After books, clothes, Amazon launches online pharmacy
Washington—After books, clothes, appliances, fresh food and even streaming content, Amazon is branching into one of the last realms it has yet to conquer: prescription drugs......»»
BARMM launches social services programs online portal
BARMM launches social services programs online portal.....»»
DFA launches e-Apostille service; first in Asean region
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs (DFA – OCA) announced that it launched an e-Apostille service for civil registry documents. DFA said the system will allow the public to apply online for e-documents and e-Apostilles from the Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA) without having to appear in both offices. Foreign Affairs.....»»
Sharon Cuneta to launch online shop for pre-loved clothes
“Megastar” Sharon Cuneta dispelled rumors that she does not repeat her clothes......»»
PSID exhibit showcases cross-cultural designs
The Philippine School of Interior Design-Ahlen Institute Inc. resumes its tradition of showcasing the works of its graduating students through a public exhibition three years after being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Batch 2023’s Phusion exhibit opened last 2 October at the Greenfield Tower in Mandaluyong City and will run every day until the end of the month. “The residential spaces you enter feature cross-cultural design,” the institute’s dean, Dr. Carol Peña, said in her message to exhibition-goers. “Through this theme, PSID-Ahlen aims to showcase how culture influences interior design — and conversely, how interior design exemplifies culture — through the creative adaptation of various design elements and the reimagination of layout.” At the press launch held last Thursday, DAILY TRIBUNE had a walk-through with exhibit guide Jade Vinco, a fourth-year student on the publicity and promotions committee. The exhibit, which serves as the final requirement for graduation, has 12 booths divided among 44 students with a maximum of five members per grouping. For inspiration, each group was given a client, either solo or a couple, representing the mixed cultures they would be fusing to create a unique design for a pre-assigned house area. The students shouldered their expenses with some help from sponsors. [caption id="attachment_193559" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Per Ankh’ Antoinette Nicole Mercado, Joana Mannel Lipana, Katrin Miriel Araja, Janiz Karen Adlawan and Katrina Marie Balkin. | PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOCELYN VALLE FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE[/caption] Filipino x Egyptian: ‘Per Ankh’ Antoinette Nicole Mercado, Joana Mannel Lipana, Katrin Miriel Araja, Janiz Karen Adlawan and Katrina Marie Balkin chose to name their booth from the ancient Egyptian symbol per ankh, meaning “key of life.” But they came up with a very contemporary and homey take on the melding of cultures between a newlywed couple, one Filipino and the other Egyptian, as their clients. Thus, the choices and placements of cultural references — (from the Philippines) Malakas at Maganda, the Bulul and (from Egypt) pyramid pharaoh — look like personal belongings rather than museum pieces. The writings in hieroglyphics (meaning “ikaw at ako, habangbuhay”) and Baybayin (meaning “ikaw ang tahanan”) also make complementary effect. Another well-thought-out cultural fusion is exemplified by the pair of Egyptian interlocking chairs with cushions made of Maranao malong and a backrest in solihiya. [caption id="attachment_193561" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Buhay Ubuntu’ by Sofia Pascual, Cheska Mendoza, Sophia Chelsea Yling and Chloe Carpio.[/caption] Filipino x South African: ‘Buhay Ubuntu’ Sofia Pascual, Cheska Mendoza, Sophia Chelsea Yling and Chloe Carpio discovered the Philippines has many things in common with South Africa. The acacia tree, for instance, is where animals hide in safaris. That’s why they chose a dining set made in solid acacia wood and had it shaped round so their clients, a retired couple, could have a “personal dining experience with their guests.” They also took note of the similarities of Bahay Kubo to the traditional Tswana and Sotho huts in South Africa. Thus, the thatched roofs are made from synthetic materials. The other materials, though, are natural as both cultures utilize what they can find from their surroundings. [caption id="attachment_193562" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘FILLENIUM’ by Michelle Bagro, Rovina Manuel, Rosana Bandola and Romeo Gabriel Conge.