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Training on COA compliance for government institutions
To guide government institutions on their compliance with the Commission on Audit Circular 2020-006, the Center for Global Best Practices will be launching a two-session online training titled “COA Guidelines and Procedures for One-Time Cleansing of Property, Plant and Equipment Account Balances” on April 18 and 19, 2024 from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. via Zoom......»»
Lady Bullpups sweep way to glory
Local bet National U-Nazareth School survived the 51-point eruption of Naomi Panganiban for the fancied Fil-Am Nation Select Girls 1, 78-73, to reign supreme in the Manila Live Girls Under-19 Championships powered by the Smart-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena......»»
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......»»
Fil-Am Nation dethrones NUNS
There will be a new champion in the Smart-National Basketball Training Center Division 1 National Finals......»»
Freed Pinoy now out of hospital — DFA
The Israel-based Filipino caregiver who was among those freed by the Hamas extremist group has been discharged from the hospital, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega said Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco received medical evaluations at Shamir Medical Center, one of the largest government hospitals in Israel. “[He is] out of the hospital and staying at a hotel near the embassy,” De Vega told Daily Tribune. Pacheco, a 33-year-old caregiver, was among the first batch of hostages freed by Hamas following its surprise cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October. His release was a result of the Qatar-mediated deal for a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The deal includes the release of 50 captives held in the enclave, as well as the release of around 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli jails. Pacheco was one of the two Filipinos missing since the 7 October surprise attack. The other Filipino has been identified as Noralyn Babadilla. Like Pacheco, Babadilla is believed to have also been taken hostage by Hamas along with over 200 individuals from Israel. De Vega said Pacheco was not physically hurt by his captors. He, however, was traumatized by the incident. “He was traumatized by what he experienced. He said he did not have any wounds or anything,” De Vega said in a separate interview. Despite his traumatic experience in the Middle East, Pacheco said he does not have any plans to return to the Philippines for good. He, however, intends to visit the Philippines next month. “Coming home next month. In December shortly before Christmas. No exact date [yet],” De Vega said. Over the weekend, Hamas released 17 hostages held in Gaza, including a 4-year-old American girl in the third batch of hostages. For its part, the Israeli government freed 39 Palestinian prisoners......»»
The business of building stars
When it comes to the creation of stars who will either make it to Philippine Tinseltown or fall along the wayside, let us count the many expensive experiments and gambles that have been made with no assurance of a return of investment. StarStruck, the phenomenal reality-based artista search on GMA 7 and considered one of the shows that propelled the network to its number-one stature, dared teenagers and young adults “to dream, believe and survive.” After seven seasons and 538 episodes, the remaining women standing are all from the original batch: Jennylyn Mercado with her contemporary Yasmien Kurdi, Katrina Halili and the “avengers” who transferred to ABS-CBN, Cristine Reyes and lone guy Paulo Avelino. Mark Herras is now a character actor, and the “Bad Boy of the Dance Floor” tag he once had is nothing but a blast from the past. Rainier Castillo still possesses his killer smile, and that is still all he can offer. [caption id="attachment_186612" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NET 25Drei Arias.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186613" align="aligncenter" width="525"] John Heindrick[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186611" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Celyn Favid[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186615" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Patrick Roxas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_186616" align="aligncenter" width="525"] NICKY Gilbert[/caption] On TV 5, Artista Academy propelled the careers of Sophie Albert and Vin Abrenica. They are married with a daughter, while their respective careers are best described as neither here nor there. Of the three major networks, the most successful in talent manufacturing and nurturing is the network Goliath that is ABS-CBN. From Star Circle Quest, first runner-up Sandara Park produced a hit song, “In or Out,” and became an international singing sensation when she went back to Korea. From the Pinoy Big Brother House came, just to mention a few, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Sam Milby, James Reid and Maymay Entrata. A-listers have also originated from ABS-CBN’s singing contests, such as Yeng Constantino, Angeline Quinto, Erik Santos, Darren Espanto and all the biriteras and balladeers that are regulars in the network’s Sunday noontime variety show that has outlasted all its timeslot competitors. Giving new hope and perhaps the biggest push these days to fresh talents is NET 25, which recently launched its Star Center, with 32 talents comprising the Starkada. These young finds had to undergo three months of training and workshops in acting, hosting singing and dancing. Multi-awarded actor and director Eric Quizon heads Star Center. At the presscon that presented NET 25’s fresh faces to the public, the thrilling 32 performed solos, duet, trios and various other production numbers to show off their dancing and singing skills. They also hosted the presentation and showcased their acting skills in short films directed by esteemed actor and director Ricky Davao. Of the 32, my ladies with an attitude favorites are Nicky Gilbert, who moves like a modern jazz dancer and is expensive-looking, with a beauty similar to GMA 7’s Max Collins. She would fit bida/kontrabida roles. Sofi Fermazi is a true ingénue with a melodious voice that conveyed the stories of all the songs she sang during the launch. And Celyn David is a true standout beauty in the short film she was part of where she almost had no makeup. Her elegant face will remind you of the class of Sandy Andolong and the elan of Hilda Koronel. For fellows with the perfect groove, my top pick is tall and handsome Drei Arias. Every inch of him screams leading man. John Heindrick registers handsomely as well on screen and in person, reminding us of the time when the likes of Gabby Concepcion, Albert Martinez, Alfie Anido and Matthew Mendoza were the crème dela crème of matinee idols. He can even pass for Eric Quizon’s son. Patrick Roxas is the fresh prince of the Starkada. In the short film where he played lead, his eyes were not blank or devoid of emotions, but were expressive! Roxas is the truest embodiment of an eye candy. To the 32 new stars of NET 25, your talent and luck factor are the basic reasons why you are “in.” To prolong the adoration and madness of the fans, protect your “in” status with television shows and films that will matter and make an impact. Love what you do, be kind to the people you work with, and make sure discipline and professionalism are what will bolster your star to stellar heights. Longevity, respect and reverence in showbiz requires more than the usual good looks and sunshiny smiles. Dare to create your magic and pixie dust, sing your special songs and make your own kind of music. Dance as if there is no tomorrow, and act with sincerity and truth. The post The business of building stars appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tolentino: Our athletes are prepared
