Clark bubble a challenge and opportunity
The Clark bubble came from an idea ventilated by NLEX coach Yeng Guiao. And the concept will become a reality when the PBA restarts its 45th season on October 11......»»
NCC hailed as model Smart City
With its best practices centered on improving its future residents’ health and well-being, and promoting smart city features, New Clark City, or NCC, was recently hailed by SCI-Japan, a private sector-led, non-profit organization founded by think tank Mitsubishi UFJ Research & Consulting as a model Smart City. Aside from SCI-Japan, media organization Nikkei, in a forum dubbed “Challenge of Japan’s Smart City Initiative Improving Citizen’s Well-being” cited New Clark City for introducing some of the best practices by utilizing well-being indicators for policy design toward sustainable smart city business. “This forum’s key element is how smart cities should be people-centric, which is at the core of the development concept of New Clark City, making it a model on how cities of the future across the world should be planned and developed,” said Hideki Okada, executive director of Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport & Urban Development. A model for future cities From accelerating smart utilities and sustainable infrastructure to conserving biodiversity, Okada highlighted in his presentation what makes New Clark City development a model for future cities. “Since 2016, JOIN, together with our integral partners BCDA and Surbana Jurong, has been involved in the development of New Clark City into a sustainable metropolis for all. And with this forum, we hope to propel more collaborations with the BCDA in the development not just of New Clark City, but the whole of Clark,” Okada added. In 2018, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority JOIN tapped Surbana Jurong of Singapore for the development of New Clark City. Surbana Jurong has been helping BCDA and JOIN with the detailed design standards and guidelines for New Clark City, which includes its detailed urban and infrastructure design and the Public-Private Partnership framework for the provision of utility services such as water and power. For BCDA President and chief executive officer engineer Joshua Bingcang, the state-run organization is putting the well-being and quality of life at the heart of the development of New Clark City. Rising metropolis He added that BCDA is ensuring that the rising metropolis will improve the quality of life of its citizens by utilizing digital technologies and partnering with global experts in creating smart city solutions. “Our vision for the Philippines’ model for sustainable and inclusive cities, New Clark City in Tarlac, will not be possible without JOIN. Along with other global experts, JOIN helped us with the creation of the master plan for New Clark City,” Bingcang said in a video message. Strict open green space Following global standards, New Clark City instituted a strict open green space to the buildable ratio of 60:40, where 60 percent of the area is green, while the remaining 40 percent is buildable. BCDA also makes sure all of the utilities in New Clark City are prescribed to be green and sustainable. In February 2023, BCDA and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization of Japan inked a memorandum of understanding for a three-year demonstration project on smart mobility solutions to be implemented in New Clark City and Clark. This will be executed by a group nominated by NEDO, led by Zenmov Inc., a Japan-based information technology solutions provider specializing in the transportation sector, to measure and verify the effectiveness of a transport service system that operates via a cloud-based technology platform. Under the New Clark City master plan, 1.2 million people will live sustainably and inclusively in the metropolis, while the projected employment is over 600,000 workers. The post NCC hailed as model Smart City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BURNING RUBBER
Clark International Speedway in Pampanga is still cooling down after the adrenaline-fueled weekend that marked the return of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup. Last weekend, the racetrack was once again set ablaze with action, as the longest-running premier one-make-race series of Toyota Motor Philippines kicked off its 2023 season. This year's TGR Vios Cup kicked off with a twist that has redefined the classic Circuit Championship format. [caption id="attachment_155577" align="aligncenter" width="525"] MICHAEL Keilani Jordan currently sits at 5th overall after the first leg[/caption] For the first time in its history, the series included an endurance racing event in its third leg, marking an evolution in the level of challenge and excitement for racers and spectators alike. The opening round was a spectacle of skill and speed, as both seasoned and new racers took to the track. After three