Business as usual inside Athletes& rsquo; Village
TOKYO—It may be a State of Emergency in Japan, but it’s business as usual inside the Athletes’ Village of the Summer Olympic Games here......»»
Women’s tennis returns to China after Peng Shuai boycott
Professional women's tennis tournaments return to China on Monday, less than two years after the WTA vowed to boycott the country out of concern for player Peng Shuai and risks to its players and staff. The WTA tournament opening Monday in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou will be the first in mainland China since 2019 -- and while no top-20 stars are expected to attend, it is set to attract plenty of attention. The WTA suspended activities in China in December 2021, when former world doubles number one Peng briefly disappeared after making -- and then withdrawing -- accusations of sexual assault against a senior Chinese leader. Saying the issue was "bigger than business", the tennis body insisted it would not hold events in China until Beijing guaranteed the safety of Peng. "Given the current state of affairs, I am also greatly concerned about the risks that all of our players and staff could face if we were to hold events in China," WTA chief Steve Simon said at the time. Peng published a long social media post in November 2021 saying she had been "forced" into sex during a years-long, on-and-off relationship with Zhang Gaoli, a married ex-vice premier of China 39 years her senior. She has since denied she accused anyone of sexual assault and described the situation as a "huge misunderstanding". Peng has not been seen outside China since the allegations were made. In April this year though, the WTA announced the resumption of tournaments, admitting its "principled stand... a powerful message to the world" had not been able "to bring about change". "It was, in my opinion, a complete capitulation, because it was pretty obvious to anyone who knows anything about China that China wasn't going to offer a free or fair investigation into the sexual assault claims," China-based sports expert Mark Dreyer told AFP. "I really do feel they've undone all that good will that they had gained by taking a principled stance." Dreyer added that the suspension had been largely symbolic as most international sporting events were put on hold during the pandemic under China's strict zero-Covid policy. - An economic choice - China is a crucial market for the WTA, given the quality of local infrastructure and investment as well as TV rights and sponsorship deals with mainland partners. "The choice to return is an economic one," Lionel Maltese, a former member of the executive committee of the French Tennis Federation, told AFP. "The income generated in China has a strong impact on the financing and income of all players." Before the pandemic, the WTA organized 10 tournaments in China each year -- with a total of $30 million in prize money -- out of more than 60 tournaments globally. These included the WTA Finals in Shenzhen, which in 2019 offered the largest tennis prize in history: $4.4 million. China is also home to five players on the world's top 100 list. They include 20-year-old Zheng Qinwen, world number 22 and recent quarter-finalist at the US Open, and 21-year-old Wang Xinyu, this year's French Open women's doubles winner. These stars have boosted the popularity of tennis in China, along with the market's economic potential. "If you have enough big names, the money will come, the tournaments will come," Dreyer told AFP. - 'Convictions' - The headliners in Guangzhou are likely to be world number 24 Magda Linette from Poland and Romania's Sorana Cirstea, currently world number 26. It is unclear if any players will be vocal about Peng, with Maltese saying there was "no leadership among players on ethical issues". "Very few athletes are taking a stand," he said. But France's Alize Cornet, ranked 99th globally, announced this week she would skip the tournament. "Staying true to my convictions and careful about my health, I decided that I will not be playing in China this year," she wrote on social media. Peng herself could make an appearance. After her initial disappearance from public view, she has made what appeared to be orchestrated appearances at multiple sporting events, including the Beijing Winter Olympics in February 2022. ehl-tjx/reb/qan © Agence France-Presse The post Women’s tennis returns to China after Peng Shuai boycott appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go highlights significance of education in ensuring a brighter future
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, underscored the significance of education as a gateway to a brighter future during the 50th Commencement Exercises of Cavite State University - CCAT Rosario Campus on Tuesday, September 5. The graduation ceremony was also attended by other officials, such as Rosario Vice Mayor Bamm Gonzales and General Trias Mayor Jonjon Ferrer, among others. “Sa mga graduates, sa mga estudyante, kahit anong course po ang inyong kinuha, ishi-share ko lang po sa inyo ang natutunan ko sa buhay. Isa lang ang sikreto diyan, mahalin n’yo po ang inyong kapwa Pilipino, hinding-hindi po kayo magkakamali. Malay n’yo po pagdating ng panahon kayo rin po ang mamumuno sa bayan o magiging senador ng bansa. Totoo iyan. Kaya unahin ninyo ang interes ng kapwa natin Pilipino,” Go said in his speech. “Ako po hindi ko po akalain na magiging senador po ako. At nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo, sa Panginoon na dinala po niya ako rito. Kaya naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he continued. Go emphasized how education can open doors to countless opportunities as he commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance, recognizing their hard work throughout their academic journey. He reminded them that their graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities and challenges. “Ngayong araw, tayo'y nagkakaisa upang parangalan hindi lamang ang pagwawakas ng academic journey kundi ang pagsilang ng isang bagong yugto sa buhay ng 680 estudyante ng inyong unibersidad,” highlighted Go. “Half a century ago, this campus was founded with a dream to cultivate abilities and expertise in the realms of Industrial Technology, Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Education. Now, that dream persists, and I am both honored and humbled to be part of this milestone commencement ceremony,” he continued. The senator also expressed his gratitude to the school officials, including University President Dr. Hernando Robles, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Agnes Nuestro, Vice President for Research and Extension Dr. Mary Jane Tepora, Vice President for Business and Resource Generation Ms. Lolita Herrera, and Campus Administrator Dr. Lauro Pascua, among others. “To the committed University Administrative Council, our distinguished campus leaders, honored deans, and the lively academic community that envelops us, I offer my sincere thanks for your unwavering dedication to excellence,” Go highlighted. “To the parents and guardians, your affection and encouragement have been the pillars of these graduates' achievements. Your faith in them has ignited their resolve, and today, we revel in your victory as well,” he added. In his speech, Go took the opportunity to discuss his legislative efforts aimed at fortifying the education sector. He expressed his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos through various initiatives. SBN 1359 or the "No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act," was co-authored and co-sponsored by Go and received approval on the third and final reading in March. This proposed legislation aims to put an end to the practice of denying students access to examinations or other educational assessments due to unpaid tuition or school fees. The bill ensures that no student's education is compromised due to financial constraints. In a bid to enhance access to tertiary education, Go co-authored and co-sponsored SBN 1360. This bill seeks to expand the coverage of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) by amending Republic Act No. 10931, known as the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act. By