Celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday
I hope you will be able to join me on ANC at 9.30 this evening when we celebrate the 95th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II......»»
97th birthday for a beloved mother, Nenita Floirendo
Celebrating the 97th birthday of their beloved mother, Nenita del Rosario Floirendo, her children Linda F. Lagdameo, Maricris F. Brias and Marisa, with their brothers Tonyboy, Ricky and Vince, made sure to include not only their large family but also an intimate group of close friends......»»
JPE, the centenarian
Presidential Legal Counsel, Secretary Juan Valentin Furagganan Ponce Enrile, better known as JPE – former assemblyman, minister of defense, senator, congressman (representing the 1st District of Cagayan province), Senate president and the first and longest-serving and STILL breathing oldest public official on planet Earth and probably the entire universe – is celebrating his 100th birthday today......»»
Celebrating Ninoy’s birthday
Last Monday, Nov. 27, the government declared it as a special holiday. It was supposed to be a day for honoring our national hero, Andres Bonifacio......»»
Markus Paterson to celebrate son Jude s birthday with ex Janella Salvador
Markus Paterson is looking forward to celebrating the third birthday of his son, Jude, with his ex, actress Janella Salvador. .....»»
Robi Domingo flies home on his birthday
Today, Robi Domingo is celebrating his 34th birthday in a whole different way from his previous ones. He comes home from Singapore with his girlfriend Maiqui Pineda who had a medical visit there. After being engaged to Pineda last July, their supposed wedding preparation turned out to be a recovery journey for her as she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis causes muscle weakness, inflammation, and skin rash. Domingo stood by his fiancée's side from the beginning. He was present to witness her every cry of pain and relief as he tried his best to accompany her with her doctor consultations. The TV host's birthday this year may not be as perfect but this gives him a new perspective (a positive one) in appreciating life. His wish goes for the love of his life to gain complete healing. At the same time, he did not forget to thank everyone for their support and prayers. The post Robi Domingo flies home on his birthday appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Klook turns 9
If your travel plans haven't left the group chats yet, this might just be the sign you’re looking for! This September, Klook is celebrating its ninth birthday with exciting deals for couples, families, barkadas, and solo travelers. “Since its launch, we have provided our customers with a lot of opportunities to experience the unique and different cultures the world has to offer. As we celebrate 9 years in the Philippines, we plan to continue doing that and more,” said Michelle Ho, general manager of Klook Philippines and Thailand. “This September, we are bringing out exciting deals and promos that will encourage every Filipino to travel more and explore and discover their own definition of joy.” Klook will have a special pop-up on September 15th and 16th, 2023 at Mitsukoshi in Bonifacio Global City where you can get 9% off all activities, hotels and transfers found on the Klook app with a minimum spend of PHP 9,000.00. Additionally, as Asia’s leading travel and experiences platform, Klook is always ready to give travelers access to the best activities that will make the best memories. In perfect timing with the opening of ‘Arendelle: The World of Frozen’ this November 2023 or if you would just like to visit the happiest place on earth, Klook has partnered up with GCash to make it all come true. The post Klook turns 9 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM: Our calm, kind, gentle President
The most challenging thing is to write an essay about the country’s President who is celebrating his birthday. I should probably go back to the years when he was the “crush ng bayan.” From London, he would come home for vacation and would be met at the airport by his doting parents, with his mother kissing him on the forehead. He was very fashionable, from his haircut to his clothes and, well, he was the epitome of “cuteness” as cute could be. He did not sport long hippie hair but had bangs and his lips were well-pronounced. His mom took pride in his looks. “Kamukha ko (he looks like me),” she would say. Bongbong grew into the Oxford student who would come home and occasionally appear on television. I recall in 1973, he and his friends danced the latest craze on live television. He was, by then, oozing with appeal, his shy and boyish smile adding to the enigma that comes with being the president’s son. Many years later, I saw him when he and his sister Irene graced the opening of a project in Isabela. I am trying to remember if it was for natural gas or the largest dam in Asia. But he was there on the stage set up at the Cauayan airport, looking fresh and friendly, although he was smiling at everyone and no one in particular. I stood alone, away from the other welcomers, and somehow got him to look at me. I looked at him like I was telling him I know you or we know each other, and he stared back, smiling too, looking like he was wondering if he might have seen me before somewhere. It was one of my tricks. [caption id="attachment_183135" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The President has a long way to go, but that’s no reason for him to relax and wait for things to happen. | Photograph courtesy of BBM FB[/caption] Much would be said of the young gentleman, of his not being who he was supposed to be because he had died somewhere. Also, that he had killed someone who had called his father a dictator. Bongbong Marcos, for better or worse, was the fodder for both favorable and malicious talk. He became governor of Ilocos Norte in the mid-1980s when he took over from his aunt, Elizabeth Keon. At the same time, he wore the military uniform of the officer rank bestowed on him by his father, the President. Moving