[/caption] Filipino x American: ‘Fillenium’ Michelle Bagro, Rovina Manuel, Rosana Bandola and Romeo Gabriel Conge felt challenged designing a kitchen for their client, a Filipino-American in his 20s with a partner who’s a chef. The American influence is so prevalent that they had difficulties zeroing in on just one aspect. They finally decided to focus on the Hollywood Regency style born during the golden era of the world’s movie capital from the 1920s to the 1950s. Thus, the bold colors, specifically blue, with metallic accents and, of course, the iconic black-and-white tiles. A giant pair of kutsara’s tinidor serves as a centerpiece for some Pinoy reference and perhaps humor. [caption id="attachment_193550" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Relajarse’ by Maui Severino.[/caption] Filipino-Nicaraguan: ‘Relajarse’ Maui Severino opted to singlehandedly conceptualize the booth she’s named after the Spanish word for “relax.” She has an actual client — her aunt, a nurse married to a Nicaraguan and currently based in Hawaii. The bathroom she designed comes with a walk-in closet. It also has gold accents because “gold is Nicaragua’s main export.” Then there are Filipino elements, such as solihiya cabinets and closets, as well as ceilings made of abaca. Plus, the potted Monstera Deliciosa plants. It feels like being transported into Central or Latin America. Filipino x Brazilian: ‘A Diversao’ Irish Monique Cube, Reichel Alessandra Baytan and Chey De Guzman confessed to breaking away from their usual muted colors to vibrant hues in designing the den for their client. They then chose Brazilian elements with an organic connection with nature and colors inspired by the Amazon. From the Filipino side, they decided to use natural elements and materials. Thus, the padded walls and banig ceilings also serve as sound absorbers as their clients love music and to party. Filipino-French: ‘L’Amour du Monde Entier’ Alma Marie Lacman, Glovelle Palileo, Kristin Dominique Ramos and Sophia Ejercito designed a decidedly fused Filipino and French design for their client, a supermodel now married to a French national. They mixed the airiness and spaciousness of the French design with the Filipino references. Check out the Luna painting and the Banaue Rice Terraces. Filipino x Scandinavian: ‘Lagom’ Stephen Michael Chan, Maria Beatriz Guiterrez, Nicolette Lee and Carl Lois Mico cleverly and beautifully melded Filipino and Scandinavian elements to create an inviting and exciting dining area. There are mixed dining chairs, including a bench inspired by the bangko. For drama, there’s an accent wall, where, at first glance, “medyo nakatago pa ang accessories,” and then the Filipino elements are revealed. Then there’s a daybed at the back because Filipinos love to have a siesta after a meal. Filipino-English: ‘A Bachelor’s Tavern’ Regine Calupitan, Marielle Marzan, Izabela Galanto and Ailene Carino designed a British kitchen for their client, a Filipino-English rugby player. Thus, the choice of the Chesterfield furniture, which the aristocrats prefer because their clothes don’t get creased. The ambiance also resembles a pub but is elevated. Filipino-Italian: ‘Semantika’ Jana Loise Cruz, Sophia Denise Ignacio and Jeyna Francesa Meria were inspired by their clients’ love story that started in the heart of Milan in designing a romantic and opulent bathroom. They chose accent pieces highlighting both cultures’ craftsmanship and went for an open layout. There’s a bathtub because Italians supposedly love long baths and a garden outside to invite nature in. [caption id="attachment_193555" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘YAKKA’ by Kharen Urbano, Franchesca Eunice Co, Kristine Sempio and Kat Calloy.[/caption] Filipino-Australian: ‘Yakka’ Kharen Urbano, Franchesca Eunice Co, Kristine Sempio and Kat Calloy designed an office-cum-den that can be used for a studio condo unit. There’s a working station for the client who runs his own business. Then there’s a spot for relaxation with a hammock to boot! They also used wildlife and Outback inspirations and an original artwork echoing the Great Barrier Reef. [caption id="attachment_193557" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘PearL of the Orient Meet Prosperity’ by Victor Flores, Kaila Laido, Sophia Serrano and Jade Vinco[/caption] Filipino-Japanese: ‘Peart of the Orient Meet Prosperity’ Victor Flores, Kaila Laido, Sophia Serrano and Jade Vinco decided on a round concept for the bedroom they designed for their client. They explained that there’s a round shape in both the Philippine and Japanese flags. The number eight is also considered in Japanese culture. [caption id="attachment_193564" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘KANLUNGAN’ by Karen Cabalquinto, Isobel Merici Dator, Erica Leona Chua and Sheina Rose Gina[/caption] Filipino-Persian: ‘Kanlungan’ Karen Cabalquinto, Isobel Merici Dator, Erica Leona Chua and Sheina Rose Gina opted for a Filipino name to call their booth as it perfectly describes the coziness of the bedroom they designed for their client, who has two kids. They said having a bedroom with two sections in Iran is customary, so they did exactly that. They also used Persian floral patterns and other elements, Filipino elements, such as mahogany wood and Bulacan pattern furniture. The post PSID exhibit showcases cross-cultural designs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More choices for food and shopping at SM Supermalls in the East
