Asian martial arts, beach tiffs postponed
The Philippines can now focus on this year’s Tokyo Olympics and the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games with the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and Asian Beach Games recently postponed......»»
Go, go, go for the gold!
We have nothing but admiration and best wishes for our national athletes who are currently competing at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games. Together with my colleagues, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Francis Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chair Dickie Bachmann and Commissioner Matthew Gaston, among other officials, we took the time last weekend to personally cheer on our representatives in the regional biennial sports meet in Cambodia. There, we witnessed once again the never-say-die attitude and spirit of all our Filipino athletes. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and a firm advocate of long-term and grassroots sports development in the country, I was particularly filled with pride after seeing the dedication, discipline and undeniable talent of our athletes. That is why I remain committed to helping strengthen the development of sports in our communities. Sports keep our young people away from vices and criminality. As I always say, “Get into sports, stay away from drugs!” Last year, I sponsored and defended additional funding for the PSC during its 2023 budget deliberation, particularly for grassroots sports development and in support of athletes joining international competitions. What was supposedly just more or less P200 million proposed annual budget for PSC was increased by P1 billion through our efforts and with the support of my colleagues in the Senate. Particularly, the increase in the PSC’s 2023 budget is intended to support the Filipino athletes in international competitions, such as the Asian Games, SEA Games, Summer Olympics in Paris, ASEAN Para Games, Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games, World Combat Games, World Beach Games, and Asian Beach Games, among others. Portions of the funds were also allotted for the country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023 as well as for grassroots sports programs, such as Batang Pinoy, the Philippine National Games, and those under the Sports Development Council. Moreover, funding was allocated for the development of sports infrastructure across the country, as well as for advanced research and development in sports sciences and sports technology. The provision of other financial assistance to Filipino athletes was also funded. I have also authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports in 2020 to help ensure that our promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting quality education. More recently, I filed Senate Bill 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, with the aim of institutionalizing and providing a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development. Meanwhile, together with my team, I was in Batangas province on 8 May where I personally led a series of relief operations for 1,109 indigents in Batangas City and 1,000 more in San Pascual town. As an adopted son of CALABARZON and a fellow Batangueño, I am thankful for being able to serve them to the best of my capacity as a public servant. I likewise visited the newly renovated San Pascual Super Health Center and met with some health workers to listen to their concerns and discuss ways to improve the delivery of healthcare services in their communities. The Super Health Center is an improved version of a polyclinic, which seeks to provide our fellow Filipinos, especially those in remote areas, easier access to basic health services. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers and the Department of Health, 307 SHCs were funded in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. Last Tuesday, we conducted a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Health on mental health. As the committee’s chair, I reiterated that the state of our National Center for Mental Health is in need of utmost attention and improvement to preserve the basic right of all Filipinos to healthcare. Meanwhile, on 10 May, I led a relief effort for 672 fire victims from Pritil Public Market in Tondo, Manila. This was followed by a visit to Nueva Ecija last 11 May, where I personally inspected the Talavera bridge — a project I had earlier supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. I then conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Talavera General Hospital to personally assess its operations and ensure that indigent patients are given the assistance they need. In line with this, we extended relief to 79 patients and 406 front liners in the hospital while the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial aid to the qualified patients. On the same day, my team and I visited the town of Llanera to inspect its Super Health Center and attend the inauguration of the public wet market there, both of which I had advocated and supported. We then assisted 1,000 indigents in the town. As an adopted son of Nueva Ecija, I continue to support the province and help its people as much as I can. Separately, my outreach teams mounted several relief operations last week that benefitted 100 indigents in Veruela, 100 in Sta. Josefa, 40 in Esperanza, and 40 in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; 227 in Botolan and 163 in Iba, Zambales; 520 Kibawe, Dangcagan, Cabanglasan and Malitbog, Bukidnon; 141 in General Natividad, Nueva Ecija; 2,199 in Gingoog City, 50 in Naawan, and 50 in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental; 332 in Minalin, Pampanga; 129 in Hamtic, Antique; 233 in Casiguran, and 166 in Dilasag, Aurora; and 44 in Sta. Maria and 45 in Malolos City, Bulacan. Fire victims, including 205 in Taytay, Rizal; 58 in Caloocan City; and 12 families in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan were likewise supported through our efforts. In the same way that our athletes remain unyielding in the face of tough competition, I hope that we can all remain resilient in the face of challenges. Through our support for one another and our unbeatable pusong Pilipino, let us all go for the gold and continue bringing honor to our country and our people. The post Go, go, go for the gold! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
`Compete with all your heart,’ Go tells SEA Games-bound athletes
