Butler shrugs off underdog tag as Miami braces for LA
Orlando---Jimmy Butler says the Miami Heat don’t see themselves as NBA Finals underdogs despite starting the season as rank outsiders for the title......»»
Gazans await ‘life and death’ aid, Israel readies invasion
Thousands of tonnes of "life and death" aid for Gaza should be delivered soon, the United Nations said Friday, to relieve a "beyond catastrophic" situation after unrelenting Israeli bombing in response to an unprecedented Hamas attack. Some 175 lorries stuffed with vital medicines, food, and water stretched into the distance at the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which has removed concrete roadblocks and is scrambling to repair the route into besieged Gaza -- the only one not controlled by Israel. Overseeing operations personally, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters: "These trucks are not just trucks, they are a lifeline, they are the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza." Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas after the Islamist militant group launched a shock raid from the Gaza Strip on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians shot, mutilated or burned to death, according to Israeli officials. Hamas gunmen also kidnapped some 200 hostages including foreigners from around two dozen countries. The Islamist group said Friday that its armed wing had released two Americans among the captives, a mother and her daughter, the first fruit of mediation efforts by the Gulf state of Qatar. The Islamist group did not detail how or when the hostages were released. The Israeli military said earlier Friday that most of those abducted to Gaza were still alive. It said more than 20 were minors. In response to the Hamas attack, Israeli bombers have levelled entire city blocks in Gaza in preparation for a ground invasion they say is coming soon. The Hamas-run health ministry said 4,137 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in the onslaught. Israeli jets pounded more than 100 Hamas targets in Gaza overnight, the army said, with AFP reporters hearing loud explosions and witnessing plumes of smoke billowing from the northern Gaza Strip. Embracing front-line soldiers and clad in body armour, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged them to "fight like lions" and "win with full force". Fists clenched and voice raised, Netanyahu told cheering troops: "We will deal harsh blows to our enemies in order to achieve victory." Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told some of the tens of thousands of personnel preparing the ground invasion that "the order will come soon". 'Beyond catastrophic' US President Joe Biden said Friday he expected the first aid for Gaza to pass through the Rafah crossing from Egypt within the next two days, under a deal he clinched to allow in 20 trucks of supplies for civilians. Medicine, water purifiers and blankets were being unloaded at El Arish airport near Gaza, an AFP reporter saw, with Ahmed Ali, head of the Egyptian Red Crescent, saying he was getting "two to three planes of aid a day". But World Health Organization emergencies director Michael Ryan said Biden's 20-truck deal was "a drop in the ocean of need" and that 2,000 trucks were required. The UN says more than one million of Gaza's 2.4 million people are displaced, with the humanitarian situation "beyond catastrophic" and deteriorating daily. Refugees from northern Gaza told harrowing tales of bombs, profiteering and extreme temperatures as whole families trekked on foot to flee the violence. Mother of seven Fadwa Al-Najjar walked for 10 hours with her family from northern Gaza to reach a UN camp in the southern city of Khan Yunis, saying she saw cars hit by a strike just in front of them. "We saw bodies and limbs torn off and we just started praying, thinking we were going to die," she said. 'It's unimaginable' On the other side of the conflict, the full horror of what Israel suffered on October 7 and following days was still emerging, as traumatised residents recounted their stories. Shachar Butler, a security chief at the Nir Oz kibbutz, where Hamas militants killed or kidnapped a quarter of the 400 residents, recalls more than a dozen gunmen spraying bullets indiscriminately and lobbing grenades at homes. "It's unimaginable," the 40-year-old told AFP as part of a trip organised by the Israeli military. "Anytime someone tried to touch my window, I shot him," he said. "The people who came out got kidnapped, killed, executed, slaughtered." Butler estimated as many as 200 militants attacked the kibbutz, entering from three sides before going house-to-house. Homes there were still charred with burnt personal belongings strewn everywhere. Israel says around 1,500 Hamas fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control. 