The SM Supermalls in the East are buzzing with excitement as they welcome new food and shopping stops in their malls. These fresh additions now cater to the diverse retail and dining needs of shoppers, whether they live in or visit the East. Dine and give in to cravings with family and friends at Kuya J Restaurant at the lower ground level; authentic Japanese cuisine at Botejyu at the upper level, and juicy roasted-chicken meals at Chooks at the second level of SM Center Angono. Much-needed beauty and relaxation breaks are right next to Angono residents’ doorsteps with Gintell Rest N’ Go massage and Lay Bare waxing salon at the mall’s second level. [caption id="attachment_193392" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Botejyu solves that craving for authentic Japanese cuisine located at the upper ground level of SM Center Angono[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193393" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Roasted chicken goodness from the newly-opened Chooks at SM Center Angono[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193395" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Hair-free, silky skin is always achieved at Lay Bare Waxing Salon at SM Center Angono[/caption] Shopping after a nice sweat out playing badminton is now possible as SM Cherry Antipolo opened the first-ever badminton courts in SM Supermalls. Located at the mall’s second level, the SM Cherry Badminton Courts are composed of seven (7) full-sized Badminton courts, a fully-equipped, well-lighted sports facility that ensures optimal playing experience among enthusiasts. Also, the iconic family restaurant Shakey’s opened at the ground level of SM Cherry Antipolo. Healthy desserts and refreshments are also up for grabs from Koomi and Buko ni Juan. Upcoming tenants at SM Cherry Antipolo include Alberto Shoes, Anta, Pickup Coffee, GIB Restaurant, Rollers Skates Hub, Nephromed, IActive, and Christ’s Commission Fellowship. [caption id="attachment_193396" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SM Cherry Badminton Courts, the first-ever badminton facility in SM Supermalls, is now open at 2nd level of SM Cherry Antipolo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193397" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Family-favorite pizza place Shakey’s is now open at SM Cherry Antipolo[/caption] SM City Masinag recently opened two (2) tech tenants at its Cyberzone – Laycom and Techfinity, catering to the varied gadget needs (and wants) of shoppers. Miguelito’s Ice Cream and Czaczacza Café also opened with a cozy nook for diners to enjoy their delicious desserts. Bibliophiles can now enjoy thrift books at Biblio located on the 2nd level near Cinema. Dentacare, Metro Wanderer Travel Services, Denz Candee Floss, and Santino’s Supreme Slice Pizza are also set to open soon. [caption id="attachment_193398" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Biblio is a happy place for book lovers located on the 2nd level of SM City Masinag[/caption] Havaianas, Sunnies Studios, and Bluelite have recently set up shop at SM City San Mateo, providing an exciting shopping destination not only for San Mateo, Rizal residents but also for those in nearby communities. Additionally, KyuKyuRamen99 and Taste of Czaczacza are now welcoming customers to savor their delectable specialties. [caption id="attachment_193399" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ice cream, sundaes, and cold desserts are aplenty at Miguelitos Ice Cream in SM City Masinag[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193400" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Trendy and trusty Havaianas flip flops are now available at their store in SM City San Mateo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193401" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Czaczacza Café is now open at SM City Masinag, Lower Ground Level[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193402" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Polly by S8 Concept District at SM Cherry Antipolo brings together products from small businesses in one shop – from trinkets, dinnerware, clothes, stationery, and a lot more[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193403" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Affordable yet delicious ramen is now available at Kyukyu Ramen 99 at SM City San Mateo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193404" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Homey café plus delicious desserts at Czaczacza Café in SM City San Mateo[/caption] The post More choices for food and shopping at SM Supermalls in the East appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cherchez la femme?