Team Philippines will be prepared and ready to win when it marches to the 19th Asian Games that will open on Saturday at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, China. No less than Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino declared their readiness, saying that they will deploy the best and most prepared athletes in the prestigious quadrennial meet that got delayed by a year due to Covid pandemic. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal, will be at the helm together with other standouts like pole vaulter EJ Obiena, swimmer Kayla Sanchez, and boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam. Although expectations will be tempered on the chances of Diaz as she will compete in the heavier 59-kilogram category, she is still expected to make her presence felt as she had already warmed up in the World Weightlifting Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after finishing seventh. Even the boxers will be ready as they are coming off an intensive training in India and Australia in a bid to dominate the Asian Games that will also serve as a qualifying tourney for the Paris Olympics. Tolentino said he has high hopes for the 396-man national delegation. “We are very much prepared. Some of our athletes are coming off from their training abroad,” said Tolentino, who will join Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann in leading the send-off ceremony for Team Philippines on Monday at the Philippine International Convention Center. In the previous edition of the Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018, the Filipinos finished 19th after pocketing four gold, two silver and 15 bronze medals. It was the country’s best finish since grabbing five gold medals in 1951 in New Delhi, seven gold medals in 1962 in Jakarta, eight gold medals in 1958 in Tokyo and 14 gold medals in 1954 in Manila. The first batch of Filipino athletes had already left for Hangzhou. First to leave were Olympian Cris Nievarez and the national rowing team composed of Joanie Delgaco, Tammy Sha, Feiza Lenton, Edgar Ilas, and Zuriel Sumintac with coaches Shukhrat Ganiev, Ed Maerina, Nic Jasmin and Con Fornea. The rowers will kick off their campaign in the men’s single sculls, lightweight men’s double sculls, women’s single sculls, and lightweight women’s double sculls on Wednesday at the Olympic Sports Expo Center. Also first to arrive in the bustling city in Hangzhou, the capital and most populous city in Zhejiang Province, are the staff of the national women’s football team, windsurfers and indoor and beach volleyball players. The national booters, popularly known as the Filipinas, are expected to arrive in the coming days in batches as they kick off their campaign on Tuesday. Tolentino said exceeding their performance in the previous Asian Games will already be considered as a success. “This will be the best of the team. We hope to exceed our performance for the last four years,” said Tolentino, who is pinning his hopes on Diaz as well as Asia’s best vaulter Obiena, Olympic medalists Marcial, Petecio and Paalam, and two-time Olympic medalist Sanchez. “We have high hopes for medals in weightlifting, boxing, swimming, and e-sports, with potential surprises in martial arts as well.” The post Tolentino: Our athletes are prepared appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
History on tap: Brussels serves beer museum to thirsty visitors
Sightseers who flocked to a grand reopening of the refurbished Brussels stock exchange building this weekend were invited to chase the visit down with a side order of Belgium's top tipple -- beer. The 90-million-euro ($96-million) makeover of the Bourse, once a temple to capitalism, tempted in passers-by from the cafe bars of the capital's old town. Thanks to the new "Belgian Beer World", they did not go thirsty. Belgian beer culture is listed by UNESCO as part of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity". It is a source of pride for many locals and a big draw for tourists from around the world. But, even though beer is ubiquitous here, the Brussels scene lacked a focal point for visitors or -- if you're a jaded glass-half-full drinker -- a promotional vehicle for Belgium's vast global booze industry. Traders moved out of the 1868 neo-classical Palace de la Bourse or Beurspaleis in 2014, and the Belgian exchange has now merged with former competitors in Paris and Amsterdam to form Euronext. So, when the city refurbished the historic building, the brewers were on hand to stand their round and sponsor a fitting modern beer museum and roof top bar for their star export. - Trappist monks - On Saturday, when the refurbished Bourse reopened to the public, 11,000 people passed through to see the trading hall, and 566 -- including a tourist from as far away as Singapore -- stopped by Beer World. "A lot of interesting interactions, features that involve the participants, all the visitors," said the tourist, who gave his name as Su. "I believe that all the beer drinkers, if they wish to have a good understanding about the whole process, about the history of the beer, it's definitely a place for them to visit." Opening the center this week, Brussels mayor Philippe Close acknowledged that, beyond the culture of beer, the museum is "a way to support a huge economic sector." Belgium has at least 430 brewers, from mighty AB Inbev -- which pours a third of the planet's pints -- to tiny Trappist monasteries that sells one eagerly sought-after batch of ale per year to patient punters on a waiting list. The trade federation, Belgian Brewers, estimates that its members employ 6,900 people directly and support 50,000 more jobs in a country of only 11.5 million. Some 70 percent of Belgian beer is exported, not just to neighbours in Europe's beer-drinking north, but around the world. Tickets for the Beer World are a hefty 17 euros -- but it does get you your first drink in the rooftop bar -- with its vast selection drawn from the 1,600 types of beer the country has to offer. Belgian brewers are not as conservative as their German and Dutch neighbors. The sour, bubbly lambic and gueuze styles -- "Brussels Champagne" -- are Belgium's own, but many beers including the big brands like Jupiler or Stella Artois are based on the Czech and German Pilsner style. There are even Scotch ales in thistle-shaped glasses, allegedly introduced to entertain General Montgomery's British Second Army when it arrived in September 1944. And of course younger small-scale brewers have begun making hoppy Belgian pale ales to rival the best of the US craft beer explosion. - Great complexity - Beer World administrator Charles Leclef -- a 30-year veteran Flemish brewery operator -- told AFP that the city wanted to capture the "playful" side of the everyday tipple, not to incite heavy drinking. "We're not the biggest producer in the world, far from it, but we're perhaps the most creative, with beer of great diversity of flavor, great complexity," Leclef boasted. In the museum, visitors can wander inside a virtual fermentation tank, with immersive screens taking them inside the process of turning hops, malt, yeast and water into national pride. In Germany, the law forbids any but these four ingredients, but Belgian brewmasters are free to experiment with spices and infusions and even fruits like cherry or raspberry. Museum visitors can pull taps to signal their favorite flavors and "virtual waiters" will print out a suggestion on a beermat to be ordered later at guests' leisure. mad-lob/dc/pvh © Agence France-Presse The post History on tap: Brussels serves beer museum to thirsty visitors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Send-Off Ceremony for the 21st Batch of JDS Fellows from the Philippines