broadening the reach of TES, Go expressed his confidence that more underprivileged students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education. In times of disasters and emergencies, students facing financial hardships often find it challenging to repay loans. To address this concern, Go introduced SBN 1864, known as the "Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act." This proposed measure offers relief to students who have taken out loans but are unable to meet their repayment obligations due to unforeseen circumstances. It underscores the importance of compassion and support during trying times. Go also earlier authored and co-sponsored RA 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020 as part of his vision to ensure promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting a quality education. NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. “To the graduates, remember that your education is not merely a ladder for personal success; it is a potent tool for uplifting our community and the broader society. Wield it with wisdom, and never lose sight of the values and principles that have been so lovingly instilled in you,” Go said. “As I draw to a close, I leave you with a philosophy that has steered me throughout my existence: ‘Ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang isang karapatan, kundi isang tungkulin na may kalakip na responsibilidad.’ Mabuhay ang Cavite State University – CCAT Rosario Campus! Mabuhay ang mga bagong graduates,” the senator concluded. Go also provided tokens to students who graduated with honors. He encouraged them to use their education to serve their community and the country. The post Bong Go highlights significance of education in ensuring a brighter future appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clarence Avant, ‘Godfather of Black Music,’ dies at 92
Clarence Avant, the entertainment executive who is counted among the music world's most impactful figures, died over the weekend, a statement from his family said Monday. He was 92 years old. Avant "passed away gently at home" in Los Angeles on Sunday, said his children Nicole and Alex Avant, as well as Nicole's husband, Netflix executive Ted Sarandos. "Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as 'The Black Godfather' in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports," the statement said. "Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss." Avant was born on 25 February 1931 in small-town North Carolina, the oldest of eight. After spending most of his childhood in North Carolina he moved to New Jersey as a teenager, getting his start in the music business as a club manager of Teddy P's Lounge in Newark. He later was mentored by the longtime Louis Armstrong manager Joe Glaser. He went on to become one of the most revered players in music and beyond, an advocate and mentor who pushed the boundaries for Black entertainers in an industry rife with racism. Avant helped establish Venture Records, the first joint effort between a Black-owned music company and a major record label, in this case, MGM. He later launched Sussex Records and signed the likes of Bill Withers. Avant worked at an array of other labels, produced films, and also brokered deals for Black athletes including baseball superstar Hank Aaron. "He's the perennial godfather of our business," Quincy Jones said in 2006, in an interview with Billboard. "Everyone in our business has been by Clarence's desk if they’re smart." 'True pioneer' Avant also consulted at Motown and worked with other top producers including Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis as well as Babyface. He's been credited with burnishing the careers of countless artists, including Jones as well as Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, and Whitney Houston. "Clarence Avant connects us all through his incredible impact since before I was born up until now. He's the godfather to so many of us -- and not just African Americans, most of the industry," Pharrell said in a statement in 2019, ahead of the release of the Netflix documentary "The Black Godfather." In 2021, Avant's wife of over 50 years, Jacqueline, was fatally shot at age 81, during a break-in of the couple's Beverly Hills home. Earlier that year Avant received special accolades from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Recording Academy has also bestowed a number of honors on him and in 2007 he received the Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP. Tributes to Avant began pouring out upon news of his death, including from Jay-Z's company Roc Nation, which hailed him "a true pioneer" who "burst through doors and tore down ceilings, changing lives and providing opportunities for generations." "Clarence Avant isn't just the 'Godfather Of Black Music,' he is our cultural Godfather," the company said. Bill and Hillary Clinton, the former US president and secretary of state, said in a joint statement they were "saddened by the passing of our friend." "It was impossible to spend time with him and not come away feeling more positive and wanting to follow his example." The post Clarence Avant, ‘Godfather of Black Music,’ dies at 92 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong drills integrity, leadership on Malabon grads
During the 28th commencement exercises of the City of Malabon University on Friday, 28 July, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed the qualities of malasakit (concern), integrity and leadership as guiding principles for future undertakings. “Your time at the City of Malabon University has not only equipped you with the academic proficiency required for your chosen fields, but it has also molded you into well-rounded individuals who possess the virtues of compassion, integrity, and leadership,” he said to the graduating class. As the graduates prepare to enter a world of limitless possibilities, Go reminded them of their critical role: “Graduates, you are not merely leaders of tomorrow; you are leaders of today.” He also emphasized the importance of their prospective contributions and distinctive perspectives in a variety of fields, including business, science, the arts, and public service. The senator also challenged students to take advantage of every chance to positively impact others, noting that success is determined not only by personal accomplishments but also by the communities inspired and lives affected. Go’s statements also demonstrated his dedication to public service, even in the face of peril. He recalled traveling to the most remote parts of the country, including Basilan, Batanes and Jolo, to respond to disasters and emergencies. He emphasized his commitment to working for improved access to high-quality education. He stated that the Duterte administration made the enactment of Republic Act 10931, commonly known as the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,” a law that exempts qualifying college students from paying tuition and other school expenses, a top priority. He also mentioned the approval of RA 11470 by the last Congress, which resulted in the founding of the National Academy of Sports, which provides world-class training and education to qualified student-athletes. Go, head of the Senate Committee on Health, spoke about his health initiatives, including RA 11463, the Malasakit Centers Act, which aimed to increase access to medical assistance programs. Go urged anyone in need of medical attention to visit any of Metro Manila’s Malasakit Centers, particularly those at the Ospital ng Malabon and San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital. The Malasakit Center aims to make medical assistance programs more accessible by bringing together all relevant agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, under one roof. Along with this, Go mentioned the recent passage in Congress of the Regional Specialty Centers Bill, which he supported as one of the authors in the Senate. The bill, which is pending the President’s signature, intends to make specialty health services available in all regions of the Philippines. Go announced the construction of three Super Health Centers in Malabon, which will improve local health facilities. Database management, out-patient, childbirth, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit are some of the basic services provided by SHCs. Eye, ear, nose, and throat services, oncology facilities, physical therapy and rehabilitation institutes, and telemedicine are all provided. The senator expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the City of Malabon University, while also praising its dedication to providing outstanding education and fostering graduates who will mold the future. He reminded students that education is a lifelong path of discovery, self-discovery, and progress, and he encouraged them to embrace it with open hearts and minds. During the event, Go and his crew presented tokens, such as gift packs and pencils, to 666 graduating students, with a special emphasis on those who received honors. He also commended local politicians for their dedicated commitment to the community, particularly Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and Vice Mayor Bernard dela Cruz. The post Kuya Bong drills integrity, leadership on Malabon grads appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Father’s golden legacy