races, Russell Cabrera of Toyota Team Cebu currently leads the Sporting and Promotional Class, followed by Maila Avila of JBT Racing/Toyota Isabela and Ben Corpino of Obengers Racing Team. In the premiere Super Sporting Class, Gerard Loy of R Racing Team went on an assault to take this leg’s lead, ahead of JD Motorsports-Ribbon Arc’s John Dizon and Red Diwa of JBT Racing/Toyota Isabela. Notably, actor Enzo Pineda, a Vios Cup Autocross alumnus, made his debut in the Circuit Promotional Class under Team Toyota Gazoo Racing PH and currently sits at 13th overall. Meanwhile, the Super Sporting Class saw the return of veteran racer Troy Montero, who sits at 8th overall after the first leg. [caption id="attachment_155578" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CHRIS Gleeson edges Julia delos Angeles during the action-packed race.[/caption] In addition to the circuit racing, the Autocross Challenge also made a comeback this year, featuring a roster of social media personalities, including Macoy Dubs, Genesis Redido, Ezra Domingo and Apple David. Former Autocross racers, Reph Bangsil and model Arianne Bautista, as well as beauty queens Carla Lizardo and Megan Young, graced the track. The 2023 Autocross lineup was completed by previous season champ Migy Romulo, and 2022 favorites Benedict Cua, Bianca Yao and Lexi Mendiola. In the Autocross Challenge Promotional Influencers Class, Bianca Yao leads after the first leg ahead of Arianne Bautista and Apple David. The Sporting Influencers Class, meanwhile, saw Miguel Romulo take first place ahead of Lexi Mendiola and Reph Bangsil. In the Promotional Media Class, Patricia Tenorio came out on top, winning over Cesar Miguel and Riz Javier. Siegwald Go took first in the Sporting Media Class ahead of Justin Young and John Rey San Diego. The TGR Vios Cup has long been a significant platform for promoting motorsports in the Philippines, and this year's event was no exception. Since its inception in 2014, the series has not only fostered a love for racing but has also inspired new generations of drivers, shining a spotlight on local talent, and bringing motorsport to a broader audience. The event was open to all, and for those unable to be there in person, the exhilarating action was streamed live on the official Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines Facebook page. Beyond the on-track action, the event also offered the full Toyota Gazoo Racing experience. Attendees were treated to a display of various Toyota GR cars, the chance to try out the TGR GT Cup racing rigs, and a host of activities and prize-winning opportunities from TMP and TGR Vios Cup sponsors. The event was organized in cooperation with Bridgestone and Petron, with further support from sponsors including Denso, 3M, AVT, ROTA, OMP, Tuason Racing, myToyota Wallet and Kinto One. The opening event of the 2023 TGR Vios Cup season proved once again that the series is more than just a race. It's a beacon of inspiration for aspiring racers, a testament to the spirit of motorsport, and a celebration of talent both old and new. The thrilling spectacle we witnessed on Saturday is a promising sign of what's to come in the rest of the season, as the TGR Vios Cup continues to fuel the growth of motorsports in the Philippines. The post BURNING RUBBER appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Seaoil Radical Challenge fires off
The second season of the fastest race car series in the Philippines, the 2023 Seaoil Radical Challenge Philippines, is set to unfold this July. For the second year running, Radical Cars Philippines, in collaboration with official fuel partner, Seaoil Philippines, is revving up the engines and preparing to burn some rubber on the asphalt. A total of five pulse-pounding events are on the docket for this year's championship, starting at the Clark International Speedway. As a much-anticipated curtain-raiser, the event is set to pave the way for a heated season. The series will then cruise its way to the Batangas Racing Circuit in September before heading back to CIS for back-to-back rounds in October and November. The climactic finish of the season is planned with a grueling two-hour endurance race on 25 November, promising a spectacle that will test the mettle of even the most hardened racers. It's worth noting that the series, now officially recognized as a National-level championship by the Automobile Association Philippines, boasts a formidable grid of 10 Radical SR1s. The SR1 is a marvel of engineering, featuring a carbon-steel space frame chassis enveloped by a lightweight, high-downforce fiberglass body. With a mid-mounted 182 bhp RPE 1340cc racing-spec engine powering the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. This race car exemplifies simplicity and lightness, offering an unrivaled driving experience while promoting cost-effective racing. The drivers taking part in the series come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from