took over has eroded its success and sent users seeking alternatives. One measure of usership, by company Similarweb, showed that daily active users on the Android version of Threads dropped to 10.3 million from the peak of 49.3 million. In the week of the Threads launch early last month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg cautioned the app would "take time to stabilize, but once we nail that then we'll focus on growing the community." Threads is not available in Europe because parent company Meta is unsure how to navigate the European Union's data privacy legislation. The post Meta’s Twitter rival Threads launches web version appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alex Santisima stays undefeated
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Alex Santisima clinched the Philippines Boxing Federation (PBF) super bantamweight title by defeating Arnel Buyoc in the undercard of Blow-by-Blow by Manny Pacquiao on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, San Juan City in Metro Manila. The 23-year-old Santisima, the younger brother of former world title challenger, Jeo […] The post Alex Santisima stays undefeated appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Hardline Cambodian PM Hun Sen to step down after four decades
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, said Wednesday he will resign and hand power to his eldest son after almost four decades of hardline rule. The former Khmer Rouge cadre has run the kingdom since 1985, eliminating all opposition to his power, with opposition parties banned, challengers forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled. His Cambodian People's Party won a landslide victory in an election on Sunday with no meaningful opposition, taking 82 percent of the vote, paving the way for a dynastic succession to his eldest son that some critics have compared to North Korea. "I would like to ask for understanding from the people as I announce that I will not continue as prime minister," the 70-year-old said in a special broadcast on state television. Election authorities disqualified the only serious challenger, the Candlelight Party, on a technicality in advance of the election, and the CPP is expected to win all but five lower house seats. The government hailed the 84.6 percent voter turnout as evidence of the country's "democratic maturity" but Western powers including the United States and European Union condemned the poll as neither free nor fair. Hun Sen said Hun Manet, a 45-year-old four-star general, would take over as prime minister at the head of a new government on the evening of August 22. "I ask people to support Hun Manet who will be the new prime minister," he said. Chinese influence Hun Sen has trailed the handover to his son for a year and a half, and the 45-year-old played a leading role in campaigning for Sunday's vote. But the outgoing leader has made it clear that he still intends to wield influence, even after he steps down, scotching the notion the country could change direction. In his announcement on Wednesday, he said he would become president of the senate and act as head of state when the king is overseas. Under Hun Sen, Cambodia has tacked close to Beijing, benefiting from huge Chinese investment and infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of a naval base that has alarmed Washington. China welcomed Sunday's election, with President Xi Jinping sending Hun Sen a personal message of congratulations. But the flood of Chinese money has brought problems, including a rash of casinos and online scam operations staffed by foreign workers, many trafficked and toiling in appalling conditions. Critics say his rule has also been marked by environmental destruction and entrenched graft. Cambodia ranks 150th out of 180 in Transparency International's corruption perception index. In Asia, only Myanmar and North Korea rank lower. Rights groups accuse Hun Sen of using the legal system to crush any opposition to his rule -- including critical activists and troublesome union leaders as well as politicians. Scores of opposition politicians have been convicted and jailed during his time in power and the law was changed ahead of Sunday's election to make it illegal to call for voters to spoil ballots. Five days before polling day, authorities banned exiled opposition figurehead Sam Rainsy from running for office for 25 years for urging people to void their ballot papers. Opposition leader Kem Sokha was in March convicted of treason and sentenced to 27 years in prison over an alleged plot to topple Hun Sen's government. He is currently serving his sentence under house arrest. The post Hardline Cambodian PM Hun Sen to step down after four decades appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alcaraz’s ‘dream’ Wimbledon can signal changing of the guard
Alcaraz ended Djokovic's run of four successive Wimbledon titles with an epic 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory in a final for the ages on Sunday. The 20-year-old wore down Djokovic over four hours and 42 minutes of unrelenting drama on Centre Court, clinching his first Wimbledon crown and the second major title of his career. After two decades of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dominating the sport, Alcaraz says his victory could be the start of a new era. "It's a dream. I'm 20. I didn't experience many moments like this. Making history like I did today, it's the happiest moment of my life," Alcaraz said. "Beating Novak at his best on this stage, making history, being the guy to beat him after 10 years unbeaten on this court is amazing for me. "It's great for the new generation to see me beating him and make them think they are capable of doing it as well. It's great for me, and the young players as well." When Djokovic won his first major at the Australian Open in 2008, Alcaraz was still three months shy of his fifth birthday. But with Federer retired and Nadal close to the end of his glittering career, Alcaraz has emerged as Djokovic's biggest challenger. Alcaraz, who won his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, has replaced the Serb at the top of the world rankings and his Wimbledon victory may hasten the emergence of a new generation to replace the "Big Three". "Beating Novak, winning Wimbledon is something I dreamed about since I start playing tennis," Alcaraz said. Djokovic was aiming for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and could also have matched Margaret Court's all-time mark of 24 Grand Slam singles crowns. Instead, the 36-year-old leaves Wimbledon licking his wounds after beating over-powered by the relentless Alcaraz. In an ominous warning to Djokovic, Alcaraz said his All England Club win can provide a foundation for more success when they meet again. 