Kai Sotto trains with ex-NBA sharpshooter Chuck Person
Serving as the 7'2" cager's shooting coach, Person aims to make Sotto a threat not just inside the paint, but beyond the arc as well......»»
Marc Pingris dinenay na may ‘something’ sila ni Kim Rodriguez
PINABULAANAN ng basketbolista at tinaguriang “Pinoy Sakuragi” na si Marc Pingris ang mga kumakalat na balitang may namamagitan sa kanila ng aktres na si Kim Rodriguez. Sa kanyang Facebook page ay diretsahang sinagot ng asawa ni Danica Sotto ang mga intriga ibinabato laban sa kanya. “Walang katotohanan ang mga lumalabas na balita tungkol sa amin.....»»
Danica Sotto unbothered sa isyung panloloko ni Marc Pingris
KALMADO at tila walang pakialam ang dating aktres na si Danica Sotto sa kabila ng kumakalat na isyung diumano’y niloloko siya ng asawang si Marc Pingris. Kahapon, March 27, kumalat sa social media ang chikang tila magkasama raw ang kanyang asawa at ang aktres na si Kim Rodriguez sa Australia. Parehas kasing nagbahagi ng pictures.....»»
WWDC 2024 Will Include In-Person Special Event at Apple Park
Apple Shakes Things Up with Virtual WWDC Event In a surprising move, Apple announced that it will not be holding its traditional in-person Worldwide Developers.....»»
Valorant releases first nonbinary agent
Riot Games has unveiled its newest agent for first-person shooting game Valorant — Scottish troublemaker Clove......»»
Mr. Nice Guy
There is a reason why the public and most people like Ralph Recto as a person, as the partner of Ate Vi, as a politician and as a government official......»»
Flintlock: A Classic Summer Blockbuster – The Daily Guardia
A44 Games, a New Zealand-based developer, is set to release their highly-anticipated third-person action-RPG, Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn. The game pays homage to the.....»»
Joey de Leon kontra na gawing National Artist ang TVJ: ‘Ngek, WAG NA!’
MAY mga nagpu-push pala na kilalaning National Artist ang iconic showbiz trio na sina Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto at Joey de Leon. Ayon sa mga supporters ng TVJ, ito na raw ang tamang panahon na ibigay sa tatlong TV at movie icon ang naturang parangal dahil sa kanilang di matatawarang ambag sa entertainment industry. Bukod.....»»
Low subsidy forces LRTA to cut budget for train rehab
The Light Rail Transit Authority is cutting its budget for the restoration of trains to make the most of the lower subsidy given to the agency this year......»»
Airports and trains
Over breakfast some years back, in one of those times I had the opportunity to sit down with tycoon Ramon S. Ang or RSA, together with a small group of fellow journalists, he talked about the importance of having an airport express similar to Hong Kong’s much-touted MTR which connects the airport to the rest of the city. .....»»