The first time one meets Avelino “Ave” Tolentino III, Undersecretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, one is easily impressed by his good looks and pleasant mien. One gets surprised that someone as young as he should already occupy a top position in the government. Until one finds out he is already 42 years old, which, to belabor the point, hardly shows in the man’s appearance, neither in his voice, mannerisms, and unbridled enthusiasm for his life’s purpose. He could pass for someone who had seen only three decades so far. But as he talks with you, you also realize he is very articulate and knows whereof he speaks. Brilliance is a mark of this man. But on the day that we interviewed him at the Daily Tribune office in Makati when he accompanied his boss, Secretary Gerry Acuzar, to an online guest in our early morning online show, we chose to veer away from the expected questions about his duties in the bureaucracy. Instead, we focused on the man behind the official title and function. And since Father’s Day was coming in a few weeks, we wondered as to the kind of father who would raise such a remarkable son — so young and yet so significant in the affairs of the Filipino — or make that common tao, the man on the street who deserves to live happily in a pleasant home he and his family could call their own. What makes Ave Tolentino tick? We surmised that he is the upshot of parents who instilled in him the right values from day one. And we were not wrong, except that if one imagined the father to be a strong figure, the master of his home, we were in for a surprise. As Ave revealed, theirs was not the typical family. This, in the sense that “it was our father, Avelino Jr. who kept us, four sons and a daughter, company at home, while our mom was busy at the office,” Ave shared. Given their family dynamics, his father worked from home by engaging in trading, which did not require his full-time attention. It had been an arrangement, if one could use the word, of his parents who both realized early on as they were building a family that “my mother had a future in the corporate world.” There was no doubt about her breaking the so-called glass ceiling as she was one woman who knew she would succeed as a business executive. His mom, Jenette, was a Certified Public Accountant and, at the time of her retirement, was the chief executive officer of a company that was engaged in the selling of ammunition. His father, according to Ave, “was very kind. He was what I would call a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. He was cool. Someone you could relate to. When we were younger, we could talk to him about almost anything. What I thought was normal was quite unconventional. At that time, my mom was the breadwinner. So, my dad was bringing us to school in the morning and picking us up in the afternoon.” But he was also working as a trader. He was juggling work and yet he was also raising his sons. “Well, he was practically watching over us,” Ave remembered. Just being there Being present to his children turned out to be a blessing, as “seeing him every afternoon, we made sure we would behave well, and not get into trouble. His presence was a deterrent to any of us getting into trouble or behaving foolishly. Because if we did, he would find out when he came to fetch us. Ave’s right at the gate of Colegio de San Agustin in Makati. It would have been different if we were not supervised.” As an added benefit to the family, he and his siblings grew closer as they came home together with their Dad in one car. On the other hand, just like most fathers, he had his list of don’ts. “Don’t do vices. No smoking, no drinking at a young age. And don’t give him any trouble. He made clear he did not like going to the principal’s office because any one of us needed to be disciplined.” Equally important to Ave’s father was family togetherness and awareness of their roots. “We spent a lot of time with our relatives. We had a lot of weekends at my grandfather’s, my father’s side, in Parañaque. We would all congregate there. And we also played a lot of table tennis growing up. Our games were for bonding, more than competing with one another. “He was the quintessential family man. He just enjoyed spending time with his family. He was very close to all his relatives, cousins, and second cousins. His friendship even extended to the neighbors of his cousins.” Go to guy Sharing his time and his listening ears was his idea of giving. “Dad was not too big on gifts. He showed he cared through service, or being there when you needed him. So, if you needed anything or you were in a situation, he was the person to call,” although he does not recall “having to call him at any point. But I knew that if I had to, he would have answered. He was very reliable.” And if there was one oddity about him, Ave pointed to his being a cockfighting aficionado. “As a kid, I would join him and my uncles and the rest of his relatives when they went to the cockpit in our home province, Mauban. In Parañaque, there would be cockfights right in our backyard. Our uncles would arrive with their fighting cocks.” What I thought was normal was quite unconventional. At that time, my mom was the breadwinner. So, my dad was bringing us to school in the morning and picking us up in the afternoon. If it was clean fun tinged with occasional rowdiness and incessant ribbing, Ave early on realized “it is a gentleman’s game. But for me, what I learned about cockfighting is that you have to raise the fighting cocks, you have to raise the chickens. I remember that when I was growing up, we had to help raise and take care of the chickens. I would help feed them like they were athletes. Their food was measured. It could not be more and it could not be less.” Ave was the middle child. “We had two batches,” he explained. “My two older brothers were 7 and 5 years ahead of us. And then myself and another brother. We were two years apart. My parents raised the first batch and then they raised us, the second batch, I believe they raised us well.” The post Father’s golden legacy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mandatory SSS premium