'I grew up a lot' -"Probably before today I didn't think I was ready to beat Djokovic in five sets in an epic match like this, to stay good physically and mentally against a legend like Djokovic," Alcaraz. "I will remember this moment in other Grand Slams and think I am ready to play five sets against him. It probably changed my mind a bit." Alcaraz's previous clash with Djokovic had ended in defeat in the French Open semi-finals in June, when the Spaniard fell apart after suffering stress-related cramping. Learning from that painful loss, he held his nerve superbly this time. "I am such a different player since the French Open. I grew up a lot. I took lessons from that match. I prepared a little bit differently mentally," he said. "I handled the nerves better than I did at the French Open. I fought until the last ball. It was a long match. The mental part allowed me to stay there for five sets. "If I had lost the second set probably I couldn't have got the trophy, I would probably have lost in straight sets. That gave me a lot of motivation." Djokovic's frustration at Alcaraz's stubborn resistance boiled over when he smashed his racquet against the net post after being broken in the final set. But the Serb had no complaints about the defeat and even labelled Alcaraz a combination of himself, Federer and Nadal. Asked about that glowing tribute, the ultra-confident Alcaraz said: "It's crazy that Novak say that. But I consider myself a really complete player. "I have the shots, the strength physically, the strength mentally. "Probably he's right. But I don't want to think about it. I'm the full Carlos Alcaraz, let's say." smg/dj © 1994-2023 Agence France-Presse The post Alcaraz’s ‘dream’ Wimbledon can signal changing of the guard appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Youngest of Santisima brothers scores TKO win in second pro bout
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Gabriel Santisima, the youngest among the Santisima siblings in boxing unleashed his potential after scoring a technical knockout victory in his second professional bout in Malungon, Saranggani on Wednesday evening, July 12, 2023. Santisima, the youngest brother of former world title challenger Jeo “Santino” Santisima and Alex Santisima of Masbate, stopped […] The post Youngest of Santisima brothers scores TKO win in second pro bout appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Mexico’s Luis Nery takes an easy win vs Froilan Saludar
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Former world champion Luis “Pantera” Nery of Mexico made easy work in his fight against former world title challenger Froilan “Sniper” Saludar on July 8 (July 9, Manila Time) in Metepec, Mexico. The 28-year-old Nery scored a second round technical knockout in front of his fellow Mexicans and his promoters from […] The post Mexico’s Luis Nery takes an easy win vs Froilan Saludar appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Froilan Saludar faces Luis Nery in Mexico
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Former world title challenger Froilan “Sniper” Saludar will try to stage an upset in hostile shores as he takes on former world champion Luis “Pantera” Nery in Metepec, Mexico on July 8 (July 9 Manila Time). Saludar, the older brother of former World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) mini flyweight […] The post Froilan Saludar faces Luis Nery in Mexico appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Tens of millions sign up to Twitter rival Threads
More than 30 million people have downloaded Threads, Meta's rival to Twitter, within the first few hours of its launch, the company's CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday. The app went live on Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries at 2300 GMT on Wednesday and will run with no ads for now, but its release in Europe has been delayed over data privacy concerns. Threads is the biggest challenger yet to Elon Musk-owned Twitter, which has seen a series of potential competitors emerge but not yet replace one of the world's biggest social media platforms, despite its struggles. "Feels like the beginning of something special, but we've got a lot of work ahead to build the app," Zuckerberg wrote on his official Threads account Thursday. Accounts were already active for celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Hugh Jackman, as well as media outlets including The Washington Post and The Economist. Zuckerberg also offered a shot across the bow at Musk -- the pair are known to be bitter rivals and have offered to wrestle it out in a cage fight. In his first tweet in over a decade, Zuckerberg posted a Spiderman pointing at Spiderman meme in an apparent reference to the similarities between Threads and Twitter. On Threads, he wrote: "It'll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it." Twitter has said it has more than 200 million daily users. Be kind Threads was introduced as a clear spin-off of Instagram, which offers a built-in audience of more than two billion users, sparing the new platform the challenge of starting from scratch. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri told users that Threads was intended to build "an open and friendly platform for conversations." "The best thing you can do if you want that too is be kind," he said. Zuckerberg is taking advantage of Musk's chaotic ownership of Twitter to push out the new product, which Meta hopes will become the go-to platform for celebrities, companies, and politicians. "It's as simple as that: if an Instagram user with a large number of followers such as Kardashian or a Bieber or a Messi begins posting on Threads regularly, a new platform could quickly thrive," strategic financial analyst Brian Wieser said on Substack. Analyst Jasmine Engberg from Insider Intelligence said Threads only needs one out of four Instagram monthly users "to make it as big as Twitter." "Twitter users are desperate for an alternative, and Musk has given Zuckerberg an opening," she added. Under Musk, Twitter has seen content moderation reduced to a minimum with glitches and rash decisions scaring away celebrities and major advertisers. He has angered Twitter's most devoted aficionados by declaring that access to its TweetDeck product -- which allows users to