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Indonesia volcano draws thousands for ritual sacrifice
Thousands of Hindu worshippers scaled an active Indonesian volcano on Monday to toss livestock, food and other offerings into its smoking crater in a centuries-old religious ceremony. Swarming the thin rim around the basin of Mount Bromo, devotees heaved goats, chickens and vegetables slung across their backs up to the dusty peak as part of the Yadnya Kasada festival. Every year Tengger tribe members from surrounding highlands gather at the top of the volcano -- famed for its stunning sunrise views -- in hope of pleasing their gods and bringing luck to the Tenggerese, an Indigenous group in eastern Java. Slamet, a 40-year-old farmer who like many Indonesians goes by only one name, brought a baby cow as an offering. "We have a lot of cows back home and this one can be considered excess, so we are bringing it here... to return it back to God," he told AFP. "This is also an act of gratitude to God for giving us prosperity... We return it back to God so we can come back here next year." The calf had a lucky escape as it was handed to a villager after Slamet's prayers instead of being sacrificed to the volcanic cauldron. Some villagers who do not belong to the Tengger tribe took to the crater's steep slopes equipped with nets in an attempt to intercept offerings thrown into the abyss and avoid them going to waste. Farmer Joko Priyanto brought some of his own produce in the form of cabbages and carrots to lob down into the smoky void. "I hope I will receive a reward from the almighty God," the 36-year-old said. 'Better income' Monday's ritual was the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that authorities had allowed tourists to the site after the festival was limited to worshippers last year. The event has its roots in 15th-century folklore from the Majapahit kingdom, a Javanese Hindu-Buddhist empire that stretched across Southeast Asia. Legend has it that Princess Roro Anteng and her husband, unable to bear children after years of marriage, begged the gods for help. Their prayers were answered when they were promised 25 children, as long as they agreed to sacrifice their youngest child by throwing him into Mount Bromo. Their son is said to have willingly jumped into the volcano to guarantee the prosperity of the Tengger people. For shopkeeper Rohim, who travelled from a nearby Javan city on Monday to launch potatoes, leeks and cash into the lava, it was a chance to pray for good luck. He said his fortunes had improved following previous visits. "Business has been better than before, hence my coming here," the 32-year-old said. "I'm hoping my business can improve so next year I can come back." The post Indonesia volcano draws thousands for ritual sacrifice appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Katrina Ponce Enrile: A woman worthy of her name
Anyone who had come of age in the late 1970s and the 1980s would surely know about the most famous names and faces of the younger set of the era known for the coming of age of feminism and women’s lib. The 1960s may have ushered in a cultural revolution but it was in the succeeding decades that the cataclysmic events of the decade that was, in the Philippines, would manifest in the ways and attitudes of Filipino women. I mention this phase in our history because I am sharing my thoughts on one woman whom many consider as one of the country’s most powerful, influential and successful. She is Katrina Ponce Enrile. I may not privy to the growing-up years of Katrina Ponce Enrile, and I would not have the advantage of seeing her from the point of view of someone old enough to observe the growth of a child, but as a teenager, I would occasionally read about her and see her on photographs published in newspapers and magazines, although not too frequent. I just knew she was not only well-bred and beautiful in the mestiza sense being the daughter of a striking beauty of a mother (and the granddaughter of a handsome playboy of a paternal grandfather), but that, she too was brilliant. I would assume that she got her brains from her father, one of the wonder boys of the Marcos administration. Katrina would, in time, be mentioned in juicy gossip now and then, but it was her smarts in enterprise and management that she would eventually be recognized, this notwithstanding the controversial stories that one occasionally heard of her family members. [caption id="attachment_134172" align="aligncenter" width="525"] KATRINA Ponce Enrile has always lived up to her parents ‘ expectations.