Dear Atty. Chris, Do I need to be updated with my Social Security System payments even if I am not employed and I have my own business? I have a small business and I was told that I still have to pay my SSS? How did this happen when I don’t have a salary? Rey ***** Dear Rey, Most people think that only those who have an employer-employee relationship in the private sector should be covered by social security programs. However, other members of the association may also purchase insurance. This includes you, the self-employed. Specifically, Republic Act 11199, also known as the Social Security Act of 2018, provides that: “SEC. 9-A. Compulsory Coverage of the Self-Employed. — Coverage in the SSS shall also be compulsory upon such self-employed persons as may be determined by the Commission under such rules and regulations as it may prescribe, including but not limited to the following: (a) All self-employed professionals; (b) Partners and single proprietors of businesses; (c) Actors and actresses, directors, scriptwriters and news correspondents who do not fall within the definition of the term ‘employee’ in Section 8 (d) of this Act; (d) Professional athletes, coaches, trainers and jockeys; and (e) Individual farmers and fishermen. Unless otherwise specified herein, all provisions of this Act applicable to covered employees shall also be applicable to the covered self-employed persons.” So, this person may be right in saying that if you are the above type of self-employed person, you should be a member of the SSS and pay a corresponding premium. Nevertheless, you may be exempt from paying contribution in a given month if you have no income. Although you may opt to voluntarily pay contributions for such a given month despite having no income. Section 11-A of RA 11199 explicitly states: “SEC. 11-A. Effect of Interruption of Business or Professional Income. — If the self-employed member realizes no income in any given month, he shall not be required to pay contributions for that month. He may, however, be allowed to continue paying contributions under the same rules and regulations applicable to a separated employee member: Provided, that no retroactive payment of contributions shall be allowed other than as prescribed under Section (22)-A hereof.” Hope this helps. Atty. Chris Liquigan The post Mandatory SSS premium appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Philippines rescues over 1,000 trafficking victims
Philippine authorities have rescued over a thousand people from several Asian nations who were trafficked into the country, held captive, and forced to run online scams, an official said Saturday. International alarm has grown in recent months over internet scams in the region often staffed by trafficking victims tricked or coerced into promoting bogus crypto investments. Michelle Sabino, a spokeswoman for the Philippine national police force's anti-cybercrime group, said officers raided a cluster of buildings Thursday in Mabalacat City, about 90 kilometers north of Manila. A total of 1,090 people were rescued who had been recruited to run online scams. Sabino said the victims were forced to target unsuspecting people in the United States, Europe, and Canada. Their passports were confiscated and they were made to work up to 18 hours a day, with salary deductions for interacting with colleagues or taking extended breaks. "You're like a prisoner without a cell. You're not even allowed to talk to your roommates," Sabino told AFP. "They're not allowed to leave outside the bounds of the gate. After 18 hours of work, they're brought to their dormitory." The victims were mostly Chinese nationals, Vietnamese, Filipinos, and Indonesians, police said in a separate statement. Authorities also rescued people from Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, and Nepal. Sabino said the workers were trained to entice strangers into buying cryptocurrency or depositing money into bogus bank accounts after establishing fake romantic relationships. "They will build up a promise of a good future together. Let's buy a house, buy a car, let's invest money, or let's do business together," she said. At least 12 suspected ringleaders of the scheme have been arrested and are set to be charged with human trafficking. They include seven Chinese nationals, four Indonesians and a Malaysian, Sabino said. Sabino also said the police operation was the result of a plea by the Indonesian ambassador in Manila for help locating distressed nationals. A Philippine immigration official also warned on Saturday against trafficking risks while international events are underway. "In the past, we have recorded victims who claimed they were set to join beauty pageants, and shows, only to find out that they were being trafficked abroad," immigration commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement. The warning comes as Cambodia hosts the Southeast Asian Games, which began on Friday and runs until 17 May. The immigration bureau said Philippine sports officials were asked to warn Filipino athletes of the "risks of trafficking" in the country. An AFP report last year found people from around Asia have been pulled into cryptocurrency scams in Cambodia, some trafficked and beaten by scam operators. Last month, Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros warned that "scam call centers" were operating in the Philippines and employing foreigners trafficked into the country. The post Philippines rescues over 1,000 trafficking victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PUMA holds first-ever collection preview party in Manila
Global sports brand Puma officially marked its presence in the market as a full subsidiary with its recently concluded maiden and exclusive autumn/winter collection preview party in Manila. The brand also revealed Kai Sotto as its first-ever Filipino brand ambassador. The brand's autumn/winter collection will be available in the market starting July this year. Inspired by its "Forever Faster" mantra, Puma’s invite-only AW23 collection preview party was a homage to the streets and humans of Manila. Puma opened its first flagship store last November 2022 in Glorietta, Makati City and now has 22 franchise stores nationwide. As part of its expansion plans in the market, the German sports brand will open a few new stores in this quarter, serving more Puma fans in Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu. “The Philippines, being a nation of loyal sports fans and fashion-savvy consumers, has so much potential and presents a lot of wonderful opportunities for the brand. This was a major factor in our decision to come in stronger as a full-on subsidiary and increase our presence in every aspect of the business,” said Puma Philippines Country Manager Paolo Misa. Beyond expanding its footprint for Puma stores, the brand has also started growing its presence in key sports and lifestyle retailers, online and offline, nationwide. Puma plans to be visible in terms of supporting key athletes, partnering with lifestyle icons, and pushing major events that are representative of the exciting categories that the brand represents. The AW23 collection showcased a range of activewear fitted for the sports and street style-savvy Filipinos. “Sports is at the heart of Puma. We are eager to play our part and help nurture it in the country, with emphasis on youth development. For 75 years, Puma continues to push sports and culture forward by challenging conventions, innovating through design, and supporting the next generation. Through history, culture, performance and design, Puma is committed to being "Forever Faster," Puma South East Asia General Manager Sanjay Roy explained. PUMA showcased its AW23 collection on a runway styled like the streets of Manila. The show narrated the different stories of Pinoy bravery witnessed by the streets of Manila, lauded Filipinos’ inherent confidence, paid homage to Pinoy pride and celebrated Filipino resiliency. The brand’s maiden fashion show also featured Pinoy movers, shakers and game-changers in the Philippines, representing the brand’s four core values, namely Pinoy bravery, confidence, determination and joy – the same core values under the brand’s "Forever Faster" mantra. Former motorsports and racing driver Marlon Stöckinger, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza and actor Daniel Matsunaga hit the AW23 collection runway. Model Santino Rosales, the son of renowned actor Jericho Rosales, also walked the runway. In addition to the brand’s expansion plans, Puma is also celebrating another milestone with the introduction of professional basketball player Kai Sotto as its first-ever Filipino brand ambassador. The brand surprised the preview party guests with a short video of Kai Sotto greeting Filipino fans. The post PUMA holds first-ever collection preview party in Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bachmann’s priority is to help athletes
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann is not in the business of issuing forecasts or medal predictions as the national athletes gear up for major international competitions this year......»»