'No safe place' Biden requested a massive $105 billion security package Friday, including $14 billion for Israel, but paralysis in the still speakerless Congress means it will hit an immediate wall. Fresh from a whirlwind trip to Israel this week, Biden is hoping to staunch the possibility of a wider Middle East war. The United States has moved two aircraft carriers into the eastern Mediterranean to deter Iran or Lebanon's Hezbollah, both Hamas allies, from getting involved. After days of clashes with Hezbollah fighters along the Lebanese border, Israeli authorities announced the evacuation of Kiryat Shmona, a nearby town which is home to some 25,000 residents, many of whom have already left. The conflict has inflamed passions across the region, with protests held in several countries. Thousands flooded into Egypt's iconic Tahrir Square in support of Gaza, an AFP correspondent said. Protests were also held outside the French and US embassies in Tunis. Following a strike at a church compound late Thursday, the Hamas-controlled interior ministry said several people sheltering at the church were killed and wounded, blaming an Israeli strike. The Israeli army acknowledged a church wall had been damaged in one of its air strikes targeting a "command and control centre belonging to a Hamas terrorist". "This place is dedicated for praying, a place of love and peace," said witness Abu Khalil Jahshan. "There is no safe place here in Gaza." The post Gazans await ‘life and death’ aid, Israel readies invasion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gaza and West Bank death toll now 2,383 Palestinians – ministry
GAZA — The death toll in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank reached 2,383 Palestinians dead and 10,814 injured on Sunday morning, according to Palestinian health ministry sources. In Gaza, the death toll climbed to 2,329 Palestinians killed and 9,714 wounded, while in the West Bank, 54 were recorded dead and 1,100 wounded since the conflict between Hamas and Israel started on Oct. 7. READ: Gaza braces for Israeli ground assault Women in Gaza: ‘We are humans’ Meanwhile, Israel bombed an entire neighborhood belonging to Abu Dakkah family in Kha Younis on Saturday (October 14). ‘We are humans. Where are you Arabs?’ said Palestinian women screaming, after the Israeli airstrike on their neighborhood. READ: Palestinians in Gaza face hard choices : Stay home under airstrikes or flee under airstrikes? Israeli deadline to flee south of Gaza “We will not leave; we will stay here, our land, civilization, and sacred places are here. Jerusalem is ours, the land is ours and the olive trees are ours,” said Ibrahim Abu Dakkah, accusing Israel of attempting to displace Palestinians. More than 1 million Palestinians in northern Gaza faced an Israeli deadline on Saturday to flee south, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had only just begun to retaliate for last week’s Hamas rampage across southern Israel. READ: What we know about Israel’s war with Hamas Total siege in Gaza Israel has since put the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, under a total siege and bombarded it with unprecedented air strikes. Gaza authorities say 1,900 people have died. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that Israeli airstrikes in the past 24 hours have so far resulted in the deaths of 324 Palestinians and the injuries of 1,000 more. Among the dead, there are at least 126 children and 88 women.” READ: Evacuation of Filipinos in Gaza mandatory as PH ups alert level to 4.....»»
IN PHOTOS: A week of war brings grief to Israelis, Palestinians
The carnage began with a violent cross-border attack by Hamas militants on Israeli civilians. Israel’s retaliatory response was swift, and by the middle of the week, the full destructive force of its military was bearing down on the Gaza Strip amid mounting threats of a ground invasion. The toll, whether caused by bullets or air strikes, has brought unimaginable grief for Israelis and Palestinians alike. In wrenching scene after wrenching scene, relatives weep over their dead, whose lives were suddenly and violently cut short in an erupting war that has shattered thousands of families. In the southern city of Sderot, an Israeli woman clings to a body lying in the road next to an overturned motorcycle. Now covered in a white sheet with a black boot poking out, the person was killed by Hamas militants the day they broke through the fortified border with Gaza. The woman cries in agony as she lays her head on the person’s chest. Miles away in Gaza City, two Palestinian women comfort one another in a crowd gathered to mourn those killed by an Israeli airstrike. One, looking weary and exhausted, gazes upward in sorrow. These images, taken by Associated Press photographers on the ground on both sides of the conflict, provide a window into the unbearable losses of this past week. RELATED STORIES Gaza braces for Israeli ground assault Israel troops start ground raids in Gaza A week into war, Gazans flee homes as Israeli ground offensive looms.....»»