spirited rookies and amateur gentleman drivers to seasoned professionals. This dynamic melting pot of talent and experience is guaranteed to produce a season replete with nail-biting moments and breathtaking finishes. Seaoil Philippines, the country's premier independent fuel provider, reaffirms its commitment to the sport by returning as the championship's title partner and official fuel supplier. The firm's top-tier Extreme 97 Octane fuel is the approved choice, ensuring peak performance on the track. Further demonstrating its unwavering support, Seaoil Philippines has also agreed to a new three-year deal with Radical Cars Philippines, set to supercharge the championship through to 2025. Edward Cruz, Seaoil Philippines Inc.'s Head of B2C Segment Marketing, expressed his excitement about their continued partnership. "Seaoil’s world-class Extreme 97 Octane fuel will once again power the fastest racing series in the country. We will continue providing the same brand of ‘Alagang SEAOIL’ on the track, as we have been giving to every Filipino motorist who fills up in our stations. This exciting partnership with Radical exemplifies Seaoil’s commitment in championing Philippine motorsports and fostering a culture of high-performance excellence." Cruz's sentiments echoed the thrill of the previous season, where records were shattered, fastest laps achieved, and limits breached on the track. With the partnership's renewal, Radical Challenge Philippines is set to break even more records and propel racing to even loftier heights. Marlon Stockinger, Radical Cars Philippines Motorsports Director, praised the partnership, "Our goal is to be here long term, and Seaoil shares that value as we continue to work together for the next three years, solidifying Radical Challenge Philippines as the stepping stone for racing drivers in the Philippines." The format for each round follows a three-day structure of Free Practice on Friday, Qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday, culminating with Race 2 and 3 on Sunday. Each sprint race has an intense start-to-finish span of 30 minutes. A new feature for this season is a 2-hour endurance race, an exciting addition that promises multiple driver changes and pit stops, adding another layer of unpredictability and challenge to the already thrilling The post Seaoil Radical Challenge fires off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chasing rainbows, case of GOCCs
Government-owned or controlled corporations are classified as public enterprises but have not built an image of passing the test of economic viability — the underlying reason for their creation. Not few have closed shops, gone bankrupt, were abolished or merged, bailed out, privatized. If the government has to be run like a business, why parcel out state-owned enterprises that are already into investment for value maximization or other profit-oriented undertakings? Theoretically, the mandatory transfer or farming out of capital assets from Large Bank A, Large Bank B, State-Run Casinos/Lotteries, Government Financial Institutions, or GFIs to put their wealth together sans airtight guarantee that the awesome sums of money will generate a profit of unsurpassed proportion — sounds like skating on thin ice. Even worse, the use of the money as bait to lure foreign investments as if the government has a deep reservoir of capital accumulation and on a sustained basis is a mere bubble somewhat mimicking the Chinese style of “shadow banking.” At ground level, the promise of a grand payoff is too good to be true. It should be recalled with caution that then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. introduced this “SOE economy” and even rose to prominence when he declared martial law in 1972. In 1970, we only have 65 SOEs but the same grew to 303 in 1985 (source: understated report) and breached 604 as of August 2010. Is this not a repeat of history when this time around, the young Marcos will do an old Marcos as if to follow a trick in the playbook? Martial law opened the door for the then-president to “commandeer” with the semblance of lawful authority even private enterprises in the guise of national interest and run these utilities or industries to rake revenues. Note further that in 2009, SOEs’ assets totaled $125 billion which exceeded the national government’s assets of 65 billion US dollars. Is it the same case today that the total assets of SOEs or GOCCs are about double that of the national government’s assets? As available factual data stand, it should be noted that in 2020 or during the administration of then-President Rodrigo Duterte, the total national budget is pegged at P4.1 trillion while the total assets of all GOCCS amounted to P10.3 trillion although only 31 or less than a third of the Philippines’ 108 government-owned or controlled corporations accounted for P9. 