Business as usual inside Athletes& rsquo; Village
TOKYO—It may be a State of Emergency in Japan, but it’s business as usual inside the Athletes’ Village of the Summer Olympic Games here......»»
Razon to provide Tokyo-bound athletes, coaches with vaccines
Business tycoon Enrique Razon guaranteed to provide the Philippines’ Tokyo Olympic bound athletes and coaches with the COVID-19 vaccines......»»
Razon gives Philippine athletes free vaccine
Thanks to business tycoon Enrique Razon, Filipino athletes gearing up for the Tokyo Olympics will get free COVID-19 vaccines......»»
Coaching great John Thompson of Georgetown dead at 78
By JOSEPH WHITE AP Sports Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — John Thompson, the imposing Hall of Famer who turned Georgetown into a “Hoya Paranoia” powerhouse and became the first Black coach to lead a team to the NCAA men’s basketball championship, has died. He was 78 His death was announced in a family statement released by Georgetown on Monday. No details were disclosed. “Our father was an inspiration to many and devoted his life to developing young people not simply on but, most importantly, off the basketball court. He is revered as a historic shepherd of the sport, dedicated to the welfare of his community above all else,” the statement said. “However, for us, his greatest legacy remains as a father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. More than a coach, he was our foundation. More than a legend, he was the voice in our ear everyday.” One of the most celebrated and polarizing figures in his sport, Thompson took over a moribund Georgetown program in the 1970s and molded it in his unique style into a perennial contender, culminating with a national championship team anchored by center Patrick Ewing in 1984. Georgetown reached two other title games with Thompson in charge and Ewing patrolling the paint, losing to Michael Jordan’s North Carolina team in 1982 and to Villanova in 1985. At 6-foot-10, with an ever-present white towel slung over his shoulder, Thompson literally and figuratively towered over the Hoyas for decades, becoming a patriarch of sorts after he quit coaching in 1999. One of his sons, John Thompson III, was hired as Georgetown’s coach in 2004. When the son was fired in 2017, the elder Thompson -- known affectionately as “Big John” or “Pops” to many -- was at the news conference announcing Ewing as the successor. Along the way, Thompson said what he thought, shielded his players from the media and took positions that weren’t always popular. He never shied away from sensitive topics -- particularly the role of race in both sports and society -- and he once famously walked off the court before a game to protest an NCAA rule because he felt it hurt minority athletes. “I’ll probably be remembered for all the things that kept me out of the Hall of Fame, ironically, more than for the things that got me into it,” Thompson said on the day he was elected to the Hall in 1999. Thompson became coach of the Hoyas in 1972 and began remaking a team that was 3-23 the previous season. Over the next 27 years, he led Georgetown to 14 straight NCAA tournaments (1979-92), 24 consecutive postseason appearances (20 NCAA, 4 NIT), three Final Fours (1982, 1984, 1985) and won six Big East tournament championships. Employing a physical, defense-focused approach that frequently relied on a dominant center -- Alonzo Mourning and Dikembe Mutombo were among his other pupils -- Thompson compiled a 596-239 record (.715 winning percentage). He had 26 players drafted by the NBA. One of his honors -- his selection as coach of the U.S. team for the 1988 Olympics -- had a sour ending when the Americans had to settle for the bronze medal. It was a result so disappointing that Thompson put himself on a sort of self-imposed leave at Georgetown for a while, coaching practices and games but leaving many other duties to his assistants. Off the court, Thompson was both a role model and a lightning rod. A stickler for academics, he kept a deflated basketball on his desk, a reminder to his players that a degree was a necessity because a career in basketball relied on a tenuous “nine pounds of air.” The school boasted that 76 of 78 players who played four seasons under Thompson received their degrees. He was a Black coach who recruited mostly Black players to a predominantly white Jesuit university in Washington, and Thompson never hesitated to speak out on behalf of his players. One of the most dramatic moments in Georgetown history came on Jan. 14, 1989, when he walked off the court to a standing ovation before the tipoff of a home game against Boston College, demonstrating in a most public way his displeasure against NCAA Proposition 42. The rule denied athletic scholarships to freshmen who didn’t meet certain requirements, and Thompson said it was biased against underprivileged students. Opposition from Thompson, and others, led the NCAA to modify the rule. Thompson’s most daring move came that same year, when he summoned notorious drug kingpin Rayful Edmond III for a meeting in the coach’s office. Thompson warned Edmond to stop associating with Hoyas players and to leave them alone, using his respect in the Black community to become one of the few people to stare down Edmond and not face a reprisal. Though aware of his influence, Thompson did not take pride in becoming the first Black coach to take a team to the Final Four, and he let a room full of reporters know it when asked his feelings on the subject at a news conference in 1982. “I resent the hell out of that question if it implies I am the first Black coach competent enough to take a team to the Final Four,” Thompson said. “Other Blacks have been denied the right in this country; coaches who have the ability. I don’t take any pride in being the first Black coach in the Final Four. I find the question extremely offensive.” Born Sept. 2, 1941, John R. Thompson Jr. grew up in Washington, D.C. His father was always working — on a farm in Maryland and later as a laborer in the city — and could neither read nor write. “I never in my life saw my father’s hands clean,” Thompson told The Associated Press in 2007. “Never. He’d come home and scrub his hands with this ugly brown soap that looked like tar. I thought that was the color of his hands. When I was still coaching, kids would show up late for practice and I’d (say) ... ‘My father got up every morning of his life at 5 a.m. to go to work. Without an alarm.