[/caption] ‘Treat everybody with respect’ But to imagine her childhood and teenage years, one would suppose that for all the comforts that she might have enjoyed while living first in Urdaneta and then Dasmarinas Village, she had had to assert herself, she had once been overheard to say: “At 10, I had to fight a little bit harder to be heard” -- which was expected if one were the only daughter of a famous lawyer of a father and a lovely talented mother, herself a respected stage actress. But no matter that she had to deal with being the daughter of awe-inspiring parents, what she had been showered with, aside from her parents’ affection, was well-meaning advice. For one, it was from her dad and mom that she first heard the word of wisdom. “Treat everybody with respect — everybody. Because you don’t know what fate will bring you or them. People that you meet when you are going up, you also meet when you are going down.” No wonder that years later, as a businesswoman, she was very thoughtful in making decisions whether she was dealing with other top businessmen, her executives or the employees who served the family company at her beck and call. “I always think of how my actions and decisions would affect others,” she said in an interview with the Daily Tribune Lifestyle. No, for all the feisty woman that we know her to be, Katrina, was not advised to be aggressively pro-active when facing a conflict. The legendary Juan Ponce Enrile, instead, cautioned his daughter: “Never throw the first punch. But if they throw the first punch, then…” This, she would take to heart whenever she had had to face corporate, social or emotional bullies, not that she is one to attract people prone to violating her rights. [caption id="attachment_134173" align="aligncenter" width="525"] As the only daughter of Juan Ponce Enrile, the most famous native son of Cagayan, Katrina brings to her new job an affection for the province and Cagayanos and the whole Cagayan Valley.[/caption] One imagines her father might have preferred her to be a boy, JPE being a man’s man, but to which she would have retorted: “Dad, I don’t have to be a boy to be what I am now… Girls can do it too.” Call it outright confidence, or chutzpah, or maybe it’s Pinay pride, but Katrina is not one to be cowed. And yes, she could lead and fight and attack, but as her father would most likely say: “Only if they attack first.” Self-assured executive What I have heard of Katrina, especially from my dear friend, Carol Mercado, who was her classmate at St. Paul College, is her signature confidence. “From our youth, when she could be stubborn, she has matured steadily into a self-assured executive no wonder that she has accomplish much as an entrepreneur. “It’s a paradox that while she may have been underestimated at times and even flat out rejected, she knows how to overcome these challenges because she is one creative person and she is not one to easily bow down or to say no. But then, she is not even outright assertive. She could be very charming and before any nemesis would know it, she has gotten what she wants without lifting a finger.” It would seem that the lady would have aimed for political eminence, being the daughter of the powerful JPE, but to everyone’s surprise, she had chosen to create a name outside of her inherited box (or confines), so to speak. While she takes pride in being an Enrile, she has not taken advantage of her family name as though an amulet that would do wonders for her. Instead, she has chosen to rely on the old-fashioned values of industry, respect for others, commitment and determination. She might as well be girl scout, except more courageous, daring and trailblazing. Flexing her risk-taking muscles In her 20s, when her friends were disco dancing, she was, to use another friend’s words, “flexing her risk-taking muscle and sharpening her foresight for the first time — pivotal experiences that would shape her business sense now admired by many.” She surprised everyone when, at 26, she bought properties in Palawan. “It was a big joke to many,” she recalled. “They could not see any reason I should take the risk and invest in a place where no one dared go. It was then no man’s country and perceived to be mosquito-infested.” Today, Palawan is a safe haven from the pandemic, and, of course, an investors’ paradise. On the other hand, her parents saw a promise in her, someone who would play a key role in the family enterprises. They appointed her as Group Treasurer even before her 30th birthday, and with it the added role of overseeing the many concerns of the JAKA Group of Companies. It is quite a daunting responsibility given its extensive industrial reach –- food manufacturing and product distribution to marketing and logistics; forest plantation management; safety match manufacturing, property management and development; as well as IT, security and financial services. It would seem that, for a “beginner” in the big league, it was beyond Katrina’s grasp, and yet she lived up to her parents’ expectations. [caption id="attachment_134175" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SOME of Delimondo’s best products.