37 trillion. To quickly draw the positive implication of these figures, it simply means that if from the GOCCs’ total assets, it will have to finance the national budget, it will still have 60 percent in remaining assets sustainable enough to generate another quantum of annual revenues. The matter of a Maharlika Investment Fund is a linguistic game in that they define it as a sovereign wealth fund even when there is no surplus value to really speak of. In fact, the increase in the number of agencies not to mention administrative expenditure and the extension of their autonomy has significantly changed the organizational architecture of governments; in this case, another created corporation manages and operationalizes its financial affairs. The fact that they plan to lure private investments, domestic or foreign, has it not become privatized in principle and therefore its affairs should be left to market forces? No wonder then that a former Treasurer has argued, viz: “In particular, the issue of privatization of GOCCs brings to the fore the intermeshing interests of public and private sector groups, transnational corporations and the World Bank-International Monetary Fund group. The challenge, therefore, is to make GOCCs a truly public sector.” We can begin to ask what kind of creature the MIF has become and for whose interests? What is the bottom line where motives that push the creation of GOCCs are either overt or covert? Doesn’t the latter subvert the “development” objectives of GOCCs, convert them into instruments for the transfer of public resources to private hands?” Crony capitalism? The post Chasing rainbows, case of GOCCs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating bikes with Tour de McDo
After the success of its first Tour de McDo, McDonald’s Philippines hosts its second community bike ride in celebration of World Bicycle Day. The latest ride brought together several cycling communities and personalities simultaneously in three key areas across the country — Pampanga, Intramuros and Tagaytay. Tour de McDo is a multiple-stage bike challenge introduced under McDonald’s Green and Good campaign — the QSR giant’s initiative to do better for the environment by implementing sustainable and alternative solutions in their restaurants and operations. Through Tour de McDo, McDonald’s encourages its customers to explore a healthier lifestyle for themselves and the environment, while also highlighting various scenic cycling routes passing through McDonald’s stores equipped with bike-friendly features. Earlier this year, Tour de McDo’s first round highlighted McDonald’s fifth flagship Green and Good store — the McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa branch. McDonald’s Nuvali, the QSR giant’s 700th store nationwide, boasts of bike-friendly features, utility-efficient solutions and green building solutions. Aside from its sustainable restaurant innovations, the strategic location of the store makes it an ideal stop for the strong cycling community in Nuvali. Three new scenic routes The sophomore ride now features three new scenic routes to cater to the different levels of cycling: Intramuros, Manila for the beginner route (20km); Clark, Pampanga for the intermediate route (34km); and Tagaytay for the advanced route (48km). Almost 100 participants joined the event and received Tour de McDo kits, which include an exclusive Tour de McDo Dri Fit shirt, Tour de McDo limited-edition stickers, and a McDonald’s breakfast meal, all for free. “For a long time, our McDonald’s stores have played an integral role in many bike rides as a stopover or pit stop. This has allowed us to find more ways to bring together the interests of our customers and care for the planet, under our Green and Good campaign. By promoting sustainable active mobility through Tour de McDo, we hope to encourage more people to get on a bike, so we can collectively do our part in lessening CO2 emissions,” shared McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO Kenneth S. Yang. McDonald’s stores featured in the various routes were McDonald’s Quirino Mabini, McDonald’s Clark CM Recto Pampanga, McDonald’s Porac Pampanga, McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, and McDonald’s Delos Reyes, Tagaytay all offering bike-friendly features such as a Bike & Dine facility, so that cyclists can dine in while their bikes are kept safe. The stores also opened dedicated Bike Repair Stations offering free use of tools for any basic repairs. The post Celebrating bikes with Tour de McDo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating World Bicycle Day with Tour De McDo