Jimmy Butler’s new look: Even the Miami Heat were surprised by it
MIAMI— Jimmy Butler had a new look for Media Day, and the NBA world immediately took notice. The Miami Heat forward arrived for the team’s first official day of work this season with piercings — eye, lip and nose — along with a new hairstyle and his fingernails painted black. It’s become a trend of.....»»
Pinoy rowers face rough waters
The national rowing team braces for tough battles in the 19th Asian Games starting Wednesday at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre in Hangzhou, China. National rowing team assistant coach Nic Jasmin said countries like China, Iran, Thailand and Japan will be their biggest challenges as they seek to return to the medal podium of this prestigious quadrennial meet for the first time in more than two decades. Bannered by Tokyo Olympics veteran Cris Nievarez, the six-man rowing team composed of Joanie Delgaco, Tammy Sha, Feiza Lenton, Edgar Ilas and Zuriel Sumintac was the first delegation to leave for Hangzhou over the weekend. Nievarez will see action in the men’s single sculls while Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Delgaco will vie in the women’s single sculls. SEA Games bronze medalists Ilas and Sumintac will compete in the lightweight men’s double sculls with Lenton and Sha participating in the lightweight women’s double sculls. The last time the Philippines brought home an Asian Games medal in rowing was in 2002 in Busan, South Korea in which Alvin Amposta and Nestor Cordova snagged a bronze medal in the lightweight women’s double sculls. This year, Jasmin admitted that the battles will not be easy. “Japan is strong in the single sculls alongside Iran. China is expected to be strong in rowing but that will depend on the flow of the tournament,” Jasmin, whose wards will be seeing action in the Asian Games for the first time since 2016, said. “Thailand really prepared for this tournament since their team competed in world tournaments this year and hired two foreign coaches.” Jasmin, however, stressed that the Asian Games will be a perfect opportunity for them to scout the opposition in the Paris Olympics next year. The post Pinoy rowers face rough waters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5150 Dapitan unfolds September 10
A loaded pack of bidders, made up of seasoned triathlon campaigners seeking a new challenge and beginners wanting to immerse themselves into endurance racing, braces for a spirited dash to glory in the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, which unwraps on Sept. 10 in Zamboanga del Norte......»»
Sunrise Sprint to usher in 5150 Dapitan triathlon
A loaded pack of bidders, made up of seasoned triathlon campaigners seeking a new challenge and beginners wanting to immerse themselves into endurance racing, braces for a spirited dash to glory in the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint......»»