[/caption] In time she would qualify as the firm’s COO and eventually CEO. Not one used to trumpeting her achievements, Katrina candidly shared: “I was able to turn around the company, helping navigate it through the debilitating Asian Financial Crisis in the mid-1990s. And when the peso devalued in 2008 to 2009, when we had [a] one dollar denominated loan which I had to quickly deal with, I was able to restructure our company and keep it afloat.” Soon, she would be trusted to manage JAKA’s investments, which “allowed me to dream of bigger things, this in the midst of an economic crisis and the pressure to survive it.” Her baby Delimondo When shopping in a supermarket or a grocery, the Filipino consumers, especially those who take their corned beef seriously, would pick the Delimondo brand. They would also put the brand’s Bolognese Pasta, Luncheon Meat, Yellowfin Tuna spreads and aromatic oils in their cart or shopping bags. Katrina confides, “Delimondo was my baby and was purely our family’s venture.” Her was a one-woman team that managed the brand’s marketing, sales and R&D. To introduce it to the market, she gave away cans of their initial recipes for free. “I wanted to offer something deliciously different, one that I enjoyed from my travels abroad.” [caption id="attachment_134174" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SHE is most proud of her baby, Delimondo.[/caption] It wasn’t long before investors would come in too aware that Delimondo operates its own plants that produce and package its own products. The company would soon expand and offers its manufacturing services to other products all the way to exporting them. In time and with Katrina at the helm, JAKA shifted to investing in other companies. But if her JAKA performance is impressive, anyone should take a look at her other achievements. To cite one, as the Philippines Overseas Telecommunications Operations director and CEO/president. She led the efforts to renew the company’s franchise that would allow it to provide the Philippines satellite services. For another, as director and president, she has brought into the Montemar Resorts Development Corporation and Montemar Beach Club Inc. not only her management expertise, but her exposure to top international resorts as a frequent guest. No wonder that Manila’s well-heeled consider these resorts as standard-bearers of local luxury travel. [caption id="attachment_134171" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Delimondo was my baby and was purely our family’s venture,’ said Katrina.[/caption] Transforming the upper east corner of Luzon Katrina also sits as the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority’s vice chairperson. In this role, she envisions making the province a model destination that easily rivals the country’s capital. “They’re considering appointing me as administrator. Once that post is confirmed, I will be fully committed to transforming the upper east corner of Luzon into another business area that the Philippines will be proud of.” As part of her vision, she plans to build a stronger point of economy with the available freeport and expand its potential by constructing an airport. To attract investors, she plans to boost incentives to encourage more players to relocate. “We plan to make smart cities there. I plan to make it very green. I plan to protect the lush forests. It’s really also known as the rice granary of the Philippines. I plan to push the transition from GMOs (genetically modified organism) to non-GMOs. I know that that will be a hard task but I plan to do it. I want to give the Filipinos healthy food for the next generations to come,” she states. Worthy and deserving As the only daughter of the most famous native son of Cagayan, Katrina brings to her new job an affection for the province and Cagayanos and the whole Cagayan Valley. She may have grown up in Manila, travelled the whole world, but her heart has always remained in the home of her father, Juan Ponce Enrile, and it is among his people, relatives and townsmen that she intends to pursue her next dream. There is no stopping this feisty Cagayanon. For her home province, she is out to conquer the world. But then, I must insist that this is not about being her father’s daughter, although there is no denying the great influence of JPE on Katrina becoming the woman that she has become -- strong-willed, passionate, forward-thinking. Still, Katrina could only thank herself most for being herself. That she accepted the challenges that came her way and faced them head on using her own gifts and advantages – which undoubtedly brought her to her destiny, one that she has arrived at and one that she has yet to fulfill. Indeed, if the women’s movement has reached this far, and women today now enjoy key positions in government, private sector and civil society, this may be attributed to the generations of women who have looked toward the future and embraced their destinies as key players in the affairs of humanity. Katrina is one of these women and we wish her all the best. No one could be more worthy of the challenge and deserving of the honor. The post Katrina Ponce Enrile: A woman worthy of her name appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MIAA sees over 1 million arrivals this Holy Week
The Manila International Airport Authority is expecting an influx of over one million passengers this coming Holy Week......»»
Kristine Hermosa pregnant with 6th child at 40 years old
Actress Kristine Hermosa is expecting her 6th baby with husband Oyo Boy Sotto at 40 years old. .....»»