Look for the woman is what the phrase Cherchez la femme means in the French language. By a person’s statement, he or she attributes a certain action or incident to be caused by a woman. It presupposes a negative connotation, but to me it symbolizes the strength and power of a woman. Indeed, so much in this world can be recharged, repaired, corrected, healed if we give women the opportunity and the chance to make a great difference in the world. Women hold half of the sky so they should be given all the means and tools to make a difference. As mothers they carry the baby in their womb for nine months. That takes much sacrifice, inconvenience and risks to their health. But because women are strong in faith and character, they bear all the difficulties with a smile and bravura. Women are teachers. They are the first tutors of her children. Their early values are honed by the mother. Children do not take our words seriously. It is how we conduct ourselves that they absorb their first lessons in life. Women are healers. Because of their compassionate and caring nature, they can assuage the hurts caused by unkind words as they console their loved ones with a big hug, a warm bowl of soup and their sage advice as symbolized by Mother Teresa who will soon be canonized as a saint because of her humane and loving treatment of everyone. Women are strong warriors. The katipuneras proved their valor and fearless nature when they fought side by side with the men as proven by Gabriela Silang, wife of hero Diego Silang. Women are born singers as they lull their infants to sleep in their cradles. Women are marvelous cooks as they plan and cook the healthy food for their families without missing a step. Women are creative seamstresses as they sew the uniforms and clothes of their children growing up. Women are wonderful social human beings as they reach out to neighbors and the community as social workers and nurses. Women are good accountants as they can stretch their household budget like a rubber band with nary a complaint. Women are prayerful persons as they constantly pray for the safety, good health and well-being of the entire family. Women above all are the constant partners and faithful lovers to their husbands. So, we ask, what can women not do? Women can do anything you ask of them provided they are given the due respect, love and support they need to accomplish any task big or small. They are also great coaches who can mentor both young men and women to fulfill their dreams. They are possessed of noble intentions, fierce in their belief that if one needs to perform a task, they will be up to it. So, the question is asked, Cherchez la femme? Where is the woman? She can be found in all mothers, wives, doctors, nurses, teachers, cooks, OFWs, drivers, CEOs, presidents, artists, singers, ballet dancers, farmers, graphic designers, authors, nuns, debaters, makeup artists, parliamentarians, scientists, politicians, models, accountants, lawyers, students, bakers, NGO leaders, laundrywomen, caregivers, environment warriors, gardeners, streetsweepers etc. We could go on and on. What this proves is women can be anyone she aspires to be and for as long as she finds herself valued and needed; she will be there. All she needs is to be valued and loved. After all women are love personified. They will give of themselves for as long as they have life in them. Vive La Femme! In 1989, Bing Carreon was recognized as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS). In San Francisco, California, U.S.A., she was chosen as one of 100 Most Influential Global Filipinas for her books and advocacy work. As a social historian, she has written 46 coffee table books in the last 25 years found in select libraries around the world. For comments and suggestions please e-mail: bncmyob@gmail.com The post Cherchez la femme? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
K-pop megastars BTS release memoir
K-pop megastars BTS released their hotly anticipated memoir in South Korea on Sunday, marking their 10th anniversary as a group. "Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS" is the septet's first official book, and contains a chronological summary of their musical career as well as hints at their future endeavors, according to their agency BIGHIT MUSIC. Crowds were kept away by heavy rain on Sunday morning, but some diehard fans braved the weather to gather in front of the Kyobo bookstore in Gwanghwamun, one of the biggest in Seoul. Sri Lankan fan Lakshi told AFP that if her excitement were measured on a "one to 10 scale, then it is about a million". Aqilah, a fan from Malaysia, gushed: "I came here since 9 a.m. and I finally got this book!" The book, which is also being released in the United States, shot to the top of the Amazon and Barnes and Noble bestseller lists in May on the strength of its pre-orders. It was co-written by South Korean journalist Kang Myeong-seok and members of the band, according to its US publisher Flatiron Books. The release date of the memoir, July 9, is a nod to a significant date in the septet's history: it is the day the megastars' loyal international fan base, known