New characters join ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’
FPJ’s Batang Quiapo is adding new characters and actors, led by Jaclyn Jose and Ivana Alawi, who are set to add more excitement to the new chapter of Tanggol’s (Coco Martin) life as they join the hit Kapamilya primetime series. Aside from Jose and Alawi, the star-studded cast of also welcomes Robert Seña, Soliman Cruz, Lao Rodriguez, Jess Evardone, Vandolph, Romy Romulo, Zeppi Borromeo, Michael Rivero, Pambansang Kolokoy and Haprice. [caption id="attachment_178691" align="aligncenter" width="1792"] JACLYN Jose in ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.’[/caption] The new characters will get involved in Tanggol’s life as he braces himself for more hardships and begins his sentence of life imprisonment. Amid the challenges, Tanggol will also get to meet Bubbles (Alawi), an alluring lady who could possibly open up Tanggol’s heart to love once again while he spends time away from his long-time love, Mokang (Lovi Poe). Meanwhile, Tanggol’s loved ones will encounter challenges of their own. More family problems will pile-up for Marites (Cherry Pie Picache), while Tanggol’s half-brother, David (Mccoy De Leon), will go to extreme lengths and continue to pretend to be Tanggol so that he can take advantage of his father’s wealth. With over 2.7 billion total online views since its premiere in February, FPJ’s Batang Quiapo continues to win the hearts of viewers for its heartwarming lessons about family and its non-stop action-packed scenes. With the new addition of actors, the action-comedy series promises a lot more exciting twists and dramatic confrontations as it continues to level-up its roster of artists who join the likes of award-winning actors Poe, Picache, Charo Santos, Christopher de Leon and many more. FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, which is inspired by the original story of Regal Films, shows on weeknights at 8 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Viewers who use any digital TV box at home such as the TVplus box only need to rescan their device to be able to watch FPJ’s Batang Quiapo on TV5 and A2Z. The show is also available to viewers in and out of the Philippines on iWantTFC, while viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV. The post New characters join ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cagayan braces for ‘Goring’
BAGUIO CITY — The Cagayan Valley Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Friday disclosed that the province is on red alert status amid the possible threat of typhoon “Goring.” The CVRDRRMC — through the Memorandum Order 86 series of 2023 — is solidifying preparations in anticipation of the effects of the new weather disturbance. Local DRRM offices were also directed to conduct heightened monitoring in their respective Areas of Responsibility and strictly implement the “no sailing, fishing and swimming” policy in their AORs. All Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils were directed to submit reposts of their preparedness measures and incident monitoring while those who are in the areas not directly affected or are not affected at all are also advised to organize Humanitarian Assistance at Disaster Response Teams ready to extend assistance to the people. Local chief executives in the region were also told to perform their mandate in times of calamities. LDRRMOs are also to conduct Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment or PDRA. State weather bureau PAGASA, meantime, said that Goring continues to intensify as it moves southwestward of the country while another cyclone has been monitored near the Philippine area of responsibility. In its latest weather bulletin, PAGASA said that “Goring” will affect Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and mainland Cagayan, Isabela and the northern portion of Aurora, and Ilocos provinces until Monday noon with forecast rainfall are generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas. It also warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days. Meanwhile, the weather bureau said the Southwest Monsoon or habagat will be enhanced by “Goring” and bring occasional rains over the western portions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon beginning tomorrow and over the western portion of Visayas beginning on Sunday. The post Cagayan braces for ‘Goring’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gilas focuses on beating Dominican Republic, Angola
It may be a steep and rocky mountain to climb but Gilas Pilipinas is unfazed by the challenge as it braces for battle against the Dominican Republic, Angola and Italy in Group A of the fast-approaching FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023......»»
DoH gears up vs leptospirosis surge
The Department of Health on Sunday assured that government hospitals nationwide have enough supplies of medicines as it braces for a possible surge of leptospirosis cases in flood-hit areas such as Bulacan and Pampanga. DoH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said they were expecting leptospirosis infections to rise as Filipinos dealt with massive floods triggered by monsoon rains and typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon.” “I expected a rise of leptospirosis infections. Flood waters are dirty. If you tend to wade in deep floods even if you don’t have to, you may get infected,” Herbosa said. He added that those with open wounds and waded in floods may have a higher chance of getting leptospirosis. Because of this, he advised those who may have symptoms like chills, body pain and headache to see a doctor right away. “If you have wounds on your feet, you should not be wading in the flood. See a doctor if you were forced to wade. Show your physician your wounds so he or she could prescribe you medicines,” said the DoH chief. In anticipation of possible leptospirosis cases, Herbosa said the DoH had sent antibiotics to Ilocos before typhoon “Egay” pounded the region. Central Luzon also has enough stocks of doxycycline, he added. Herbosa also stressed that leptospirosis symptoms often show one to two weeks after a massive flood hits any given place. The bacteria causing the disease usually comes from rat urine which may mix with flood water triggered by heavy rains. The post DoH gears up vs leptospirosis surge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDSA bus lanes repair to be finished on time — MMDA
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday vowed to complete repairs on EDSA bus carousel lanes on time as it braces for traffic on Metro Manila's main thoroughfare on Sunday. The favorable weather condition yesterday helped in speeding up the repairs and asphalt overlays in EDSA’s bus lanes, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said. The road repairs have been going smoothly because there was no rain, thus many sections of the road were completed on schedule. Only one site was unfinished on Sunday with completion expected within the day. However, Artes said the curing period of the cemented lanes would take three days. He also noted that many motorists heeded the MMDA's advice to use alternate routes or simply to stay at home if traveling is unnecessary. "I think we managed the traffic well. Although the traffic was 'stop-and-go,' it did not cause a jam. So I can say that the traffic management plan we had laid out was successful,” said the MMDA chief. Despite this, Artes said the MMDA is still expecting possible heavy traffic along EDSA on Monday as thousands return to work and school. The post EDSA bus lanes repair to be finished on time — MMDA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Injured Thompson also skips Gilas’ China trip
Aside from Kai Sotto, Scottie Thompson is also out for Gilas Pilipinas in the China pocket tournament as the team braces for familiar rivals Iran and Senegal starting Wednesday approaching the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup here......»»