After the success of its first Tour de McDo, McDonald’s Philippines hosts its second community bike ride in celebration of World Bicycle Day. The latest ride brought together several cycling communities and personalities simultaneously in three key areas across the country – Pampanga, Intramuros, and Tagaytay. Tour de McDo is a multiple-stage bike challenge introduced under McDonald’s Green and Good campaign – the QSR giant’s initiative to do better for the environment by implementing sustainable and alternative solutions in their restaurants and operations. Through Tour de McDo, McDonald’s encourages its customers to explore a healthier lifestyle for themselves and the environment, while also highlighting various scenic cycling routes that pass through McDonald’s stores equipped with bike-friendly features. Earlier this year, Tour de McDo’s first round highlighted McDonald’s fifth flagship Green and Good store–the McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa branch. McDonald’s Nuvali, the QSR giant’s 700th store nationwide, boasts its bike-friendly features, utility-efficient solutions, and green building solutions. Aside from its sustainable restaurant innovations, the strategic location of the store makes it an ideal stop for the strong cycling community in Nuvali. The sophomore ride now features three new scenic routes to cater to the different levels of cycling: Manila, Intramuros for the beginner route (20KM), Clark, Pampanga for the intermediate route (34KM), and Tagaytay for the advanced route (48KM). Almost 100 participants joined the event and received Tour de McDo kits, which include an exclusive Tour de McDo Dri Fit shirt, Tour de McDo limited-edition stickers, and a McDonald’s breakfast meal, all for free. “For a long time, our McDonald’s stores have played an integral role in many bike rides as a stopover or pit stop. This allowed us to find more ways to bring together the interests of our customers and care for the planet, under our Green and Good campaign. By promoting sustainable active mobility through Tour de McDo, we hope to encourage more people to get on a bike, so we can collectively do our part in lessening CO2 emissions,” shared McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO Kenneth S. Yang. McDonald’s stores featured in the various routes were: McDonald’s Quirino Mabini, McDonald’s Clark CM Recto Pampanga, McDonald’s Porac Pampanga, McDonald’s Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, and McDonald’s Delos Reyes, Tagaytay all offer bike-friendly features such as a Bike & Dine facility, so that cyclists can dine in with the safety of their bikes. The stores also opened dedicated Bike Repair Stations that offer free use of tools for any basic repairs. Cyclists Meal for weekend bike rides Extending the celebration of World Bicycle Day throughout the month, McDonald’s Philippines introduces its Cyclists Meal, a special McDonald’s App offer available for all weekends of June 2023. Cyclists who go on weekend rides can pass by any McDonald’s store and present the Cyclists Meal voucher on the McDonald’s app to get a Cheesy Eggdesal with Sausage and a Medium McCafe Iced Coffee Original for only 99 pesos. The McDonald’s Promo App is available to download for free on the Google Play store for Android users and the Apple App store for iOS users. To stay updated for the next Tour de McDo and other cycling-related initiatives, follow McDonald’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The post Celebrating World Bicycle Day with Tour De McDo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clark Freeport Zone ready for business
With big-scale events in full swing once, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga is ready to host various MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events with essential infrastructures, from transportation to recreational facilities, already in place to accommodate local and international guests. Supporting Clark Freeport Zone’s business tourism initiatives is Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City, the only leisure township in Central Luzon well-equipped with top-notch amenities to ensure personal and business travelers’ stay is as convenient and relaxing as possible. Strategically located at the heart of Clark Freeport Zone, Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City is a two-hour drive from Manila via NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX and a short eight-minute drive from Clark International Airport. Access by sea is possible through the Subic Freeport Zone, while public transportation is available through Mabalacat Regional Bus Terminal. Meanwhile, guests from major cities such as Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul can have three- to five-hour direct flights. Additionally, the new state-of-the-art Clark International Airport can accommodate eight million passengers annually and is equipped with the latest technologies to make travel easier. The North-South Commuter Railway, once completed, will also help reduce travel time from Clark to Metro Manila to less than an hour. Award-winning amenities Filinvest Mimosa+ is a leading MICE destination in Central Luzon, providing award-winning amenities catering to various business events. At the heart of the property is Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, which received the 2021 Sports Tourism Awards Hotel of the Year for hosting the PBA & Asian Cup Qualifiers’ bubble in 2020 and 2021. It offers the Magellan Ballroom, a 2022 ASEAN MICE Venues Tourism Awardee that can accommodate up to 550 guests. Aside from the renowned venue, Quest Plus Conference Center Clark also offers 304 rooms and luxurious grand villas, four multiple meeting rooms, and two Hilltop Convention Rooms. Mimosa+ also offers a diverse range of dining and entertainment options for guests. Food enthusiasts can relish the culinary delights of Mequeni Live, Mequeni Lounge and Charley’s Bar. Additionally, they can explore the breathtaking 128-hectare Mimosa Plus Golf Course, recently awarded Best Golf Course in the Philippines at the World Golf Awards 2022. This golf course now boasts two 18-hole courses — the Mountainview, known for its challenging terrain, and the Acacia Lakeview, renowned for its stunning scenery. The newly-furbished Mimosa Plus Golf Course Clubhouse has also added amenities such as the Mimosa Plus Golf simulators to help golfers practice their swing. Afterward, they can proceed to the recently opened Baker J Café, the new go-to café for French cuisine. The ideal destination for large-scale events The outstanding features found within Filinvest Mimosa+ allow guests to enjoy many fitness and recreational activities. They can utilize the property’s vast open spaces by running quickly or biking around Acacia Park, which features tree-lined biking and jogging lanes, a pavilion and seating areas. The enormous green landscapes of Acacia Open Grounds are available for recreational activities, perfect for families and friends. It houses fun and creative installations where some of the biggest cycling and leisure events were held. This includes the Philippine Cycling Festival Fun Ride, the Tri-Factor Duathlon, Titan 77.7 Philippines, and the Clark City Marathon. It also recently hosted The Bull Runner Dream Marathon and the two-day Philippine Cycling Festival 2023, an annual cycling event with more than 3000 participants. Soon, the Mimosa Basketball Court will be transformed into a multi-purpose court that can cater to sports such as Basketball, Volleyball, and Badminton. [caption id="attachment_134421" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Without a doubt, Filinvest Mimosa+ is a vibrant live-work-play township.[/caption] Thriving live-work-play township Complementing this well-balanced nature landscape, Filinvest Mimosa+ offers other developments worth visiting for investment and retail opportunities. The state-of-the-art WorkPlus, which already has four completed buildings and one more underway, offers business spaces conducive to growth and work-life balance. The Crib, a co-living residential area for the contemporary, has two available buildings for leasing and is set to launch two more buildings. There is also the Mimosa+ Retail Strip, a lifestyle and recreational strip that will soon open with various high-end retail and dining options, open for leisure and sports facilities partnerships. For residents looking to relocate to Clark, the Golf Ridge Private Estate, now available for pre-selling, offers an exquisite country-club lifestyle with a picturesque view of the neighboring golf course. Lastly, with the construction in full swing, the Mimosa+ Lifestyle Mall will be the new regional shopping and dining center destination. Moreover, investors and end-users looking to relocate or set up their business in the area can already find foreign investors, including the USA, Japan, Australia and South Korea, as Clark Development Center offers business-friendly terms and incentives. Processing of permits, license registration, and application are made more efficient, with approvals in less than three weeks. Without a doubt, as a vibrant live-work-play township with a host of award-winning amenities, Filinvest Mimosa+ is the destination in Clark Freeport Zone that’s ideal and capable of business tourism and leisure travel with family and friends. The post Clark Freeport Zone ready for business appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu welcomes new Customs provincial chief
The Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu has welcomed its new district collector, Ciriaco DG Ugay, who has an extensive experience in Customs administration as he began his career in the agency as a Customs police. Prior to his appointment, Ugay was deputy collector of the Subport of Mactan from 2006-2013 then district collector of the Ports of Iloilo, Subic and Surigao. “Transparency and professionalism are the pillars of effective customs operations. Let us practice honesty and integrity in all our dealings and ensure that our operations are carried out with utmost efficiency. I want everyone to work as one team,” said Ugay, during his meeting with the Port of Cebu’s staff and employees. As Iloilo district collector, he surpassed its monthly target collections from January to April 2023 and now, his challenge is to surpass its target collection of Cebu of P56 billion as against P38 billion in 2022. Ugay replaced Atty. Elvira Cruz, who was reassigned as district collector of the Port of Clark. In his second day in office, Ugay conducted an ocular inspection of the new port facility at the Cebu South Harbor Container Terminal Corporation in Talisay City. The facility is scheduled to start operations next month and has a capacity to handle approximately 5,000 TEUs of containers. This development will enhance the Port’s revenue collection and alleviate container congestion at the Cebu International Port. The post Cebu welcomes new Customs provincial chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clark, Hossler hang on
WASHINGTON (AFP) — Americans Wyndham Clark and Beau Hossler, each seeking a first PGA title, combined for a 10-under par 62 for a one-stroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the Zurich Classic. The US duo thrived in the four-ball (best ball) format at the tour’s only pairs event to stand on 26-under 190 after 54 holes at TPC of Louisiana at Avondale. Clark sank a birdie putt from just inside eight feet at the par-5 18th to lift himself and Hossler ahead of South Korea’s Im Sung-jae and American Keith Mitchell, who also fired a 62 in round three. “We’re looking forward to the challenge,” Hossler said of the final round. “It’s going to be a cool environment and a unique experience frankly to have a chance to win a golf tournament with a partner.” Sharing third on 193 were US duos Nick Hardy and Davis Riley and Matthew NeSmith and Taylor Moore plus Sweden’s Vincent Norman and Austrian Matthias Schwab. Sunday’s final round will be played in a foursomes (four-ball) format. Hossler and Clark, who shot 61 in best ball on Thursday, have known each other since they were 10 but this is their first time paired together. “Sometimes when you’re alone, it feels like you’re out on an island. When the momentum gets going bad, when you’re on your own, sometimes it’s tough to turn that,” Clark said. ‘We’re looking forward to the challenge.’ “With a teammate, you can kind of feed off each other and really not allow that momentum to get going in the wrong direction. I hope tomorrow we’re light and loose like we’ve been all three days.” Clark and Hossler each contributed five birdies for the duo, with Hossler salvaging pars for the pair on the fifth and par-3 14th. Im birdied six of the first eight holes to lift his duo into the hunt. Mitchell contributed a birdie at the par-5 11th and Im birdied 13 and 16 to keep the pair fighting for the lead to the finish. “He was honestly incredible,” Mitchell said of Im. “The front nine was some of the best golf I’ve ever seen played ever.” “I could only help him on two holes... but it just didn’t matter. He was playing so good. I was high fiving him and watching him roll. All in all, 10-under par, Sung-jae probably could have shot that on his own.” Reigning Olympic champion Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, the defending champions, shot 66 to share 10th on 196. Cantlay and Schauffele, ranked fourth and fifth in the world respectively, set a foursomes event record with a 63 on Friday. American Charley Hoffman aced the 210-yard par-3 ninth hole with a 23-degree hybrid for his third career PGA hole-in-one while Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard lipped out with his tee shot on the par-4 16th. The post Clark, Hossler hang on appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LA art exhibition on Middle East women opens amid US reproductive rights row
An exhibition of work by female artists on women in the Middle East opens in California this weekend, as a fierce battle over women's reproductive rights grips the United States. "Women Defining Women in Contemporary Art of the Middle East and Beyond" brings together the creations of 42 female artists, depicting what curators say are the personal and universal stories of women in Islamic societies, and aims to challenge stereotypes about this part of the world. "So many people think that all women are the same in Middle Eastern lands, they're all oppressed, they are invisible, they have horrible lives," curator Linda Komaroff told AFP. "And it's not true. It's like women everywhere. They have a good deal of agency and they act upon it." Exhibits come from all over the Middle East and beyond but include a number from Iran, which has been shaken in recent months after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman arrested for allegedly not properly wearing the compulsory veil. One powerful picture by Iranian photojournalist Newsha Tavakolian shows an Iranian woman in traditional clothes -- also wearing a pair of boxing gloves. Another, by Shirin Aliabadi, showcases the irrepressible spirit of a younger