Basket& rsquo;s twin magic
Siblings in the hardcourt had always fascinated the fans of the sport especially as rivals like Paul Gasol of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marc Gasol of the Toronto Raptors, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Seth Curry of the Portland Trailblazers of the NBA. .....»»
DAVAO: BLESSED BY NATURE
KING OF PHILIPPINE PEAKS Mount Apo, often nailed as the King of Philippine Peaks, is a must-see in Davao City. With an elevation of 10,311 feet above sea level, Mount Apo tops the list of Southeast Asia’s tallest mountains. A crater lake naturally produced by volcanic activity can be found before reaching Mount Apo’s summit. Seven different peaks can be seen at the summit of Mount Apo. When the weather is nice, travelers can view the stunning sunset and sunrise. They’ll be treated to a panoramic vista that includes Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato, Lake Venado and many more sights. Along with wild animals and boars, this mountain also has the Tudaya Fall and rubber plantations. [caption id="attachment_173337" align="aligncenter" width="1020"] Durian | Photograph Courtesy of Unsplash/ Mufid-majnun[/caption] PHL’S FRUIT BASKET Davao City is bursting with delectable fruits, including the renowned durian — also known as the king of fruits. Due to the city’s rich soil and favorable climate, it produces the freshest and tastiest durian varieties. The mangosteen, dubbed as the queen of tropical fruits, is also well-liked by travelers. Mangosteen from Davao is comparable to santol, but has better flavor. Other fruits like marang — frequently mistaken for langka due to its look and sweetness — and pomelo also add to the city’s status as a Filipino fruit basket, a significant producer and exporter of fruits to countries across the world. [caption id="attachment_173340" align="aligncenter" width="844"] Waling-Waling | Photograph Courtesy of Davao Tourism.[/caption] QUEEN OF PHILIPPINE FLOWERS Aside from Kadayawan month, August is when the waling-waling — also called Vanda sanderiana — blooms. This magnificent orchid, often called as the “Queen of Philippine Flowers,” is endemic to the country and is popular for its exceptional beauty. Its peak blooming season typically lasts from June through August and it can be found in the foothills of Mount Apo. It can also be seen in other Mindanao provinces, including Maguindanao, South Cotabato and Zamboanga. The post DAVAO: BLESSED BY NATURE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Birthday Baby
A baby’s first birthday is one of the most meaningful milestones for parents, family members and friends who share a special bond with the toddler. [caption id="attachment_172947" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Raemy Marian Cortes with daughter Yzeia Raeven.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172946" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Bianca Serafica with son Sancho, Rica Serafica Torres with her children Julia, Clara, Isabel and Julio. In the middle in black shirt is Niña Resabal and Jose Eleandre Muñoz.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172945" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Andrea and Agustin Muñoz with sons EnricoTadeo and Jose Eleandre, and Catherine Larrazabal Tan, Bremeglida Yoo and Niña Restauro.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172944" align="aligncenter" width="505"] Andone Tan with son Iñigo.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172942" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Agustin and Andrea Muñoz with their two sons, Jose Eleandre and Enrico Tadeo. | Photographs courtesy of Honey jarque loop[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172940" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Jehs Banzon[/caption] Never mind if the youngster is still oblivious — it is about creating memories one can look back on in the years to come. Adorable baby Enrico Tadeo, second child of Agustin and Andrea Tan Muñoz, recently celebrated his first birthday party in Ormoc City’s finest hideaway, the laid-back beachfront Sabin Resort Hotel. His ever-talented mom, Andrea, considered one of the top event specialists in the city of the Queen Pineapple and owner and creator of Andrea’s Floral Basket, left nothing to chance and crafted a truly unique children’s party not seen before — all with imaginative creativity, pinpoint organization and discerning attention to detail. With the theme Wild One Safari, the spacious Rose Grand Ballroom was totally transformed with life-sized animal standees, plus dozens upon dozens of stuffed animals, such as giraffes, lions, tigers, monkeys and cheetahs scattered around the venue which completed the safari-inspired day. There were live animals as well, such as iguanas, Burmese pythons, baby crocodile, eagle and sulcata tortoise. And, of course, birthdays are only complete with hundreds of balloons in every imaginable color. Adhering to the motif, attendees were game and donned safari outfits. Among the special guests were Enrico’s godparents Celestino Larrazabal, Nikka Villegas, Raemy Marian Cortes and his titos and titas, Andrew, Andone and Endika Tan. Maternal grandma Catherine Larrazabal Tan, whose diverse talent is beyond question, lent a hand and took charge of the kiddie meals of chicken poppers, all-time favorite spaghetti and hotdogs, mini barbeques, chocolate crackles, popcorn and cupcakes, cotton candies and lots of soft and chewy candies. Cheers and laughter abounded as kids jumped for excitement and joy with the parlor games — they all took home coveted goodies! To top off the event, a mesmerizing magic show put the crowd in a trance, with sly tricks and sudden sleights of hand to amaze the kids into a loud applause. The post Birthday Baby appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
San Jose town receives needed aid
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go recently stressed the significance of stronger government interventions for supporting impoverished Filipinos adversely affected by various crises as he personally led a relief activity for struggling Batangueños in San Jose town on Thursday. In 2022, former President Rodrigo Duterte approved a law declaring San Jose town in Batangas as the country’s “egg basket” through Republic Act 11707, which recognizes the local and national “economic significance” of San Jose’s egg industry. Recognizing the urgent need for support, the lawmaker has tirelessly championed the cause of the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that essential government aid reaches those who need it the most. In partnership with the local government of San Jose, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment, Go assisted 1,558 fellow Batangueños at the Vanolato Realty basketball court. The senator and his team provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins and meals to each beneficiary. He likewise gave away bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, watches, shirts and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. A team from the DSWD extended financial assistance to 1,000 qualified Batangueños through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, while DoLE provided livelihood support to 558 individuals through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program. Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial roots in Batangas and Davao, likewise praised the collective efforts of all local officials, including Mayor Valentino “Ben” Patron and Vice Mayor Noel Virtucio. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team captain Lewis Alfred Tenorio, a Batangueño, was also present during the visit. Meanwhile, the senator, who chairs the Committee on Health and Demography in the Senate, reiterated his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and medical services for the poor and reminded the public to take advantage of the services offered in Malasakit Centers. The post San Jose town receives needed aid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go visits ‘egg basket of the Philippines’ to conduct relief ops
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go emphasized the paramount significance of stronger government interventions for supporting impoverished Filipinos adversely affected by various crises as he personally led a relief activity for struggling Batangueños in San Jose town on Thursday, 17 August. In 2022, former president Rodrigo Duterte approved a law declaring San Jose town in Batangas as the country's "egg basket” through Republic Act No. 11707, which recognizes the local and national "economic significance" of San Jose's egg industry. Recognizing the urgent need for support, Go for his part has tirelessly championed the cause of the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring that essential government aid reaches those who need it the most. In partnership with the local government of San Jose, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Go assisted 1,558 fellow Batanguenos at the Vanolato Realty basketball court. Go and his team provided grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and meals to each beneficiary. He likewise gave away bicycles, shoes, mobile phones, watches, shirts, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. A team from the DSWD extended financial assistance to 1,000 qualified Batangueños through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, while DOLE provided livelihood support to 558 individuals through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. “Mga kababayan ko nandirito po kami ngayong araw na ito (at) may dala lang po kaming kaunting tulong. Mayroon po akong dala mula sa aking opisina. (Bukod pa rito,) ang DSWD po mayroong programa na AICS. Kayo po ang napili na bibigyan po na mga beneficiaries ngayong araw na ito… Iba naman po ang TUPAD ng DOLE. Ito pong programang ito pansamantalang trabaho po ito,” Go said. “Ako po bilang senador ay nagsulong nito para maging benepisyaryo kayo ng mga programang ‘yan sa pakikipag-ugnayan po kay Mayor Ben Patron. Suportado ko po ang mga programa ng gobyerno tulad nito na nakakatulong sa mga mahihirap,” shared Go. Go, who is an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial roots in Batangas and Davao, likewise praised the collective efforts of all local officials, including Mayor Valentino “Ben” Patron and Vice Mayor Noel Virtucio. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team captain Lewis Alfred "LA" Tenorio, a Batangueño, was also present during the visit. “Minsan ako ay pumunta sa kanyang opisina para hingan kayo ng tulong. Ang sagot niya sa akin, at napagalitan pa ako dahil sabi, Mayor, kahit hindi ka pumunta dito, ako ay Batangueño at bilang Batangueño, una sa puso ko ang mga taga-San Jose,” referring to Go, Mayor Patron recalled during his speech to the beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the senator, who chairs the Committee on Health and Demography in the Senate, reiterated his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and medical services for the poor and reminded the public to take advantage of the services offered in Malasakit Centers. As a one-stop shop where poor and indigent patients can access government medical assistance, the Malasakit Center was initiated by Go in 2018 and institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 in 2019, a piece of legislation he principally sponsored and authored in the Senate. As attested by the Department of Health (DOH), the program has already aided over seven million patients nationwide with 158 existing Malasakit Centers all around the country. The Malasakit Centers in the province are located at the Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City and at Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery. In addition to his commitment to the Malasakit Center program, Go has conveyed his support to establish more Super Health Centers (SHCs) throughout the country. Under the 2022 national budget, SHCs in Batangas were funded in Ibaan, San Pascual, Agoncillo, Calatagan, Lipa City, Malvar, and Taysan. In 2023, more centers were identified to be established in the towns of San Juan, Tingloy, Lian, and San Jose. In addition, two more SHCs were funded in Lipa City. The SHC is an improved version of a rural health center and offers basic health services such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center, and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. “Sa kakaikot ko po sa buong Pilipinas, marami pong lugar walang health facilities. Yung mga buntis nanganganak sa tricycle (o kaya) sa jeepney dahil napakalayo po ng ospital. Ngayon magkakaroon na ng Super Health Center at pwede po itong i-expand ni Mayor. Kaya yung mga buntis pwede nang manganak dyan,” Go cited. “Kapag meron na pong Super Health Center dito sa lugar ninyo, dyan na po pwede magpakonsulta, importante ang early detection ng diseases para hindi lumala ang sakit, at makakuha kayo ng primary care. This will help decongest the hospitals dahil dyan na po pwede na magpagamot. Malaking tulong po nun,” he continued. To help with the economic recovery of the town, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported the construction of multipurpose buildings, road improvements, rehabilitation of drainage facilities and water systems, and a street lighting project. On the same day, Go attended the blessing and opening of the Malaquing Tubig Bridge and inspected the ongoing road construction in Barangay Palanca going to Barangay Natunuan. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go was instrumental in securing funding for these projects. The post Bong Go visits ‘egg basket of the Philippines’ to conduct relief ops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDCA sites repel external threats: Gibo
Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. allayed fears that the establishment of military bases under the Philippines-United States bilateral Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA attracts external threats to the country’s national security. Teodoro said EDCA facilities in the country will further improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and will strengthen the Philippine defense posture amid China’s maneuvers after the Philippine government granted the US four additional EDCA sites, on top of the existing five facilities. While recognizing emerging challenges brought by rising tension in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea and the ongoing China-Taiwan dispute, Teodoro insisted that the Philippines must develop military bases throughout the perimeters of its archipelago “in order to secure our territory not only now but for future” internal and external threats. “That’s a very very good possibility that the EDCA-Taiwan nexus is being exploited as a cover for a lot of things. Partly, the real intention of occupying the West Philippine Sea but the whole SCS so I dispel that notion and these Philippine bases with EDCA facilities are for us purely for internal credible deterrent posture,” he said during a visit to Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela on Tuesday. He added: “I really want to see the phase of development and I want also to show the partnership between the local government and the national government. Isabela is a strategic food basket and the welfare of the people here is really important to us and the welfare of the infrastructure here which we need to protect against the internal security threats, and against perhaps even subversion by foreign elements using internal security elements.” Teodoro likewise believes in the possibility that China is just exploiting the supposed connection of the EDCA sites and the Taiwan situation as justification for occupying and setting up seven permanent military around the Spratly Islands in the WPS. Meanwhile, Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III expressed hope that his province would really benefit from the establishment of EDCA facilities. “As long as it is used for what Sec. Teodoro said, for our security and for the benefit of our constituents here,” he said. Albano is hoping that Isabela’s unexplored natural resources would become beneficial to the people of the province, especially those living in the coastal areas. “If we want to explore our natural resources at Benham Rise, the best is we can have a base and we can have friends who can supply us with a little security and a little of their technology and equipment. They can also help our farmers there — with fishing, rescue, like during (super typhoon) ‘Egay’ where many people drowned,” he said. Responding to the local government units still contemplating the benefits of EDCA facilities, Teodoro said: “The LGUs are free to voice their concerns but this is a national security imperative. Of course, national interest must prevail and that goes for everybody but there are some who are passionate and who are really nationalistic that oppose these (moves).” “We respect their viewpoints and, however, they must enjoy the freedom of speech that we have unlike in other countries you can’t criticize any other position I’d rather hear anytime and fight for it,” he said. The post EDCA sites repel external threats: Gibo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gibo allays ‘notion’ that EDCA sites attract external threats; ‘such theory not ideal’
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. allayed the notion that the establishment of military bases under the Philippines-United States’ bilateral Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement is only attracting external threats to the country’s national security. Teodoro emphasized that the EDCA facilities in the country will further improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and targeted to strengthen the Philippine defense posture. China has repeatedly expressed a dim view of the Philippines’ granting the US additional access to four military bases under EDCA, on top of the existing five facilities, at the height of maritime tensions on the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea and China-Taiwan ongoing dispute. Teodoro lamented that China’s theory is not ideal. “Ito ay propaganda. Okay EDCA sites, WPS. So lumalabas na talaga ang intensyon ng China na wala itong kinalaman sa Taiwan, nasa West Philippine Sea talaga. Yun ba ang sinasabi nila ngayon na ang EDCA site ay mag attract ng galaw ng China sa WPS? Ito ay propaganda lang po ng China ito,” he said. While recognizing the emerging challenges on WPS, Teodoro insisted that the Philippines must develop military bases throughout the perimeters of its archipelago “in order to secure our territory not only now but for the future” internal and external threats. Teodoro likewise believes in the possibility that China is just exploiting the supposed connection of the EDCA sites and the Taiwan situation as justification for occupying and setting up seven permanent militaries around the Spratly Islands in the WPS. “That’s a very very good possibility that—the EDCA-Taiwan Nexus is being exploited as a cover for a lot of things. Partly the real intention of occupying the West Philippine Sea but the whole SCS so I dispel that notion and this Philippine bases with EDCA facilities are for us purely for internal credible deterrent posture,” the defense chief said in a chance interview during his recent visit to Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, one of four identified new EDCA sites. Teodoro also said he really wanted to see the phase of development in the EDCA sites. “I want also to show the partnership between the local government and the national government. Isabela is a strategic food basket and the welfare of the people here is really important to us as the welfare of the infrastructures here which we need to protect against internal security threats and, against perhaps even subversion of foreign elements by using internal security elements,” he added. Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III expressed hope that his province would really benefit from the establishment of EDCA facilities. “As long as it is used for what Sec. Teodoro said, for our security and for the benefit of our constituents here,” he said. Through EDCA, Albano eyeing that Isabela’s unexplored natural resources would become very beneficial to the people of the province, especially those living in the coastal areas. “If we want to explore our natural resources sa Benham Rise, the best is we can have a base and we can have friends who can supply us with a little security and a little of their technology and equipment. They can also help our farmers there—sa fishing, rescue, tulad noong Egay sa mga nalunod na tao doon,” he said. Responding to those local government units that are still contemplating the benefits of EDCA facilities, Teodoro said: “The LGUs are free to voice their concerns but this is a national security imperative of course national interest must prevail and that goes for everybody, there are some who are passionate and who are really nationalistic that oppose this [moves].” “We respect their viewpoints and however they must enjoy the freedom of speech that we have unlike in other countries you can’t criticize any other position I’d rather be here anytime and fight for it,” he added. The post Gibo allays ‘notion’ that EDCA sites attract external threats; ‘such theory not ideal’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CINEMALAYA REVIEW: SHORTS A
‘SOTA’ Mae Tanagon opens her short documentary Sota by bombarding you with paragraphs and paragraphs of information. Sota means horse caretaker, and Tanagon follows two sotas, Arnel Arguelles and Leonardo Yambao, who expose their working conditions in the horse gambling industry. Tanagon aims to highlight the fact that while horse racing in the Philippines is a multibillion-peso industry, its workers are horrendously underpaid. Unfortunately, the lengthy texts that clutter the screen weaken Taganon’s storytelling, making her advocacy almost lost, because if you recall Sota in the future, you’d remember how it was a hassle reading the texts rather than the plight of underpaid horse caretakers. The subject matter has a potential to be a stirring documentary, the racetracks could have been more photogenic, but this feels dry and dull, and rushed. (1 out of 5 stars) ‘HINAKDAL’ [caption id="attachment_168108" align="aligncenter" width="700"] ‘HINAKDAL’ by Arvin Belarmino.[/caption] Arvin Belarmino’s black-and-white take on social prejudice is imaginative, funny and tense. Set in a remote province, it follows an impoverished zombie mother and young son during one of their ordinary days. They are poor and rely on religious icons for their everyday salvation. But the appearance of a chicken thief suddenly disrupts their relatively peaceful life. Belarmino’s choice to portray the poor sector of the country as zombies is rather fascinating, adding a touch of surrealism and fantasy without compromising entertainment value and sharp social commentary. (3 out of 5 stars) ‘KOKURYO: THE UNTOLD STORY OF BB. UNDAS 2019’ [caption id="attachment_168104" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] ‘KOKURYO: The Untold Story of Bb. Undas 2019’ by Diokko Manuel Dionisio.[/caption] Diokko Manuel Dionisio’s Kokuryo is a comedic portrait of friendship, poverty and transgenderism. While the student film (Dionisio is a graduating film student from La Salle-Benilde) has audio problems and poor resolution, the visual composition and costumes are breathtaking. Plus, Mindy Jane Castillo has a powerful onscreen presence, managing to hook you from beginning to end. In the aftermath of a small-time trans pageant contest called Bb. Undas 2019, the winner (Castillo) finds 50 percent of her prize money missing. She and best friend (Thalia Nagaño) go on a search, which is often funny albeit the amateur performances from some of the supporting cast. It culminates in a heartbreaking ending, with a most beautiful shot for a finale. (3 out of 5 stars) ‘HM HMM MHM’ [caption id="attachment_168106" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] ‘HM HMM MHM’ by Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan.[/caption] The title alone is pretentious and contrived. Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan’s Hm Hm Mhm uses stop motion for a story on domestic violence. Using dolls, with the central character a little girl doll and Barbie and Ken as its parents, the filmmakers produce somewhat surreal, nightmarish imagery. The film removes dialogue and incorporates dreamy sequences, rage, slithering vines and what looks like a woman’s reproductive organ (or a womb). The vibe is sinister, with a constant feeling of trouble and unrest. While there is a hint of domestic violence going on, the chaotic visuals make the storytelling incoherent. The film ends up more like an exercise in stop-motion rather than using the animated technique for a more effective way of saying whatever it wants to say. (0 out of 5 stars) ‘SIBUYAS NI PERFECTO’ [caption id="attachment_168113" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] ‘SIBUYAS Ni Perfecto’ by January Yap.[/caption] Januar Yap’s subdued drama follows an old man, Perfecto, with his worn-out slippers, carrying on his back a heavy basket of vegetables to deliver to his “friend,” Sir Eddie (whom we never see). The fact that Perfecto calls the man “sir” and feels honored that Eddie is his “friend” who trusts him with the delivery quickly establishes how Perfecto is very simple-minded and trusting. The fact that Eddie lets Perfecto walk miles and miles and miles to deliver vegetables to his doorstep, and Perfecto’s friend says Eddie is a con man, allow us to immediately know that Perfecto is a victim of abuse of men with money and power — the Sir Eddies of the world. Yap manages to make the viewer experience Perfecto’s suffering by allowing the viewer to experience the great distance he has to travel to get to Eddie’s house. This is a painful portrait of innocence and naivete, as well as the socioeconomic hierarchy where Perfecto is at the bottom of the chain. The ending is pretty strong. (3 out of 5 stars) The post CINEMALAYA REVIEW: SHORTS A appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First lady Liza Araneta Marcos promotes inclusivity in phl arts and crafts
Patronage of the arts and promotion of Philippine culture are two endeavors that have always been the domain of Philippine First Ladies. The approach, of course, varies, whether through the presentation of Filipino folk dances and fashion shows featuring Filipiniana designs during state dinners, showcasing the best of the Philippine arts on the walls of Malacañang Palace or highlighting Philippine crafts in during international expositions. When the presidential couple visits other countries, they bring with them gifts of Philippine crafts for the kingdom’s monarch and their escort or the republic’s president and his first lady. Presidential wives, too, have always been the foremost models of Philippine costume, which they wear during state visits abroad, formal functions at the presidential palace and when attending big events such as raising the Filipino flag in Rizal Park on Philippine Independence Day. Liza Araneta-Marcos, almost in all activities that she graces, whether right in the Palace or outside, wears a knee-length version of the terno, its butterfly sleeves defining its uniqueness and versatility. With her, terno has become an almost everyday get-up, which she accessorizes with heeled shoes, mostly Marikina-made. Cultural mapping The current First Lady’s support for arts and crafts and her involvement in cultural development manifested early on in her public life when her husband was the governor of Ilocos Norte in the early years of the millennium. Right in her husband Bongbong’s home province, she spearheaded efforts in the documentation of Ilocano culture. Under her auspices, a full-scale cultural mapping of Ilocos Norte took place. Then a new thing in the country, its aim was to list and document everything about the inherent culture of each barangay — songs, dances, oral and written literature, zarzuela and other dramatic forms, crafts using indigenous materials, historical sites, architectural marvels including ancestral houses, native delicacies and festive fare, musical instruments, gardens, parks, tourist spots and, of course, the people who make these things happen and exist — the weavers, painters, cooks, writers, local historians, harpists and so on in the vast field of arts, culture and heritage. It was trailblazing in that only years later would local government units be required to identify their cultural assets and provide the data needed for development, especially in education, tourism and creative industries. Eager to know more about her husband’s home province and absorb its culture, she even joined the team in its fieldwork in the seashore towns like the Pagudpud coastline and the highland town of Adams which they reached by riding a dump truck. Among the highlights of her undertakings for heritage tourism was her support for the Museo Ilocos Norte, which housed artifacts and the local textile, inabel. Most significantly was her commitment to the revival of the local weaving industry that produces the exquisite inabel. In an interview, the young and smart wife of the governor said, “I was looking for a viable project that would help boost the livelihood of the Ilocano, one that was low-key, which was not difficult to fund and uniquely Ilocano.” According to Liza, “Ilocano women love multi-tasking.” She explained that in the past, each home would have a loom, “so the mothers could weave while doing their home chores, including taking care of the baby.” Indeed, well spoken by a career woman who, while lawyering, made sure she was at the top of her family home and the care of her children. What she was telling them was it was possible to earn one’s livelihood while fulfilling one’s duties as a homemaker and parent. She thus advocated for the putting up of weaving centers where the young Ilocano may learn the craft. Embroiderers, woodcarvers and basket makers Fast forward to 2016, Liza joined the Board of Trustees of the Asian Cultural Council which fosters cultural exchange and unity by widening the exposure, knowledge and expertise of individual artists, scholars and art professionals. All her years spent on supporting Ilocano crafts had not only been beneficial to the local weavers. It also became a model, a small-scale version of what she would eventually achieve from her day one as First Lady. This time, she would widen the scope of her advocacy by supporting as well the other crafts in the regions. In Feburary 2023, the Office of the First Lady, in cooperation with the Office of the Social Secretary of Malacañang, other government agencies and private creative industry practitioners put together an exhibition that introduced the talented weavers of the country. It was a success as it showcased the best of Philippine weave from the Ilocos region to Laguna, Aklan and Zamboanga. A few months later, she expanded the project to “Likha” to showcase not only talented weavers — but also our skilled embroiderers, basket makers, woodcarvers, pottery makers and shell craftsmen,” among other Filipino artisans in cities, shores and hinterlands of our beautiful country. Community of artisans Hers was a most welcome support to the local artisans and craftsmen, anthropology scholars, tourism workers and educators. Dr. Marygrace Ac-ac, an associate professor of De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, who accompanied her father, Paete master sculptor Luis Ac-Ac, shared her thoughts about the First Lady, who spoke at the opening ceremonies of the three-day exhibit. [caption id="attachment_163255" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with master sculptor Luis Ac-ac and his daughter Marygrace.[/caption] Marygrace said, “What impacted me the most about the First Lady’s speech is her promise to support talented Filipinos and the traditional crafts, which is in keeping with the words of President Bongbong Marcos in his first State of the Nation address. It was, to me, giving hope to the industry and to Filipino artists and artisans. I am happy that she herself said she is looking forward to “Likha” 3, 4, 5 and so on. “Beyond the First Lady’s support for livelihood among the local communities, just as important is that, through the “Likha” exhibitions, she is fostering a national community of artisans, which cultivates a sense of cultural identity among our people. Moreover, this gives us national pride as through the First Lady’s initiatives we are able to show to the world what we are capable of creating.” Of her father, the master craftsman Luis Ac-ac, she said, “he is grateful to the First Lady for her initiative and for spearheading the advocacy to uplift the traditional crafts of all the artists and artisans.” Goldenberg fashion series On her new home grounds, the Malacañang compound, the First Lady has imprinted her passion for heritage through the renovation of three iconic structures, long out of use and run-down Teus Mansion, which is now the presidential museum containing memorabilia of past presidents; Bahay Ugnayan, which houses memento of President BBM; and the Goldenberg Mansion, which the First Lady has designated as a venue for cultural and artistic events. All three are now open to the public for free. Last May, the Goldenberg Fashion series started with a fashion show featuring the creations of Puey Quiñones, who collaborated with weavers, embroiders and artisans, thus elevating Filipino style as he used them in his interpretation of the modern terno, suits and barong for men. [caption id="attachment_163256" align="aligncenter" width="928"] With designer Puey Quiñones at the Goldenberg Mansion fashion show.[/caption] Next was Avel Bacudio’s “Avel,” which, in turn, was a spectacle in black and white as the designer paid tribute to the handiwork of Filipino artisans all over the country, his creations manifesting virtuosity even as he downplayed extravagance and over-the-top ornamentation by focusing on well-defined structure, casual elegance, comfortability and versatility, the last allowing the wearers to mix and match to suit the occasion. In a way, the whole collection resonates with the overall style of the First Lady who has insisted on simplicity, function and comfort in her wardrobe, while now and then showcasing the innate artistry of the Filipino through indigenous textiles. Finally, when we celebrated the nation's Independence Day, with the President and the First Lady hosting a vin d’honneur in Malacañang Palace, the various lady ambassadors assigned to the Philippines attended in their most beautiful and exquisite Filipiniana, thanks to the First Lady who made the collaboration between top Filipino designers and the ladies possible. It was an evening that did not only enhance the beauty and charm of the lady ambassadors, but also made our designers proud. Indeed, our artisans and fashion designers, as well as performing artists, are fortunate to have a friend, ally and benefactor in a First Lady whose sense of nationalism combined with her heartfelt admiration for Filipino ingenuity has made her the best ambassador for Filipino craftsmanship and artistry. The post First lady Liza Araneta Marcos promotes inclusivity in phl arts and crafts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD to roll out pilot food stamp program in Tondo
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Saturday said they will roll out their pilot food stamp program (FSP) on Tuesday next week, 18 July, with 50 already identified poor families in Tondo. Gatchalian who guested at the weekly Saturday News Forum in Quezon City said the approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the pilot run and implementation of the FSP, is the newest addition to the government’s social protection packages. “It’s all green lights. Go na for the pilot. We will inform you with the details on Monday. Palaki nang palaki iyan until we hit the pilot mark na 3,500 families nationwide," Gatchalian said. “Handang-handa na tayo sa kickoff. The pilot is 3,000 and the initial run is 50. Yung pilot ayokong biglain siya. Tukoy na kasi lahat, poor families and pregnant and lactating women," he added, as the President provided some provisions to expand the program, such as the inclusion of single-parent, pregnant, and lactating mothers to the list of program beneficiaries. “The President also wants to bring in pregnant, lactating mothers kasi we have to start looking at stunting in this country and the first 1,000 days program is very important,” the DSWD chief noted. He added that the program’s pilot implementation would have a “gradual phasing.” "After six months na pilot sa program, we will… scale up,” he added. Gatchalian also noted the importance of the initial run on the overall success of the program. “From the pilot, we will see the nuances, what needs to be improved, what needs to be enhanced, what needs to be discontinued,” he explained. The DSWD secretary also added that the pilot run will be done “so that we will not end up with wasteful spending.” The FSP is funded with $3 million in grants from the Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the French Development Agency which could last until December and would cover around 300,000 families. Beneficiaries will receive food credits worth P3,000 "to purchase a select list of food commodities from DSWD-accredited local retailers,” Gatchalian said. The Kadiwa ng Pangulo, limited stores, and groceries would be an important part of the program where beneficiaries could use their cards that act as vouchers. Beneficiaries could only exchange the P3,000 credits for food covering their baskets. Half of the basket will be allotted for carbohydrate foods, 30 percent for protein, and 20 percent for fats. The program’s mechanism aims to change the behavior of the beneficiaries, Gatchalian said, noting that this is different from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). “Ang goal natin is… makakain nang tama para makahanap sila ng energy to be a part of nation-building… The whole of society approach is crucial because in every program, hindi kayang pasanin ng gobyerno lahat. Ang mandato ng Pangulo is to involve the private sector and (other) agencies,” he said. Gatchalian said they already identified one-million poorest Filipino families living mostly in rural areas, as target families for the "Walang Gutom 2027," which would come from the agency's "Listahanan 3." The post DSWD to roll out pilot food stamp program in Tondo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China June inflation flat as economy struggles
BEIJING, China (AFP) — Chinese inflation was flat last month while producer prices sank more than expected, official data showed Monday, in the latest sign of weakness in the world’s second-largest economy. The consumer price index for June was down from the 0.2 percent seen in May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, and was worse than expected as domestic demand slowed. A 7.2 percent annual drop in the cost of pork, the staple meat in China, as well as falling oil prices that made transportation cheap, dragged down the cost of the essential goods basket, the NBS said. Producer prices — which measure the cost of goods at the factory gate — tumbled 5.4 percent on-year, following a 4.6 percent slide in May. Economists polled by Bloomberg had expected prices to sink five percent. Poor global demand and a steep drop in raw material costs have also put downward pressure on factory prices, the NBS said. Economic growth has slowed sharply since April after Beijing lifted strict Covid rules at the end of last year, while the yuan sits at a seven-month low against the dollar as exports drop. Authorities are coming under increasing pressure to step in with stimulus but other than a few small interest rate cuts and pledges of action there has been little of substance out of Beijing. Ongoing trade tensions between the US and China have also dragged on the economy, with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Sunday wrapping up a visit to Beijing with no signs of a breakthrough. Yellen said her talks with Chinese officials were “productive” but admitted there were “significant disagreements”. China has set a growth target of “around five percent” this year, one of its lowest in decades. Growth figures for the second quarter will be released on July 17. The post China June inflation flat as economy struggles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden, Modi sending China message
US President Joe Biden has embraced Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he has few other world leaders, because he is laser-focused on opposing China, putting aside any worries about the Hindu nationalist’s authoritarian tendencies. With two dinners — one formal and the other more casual — a meeting with leading CEOs, and a long list of concrete commitments, including agreements on US engines for India’s new domestic fighter-jets and a sizable semiconductor factory, Biden gave Modi the full pomp of a state visit. Biden is “trying to tell the world that America is back. We’ve got partners and allies and we’ve got India on our side of the ledger,” said Aparna Pande, a South Asia expert at the Hudson Institute. Biden hopes to “send a message to China — you have your people and I have my people and India is among mine,” she said. The joint statement for Modi’s visit, according to former State Department official Tamanna Salikuddin, was “remarkable” in its scope and included defense deliverables on par with what the US would give a NATO or other treaty ally. “The depth and breadth of what we’re committing to with India is really putting them in a totally different basket. And I think that is what Modi wanted,” said Salikuddin, now director of South Asia programs at the US Institute of Peace. Despite renewed efforts to defuse tensions, the Biden administration views China as the most significant long-term rival to the United States. Both Biden and Modi publicly downplayed the significance of China, but in his speech to the US Congress, where he supported a “free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific,” Modi made a clear allusion, drawing approving nods from lawmakers. The world’s most populous nation, India, which has a rapidly expanding economy, has a protracted territorial dispute with China that is widely viewed negatively in India. The post Biden, Modi sending China message appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Basket brawl in Mandaue: Player from Brgy. Opao banned from all city-organized tourneys
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – For initiating an ugly on-court brawl during a basketball game on Saturday, June 10, a 21-year-old player from Mandaue City has been banned from all city-organized sports tournaments. The Mandaue City Sports Office (MCSO) decided to ban the player (name withheld) for allegedly starting a commotion during a basketball game of […] The post Basket brawl in Mandaue: Player from Brgy. Opao banned from all city-organized tourneys appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
PCCI: Food stamps alternative to wage hikes
Food stamps can be a more sustainable alternative to proposed wage increases as companies remain vulnerable to economic challenges post-pandemic, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president George Barcelon said Thursday. “The value of a food stamp per month — to avail of a food basket — could be similar to or higher than the proposed wage hikes. The difference is we don’t know how workers spend their wage increases,” Barcelon told the Daily Tribune. He said food stamps are an assurance that people will be using them for beneficial purposes. “These will translate into economic gains as there will be more healthy Filipinos participating in business activities and children more energetic in schools,” he added. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said last Monday the government could tap the Asian Development Bank for food financing. In April, ADB approved a $4-billion loan program for the Philippines this year to fund its transportation, healthcare, and agriculture projects. For the food security of developing countries in the next two years, ADB also announced in September last year it would offer their governments $14 billion. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the food stamps’ pilot period could start in July. He added officials will be coordinating with the Department of Agriculture to source food items from its Kadiwa stores which cater to less privileged consumers. Filomeno Sta. Ana III, cofounder of Action for Economic Reforms, agreed the government must carefully study the food stamps program to determine whether it is sustainable or a long-term solution to poverty. “The concept or intention might be good but the design matters. I’m afraid that if not designed properly and implemented well, it might just be a band-aid solution,” Sta. Ana said. Agricultural officials, he said, must ensure food supplies are sufficient to maintain affordable food prices. “We must first ensure the accessibility of cheap nutritious food. If domestic supply is insufficient, we have to import,” he said. Sta. Ana, however, said workers’ wages must also be raised to truly free many Filipinos from poverty and reduce reliance on the government that has other numerous obligations to the entire nation. “Further, food security is done by increasing the incomes of our people. So, a combination of growth, employment and income, and food productivity reforms must be put in place. Over time, these strategic interventions will reduce in-kind and cash subsidies to households.” Similar to the high volumes of rice imports the country receives, Sta. Ana said the government must also provide a lot of job and skills enhancement opportunities to the poor to upgrade their lives. “The rice tariffication reform can serve as a model. Even as we allow imports to alleviate supply problems and hence lower food prices, we must enable agriculture to become more productive, efficient and competitive,” he said. In a survey by the Social Weather Stations, 10.6 million Filipinos believed they were “food poor” in the first quarter of this year amid high inflation and food supply issues. That figure was higher than the 8.7 million people with the same sentiment in December last year. The post PCCI: Food stamps alternative to wage hikes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TNT bags title
Mikey Williams saved his best for last and carried TNT to a historic first-ever championship in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors' Cup as the Tropang Giga finished the best-of-seven championship Friday night with a 97-93 win over Barangay Ginebra. Williams put on a shooting clinic, hitting nine treys and finishing the game with 38 points as the Tropang Giga completed their date with the destiny of finally winning the season-ending tournament in front of 13,558 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. While TNT captured its first Governors' Cup, head coach Jojo Lastimosa and Calvin Oftana also cherished the moment of winning the first championships of their respective careers. Winning a title right in his first conference as a mentor, Lastimosa joined the elite cast of coaches to win just in their maiden conference. His feat enabled him to join Narciso Bernardo (1984 First All-Filipino Conference, Crispa), Chot Reyes (1993 All-Filipino, Coney Island), Eric Altamirano (1997 All-Filipino, Purefoods), Ryan Gregorio (2002 Governors' Cup, Purefoods) and Joel Banal (2003 All-Filipino, TNT) as debuting tacticians who struck paydirt right away. Oftana, on the other hand, won his first championship as a PBA player. Plucked from NLEX in the mid-season in a trade involving top overall rookie pick Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and veteran forward Troy Rosario, Oftana immediately became an impact player for the Tropang Giga. In Game 6, the Tropang Giga battled foul trouble in the early goings with Poy Erram and Calvin Oftana each nursing three fouls in the first half as Barangay Ginebra played with much sense of urgency and dictated the tempo, leading by as many as 11 points, 44-33, on Scottie Thompson's two free throws with 4:17 left before the half time break. But the first half was practically a one-man show for Mikey Williams, who torched the nets for 26 points and hit seven-of-12 shots from beyond the arc to keep the Tropang Giga in the thick of the fight. Williams' 26 points in the first half were the most by a local player in the first half since Game 2 of the best-of-seven championship series between TNT and Rain or Shine in the 2015 Commissioner's Cup when Jayson Castro pumped in 27 points. Castro, a seven-time PBA champion, is still playing for the Tropang Giga, but his role has diminished as the franchise's sixth man. A scoring champion two years ago, Williams, a Finals Most Valuable Player when TNT last won the title in the 2021 Philippine Cup, also had 26 points in the second half of TNT's 98-106 loss to Magnolia in Game 3 of their 2021 Philippine Cup best-of-seven championship series. Willaims had taken over in the first half as import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson acted more like a facilitator, giving the local players good looks to the basket. Hollis-Jefferson, the newly-minted Best Import, scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds, but could only make three of his 10 shots from the field in the first 24 minutes of play. The post TNT bags title appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wild win carries 76ers to 3-0 lead over Nets
The Philadelphia 76ers beat Brooklyn 102-97 on Thursday in a rugged clash that featured two ejections and a controversial kick from Joel Embiid and moved the Sixers one win away from a sweep of their NBA first-round playoff series. The 76ers, down by five with 2:15 remaining at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, surged home to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series, the Nets well aware that no NBA team has come back from 3-0 down to win a series. Embiid, Philadelphia's MVP candidate, scored just 14 points but pulled down 10 rebounds and produced a crucial block with eight seconds remaining and Philadelphia up by two. Plenty of pundits will argue he should have been out of the game by then, but Embiid wasn't ejected when he aimed a kick from the floor at Nic Claxton's groin as the Nets player stepped over him in the first quarter. Sixers star James Harden was tossed late in the third quarter after piling his shoulder into Royce O'Neale's body on a drive to the basket. And Brooklyn's Claxton was ejected early in the fourth when he picked up a second technical foul for taunting Embiid. "We stayed together," Embiid said of the key to the hard-fought victory. "We kept playing through everything that was going on." Tyrese Maxey keyed the late surge, scoring 10 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. His step-back three-pointer with 44.7 seconds left gave the Sixers a 99-96 lead. Spencer Dinwiddie cut the deficit by one with a free throw and looked headed for a game-tying layup when Embiid soared up to reject the shot and the Sixers held on. Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 26 points and Dinwiddie added 20, but Brooklyn are in danger of being swept for the second straight season. Embiid, who went to the locker room briefly in the first quarter and could be seen limping later in the game said that despite their commanding lead the Sixers need to be better in Saturday's game four. "Tonight was probably our worst night," he said. "I wasn't good at all, so I'm going to be better." In other games Thursday, the defending champion Golden State Warriors tried to claw out of a 2-0 hole when they hosted the Sacramento Kings. The Warriors were without star Draymond Green, who was suspended one game after stamping on Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis in game two. The Los Angeles Clippers were without injured Kawhi Leonard as they hosted the Phoenix Suns in game three of their Western Conference series. The teams split the first two games in Phoenix. The post Wild win carries 76ers to 3-0 lead over Nets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GrabFood grabs post-Covid glory
Grab Philippines food delivery service GrabFood believes consumers will continue to order their meals online despite the return to normal after the pandemic since the app offers convinience and choices are wider. “Merchants keep coming in and consumers are also growing, proving that deliveries are here to stay. And as people keep going out, what we are doing is tapping those markets. Basically, growth has normalized,” Greg Camacho, Grab Philippines director for deliveries, told reporters on Thursday. He said the company is banking on adaptation to a changed environment and staying relevant. “We see continued growth offering different touchpoints to our consumers,” Camacho added. Expansion outside capital Aside from Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, Grab Philippines has recently launched its services in Cabanatuan City, and in other cities that have huge potential for food delivery. “We are still deliberating now and we already have the shortlist (of cities) to expand our presence, including Tagbilaran City in Bohol,” he said. Based on the data of Grab Philippines, 88 percent of consumers discovered a new store through the app while 90 percent tried at least one new store that they have not personally visited. Also, nine out of 10 consumers across the region prefer brands with an integrated online-to-offline experience, and GrabFood consumers ordered 1.7 times more often in 2022 compared to 2019. Further, GrabFood consumers ordered 1.4 times more often in 2022 compared to 2020 when Covid-19 was at its worst. Taking the pulse of merchants, Grab Philippines data showed that eight in 10 merchants say that delivery platforms are a must-have for their businesses to survive. In 2022, the average basket size on GrabFood and GrabMart, grew by 84 percent against 2019, the data showed. Financing access to MSMEs The Grab executive said to maintain the presence of merchants, Grab Philippines has conceptualized programs that will aid them, who belong to micro, small, and medium enterprises, including cash loans. “We are starting to offer more and more merchant cash loans, whether to help with their operating expenses or to help with their expansion, as we realize how important financing is for them. The minimum cash loan will depend on the performance of the merchant’s business,” he said. And for the celebration of Filipino Food Month, Camacho said GrabFood is reaffirming its commitment to future-proofing the reach and business viability of Filipino cuisine. With its tech solutions and support mechanisms, the platform is optimistic that the local food industry can achieve the optimum reach and commercial activity necessary to promote the culinary identity of the country in the post-pandemic era. “A country’s culinary identity is a hallmark of its culture. This Filipino food month, GrabFood is proud to be a partner of Filipino restaurateurs in making sure that proudly Pinoy flavors get the attention and business they deserve as we transition to the post-pandemic era,” according to Camacho. The post GrabFood grabs post-Covid glory appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Exports rebound hinges on infusions
After the export sector posted an 18.1 percent decline last February despite the substantial $5.08 billion in merchandise export sales during the month, Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual emphasized the need for more robust investments. “To unlock the export potential of the Philippines, we need to better understand the needs of our clients, utilize our preferential trade arrangements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, make our products and services more visible in international markets thru trade promotion, and more importantly, invest and expand our production capabilities to meet the demands of foreign markets,” according to Pascual. Pascual added investments played a crucial role in enhancing the country’s capacity to produce and export more products with a higher value, in reaction to a report of the Philippine Statistics Authority showing the trade deficit in February registered an annual decline of 2.7 percent or $3.88 billion while import payments reached $8.95 billion. “Evidently, we need to diversify our export basket, and investments play a key role in developing Philippine capabilities to produce and export more of higher value products. We will focus on investment attraction and industry development in sectors where we have established capabilities that can serve as a solid foundation for export growth and are well-positioned to seize opportunities in emerging trends,” Pascual said. Temporary decline He added, “Industry players expect a decline in exports to be temporary as global investments in semiconductor manufacturing have been increasing significantly lately. Thus, we need to position the Philippines to take a greater share of this increasingly important global value chain.” Further, he said the DTI continues to pursue initiatives to strengthen the country’s semiconductor industry. In collaboration with the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc., DTI led a delegation in January 2023 to the United States Consumer Electronics Show 2023, dubbed as the “most influential tech event in the world.” It resulted in potential cooperation between US-based high-tech companies with their local counterparts. The CES 2023 participation was followed by trade and investment promotion activities during the working visit to Japan in February where the President was able to secure multi-billion investments in the Philippines’ semiconductor industry. Meanwhile, to support exporters in their effort to widen reach in the Middle East market and beyond, the DTI organized an Outbound Business Matching Mission to the Gulf Cooperation Council in time for Gulfood 2023, one of the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event based in UAE. This mission covered the capitals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Through the business matching activities, the participating Philippine exporters were able to book and negotiate sales amounting to over $10.8 million in total. Japan remains top market As of February 2023, export sales to the top markets were led by Japan with $822.7 million, USA with $756.0 million, China with $611.6 million, Hong Kong with $526.9 million, and Singapore with $310.6 million. Globally, the Philippines has the potential to increase its exports by $49 billion, based on the Philippines’ supply capacity, the demand conditions in the target market, and bilateral linkages between the Philippines and the target market, according to the Export Potential Assessment study undertaken by the International Trade Centre. The post Exports rebound hinges on infusions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Butler, Strus lead Heat past Bulls and into playoffs
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat caught fire down the stretch to beat the Chicago Bulls 102-91 and reach the NBA playoffs on Friday, as the Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder to book their postseason berth. Miami, smarting from a loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, clinched the Eastern Conference's eighth and final seed to set up a meeting with the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks starting on Sunday. Minnesota meanwhile will face Western Conference top seeds Denver in the first round of the playoffs after a comprehensive 120-95 blowout of Oklahoma City. While Minnesota romped into the postseason, Miami's clash with Chicago went down to the wire before Butler, helped by the three-pointers of Max Strus, secured victory for Erik Spoelstra's team. Butler put up 31 points, a tally matched by Strus who shot 7-12 on three-pointers, including a crucial 26-foot jumper with 1:14 left that put Miami 96-91 up. For Strus, who grew up as a Bulls fan in the suburbs of Chicago and was released by them before joining Miami, it was a sweet night. "It's huge. It doesn't really matter who we're playing - we had to win this one, no matter what. It was win or go home and we're not done yet. "So we want to keep playing and it's good to get that one. But it does feel a little bit better against them, I'm not gonna lie," he said. Strus secured the win with three free throws after he was fouled by Alex Caruso as he tried to make a throw from the corner. The Heat had been 14 points up in the first quarter but a 12-2 run from the Bulls in the third leveled the game up at 56-56. A Zach LaVine dunk then put Chicago up for the first time since the opening basket of the game and three three-pointers early in the fourth from Coby White ensured the Bulls were 90-87 with three minutes to go. But then Butler and Strus took control. Butler was fouled while making a lay-up and then Bam Adebayo, who grabbed 17 rebounds, sank two free throws after he was fouled by Nikola Vucevic to make it 93-90. Butler set up Strus for a three-pointer before he then made sure of the victory from the free-throw line. The Heat had found themselves in the elimination game after losing their opening play-in game to the Atlanta Hawks and faced the prospect of being the first divisional winner not to make the playoffs. "I don't think any of us felt any type of pressure. We went out, we competed, we played the right way, corrected some things, and did what we were supposed to do," said Butler. DeMar DeRozan topscored for the Bulls with 26 points and nine assists. There is little time for Miami to savor the victory however as their playoff series against the Bucks begins in Milwaukee on Sunday. "Man, it's going to be tough," said Butler, "But I think we got a shot. A really good shot at that. As long as we stick together. I'm telling you, we're a really good team and we're going to go out there and play," he said. In Minneapolis, the Timberwolves put their team's recent turbulence behind them to demolish Oklahoma City. Minnesota finished the regular season in disarray, with team-mates Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson involved in a sideline punch-up in their final regular season game last Sunday. Gobert was subsequently suspended for Tuesday's play-in defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers, but returned on Friday to contribute 21 points in a convincing victory. Minnesota led by as many as 29 points at one stage in the fourth quarter and were up by double digits for most of the second half. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves scoring with 28 points while all five starters finished in double figures. The post Butler, Strus lead Heat past Bulls and into playoffs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prince hits 8-of-8 triples as Wolves edge Knicks
Taurean Prince outdueled Julius Randle in a battle of performances that flirted with history Monday night, hitting all eight of his three-point shots and scoring the insurance basket with 10.4 seconds remaining as the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves edged the New York Knicks, 140-134......»»
The unconstitutionality of prior restraint
Sulu in the eyes of my good friend Princess Jacel Kiram is a potential eco-tourism destination and fruit basket of the country......»»