Israel braces for unrest over divisive judicial reform
Israel braced for fresh strikes and protests Tuesday following a divisive parliamentary vote on a controversial judicial reform which has split the nation and drawn criticism from allies abroad. The decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right government to push through a key plank of its reforms on Monday has already sparked legal challenges and clashes on the streets. Opponents were set to keep up months of protests on Tuesday, with doctors walking out. "The hand, extended for dialogue, was left hanging in the air, as victory celebrations took place symbolizing above all a war that only has losers," the head of the Israel Medical Association, Zion Hagay, said in a statement announcing the walkout. The move came after the Histadrut trade union confederation threatened a repeat of the general strike it called in March over the reforms. The Israel Bar Association was among numerous groups to file petitions to the Supreme Court aiming to strike down the new legislation. "A black day for Israeli democracy," read the blackened front pages of three of the country's top newspapers on Tuesday, carrying an advert by opponents of the judicial reforms. Protesters remained on the streets late into the night following the vote, with student Josh Hakim saying he was "really, really sad about what's happening to this country". "You see what is happening on the streets, everyone is so angry," he told AFP at a rally near parliament in Jerusalem. Some 58 people were arrested at demonstrations, the police said, among them protesters in Tel Aviv, which has become the focal point of one of the country's largest ever protest movements. Police said one person was arrested for allegedly harming demonstrators, with protest organisers saying he drove a car into people blocking a highway. Officers used water cannon to disperse protesters on a major road through Tel Aviv, where the crowd waved Israeli flags. Opposition slams 'puppet' PM Netanyahu failed to appease opponents with a televised address late Monday, in which he pledged to hold talks during the upcoming parliamentary recess. "Reach a comprehensive agreement on everything and we will add more time should it be needed," he said. The embattled premier showed signs of fatigue in the chamber, as he sat between his defense and justice ministers just a day after unscheduled surgery to fit a pacemaker. Netanyahu defended the new law, which limits the powers of the Supreme Court in striking down government decisions, as a "necessary democratic step". Deep divisions within his own coalition and mass protests prompted the premier to temporarily halt the legislative process in March, but within weeks politicians were blaming each other for the breakdown in negotiations. On Monday, the opposition walked out of the chamber to boycott the vote, which passed with 64 votes in the 120-seat chamber. Opposition chief Yair Lapid slammed Netanyahu's "unprecedented performance of weakness". "There is no prime minister in Israel. Netanyahu has become a puppet of messianic extremists," he said, a reference to the premier's far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies. The political instability has raised alarm among Israel's allies abroad. The White House described the vote as "unfortunate". A German foreign ministry source said: "We look with great concern at the deepening tensions in Israeli society." The post Israel braces for unrest over divisive judicial reform appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sabrina M braces for legal battle amid threats of Claudine Barretto’s camp over romance with Rico Yan
Sabrina M appeared to be in fighting form amid threats of Claudine Barretto’s camp to hale her into court over claims that she dated the late Rico Yan for two years. The former sexy actress posted on Facebook a picture taken with members of the Knowledge Advocate of Volunteer Lawyers for Free Legal Assistance, led by Attys. […] The post Sabrina M braces for legal battle amid threats of Claudine Barretto’s camp over romance with Rico Yan appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Think tank braces for mild impact from US-China’s trade spat
A regional think tank expects the impact of a trade fight between two superpowers to turn ‘mild’ as businesses and firms are slowly moving away from factories in China......»»