On 4 August 2023, a send-off ceremony was held at the Ambassador’s Residence for the 21st Batch of the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) Fellows from the Philippines. The twenty JDS Fellows are set to leave for Japan to pursue master’s degree courses in leading Japanese universities. The JDS is a scholarship project launched in 2002 by the Government of the Philippines with funding from the Government of Japan through its Official Development Assistance. It is intended to support the socio-economic development of the Philippines by helping boost the capacities of young Filipino professionals from the government. Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko, in his opening remarks, stated that he looks forward to hearing the JDS Fellows’ valuable research upon their successful completion of the program and seeing the fruits of their hard work as they serve their home country in the years to come. He also expressed his gratitude to the implementing partners of the JDS, and gave his well wishes to the JDS Fellows. Also present at the send-off ceremony were Congressman Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata of Camarines Sur (1st District), Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno of the National Economic and Development Authority, Director Princess U. Tomas-Tayao of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines, and officers from the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) JDS Project Office in the Phillippines. The post Send-Off Ceremony for the 21st Batch of JDS Fellows from the Philippines appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Amazon invests $120 million in internet satellite facility
Amazon said Friday it will invest $120 million to build a satellite construction facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, as part of its plans to launch a space internet service to rival SpaceX's Starlink. The company founded by Jeff Bezos says its "Project Kuiper" will provide "fast, affordable broadband to unserved and underserved communities around the world," with a constellation of more than 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit. "We have an ambitious plan to begin Project Kuiper's full-scale production launches and early customer pilots next year, and this new facility will play a critical role," said Steve Metayer, vice president of Kuiper Production Operations. The company has another production facility in Kirkland, Washington, where it will begin operations by the end of this year. The units will then be sent to Florida to carry out final preparations, and integrate them with rockets from Blue Origin -- also founded by Bezos -- and United Launch Alliance ahead of launch. Elon Musk's SpaceX launched the first batch of its more than 3,700 operational Starlink satellites in 2019 and is by far the biggest player. London-headquartered OneWeb is another early entrant in the emerging sector. But governments are also keen to join the rush. China plans to launch 13,000 satellites as part of its GuoWang constellation, while Canada's Telesat will add 300, and German start-up Rivada is eyeing 600. That will be in addition to the European Union's Iris project -- 170 satellites -- and the 300-500 satellites planned to be launched by the US military's Space Development Agency. The post Amazon invests $120 million in internet satellite facility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Encierro: Run for your life
PAMPLONA, Spain — Shards of glass, bits of broken containers, cut up and shredded pieces of hard plastic cups and the acidic and nauseating smell of urine and puke could not stop primer encierro (first bull run) Friday morning to celebrate the nine-day San Fermin Festival. [caption id="attachment_158153" align="aligncenter" width="525"] the author at the primer encierro (first bull run).[/caption] Barely 12 hours before the first run, heavy rain poured for hours, leaving the cobbled and narrow streets wet and sometimes slippery, but failing to dissuade the hundreds of mozos (runners) from showing up hours before the 8 a.m. start of the 875-meter sprint. Known all over the world as the Running of the Bulls, whose origins stretch back to the 14th century, the event is Spain’s grandest fiesta. In the last 100 years, about 12 runners have been killed. Still, many locals and even those from other regions have shied away from seeing how far they can go. “I have little kids,” said a fiesta attendee, pointing to a boy of about five and a little girl seated on his lap while his wife listened to the conversation between a vacationing journalist from Manila who had endured a 16-hour bus ride from the Galician city of Vigo just to see what the encierro is all about. [caption id="attachment_158149" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ernest Hemingway remains a popular and revered figure in Pamplona.[/caption] “It’s not the bulls that will put you in trouble, but the people who will be running with you,” he said. “Yes, the bulls are dangerous but it’s the people that will make it even more dangerous,” the man said, stressing that while the nine-day run usually passes without any serious incident, “the danger is always there.” He was right. The herd that was released got inside the Plaza de Toros without sending anyone to the hospital, ICU or even the morgue although about half a dozen got hurt, including one who miraculously survived after being tossed like a rag doll by one raging bull. All the bulls were later killed during a bullfight and another batch will suffer the same fate in the next several days. [caption id="attachment_158150" align="aligncenter" width="525"] REVELERS get ready to celebrate the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158146" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PAMPLONA fiesta attendees enjoy their brunch.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158147" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Spanish culinary treats.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158154" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Pamplona Church, built for the city’s patron saintSan Fermin.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158148" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tired tourists take a break at Pamplona’s city center.