Korean boy band-inspired community pantry in Malabon
A Malabon resident put a dash of K-pop on a community pantry in Barangay Maysilo. On her Facebook page, organizer Kristine Santos posted photos of her South Korean boy band EXO-themed community pantry. Santos said that aside from extending help to her neighbors in need of food items and other necessities, she also wanted to […] The post Korean boy band-inspired community pantry in Malabon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Northern Samar insurgent dies in clash
TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities reported on Thursday that an individual believed to be a member of the New People’s Army was killed in a clash with soldiers on the outskirts of Catubig, Northern Samar. The still unidentified armed rebel allegedly belonged to a band of 10 insurgents that engaged in a 10-minute gun battle with members of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion in upland Anongo village in Catubig town. According to 20th IB commander Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, soldiers were deployed to carry out the mobile community support and sustainment program operations in the village when they encountered remnants of the Front Committee-15, sub-regional committee, Eastern Visayas regional party committee. “They were known for their involvement in intimidating, making grave threats, and extorting from the local populace and small businesses in Northern Samar communities,” Buban said in a statement. After the brief clash, the rebels retreated, leaving behind their slain comrade and war materials, including four backpacks, two hammocks, one 30-round magazine assembly, an M203 empty shell, ammunition, slippers, a cauldron, a water container, a pair of rainboots, and subversive documents. There are about 10 army battalions assigned in Samar province as the government heightened its fight against communist insurgents. Only two NPA guerilla fronts in Samar Island remain in existence after the dismantling of one front and the weakening of another early this year. The post Northern Samar insurgent dies in clash appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cherchez la femme?
Look for the woman is what the phrase Cherchez la femme means in the French language. By a person’s statement, he or she attributes a certain action or incident to be caused by a woman. It presupposes a negative connotation, but to me it symbolizes the strength and power of a woman. Indeed, so much in this world can be recharged, repaired, corrected, healed if we give women the opportunity and the chance to make a great difference in the world. Women hold half of the sky so they should be given all the means and tools to make a difference. As mothers they carry the baby in their womb for nine months. That takes much sacrifice, inconvenience and risks to their health. But because women are strong in faith and character, they bear all the difficulties with a smile and bravura. Women are teachers. They are the first tutors of her children. Their early values are honed by the mother. Children do not take our words seriously. It is how we conduct ourselves that they absorb their first lessons in life. Women are healers. Because of their compassionate and caring nature, they can assuage the hurts caused by unkind words as they console their loved ones with a big hug, a warm bowl of soup and their sage advice as symbolized by Mother Teresa who will soon be canonized as a saint because of her humane and loving treatment of everyone. Women are strong warriors. The katipuneras proved their valor and fearless nature when they fought side by side with the men as proven by Gabriela Silang, wife of hero Diego Silang. Women are born singers as they lull their infants to sleep in their cradles. Women are marvelous cooks as they plan and cook the healthy food for their families without missing a step. Women are creative seamstresses as they sew the uniforms and clothes of their children growing up. Women are wonderful social human beings as they reach out to neighbors and the community as social workers and nurses. Women are good accountants as they can stretch their household budget like a rubber band with nary a complaint. Women are prayerful persons as they constantly pray for the safety, good health and well-being of the entire family. Women above all are the constant partners and faithful lovers to their husbands. So, we ask, what can women not do? Women can do anything you ask of them provided they are given the due respect, love and support they need to accomplish any task big or small. They are also great coaches who can mentor both young men and women to fulfill their dreams. They are possessed of noble intentions, fierce in their belief that if one needs to perform a task, they will be up to it. So, the question is asked, Cherchez la femme? Where is the woman? She can be found in all mothers, wives, doctors, nurses, teachers, cooks, OFWs, drivers, CEOs, presidents, artists, singers, ballet dancers, farmers, graphic designers, authors, nuns, debaters, makeup artists, parliamentarians, scientists, politicians, models, accountants, lawyers, students, bakers, NGO leaders, laundrywomen, caregivers, environment warriors, gardeners, streetsweepers etc. We could go on and on. What this proves is women can be anyone she aspires to be and for as long as she finds herself valued and needed; she will be there. All she needs is to be valued and loved. After all women are love personified. They will give of themselves for as long as they have life in them. Vive La Femme! In 1989, Bing Carreon was recognized as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS). In San Francisco, California, U.S.A., she was chosen as one of 100 Most Influential Global Filipinas for her books and advocacy work. As a social historian, she has written 46 coffee table books in the last 25 years found in select libraries around the world. For comments and suggestions please e-mail: bncmyob@gmail.com The post Cherchez la femme? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bottoms up!
Meaning: An encouragement to drink or to finish one’s drink. Did you know that the term “Bottoms up” originated in an era when English sailors were encouraged to drink? There is a popular story behind its history where English sailors used to be bribed with coins to join the navy and many times, they would be tricked into joining by being given a beer with a coin at the bottom of the glass. Sounds fun, right? There is a reward after drinking a reward. I can drink to that! According to the legend, men began to say “Bottoms up” to their drinking buddies so they could see if there were coins in the glasses before the drinks were finished. Now, in modern times, most people say, “Bottoms up!” to cheer their buddies when drinking alcohol, having fun, and celebrating an event. It used to be a happy term, but did you know that it could also be a negative phrase? In some situations, people say “Bottoms up!” to encourage drinking something unpleasant. For example, you need to drink your medicine despite its bitter so someone will say to you “Bottoms Up!” until you finish it. Yes, my dear readers, how are you after the long weekend? Have you recharged and had fun together with friends and families? Nothing wrong with having fun, of course, as long as it does not hurt anyone or as long as it is after working hours. Speaking of “Bottoms up!,” it has been all over the news recently, have you seen it? In case you haven’t, then let me fill you in on some spicy information. