Chinese embassy donates cash, PPEs to Philippine medical frontliners
MANILA, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in the Philippines on Friday donated 1 million pesos (20,519 U.S. dollars) in cash and some personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the Philippine me.....»»
Chinese sci-fi steps into the spotlight
Once effectively banned, Chinese science fiction has exploded into the mainstream, embraced by the government and public alike –- inviting scrutiny of a genre that has become known for its expanding diversity and relative freedom. Its new status was epitomized by this week's Worldcon, the world's oldest and most influential sci-fi gathering, which closed Sunday after taking place in China for the first time. Held in the gleaming new Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, the event's star was Liu Cixin, author of the international phenomenon "Three-Body" series and inspiration for the domestic blockbuster "Wandering Earth". But the wider science fiction fandom has become a rare space where diverse voices have flourished and a vast array of issues -- social, environmental, even sometimes political -- can be explored. "In its nature, part of sci-fi is talking about the present," award-winning author Chen Qiufan told AFP. "It takes advantage of talking about outer space, or being set in different times, but reflects the human condition right now." Chen's own novel "The Waste Tide" is set in a dystopian future in China, where migrant e-waste workers toil in hazardous conditions, exploited by corrupt conglomerates. He grew up near Guiyu, once one of the largest e-waste dumps in the world. Ecological destruction, urbanization, social inequality, gender, and corruption, to name just a few –- "these issues are intersectional and intertwined with each other", said Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University's Liu Xi. Together, they "allow everyone to understand Chinese writers' exploration of Chinese society", she said. That can be rare to find in today's China, where the space for political and artistic expression has shrunk drastically over the last decade under President Xi Jinping. Spiritual pollution Historically, science fiction has had a turbulent relationship with Chinese authorities -– it effectively disappeared during the Cultural Revolution and then was banned as "spiritual pollution" in the 1980s. Though it returned, it remained relatively obscure. Writer Regina Kanyu Wang said it was only at university that she met other fans -- together they formed one of the smaller clubs on campus. Sci-fi was not taken seriously, and seen as something for children and young adults, Chen said. That had its advantages. "There was a lot of freedom... because nobody was reading science fiction, (authors) could just do whatever they wanted," the University of Zurich's Jessica Imbach told AFP. The global success of the "Three-Body" series changed everything, catapulting its epic themes of technological prowess and the fate of humanity into the public consciousness. "Whether you like science fiction or not, the social reality we are facing is becoming more and more like science fiction," said Yu Xuying from Hong Kong Metropolitan University. "We live in a high-tech era. And then your daily life is completely technological," she said. The pace of digital change in China, already fast, was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cash has all but disappeared, and stringent health regulations further enhanced the state's significant surveillance capacity. The international interest spike in Chinese sci-fi is also related to real-world concerns, Chen believes. "I think there are different layers of reasons for the phenomenon," he said. "But a major one is the rising economic and technological power of China on the world stage." A good vehicle China's government has been happy to capitalize on all this. "At a national level, science fiction is a good vehicle for conveying the country's discourse on its science and technology strength," said Yu. It can also help "highlight the relationship between the Chinese dream (a Xi-era aspirational slogan) and science", she said. Authorities have put their money where their mouth is. The nebula-shaped Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, was built at lightspeed in just a year to coincide with Worldcon. The event, historically fan-led and funded, this year was a "capitalistic initiative, coming top-down from the Chinese government", said Chen. "They want sci-fi to be the name card of the city, showing China's openness and inclusiveness to the world," he said. Government attention comes with potential risk. "The Three-Body Problem" has a different structure in English, with the narrative beginning with a violent Cultural Revolution scene. In the original Chinese, it was buried halfway through the book to make it less conspicuous, the translator Ken Liu was told. Liu told the New York Times in 2019 that increasingly, "it's gotten much harder for me to talk about the work of Chinese authors without... causing them trouble". Some works he has translated into English, deemed too sensitive, have never been published in Chinese at all. "If you're very marginal if you have low print numbers in China, then it's OK, you have more leeway. If you're doing a mega big-budget movie... it's much more complicated," said Imbach. "That's what's now also happening with science fiction," she said. "As it's becoming more mainstream, there is increased scrutiny." The post Chinese sci-fi steps into the spotlight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports
The former Office for Transportation Security chief lambasted the cultural decay in the airport security teams that allows negligent screeners to continue working there, this before he could begin an internal purge. Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, who resigned from his post over the airport screener caught on closed-circuit television swallowing $300 bills taken from an outbound Chinese national, said the problem with airport security is “more than systemic, it is cultural.” “There was the problem with ‘tanim-bala.’ Maybe the problems were not highlighted in the past because no one was caught. Based on our records, for the past several years, no one was dismissed in the OTS for violations of our disciplinary policies,” he said. Aplasca said when he was the director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, his initial task was to clear the country’s airports of the “tanim-bala” scheme, in which airport inspectors hid bullets in travelers’ luggage to extort money. “That tanim-bala was the first marching order to me by former President Duterte, and that’s where I felt his 100-percent support; that’s why, in less than one month, we were able to solve the problem,” he said. Aplasca said that before his resignation Tuesday, the OTS had initiated 68 cases against erring personnel, with at least 11 people dismissed. Found guilty Meanwhile, DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the female Security Screening Officer and three other OTS screeners involved in the cash swallowing incident last 8 September were “found guilty of stealing.” Bautista said the guilty verdict was included in the investigation report handed to him by the OTS group of investigators, which included the CCTV footage that showed the lady scanner stuffing the money into her mouth at Terminal 1’s final security checkpoint at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The four SSO screeners face administrative and criminal cases. “The investigation showed that she was guilty and swallowed the money. However, what she said in an affidavit was that it was chocolates. But the investigators saw that she was guilty,” Bautista said in Filipino in an interview with the media after a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The CCTV footage showed that at around 8:20 p.m. on 8 September, a Chinese passenger, identified only as Mr. Cai, placed his shoulder bag on the inspection tray at the final security checkpoint. After trying to promote the gateway to potential foreign investors who may want to operate the NAIA, Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident. He authorized the imposition of the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the Department of Transportation’s determined push to rid the NAIA and attached agencies of scalawags. Aplasca submitted his courtesy resignation last Tuesday, 26 September, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through DoTr Secretary Bautista after House Speaker Martin Romualdez told him to resign or the Speaker would personally block the budgets of the DoTr and OTS. Not enough Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday the resignation of Aplasca would not be enough to stop the criminal activities at the country’s airports. “A resignation at the top does not clean up the ranks,” said Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services. “More than ever, the Office of Transportation Security needs steady leadership to implement much-needed reforms,” she said. “There should be zero tolerance for criminal acts and unprofessional behavior,” she added. “While a witch hunt might put a syndicate on pause, the OTS urgently needs to review and tighten its security program,” she said. She continued: “Our airports should improve the physical layout of the security screening stations and provide proactive measures to prevent further incidents.” She also noted that the challenge now is to appoint someone with “immense political will to overhaul the agency and stop these incidents once and for all.” The senator stressed that the OTS must improve its hiring system and enforce ethics training. “Employees must undergo extensive background checks,” she said. “In the long-term, we should also look into providing better compensation and benefits to these employees so they would not be enticed to do this nonsense,” she added. The post Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NAIA lady scanner, others found ‘guilty of stealing’
According to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, the female Security Screening Officer and three other members of the Office for Transportation Security who were caught on closed-circuit television were "found guilty of stealing" in the cash-swallowing incident that occurred on 8 September 2023 at Terminal 1's final security checkpoint at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Bautista said the guilty verdict was included in the investigation report handed to him by the OTS group of investigators, including the CCTV footage showing the lady scanner putting the money into her mouth and three other accomplices. The female SSO is facing administrative and criminal cases, as well as those who were involved in the 8 September incidents. “Ang sinasabi sa imbestigasyon ay guilty na pera ang sinubo. Although ang sinasabi nga ng babae ay chocolate daw, mayroon siyang affidavit. Pero ang nakita ng mga imbestigador na guilty siya,” Bautista said in an interview with the media after a Senate hearing on Tuesday. “Ang result ay, although hindi pa lumalabas officially, parang lumalabas na talagang nakita na mayroon silang pagkakasala. Apat kasi yung nakita natin dito na may talagang ginawa sa CCTV. Siguro pag nagkaroon ng criminal investigation, may lalabas pa kung mayroon pang other people involved,” he added. CCTV footage showed that at around 8:20 p.m. on 8 September, the Chinese passenger, identified only as Mr. Cai, placed his shoulder bag on the inspection tray at the final security checkpoint. As Cai passed through the body scanner, the screener could be seen conducting a manual search of his bag on the inspection table. The screener “suspiciously turned away while apparently holding something in her left hand with her fist tightly closed. She then swiftly placed something in her waist area and went back to the inspection table.” Cai had returned to the screening area and complained after discovering that his wallet was open and some of his money was missing. The passenger confronted the screener, who turned her back on him. In footage taken by another CCTV camera, she was “clearly seen deliberately swallowing the dollar bills, folded into one small piece,” as she used a handkerchief to cover her mouth. The screener was seen having difficulty swallowing the bills despite drinking water from a bottle given to her by a colleague. The screener’s supervisor approached her, “seemingly communicating with her” as she was “almost choking in her effort to swallow the dollar bills” to “apparently ensure that the bills were properly disposed of (no evidence),” according to the report. Cai has refused to file charges against the screener. Former OTS Administrator Ma.O. Aplasca confirmed on Friday, 22 September, that they received the counter affidavit of the accused and even said that, as of today Friday, she continues to deny the allegations that she swallowed the dollar bills. An OTS source said that it is not the normal way to eat chocolate by pushing something into her throat with her finger and drinking bottled water afterward. Secretary Bautista has directed the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) to immediately file the necessary charges against security screening personnel found involved in an 8 September incident of baggage theft at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident at NAIA that the Secretary was recently trying to promote among potential foreign investors who may want to operate and maintain the country's main gateway. He even authorized imposing the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the Department's determined push to rid NAIA as well as other attached agencies of scalawags. Former OTS Administrator Ma.O. Aplasca submitted his courtesy resignation last Tuesday, 26 September, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through DOTr Secretary Bautista after Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Romualdez asked him to resign or the speaker would personally block the budget of OTS and DOTr due to the repeated stealing scandal. The post NAIA lady scanner, others found ‘guilty of stealing’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thai PM woos U.S. tech execs