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_158152" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Spanish policemen make sure the first bull run goes underway smoothly.[/caption] During the day, local tourists and many foreigners partied for hours, eating, singing, dancing, and drinking to excessive levels. The trail of destruction could be seen in the final hours before the morning run as broken beer and wine bottles littered the cobbles of this city that goes upside down for nine straight days every July. “The economic impact is huge,” one guy from the Oficina Internacional de Prensa (International Press Office). A typical bed in a basic hostel goes for more than a staggering €150 a night. “The busiest and most expensive days to come is during the Chupinazo (formal start of the festival on 6 July) and the first bull run the following day,” he said. Indeed, a check on the website showed that the ‘cheap’ €150 the previous day was selling for €180 less than 24 hours later. Outside the San Fermin Festival, Pamplona also has countless other fiestas to look forward to each year. But nothing compares to what San Fermin and the Running of the Bulls bring. You could just imagine the availability of luscious Spanish food and savory cerveza 24 hours a day from mere alimentation (small grocery stores) and restaurants and eateries that line up the ancient and picturesque streets. No wonder this event is among the most popular on the bucket lists of thrill-seekers and serial travelers. A few days soaking up the electric atmosphere will leave every visitor longing to come back again and again provided he or she doesn’t end up being gored by the bulls. “It’s dangerous,” said the Pamplona-born security staff assigned at the vast complex that houses the press office. “One mistake and you (could) die.” You had better heed his advice. The post Encierro: Run for your life appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
QC family courts handling all Dengvaxia cases — SC
The family courts in Quezon City was designated by the Supreme Court to handle exclusively all Dengvaxia-related cases. This affirmed an earlier ruling by the high bench that designated QC courts as the proper venue for dengvaxia cases. The high tribunal in a five-page notice also dismissed “for lack of merit” the motions for reconsideration sought by the principal respondent — former Department of Health secretary and now Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin — and other co-respondents opposing the consolidation of all cases to a family court. The SC’s Second Division Clerk of Court Teresita Aquino-Tuazon pointed to Republic Act 8369 that establishes family courts that have exclusive jurisdiction over child and family cases. “RA 8369 is clear that the Family Court and not the regular court which has jurisdiction over the subject cases,” Aquino-Tuazon said. “That all cases involving the Dengvaxia vaccine wherein the parties were assisted by PAO shall be transferred to the family court in Quezon City,” the SC official added. The court was referring to other PAO-assisted pending cases for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide which will be dismissed by the first level courts for lack of jurisdiction to avoid conflicting rulings/decisions and “for the orderly administration of justice.” The respondents have argued that QC’s family courts had no jurisdiction but the regular courts because there was no living minor that deserves special attention and protection of a family court. The high court said the family court has jurisdiction over cases where the victim is a minor at the time of the commission of the offense and “there is no distinction whether the minor victim is dead or alive.” Aquino-Tuazon made it clear that the purpose of the transfer to the family court is to ensure uniform decisions/rulings and the orderly administration of justice. With regard to the respondents’ arguments that QC’s family court is not the proper venue as most of them had their offices at the National Capital Region, SC’s second division said otherwise. “The SC said the Quezon City is the proper venue since it is the best venue due to its accessibility to the parties as compared to the other venues and that while it is true under RA 10660 (Functional and Structural Organization of the Sandiganbayan), cases falling within the jurisdiction of a Regional Trial Court cannot be tried in the judicial region where the public official holds office, the same is not applicable in the instant case,” it said. Aquino-Tuazon added that assuming the RTC and not the family court has jurisdiction over the cases, Quezon City may still be the proper venue as the subject criminal cases in the petition for transfer of venue is different from the cases in Section 2 of RA 10660 and although some of the accused are public officials, there is no allegation of bribery or corruption against them. The high court with respect to its denial in the consolidation of cases, said that each case should be tried separately because they are not based on the same facts. It said they involve different victims whose medical histories are distinct from that of the other victims. The SC said that the PAO, being the counsel of the parents of the school children whose deaths were linked to the controversial anti-dengue vaccine, can file the instant petition “considering further that there is no cogent reason for the Court to deviate from its earlier resolution granting the transfer of venue as some of the grounds relied upon are mere rehash of the issues and arguments.” PAO chief Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta said with the latest SC resolution, they can now expect state prosecutors from the Department of Justice to file the criminal cases directly to QC’s family court and not Metropolitan Trial Courts. Garin is facing criminal cases filed by the initial batch of parent-complainants and is also the principal respondent in separate multiple criminal and civil cases, also involving Dengvaxia over 160 more deaths filed against her and other accused including former Health secretary Francisco Duque 3rd. Other respondents aside from Garin and Duque, include Sanofi executives and vaccine distributor Zuellig Pharma, and officials of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Philippine Children’s Medical Center and Food and Drug Administration. The post QC family courts handling all Dengvaxia cases — SC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mayon evacuees get more PAGCOR relief aid
A second batch of relief goods has been delivered to Mayon Volcano evacuees courtesy of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. With the support of the Philippine Army, PAGCOR recently handed over 2,400 food and non-food packs for the Mayon evacuees to Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman. The goods were delivered a week after PAGCOR donated 6,000 food and non-food packs to displaced Albay residents now numbering at almost 20,000. The governor thanked PAGCOR for the additional donation. “I hope the agency will not get tired of helping our countrymen here in Albay affected by the renewed unrest of Mayon,” Lagman said. Among the thousands of beneficiaries of the PAGCOR relief mission was housewife Crystal dela Cruz from Barangay Old Budiao in Daraga town, who immediately evacuated with her family after their community was included in the seven-kilometer permanent danger zone by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. “It’s hard to live in the evacuation center so donations of big companies are big help to us,” Dela Cruz said. Barangay Old Budiao village chief Condi Loveres said that despite the difficulties being experienced by the evacuees who are staying in cramped temporary shelters around their town, they consider themselves fortunate to receive aid from various sectors. “The evacuees’ basic needs are met by the continuous flow of relief goods from different organizations,” Loveres said. The post Mayon evacuees get more PAGCOR relief aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Miracles of a medal from Paris