Ex-child star Serena Dalrymple expecting first child
Former child star Serena Dalrymple is pregnant with her first baby. .....»»
Newborn found, rescued in Calinan
A newborn baby boy was discovered and rescued at Apigo Farm in Calinan, Davao City on January 22, 2024. Elmer Cawayan, a caretaker at the farm, found the infant wrapped in a black cloth and promptly alerted the authorities. The baby is currently under the care of the Calinan Police Station, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. A video posted online expressed outrage at the parents' abandonment of the child, while the newborn is receiving medical attention at Dr. Lorenzo Principe Clinic. The Calinan Police Station is actively investigating to identify the infant's parents......»»
Shear line-induced disaster death in Davao Region climbs to 12
Summary: The Davao Region has witnessed a devastating toll with 12 reported casualties due to the ongoing shear line surge and localized thunderstorms, leading to widespread flooding in eastern sections of Mindanao. In Monkayo, 10 lives were lost during a prayer meeting, with one person still missing and a child hospitalized. Financial assistance and support are being provided to the affected families. In Davao City, two individuals were buried alive in separate incidents. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has raised the alert status to closely monitor the situation. The state weather bureau forecasts continued adverse weather conditions in the coming days......»»
Alfred Vargas, wife Yasmine Espiritu celebrate arrival of 4th baby
Actor-politician Alfred Vargas and his wife Yasmine Espiritu have welcomed the birth of their fourth child, a healthy baby girl......»»
So much for silent nights : Hilary Duff pregnant with 4th baby
Actress Hilary Duff is pregnant with her fourth child, her third with musical artist and husband Matthew Koma......»»
Paris Hilton welcomes second child, daughter named London
Socialite-television personality Paris Hilton and husband Carter Reum have welcomed their second child together, a baby girl named London......»»
WATCH: X-ray shows crucifix jammed into Peruvian child’s throat
A mother was scared to death after finding out her child had swallowed a crucifix, which was successfully removed by medical staff in Peru. Maricarmen Sajami Rosas, the child’s mother, noticed the baby was experiencing discomfort and took her to the hospital, where the staff found the object. X-ray images showed the crucifix lodged in the 10-month-old child’s.....»»
Yasmien Kurdi pregnant with baby no. 2
Actress Yasmien Kurdi revealed that she and her husband Rey Soldevilla are expecting their second child. .....»»
Yasmien Kurdi buntis sa 2nd baby nila ni Rey Soldevilla: ‘Coming Soon in 2024!’
IBINANDERA ng Kapuso actress na si Yasmien Kurdi at ng kanyang asawang si Rey Soldevilla na magkakaroon na sila ng Baby No. 2. Masayang ibinalita ng mag-asawa sa pamamagitan ng kanilang Instagram account na magiging ate na ang kanilang panganay na anak na si Ayesha. Nagbahagi ng ilang litrato si Yasmien sa kanyang IG mula.....»»
Kourtney Kardashian, Travis Barker welcome baby boy
Television personality Kourtney Kardashian has given birth to her first child with husband and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker......»»