fast forward, Bongbong Marcos became a congressman and a senator, ran for vice president, and lost. Sometime after he caught Covid-19. After he had lost the vice-presidential contest and was protesting its result, he appeared on Daily Tribune’s online show, Spotlight. I remember only a little, not because he or his remarks were forgettable, but I blame my old age for not remembering. But I recall a pleasant interview, for he was relaxed and calm, and while he seemed occupied by his electoral protest, he was at the same time accepting of it. It was the Marcoses’ turn to be cheated, people said. The next presidential election had him and Leni Robredo, along with others, slugging it out. And while everyone had taken to microphones to condemn and attack him and his father, martial law and the dictatorship, he remained silent. He chose not to participate in the debates, leaving it to his supporters and fans to fight back for him. One UP professor who may have been unbiased took a liking to him, like an older woman in love for the first time, gushing over the assets of a fine, young, sexy gentleman. But that was not unexpected. Bongbong Marcos, after all, was the “crush ng bayan” from the time he was a teenager. Today, he is the President of the Philippines. I was talking with one youthful matron who possesses both beauty and wisdom and whose family was best known to be in the opposition against the Marcoses. She said that when President Rodrigo Duterte began his term, she gave him a chance to prove himself because he had been elected. As her gauge for the success of a presidency had much to do with how the stock market fared, she was disappointed because stocks dived very low to the depths. She gave RRD a failing mark. When BBM became President, she also gave him a “chance.” She told me, “I have yet to see what will happen next because he has just finished his first year, and it is too early to know how well or evil he has done. The people elected him, he is now the President, so let’s give him a chance.” The woman’s statement, I believe, more or less sums up the general feeling of the Filipino people. Here is one President perceived to be good and kind, and one who is not to be feared compared to his father or even his daring and feisty elder sister. One would hear, “Matatakot kayo pag si Imee ang presidente (You would be afraid if Imee were president),” which is people’s way of saying what they feel and think about the Marcos siblings. So, we have a kind President who has had to deal with all kinds of issues and problems: Typhoons, the pandemic, and now the rice shortage. I have always been a BBM fan (after all, he was “crush ng bayan” in our youth), and even if he had not become a statesman in the tradition of many of our top legislators, one thinks of him as a pleasant guy who plays it cool and is lovable. Now comes a wife who is perceived to be running the show. All because, like it or not, she has the educational credentials; she proved herself in the Big Apple; and as her husband himself would tell one and all, she has excellent organizational abilities. She ran the campaign, many would assume, although she much preferred to keep to the sidelines. Like it or not, Liza Marcos, the First Lady, is a potent mover in this administration. Her many worthy projects in the creative industry, health care, education, and environment, along with her brand of diplomatic maneuvering using Filipiniana fashion as a vehicle for international friendship, bode well for this administration. We got two leaders for one vote, and we are better off as a nation. To the President’s credit, he recognizes the role his wife plays in his administration, and that speaks of a man secure in his position as the head of his family. Regarding cronyism, BBM has his friends in the business sector, top men and women, titans and tycoons, czars and magnates, who accompany him on his travels abroad. One of them described their roles as similar to those of club guest relations officers — entertaining guests and clients. We are told that they talk with their counterparts on the international scene, wherever the presidential itinerary takes them. Hence, the public does not see the usual kind of cronies who are there for what they could take. These friends want to help because if this administration succeeds and the economy improves, the Filipino people, including the business sector, will live better lives. The greatest challenge to BBM, everyone perceives, is the conflict with China over the West Philippine Sea. In this regard, BBM has proved to be wise, circumspect and decisive. He has the backing of the international community and his people. We hope he will pass the test, because if he passes it we are all together the victors. BBM deserves our prayers and hopes for the best of his administration. If he succeeds, and we hope he does, we will rise as a people. The President has a long way to go, but that’s no reason for him to relax and wait for things to happen. There are some things that people feel he should handle with steel gloves, akin to his father’s style, and that is up for him to decide. A kind and gentle President may be all we need to make this nation great again, and there’s Bongbong Marcos to take on the role and fulfill the promise of a happy, progressive, and peaceful country and people. BBM is not only the best-looking President, but the kindest and, of late, the most eloquent, as he is proving himself to be. He is also the coolest. The post BBM: Our calm, kind, gentle President appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sky Garden’s Ryu, Hiro and Iwa break into music SCENE