On Monday, 24 April, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go expressed his full support for Filipino athletes competing in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia as he attended their send-off ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. The event was led by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who encouraged the Filipino athletes to go for the gold and bring back the Philippines' number one spot in the Games. In an interview during the event, Go, as chair of the Senate Committee on Sports and a sports enthusiast himself, said he understands the value of sports in the lives of young Filipinos. "Nandirito po ako to support. Being a sports enthusiast, noon pa talagang mahilig na po ako sa sports," said Go. "And that’s one way of encouraging the youth to get into sports and stay away from drugs. Isa po ito sa pamamaraan na ilayo po natin ang ating mga kabataan sa iligal na droga. Get into sports, stay away from drugs, and keep them healthy and fit," he added. To help in this cause, Go shared that he sponsored and defended additional funding for the Philippine Sports Commission during its 2023 budget deliberation, particularly for grassroots sports development and in support of athletes joining international competitions. "Gaya noon, full support po ako sa ating mga atleta. Not only sa SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics, full support po ako," he said. Go continued, "In fact, during the budget deliberation, ang budget po ng PSC less than P200 million. Ako po ‘yung nag-defend at nag-suggest ng dagdag sa pondo nila." "Nagdagdag po tayo ng P1 billion sa budget ng PSC including budget na po para sa Southeast Asian Games, sa iba pang mga grassroots program, not only sa international competition, pati sa local," he added. Particularly, the increase in the PSC's 2023 budget reflected in the General Appropriations Act is intended to support Filipino athletes in the 2022 Asian Games, 2023 Southeast Asian Games, and 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Furthermore, athletes competing in the ASEAN Para Games, Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games, World Combat Games, World Beach Games, Asian Beach Games, and World Beach Games will receive similar support. Portions of the funds were allotted for the country's hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023 as well as for several sports programs, such as Batang Pinoy, the Philippine National Games, and the grassroots program under the Sports Development Council. There are also funds allocated for the development of sports infrastructure across the country, as well as for advanced research and development in sports sciences and sports technology. When asked about his message to the athletes, Go echoed Marcos' words of encouragement, "Sinabi na rin po ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos kanina, 'Go, go, go for the gold.' Ibig sabihin sana magtsa-champion po tayo. Ibalik natin ‘yung pagiging No.1 natin." Go reminded the athletes that the important thing is to fight and compete with all their hearts, as Filipinos are known for their passion and perseverance. Around 860 Filipino athletes, 76 reserved players, and 347 sports officials, medical personnel, and support staff will travel to Cambodia to compete in 608 events across 38 sports categories from 5-17 May. With the impressive performance of Filipino athletes in the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam, where they brought home 227 medals, including 52 gold, 70 silver, and 105 bronze, the Philippines is poised to once again make a strong showing in the upcoming games. In the 2019 SEA Games, the Philippines hosted the event and emerged as the overall champion with 149 gold medals, 117 silver medals, and 121 bronze medals. The National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, or Republic Act No. 10699, entitles SEA Games gold medalists to a P300,000 incentive, silver medalists to P150,000, and bronze medalists to P60,000. During the Duterte administration, Go advocated for additional benefits to medalists. An advocate for grassroots sports development, Go earlier authored and co-sponsored RA 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports in 2020 as part of his vision to ensure promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting quality education. The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. The senator also filed Senate Bill No. 423, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022, to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development The post `Compete with all your heart,’ Go tells SEA Games-bound athletes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AIMAG, Asian Beach Games postponed
The Philippines can now focus fully on the Tokyo Olympics in July and the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games in November following the postponement of the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and Asian Beach Games......»»
Asian martial arts, beach tiffs postponed
The Philippines can now focus on this year’s Tokyo Olympics and the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games with the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and Asian Beach Games recently postponed......»»
Asian Beach Games, Indoor Martial Arts called off
The Philippines will no longer be preparing for two international meets this year......»»
POC looking to host Asian indoor and beach games
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the Philippines will bid to host the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games (Aimag) and Asian Beach Games on local turf after missing the deadline to submit a bid for the 2030 Asian Games. “We will definitely make a bid in these Games. Sports is a unifying […] The post POC looking to host Asian indoor and beach games appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Sinulog 2024: National athletes, kids perform Philippine martial arts Eskrima
Award-winning national athletes, Southeast Asian Games champions and children joined hands as they performed a combination of martial arts and dance at the recently concluded Sinulog sa Sugbo 2024 in South Road Properties (SRP), Cebu City......»»
Aimag postponed for 5th time
The Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (Aimag), originally scheduled to be hosted by Thailand, has been postponed for the fifth time. The decision to move the event to another date was made due to its close proximity to the 2023 Paris Summer Olympic Games, which are set to take place from July 26 to August 11 next year. The Aimag was already postponed twice due to the pandemic and was initially rescheduled for November this year. However, political uncertainty in Thailand forced the host country to push the event to February 2024. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president, Raja Randhir Sing, stated that all 45 member countries agreed to the decision, as everyone in the continent is busy preparing for the Olympic Games. The new date for the Aimag will be announced after the Olympiad. The president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, supported the postponement, emphasizing that Filipino athletes are currently focused on the Olympiad and participating in various Olympic qualifying competitions. The Aimag, held every four years, features around 50 sports disciplines, including nine Olympic events and 297 medal events. Some of the sports contested include aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, basketball,.....»»
POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine
If you’re a talented fighter nursing dreams of becoming a world champion, there is one guy you need to get in touch with. If you’re a promoter who has got a bevy of promising fighters but with no strong connections to the guys who matter in the world of big-time boxing, you have to meet the fellow who makes things happen. That dude is no other than Sean Gibbons, who heads MP Promotions and a sprinkling of other influential outfits in the United States that gives boxers from all over the opportunity they deserve. Having trouble with your boxer’s stagnant world rating? Call Sean Gibbons. Can’t seem to get the big breaks? Call Sean Gibbons. Being given the run-around by a scammer, give Sean Gibbons a call. You see, Gibbons is a do-it-all boxing man who is a big daddy to just about any major Filipino fighter. He has got a deep knowledge of the fight game since he used to fight during his heyday. But before you start conjuring up images of Gibbons battling it out with boxing’s marquee names, pinch yourself first. Gibbons never achieved greatness as a boxer. He was more of a pretender than a contender, having racked up a 14-7-3 win-loss-draw record with seven knockouts before finally calling it a day in 1996. He never even fought in Las Vegas and instead showcased his wares in obscurity, hopping into one small town and city after another. After spending his first five pro bouts in Oklahoma City, Gibbons brought his act elsewhere and in places he never knew existed: Hugo, Purcell, Waubeek. A year before he retired in 1995, Gibbons, now 56, even traveled to Germany and fought and lost by knockout to local boy Ruediger May. Two more bouts on American soil — the first in Des Moines, Iowa, and the second in Miles City, Montana — paved the way for one final stop in Denmark against Peter Madsen. Gibbons would lose that by stoppage again and decided that enough was enough. Pretty soon, Gibbons got himself doing odd jobs in boxing through a relative — uncle Pat O’ Grady — father to former world lightweight champion Sean O’Grady. “I got the boxing bug from him. I would set up the ring, help sell tickets and train fighters… I started from the bottom,” Gibbons, born in Long Beach, California, said, noting that the first fighter he trained was heavyweight Wimpy Halstead. Oftentimes, Gibbons “would jump in as one of the fighters in the card and I was able to travel the world.” He also got aligned with Top Rank and credits Hall of Fame Bruce Trampler and fight coordinator Pete Susens as his mentors and takes great pride in his close association with eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao. Gibbons actually came to the Pacquiao show rather late. But his seven-year stint working for Pacquiao was the most memorable, saying it doesn’t compare with the 35 other years of involvement with boxing. “Seven years I spent with him were better than the other 35 years,” Gibbons, who graduated from Simi Valley High, said. Gibbons revealed that after Australian banger Jeff Horn elbowed and butted and wrestled his way in carving out a controversial points win in Brisbane in July 2018, “Pacquiao had pretty much been left for dead by some people.” It was right at this time when Gibbons entered the scene as Pacquiao’s go-to-guy for meaningful fights while also providing other Filipino boxers the break they need to become successful. Gibbons didn’t disappoint and was instrumental in striking a deal for fights involving Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman that resulted in a “tremendous run.” The victory over Thurman would go down as an epic as it made Pacquiao the oldest to win a world welterweight crown in July 2019 in Las Vegas. Now that Pacquiao has sailed into the sunset, Gibbons is dedicating his time and effort to the betterment of the other talents under MP Promotions, the Pacquiao-owned company that has majority of the country’s top ring talent under contract. And this is where Gibbons wields his expertise and proof of his savvy can be seen on Jerwin Ancajas, Pedro Taduran, Rene Cuarto, Mark Magsayo and current two-belt world super-bantamweight titleholder Marlon Tapales. Also under Gibbons’ care are Jonas Sultan, Vincent Astrolabio, Jade Bornea and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and Asian Games silver medalist Eumir Marcial. Though not every one of them managed to win a world title, Gibbons draws utmost satisfaction from the helping hand that he had extended to them. “The most satisfying thing is to change lives of the fighters and take fighters who wouldn’t normally get these opportunities.” Also, Gibbons points to Pacquiao as a reason why he was able to pull it off. “I had the name Manny Pacquiao promotions and Manny Pacquiao was behind me but the biggest, biggest key was Al Haymon and he took my word for guys like Jerwin Ancajas, Mark Magsayo, Jonas Sultan and many, many others.” And there is no stopping Gibbons from doing the same thing especially when his clients’ welfare is on the line. A few months ago, Gibbons earned the ire of a state commission and got slapped with a ban. Still, Gibbons swears it is his way of showing that he always got his clients’ back. So how does he want people to remember him? “I would like to be remembered as someone who gave his all, no regrets. Just you know, when I work with someone, I put all my heart and soul into it. I got suspended for five for screaming at referees but I would like to be remembered for a guy who always had his client, fighters and boxers’ back and that when we went at it, we gave it our all.” If you end up going to war, you’d certainly want somebody like Sean Gibbons right by your side. The post POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fil-Am director ready to take on Hollywood with ‘sweeping drama’