There’s a small chapel in the center of Paris which I visit without fail every time I find myself back in the city. The trip happens, no matter if it’s for crucial work or a laid-back holiday, regardless of the changing seasons and the length of stay. It is but imperative I drop by as a thanksgiving pilgrimage for safely bringing me back to one of my favorite destinations. [caption id="attachment_148667" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A facade detail of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal | Photo by Guilhem Vellut (CC BY 2.0)[/caption] Situated in the historical less-than-a-kilometer-long street named Rue du Bac, it seems to have an enigmatic yet magnetic force that pulls me to a right turn to face the welcoming arch, where I once again lay my eyes on the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. With the famed address of #140, it used to be a part of the Hotel de Châtillon, the once-upon-a-time home of French nobility and aristocracy. [caption id="attachment_148666" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal | Photo by Ketounette (CC BY-SA 4.0)[/caption] Formally called The Chapel of Graces of the Miraculous Virgin, it was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and served as the Motherhouse of the Order of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. Colored with a storied past, the most popular association with the house of prayer is Catherine Labouré, a simple farmer’s daughter. She was just nine years old when her mother passed on. It is said that she, whenever she passed by a favorite statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, kissed it while uttering the words, “Now you will be my mother.” [caption id="attachment_148660" align="aligncenter" width="287"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Public Domain | SAINT Catherine Labouré.[/caption] At age 24, the then-novice of the order, Labouré received three visits from Mary the Mother of God. The last apparition was revealed on 27 November 1830. During her evening meditation, Mary with a ray of light in her hands appeared inside an oval frame, standing upon a globe, with the words, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” As the image rotated, a depiction of 12 stars, a large letter M surmounted by a cross, and the stylized Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary underneath likewise manifested. Our Lady then requested the dear Sister to “Get a medal struck after this model. Those who wear it when it is blessed will receive great graces, especially if they wear it about the neck. Graces will be abundant for those who have confidence.” [caption id="attachment_148668" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The incorrupt body of Saint Catherine Labouré[/caption] Adrien-Jean-Maximilien Vachette, an official jeweler of Louis XVIII’s court, was tasked with this monumental task. He began with a modest batch of 2,000 medals. [caption id="attachment_148658" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Miraculous Medal | Photo by Xhienne (CC BY-SA 3.0)[/caption] The Daughters of Charity started to don these more-than-just-a-talisman and handed them out to the elderly and sick. In quick succession, miraculous cures and healings swept the community. This caused a clamor for this coveted object not only in France, but throughout the world. Not long after, it has been dubbed as the Miraculous Medal. Upon hearing these stories, the Archbishop of Paris requested for the first-print run, while Pope Gregory XVI notably placed one on his desk crucifix. During the World War II, 10 million civilians and military members signed up to be a part of Mary’s Kneeling Army of Prayer, who all wore the medal as they prayed for peace and protection of America’s defenders. Those who returned from war have credited their well-being through this act of grace. Here are five details you should appreciate during you visit to the hallowed ground: Reimagine Visions: Altar’s Fresco Situated on an arc just above the main altar, the painting shows the Virgin Mary sitting on a chair, talking to the young Labouré herself, as both are surrounded by angels in a starry evening backdrop. Miracle Bringer: Mary’s Chair The postulant Sister witnessed the Mother of God in her regal flowing robes on a chapel seat. This red-lined chaplain chair remains in the church, where it has become instrumental for several miracles. Whisper Prayers: Gilded Altar The grand altar stands at a cove, with a huge statue of the Mother of Mankind with a gleaming crown of lights that reflects the rays of the sun, reminiscent of her radiant apparitions in the past. [caption id="attachment_148659" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The altar of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal | © Peter Potrowl (CC BY-SA 4.0)[/caption] Pay Respects: Labouré’s Remains See the golden glass coffin with the incorrupt body of Saint Catherine Labouré, which has not decomposed. Above is another sculpture of the Virgin atop some clouds while holding a globe. Religious Pilgrimage: Marillac and de Paul The bones of Saint Louise de Marillac are contained in a wax effigy, while a reliquary carries the heart of Saint Vincent de Paul. They both co-founded the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. [caption id="attachment_148669" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A wax effigy of Saint Louise de Marillac[/caption] These are our five magical postcards. What’s yours? The post Miracles of a medal from Paris appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM lauds healthcare workers for sacrifices during height of pandemic