NATO braces for Wagner
The leader of Russian mercenary force Wagner was welcomed in Belarus on his arrival there on Tuesday but got a warning from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that the western military alliance is ready to defend against him and Minsk. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said that Yevgeny Prigozhin was arriving in Minsk to start his exile in the aftermath of his aborted rebellion in Russia last week. In the Hague, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said it was still too early to draw conclusions from Prigozhin’s move to Belarus and, likely, some of his forces, but he vowed that the alliance was ready to defend its members. “What is absolutely clear is that we have sent a clear message to Moscow and to Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally and every inch of NATO territory,” Stoltenberg said. Earlier, NATO member Luthuania’s leader expressed alarm over the move of Prigozhin to Belarus. “If Prigozhin or part of the Wagner group ends up in Belarus with unclear plans and unclear intentions, it will only mean that we need to further strengthen the security of our eastern borders,” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told reporters Sunday, when the Wagner mutiny ended. Lithuania borders Belarus. In Minsk, Lukashenko’s meeting with his own military officials, which was televised, saw him narrate his mediation effort between Prigozhin and Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Lukashenko, he had urged Putin not to kill the rogue mercenary for leading Wagner soldiers in taking over a military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and ordering the mercenaries to march to Moscow. Lukashenko said that when Putin could not contact Prigozhin to resolve the mutiny, he “managed to get hold of the Wagner boss,” CNN reported. Eventually, Prigozhin abruptly turned back his troops ending the revolt and agreed to be exiled in Belarus in exchange for the dropping of treason charges against him and his troops. The post NATO braces for Wagner appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prigozhin Circus comes to town
There are those who rise to the occasion in high-stakes geopolitics, displaying strategic brilliance and unwavering determination. Then there are those, such as Yevgeny Prigozhin and his longtime friend Vladimir Putin, who stumble through their power plays like bumbling neighborhood bullies caught off guard. The recent “mutiny” of Prigozhin’s Wagner mercenary group against Putin is a farce, a feeble attempt to save face as Russia and Wagner crumble under the weight of their failed war against Ukraine. To be honest, expecting Prigozhin, the opportunistic chameleon, to lead a genuine revolt against his fellow mobster Putin would be naivete. Prigozhin, who was once known for his culinary skills, has ditched his caterer’s hat in favor of a toy soldier’s beret, believing himself to be a military strategist. Nonetheless, his track record on the sidelines of previous and current Putin wars reveals nothing but incompetence and self-interest. That “mutiny” is nothing more than Prigozhin running away from Ukraine with his tail tucked between his legs. And the funny thing is that Putin lapped it all up from his former quasi-butler. While Prigozhin’s threat to depose Putin was clearly a bluff, the fact that Putin overreacted and declared virtual martial law in Russia indicates that the once-astute leader has lost touch with reality. Ukraine, under President Volodymyr Zelensky, has dealt Putin and his cronies one crushing defeat after another on the battlefield. Putin’s vulnerability is exposed, and his overreaction reveals a panic within the Kremlin’s walls. Everything considered, the Putin-Prigozhin intramural only serves to highlight the absurdity of these two clowns and vindicates the countries that are supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression, including NATO and European Union members. They’ve recognized the bluster and bravado of these neighborhood bullies and have wisely chosen to provide Ukraine with weapons, training, and other assistance. For students of history, the recent events in Russia bring to mind Winston Churchill’s famous quote, “Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” Churchill delivered that statement on 1 October 1939 on the radio on whether then-Soviet Russia would join World War 2, which had just broken out. The UK Prime Minister was, of course, referring to the Soviet Union’s unpredictable and often contradictory foreign policy, while suggesting that the Soviet Union’s actions were ultimately motivated