While the feverish Hollywood actors’ strike is still ongoing, Filipino-American filmmaker Gerard Pizarro is undaunted. The lawyer-turned-director is currently scouting cast members in the Philippines and LA for his ambitious Hollywood limited television series called Mt. Samat. Pizarro may not be a household name, but the passionate Fil-Am director has been winning awards in the American film circuit for a decade now. Pizzaro’s Mt. Samat has been described as a “sweeping drama of an orphan who rose to riches and wealth amidst time-worn wars and generational family feuds.” Mount Samat, also known as the Dambana ng Kagitingan, is a shrine located in Pilar, Bataan built to honor the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought against the Japanese army during World War II. But Pizzaro’s Mt. Samat will be based on the 2021 biographical novel The Man Behind the Uniform, penned by his own father, Tony Deleon Pizarro. The inspiring story will focus on Pizzaro’s father pursuing the American Dream beginning in Bataan, in the midst of war. It is undoubtedly a big project, as the rags-to-riches story will be backdropped by historical events — a period drama that aims to cast the best Filipino actors, as well as actors from Hollywood. Pizzaro, who said his favorite actor is Sean Penn, studied for four years at the American Conservatory Theater. “And I think my training as a lawyer, we did a lot of listening and observing, we watched,” so he intends to use those skills in casting and directing his film. Big marketplace Mt. Samat will be pitched at the American Film Market on 31 October. The AFM is an eight-day film industry event held each year at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. It’s a big marketplace for the film business, with more than 7,000 participants from 70 countries who attend to network, sell, finance and acquire films. [caption id="attachment_200914" align="aligncenter" width="1694"] ‘BLOOD on Canvas,’ Pizarro’s 2013 drama-thriller film, bagged awards at various film festivals. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF Pizarro Creatives[/caption] Even with Mt. Samat set to be pitched at the AFM to attract film buyers, it is currently being produced with a pilot episode that will open in 1941 with the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. It will then unfold into a dramatic family saga, following the older Pizzaro’s experiences in Bataan before migrating to the United States in 1959 and his struggles as an immigrant before finding success. Aside from the American Conservatory Theater, Pizarro also obtained training from the San Francisco Film School and the USC School of Cinematic Arts. His 2013 drama-thriller Blood on Canvas, starring Kristen Doute and Stephen DeWitt White, bagged awards at various festivals, including Best Feature at the Michigan Film Awards and Best Thriller at the Honolulu Film Festival, and recognition at the Golden Ace Awards and Las Vegas Festival. The post Fil-Am director ready to take on Hollywood with ‘sweeping drama’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoT’s Philippine Experience Program to help LGUs develop, enhance tourist spots
Albay — The Department of Tourism on Monday maintained that the Philippine Experience Program, which brings hundreds of delegates to various tourist attractions in the country, is its way to make local government units, especially those with underdeveloped tourist spots, to be at par with other known local destinations. During her speech in Albay for the third leg of the DoT’s Philippine Experience Program on Sunday night, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the program is in line with Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to bring countryside development through tourism. “Recognizing how strong as a social economic tool tourism can be given the right tool to succeed in making the countryside grow, PEP gives opportunities to local government units, provinces, cities and municipalities all over the Philippines to be equally developed and promoted,” she said. The program seeks to reintroduce the Philippines to the world, “not only our natural resources, our stunning landscapes, our beautiful coastlines, our majestic mountainscapes, but also, our heart and soul as Filipinos.” Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman expressed support for the Philippine Experience Program and its swing through Bicol. “Parading the call to experience Bicol, a tapestry of history, tradition, and arts, this program embodies the essence of what makes a region unique and exceptional. Albay, with its enchanting landscape, rich cultural heritage and untapped potential plays a pivotal role in the national tourism industry,” Lagman said. In a video message, Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman also expressed his confidence that the visit from the DOT chief will “inspire” the tourism industry in Albay. “Thank you for your visit, Secretary Frasco, and we are certain that your visit will be both memorable and productive,” the congressman said. The third leg of the Philippine Experience Program started with the official opening of the Kasanggayahan Festival in the Provincial Capitol of Sorsogon, followed by a visit to the pristine sceneries of Bulusan and Barcelona Ruins in Sorsogon. On Day 2, delegates of the Philippine Experience Program Bicol on Monday revved up for an adrenaline-fueled all-terrain vehicle adventure in Legazpi City, the booming capital of Albay dubbed as the "City of Fun and Adventure," followed by a visit to Daraga Church or the Nuestra Señora dela Porteria, then a