Delivery bag checklist before giving birth
Mary Mason once said, “A baby is something you carry inside you for nine months, in your arms for three years and in your heart till the day you die.” During a woman’s pregnancy, one of the things she meticulously prepares is her delivery bag. A delivery bag consists of new mother’s and baby’s essentials when the baby is born in a hospital or clinic. If you are nearing your delivery due date, around eight months, and haven’t had any idea what to bring, check out this basic list. [gallery size="large" columns="1" ids="200378,200381,200382"] For newborn Baru-baruan or newborn clothes set — At least two pieces of tops (either sleeveless or with sleeves), shorts or long pants, a pair of mittens and booties and a baby cap. Liquid soap — To wash off some fluids or vernix (the white, cheesy-looking substance that coats the newborn’s skin), a mild liquid soap is necessary. The baby’s first bath will be done by a lying in or hospital staff after giving birth. Diapers — Bring at least two to five pieces of newborn diapers. A good quality diaper should be super absorbent, gentle on baby’s skin, great fit and made of eco-friendly materials. Bib or small, soft cloth — This can come in handy to protect the baby’s delicate skin and clothes from spit-up, breastmilk and drool. Have at least three pieces. Receiving blanket — A thick blanket helps protect the baby from the cold air. Choose colors either blue or pink for easy gender identification. Plain white is also good. [caption id="attachment_200379" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] THE baby’s first bath will be done by the lying-in or hospital staff.[/caption] For mommy Dress — Bring at least two to five nursing clothes to make your breastfeeding journey more manageable and comfortable. It’s easy to put on, easy to loosen and easy to take off again since it doesn’t put any pressure on your postnatal body. Adult diapers — Carry at least six to eight pieces of adult diapers to help absorb leakage of excess blood after giving birth. Maternity pads — After the adult diaper phase, maternity pads give extra protection after child birth. Toiletries — These include liquid soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, bath towel, deodorant and cotton buds. You can add wet wipes and tissue, too. Slippers — Wear your slippers before going to the hospital or lying in. Scrunchie, comb and mirror — Stay clean to avoid any infection and you also feel better after giving birth. Comb your hair to look good as well. Liters of water — Be extra hydrated by drinking at least 16 cups of water a day to help you produce breastmilk round the clock. Documents and IDs — These are given requirements from the hospital or lying in, as well as your baby’s identification for birth certificate. Bring at least two government IDs. Speaking of government IDs, update your PhilHealth contributions to avail of maternity hospital coverage. Ideally, keep the delivery bag by your house door or any accessible place so it’s easy to grab and go when the time comes. Start ticking off this checklist now! The post Delivery bag checklist before giving birth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Abalos to LGUs: ‘Eradicate malnutrition’
Committing to his advocacy against malnutrition, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday urged local government units to prioritize maternal, neonatal, and child health nutrition programs in their localities. The call was made in support of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11148 or the "Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act". “The right to health is a fundamental principle guaranteed by the State, and malnutrition continues to threaten this right disrupting the very future of our own children. Kaya naman napaka-importante na magsagawa ng mga hakbang ang mga LGUs para pangalagaan ang kalusugan ng mag-ina – mula sa sinapupunan hanggang sa unang 1,000 araw ng paglaki ng bata,” Abalos said. He said LGUs play a key role in the whole-of-government approach to combat malnutrition among adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children and the reduction of maternal mortality and stunting in children. “I feel so strongly about this as I have advocated the same since my time as a local chief executive in Mandaluyong City. The movement against malnutrition and the welfare of pregnant and lactating women can start for all LGUs, too. Kumilos tayo laban sa malnutrisyon ng mga buntis, sanggol at mga bata,” he said. During his term as Mandaluyong City mayor, the Nutrition Honor Award, which was the highest accolade conferred by the National Nutrition Council to an LGU, was conferred to the city for three consecutive years. He was cited for his Millenium Baby Project which provided care for women and their babies and the creation of the Breast Feeding Patrol, a group of breast-feeding mothers who can be pulled during emergencies to breast-feed hungry babies. Through the DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-149 dated 12 October 2023, the DILG Secretary directed LGUs to integrate programs on nutrition for adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children in their investment plans for health, prioritizing those who are nutritionally at risk. Some primary services required by the program include