There are now two full-blooded Japanese young men bidding for adulation from the multitude of Pinoys as members of a band signed up recently by AltG, a sub-unit of GMA Music. The boyband is known as Sky Garden. The two are Hiro and Iwa, who have been living here for more than a year now upon the invitation of the band’s founder Ryu (pronounced as Rio), who is a Pinoy-Japanese brought up in Japan, finished college there and worked for a few years at Toyota in Japan. Ryu’s mother is from Isabela. When the pandemic unsettled the world, he decided to move to the Philippines where he easily landed a work-from-home job. He also landed a scholarship for a one-year course at the Ateneo de Manila University. Ryu, Hiro and Iwa (for easier recall they use their very short nicknames as their showbiz names) are very close friends from Nagoya, Japan. They have another friend -- but he took his own life sometime after he lost his job due to the economic constraints and contractions brought by the pandemic virus. Ryu was already in the Philippines when he learned about the tragedy. As casually and as briefly as he could at the launch of Sky Garden in Quezon City, Ryu revealed that he got very worried Hiro might fall into depression, too, since the latter eventually lost his job, too, and so did Iwa. Ryu convinced Hiro and Iwa to join him in the Philippines and he would take care of them until the pandemic subsides, and new jobs and financial opportunities open in the Land of the Rising Sun. To make it easy for the two guys to come to the Philippines, Ryu told them he would buy plane tickets for them. The boyish Ryu, who seems to be a well-disciplined young man who graduated cum laude in college, soon managed to raise money for the plane fares. Happily, their parents were willing to support them for a few months in the Philippines, hoping they’ll find their financial bearings on a short stretch of time. They got here just early last year. Ryu admitted that his parents, too, we’re partially supporting him which is why he is able to rent a pad in Metro Manila where all three of them stay together. Getting ‘Filipinized’ Hiro and Iwa have college degrees, too, which equipped them with enough English vocabulary to get by in the Philippines. They also find it easy to pick up a foreign language, such as Tagalog. Warm and extroverted, they do not hesitate to break into a conversation with anyone in a mixture of Tagalog and English. Or it could be that Ryu is a very good language teacher. Hiro and Iwa have picked more than enough Tagalog words to enable them to do hilarious contents for their vlog of jokes and how-tos. The two had been vlogging individually in Japan but were easily persuaded by the voluble Ryu into forming themselves into a trio of clownish characters who can also sing and dance and act and do covers of K-pop, P-pop and Japanese pop, of course. Iwa and Hiro even ventured into the streets singing to passers-by with Hiro strumming his guitar. They once found their way in Murphy in Cubao, Quezon City, sang to some kids hanging out on the street one of whom happened to be celebrating his birthday. Iwa offered to buy a cake for the boy on condition that he would take them home to their parents, and let them eat with the family -- including partaking of food that Iwa himself would buy ingredients for and cook in the family pans and stove. “Iwa has very passable cooking skills,” blurted Ryu at the presscon. The middle-class family accepted them. They ate, danced, sang and caroused with the family, including the middle-aged father of the birthday boy. Sky Garden has amassed 17 million views in less than a year for their vlogs, one of which was a gag about “first circumcision.” They also have a series of gags comparing Japanese antics with those of the Pinoys. They are at home playing an assortment of Japanese and Pinoy characters in a variety of situations. Even their covers of hit pops are well-followed to the tune of hundred thousands of views. At the presscon, they easily broke into snippets of the Voltes 5 theme and SB19’s “Gento.” They are completely un-shy in sharing themselves to the people. They seem serious at becoming “Filipinized” Japanese. Jap-Pinoy talent on the rise Their success at entertaining themselves and people prompted Ryu to offer Sky Garden to GMA Music to become a talent group of the company. He sent them email offers since he had figures to show from the video-sharing apps. He also sent the company videos of the three of them performing rock compositions of Hiro with Tagalog lyrics mainly put together by Ryu whose mastery of Tagalog is amazing. He could really pass for a Pinoy who just happens to look like a Japanese. “I’ve been vacationing in the Philippines every school break since my childhood years.That’s how I slowly grew a tongue for Tagalog with no Japanese twang,” confided Ryu. The boys were signed up by AltG just last July, although long before that they have acted as guests in the Vic Sotto-Maine Mendoza sitcom on GMA 7, Papa’s Gurl, and on Family Feud. They’ve also found a manager, Ruby Gomez, who has been a talent supplier for the Kapuso network and for ABS-CBN for some years. Their first single, “Kokoa,” was launched in all the video-sharing apps on 1 September. The boys have vlogged that the song ranked 10th on iTunes 100 on the day it premiered. They’re praying that when the music video for Kokoa is launched on 8 September, it will do well, too. The forthcoming music video may show in fleeting seconds the well-toned upper torso of Ryu and Hiro who do gym workouts. Their chest and abs may peek from unstrapped kimonos which the boys love to wear to signal to people their being Japanese. Iwa has gone a little chubby although pics of them on their FB and Instagram accounts show that Iwa looked the handsomest of them when he had less poundage. AltG will surely find exposure for Sky Garden in their weekly musical-variety All Out Sunday and in the network’s new talent competition shows one of which is hosted by the network’s hottest star for some time now, Dingdong Dantes. We recently intoned in this corner that a wave of Jap-Pinoy talents is upon the entertainment industry. The Sky Garden is one more manifestation of that wave. Sky and garden are iconic images in classic Japanese paintings. Those are images in our subconsciousness over centuries. Ryu, Hiro and Iwa surely know how to connect to the world at large. The post Sky Garden’s Ryu, Hiro and Iwa break into music SCENE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Oh, Napoli!