visit to the famous Cagsawa Ruins and Sumlang Lake in Camalig. The Philippine Experience Program highlights the Filipino brand and identity in all aspects of the travel and tourism experience, focused on heritage, culture and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings with thematic experiences on Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Festivals, Living Cultures and Heritage, and the Arts. It also aims to link key destinations to lesser-known destinations, as well as expand the country’s tourism portfolio, which includes sun and beach offerings, nature-based tourism, diving, food, education, health, MICE and farm tourism. The post DoT’s Philippine Experience Program to help LGUs develop, enhance tourist spots appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lester Pimentel Ong: The ‘Iron Heart’ director is also a restaurateur
When action films came to a screeching halt around year 2000 because of piracy, then stuntman Lester Pimentel Ong bravely ventured into the food business. For him, it was like wading into untested waters. “Nagsimula ako sa (I started in) Rice-In-A box 23 years ago. I started in the film industry as a stuntman. Nakatrabaho ko si Victor Neri, sa mga films ni direk Toto Natividad. Nawala ‘yung raket namin sa stunts kasi nauso ‘yung piracy sa film. Humina ‘yung action film so wala kaming raket. (I worked with Victor Neri, in the films of director Toto Natividad. We lost our stunt jobs because film piracy became prevalent. Action films slowed down, so we didn’t have a job). With his P80,000 savings, he started his rice-in-a-box business at Masagana City Mall, in Pasay, recalled Ong during the opening of the ninth branch of Wangfu, his Chinese-Singaporean restaurant that’s been up for 11 years now. That small rice-in-a-box business now has more than 100 stores consisting of food carts and food stalls. “That business financed all of our other businesses, all our other restaurants,” said Ong proudly. A foodie, Ong was exposed to street food when he was a wushu athlete who represented the country in many competitions abroad. He reveled in the street foods of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Thailand. “I would go around to different places and tuwing may break kami, we would explore the street food market ng different countries. I fell in love with different kind of food, Asian food,” he said. Wangfu came about because, after shoots, “kapag late night, wala kaming makakainan. Nasa food business naman ako, so nagtayo kami ng restaurant sa Tomas Morato. Iyon ang first branch (of Wangfu),” he said. He was joined in the venture by business partner Ace Wang. Wangfu serves Singaporean cuisine like laksa, Hainanese chicken and salted egg fried chicken. From Sir Chief to Sir Chef Actor Richard Yap is also one of Ong’s partners in Wangfu. Yap disclosed that when he was young, he “used to cook at home because my mom cooks very well.” It was his love for food that drove him to study culinary arts. But he discovered along the way that cooking was not for him. “When I took up a culinary course, I found out na hindi pala para sa akin ang pagluluto (that cooking is not for me). Ang hirap ng preparations. It takes a long time. Kung ako ang magluluto (If I will do the cooking), it will take three to four hours if you do it by yourself,” he said. In college, Yap took up a pre-Med course, Medical Technology, for two years, and then stopped because his father asked him to take up Business Management instead. When he applied for Med studies at UST, he was told that he had to go back to first year again. “I said never mind. I’ll just finish my Business Management course at La Salle,” he recalled. Getting into showbiz 12 years ago was something that Yap didn’t see coming. “When I started out with “My Binondo Girl”, after that nagdadalawang isip ako (I had second thoughts). So, I had to ask around. One of my directors, direk Jeffrey Jeturian, said, ‘You know, you have to make a choice kasi it’s either you go full-time sa showbiz or not.’” Yap’s apprehensions were not without basis, since not a lot of people would make it at his age then, around 40. “Ako, sabi ko, late na ako (I’m late), wala pa akong experience. It would take me a lot of time to catch up with veteran actors and actresses,” he said. Fortunately, those around him told him he had a future in showbiz for as long as he persevered. And that he did — and now he’s Richard Yap, a popular actor and household name, forever remembered by many as Sir Chief of the blockbuster TV series Be Careful With My Heart. The post Lester Pimentel Ong: The ‘Iron Heart’ director is also a restaurateur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stevie’s specialties
For Steve “Stevie” Villacin, it took only one specialty dish — Hainanese chicken — to get him started on his home-based food business in 2009. He had just graduated from the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, and his cousin Claudette Vitug was responsible for “pushing him to start a home-based food business by accident.” Knowing that Stevie cooked a mean Hainanese chicken at home, she requested him to make her a set to gift their friend Ingrid Chua, the BagHag, for Christmas. Steve obliged, whipping up a whole Hainanese chicken and packaging this with its traditional sauces (ginger sauce, sweet soy sauce, and chili sauce) and matching Hainanese chicken rice. Claudette sent this to Ingrid, who loved it so much that she blogged about it the following day. Other bloggers and influencers as well as journalists picked up from there and wrote about Stevie’s special Hainanese chicken. Word got around, orders doubled, tripled, and, lo and behold, before he knew it, he had a home-based food business to run. The business happened by accident, yes, but the orders did not come by accident. They were conscious choices because Stevie’s product was—and continues to be—really good. His signature dish, Hainanese Chicken Set, is a whole chicken, about 1.5 to 1.7 kilograms by weight, comes with five cups of chicken rice (with option to order additional rice at P65 per cup), and a complete set of sauces (topping sauce, ginger sauce, sweet soy sauce, and chili sauce), for a reasonable P1,500 per set. Stevie has also developed a variation of rice called Olive Rice. It is basically traditional Hainanese chicken rice sautéed in extra virgin olive oil with chopped black olives. Should customers prefer Olive Rice over traditional chicken rice for their Hainanese Chicken Set, the price is adjusted by only P100. The set thus costs P1,600, with extra cups of Olive Rice priced at P75 per cup. [caption id="attachment_192637" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Hainanese chicken.[/caption] Through the years, Stevie has also developed other platter offerings. A number of these have become top-sellers as well, such as Fried Shrimp Lumpia with Bacon and Served with Sweet Chili Sauce (shrimp with bacon rolled around it, then wrapped in lumpia wrapper and fried); Asian Beef Tenderloin Salpicao (Australian or New Zealand beef tenderloin marinated with Asian seasonings then seared and topped with fried garlic, served with buttered vegetables and mashed potato); and Garlic Barbeque Pork Ribs (two slabs of tender pork ribs with garlic barbecue sauce). Stevie’s menu has become so wide that it covers all categories now — salads, appetizers, entrées and pasta. Salad choices are Chicken Oriental Salad with Hoisin Dressing Black Pepper Crusted Tuna Salad with Asian Dressing, and Grilled Pork Belly Salad with Tamarind Dressing. As for the appetizers, there’s Fresh Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce; Seafood, Chorizo and Chicken Paella, Callos, Osso Bucco Served with Pasta, and Baked Iberian Chicken. For pasta, which is a one-dish meal often ordered on its own by customers, Stevie has four choices — Baked Rigatoni with Italian Sausage and Eggplant, Tuyo Pasta, Baked Chicken a la King Pasta, and Garlic Noodles. The latter (spaghetti sautéed in garlic butter and extra virgin olive oil with Asian seasonings and topped with Parmesan cheese, browned garlic and chopped scallions) has also become a signature dish often ordered to go with Baked Prawns. So, it could stand on its own, Stevie recently added a variation of garlic noodles to the menu. It is called Garlic Crab Noodles, and has lots of crabmeat on top of the garlic noodles. More recent additions to the menu include chicken relleno and chicken asparagus sandwich. Orders may be placed via 8896-8940 or 0906-5084155. Pick-up is the only option, as payment the day before is needed. The post Stevie’s specialties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Carmela Geisert holds second solo exhibit
Self-taught artist and hotelier Carmela Geisert mounts her second solo exhibit at the Redwood Cafe and Artspace in Quezon City. Curated by Professor Ruben DF Defeo, In Reverie runs from 2 September to 4 October and showcases a collection of abstract paintings that explore the realms of daydreaming, positivity and personal introspection Geisert’s artistic journey is an exploration of emotions translated onto canvas. In Reverie captures the essence of positive energy and introspection through an array of colors and forms. Each canvas becomes a portal into a world where colors are felt as much as they are seen, evoking a sense of serenity and connection with the inner self. Her artistic process is an intimate dance between intuition and expression. Her paintings are a result of instinctual gestures and emotional impulses, giving rise to colors that seem to emanate from her very being. Her canvases come alive with stream-of-consciousness compositions that playfully incorporate foliage and forest scenes, fluid experimentations and line-scribbled glimpses into mythology, creating a balance between the organic and the abstract. Geisert enjoys inspiring moments of dreamy contemplation in the lush greenery and proximity to the beach in Palawan and elsewhere. As she gathers her memories of travel, photography, fashion and leisure, she fills her canvases with instinctual gestures often reflecting her moods and meandering thoughts. She started sketching using charcoal and pastel crayons in 2016 to pass off the time during long-haul flights, her portraitures and human figures sketches characterized by confident lines. She also found her way naturally to creating “fluid art,” mixing acrylic paints to create interesting random patterns that follow the character of the paints that she pours on the canvas. Geisert has been recognized by her alma maters — PATTS College of Aeronautics with an Outstanding Alumni award in 2017 and Colegio de Santa Ana with an Outstanding Alumni award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and in Fine Arts in 2020. The Redwood Café and Artspace is located at Unit 104, Cedar Executive Building, 26 Timog Avenue, Quezon City. For more information, contact Carmela (0917-5507374), Micki (0918-6979226), Jes (0927-8524116) and Redwood Cafe (0917-1386881). The exhibit is for the benefit of the Iraya Mangyan community of Mindoro. The post Carmela Geisert holds second solo exhibit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines opens Asiad beach volleyball tiff with mixed results
Khylem Progella and Grydelle Matibag came out with a win and Ran Abdilla and Jaron Requinton fell at the start of beach volleyball’s preliminary round action in the 19th Asian Games......»»