‘” Thompson’s parents emphasized education, but he struggled in part of because of poor eyesight and labored in Catholic grammar school. He was moved to a segregated public school, had a growth spurt and became good enough at basketball to get into John Carroll, a Catholic high school, where he led the team to 55 consecutive victories and two city titles. He went to Providence College as one of the most touted basketball prospects in the country and led the Friars to the first NCAA bid in school history. He graduated in 1964 and played two seasons with Red Auerbach’s Boston Celtics, earning a pair of championship rings as a sparingly used backup to Bill Russell. Thompson returned to Washington, got his master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of the District of Columbia and went 122-28 over six seasons at St. Anthony’s before accepting the job at Georgetown, an elite school that had relatively few Black students. Faculty and students rallied around him after a bedsheet with racist words was hung inside the school’s gym before a game during the 1974-75 season. Thompson sheltered his players with closed practices, tightly controlled media access and a prohibition on interviews with freshmen in their first semester -- a restriction that still stands for Georgetown’s basketball team. Combined with Thompson’s flashes of emotion and his players’ rough-and-tumble style of play, it wasn’t long before the words “Hoya Paranoia” came to epitomize the new era of basketball on the Hilltop campus. Georgetown lost the 1982 NCAA championship game when Fred Brown mistakenly passed the ball to North Carolina’s James Worthy in the game’s final seconds. Two years later, Ewing led an 84-75 win over Houston in the title game. The Hoyas were on the verge of a repeat the following year when they were stunned in the championship game by coach Rollie Massimino’s Villanova team in one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Success allowed Thompson to rake in money through endorsements, but he ran afoul of his Georgetown bosses when he applied for a gambling license for a business venture in Nevada in 1995. Thompson, who liked playing the slot machines in Las Vegas, reluctantly dropped the application after the university president objected. Centers Ewing, Mourning and Mutombo turned Georgetown into “Big Man U” under Thompson, although his last superstar was guard Allen Iverson, who in 1996 also became the first player under Thompson to leave school early for the NBA draft. “Thanks for Saving My Life Coach,” Iverson wrote at the start of an Instagram post Monday with photos of the pair. The Hoyas teams in the 1990s never came close to matching the achievements of the 1980s, and Thompson’s era came to a surprising and sudden end when he resigned in the middle of the 1998-99 season, citing distractions from a pending divorce. Thompson didn’t fade from the limelight. He became a sports radio talk show host and a TV and radio game analyst, joining the very profession he had frustrated so often as a coach. He loosened up, allowing the public to see his lighter side, but he remained pointed and combative when a topic mattered to him. A torch was passed in 2004, when John Thompson III became Georgetown’s coach. The younger Thompson, with “Pops” often watching from the stands or sitting in the back of the room for news conferences, returned the Hoyas to the Final Four in 2007. Another son, Ronny Thompson, was head coach for one season at Ball State and is now a TV analyst. ___ Joseph White, a former AP sports writer in Washington who died in 2019, prepared this obituary. AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich contributed......»»
Behind the Scenes: The Heroes of ABS-CBN Sports
While the general public sees or hears the finished product on-air or online, most do not witness or appreciate those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes at ABS-CBN Sports. There’s an African proverb that says it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it took almost exactly that to make ABS-CBN Sports work. As we commemorate National Heroes Day in the country on the final day of ABS-CBN Sports, it is only fitting to acknowledge and thank those behind-the-scenes heroes who have been part of the amazing journey (DISCLAIMER: I may have left out some names, but it is purely unintentional so my apologies). Thank you, first and foremost, to our Chairman Emeritus Gabby Lopez, whose passion and love for sports led to the initiative that is ABS-CBN Sports. Thank you to our former President and CEO, Charo Santos-Concio, our current President and CEO, Carlo Katigbak, a true tennis fan, and our Chairman Mark Lopez, who showed us composure, class and grace as leaders. Thank you to our beloved COO, Cory Vidanes, who allowed ABS-CBN Sports to reach a broader audience when it aired special events on Channel 2 as well as feature athletes and sports personalities on entertainment programs. Thank you to the voice of ABS-CBN and former ABS-CBN Sports head, Peter Musngi, for leading the division during its early years. Thank you to Narrowcast head, Antonio “March” Ventosa, as well as his executive assistant, Trina Magallanes, for helping us navigate during the transtition period of ABS-CBN Sports. Thank you to the captain of our ship, ABS-CBN Integrated Sports head, Dino Laurena, who inspired us to work harder and better to serve our audience. Thank you to Sir Dino’s gatekeeper, his executive assistant, Donna Seat, who was our bridge whenever we needed to reach out to the boss. Thank you to S+A channel head and production head, Vince Rodriguez, LIGA channel head, Jojo Neri-Estacio and Business Unit Head, Jun Martinez. They were our constant guides who enabled us to provide quality content on broadcast despite immense internal and external pressure. Thank you to the people who made sure we never went beyond our budget and reached our targets – our Finance team made up of Berg Capiz, Jem Castro and Lorna Gendrano. Thank you to our S+A On-Air team of Rommel Noviza, Janice Rulloda, Princess Basye, Biboy Diga, Mark Marinay, Arnold Saclolo, Borge Raval and Hans Espiritu as well as our Liga Channel team of Anna Santos, Francis Patawaran, Aprille Signo and Joramie Roque, for ensuring everything airs on time. Thank you to our Digital Head, Mico Halili, for his innovative and fresh ideas on the digitial space. Thank you to the men and women who made our broadcast coverage as close to flawless – our