California governor presses China’s Xi on climate cooperation
California governor Gavin Newsom said he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on climate cooperation at a meeting on Wednesday in Beijing, the latest in a string of visits to China by US politicians. The head of the US economic powerhouse state is on a week-long tour of China, which Newsom has said will focus on climate change. "We are not going to move needles on climate change unless the United States and China collaborate together," the governor, who has long been touted as a future presidential candidate, told reporters after meetings with Xi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. China and the United States are the two biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. Newsom arrived in the southern semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong on Monday, where he held a talk on climate change. He then traveled to the neighboring city of Shenzhen, which has pioneered the use of renewable energy in public transport, touring an electric bus station. Newsom described his talks on Wednesday with Xi and Wang as "very productive". "Not only the MOUs in the last couple days but the fact that I'll be meeting with five governors tomorrow... engaging and advancing our collective efforts on low carbon green growth," Newsom told reporters, referring to memorandums of understanding signed with Chinese counterparts. Newsom said he also raised the issue of human rights with Wang and spoke with Chinese leaders about China's role in the fentanyl drug addiction crisis in the United States. Washington has imposed sanctions on China-based firms for producing and distributing chemicals used to make fentanyl, though Beijing has insisted the root of the opioid problem lies in the United States. "Governor Newsom's topics of discussion also included human rights violations and anti-democratic efforts in Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Taiwan, as well as David Lin, a California pastor who has been imprisoned in China since 2006," the governor's office said in a statement. String of visits Newsom's visit came amid a flurry of diplomacy between Beijing and Washington as the two sides seek to improve strained ties. Xi met with a group of US senators in Beijing earlier this month, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Foreign Minister Wang will pay a rare visit to Washington this week. Wang will be returning from a visit in June to Beijing by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was the highest-ranking US official to travel to China since 2018. Blinken huddled for 11 hours with the top Chinese leadership including Xi. Diplomats say Wang will be expecting a similar meeting with President Joe Biden, who is in Washington this week. Biden, who last saw Xi last November on the sidelines of G20 talks in Bali, has invited the Chinese leader to travel next month to San Francisco where the United States will host an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Newsom on Wednesday said of Xi's potential visit that he was "very hopeful that he makes it". The post California governor presses China’s Xi on climate cooperation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
An enchanted evening with the JSSP
Any party with the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines is sure to blossom into something meaningful yet fun! We recently got together for an enchanted evening of music, culture and friendship at the South Pacific Night Fellowship Event. Inspired by the beloved book-turned-Broadway musical, the night paid homage to it from the invitation inspired by the musical’s poster, the tropical colors and decor, floral dress code, down to the performances. Those who showed up in the most authentic and best costumes won a special prize, too — congratulations, Chuck Gueco and Joy Melendres! US Ambassador, MaryKay Carlson Singapore Ambassador, Constance See Roselle Del Rosario and Rosalinda Wee Norman Jison and Lovelyn Segovia Monaco Consul, RJ Ledesma and India Ambassador, Shambhu Kumaran. Laos Ambassador, Sonexay Vannaxay, Cambodia Ambassador, Phan Peuv, Thailand Ambassador, Tull Traisorat. Seated- Egypt Ambassador, Ahmed Shehabeldin. Joy Melendres and Amelia Ting Gerry and Virginia Lane Fanny Blanco Dr. Elton See Tan n Carolyn Tan Dana Silverio, Ruby Chua, Manolyn Taylor and Michael Rosero Consul. Agnes Huibonhoa and Mayenne Carmona Chuck Gueco and Aiza Sun Bong Prada Lim and Mags Cue Bo and Hans Hauri Lilibeth Campos, Marissa Fenton, Consul General of Monaco, Fortune Ledesma and the author But all the fun aside, this is really all about JSSP’s mission to make a significant impact on our local community through art and music. South Pacific Night perfectly captured the enchantment the arts has over us, and the vibrant spirit the organization wishes to share with the community in whatever ways it can. JSSP has extended its support to talented music students and notable initiatives like the Arts for the People Program of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine National Red Cross, and more in the education and arts spaces. It’s always fulfilling getting together with JSSP members. As you can see, we’re all smiles ‘til midnight! I raise a toast to JSSP, especially its devoted members who are tirelessly contributing their time to keep the organization’s mission alive. I raise my glass to the co-chairs of the event, Marissa Fenton and Lilibeth Campos, and to the entire JSSP. Cheers! The post An enchanted evening with the JSSP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palestinian supporters, pro-Israel counter-protestors rally in Manhattan