Thailand’s new prime minister has met executives of American technology and investment firms, including Tesla, Google and Microsoft, in a bid to boost the country’s flagging economy. Srettha Thavisin, a former property mogul who took office last month, met Tesla and X boss Elon Musk on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. “We had a good conversation on @Tesla , @spaceX , and @starlink technology,” Srettha posted on X early Friday. “We look forward to further discussions.” Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s leading car producers, and is looking to transition production to electric vehicles. Traditionally much of the output has been dominated by Japanese manufacturers, but Chinese EV makers are moving in. Srettha also posted photos from meetings with Google and Microsoft executives, and the CEO of investment house BlackRock, Larry Fink. “The meeting aimed at possible investment in Thailand, in particular in support of clean energy-related enterprises’ investment expansion and production in Thailand,” Srettha wrote of his encounter with Fink. Srettha’s tech exec charm offensive comes as other countries in the region look to cash in on US investments in clean technology — and Washington’s desire to diversify away from overdependence on China for key components and resources. WITH AFP The post Thai PM woos U.S. tech execs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OTS on fire anew as passenger loses $300
As a video of two US-TSA screening officers taking things from bags in trays lined up at the x-ray machine went viral over the weekend, another episode of theft at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 has allegedly included the Office for Transportation Security. A press release from the OTS only came out on Monday afternoon, confirming the incident involving one of their Security Screening Officers at NAIA. But the issue began circulating in social media group chats as early as last week. Notably, the press release was also issued after a member of the Airport Press Club confirmed with the OTS public information office that such information was true. The said release did not contain vital details of the incident, referring to when, where, and how the alleged theft happened. Information revealed that the incident happened as early as 8 a.m., at Terminal 1 of NAIA. After going through the final security check, a departing passenger who is a foreign national, reportedly complained of having lost $300 in cash and was creating a commotion about the incident. The alleged theft was reportedly committed by one of the OTS SSO at that time, a female, while the passenger was passing through the final security check on the said terminal. It can be recalled that six months ago (22 February 2023), five personnel of the OTS assigned at the NAIA Terminal 2 were suspended after two videos of them went viral on social media, taking money from a transiting Thai tourist identified as Kitja Thabthim. The amount involved was 40,000 yen. A few days later, another screening officer was caught on CCTV stealing a watch of a Chinese passenger at the NAIA Terminal 1. Passenger Sun Yuhong complained that his watch was missing in his bag after he was screened by Valeriano Ricaplaza Jr., 31. Ricaplaza was later nabbed by members of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. Closed-circuit television footage at NAIA Terminal 1 reveals a female personnel from the OTS swallowing the $300 taken from a departing Chinese passenger in what appears to be an effort to get rid of the evidence after the passenger complained about losing his money shortly after his bag had passed through at the final security checkpoint. Records from the airport authorities, which identified the involved OTS personnel as a female SSO and stated that an x-ray operator and her supervisor also had a part to play in the incident, provided evidence to support this. The post OTS on fire anew as passenger loses $300 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OTS on fire anew as another theft incident uncovered at NAIA-1
As a video of two US-TSA screening officers taking things from bags in trays lined up at the x-ray machine went viral over the weekend, another theft incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 has been uncovered. A press release from the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) came out on Monday afternoon, confirming the incident involving one of their security screening officers (SSO) at NAIA. But the issue began circulating in social media group chats as early as last week. Notably, the press release was also issued after a member of the Airport Press Club (APC) confirmed with the OTS public information office that such information was true. The said release did not contain vital details of the incident, referring to when, where, and how the alleged theft happened. Information revealed that the incident happened as early as 8 September 2023 at the NAIA Terminal 1. After going through the final security check, a departing passenger who is a foreign national reportedly complained of having lost US$300 in cash and was creating a commotion about the incident. The alleged theft was reportedly committed by one of the OTS security screening officers at that time, a female, while the passenger was passing through the final security check at the said terminal. It can be recalled that six months ago 22 February 2023), five personnel of the OTS assigned at the NAIA Terminal 2 were suspended after two videos of them went viral on social media, as they were shown taking money from a transiting Thai tourist identified as Kitja Thabthim. The amount involved was 40,000 yen. A few days later, another screening officer was caught on CCTV stealing a watch of a Chinese passenger at the NAIA Terminal 1. Passenger Sun Yuhong complained that his watch was missing from his bag after he was screened by Valeriano Ricaplaza Jr., age 31. Ricaplaza was later nabbed by members of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group. The post OTS on fire anew as another theft incident uncovered at NAIA-1 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chinese county offers ‘cash reward’ for couples if bride is aged 25 or younger
The reward is to promote 'age-appropriate marriage and childbearing' for first marriages. It also includes a series of childcare, fertility, and education subsidies for couples who have children......»»