by its own national interests, rather than by any ideological or moral principles. Churchill would be proven right, as the Soviet Union would only join the last global war on 22 June 1941 — only after Nazi Germany invaded and used the Molotov-Ribbentrop non-aggression pact between them to wipe the Führer’s backside. But enough digression. The riddle has been solved with Putin and Prigozhin: They’re simply jokesters, stumbling and fumbling their way through their own follies. It’s no surprise that the rest of the world is simultaneously amused and perplexed by their antics. Prigozhin’s dramatic exit from Russia without being charged adds another twist to this tragicomedy. His forces took control of a key army headquarters, threatened the capital, and then abruptly reversed course to purportedly avoid bloodshed in Moscow. Residents were cheering and chanting “Wagner! Wagner!” outside the military headquarters they had captured, demonstrating the absurdity of the situation. While publicly remaining neutral, the United States and its allies are acutely aware of the potential consequences of this Barnum and Bailey show. President Joe Biden’s meetings with the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom highlight concerns that Putin’s grip on the nuclear-armed country is slipping. Russia’s foreign ministry, on the other hand, had issued a stern warning to the US and its allies, claiming that the rebellion plays into the hands of Russia’s external enemies. Whatever. Amid all this, Ukraine is reveling in the chaos that has engulfed its long-time adversary amid this political theater. According to President Zelensky’s aide, Prigozhin humiliated Putin and demonstrated that, in Russia, “there is no longer a monopoly on violence.” Ukraine is now seeing a golden opportunity to ratchet up its counter-offensive against Russian invaders, buoyed by the vulnerabilities exposed within the Russian regime. Zelensky had been mocked as a B-movie actor playing the role of a President. Okay, that’s a matter of opinion. There’s no debate, though, of Putin and his “frenemy” Prigozhin being pathetic comedians whose jokes are flat and are on them. Still, we’re all captive audiences in this Putin-Prigozhin sitcom. The post Prigozhin Circus comes to town appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Israel offers Philippine agriculture, water management support
The Israeli government has offered the Philippines support in the areas of agriculture and water management as the country braces for the impact of El Niño, which may last until early next year, Malacañang said yesterday......»»
‘Warm as the sun’: Pangulasian illuminated
Among the four island resorts under the El Nido Resorts umbrella, Pangulasian stands out for its luxury concept. This property in Bacuit Bay shares the resort group’s ecological vein, but each has its own particular lure. Apulit Island in Taytay is deemed the “adventure” destination in an idyllic setting; Miniloc in El Nido is the “discovery” place for activity-filled holidays; and Lagen Island is the “sanctuary,” made distinct for its “lush, four-hectare forest and calm, shallow lagoon.” While travelers may opt for their own kind of vacations — and at a time when custom travel itineraries are the rage — the enduring appeal of island getaways will always be in most bucket lists. The Philippines offers a mélange of island resorts, but in the realm of true luxury, just a handful may be considered — among them, Pangulasian. El Nido Resorts’ Mags Bautista, senior marketing and communications manager, tells Daily Tribune more about this island destination. [caption id="attachment_140326" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BEDROOM suite.[/caption] Daily Tribune (DT): What makes Pangulasian distinct among other island resorts? Mags Bautista (MB): Pangulasian Island delivers luxury Filipino hospitality designed to match the stunning natural beauty of its setting in the Managed Resource Protected Area of El Nido-Taytay. It brings together sustainable practices and world-class comfort to offer naturally immersive experiences with its 750-meter stretch of white-sand beach, a house reef teeming with marine life, and a spectacular view of the sunrise and sunset — it definitely stays true to its local moniker as the “Island of the Sun.” For accommodations, it has a total of 42 contemporary Filipino villas built sustainably with cutting-edge “green” design. [caption id="attachment_140325" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF REBY TRINIDAD | FROLICKING along the 750-meter white sand at Pangulasian.