pregnancy tracking and regular counseling for pregnant women, breastfeeding plans and resources for postpartum and lactating women, newborn screening and vaccination for newborn babies, and nutrition counseling for children up to two years of age. Apart from LGUs, Abalos said the whole-of-government approach and delivery of services and interventions must include the participation of national government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. He also said the law shall be implemented through rural health units and barangay health centers, in coordination with the Sangguniang Barangay, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Barangay Health Workers, to include health and nutrition intervention services at different life stages. The post Abalos to LGUs: ‘Eradicate malnutrition’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Britney Spears memoir says she had abortion while dating Justin Timberlake
LOS ANGELES—Britney Spears recounts in a forthcoming memoir that she had an abortion to end a pregnancy by fellow pop star Justin Timberlake while the two were dating in the late 1990s and early 2000s, according to excerpts published on Tuesday in People magazine. Spears, 41, recalled in her autobiography, “The Woman in Me,” that the pregnancy “was a surprise” but she wanted to have the baby and agreed to an abortion at Timberlake’s insistence. “I loved Justin so much. I always expected us to have a family together one day,” Spears wrote. “But Justin definitely wasn’t happy about the pregnancy. He said we weren’t ready to have a baby in our lives, that we were way too young.” READ MORE: The turbulent life of Britney Spears Had it been her decision alone, Spears wrote, “I never would have done it. And yet Justin was so sure that he didn’t want to be a father.” She described the episode as “one of the most agonizing things I have ever experienced in my life.” Representatives for Timberlake, 42, did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. Timberlake and Spears, who met as young cast members on television’s “The Mickey Mouse Club,” dated for about three years in their late teens and early 20s, becoming tabloid sensations, before splitting abruptly in 2002. Spears was questioned relentlessly in the media about her virginity, while Timberlake said he had slept with her and then wrote a song “Cry Me a River,” in which he implied she had been unfaithful to him in their relationship. In 2021, following a TV documentary about Spears that included a segment on how she was shamed in the media when their relationship ended, Timberlake publicly apologized to Spears on social media, saying he had “failed” her. Spears went on to become a mother to two sons, now aged 18 and 17, with her second husband, Kevin Federline, a singer and onetime backup dancer to whom she was married for two years. READ MORE: ‘Their goal is to make me feel like I’m crazy,’ tearful Britney Spears tells court In April 2022, Spears said she was expecting a third child with then-fiance Sam Asghari but the following month she said she suffered a miscarriage. She and Asghari wed in June 2022, but he filed for divorce 14 months later, in August of this year. Spears’ highly anticipated memoir comes.....»»
Why being slapped by Maricel Soriano is a dream for Pinoy actors
Maricel Soriano inevitably became the recipient of tribute-like statements from her costars at the recent media conference for the psychological drama series Linlang, which premiered last Thursday, 5 October, on Prime Video. [caption id="attachment_194585" align="aligncenter" width="788"] MARICEL Soriano[/caption] The 58-year-old actress, called the Diamond Star in recognition of her illustrious career in Philippine movies that began in her childhood, made lasting impressions on younger colleagues Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman and Kaila Estrada, as well as on an older castmate, Ruby Ruiz, while shooting the series. “She’s the Diamond Star for a reason,” Estrada exclaimed. Nodding, De Guzman said, “Naging challenge sa ’kin pagka magka-eksena kami. Nanonood ako sa kanya kasi sobrang galing. Nadadala ako sa scene (It became a challenge to be in a scene with her. She’s so good. I get carried away).” Avelino summed up his feelings for his senior co-star with “napakaraming respeto at paghanga (So much respect and admiration).” Soriano, who’s also called Inay by people close to her, just played it cool, even cracking jokes. “Wala bang cash?’ Puro na lang salita ang natatanggap ko (No cash? I only get good words),” she quipped. Accolades But the accolades kept pouring in, this time about how she can make a slapping scene so realistic that a fellow award-winning actress once said she literally saw stars after being slapped by Soriano. Chiu revealed that she has at least one slapping scene with Soriano in Linlang, which tackles marital infidelity and other forms of deception. “Sobra po akong natigalgal. Siyempre, di ba, pangarap ’yun ng isang artista na masampal ni Inay. Bucket list naming lahat ’yun. Bucket list, check! Ang lala! Baseball! (I was stunned. It’s every actor’s dream to get slapped by Inay. It’s in our bucket list. Mine is so strong, like being hit by a baseball).” Soriano then explained, “Mahirap kasing i-fake ’yun. Kailangang maramdaman ’yung galit ng nanay (It’s difficult to fake the emotions. I