Some thousand demonstrators on Sunday gathered in Manhattan in solidarity with Palestinians as pro-Israel marchers counter-protested following a bloody escalation in the Middle East conflict. The rallies followed Saturday's surge in violence that's killed hundreds and wounded thousands in the region after militant group Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel which responded by hammering blockaded Palestinian Gaza with heavy air strikes. Demonstrators in New York waved Palestinian flags during the peaceful march from Times Square to near both the Israeli consulate and the United Nations headquarters, where the Security Council was to convene over the weekend's violence. "We are here in solidarity with the Palestinian people who are fighting 75 years of Israeli settler colonialism, settler violence, and 16 years of military blockade of Gaza," said Munir Atalla, a 30-year-old member of the Palestinian Youth Movement group, which was among the demonstration's organizers. "What we saw yesterday was the people of Gaza breaking out of their open-air prison," he continued. "It's impossible to view the events of this week, without first understanding the context that the Israeli regime is founded on violence... it's founded on the erasure and annihilation of Palestinians." Counter-demonstration The rally was among others backing the Palestinian cause in American cities including Washington and Chicago. The demonstrations came as the United States quickly affirmed its support for Israel, with US President Joe Biden ordering US ships and warplanes closer to its ally and sending fresh military aid. "Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel's crimes," protestors in New York chanted. Sarah Barqawi, 38, told AFP she came to Sunday's rally "because my family is currently under siege in Gaza and are just waiting to know if they will be alive or dead, without any electricity, without any support, without any supplies." "They are merely trying to defend their right to existence." On Saturday evening the New York branches of organizations including Jewish Voice for Peace and If Not Now marched to the Brooklyn home of Chuck Schumer, the Senate's majority leader, to call "for an end to all US military funding to Israel." Schumer was among the chorus of US political leaders over the weekend to reiterate support for Israel and its "unwavering right to defend itself." At a separate Manhattan protest on Sunday, a couple of hundred people waving Israeli flags decried "vicious Hamas," among them Ofer Jacobawitz, who said, "We need to demonstrate for public opinion." "We just want everyone to know that we're supporting Israel and whatever it does now in order to defend itself and prevent this from ever happening again." New York's Governor Kathy Hochul -- who lambasted Manhattan's Palestinian solidarity rally as "abhorrent and morally repugnant" -- meanwhile ordered landmarks in the state including the World Trade Center and Niagara Falls to be illuminated in blue and white. "New York is proud to be home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel," she said. As he marched on Sunday at the Palestinian solidarity rally, Morgan Bassichis, 40, told AFP that "as a Jewish person who believes that everyone, with no exception, should be free, I am firmly in support of the Palestinian freedom movement, and I believe that all violence in the region is a result of the root cause of Israeli apartheid." "It's our job as people in the US to get our government" to stop financing Israel, he said. The post Palestinian supporters, pro-Israel counter-protestors rally in Manhattan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US senator Schumer says ‘very disappointed’ with China statement on Israel
US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told China's top diplomat on Monday he was "very disappointed" by a recent statement by Beijing on the dramatic escalation of violence between Israel and the Palestinians, according to agency pool video. "I was very disappointed, to be honest, by the foreign ministry's statement that showed no sympathy or support for Israel during these tough, troubled times," Schumer told Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing. The post US senator Schumer says ‘very disappointed’ with China statement on Israel appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China’s Wang calls on US to ‘manage existing differences more rationally’
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on the United States to "manage existing differences more rationally". In remarks welcoming Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to Beijing, Wang said he hoped the visit "will help the United States to more accurately understand China, view China-US relations more objectively, and also manage existing differences more rationally, helping the relationship between the two countries return to the track of healthy development". The post China’s Wang calls on US to ‘manage existing differences more rationally’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