as ARMY, first came into being 10 years ago. "(BTS) Thank you for saving me when I needed it," said Audrey, another fan from Malaysia who scheduled a holiday in Seoul to coincide with the memoir's release. "I wish I could say more, but I am going to cry now," she added. Over the course of its decade in the limelight, BTS has become a global cultural phenomenon, selling out stadiums and dominating charts around the world while raking in billions for South Korea's economy. The band is currently on a "hiatus", with members pursuing solo projects while two of the group complete South Korea's mandatory military service. All able-bodied men in South Korea must serve at least 18 months in the military and, after a years-long debate about whether BTS deserved an exemption, Jin, the oldest member of the group, enlisted last year. His bandmate J-Hope started his mandatory service in April, South Korean media reported at the time. Before the hiatus, BTS bagged six No. 1 hits on the Hot 100 and all seven members of the boyband have reached the top songs chart with solo tracks, Billboard said. The post K-pop megastars BTS release memoir appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Deadly love, trauma, romance and death-defying stunts
[caption id="attachment_154993" align="aligncenter" width="669"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF VIVAMAXTHE cast of Vivamax’s ‘Deadly Love.’[/caption] Series Deadly Love. Last Wednesday, a few press members were teased with the first two episodes of Derick Cabrido’s romantic murder mystery Deadly Love at Cinema ’76 Tomas Morato. Top-billed by Louise Delos Reyes, Marco Gumabao, McCoy De Leon, and award-winning actress Jaclyn Jose, the series is set in a small fictional coastal town in the superstitious province of Pangasinan. Something sinister is lurking — but who? While I have problems with the clunky, inconsistent script, there is no denying that Cabrido knows how to hold your interest with his moody thriller. There is a mystery vibe all throughout, with my mind constantly swimming with guesses. But what strikes me the most is the breathtaking location and the pretty cinematography. The quality of the visuals is superb, evoking eerie feels all throughout, which makes me look forward to finishing the rest of the episodes. The miniseries will drop tomorrow, 10 July, on Viva One, Vivamax’s newest app. [caption id="attachment_154992" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF primE VIDEO‘THE Summer I Turned Pretty’ stars Lola Tung and Chris Briener.[/caption] The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2. I am a big fan of Season 1, bingeing the entire season in two days tops. Based on Jenny Han’s best-selling books, the coming-of-age tale focuses on Belly (the captivating Lola Tung) and how her life unravels in an unforgettable summer at Cousins Beach. It’s basically a love triangle between teenagers. Still, even adults will fall in love with the wholly engrossing story that also involves Belly’s novelist mom (Jackie Chung) and her cancer-stricken best friend, Susannah (Rachel Blanchard). Season 2 picks up a year after the events of the first season and is based on Han’s book It’s Not Summer Without You. The eight episodes will drop on a weekly basis beginning 14 July on Amazon Prime. [caption id="attachment_154994" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT TOM Cruise and Vanessa Kirby in ‘Mission Impossible— Dead Reckoning Part One.[/caption] Movies Causeway. Another A24 gem. Jennifer Lawrence stars in Lila Neugebauer’s gripping and powerful drama Causeway as Lynsey, an injured soldier returning home from her Afghanistan tour. Suffering from traumatic brain injury, Lynsey struggles to return to her daily life in New Orleans. During rehabilitation, she befriends an auto-mechanic, played by Brian Tyree Henry, who also has physical and mental trauma. Slow-burn but rich with deeply explored themes on mental health, trauma, and friendship, Causeway, which earned Henry a nomination at the 95th Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, is a must-see if you are on the hunt for quality drama. It is now streaming on AppleTV+. Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. The sequel to Mission: Impossible — Fallout (2018) and the seventh installment in the Mission: Impossible film series is a blockbuster event you would not want to miss. Dead Reckoning Part One follows the events of Fallout, where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) leads his crew to save the world from a nuclear apocalypse. The trailer is enough to convince you to head to the cinema on its opening day on Wednesday, 12 July. The death-defying stunts, including a 61-year-old Tom Cruise riding a motorcycle off the edge of a cliff, should only be seen on the big screen. The beloved franchise’s latest offering will surely be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. The post Deadly love, trauma, romance and death-defying stunts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Audio book narrators say AI is already taking away business