Production Manager, Jennifer Jimenez, our directors, which include THE Abet Ramos, Al Neri, Raul de Ocampo and Rommel Pedrealba, and our technical directors made up of Elmond Salvahan, Jhonnald Garcia, Marvin Chavez, Bingbong Pangan, Arnold Bulaong and Joseph Vega. Thank you to the men and women who made sure our partner properties were happy with our coverage, and that everything was in place for each and every game or show we put out there – our Executive and Associate Producers Vic Caridad, Malou Neri, Ada Bayuga, Diana Sayson, Oxy del Rosario, Mae Mañalac, Aries Galot, Apples Dela Vega, Kristina Manzana, Roy Briones, Ledz Cahinhinan, JC Gonzales, Gab Gonzales and Manny Gabutina. Thank you to those who crafted and produced memorable segments – our segment producers Eva Evangelista, Carlo Grajo, Cha Lucero, Mark Morados, Jeff Sta. Maria, Jet Montebon, Sharon Muli, Alex Brocoy, Mika Barrios, Bill Barrinuevo and Volta delos Santos as well as our video editors Pido Cruz and Fonz Fajatin. Thank you to those who put the right words into play – our writers Monica Magpantay, Paul Loyola, Jigs Guardiano, Adrian Dy, Sheiden Dela Cruz, Ken Natividad, Syjin Reyes and Migs Gomez. Thank you to those who gave the right cues to our anchors, analysts and courtside reporters – our panel director Larry "Care Mo Naman" Deang, our floor directors Miky "Gandara" Mirabueno, Lyanne Ocampo-Tan and Fritz Dizon. Thank you to the people who made sure that the right moments were captured – our Camera Control Unit made up of George Austria, Joel Supremo and Edgar Guarte, our Cameramen Lloyd Villamor, Rovic Pacis, Gerald "Superman" Fermin, Ron Fermin, Ronald Mangcoy, Michael Pico, Emman Andes, Butch Pineda and Mark Nicolas. Thank you to those who made sure we heard the sounds and voices loud and clear – our audio engineers Elias Javier, Ramil Ciruano, Albert Agbay, Jancel Abobo as well as our audiomen Joseph Nicolas and Ameng Atienza. Thank you to the guys who allowed us to get another look at the action – our EVS/Slomo Operators Joejay Abarquez, Raymond Biojon and Dido Batallion and VTR men Christian Abarquez, Kenneth Abarquez and Oliver Sañez. Thank you to the people responsible for making things more visible on our screens –our Electrician/Lighting Directors Alvin Saavedra and Jorge Paraon and our lightman Calvin Liong. Thank you to those who create those cool graphics and effects that catch our attention during games and shows - our Graphic Artists/Operators Jam Memdoza, Denice Ylagan, Erol Corpuz, Sara Concepcion, Jeff Jugueta and Kevin Camero. Thank you to the team who put the little things in order – our set-up assistants Jerald Testor, Ivan Castillo, Ferdie Mangaong, Remus Taniengra, Daniel Dimaculangan, Eduardo Dacumos, Ryan Ancheta, Allan Porsioncula, Laurence Sosa, Illac Alvarez, Benjo Asiatico, Manny Cajayon, Lepoldo Bofill, Victor Taniegra, Caleb Bautista, Jeremiah Mallari and Bennett Cabus. Thank you to the guys who provided the correct statistics and graphics – our panel scorers/GFX feeders Rico Bayuga, Ronaldo Serrano, Arvin Estabillo and Gilbert Serrano. Thank you to those who made our on-cam talents look good – our makeup artists Mylyn Concepcion, Nina Concepcion, Estrella Besabe, Norma Calubaquib and Nizel Reduta and our stylist Lyle Foz. Thank you to those who were always ready to lend a helping hand – our production assistants, Lian Salango, Pau Hiwatig, Helen Trinidad, Riri Gayoma, Jade Asuncion and Lovely Dela Cruz. Thank you for the imagination and artistry of our Creative Communications Management (CCM) team composed of Elirose Borja, Jerome Clavio, Djoanna San Jose, Lara Mae Allardo, Robin Lorete, Cristy Linga, Christopher Eli Sabat, Archimedes Asis (the voice of S+A), Jan Dormyl Espinosa, Aila Onagan and Nyro Mendoza. They say that advertising is the lifeblood of media and that we wouldn’t be able to deliver high-quality content if not for advertisers brought in our by our Sports Sales team, so thank you to our Sports Sales Heads Jojo Garcia, Nicole Moro and Ken Ti, along with our account executives Tin Saw, Annalyn Herrera, Trina Vallarta, Joey Tang, Karlo Miguel, Paul Sembrana, Mike Tan, Ray Del Castillo, and Jason Gaffud. Thank you to those who constantly pitched ideas and presented to clients on our behalf, our Business Development Executive, Tonyo Silva, and our Sports Marketing team made up of Thirdy Aquino, Maui Tang, Jason Roberto, Danica Jose, Lala Cruz and Hanz Trajano. Thank you to the people who looked out for the wellfare and concerns of our division members – our Human Resources squad made up of Arvin Crisol, James Lee, Anika Gregorio and Donna Yabut. Social media has been a game changer and enabled people to relive key moments in sports events, so thank you to our social media team made up of Jon Rodriguez, Alvin Laqui, Danine Cruz, Aia del Mundo, Melvin Rodas, Clev Mayuga, Migs Flores and Lloydie Moreno. We would also like to give special thanks to our former bosses and colleagues who have moved on from this world, Rolly V. Cruz, Danilo A. Bernardo, George G. Padolina, Marco Franco, Gerald Gicana, Rhodora "Dhanda" Panganiban, Vernie Calimlim and Erwin Evangelista. Lastly, I personally want to thank the website content team made up of sub-section editors Santino Honasan, Mark “Mr. Volleyball” Escarlote, Norman Benjamin Lee Riego (Yes, it has to be his complete name) and Paul Lintag, former sub-section editor Milan Ordonez, former writer Philip Matel, videographers Nigel Velasquez, Rocio Avelino and Steph Toben, photographers Arvin Lim, Richard Esguerra and Joshua Albelda, former NBA Philippines website managing editor Adrian Dy, contributing writers Anton Roxas, Marco Benitez, “Doc Volleyball” AJ Pareja, Migs Bustos, Mikee “Diliman Legend” Reyes and Ceej Tantengco. While our journey in telling these stories with ABS-CBN Sports will abruptly come to a halt, it has been an honor and a pleasure serving the Filipino sports fans worldwide. We may no longer be around as an organization, but the great athletes will keep playing and inspiring and the games will continue. And so, with a sense of immense gratitude, we say: Maraming Salamat Kapamilya! Hanggang sa muli! --- Lorenzo Z. Manguiat has been the Editor-in-Chief of sports.abs-cbn.com since 2014 and Sports News Desk Head since 2015. He started as game writer for ABS-CBN Sports in 2000 and served in various other capacities within ABS-CBN. He is among the thousands of employees who will be retrenched on August 31, 2020. .....»»