Phl spikers keenly await draw
Whether the Philippine beach volleyball teams will make inroads in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou will be determined during today’s groupings, Philippine National Volleyball Federation national commission chief Tonyboy Liao said. The Philippine volleyball teams flew to Hangzhou last Saturday to become of the early birds. “There’s a general technical meeting for pool play. They haven’t started I don’t know who we will be up against,” said Liao, also the commissioner of the Premier Volleyball League. “There’s no meeting yet so we don’t know the pool play. Once the groupings have been decided, then we can gauge our chances.” “The preliminary inquiry was yesterday so most likely, the general technical meeting was last night.” Ranran Abdilla, James Buytrago, Jude Garcia and Jaron Requinton, the core players who snagged three bronze medals in the Southeast Asian Games, will banner the squad in men’s play. With the dynamic duo of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons unavailable for the national team, it’s up to Dij Rodriguez, Gene Eslapor, Grydelle Matibag and Khylem Progella to banner the Philippines as this will be the first time in 17 years the country will join the women’s volleyball tournament in the Asiad since the Filipino-American pair of Diane Pascua and Heidi Ilustre finished seventh in 2006. The post Phl spikers keenly await draw appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Connections through culture
The British Council announces the launch of the Connections Through Culture Grants for artists and cultural institutions, opening new opportunities for research, development and partnerships between the UK and the international community. Accepting applications until 23 October, the grant is open for cultural organizations in the Philippines and across the Asean. Up to £10,000 (P700,000) will be awarded for projects highlighting collaboration between the UK and the Philippines, designed to encourage new connections and partnerships across a broad spectrum of art forms. Aligned with British Council’s commitment in responding to global challenges through arts, CTC particularly prioritizes collaborative projects that tackle climate change as well as diversity and inclusion. CTC is accepting applications for collaborations between the UK and the Philippines, as well as the following East Asian countries: Australia, Japan, Indonesia, mainland China, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia and New Zealand. Organizations with projects at any stage of development are welcome to apply. Each application must comprise at least one UK applicant and one applicant from the Philippines with their project proposal timeline ending no later than 31 October 2024. Lotus Postrado, country director at the British Council in the Philippines: “The Connections Through Culture Grant program supports exciting new arts and culture projects that continue to build international links with the UK.” “These grants will support artists and organizations in sharing ideas, exploring new ways of working and reaching new audiences. In our 45 years in the Philippines, we have seen the exceptional talents of Filipinos and we look forward to supporting them through this grant. We are excited to watch their journey and we hope that their collaborations will inspire and engage our communities.” The grants are an extension of the British Council’s ongoing efforts to build connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and overseas through the arts and creative industries. The post Connections through culture appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sights to see in Bataan and more
The gorgeous countryside of Bataan province is calling out to motorcycle aficionados and road trippers with ths Explore Bataan promo of The Oriental Hotel and Resort in Mariveles. Room rates are now at P3,888 for deluxe cellar and P4,888 for deluxe executive, with breakfast for two and a 10 percent discount at the Cocoon Restaurant and Forest Grill. Road trippers can pamper themselves at the circular pool and get signature massages at the Asian-themed spa after a long ride. [caption id="attachment_178864" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Riders at the Mt. Samat Dambana ng Kagitingan. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BATAAN ORIENTAL HOTELS[/caption] The Oriental’s partner tour operator, Aura Mosca, has unique itineraries for guests, or customized tours which combine nature, adventure, culture and cuisine. Those who wosh to explore on their own may consider these suggested and Instagram-worthy must-see pitstops: First Line of Defense Monument. A larger-than-life tableau of the USAFFE 38th Infantry Division at the Layac Junction in Dinalupihan who bore the brunt of the first Japanese attacks in 1941, and liberated the same area in 1945. Bataan Tourism Center. Located in Balanga City, this one-stop government information center has a diorama, mini-museum, audio-visual room for war documentaries and tourism videos, a pasalubong store, and a public park with gardens, lagoon and amphitheater. World War 2 Surrender Site. The spot inside the Balanga Elementary School where Filipino and American troops surrendered to the Japanese in 1942, and is depicted through life-size bronze tableau and a war museum. City of Balanga Wetlands and Nature Park. A 34-hectare mangrove forest which is habitat to some 9,500 native and migratory birds in the Manila Bay wetlands. Dambana ng Kagitingan. Bataan’s touristic and historic icon, this is a World War 2 memorial complex which immortalizes the uncommon valor of soldiers who defended the country against Japan. Its centerpiece is a 92-meter concrete cross and a war museum memorabilia on top of Mt. Samat in Pilar. At the foot of the mountain are recreational facilities, forest trails, waterfall and natural pool. Death March Kilometer Zero Marker. A memorial plaza in Mariveles where some 70,000 prisoners of war were gathered by the Japanese for a grueling 100-kilometer walk to their prison camp in Capas, Tarlac. Five Fingers Cove. A picture-perfect series of coves where guests can go hopping aboard outrigger boats. Morong. A coastal town on the peninsula’s far end which is known for its fine sand coastline dotted with cozy beach resorts and the conservation center for sea turtles. For more information, log on to www.bataan.theorientalhotels.com or follow The Oriental Bataan on Facebook or Instagram. The post Sights to see in Bataan and more appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM names Rosalia de Leon as Monetary Board member