NAPLES, Italy — This is a city you won’t expect to be in Europe... especially in Italy. Many tourists shy away from this gritty area of the country situated on the Gulf of Naples simply because it does not boast of Rome’s romantic allure. Instead, wandering around Naples — especially in the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters) — would make you wonder if you’re really in Europe or in some not-so-picturesque section of Manila or Jakarta. [caption id="attachment_178845" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Naples’ Quartieri Spagnoli or Spanish Quarters.[/caption] A colleague who went ahead of me for a few weeks didn’t enjoy the visit so much. “Tondo vibes,” she warned me, laughing, referring to that depressed and dirty part of Manila. Still, it didn’t deter me from going, knowing that there are treasures hidden somewhere and my gut telling me Naples is simply misunderstood. Besides, I used the city as my base for exploring Pompeii, which is just a short train ride away. Well, she was right about saying that Naples is, you know, not your usual Italian city oozing with pomp and pageantry. To feel the pulse of the city, I stayed at the Spanish Quarters, an 800,000-square meter-neighborhood that had a reputation for being a bad area to find yourself in regardless of the time of day. Having grown up in Manila and going to places even hardcore individuals try to avoid, what I saw here didn’t compare to the squalor back in my homeland. It looked like Forbes Park compared to what I have seen in the Philippines and Indonesia. So, I stayed up a bit late, drank quite a number of tasty Italian beers and walked around the “bad neighborhood.” In the morning and in the evening, I took a walk and dined and shopped. There were no troublemakers to be concerned about and my daily strolls took me to the city’s jaw-dropping sites and majestic churches. For three days, Naples brought a smile to my face. Tondo vibes? Nah. While the Eternal City is head and shoulders above in terms of well-known attractions and must-see spots, it does not mean travelers have all the reason not to experience what it has to offer. Finest pizzas Oftentimes tagged as the jump-off point to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, a mere 24 kilometers by rail, Naples is a haven for food lovers. It was here that pizza was invented while being watched over by the once-violent Mount Vesuvius in the backdrop. But don’t get me wrong. If you think that you have tasted the finest pizza in the world by sampling the bestsellers being peddled by premium fast-food outlets, then you should be more than willing to try the original pizza that is being sold here. [caption id="attachment_178847" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Pizza Margherita cooked the old-fashioned way.[/caption] It’s not the usual thin and crispy crust you often wolf down whenever somebody’s celebrating his or her birthday at the office. It’s more than that. [caption id="attachment_178846" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Napoli staples. Pizza Napoletana, a cold brew and your favorite cola.[/caption] The pizza being baked here — known as Pizza Napoletana — is of a different kind and usually has two flavors: Margherita and Marinara. And they’re almost identical. Margherita has pomodoro, fior di latte, olio, basilico (tomato, fior di latte cheese, oil and basil) and Marinara has pomodoro, origano, aglio, olio (tomato, oregano, garlic, oil). After devouring one huge serving of the €5 Margherita at the renowned L’ Antica Pizzeria da Michele, where Julia Roberts dined and shot Eat, Pray, Love, I took a walk once again and ran into the Bulso di Pulcinella (Bust of Pulcinella). [caption id="attachment_178843" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Julia Roberts took a bite of the renowned Pizza Napoletana during the filming of ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’[/caption] According to legend, one has to rub the statue’s nose for good luck and that’s exactly what I did. [caption id="attachment_178848" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rub his nose for good luck. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF AUDREY GIONGCO[/caption] Medieval structures If you love old — and ancient churches —there’s a lot within this lovely area. At almost every corner, there’s a medieval church that is very Instagrammable. But what stood out was the one I visited one balmy morning when residents were either still soundly asleep or just about getting ready to start another day. The Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo (New Jesus) completed in the late-1700s, is undoubtedly the city’s most beautiful church despite its sober facade. [caption id="attachment_178849" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The main altar of Gesu Nuovo, said to be Naples’ most beautiful church.[/caption] Aside from the Gesu Nuovo, worth visiting as well are the Naples Cathedral (Cattidrale di San Gennaro), Basilica di Santa Chiara and the Girolamini. Definitely, by the time you are done, you will be famished. Head to the nearest pizzeria and get the Margherita and pair it with a small bottle of cola zero zuccheri or the ubiquitous Nastro Azzurro in the green bottle. Salute! Would I make a return trip? You bet! The post Oh, Napoli! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Baby Ortiz: Civic leader with a heart of gold
I am taking a break for now and turning over in this issue the privilege of sharing one’s thoughts and experiences to raconteur Jorge Hizon, who takes pleasure in paying tribute to friends and relatives who are celebrating their birthdays. This one’s Jorge’s take on one of the birthday celebrations of civic worker Leonida “Baby” Bayani Ortiz, a most generous and caring lady in our civil society. [caption id="attachment_175595" align="aligncenter" width="659"] GYN GYN Ponce Quiazon[/caption] Here goes Jorge’s remarkable prose: Leonida Bayani Ortiz’s post-birthday party at Borro Restaurant in Quezon City was splendid as it blended culinary delights, entertainment and heartfelt connections. The event showcased a remarkable fusion of Filipino, Mexican and Italian cuisines, leaving guests with a feast for their taste buds. From appetizers to main course, the gastronomic journey was the highlight, enhanced by the presence of a lechon, thanks to Carmen Lim. A diverse selection of desserts, including an array of six birthday cakes, rice cakes, ensaymadas and zesty oranges, gave the guests reason to smile to their hearts’ content. The entertainment lineup added a dynamic dimension to the celebration. Darius Razon, renowned as the jukebox king of the ‘70s, serenaded the audience with his timeless melodies. The queen of comedy, Chuck T. Gueco, hailing from Angeles, Pampanga, brought the house down with her uproarious jokes and charismatic dance moves. Her spontaneous and energetic performance, coupled with Razon’s melodic tunes, created an ambiance of merriment, fun and infectious laughter. [caption id="attachment_175590" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BILLY Tan and Peter Sy.[/caption] Not to be outdone, Ayna Ong and Gyn-gyn Ponce-Quiazon captivated the audience with their distinct vocal talents. They transitioned seamlessly from mellower songs to infectious disco beats which got everyone to stand and dance. This music, ranging from soulful melodies to groovy rhythms, brought an untamable energy to the celebration, encouraging a lively atmosphere of fun and merriment. Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of the evening was the simultaneous blowing of six birthday cakes, made even more special by Razon’s heartfelt rendition of the birthday song. The collective spirit was of jubilant celebration as Baby reveled in the love and warmth shared by her handpicked circle of friends. [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="175589,175592"] Furthermore, Baby’s thoughtfulness extended to departing guests, who were gifted with cans of chocolates courtesy of Teacher Nelia Sarcol. This gesture was a reflection of gratitude and a lasting memory to cherish. Baby’s birthday celebration was an embodiment of the beauty of authentic friendship, delectable food, captivating entertainment and a joyful atmosphere. Through this harmonious convergence of elements, the event exuded a sense of togetherness, leaving a lasting impression of a truly memorable and heartfelt occasion. The post Baby Ortiz: Civic leader with a heart of gold appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bottoms up!