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday thanked the healthcare workers for the sacrifices they made during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chief Executive commended their efforts as he witnessed the launch of the bivalent vaccination at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. In his speech, Marcos acknowledged the tireless efforts of the healthcare workers and credited them with saving millions of Filipino lives. “I can speak of this intimately as I was a victim and that’s why I know the condition that patients felt and what a relief and what a godsend your care was to all of those who had suffered from Covid-19. So, once again, thank you, thank you, thank you very much for all that you did,” Marcos said. Addressing the nation on the path to recovery from the global pandemic, Marcos said that the “prayers have been answered” as he noted the significant decrease in cases and less severe symptoms since the introduction of vaccines. “The symptoms are no longer as severe as before, and the threat posed by the delta and omicron variants has diminished,” Marcos said. However, he urged the Filipinos not to be complacent against the virus and highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those with severe comorbidities and senior citizens. Recognizing the need to re-examine preventive measures, Marcos Jr. emphasized the significance of vaccination in safeguarding the population. “We must not let our guard down. We have to continue implementing programs like the bivalent vaccination campaign to protect our vulnerable sectors, especially the elderly," Marcos said. Marcos Jr. also expressed confidence that with science-based strategies and a whole-of-society approach, the risks associated with new variants could be managed effectively. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by vaccines in combating the virus and stressed the government's commitment to eradicating severe diseases caused by Covid-19. During the event, President Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude to the governments of Lithuania for their generous donation of the country's first batch of bivalent vaccines. He also extended his appreciation to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) for their ongoing assistance in the Philippines. The President called upon every Filipino to contribute to the fight against Covid-19 by staying updated on their vaccinations. He emphasized that getting vaccinated was not only for personal well-being but also for the protection of families and the entire population. "Government-assisted vaccines, including bivalent doses, are free for every Filipino. Let us continue fortifying our efforts to protect the public against health risks," President Marcos Jr. stated, commending the Department of Health (DOH) and local government officials for their dedication to the vaccination campaign. Marcos then urged the nation to remain steadfast in the fight against not only Covid-19 but all infectious diseases. He emphasized the importance of discipline, cleanliness, and cooperation in overcoming the remaining challenges posed by the pandemic. The President expressed his belief that the Filipino society would emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity. As he concluded his address, President Marcos Jr. encouraged everyone to take part in the bivalent vaccination program, stating, "Let us get vaccinated to prevent illness and return to work swiftly. Together, we will build a healthier and more prosperous Philippines." The post PBBM lauds healthcare workers for sacrifices during height of pandemic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sunlife promotes 200 advisors
Over 200 Sun Life advisors were conferred with the Associate Wealth Planner and Certified Wealth Planner designations by the Wealth Management Center, the leading educational institution in the Philippines for financial services professionals. The designations were conferred following a comprehensive learning program that covered life insurance planning, investment planning, risk, healthcare and estate planning. Discussions, which revolved around actual cases, covered local laws that apply to succession and inheritance in the Philippines, the different tools used in estate planning, and how to manage the impact of estate taxation. To ensure that the lessons are well internalized, participants were assigned cases which they need to present and defend. They likewise underwent an exam after each module and a final revalida. Sun Life’s engagement with WMC is part of its efforts to continuously upskill its advisors, especially those looking to specialize in high-net-worth business. The two organizations have been working together since 2021, with an initial batch of advisors and employees taking their Certified Wealth Planner and Certified Estate Planner Philippines courses. The current batch bring the total number of Sun Life graduates to over 700. “We chose WMC because of their impeccable lineup of educators and thorough curriculum. Our previous collaborations have always proven to be impactful among our advisors, who have gone on to become among the most productive and committed in the field,” says Alex Narciso, president of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. “As such, it was no surprise that this program was, likewise, well-received, especially by those looking to grow their high-net-worth business. We look forward to seeing them apply the lessons and grow further in this profession.” The post Sunlife promotes 200 advisors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI warns vs job scams
The Bureau of Immigration warned the public anew on Wednesday against a call center job scam that recruits Filipinos, mostly professionals, to work abroad which comes after the BI’s repatriation of nine Filipinos trafficked in Thailand and Myanmar. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the victims have good background in the Philippines before being recruited in these countries. “These latest batch of victims show that traffickers are using the same modus to recruit young professionals to seemingly-good call center jobs abroad... Only to find out that it is a scam,” Tansingco said. Three of them — two males and a female — were brought home from Myanmar last 30 May while the remaining six — aged 20s to early 30s — were rescued from Bangkok last 29 May. “The new face of victims now are really professionals with good jobs here in the country but seek adventure abroad,” Tansingco said. Like other illegal recruitment schemes, victims tend to disclose different travel purposes. “Some of them are even traveling with their partners or claimed they will be visiting family, and have previous travels,” he added. The victims left the country in 2022 and earlier this year. The post BI warns vs job scams appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Automotive training program empowers underprivileged youth
Isuzu, together with World Vision and TESDA, recently commemorated the graduation of the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project’s 19th batch of trainees and welcomed its 23rd batch of trainees at the TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center in Tacloban, Leyte. The Isuzu Heart and Smile Project is a program established by Isuzu Motors Limited in partnership with World Vision Development Foundation and TESDA to produce skilled and globally competitive auto mechanics that are ready for employment by the end of the two-year program. The ceremonies were attended by VIPs from Isuzu Motors Limited led by administration senior executive officer Hirokazu Okubo and Isuzu Shutoken senior executive officer Ryuichi Shibata; World Vision executive director Rommel Fuerte; TESDA VIII regional director Gamaliel Vicente Jr.; TESDA Leyte provincial director Rolando Bade and Tacloban City council member Dr. Elvira Casal. Sixteen trainees graduated from the Automotive Servicing National Certificate IV course, the highest qualification for Automotive Servicing, and will be deployed to their respective employers after graduation. Among the 16 graduates, 12 will be dispatched to different Isuzu dealerships nationwide, while four will continue their studies at Isuzu Global Service Corporation. Okubo encouraged the graduates to excel in their work and contribute to the development of the Philippines. More