Malacañang on Saturday announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon as a member of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Marcos cited de Leon’s expertise and dedication to serving the finance sector in the country. De Leon, who has served three presidents as national treasurer, played a “critical role” in developing effective borrowing strategies and implementing credit enhancements to ensure access to the most cost-effective financing options. Marcos believes de Leon’s expertise in shaping monetary policies and managing foreign reserves can contribute to the stability of the country’s banking system. "I am profoundly honored to be entrusted with this prestigious role as a Monetary Board member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” De Leon said. "I recognize the significant impact my decisions in this role can have on the lives of our fellow Filipinos. I am committed to working towards financial stability, fostering growth, and contributing to the overall well-being of our nation,” she added. De Leon, meanwhile, has expressed unwavering commitment to helping the country’s growth and diversification of the domestic capital market. The Palace cited de Leon’s distinguished career at the Department of Finance where she has served in various roles including director and undersecretary for the International Finance Group, as well as chief-of-staff. “As the Undersecretary for the IFG, she successfully oversaw various significant transactions, including the issuance of Global Peso Notes and several Liability Management Exercises,” the Palace said in its statement. “These exercises effectively reduced the Philippine government’s funding costs, extended maturity profiles, and converted foreign exchange liabilities into local currency,” it added. De Leon also held the role of alternate executive director at the World Bank Group in Washington DC, representing Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, the Philippines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. She was also a former advisor to the executive director of the Asian Development Bank. De Leon obtained her Master of Arts in Development Economics from Williams College in Massachusetts, United States of America. The post PBBM names Rosalia de Leon as Monetary Board member appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hero within all of us doesn’t make the news
Often remembered only when their special day is marked, the nation's heroes deserve more than passing mention in a two to three-paragraph story either buried in the inside pages or turning up in a rehashed editorial or opinion piece. It's that time of the year again when many of us take a day – or a long weekend off – for beach bums or sun worshippers, or take the occasion to do our laundry, declutter closets, reunite with old friends or relatives, catch up with reading books you meant to curl up with on a rainy day, or the time when you give your pet dog a shampoo and a brisk rubdown. It is a day all wage-earners look forward to because it means extra holiday pay or a fatter paycheck. In short, except for their kin and descendants of their closest friends who attend obligatory rites at national shrines, we often take our heroes for granted, storing them temporarily in the dustbins of history, only to be resurrected at the next celebration of National Heroes Day or Araw ng Mga Bayani. Students recite their names by rote only to pass history or related subject tests, mouthing facts and figures without paying attention to their meaning or importance in the Philippine setting. Bonifacio, Rizal, Aguinaldo, Mabini, Antonio and Juan Luna, Gabriela and Diego Silang, Jose Abad Santos, Josefa Llanes-Escoda, Maria Orosa, Gen. Vicente Lim, and countless others. Youngsters often recall these personalities only because several streets, towns, and military camps have been named after them. When the award-winning film "Heneral Luna" was shown to capacity crowds with Apolinario Mabini, often called the "Brains of the Philippine Revolution" and the "Sublime Paralytic" playing a stellar role, many in the audience wondered aloud why he was always shown in a seating position. Parents who were fortunate enough to have been raised by families with more than textbook or quiz/trivia knowledge of the making of our history through the participation of these remarkable figures decry the fact that many of today's youth are more familiar with the eating or wardrobe preferences as well as the latest squeeze or amour of their favorite Korean or Hollywood idol than the roles played by Gabriela Silang, Antonio Luna, or Llanes-Escoda in the resistance against Spanish, American, and Japanese invaders. Some young people and even adults are known to sing all of their idols' top hits by heart at the drop of a hat. Still, they need to be made aware of the contributions of Nicanor Abelardo, Lucio San Pedro, and Sister Rosalina Abejo to the richness of Philippine music. Is this sad state of affairs a result of the failure of history and arts and culture classes in our school's curriculum, a lack of trained teachers to teach these courses, or simply growing disinterest in these subjects among our students? Have the heroes who are supposed to serve as role models or inspirations not only for the young but to the citizenry in general lost their luster or have faded glory? It would be a pity if such is the case, especially in these times when we need them most to rally behind a cause, symbolize or motivate advocacy, or provide us hope in a world tottering on the brink of war, facing disease, hunger, and the disastrous effects of climate change. While we should not forget those, who led us towards the path of independence from the harsh consequences of foreign rule that destroyed countless lives, bred insurrections, and almost obliterated our sense of pride and national identity, let us not forget those in our midst who continue to tread the less-traveled road and remain anonymous. In recent times, these are the modern-day heroes like the brave and persevering soldiers who man the worn out and ready-to-fall-apart BRP Sierra Madre entrenched on Philippine soil at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, despite continuing threats and harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard whose government insists the Shoal is theirs. A July 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling under the United Nations said, "China's nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters is invalid." From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, first responders or front liners like doctors, nurses, and others in allied professions were acknowledged as the heroes of the day, alongside countless supporters who donated medical equipment and facilities and organizers of community pantries that provided a seemingly endless supply of food to those in need. They are our firefighters, police and military forces (despite a rotten few), peacemakers, teachers, and rescuers in mercy missions to save lives in areas hit by floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other violent forces of nature. They may even be a neighbor who helps the homeless or vagrant by giving him not only food but odd jobs to keep them off the streets and away from the wretchedness of begging, a friend who has opened up her home to stray cats and dogs, a plant nursery owner who donates saplings and seeds so others can learn – and profit – from the joys of gardening. These community leaders have made a difference by initiating livelihood projects in their respective neighborhoods. It could even be you. Leading by example, you can teach others that settling tax obligations, obeying traffic rules, and paying it forward is all about being a good citizen. According to one wise man: "Heroes prove to us that no matter how much suffering there is in the world, there are supremely good people around whom we can count on to do the right thing even when most people are not prone to do so." The post Hero within all of us doesn’t make the news appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»