Meaning: An encouragement to drink or to finish one’s drink. Did you know that the term “Bottoms up” originated in an era when English sailors were encouraged to drink? There is a popular story behind its history where English sailors used to be bribed with coins to join the navy and many times, they would be tricked into joining by being given a beer with a coin at the bottom of the glass. Sounds fun, right? There is a reward after drinking a reward. I can drink to that! According to the legend, men began to say “Bottoms up” to their drinking buddies so they could see if there were coins in the glasses before the drinks were finished. Now, in modern times, most people say, “Bottoms up!” to cheer their buddies when drinking alcohol, having fun, and celebrating an event. It used to be a happy term, but did you know that it could also be a negative phrase? In some situations, people say “Bottoms up!” to encourage drinking something unpleasant. For example, you need to drink your medicine despite its bitter so someone will say to you “Bottoms Up!” until you finish it. Yes, my dear readers, how are you after the long weekend? Have you recharged and had fun together with friends and families? Nothing wrong with having fun, of course, as long as it does not hurt anyone or as long as it is after working hours. Speaking of “Bottoms up!,” it has been all over the news recently, have you seen it? In case you haven’t, then let me fill you in on some spicy information. Last week, on 16 August, acting port managers and seven other officials of the Philippine Ports Authority assigned to the Port Management Office of Bohol were caught on CCTV drinking inside the PPA office multipurpose hall to celebrate the acting port manager’s birthday. That’s not the worst of it. Aside from drinking on the premises of a government facility, they used the office chairs and tables (supposedly for meetings and official functions) for their drinking session with lots of bottles of alcohol, an invited band, and the attorneys and port police dancing as shown on the CCTV footage. Like I said, having fun is not bad at all, celebrating birthdays is okay, and being together with friends or co-workers on a special day is totally fine.... but not to the extent of using government facilities and resources to fuel that fun. These eight officials of PPA Bohol, including the acting port manager/birthday celebrator, two legal attorneys, four port police officials, and the Port Services Department Bohol head, were removed from their posts pending an investigation. Recently, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago issued a memorandum reiterating Memo Circular No. 013-2023, otherwise known as the “Strict prohibition on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the workplace.” The memorandum was first issued in 2018 under the same management after the former DoTr officials issued a directive prohibiting alcoholic beverages in the workplace — all in accordance with Civil Service Commission Memorandum No. 4, series of 2011, stating the policy guidelines on the prohibition of alcoholic beverages among government officials and employees. See? No government official or employee is excused for drinking inside a government office. An official is expected to serve the public, to give assistance, to make their lives easier, to be of great service to the community, and not to be another source of conflicts and problems within their areas of responsibility. Ports operate 24/7, thus there is no need to be complacent at any moment. Thank goodness for the high-tech surveillance system of the PPA, serious negligence and deliberate negative acts like these can be monitored from the head office. To be fair, drinking has long been the center of workplace culture, whether for socialization or to gain each other’s trust. In fact, in China, drinking with business partners serves as a moral contract in which the potential work partners get drunk together until they become friends and gain each other’s trust and professional interests. But we are not in China, we are here in our beloved country striving to always change to rise from the difficulties of being in a third-world country. A lot of people, or even more deserving people, need jobs, hence, any job, especially a government position, should not be taken for granted and abused. Now this brings us to a question: Does alcohol have a place at work and should it? Your guess is as good as mine. Let us not normalize alcohol drinking at work or the pressure to participate. It may seem like a nice gesture to subsidize alcohol at events to build camaraderie, but it is not necessary in carrying out government functions, especially inside office areas. There you go, fellow boat riders, yes, we either sink or swim all together because we are in the same boat, but this time we’re not in the same boat because no one wants to be bonding with booze and boss in an office setup on a weekday. Smells like a “Bottoms up!” disaster. Yikes! The post Bottoms up! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nas, Run-DMC, Snoop Dogg helm marathon birthday party for hip-hop
Thousands of people partied deep into the night Friday as part of an all-star Bronx bash celebrating 50 years of hip-hop, featuring trailblazers including Run-DMC, Nas, Lauryn Hill and Snoop Dogg......»»