than providing education to youth from the poorest communities in the country, the project also aims to produce globally competitive auto mechanics who will contribute to the further development of the automotive industry in the country. Apart from sending 16 trainees off to their new life journeys, the event also welcomed a fresh batch of trainees. The 23rd batch of trainees consists of 18 scholars who were carefully selected out of 600 applicants from different areas of the region. The project has continued despite the pandemic, generating 367 skilled individuals who have completed two-year Automotive Servicing courses since 2008. Aside from free education and accommodation to all trainees, the project also aims to provide careers in the automotive industry to all graduates. The project has a guaranteed 91-percent employment rate, helping alleviate the unemployment and underemployment rates in the country. Follow Isuzu Philippines on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IsuzuPhilippines) to get regular updates on the Isuzu brand. The post Automotive training program empowers underprivileged youth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First Panambal Festival promotes Siquijor’s folk healing practices
[caption id="attachment_123658" align="aligncenter" width="558"] Photographs by Roel Hoang Manipon for the daily tribune | Common healing oils, concoctions, haplas and tambal used in Siquijor.[/caption] At the junction of Tañon Strait, Cebu Strait and Bohol Sea, in Central Visayas, the island of Siquijor has been inspiring fascination and curiosity mainly because of its reputation of being a home to many practitioners of sorcery, witchcraft and folk medicine, and its often being described as “mystic.” Whenever I was in Dumaguete City, in the neighboring province of Negros Oriental, I could see the island from the coastal boulevard, a fuzzy landscape floating on the sea, shrouded in mystery. My only images about it were culled from television shows featuring sorcery practices, particularly of a man who made paper dolls dance. Last Holy Week, through the very first Panambal Festival, I was able to step foot on the island province, which is about an hour’s ferry ride from Dumaguete City, and know more about the culture, particularly the folk and traditional healing practices, of one of the smallest provinces of the Philippines. [caption id="attachment_123661" align="aligncenter" width="747"] photographs by Roel Hoang Manipon for the daily tribune | Olang Arts Park in Maria was the venue for the first Panambal Festival.[/caption] We arrived at night in the town of Maria, in the southeast portion of the island, and during late dinner, we heard the story of Maria Nico, the resident engkanto of the town, together with his sisters Maria Nica and Maria Luisa, told by the town’s tourism officer, the loquacious and always flamboyantly dressed Aldrin “Aldrina Braxton” Daguman. Said to be tall, handsome and fair-complexioned, Maria Nico seemed to be a benevolent character, often granting wishes of people. Aldrina said that once millions of pesos worth of furniture was delivered to Maria but the recipient was unknown. People attributed this to Maria Nico. Stories about him bear some similar details to stories of Maria Kakaw of Cebu, Olayra of Antique and other engkanto characters in other parts of the Visayas. Local lore of mystical beings before we got to see the island was a very apt introduction. [caption id="attachment_123664" align="aligncenter" width="742"] The opening of the Panambal Festival led by Maria mayor Roselyn Asok.[/caption] The folk and traditional practices are what many people in Siquijor want to highlight and promote, and a cultural and touristic festival was created for that. Using the Cebuano word for “to heal” or “healing,” “tambal,” the Panambal Festival was held in the town of Maria, spearheaded by the local government, led by its mayor Roselyn Tancio Asok and co-organized with Eufemia “Minnie” Solomon Crouse and Anna Lacpao Tabujara Cornelia of the Olang Arts Park, the main venue of the festival in the barangay of Olang. The festival was conceptualized by veteran events organizer and tourism planner Nilo Agustin, who lives in Metro Manila but considers Siquijor a home, with the crucial help of 43-year-old folk healer and visual artist Junel Tomaroy. [caption id="attachment_123660" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Junel Tomaroy, one Siquijor’s traditional healers.[/caption] The Panambal Festival is not Siquijor’s first festival highlighting local pananambal. The province has been holding the Pahi-uli Festival since 2010 in Mount Bandilaan, a 212-hectare forest reserve in Maria. The mountain is the highest point of the island and is an important source of plants used in folk medicine and concoctions. According to Agustin, the event has become too commercialized, and Panambal Festival aims to present more authentic practices and spotlight the traditional healers. Both festivals are held on Holy Week, particularly from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, which is a very important time for local folk healing. During this time, haplas or healing oil, tambal or remedy and other potions are concocted. According to Tomaroy, considered one of the most reputable mananambal or practitioner of folk and traditional medicine, in Siquijor, they start gathering ingredients on Friday after Ash Wednesday and continue only every Friday, culminating on Good Friday. They can only gather ingredients and make concoctions during this time of the year, the Lenten season, on seven Fridays. [caption id="attachment_123665" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Traditional healer Ricardo Oyog doing the haplas.[/caption] Folk healing in Siquijor is a blend of practices that appear old, animistic and of pre-Christianization and Catholic religiosity, with the use primarily of concoctions, prayers and rituals and faith. The people of Siquijor are predominantly of Cebuano ethnicity as much of Central Visayas which includes Cebu, Negros Oriental and Bohol. Catholicism is a strong presence in the island, which has a number of old churches, as in most parts of the country. The neighboring Cebu is where Christianity first gain foothold. But remnants of native Visayan Cebuano culture survive. The Panambal Festival opened on 7 April with a short program at the three-and-half-hectare Olang Arts Park, which was established in 2005 by Crouse, who hails from Pangasinan. According to organizers, the festival aims to feature the arts as well as traditional healing. A visual arts exhibit was also opened, showcasing works, mostly depicting healing practices, by Siquijodnon artists of the Pahiuli Artists Collective—Tomaroy, Joven Y. Ansing, Vicente C. Looc, Jr., Peter G. Agan, Dubonga Jorom, Louie Gabucan, Malvin E. Lomosad and Dondon dela Victoria. Performances of the young Olang Arts Park Orchestra were also featured. The next day, Good Friday, healers demonstrated steps in making concoctions and oils, and conduction healing sessions in a cluster of huts surrounded by mahogany trees. One common healing practice is the tuob or suob, a kind of body fumigation, for a variety of ailments and to drive away general bad vibes or spirits. The minasa, a black dry concoction, is burned inside a dry coconut husk to create palina or healing smoke and is place under the patient who is wrapped with a blanket or malong. [caption id="attachment_123666" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tuob using fumigation is a common healing practice.