American lawmakers visiting China
United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other senior American lawmakers will visit China next week. “(We) hope that this visit will enhance the US Congress’s objective understanding of China,” Beijing’s foreign ministry said Wednesday in a statement as it “welcomes” the visit. The ministry said it hopes the trip will “promote dialogue and exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries, and inject positive elements into the development of China-US relations.” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Climate Envoy John Kerry also visited China earlier, seeking to defuse tensions across a range of security and economic issues that have been at their highest levels in years. Schumer is set to be accompanied on the trip by Republican colleague Senator Mike Crapo, Bloomberg reported. The six-person delegation is hoping to secure a meeting with President Xi Jinping, US media reported, and will seek to raise issues ranging from the climate for US businesses in China to human rights. The post American lawmakers visiting China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US government readies for imminent shutdown
The US government began Thursday to inform workers of an impending shutdown that could see millions of federal employees and military personnel temporarily sent home or working without pay, unless Congress reaches a last-ditch deal. Without an agreement, funding for much of the federal government will expire at midnight on Saturday (0400 GMT Sunday), threatening disruptions to everything from air travel to benefit payments, and – if the shutdown endures – dealing a further blow to the precarious US economy. The stand-off has been triggered by a small group of hardline Republicans who have pushed back against short-term funding deals while Congress tries to resolve a broader deadlock over calls for deep spending cuts. Some federal employees have already been informed of preparations for a lapse, according to a notice seen by AFP. A note to staff at the Department of Health and Human Services outlined how it would see "reduced staffing across nearly every division for the duration of the lapse" although many key programs will continue. The department also updated its contingency plans, adding that "pre-notified employees would be temporarily furloughed," meaning they are not allowed to work. They would receive retroactive pay after the lapse ends, the note said. Staff at other agencies were understood to have received similar notifications. In a shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers would be furloughed without pay, and members of the military and other employees who are deemed to be essential would continue working without a paycheck. Certain benefits like Social Security checks would not be hit, but workers who go unpaid could eventually stop showing up, impacting sectors like air travel. 'Dangerous' "If there is a shutdown in just a few days, our service members would be required to continue working but would be doing so without pay, and hundreds and thousands of their civilian colleagues would be furloughed," Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said Thursday. The Treasury Department added that among other implications, "most core tax administration functions will stop" and more than half of the Internal Revenue Service staff will be furloughed. Apart from the possible lapse in funding, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) faces an added headache of a Saturday deadline for reauthorization. It remains unclear if lawmakers will pass an FAA reauthorization law separately from a spending package. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Wednesday: "There is no good time for a government shutdown, but this is a particularly bad time." "The consequences would be disruptive and dangerous," he added. In Washington, a group of young climate activists of the Sunrise Movement entered Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's office to protest against the looming shutdown. The White House warned in a statement that a lapse would leave the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster relief fund underfunded, "delaying nearly 2,000 long-term recovery projects" across the country. 'Avoidable risk' With days left to pass legislation that would keep the government running, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said Thursday that his chamber is "pursuing bipartisanship." He accused House Speaker McCarthy of choosing to "elevate the whims and desires of a handful of hard-right extremists," with "nothing to show for it." Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate minority leader, said shutting down the government is an "actively harmful proposition." In a full shutdown, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union estimates almost 1.8 million federal workers would go unpaid for the duration -- although receiving backpay afterward. A spokeswoman for the International Monetary Fund added in a briefing on Thursday: "We do see a shutdown as an avoidable risk for the US economy." The post US government readies for imminent shutdown appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Baby Ortiz: Civic leader with a heart of gold