From East to West to southern trap, 50 years of hip-hop
Five decades after a Bronx block party ushered in hip-hop's 'Big Bang' moment, the culture-shifting genre is celebrating its 50th birthday Friday. The reigning music style has evolved in rapid, anarchic ways -- in many ways defying categorization -- but some patterns have emerged. What follows is a run-down of some of hip-hop's key phases. Old school What's now broadly referred to as old-school hip-hop is the genre's earliest commercially recorded music, and typically refers to songs put out from approximately 1979 to 1983. The Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" became the first commercially successful hip-hop song after it was released on September 16, 1979. It's preserved in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. "The Message" from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, released in 1982, brought a socially conscious element to the genre, delivering a raw portrait of urban life and the stresses of poverty. Other prominent artists of the moment included Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, Melle Mel, and Grandmaster Caz. East Coast New York and the East Coast were pivotal to the development of hip-hop throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, the "golden age." Run-DMC was among the most influential acts of the era, achieving a smattering of notable firsts for the genre. They, the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy offered harder renditions of hip-hop than their disco-tinged predecessors, with the latter rising to prominence for their political themes including racism and Black power. More complex wordplay with swift delivery and elaborate metaphors were emblematic of the age, with acts including Eric B. & Rakim, LL Cool J, Nas, Big Daddy Kane, and The Notorious B.I.G. gaining wide acclaim. De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest were meanwhile pioneering "alternative hip-hop," bringing in jazz and R&B elements. Salt-N-Pepa, Foxy Brown, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill broke barriers for women, with Hill in particular popularizing melodic rapping. The Notorious B.I.G. -- or "Biggie" -- with the backing of Puff Daddy's "Bad Boy Records" became the East Coast's king following the release of his landmark debut album "Ready to Die" in 1994, up until his shock murder in 1997. And the Wu-Tang Clan also popularized East Coast styles, emphasizing hard edges and strong beats. West Coast The sounds emerging from California were fast and influenced by electronica, centering more on DJs than raps. Ice-T pioneered West Coast and gangsta rap in the late 1980s, while N.W.A. went platinum with its album "Straight Outta Compton" in 1988. Dogged by controversy and censorship over profane lyrics -- which many alleged were misogynist while also glorifying drug use and crime -- N.W.A. made waves for laying bare experiences of endemic racism and excessive policing. The group's dissolution saw members including Dr. Dre and Ice Cube gain solo acclaim. And Tupac Shakur also preferred messages of injustice as he became one of the greatest rappers of all time prior to his 1996 murder, which came just months before Biggie's. Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" charted new paths for rap as a seminal album of the era. It also introduced one of his most famous proteges, the then-budding rapper today known as Snoop Dogg, whose laid-back, windows-down lyrical delivery came to epitomize G-Funk, and whose debut album "Doggystyle" was a Dre production. Dre also shaped another household name: Eminem. "He's a creator who has moved popular culture three times... with gangsta rap, G-funk, and Eminem," said industry magnate Jimmy Iovine of Dre. Bling and Prog Biggie's commercial fame paved the way for other East Coast stars, including Jay-Z, DMX, Busta Rhymes, and 50 Cent, with the turn-of-the-millennium bling era. Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" was a major hit years before he would become one of hip-hop's billionaires and an industry mogul. His work also brought producers including Kanye West to the fore. Early in his career, West gained near-universal acclaim, not least for his integration of house, electronica and soul into creatively risky productions. And Nicki Minaj was praised for her chameleon talents and blistering flow, while Drake brought in R&B sensibilities and churned out hit after hit. Kendrick Lamar became one of contemporary music's most impactful writers, with his verses offering insight both personal and systemic, all set to jazz-heavy instrumentals. Lamar, along with West and Common, all became torchbearers of the broadly defined progressive rap, defined by a focus on social ills and change. Hip-hop was also burgeoning across the South, with artists including 2 Live Crew, Missy Elliott, and Outkast gaining traction. Trap and Drill Into the 2010s, rap's nexus shifted to Atlanta, home to the trap subgenre characterized by cymbal patterns and synthesized drums. Trap remains among American music's most popular styles, with its influence crossing into pop and EDM as well as Latin America's wildly popular reggaeton. Much of its lyricism focused on life in "the trap" -- a reference to drug-dealing spots. Artists including Outkast, T.I., Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne expanded its popularity, while the idiosyncratic Young Thug became one of contemporary hip-hop's most emulated artists. Today's trap-influenced superstars include Migos, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion. Internet virality has been key to several contemporary movements including "Soundcloud rap," whose angsty, jagged sound injected vulnerability into hip-hop. And the equally dark drill has brought the aggressive lyricism of gangsta back to prominence. It began percolating in Chicago before traveling to Britain and resurfacing in New York. Brooklyn drill gained mainstream clout thanks to work from artists including the late Pop Smoke and Fivio Foreign, as today's stars like the Bronx's Ice Spice take it viral. See more photos here: The post From East to West to southern trap, 50 years of hip-hop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
From East to West to southern trap, 50 years of hip-hop