[/caption] In one corner, Ricardo “Ricky” Oyog doing the haplas, application of healing oil on the feet and legs, massaging them with their version of reflexology. The 55-year-old mananambal, a former radio operator from Caitican, Siquijor, Siquijor, also had common oils and remedies for sale. These concoctions include himughat, a dry mixture of wood chips and bark of different plants believed to be medicinal. At P250 per bag, the himughat is mixed into vino or wine or any alcoholic drink, letting it steep. A shot or a tablespoon or two is recommended for fatigue or general tiredness, for headache, dysmenorrhea and kidney ailments. The haplas sa panuhot is an oil concoction for lamig or bodily aches. It is also used for buntis (pregnancy), pamanhod (numbness), pamaol (muscle ache), and arthritis. The tambal sa hilo ug daot is a treatment for as well as panagang or defense against poisoning and paninira (slander, defamation) and jealousy and envy, which is a kind of poisoning. It is also used to treat pangatol or itching. There were also concoctions in small vials, to be placed in the cash box to bring luck in business, and in amulets, a general charm. Other participating healers were Daniela Sartin, Gibrint Edd D. Reyes, Dodong Amboludto, Jomar Enanor, Dean Mark Enanor, Tessie Calimpon and Delia Bajo. On Good Friday, the mananambals performed the adlip on the gathered woods, stems and branches of different plants and trees, which they have gathered during the season. There were several kinds and the healers know by their local names such as tagnipas, duguan, tabun-hangin, etc. There are kinds they call pahiuli or restoration plants. According to Josel B. Mansueto, a professor at the Siquijor State College who have conducted studies on the island’s folk healing practices, mananambals use 377 varieties or kinds of plants. The forests and mountains are sources of these. Other sources of other ingredients are caves (stalactite, earth, etc.), the sea (anything that causes itching or irritation, bearing toxins, etc.), the church (holy water, flowers offered on funerals, candles, etc.). Pag-aadlip involves chopping the woods and stems into smaller pieces. On this day, they also do the pag-uuling, the burning of collected materials to be used as ingredients in the making of minasa. On Black Saturday, Tomaroy led in pagmamasa, the preparation of the minasa. A large kawali was placed over fire and ingredients were put in, which included beeswax, candles, incense, tawas, kamanyang, tuba, honey, soil from the floor of a langub (cave), lana or coconut oil, pahi-uli wood, uling and many others. [caption id="attachment_123662" align="aligncenter" width="728"] Preparing the minasa to used to make palina for the tuob.[/caption] The black mixture was frequently stirred until the healer deemed it ready. Aside from tuob, the minasa is also used in producing anting-anting or amulet or charm. On Easter Sunday, the paglalana was done. It is the process extracting coconut oil. They scraped off the meat out of coconuts using the kudkuran. The most potent coconut comes from the “bugtong na niyog na nakaharap sa silangan,” or a lone coconut facing the east. Every batch must contain at least one. If more, they must be in odd numbers, such three or five. Lana made with coconuts facing the west and used in even numbers (two, four, etc) is for pangkukulam/pambabarang or witchcraft. They squeezed the milk out of the grated coconut meat. Only kakang-gata, the milk of the first squeezing or extraction, is used. The milk was boiled over fire until the oil came out after about two hours and was then separated from other particles. The lana or coconut oil is an attracting agent as well as a vehicle to deliver the efficacy of the herbs and other ingredients. The popular lumay is also concocted during Easter Sunday. It is also known as gayuma or love potion but lumay gererally is meant to attract positive vibes and good fortune not only in love and romance but also in business, career and even marital and family life. [caption id="attachment_123657" align="aligncenter" width="752"] Flowers, seeds, twigs and other ingredients for making lumay, popularly known as gayuma.[/caption] Lumay is concocted during Easter Sunday because many ingredients are gathered from materials used in salubong and other Easter events and practices of the church such as leaves and flower decors. It can be concocted by anyone if one knows the ingredients. Some of the ingredients in making lumay include tawa-tawa, amorseko, buhok sa hangin, lagay-lagay, makahiya or mimosa, rosary pea seeds, sampinit, kadena de amor, and likup-likup. These are gathered and put in a bottle together with perfume or honey. Dab some perfume on the skin or smear a little honey on the lips, the healer advised. Tawa-tawa is used maybe because the fruits are phallic, and the likup-likup, maybe because they cling to the trees. The plants’ perceived characteristics as well as their names indicate what powers they can add to the potion. One ingredient is the curious, bag-shaped plant called lagay-lagay sa amo, the Hydnophytum plant that grows on tree branches and trunks, and is structured like an ant colony, thus it is called the ant plant. The mananambal includes it their healing oil concoctions to treat bukol or swellings or tumor-like symptoms as well as goiter, and certain types of cancer. The name means testicles and it is also included in the concoction of lumay because of its sexual connotation. While the lumay making was going on, an Easter egg hunt was organized for the children, a seemingly incongruent inclusion in the festival. But the hunt is also a practice with old, paganistic roots, with eggs and bunnies as symbols of fertility, like the healing practices, an amalgam of native and Catholic beliefs. Agustin has been planning for the next holding of the Panambal Festival. He has invited the Aralan ng Gamutang Pilipino, led by Dr. Isidro C. Sia, convenor and executive director of Integrative Medicine for Alternative Healthcare Systems Philippines, to hold its national convention during the festival. Organizers also envisioned having traditional healers from different parts of the country, such as mumbaki of the Ifugao and healers of the Ati of Negros Island, as guest participants. An herbarium has been started, with an ambition of growing all the plant ingredients used in pananambal. All these are for the vision of making Siquijor the healing center of the country. The post First Panambal Festival promotes Siquijor’s folk healing practices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Call center agents na biktima ng human trafficking pisikal na inabuso – BI
MANILA, Philippines- Ibinahagi ng Bureau of Immigration (BI) na ang pinakabagong batch ng mga repatriate ay pawang mga biktima ng human trafficking, na nagmula sa Bangkok, ay ginutom at binugbog ng kanilang mga amo. Ayon kay BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, ang pitong biktima na dumating noong Lunes mula sa Bangkok, ay pinagtrabaho sa Mae Sot, […] The post Call center agents na biktima ng human trafficking pisikal na inabuso – BI appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»