generation, depicting a woman whose blonde wig pokes out from under her scarf as she blows a bubble with gum. The exhibition comes as the United States has been thrown into tumult over the issue of abortion after the US Supreme Court last year struck down the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. On Friday the same court is set to wade into the legal battle over the abortion drug mifepristone after a Texan judge issued a ruling that would ban this widely used medication. Komaroff said the ongoing fight over abortion rights in the United States meant this was a timely exhibition. "Things are kind of going downhill for women in America in terms of our own control over our own bodies," she said. "American women have been complacent. It's easy for them to look to another country or another region and say, 'We're better off than they are.' "But maybe we're not. Maybe we're all in the same boat together." The exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) opens Sunday and runs until 24 September. See more photos here: The post LA art exhibition on Middle East women opens amid US reproductive rights row appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
7 sikat na vloggers susugod sa 27th anniversary special ng ‘Bubble Gang’; Bitoy kumasa sa ‘Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw’ challenge
TULUY-TULOY ang tawanan sa longest running gag show sa bansa, ang “Bubble Gang”. And this month, ipagdiriwang ng show ang kanilang 27th anniversary sa pamamagitan ng special episodes na mapapanood sa November 18 at 25. Tampok sa #BGVenti7 ang powerhouse cast ng “Bubble Gang” kasama ang ilang sikat na content creators gaya nina Christian Antolin, […] The post 7 sikat na vloggers susugod sa 27th anniversary special ng ‘Bubble Gang’; Bitoy kumasa sa ‘Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw’ challenge appeared first on Bandera......»»
Tougher than bubble
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial conceded yesterday that getting approval from IATF to start the 46th season in Pasig or within the NCR Plus area was tougher than securing the go-signal to play in Clark under strict bubble conditions last year......»»
111 cyclists unbothered by SEA Games postponement
The postponement of the Hanoi 31st Southeast Asian Games didn’t matter at all to the 111 cyclists vying in the PhilCycling National Trials for Road that hits the road under a bubble set up on Saturday at the Clark Freeport Zone’s well-maintained roads......»»
3 Pinoy refs picked for FIBA bubble
Three Filipino referees will join six others from different countries in the officiating pool to work 12 total games in the FIBA Asia Cup third qualifying window for Groups A, B and C at Clark on June 16-20. Bong Pascual, Ricor Buaron and Joenard Garcia are the three locals tapped by FIBA for the competition......»»
Carey leaves inspiring legacy
It’s unusual for a pro basketball player to stay for as long as 17 years with just one franchise but Harvey Carey did that in a PBA career that started in 2003 and ended in the Clark bubble last year......»»
Safety assured in Clark bubble
FIBA Medical Commission member Dr. Jose Raul Canlas yesterday assured that safety and health protocols will be strictly imposed during the FIBA Asia Cup third qualifying window involving nine teams, including the Philippines, in an IATF-approved bubble at Clark on June 16-20......»»
GAC returns to racing scene in Endurance Challenge
GAC Motor Philippines makes its much-awaited return to the local endurance racing scene when it takes part in the Kalayaan Cup 12-hour Endurance Race at the Clark International Speedway on June 12 and 13, 2021......»»
No quarantine for visiting teams
There will be eight teams coming to the country to participate in the FIBA Asia Cup third qualifying window involving three groups in the Clark bubble on June 16-20 and SBP has facilitated no quarantine for the visitors when they arrive......»»
Tough challenge for Gilas ahead
Gilas project director Tab Baldwin isn’t inclined to be distracted by factors not under his control and said the other day other people’s expectations are irrelevant as his only focus is to get the young guns of the New Generation national team ready for battle at the FIBA Asia Cup third qualifying window in Clark on June 16-20 and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia on June 29-July 4......»»
Hosting ng Pilipinas sa FIBA Asia Cup tuloy na
Inaprubahan na ng Inter-Agency Task Force ang hirit ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas na makapag-host ng International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup na gaganapin sa buwan ng Hunyo ngayong taon sa Clark Pampanga. Ayon kay Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, gagawin ito sa ilalim ng set-up na bubble type. Kinakailangan din aniyang sumunod ang lahat ng kalahok […] The post Hosting ng Pilipinas sa FIBA Asia Cup tuloy na appeared first on Bandera......»»