have to let out a mother’s anger).” In the story, she’s the mother of both De Guzman and Avelino’s characters. Chiu, on the other hand, plays the woman who comes between the two brothers. Ruiz, who takes on the role of Chiu’s grandmother, noted that Soriano gave “sobrang totoo n’yang emosyon (all-too-real emotions) in that slapping scene. Napakahusay ng pag-arte. Parang hindi umaarte (excellent acting, like not acting at all).” She expressed her fervent wish to work with Soriano again. “Hindi lang sampal ang gusto ko sa kanya. Umaatikabong acting (It’s not just a slap I want to get from her, but also the highest level of acting). Kung meron akong hindi malilimutan, ’yung friendship na nabuo namin ni Miss Maricel Soriano (If there’s one thing I won’t forget, it’s the friendship I’ve made with Miss Maricel Soriano).” Beyond the Diamond Star tag and image, Soriano is loved for her maternally caring ways, hence the pet name Inay. As De Guzman put it, “Parang nanay s’ya po talaga sa set. Inaalagaan n’ya po kami (She’s really like a mom on the set. She takes care of us).” Soriano herself gave examples of how she takes care of her wards, such as putting on baby powder and towel on their backs to avoid getting soaked by sweat. “Masaya ako, kaya looking forward ako na pumunta sa set nang maaga. Inaantay ko sila, ‘Anong latest? Naghahanap ako ng latest (I’m happy, that’s why I look forward to coming to set early. I wait for them, and then ask, ‘What’s the latest news?’).” Generous According to Chiu, “Very generous si Inay. Ang dami n’yang binibigay sa ’min, lalo na ’ko kasi magka-paa kami. So ang dami-dami ko nang sapatos na mamahalin galing kay Inay (She gives us a lot of stuff. I now have so many expensive shoes that were given by Inay).” Also, “Ang dami n’ya parating pagkain sa kuwarto n’ya, so pupunta lang kami do’n, tapos magkukuwentuhan kami and chikahan, gano’n (She has so much food in her room. We just go there and chat).” “Ang galing lang na makatrabaho ang isang (It’s great to work with) Maricel Soriano na ang tagal-tagal na sa industriya pero (who’s been in the business for so long, yet is so) down-to-earth and very accommodating to help ’yung mga artista na katulad namin (other actors like us),” Chiu added. For his part, Avelino said he takes the initiative to remind new actors, when they get the chance to work with Soriano, to a least introduce themselves, say hi and show respect to a much-esteemed pillar of the industry. The post Why being slapped by Maricel Soriano is a dream for Pinoy actors appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beauty queens congratulate Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita for first baby
Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella "Cindy" Faye Obeñita has given birth to her first child with fiancé Henri Lopez......»»
ChatGPT AI getting chatty with voice prompts
The company behind ChatGPT on Monday said it is adding voice and image capabilities to the generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform long limited to written prompts. Capabilities being added to paid versions of the service allow users to have conversations with the AI and even "show" it what they are talking about, according to OpenAI. "Voice and image give you more ways to use ChatGPT in your life," OpenAI said in a post. "Snap a picture of a landmark while travelling and have a live conversation about what's interesting about it." Examples of how the new features could be used included taking a photo of the inside of a refrigerator to get meal recipe suggestions or a picture of a child's math homework to get help solving problems. Voice and image capabilities are being rolled out to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise users over the course of the coming weeks, and are eventually heading for Apple and Google's smartphone operating systems, according to Open AI. "You can now use voice to engage in a back-and-forth conversation with your assistant," the ChatGPT creator said. "Speak with it on the go, request a bedtime story for your family, or settle a dinner table debate." OpenAI collaborated with voice actors to make spoken interactions more realistic, according to the startup. Generative AI programs burst into the spotlight late last year, with ChatGPT demonstrating an ability to generate essays, poems and conversations from the briefest prompts. Tech titans Google, Meta and Microsoft are among those racing to capitalize on the promise of generative AI while trying to avoid perils such as the technology's potential as a weapon for misinformation and cyber crime. In a separate announcement, Sweden-based music streaming platform Spotify on Monday said that it is taking advantage of OpenAI technology to enable podcasts to be translated into a variety of languages while maintaining the original speaker's style. "By matching the creator's own voice, Voice Translation gives listeners around the world the power to discover and be inspired by new podcasters in a more authentic way than ever before," Spotify vice president of personalization Ziad Sultan said in a release. Spotify is starting in coming weeks with English language episodes translated into Spanish, French and German, according to the company. The post ChatGPT AI getting chatty with voice prompts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»