Evergrande plunges as HK trading resumes
Shares in troubled Chinese property giant Evergrande plummeted nearly 80 percent in Hong Kong on Monday after the end of a 17-month trading suspension. The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. is on holiday yesterday as the country marked National Heroes Day. The resumption of trading came after the company said in a filing on Friday that it had met guidelines set out by the bourse, including belatedly publishing its financial results and complying with other listing rules. Once China’s largest real estate firm, Evergrande defaulted in 2021 and is saddled with more than $300 billion in liabilities, becoming a symbol of the nationwide property crisis that many fear could spill over globally. 87% freefall Its shares plunged as much as 87 percent during morning trading, slashing its market value from a peak of more than $50 billion in 2017 to less than $600 million. It finished the day down 79.4 percent. The company on Sunday reported fresh losses for the first half of the year amounting to 33 billion yuan ($4.53 billion) — an improvement on the 66.4 billion yuan in losses reported in the same period last year. But its cash assets fell from $2 billion last year to $556 million, reflecting its dwindling liquidity. China’s property market “cooled down significantly” in the first six months of the year and saw new defaults in the sector, “further exacerbating the volatility in the market,” Evergrande said. “Based on the principles of respecting international restructuring practices and treating the rights and claims of all creditors in a fair and equitable manner, the Company steadily pushed forward the work related to the restructuring of its offshore debts,” the firm added. In March 2022, the Hong Kong stock exchange suspended trading in Evergrande shares after it failed to publish its 2021 financial results. Its earnings for 2021 and 2022 were published last month, showing a net loss of more than $113 billion over the two-year period. The company risked being delisted if its shares were suspended from trading for 18 months, according to Hong Kong stock exchange rules. Meetings delayed Evergrande was supposed to hold creditor meetings on Monday on its offshore debt restructuring proposal, but it announced in the afternoon the meetings were delayed — just hours before they were set to take place. The postponement of roughly one month will allow creditors to “consider, understand and evaluate” the plan, the company said in an exchange filing. The meetings will take place between 25 to 26 September, which the developer said was “in line” with the timetable creditors expected. Evergrande’s plan offers creditors a choice to swap their debt into new notes issued by the company and equities in two subsidiaries, Evergrande Property Services Group and Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group. Earlier this month, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, a measure to safeguard its US assets during its restructuring. The post Evergrande plunges as HK trading resumes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China developer Evergrande plunges as Hong Kong trading resumes
Shares in troubled Chinese property giant Evergrande plummeted nearly 80 percent in Hong Kong on Monday after the end of a 17-month trading suspension. The resumption of trading came after the company said in a filing on Friday that it had met guidelines set out by the bourse, including belatedly publishing its financial results and complying with other listing rules. Once China's largest real estate firm, Evergrande defaulted in 2021 and is saddled with more than $300 billion in liabilities, becoming a symbol of the nationwide property crisis that many fear could spill over globally. Its shares plunged as much as 87 percent during morning trading, slashing its market value from a peak of more than $50 billion in 2017 to less than $600 million. It finished the day down 79.4 percent. The company on Sunday reported fresh losses for the first half of the year amounting to 33 billion yuan ($4.53 billion) -- an improvement on the 66.4 billion yuan in losses reported in the same period last year. But its cash assets fell from $2 billion last year to $556 million, reflecting its dwindling liquidity. China's property market "cooled down significantly" in the first six months of the year and saw new defaults in the sector, "further exacerbating the volatility in the market", Evergrande said. "Based on the principles of respecting international restructuring practices and treating the rights and claims of all creditors in a fair and equitable manner, the Company steadily pushed forward the work related to the restructuring of its offshore debts," the firm added. In March 2022, the Hong Kong stock exchange suspended trading in Evergrande shares after it failed to publish its 2021 financial results. Its earnings for 2021 and 2022 were published last month, showing a net loss of more than $113 billion over the two-year period. The company risked being delisted if its shares were suspended from trading for 18 months, according to Hong Kong stock exchange rules. Creditor meetings delayed Evergrande was supposed to hold creditor meetings on Monday on its offshore debt restructuring proposal, but it announced in the afternoon the meetings were delayed -- just hours before they were set to take place. The postponement of roughly one month will allow creditors to "consider, understand and evaluate" the plan, the company said in an exchange filing. The meetings will take place between 25 and 26 September, which the developer said was "in line" with the timetable creditors expected. Evergrande's plan offers creditors a choice to swap their debt into new notes issued by the company and equities in two subsidiaries, Evergrande Property Services Group and Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group. Earlier this month, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States, a measure to safeguard its US assets during its restructuring. It is also fending off winding-up petitions in Hong Kong courts, with one case adjourning its hearing to October. China's real-estate sector has proven to be a stumbling block as the world's second-largest economy tries to break out of a post-Covid slump. Fellow Chinese property developer Country Garden now risks defaulting on its bond payments next month, with the company saying there are "major uncertainties in the redemption of corporate bonds". The post China developer Evergrande plunges as Hong Kong trading resumes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trader groups back barred MIAA execs