view a fast flow of tweets at once -- would be for paying customers only. EU many months away Meta has its legion of critics too, especially in Europe, which could slow the growth of Threads. The company has been criticized for its handling of personal data, the essential ingredient for targeted ads that help it rake in billions of dollars in profits. Mosseri said he regretted that the launch was delayed in the European Union, but had Meta waited for regulatory clarity from Brussels, Threads would have been "many, many, many, months away." "I was worried that our window would close because timing is important," he told the tech news site Platformer. According to a source close to the matter, Meta was wary of a new law called the Digital Markets Act, which sets strict rules for the world's "gatekeeper" internet companies. One rule restricts platforms from moving user data between products, as would potentially be the case between Threads and Instagram. The EU Commission, which will oversee compliance with the DMA, declined to comment on what it said was a private business decision. Meta was caught doing just that after it bought WhatsApp, and European regulators will be on high alert to ensure it does not do so illegally with Threads. Globally, the Threads hashtag on Twitter has garnered three million tweets, with many users jokingly suggesting people will return to Musk's platform. "10 mins into threads app. Me coming back to Twitter," one user wrote, sharing a video of a man sprinting. Others expressed privacy concerns. "Meta loves to collect private information and I don't trust the way it treats private information," a Japanese user tweeted. "I also have the impression that this is a company hated by the EU, so I'm reluctant." But some said they would permanently move to Threads. One Threads user wrote: "Now I truly can say goodbye to Twitter forever." The post Tens of millions sign up to Twitter rival Threads appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COMING EMZOOM
GAC Motor Philippines, under the management of Astara Philippines, held a grand ceremony at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, Quezon City, to introduce the all-new GS3 Emzoom to the world. The event signified a significant stride in the brand's ongoing expansion and growth strategy within the Philippine market. "We are proud to host the international debut of the all-new GS3 Emzoom after its reveal in China last December. The GS3 Emzoom is the newest challenger in the scene, set to drive the GAC brand to new heights and zoom through Philippine roads with its fierce and sporty character," said Jun Cajayon, brand head of GAC Motor, Astara Philippines. The launch was attended by Astara executives from both GAC and Peugeot, GAC dealer principals, friends from the banking industry and the motoring media. Also present was newly announced ambassador for the GAC brand, Dingdong Dantes. The GS3 Emzoom launch is a clear testament to GAC's aggressive growth strategy in the Philippines. Astara Philippines, the new distributor of GAC Motor, is rapidly expanding the brand's dealership network. They have increased the number of dealerships from six in January of this year, to 16 dealerships as of this writing, with a target of 20 by the end of 2023. The current dealerships are in Alabang, Bacoor, Tarlac, Pampanga, Pasig, and Davao. New ones are set to open in E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue (C5), Manila Bay, Quezon Avenue, Lipa City, Cainta, Makati, BGC, Batangas City, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod. The GS3 Emzoom is a trendy and intelligent SUV, perfect for the dynamic and mobile generation. The vehicle carries GAC’s bold and futuristic design language. Angular edges, geometric textures and a dynamic stance give it a sporty yet futuristic industrial aesthetic. Its look is completed by 19-inch alloy wheels, an exhaust sound package and a sporty body kit, exclusive to the top of the range GL variant. The vehicle's front face features what the brand calls the Flying Wing Front Grille and Laser-Eye LED headlights, geometric executions that give the car a sporty attitude while maintaining its sleek and futuristic appearance. Its sides are led by arc shadow blades that lead to its light dart tail lamps. The GS3 Emzoom’s interior combines a trendy aesthetic with functionality and comfort. It includes advanced technological features such as dual screens, a multi-function steering wheel, leather seats, wireless charging, and futuristic AC vents. A sunroof with electric shades provides additional daylight and an airy cabin experience. The wide cabin offers more legroom and shoulder space than its competitors in the sub-compact crossover segment. Ample storage spaces and compartments can fit up to 21 items across the entire vehicle, while its luggage compartment provides a vast amount of cargo space when rear seats are folded flat. Safety has not been compromised in the GS3 Emzoom. It comes packed with industry-standard safety features, including Dual Front Side and Curtain Airbags, seatbelts with Pretensioner and Force Limiters, Hill-start Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Parking Brake with Autohold, Electronic Stability Program, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, ISOFIX Child Safety Seat Anchors, and Engine Immobilizer. Moreover, the GS3 Emzoom features a wide range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including cruise control,parking sensors, a reverse camera, and other intelligent systems such as High Beam Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning. The GS3 Emzoom is powered by a third-generation 1.5 Turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine mated to a seven-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission. The robust engine delivers 174 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, combining power and efficiency for a smooth, energetic drive. The GS3 Emzoom is available in three variants: 1.5L GS DCT priced at P 998,000, 1.5L GB DCT at P1,098,000, and the top-of-the-range 1.5L GL DCT at P 1,198,000. Five colors are on offer, namely, Salt Lake Blue (the launch color), Graphene Grey (matte finish), Moonlight Grey, Ivory White, and Superstar Silver. Potential customers can book their reservations for the all-new GS3 Emzoom at all GAC Motor dealerships nationwide or through their website. All units come with a five-year warranty and customer deliveries will commence next month. The post COMING EMZOOM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»