I am taking a break for now and turning over in this issue the privilege of sharing one’s thoughts and experiences to raconteur Jorge Hizon, who takes pleasure in paying tribute to friends and relatives who are celebrating their birthdays. This one’s Jorge’s take on one of the birthday celebrations of civic worker Leonida “Baby” Bayani Ortiz, a most generous and caring lady in our civil society. [caption id="attachment_175595" align="aligncenter" width="659"] GYN GYN Ponce Quiazon[/caption] Here goes Jorge’s remarkable prose: Leonida Bayani Ortiz’s post-birthday party at Borro Restaurant in Quezon City was splendid as it blended culinary delights, entertainment and heartfelt connections. The event showcased a remarkable fusion of Filipino, Mexican and Italian cuisines, leaving guests with a feast for their taste buds. From appetizers to main course, the gastronomic journey was the highlight, enhanced by the presence of a lechon, thanks to Carmen Lim. A diverse selection of desserts, including an array of six birthday cakes, rice cakes, ensaymadas and zesty oranges, gave the guests reason to smile to their hearts’ content. The entertainment lineup added a dynamic dimension to the celebration. Darius Razon, renowned as the jukebox king of the ‘70s, serenaded the audience with his timeless melodies. The queen of comedy, Chuck T. Gueco, hailing from Angeles, Pampanga, brought the house down with her uproarious jokes and charismatic dance moves. Her spontaneous and energetic performance, coupled with Razon’s melodic tunes, created an ambiance of merriment, fun and infectious laughter. [caption id="attachment_175590" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BILLY Tan and Peter Sy.[/caption] Not to be outdone, Ayna Ong and Gyn-gyn Ponce-Quiazon captivated the audience with their distinct vocal talents. They transitioned seamlessly from mellower songs to infectious disco beats which got everyone to stand and dance. This music, ranging from soulful melodies to groovy rhythms, brought an untamable energy to the celebration, encouraging a lively atmosphere of fun and merriment. Undoubtedly, the pinnacle of the evening was the simultaneous blowing of six birthday cakes, made even more special by Razon’s heartfelt rendition of the birthday song. The collective spirit was of jubilant celebration as Baby reveled in the love and warmth shared by her handpicked circle of friends. [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="175589,175592"] Furthermore, Baby’s thoughtfulness extended to departing guests, who were gifted with cans of chocolates courtesy of Teacher Nelia Sarcol. This gesture was a reflection of gratitude and a lasting memory to cherish. Baby’s birthday celebration was an embodiment of the beauty of authentic friendship, delectable food, captivating entertainment and a joyful atmosphere. Through this harmonious convergence of elements, the event exuded a sense of togetherness, leaving a lasting impression of a truly memorable and heartfelt occasion. The post Baby Ortiz: Civic leader with a heart of gold appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trash your indifference
Tons of plastic waste are disposed of daily, and most people don’t mind, don’t care, or don’t know about it until they see inorganic matter washing up on our shores or floating in our flooded houses come typhoon season. Plastic bags, bottles, food wrappers, and containers are part of our daily lives. We throw them in the trash, unmindful of where they go. Up to now post-post-‘Ondoy’ and all the other terrible typhoon names we remember people still chuck a candy wrapper out a vehicle window or carelessly kick a plastic cup out of the way. Trash bags from residential and commercial establishments are groaning. Broken plastic pails and dirty drinking tumblers are rejected in a pile that goes into garbage bins or the waterways. Plastic wrap, bubble wrap, nifty little individual packs that provide such convenience — they meet the trash can pretty quick and we never hear of them again. The planet is dying. As for our lovely islands surrounded by vibrant oceans that amaze divers from around the world, a plastic crisis is at hand. The Philippines reportedly generates some “2.7 million tons of plastic waste per year.” What does this mean? It means we are destroying our environment. We are guilty of taking the quick and easy way and sacrificing our very home, our Mother Earth, to get immediate gratification. Millions and tons are words alone that should alarm anyone — but, really, what is most alarming is that plastics are non-biodegradable. They “stick around the environment for ages,” says Friends of the Earth, and the way they go into our food chain, they can even be in some “food we eat.” One day, a plastic avalanche will overcome the planet. Long have environment warriors fought to make “recycle, reuse, reduce” a lifestyle mantra. Yet following the recent typhoons, we can say we have a long way to go. Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga during World Environment Day said the country is “not winning the war” against single-use plastics. In a report, she said, “The daily waste generation has increased to 61,000 metric tons from only 16,000 MT in 2016.” DENR-Environmental Management Bureau data reveals that “at least 12 percent or 7,090 MT of the total garbage being produced every day are plastic waste.” Now the government is pushing for reforms — from policies and laws made to suit each person’s daily personal habits. First should come consumption and proper waste disposal. Another aspect is production and corporate responsibility. In his second State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for prioritization and solutions to address the plastic crisis. This year, Congress proposed measures to solve the problem of plastic waste. Tax measures are being proposed to reduce its use. It is also calling for companies to “take responsibility for the plastic packaging waste they produce.” A refill system — one that countless companies have been undertaking for years — should cause businesses to change their game. Aside from refill stations, they should moreover encourage reusable packaging. Like everything else the Marcos government is trying to fix, this environmental problem will need everyone’s cooperation and commitment. There really isn’t much of a choice if we want the planet to prosper. The post Trash your indifference appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Late singers
The late American crooner Tony Bennett counted lawmakers among his legions of fans. Democrats in the United States Senate and House of Representatives are honoring the New Yorker famous for “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fly Me To The Moon” and many other jazz and pop songs by proposing to make his birthday “Tony Bennett Day in America.” Bennett died on 21 July and would have been 97 years old on 3 August. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had just led the unanimous passage of a resolution designating the date of his birth as TBDA. According to the Democratic senator, the TBDA resolution also honors the singer as a World War II veteran and civil rights campaigner. “He was a lifelong champion of civil rights and marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma in 1965, at a time when the agents of most entertainers discouraged them from marching in these kinds of things because they might lose some fans,” Schumer recalled, according to New York Post. Nancy Pelosi, the California Democrat in the House, introduced a parallel resolution to honor “Tony’s extraordinary legacy and celebrate his unsurpassed artistry and patriotic leadership,” NYP reported. Meanwhile, Irish singer Sinead O’Connor, the voice behind the 1990 hit song “Nothing Compares 2 U,” also sent her throng of fans grieving. Reports said the 56-year-old Irish native died in her London home five days after Bennett’s passing. The cause of her death is still being determined but police are not treating it as suspicious. Like TBDA, fans may be planning to set a memorial day for O’Connor. The date could be her birthday, 8 December, instead of on the day she died. A spokesperson for the London Inner South Coroner’s Court said the singer’s “date of death is unknown,” the Daily Mail and NYP reported. “No medical cause has been given for the death and an autopsy will be conducted with results taking several weeks to be delivered, the Coroner’s Court added,” according to NYP. The post Late singers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Momentary freeze sparks health concerns over US senator McConnell
Top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell sparked health concerns Wednesday when he appeared to physically seize up at a press conference in Congress. McConnell, 81, froze in mid-sentence and stood motionless at a microphone for about 20 seconds before aides and fellow senators walked him away. But the veteran Kentucky politician returned several minutes later and told reporters "I'm fine" before taking questions on various political issues. McConnell has been the top Republican in the US Senate since 2007, and wielded unflinching power as Senate majority leader from 2015 to 2021. In that role he stifled policies of the Democratic administration of president Barack Obama and bolstered Republican president Donald Trump when he took office in January 2017. He most notably helped engineer conservatives taking a majority on the Supreme Court by stalling a hearing for Obama's progressive appointed nominee in 2016. He also ensured that Trump was not convicted at trial after his unprecedented two impeachments, though he was critical of Trump's behavior. In March McConnell was hospitalized after he tripped and fell during a private dinner. He suffered a concussion and a fractured rib, and spent six weeks away from the Senate, undergoing physical therapy. The incident Wednesday highlighted the challenge of the aging leadership in the US Congress. Three other senators are older than McConnell, including Republican Chuck Grassley, 89, and Democrat Dianne Feinstein, who is 90. Another two-dozen senators are 70 or older. Age is also a central issue in the looming 2024 presidential battle: incumbent Joe Biden is 80 while Republican front-runner Donald Trump is 77. pmh/tjj © Agence France-Presse The post Momentary freeze sparks health concerns over US senator McConnell appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»