Business groups are backing top officials of the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority, or MIAA, after the Ombudsman ordered recently the termination of suspended general manager Cesar Chiong, and assistant general manager for finance and administration Irene Montalbo as a result of a complaint submitted by anonymous MIAA employees. A petition letter signed by nine groups vouched for Chiong and Montalbo as having “exhibited exemplary work as managers of the airport.” Among the signatories of the letter are the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Integrity Initiative Inc., Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Philippine Hotel Owners Association and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. Positive changes cited It added that under Chiong’s watch, MIAA made “substantial positive changes that have helped result, amongst much else, in the collection of long-outstanding receivables that have helped achieve a robust cash balance of P15 billion.” MIAA also posted a profit of P1.9 billion in 2022, which was a turnaround from the combined losses of P3.6 billion in 2020 and 2021. “They have implemented the mission entrusted to them by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to improve the national international airport and upgrade it to global standards,” according to the manifesto. Chiong had stated that he exercised his management prerogative to streamline operations, reduce losses, and improve finances at the premiere airport. “Rotation of key personnel is a routine vital internal control procedure of management that is applied to improve efficiency and ensure integrity. And has been done in the past without any problem,” he explained. “Dismissing Mr. Chiong and Ms. Montalbo for implementing what is a normal management practice may discourage other officials from employing this important tool to improve efficiency and fight corruption. It may send the wrong message that instituting reforms in government is hazardous to one’s career,” the letter added. The post Trader groups back barred MIAA execs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The lives and traditions of Davao City’s 11 ethnic groups
Considered to be the Philippines’ largest city in terms of land area, Davao City is a sprawling 2,444-square kilometer area that has a population of about 1.632,991 million people based on the 2015 census. Dabawenyos (meaning the residents of Davao City and not the ethnic group of the same name) which is how local residents of the city are called, are mostly Visayans. The rest of the population are lumads or indigenous people belonging to different ethnic groups, while massive immigration is a continuing trend since the start of the 20th century. Davao City boasts of unity in diversity among the city’s population including the 11 ethnic groups with respect for one’s culture and traditions. Dabawenyos, migrants, lumads, not to mention ethnic Americans, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Japanese, Indonesians and Malaysians co-exist in a city that is said to be one of the world’s safest cities. Let’s get to know these 11 ethnic communities, whose colorful and rich culture contributes to a vibrant and interesting metropolis, that is Davao City. [caption id="attachment_173319" align="aligncenter" width="948"] MERANAW - The Meranaw are said to have the best traditional clothes out of all Filipino ethnic groups. The name means “People of the Lake” and they are known to be brave. Historically, the Meranaw are believed to have offered sacrifices in defense of their homelands and to pay homage to Islam, their religion. Among those the ethnic group takes pride in is their rich literature which includes the chanted epic Darangen as well as their sophisticated wood and metal crafts expressed in their Torogan — a special house built for a Meranaw maiden — Okir, a design motif.| Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173320" align="aligncenter" width="1044"] Ata MANOBO — The Ata Manobo or “dwellers in highlands” are powerful people who appear to be a mixture of Negritos and other ethnicities in the area. As occupants of the headwaters of Davao, Tuganay and Libuganon rivers, the Ata Manobo depend primarily on hunting as their livelihood. They are thought to be sensitive and vindictive but can be easily pacified if handled with utmost diplomacy. | Photograph Courtesy Of Gerald Macfred Dillera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173321" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Kagan— The group’s name was derived from the word kaog which means “whisper.” The Kagan people are known as agriculturists—cultivating rice, corn, abaca and coconut for cash crops. Those who are living near the coasts practice fishing. They are Tagakaolo who have converted to Islam either through intermarriage or contact with the Maguindanaos. | Photograph Courtesy Of Fb.com/davao Group 6 B[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173322" align="aligncenter" width="1149"] Klata-guiangan — Klatas occupy a very small territory stretching from Catalunan to Calinan within Davao City. Their traditional population centers included Blao, Tagakpan, Dulian, Sirib, Gunalong and Tamugan. They are called the “forest dwellers.” | Photograph Courtesy Of Fb.com/kadayawan Festival[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173323" align="aligncenter" width="885"] Iranun — They are regarded as the fiercest pirates in Southeast Asia, adopting a typical maritime lifestyle of sea invaders. They attacked merchant shipping and coastal settlements in the Philippines, the straits of Malacca and the islands beyond Sulawesi. These days, they work as fishermen and long-distance traders. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173324" align="aligncenter" width="967"] Sama — The Sama people are described as peace-loving and cohesive people, thus putting so much value on togetherness. Their forebears are said to possess special powers having the supernatural ability to invite spirits called Jin to do things for them. Majority of the Sama people are mostly living in the Bunawan and other coastal areas in Davao City. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173325" align="aligncenter" width="1034"] Maguindanao — Their name means “people of the flood plain” and their traditional home range includes Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte. Outside these provinces, they are scattered around the three districts of Davao City and other nearby provinces like Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. Living mostly along the mouths of rivers, they impeded the Spanish colonizers’ efforts in bringing the other indigenous groups of Davao into the Christian fold. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173326" align="aligncenter" width="973"] OBO Monobo — The Obo Monobo are known for their intricate casting, fine weaponry and jewelry. For them, these things possess souls, as souls also possess animate objects. Obo oral tradition tells of Apo Sandawa’s journey from the north to Davao. Apo Sandawa’s point of entry in Davao was at Ulas. From Ulas, Apo Sandawa and family moved north towards the Talomo mountains, even reaching Mt. Sinaka. Apo Sandawa’s journey ended in Mt. Apo where he was buried. Apo Sandawa is considered the ancestor of the Obo. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173327" align="aligncenter" width="919"] Tausug — The Tausugs traditionally reside in the archipelago of Sulu. Their name means “people of the current,” and they are known for their courage and bravery. Loyalty is an important trait among the Tausugs. They practice the ritual of blood compact to signify the depth of their loyalty to one another. They are fierce and dangerous but the moment one befriends one of them, the bond will be enduring. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173328" align="aligncenter" width="903"] Matigsalog — A subgroup of the Manobo, the Matigsalog or “river people” are considered to be the most aboriginal inhabitants of Mindanao chiefly occupying the Agusan River valley in Compostella, from Malalag to Sarangani and between Cuabo and Cape San Agustin. In Davao City, they live mostly in the hinterlands of Marilog, Marahan or Paquibato. Their houses are built near the rivers, often on the forks of trees. Of Malay descent, the Matigsalog are of slight built but athletic. Their name is made up of two words Matig (place of origin) and Salug (river). They are regarded as one of Davao’s colorful ethnic groups. | Photograph Courtesy Of Wikicommons/nick Nichols Cc By 2.0[/caption] The post The lives and traditions of Davao City’s 11 ethnic groups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tulfo lambasts ‘moro-moro’, ‘hao-siao’ raid of POGO hub
Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday criticized the lack of coordination between law enforcement, immigration officers, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and labor agencies in addressing issues related to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. In a press briefing, Tulfo raised concerns about the raid recently conducted by authorities on a POGO hub named Xinchuang Network Technology Inc. or Hong Tai in Las Piñas City on 27 June, where about 2,714 workers were rescued. Of the total number of workers rescued, around 1,284 are foreign nationals, while 1,430 were Filipinos. Tulfo said an “undetermined” amount of cash and several firearms were seized by the raiding teams on the premises of the Hong Tai compound during the raid. Computers and phones were also seized for forensic examination to check if they were being used for illegal activities, such as crypto scams, love scams and other investment scams. However, 13 days after the raid, the police investigation on the POGO case remained “unclear”, said Tulfo, particularly the criminal liability of the people behind Xinchuang. Seven fugitives -- 4 Chinese nationals and 3 Taiwanese -- working for Xinchuang were caught and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation. But Tulfo said an investigation should first find out if these fugitives are guilty of human trafficking before they should be deported. “Cops are using the foreign nationals as milking cows by asking money from them in exchange for their freedom,” he said. The senator also blasted the move by authorities to immediately clear all 1,528 Filipino POGO workers and allow them to leave the premises in Las Piñas City “without undergoing the proper process of investigation” to determine whether they “are really victims or complicit to the crime.” Tulfo asked authorities if a "background check" has been conducted against the Filipino directors of Xinchuang, identified as Dianica Mensah, Oliver Ong, Divina Vidal, Dinalyn Vidal and Daisy Vidal Cidro. He said they “could all be guilty of crimes.” “Ginagawang gatasan lang ng mga awtoridad ang mga raid ng POGO hub kung saan napakaraming lapses at mishandling na nangyayari” (the raids on POGO hubs only serve as milking cows by the authorities with all the lapses and mishandling that happen), the senator stressed. “Nagkakatawaran pa bago matubos ang foreign nationals mula sa kustodiya ng mga pulis. Yung mga Pilipinong kasabwat naman sa kabulastugang ito, imbes na masampahan ng kaso sa korte, ay nabibigyan pa ng ayuda dahil pinalalabas na biktima! Kaya nagpasa ako ng Resolusyon sa Senado para mapatigil na itong moro-moro at hao-siao na raid na ito!" (Trade-offs happen before foreign nationals are released from police custody. The Filipinos in cahoots, meanwhile, instead of being charged in court, end up as victims! That's why I passed a Senate resolution to look into and stop these sham raids), he added. Tulfo underscored the need to assess the effectiveness of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation in fulfilling its regulatory mandate, as well as ensuring proper coordination with other concerned agencies and protecting the rights and welfare of POGO workers. The post Tulfo lambasts ‘moro-moro’, ‘hao-siao’ raid of POGO hub appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NBA Draft prodigy Wembanyama set for commercial bonanza
Victor Wembanyama is only 19 and has not played a minute in an NBA jersey but the French teenager is poised to land an array of lucrative deals likely to make him one of the most commercially successful athletes in history. Wembanyama will take center stage at the NBA Draft in Brooklyn on Thursday when the gifted 7ft 4in (2.24m) center widely viewed as a once-in-a-generation basketball talent is set to be chosen with the number one pick by the San Antonio Spurs. Already, Wembanyama is being tipped to potentially land an improved $100 million contract with US sporting goods behemoth Nike, eclipsing the $90 million offered to LeBron James when he entered the league in 2003. If the $100 million figure comes to fruition, it would be the biggest contract ever handed to a player who has not yet played in the NBA. Sonny Vaccaro, the legendary 83-year-old marketing executive who signed Michael Jordan to Nike and Kobe Bryant to Adidas, believes Wembanyama's unique talent could command "historic" riches. "This is unique. But a deserved unique," Vaccaro told AFP. "In my lifetime of evaluating and making financial prices for athletes, I've never seen anything like it. This kid will make history." Nike, which already has a deal with Wembanyama, has hinted at its strategy to make the Frenchman a global superstar. "Think (Victor Wembanyama) will change basketball? Think bigger," Nike wrote in a social media post after this year's draft order was revealed last month. Wembanyama's mammoth Nike deal will likely be the first of many, according to Steve Rosner of 16W Marketing, who predicts multi-million dollar deals in areas such as trading cards and other derivative products. Unique endorser "Victor is going to be one of those guys that are going to be able to have a nice endorsement portfolio before he ever plays a second in the NBA," Rosner said. "Because of all the promotion and the hype coming up leading up to this, he'll be a unique endorser as well, as far as being able to have these deals in place before he steps on an NBA court." In decades gone by, such a commercial bonanza for a foreign NBA player would have been unthinkable. Overseas stars such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Dirk Nowitzki, and Pau Gasol aroused little interest among sponsors. "Madison Avenue prefers an American guy," consultant Marty Blackman remarked in 1995 when commenting on how Olajuwon had failed to earn the sort of endorsement deals enjoyed by American players despite leading Houston to a second straight NBA championship. Victor Matheson, a professor at Holy Cross University, says that began to change in 2002 when China's Yao Ming entered the league. "Yao Ming was important, because not only was he a big name within the US, but he really opened up the Chinese market to the NBA as well," Matheson said. Today, the NBA's overseas fan base is larger than the entire population of the United States. According to Forbes magazine, Giannis Antetokounmpo, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and