As people brace for the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and everyday living, those in the world of audio books say their field is already being transformed. AI has the ability to create human-sounding recordings -- at assembly-line speed -- while bypassing at least part of the services of the human professionals who for years have made a living with their voices. Many of them are already seeing a sharp drop off in business. Tanya Eby has been a full-time voice actor and professional narrator for 20 years. She has a recording studio in her home. But in the past six months she has seen her work load fall by half. Her bookings now run only through June, while in a normal year they would extend through August. Many of her colleagues report similar declines. While other factors could be at play, she told AFP, "It seems to make sense that AI is affecting all of us." There is no label identifying AI-assisted recordings as such, but professionals say thousands of audio books currently in circulation use "voices" generated from a databank. Among the most cutting-edge, DeepZen offers rates that can slash the cost of producing an audio book to one-fourth, or less, that of a traditional project. The small London-based company draws from a database it created by recording the voices of several actors who were asked to speak in a variety of emotional registers. "Every voice that we are using, we sign a license agreement, and we pay for the recordings," said DeepZen CEO Kamis Taylan. For every project, he added, "we pay royalties based on the work that we do." Not everyone respects that standard, said Eby. "All these new companies are popping up who are not as ethical," she said, and some use voices found in databases without paying for them. "There's that gray area" being exploited by several platforms, Taylan acknowledged. "They take your voice, my voice, five other people's voices combined that just creates a separate voice... They say that it doesn't belong to anybody." All the audio book companies contacted by AFP denied using such practices. Speechki, a Texas-based start-up, uses both its own recordings and voices from existing databanks, said CEO Dima Abramov. But that is done only after a contract has been signed covering usage rights, he said. Future of coexistence? The five largest US publishing houses did not respond to requests for comment. But professionals contacted by AFP said several traditional publishers are already using so-called generative AI, which can create texts, images, videos and voices from existing content -- without human intervention. "Professional narration has always been, and will remain, core to the Audible listening experience," said a spokesperson for that Amazon subsidiary, a giant in the American audio book sector. "However, as text-to-speech technology improves, we see a future in which human performances and text-to-speech generated content can coexist." The giants of US technology, deeply involved in the explosively developing field of AI, are all pursuing the promising business of digitally narrated audio books. 'Accessible to all' Early this year, Apple announced it was moving into AI-narrated audio books, a move it said would make the "creation of audio books more accessible to all," notably independent authors and small publishers. Google is offering a similar service, which it describes as "auto-narration." "We have to democratize the publishing industry, because only the most famous and the big names are getting converted into audio," said Taylan. "Synthetic narration just opened the door for old books that have never been recorded, and all the books from the future that never will be recorded because of the economics," added Speechki's Abramov. Given the costs of human-based recording, he added, only some five percent of all books are turned into audio books. But Abramov insisted that the growing market would also benefit voice actors. "They will make more money, they will make more recordings," he said. The human element "The essence of storytelling is teaching humanity how to be human. And we feel strongly that that should never be given to a machine to teach us about how to be human," said Emily Ellet, an actor and audio book narrator who cofounded the Professional Audiobook Narrators Association (PANA). "Storytelling," she added, "should remain human entirely." Eby underlined a frequent criticism of digitally generated recordings. When compared to a human recording, she said, an AI product "lacks in emotional connectivity." Eby said she fears, however, that people will grow accustomed to the machine-generated version, "and I think that's quietly what's kind of happening." Her wish is simply "that companies would let listeners know that they're listening to an AI-generated piece... I just want people to be honest about it." The post Audio book narrators say AI is already taking away business appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
K-pop megastars BTS to release memoir in July