PHI men s volleyball team members stay fit through cycling
National men’s volleyball team members are riding the new craze to stay fit while leagues and activities of the sport are still banned because of the health crisis. Team captain John Vic De Guzman, Bryan Bagunas and Jau Umandal as well as other members of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medal-winning squad are hitting the road with their newfound love for cycling. “Ginagawa ko na siyang alternative sa endurance training ko. Cross-training ko na rin siya. Para maiba lang kaysa sa palaging takbo lang,” Bagunas told ABS-CBN Sports. Last Thursday, the trio in their first time together since the lockdown pedaled for around 40 kilometers from CCP complex to MOA around Okada and back. “‘Yung dalawa matagal na rin silang nagba-bike. Tapos na nag-chat ako kay Bry na baka makakuha na ako ng bike. Tapos ayun natauloy din kami,” said De Guzman, who for months stayed in Isabela with his good buddy Ricci Rivero with Luzon put under an enhanced community quarantine because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “Iba yung papawis kasi kahit papaano nagi-enjoy ka,” he added. “Kahit papaano nakaka-bonding mo rin sila.” (Photo from Bryan Bagunas' Instagram account: bryanbagunas01) Learning about each other’s interest in biking through their social media posts, Bagunas and Umandal, who rides a road bike, were actually the ones who planned their meeting. “Nakita ko siyang nag-post ng picture na nagba-bike tapos nakita rin niya ako na nag-post hanggang sa magkayayaan na,” shared Bagunas, who owns a mountain bike. “Itong si John Vic naman nasa Isabela pa kasi siya nung last week pero nagtsa-chat na siya na sama raw siya pag nakabalik na siya. Nagka-schedule na magkasama-sama.” Last Saturday, the trio joined other former national team members including coach Emil Lontoc, Kungfu Reyes and Ottie Camangian in a get-together bike run which kicked off in Las Pinas. Meanwhile, libero Ricky Marcos is hitting two birds with one on his bike. The Bulldogs standout is not only using his bike to stay fit, it also serves as his delivery ride for his online business. Marcos himself delivers samgyupsal to his customers on his bike. Marcos is one of the first national athletes to avail of the free bicycles given by the Philippine Olympic Committee through the initiative of its President Cong. Bambol Tolentino. Rhea Dimaculangan of the women’s volleyball team is also a first batch recipient of POC’s free bikes. Bagunas said that other national team members are actually looking to join them in their cycling runs. “Pati ‘yung iba may plano nang bumili ng bike. Sigurado sa susunod ‘yung iba mapapasama na,” he said. “‘Yung iba nagsa-cycling na rin sila pero di pa namin nakakasama pa.” With their usual training activities still prohibited, volleyball athletes are finding ways to stay in shape and remain in tip-top condition. “Mahirap na rin magpabaya eh,” said Bagunas. “Kasi siyempre baka biglang magkalaro na nga. Siyempre buhay na natin 'yang volleyball.” --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
PBSD: business group to boost Philippine sports
Business tycoon and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan is spearheading the formation of the Philippine Business for Sports Development (PBSD) to strengthen private sector support for Filipino athletes......»»
Coach Tab wants Ateneo to focus first on next sem before next season
It has yet to be determined what the UAAP would do for its next season supposedly starting in September. That means that it is yet to be determined when exactly Ateneo de Manila University would be defending its three straight championships. And so, in the continuing COVID-19 crisis, head coach Tab Baldwin and the rest of team management just wants their Blue Eagles to take care of their wins in class. "The first semester will be online, the university already announced that, but we're trying to get all of our players into summer classes online," he shared in the inaugural episode of Coaches Unfiltered. He then continued, "Just to get them a little bit ahead in terms of credits because the one thing we all have an abundance of now is time. We can use that time productively in various aspects of our live and that's a good thing." The Katipunan-based school is well-known to hold its student-athletes to a higher academic standard than usual - and indeed, through his tenure, Coach Tab has made sure that his players take care of business inside the classroom just as well as they do on the court. Even when contact sports are given the green light, the brilliant tactician said that part of Ateneo's daily schedule would still be devoted to studies. "Obviously, our plan for that is going to be to get into a camp-like situation. One of the elements of that is going to be a daily study hall or daily period for academic advancement," he shared. He then continued, "We're nothing if we're not students. That's true and that's been true in Ateneo for a long, long time so we have to incorporate that into whatever our plans would be in the coming months." Whatever those plans would end up being, the Blue Eagles could rest easy that they remain standing on steady ground. Asked about budget cuts due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis, coach Tab answered, "For right now, we seem to be in good footing. Again, we have tremendous support from MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) so we're lucky to have that." --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Church visits are allowed only until 10 p.m. – Police chief
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Church visits on Maundy Thursday will only be allowed until 10 p.m. the chief of the Cebu City police announced on Thursday, March 28. Police Colonel Ireneo B. Dalogdog, City Director of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said that the public is not allowed inside religious places past 10:00 p.m......»»
Jollibee invests $28 million in beverage tech firm
Filipino-owned Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. is investing $28 million for a 10 percent stake in beverage technology company Botrista Inc. to support the growth of its coffee and tea business......»»
Unlock business success at Franchise Asia Philippines Expo
The Franchise Asia Philippines Expo 2024 is set to hold a series of dynamic seminars designed to empower entrepreneurs, investors and business enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of franchising. Slated from April 12 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, these seminars offer invaluable insights into key aspects of franchising and business growth......»»