an NBA champion in 2021, earns more in off-court deals -- $45 million – than the salary paid to him by the Milwaukee Bucks of $42 million. "Victor can open up new markets," Matheson said. Rosner said Wembanyama's international profile is also likely to make him an attractive pitchman for multinationals such as Coca-Cola, McDonald's or Visa, who all signed deals with Yao. A world game now Twenty years ago, playing for a small-market NBA team such as San Antonio could have potentially diminished Wembanyama's commercial appeal. However, Vaccaro believes the global reach of the NBA and the rise of streaming and social networks have changed the dynamic. "It's a world game now, so it doesn't matter really," said Vaccaro. It may take time for Wembanyama to fully maximize his earning potential, though. The French prodigy and his entourage are in no hurry to cash in immediately. Wembanyama's agent, Bouna Ndiaye, who has represented numerous French NBA stars such as Rudy Gobert, Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier, says the priority is basketball. "What we're trying to do, first of all, is make Victor rare," Ndiaye told ESPN. "We don't want him all over the place. We don't want to have 20 partners," Ndiaye said. "Victor is rejecting some rich, million-dollar deals right now because he wants to focus on basketball." Commercial partners, meanwhile, may also be reluctant to "give away the entire company to a player who actually hasn't played a single minute in the NBA", Matheson said. "I suspect they're going to be looking for a little bit more." Rosner, however, believes that if Wembanyama delivers on the court, commercial deals will be a formality. "Once he does everything on the court, then everything off the court will follow," Rosner said. Matheson echoed that position, stating that ultimately Wembanyama's fortune will be maximized through his achievements on the hardwood. "The reason that Jordan has become a billionaire is not that he signed one good deal but because his play over almost two decades meant that he could re-sign that deal and re-sign that deal and re-sign that deal," Matheson said. "In order to make LeBron James or Michael Jordan sort of money, it's not about signing that first deal. It's about showing what you can do actually on the court." The post NBA Draft prodigy Wembanyama set for commercial bonanza appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US averts first-ever default with 11th-hour debt deal
US senators voted to suspend the federal debt limit Thursday, capping weeks of fraught negotiations to eliminate the threat of a disastrous credit default just four days ahead of the deadline set by the Treasury. Economists had warned the country could run out of money to pay its bills by Monday -- leaving almost no room for delays in enacting the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which extends the government's borrowing authority through 2024 while trimming federal spending. Hammered out between Democratic President Joe Biden and the Republicans, the measure passed the Senate with a comfortable majority of 63 votes to 36 a day after it had sailed through the House of Representatives. "No one gets everything they want in a negotiation, but make no mistake: this bipartisan agreement is a big win for our economy and the American people," Biden said in a statement posted to social media. He said he would sign the bill "as soon as possible" and address the nation Friday. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer added that the nation could "breathe a sigh of relief" after avoiding a "catastrophic" economic collapse. "But, for all the ups and downs and twists and turns it took to get here, it is so good for this country that both parties have come together at last to avoid default," he said. The bill -- which now heads to Biden's desk to be signed into law -- ended a day of intense back-and-forth between party leaders and rank-and-file members who had threatened the bill's quick passage with last-minute gripes about the details. Democratic leaders had spent months underlining the havoc that a first default in history would have wrought, including the loss of millions of jobs and $15 trillion in household wealth, as well as increased costs for mortgages and other borrowings. 'Behind the eight ball' The late evening drama came after a series of failed ballots on amendments sought mainly by Republicans who were threatening at one point to hold up the process, dragging it deep into the weekend. Senators elected to offer 11 tweaks to the 99-page text, many objecting to funding levels for their pet projects -- from border control and Chinese trade to taxation and the environment -- and each requiring a vote. Defense hawks upset at Pentagon spending being capped at Biden's budget request of $886 billion threatened at one point to derail the bill's passage entirely. In the end, they fell in line after being offered a commitment to a separate bill providing cash for Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion, and promoting US national security interests in the Middle East and in the face of Chinese aggression against Taiwan. "As currently written, this bill puts our military behind the eight ball... The first and most important dollars we allocate each year in the budget are those to protect and defend the United States and our interests," said South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham. America spends more money than it collects through taxation, so it borrows money via the issuing of government bonds, seen as among the world's most reliable investments. Around 80 years ago, lawmakers introduced a limit on how much federal debt could be accrued. Politically toxic The ceiling has been raised more than 100 times since to allow the government to meet its spending commitments -- usually without drama and with the support of Democrats and Republicans -- and stands at around $31.5 trillion. Both parties see raising the debt limit as politically toxic, although they acknowledge that failure to do so would plunge the US economy into a depression and roil world markets as the government missed debt repayments. Republicans hoped to weaponize the extension to campaign against what they see as Democratic overspending ahead of the 2024 presidential election, although hikes in the debt ceiling only cover commitments already made by both parties. Kevin McCarthy, the top lawmaker in the Republican-led House, had touted the bill he spent weeks negotiating as a big victory for conservatives, although he faced a backlash from hardliners on the right who said he made too many concessions on spending cuts. He fell one short of the 150 votes -- two-thirds of his caucus -- he had promised to deliver in the lower chamber as he fought to quell a right-wing rebellion, and needed Democratic help to advance the bill to the Senate. On the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, the vote was being touted as a major victory for Biden, who managed to protect almost all of his domestic priorities from deep cuts threatened by Republicans. "This legislation protects the full faith and credit of the United States and preserves our financial leadership, which is critical to our economic growth and stability," said US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The post US averts first-ever default with 11th-hour debt deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Semirara pivots to Japan, cuts reliance on waning Chinese market
To lessen dependency on the slowing Chinese market, Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, or SMPC is now looking at Japan as a new destination in the region where it can shift and grow its coal shipments. The integrated energy company on Thursday disclosed that it will export another 50,000 metric tons or MT of Semirara coal to Shikoku Electric Power Corporation for its 700-megawatt coal-fired ultra-supercritical power station. SMPC first made a trial shipment to Japan last January, selling 78,410 MT of mid-grade coal to J-Power — a utility company that operates coal, hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power stations. “China is still our main foreign buyer, but with their industrial output growing slower than expected, we want to develop other Asian markets like Japan,” SMPC president and COO Maria Cristina C. Gotianun said in a stock report. During the first quarter of the year, Semirara coal shipments to China plunged by 50 percent from 2.2 million MT to 1.1 million MT. The export to China accounted for 72 percent of the company’s total international shipments. Meanwhile, South Korea remained a steady market at 300,000 MT, representing one-fifth of export sales. Five percent of the total exports went to Japan and three percent went to Brunei. “For 2023, we are targeting to export around 30 percent of our full-year sales target of 15 to 16 million MT,” Gotianun noted. SMPC’s January to March standalone coal revenues dropped by 40 percent to P15.5 billion from P25.7 billion due to the high base effect of record production, shipments, and selling prices. Standalone reported net income, on the hand, went down by 51 percent to P7 billion from P14.2 billion due to the weak topline and slower decline in cash costs. The post Semirara pivots to Japan, cuts reliance on waning Chinese market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Revenue streams
Teachers in many countries, including the developed ones, are resorting to strikes to force the government to increase their wages. They complain that their current salary is no longer enough to cover the rising cost of living due to high inflation. A major teachers union in the United Kingdom plan to stage a walkout next month and July if an ongoing pay hike negotiation doesn’t conclude in their favor. Other teachers groups in the country are also planning strikes in autumn if their similar demand for salary raise is ignored. The unions were not satisfied with the 4.3 percent salary increase, which translates to £30,000 (P2 million) per academic year, offered by the government. Other teachers are switching to jobs that pay higher wages. A kindergarten teacher from Wuhan, China has resigned and became a full-time vlogger after earning so much in one of her classroom videos that went viral in Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. In the viral video of the teacher with the surname Huang, she is singing the Chinese nursery rhyme “Planting Flowers in the Garden” live. The video received over 100 million views, the Malaysian news outlet Oriental Daily reported. Many viewers flooded Huang with cash gifts amounting to more than her 3,000 yuan (P23,000) salary as a teacher. In the Philippines, the minimum wage of a public school teacher is P27,000. Huang’s live streaming earnings were 16 times that. Her cash earnings were also greater than American teachers’ minimum salary of $33,000 (P1.8 million) per academic year and British teachers’ pay of 30,000 pounds (P2 million) per school year. Huang herself was shocked to receive 450,000 yuan (P3.5 million) in cash gifts from viewers. “I’m so happy, I live streamed for a day and earned more than 10 years’ worth of my salary. Thank you, everyone,” Huang told her viewers, according to Oriental Daily. The post Revenue streams appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Fake’ recruiters face human trafficking raps
Six Filipinos have filed human trafficking charges against their recruiters at the Department of Justice, who they say forced them to work as cryptocurrency scammers in Myanmar and Thailand. The Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking said the victims were recruited online to work as customer service representatives in Thailand by three Filipinos and a Chinese national. However, they were instead brought to Myanmar and forced to work for a cryptocurrency scam. The victims said they were locked in separate rooms, their passports and cellphones were confiscated, and they were subjected to physical harm and starvation. They were also told that they would have to pay $7,000 each in cash to be allowed to return to the Philippines. “They were locked out in separate rooms, their passports and cellphones confiscated, subjected to physical harm by hitting their buttocks and lower legs, hogtied, and starved,” the IACAT said. The IACAT is investigating the case and has warned the public to be wary of online job offers abroad. The victims were eventually able to contact their families and raise the money to pay their ransom. They were then released and returned to the Philippines. According to the council, the complaints of the victimized Filipinos were filed last 15 May. “The six victims were assisted by Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center and the DoJ-IACAT in filing a complaint against their recruiters — three Filipinos and a Chinese — for violation of Republic Act 9208 or Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), as amended by Republic Act 10364, the expanded anti-trafficking law. The IACAT is investigating the case and has warned the public to be wary of online job offers abroad. The council also urged people to report any information about human trafficking to the authorities. “We advise to check the legitimacy of the job offer abroad and the recruitment agency with the Department of Migrant Workers to avoid becoming victims of human trafficking,” the IACAT said. The post ‘Fake’ recruiters face human trafficking raps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vino Kulafu launches Kusog Kulafu Instant Pangkabuhayan Promo
Vino Kulafu, the no. 1 Chinese wine in the country, launches “Kusog Kulafu Instant Pangkabuhayan Promo” as a way of giving back to its loyal consumers. Starting March 15 up to May 31, 2021, lucky consumers may get a chance to win motorcycles and cash prizes of P30,000 and P100,000. Other prizes that are up […] The post Vino Kulafu launches Kusog Kulafu Instant Pangkabuhayan Promo appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Stocks drop to end 5-day rally; JG Summit retreats
Stocks retreated Thursday ahead of the Chinese New Year Friday to snap a five-day rally, after investors opted to cash in on recent gains......»»
Chinese embassy donates cash, PPEs to Philippine medical frontliners
MANILA, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in the Philippines on Friday donated 1 million pesos (20,519 U.S. dollars) in cash and some personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the Philippine me.....»»