Five decades after a Bronx block party ushered in hip-hop's 'Big Bang' moment, the culture-shifting genre is celebrating its 50th birthday Friday. The reigning music style has evolved in rapid, anarchic ways -- in many ways defying categorization -- but some patterns have emerged. What follows is a run-down of some of hip-hop's key phases. Old school What's now broadly referred to as old-school hip-hop is the genre's earliest commercially recorded music, and typically refers to songs put out from approximately 1979 to 1983. The Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" became the first commercially successful hip-hop song after it was released on 16 September 1979. It's preserved in the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry. "The Message" from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, released in 1982, brought a socially conscious element to the genre, delivering a raw portrait of urban life and the stresses of poverty. Other prominent artists of the moment included Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, Melle Mel, and Grandmaster Caz. East Coast New York and the East Coast were pivotal to the development of hip-hop throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, the "golden age." Run-DMC was among the most influential acts of the era, achieving a smattering of notable firsts for the genre. They, the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy offered harder renditions of hip-hop than their disco-tinged predecessors, with the latter rising to prominence for their political themes including racism and Black power. More complex wordplay with swift delivery and elaborate metaphors were emblematic of the age, with acts including Eric B. & Rakim, LL Cool J, Nas, Big Daddy Kane, and The Notorious B.I.G. gaining wide acclaim. De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest were meanwhile pioneering "alternative hip-hop," bringing in jazz and R&B elements. Salt-N-Pepa, Foxy Brown, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill broke barriers for women, with Hill in particular popularizing melodic rapping. The Notorious B.I.G. -- or "Biggie" -- with the backing of Puff Daddy's "Bad Boy Records" became the East Coast's king following the release of his landmark debut album "Ready to Die" in 1994, up until his shock murder in 1997. And the Wu-Tang Clan also popularized East Coast styles, emphasizing hard edges and strong beats. West Coast The sounds emerging from California were fast and influenced by electronica, centering more on DJs than raps. Ice-T pioneered West Coast and gangsta rap in the late 1980s, while N.W.A. went platinum with its album "Straight Outta Compton" in 1988. Dogged by controversy and censorship over profane lyrics -- which many alleged were misogynist while also glorifying drug use and crime -- N.W.A. made waves for laying bare experiences of endemic racism and excessive policing. The group's dissolution saw members including Dr. Dre and Ice Cube gain solo acclaim. And Tupac Shakur also proferred messages of injustice as he became one of the greatest rappers of all time prior to his 1996 murder, which came just months before Biggie's. Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" charted new paths for rap as a seminal album of the era. It also introduced one of his most famous proteges, the then-budding rapper today known as Snoop Dogg, whose laid-back, windows-down lyrical delivery came to epitomize G-Funk, and whose debut album "Doggystyle" was a Dre production. Dre also shaped another household name: Eminem. "He's a creator who has moved popular culture three times... with gangsta rap, G-funk, and Eminem," said industry magnate Jimmy Iovine of Dre. Bling and Prog Biggie's commercial fame paved the way for other East Coast stars, including Jay-Z, DMX, Busta Rhymes, and 50 Cent, with the turn-of-the-millennium bling era. Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" was a major hit years before he would become one of hip-hop's billionaires and an industry mogul. His work also brought producers including Kanye West to the fore. Early in his career, West gained near-universal acclaim, not least for his integration of house, electronica, and soul into creatively risky productions. And Nicki Minaj was praised for her chameleon talents and blistering flow, while Drake brought in R&B sensibilities and churned out hit after hit. Kendrick Lamar became one of contemporary music's most impactful writers, with his verses offering insight both personal and systemic, all set to jazz-heavy instrumentals. Lamar, along with West and Common, all became torchbearers of the broadly defined progressive rap, defined by a focus on social ills and change. Hip-hop was also burgeoning across the South, with artists including 2 Live Crew, Missy Elliott, and Outkast gaining traction. Trap and Drill Into the 2010s, rap's nexus shifted to Atlanta, home to the trap subgenre characterized by cymbal patterns and synthesized drums. Trap remains among American music's most popular styles, with its influence crossing into pop and EDM as well as Latin America's wildly popular reggaeton. Much of its lyricism focused on life in "the trap" -- a reference to drug-dealing spots. Artists including Outkast, T.I., Gucci Mane, and Lil Wayne expanded its popularity, while the idiosyncratic Young Thug became one of contemporary hip-hop's most emulated artists. Today's trap-influenced superstars include Migos, Cardi B, and Megan Thee Stallion. Internet virality has been key to several contemporary movements including "Soundcloud rap," whose angsty, jagged sound injected vulnerability into hip-hop. And the equally dark drill has brought the aggressive lyricism of gangsta back to prominence. It began percolating in Chicago before traveling to Britain and resurfacing in New York. Brooklyn drill gained mainstream clout thanks to work from artists including the late Pop Smoke and Fivio Foreign, as today's stars like the Bronx's Ice Spice take it viral. The post From East to West to southern trap, 50 years of hip-hop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Thank you for your music’: A short tribute to Tiongco Brothers’ Emil
Just a few weeks after celebrating his 85th birthday last July15, Emil Tiongco, the lead vocalist of the internationally acclaimed Tiongco Brothers in the early ‘60s and ‘70s, died of lingering illness on July 31. This leaves Arthur Tiongco, now 80 years old, as the only surviving member of the Tiongco Brothers, since their oldest brother Jun Tiongco passed away last April 11, 2021......»»
Escachaítos moved the networks by celebrating their sister’s fifteenth birthday
by Stephen Garcia Jul 11, 2023 at 1:49 pm One of the most loved families on social networks at the Colombian level, is ‘Los Escachaítos’,.....»»