K-pop megastars BTS will release a memoir in South Korea and the United States in July, its US publisher said, triggering feverish excitement from the supergroup's global fanbase. BTS has become a global cultural phenomenon, selling out stadiums and dominating charts around the world while raking in billions for South Korea's economy. Titled "Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS", the book was co-written by South Korean journalist Kang Myeong-seok and members of the band, according to the publisher. "Who is excited?... #BTSbook," US publisher Flatiron Books said Thursday on its Instagram account, sharing a news article about the launch. Online forums and social media sites had been awash with speculation about a potential celebrity book release in July, with some commenters saying that it may be authored by Taylor Swift. The mystery book shot to the top of Amazon and Barnes and Noble bestseller lists after pre-orders by fans. The K-pop group's 544-page memoir will be released on July 9, according to the book's Amazon page. It is a tribute to a significant date in the septet's history: the megastars' loyal international fan base known as ARMY came into being that day, 10 years ago. "I'm so looking forward to the book... It's so cool to be able to look back on the last 10 years with BTS," one fan wrote on Twitter in Korean. "Will I be able to buy it since the competition is so global?" another feared. The US edition of the book was translated by Anton Hur with Clare Richards and Slin Jung, Hur said in a tweet. BTS are currently on a "hiatus", with members pursuing solo projects while two of the group have enlisted for mandatory South Korean military service. All able-bodied men in South Korea must serve at least 18 months in the military and, after a years-long debate about whether BTS deserved an exemption, Jin, the oldest member of the group, enlisted last year. BTS star J-Hope started his mandatory South Korean military service last month, South Korean media reported at the time, becoming the K-pop juggernaut's second member to enlist. Before the pause, BTS bagged six No. 1 hits on the Hot 100 and all seven members of the boyband have reached the top songs chart with solo tracks, Billboard said. cdl/ceb/dva © Agence France-Presse Add to cart Print Download Share this document Copy the content The post K-pop megastars BTS to release memoir in July appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unilab launches hub for health policy issues
Unilab Foundation recently launched the Unilab Center for Health Policy to serve as a venue for stakeholders to examine health policy issues.....»»
Cebu Pacific books P8 billion profit in 2023
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific found itself landing on solid ground in 2023, as it booked a profit of nearly P8 billion on the back of a resurgent demand for air travel......»»
UP Diliman warns of unofficial ads about online courses
The University of the Philippines Diliman on Wednesday warned the public against the spread of advertisements claiming to offer online courses in the university's name......»»
Greenwich Inspires Filipinos to Create More Authentic Meaningful Connections, Launches ‘Sarap to Feel G’ Campaign
Greenwich, one of the country’s leading homegrown pizza and pasta makers, is embarking on a massive campaign this year to inspire millions of Filipinos to create more genuine, meaningful connections with each other. The campaign is anchored on having more experiences inspired by authenticity and real “feel-good” togetherness made possible by incredible, great-tasting food. This […].....»»
TikTok Shop Launches TikTok Shop Business School to Help Digitize Filipino Entrepreneurs
TikTok Shop launched TikTok Shop Business School, a comprehensive one-day program for Filipino entrepreneurs that aims to equip them with the skills to grow their businesses in the digital sphere. The full-day program, which 50 TikTok Shop entrepreneurs attended, was comprised of master classes on Corporate Strategy and Business Model with Kim Lato, Founder and […].....»»
Decline in exploitation cases; advocacy efforts strengthened
AN OFFICIAL from the Police Regional Office-Davao Region (PRO-Davao) reported two cases of online exploitation of women and children in the region in 2022......»»
Golden Haven launches international campaign for OFWs
Golden Haven, the country’s leading memorial park developer, has launched its GO! International campaign, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to help overseas Filipino workers secure their financial future......»»
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......»»
Southeast Asian Police, Prosecutors Join Forces to Fight Scamdemic
Bangkok - Police and prosecutors across Southeast Asia are forging new ways of working together to thwart and pursue the sprawling criminal networks behind the online scam centers that have quickly taken root in the region, experts involved in the effort have told VOA.In a few short years, scamming hubs bilking billions of dollars out of victims across the globe have set up shop in Cambodia, Laos, the Philippine.....»»
'PHVote Guides: How to register as an overseas voter in the 2025 elections
For the first time, overseas voters may experience online voting, on top of the usual personal and postal modes.....»»