[/caption] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF REBY TRINIDAD | FROLICKING along the 750-meter white sand at Pangulasian. DT: Would you say Pangulasian is the most luxurious resort in the Philippines? Why? MB: No. While there are other resorts that have superior facilities and amenities, Pangulasian takes pride in its excellent customer relations. Guests always come back to the resort because of the hospitality of the staff that, you could say, is “warm as the sun.” The workforce brings in unparalleled efforts and dedication to ensure that guests have a truly memorable and enjoyable stay. DT: What can you say about the amenities, facilities of Pangulasian? Any special services given to guests — personal butler, dine by the beach, room service? MB: Although the resort does not have butler service, it offers room service from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. The resort also offers private lunches outside Pangulasian and private dinners within the resort. Happy hour at the pool bar from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. [caption id="attachment_140327" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Pangulasian’s team takes extra care to provide a truly meaningful guest experience.[/caption] DT: What makes the food and beverage at Pangulasian special? MB: Staying true to our commitment to sustainability, we source many of our products locally, importing internationally only to provide the occasional familiar option for international guests who would like a bit of a taste of home. We commit to support local suppliers with an emphasis on sustainable development. The resort offers unique drinks such as our signature thirst-quenching Tropical Spice, blended Watermelon, and Mango Ginger drink. Guests will also enjoy our very own Pangulasian Sunrise made with hand-squeezed dalandan juice paired with premium tequila. [caption id="attachment_140330" align="aligncenter" width="525"] STEAK with asparagus and potato slices.[/caption] DT: Are there any dishes that are a must-try for guests? MB: Absolutely! Our head chef recommends the following set of dishes: Starting with Ensaladang Talong soup; Tomato and Shrimp for the main course; US Angus Rib eye with Pangulasian Bistek sauce; and Baguna Calamansi pie for the dessert. DT: How about the beach and sports/water activities? Some say the waters are better for activities like snorkeling rather than swimming. Would you agree? MB: Though nestled in the protected marine seascape of El Nido, guests of Pangulasian can enjoy various water activities. Through the regular island-hopping tours, guests can engage in kayaking, snorkeling and swimming activities all across Bacuit Bay to better appreciate the beauty of El Nido. The crystal-clear waters with its sustainably managed house reefs make El Nido a good spot for snorkeling and diving. We also offer more immersive activities like the mangrove cruise in Aberawan, bottom fishing with the local fishermen, and the hiking trail through the forest of Pangulasian. DT: What do most guests like to do at the resort? MB: Guests, mostly foreigners, are fascinated by El Nido’s big and small lagoons, its pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, and of course, its stunning limestone rock formations. As such, Pangulasian guests always look forward to hop on the daily complimentary island tours and join the morning snorkeling to see the coral reefs and spot some black-tip reef sharks. DT: How does one get to Pangulasian? What does the resort do to make guests feel relaxed and comfortable getting there? MB: Airswift offers daily flights from Manila to El Nido, Palawan. Travel time is approximately one hour long. Guests are welcomed by one of Pangulasian’s tour guides upon arrival at the airport. They are then transported to the Jetty Lounge for refreshments and a bathroom break. After which, a 30-minute boat ride takes guests across the Bacuit Bay to Pangulasian Island Resort. DT: What makes a stay worth the splurge for guests of the resort? MB: As what most people would say, “Money can’t buy happiness,” but here in Pangulasian, the island team takes extra care to provide a truly meaningful guest experience — all the way from their arrival at Lio airport, to their festive welcome at the resort, through guided tours and activities, and up until we bring them back to the airport for their departure. With its spacious villas, its local and international selection of dishes, and island tours and activities, the team strives to deliver on the promise of excellent service and hospitality. The post ‘Warm as the sun’: Pangulasian illuminated appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»