Yana Aduana shares her story about life choices
"Today is #CHOOSEDay and today, I wanna tell you a story of choosing oneself and a partner that can help you choose yourself," Miss Earth Philippines 2023 Yllana Marie "Yana" Aduana wrote in the caption of her Instagram post last Tuesday. The 24-year-old stunner said she had experienced being body shamed when she was younger. Interestingly, she disclosed that she was body shamed not because she was stout or overweight but "for being too thin and for being too fully figured both at the same time". "Some people who were close to me before used to tell me I was losing so much weight and was 'too thin' but then in the modelling industry, I was considered still a little more full than the stereotype," Aduana, who was proclaimed Miss FIT Philippines in 2021, said. "It was confusing for me; I was just a teenager getting through life; trying my best to win through Bulimia nervosa; my brutal enemy. Realizing now, it was rock bottom," she added. Nonetheless, she was thankful because she said she is not the type of person who can get easily swayed by others' opinions. "Sure, I’ll get confused but I can always efficiently navigate the right way through and go about doing my own thing and what’s gonna make my heart happy so long as I know it’s the right thing to do and I’m happy with it." The beauty queen from Siniloan, Laguna added that finding the right partner or companion can be helpful in achieving one's vision or objective and in bringing out confidence in oneself. Aduana will be celebrating her 25th birthday this week on Friday, 7 July. The post Yana Aduana shares her story about life choices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Krispy Kreme x Barbie
Krispy Kreme, the home of the world-famous Original Glazed donuts, is celebrating 86 years of bringing irresistibly sweet and happy moments to everyone. The brand is starting off its sparkling birthday month with a special collaboration with one of the most-loved brands, Barbie. Krispy Kreme is teaming up with everyone’s childhood icon to launch the Barbie donuts featuring Barbie, Barbie (the Original, Dreamer and Girl Boss). To complete the Barbie land experience, Krispy Kreme is also releasing a cotton candy-flavored Barbie chiller to pair with your Barbie pink sweet treats. These limited-edition treats are inspired by the live-action movie, Barbie the Movie showing on 19 July in cinemas nationwide. Krispy Kreme’s collaboration will also include various activities that OGs will surely love. Life-size Barbie boxes will be placed in nine Krispy Kreme factory stores so guests can snap photos of them as they enjoy their sweet pink Barbie the Movie donuts and chiller. Barbie photo frames are available in select Krispy Kreme stores so everyone gets their Barbie Land experience. Aside from the donuts and chiller, limited-edition Barbie the Movie x Krispy Kreme merchandise in pompom pens and hardbound notebooks will be available starting 1 July. The limited-edition Barbie the Movie donuts and chiller will be available from 1 to 31 July. The post Krispy Kreme x Barbie appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Build better Phl, Marcos dares youth
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday challenged the youth to excel in their studies, serve their communities, and continuously extend a helping hand to those in need as he emphasized the youth’s crucial role as the hope and future of the country. In his video message on the Day of the Filipino Youth, Marcos said the young have the inherent idealism and tireless strength to build a better future for the Philippines. The Chief Executive urged the youth to use their talents and abilities to help build a beautiful, prosperous and resilient country. “Like our ancestors, I firmly believe that the youth are the hope and the future of our beloved country,” Marcos said, emphasizing his unwavering trust in the potential of the young generation. “I encourage you to enrich your talents and abilities because in the future we will rely on your unity in building a beautiful, prosperous, and resilient Philippines,” the President said. “Because of this, expect our full support in promoting your welfare and fulfilling your dreams for yourselves and our nation,” he added. The Chief Executive urged the youth to use their talents and abilities to help build a beautiful, prosperous, and resilient country. Filipino Youth Day is celebrated on 19 June, the birthday of the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal. President Elpidio Quirino issued the official proclamation in 1948. The day is a time for celebrating Filipino youth’s achievements and encouraging them to continue to be active participants in their communities and the country. The post Build better Phl, Marcos dares youth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5 awesome local Google Doodles that made Filipinos proud
This year, the Philippines celebrates its 125th Independence Day from the Spanish — remembering and honoring our freedom to be proud as Filipinos is always a cause for celebration. For a long time now, Google has stood in solidarity with the Philippines. And one of the many ways they show that support is through occasional Filipino-themed Google Doodles, beyond the Philippine Independence Day Doodle. To get in the Pinoy Pride spirit this Independence Day, here are five Google Doodles worth revisiting: Jose Rizal’s 158th birthday No Filipino pride celebration is complete without honoring the country’s greatest hero. Google paid tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal back in 2019 with a Doodle that put the hero’s visage front and center, flanked by “Google” stylized similarly to the famous original cover of Noli Me Tangere, one of his two masterpiece novels — both of which are included at the bottom of the illustration. As an added touch, the opening passages of the novel are written in the artwork’s background, while the quill and the magnifying glass bordering it refer to Rizal’s professions as a writer and ophthalmologist. The Adobo Doodle To celebrate Filipino culture is also to celebrate its food, which is why Google put everyone’s favorite adobo front and center earlier this year. The mouthwatering illustration by Filipino-American Google artist Anthony Irwin calls back to the savory goodness of adobo, which is always enjoyed in different and unique ways among different cooks, households, and restaurants. The legendary Las Piñas Bamboo Organ This 2019 Doodle commemorating the 195th anniversary of the creation of the oldest, largest, and only bamboo pipe organ in the whole world brought immense pride to the Philippines. The Doodle is simple and powerful: the Gs, L, and E of Google were rendered in bamboo pipes, while the two Os are signified by the full organ. If you haven’t visited this at the St. Joseph Parish Church in Las Piñas, this is your sign to do it now. The colorful Regatta de Zamboanga With has 7,107 islands, the Philippines offers colorful rituals and traditions that are worth seeing. This includes the vivid Regatta de Zamboanga, a fluvial race held every October comprised of vintas, outrigger boats with vibrant and intricate sails. Google’s Doodle celebrating the Regatta last October is in-your-face, just like the parade of dazzling vintas — nothing complicated, just a bevy of boats with sails spelling out Google. Rosa Sevilla de Alvero’s 142nd Birthday Rsa Rosa Sevilla de Alvero is a journalist, educator, and activist who is widely considered one of the most influential suffragists in Filipino history. As a child, she was sent to live with her aunt, an educator who hosted Filipino patriots and intellectuals at her home. Sevilla often eavesdropped on their conversations about battling educational colonialism — revolutionary discussions that helped mold her beliefs. At just 21, Alvero founded the Instituto de Mujeres of Manila, one of the first schools for women. The post 5 awesome local Google Doodles that made Filipinos proud appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»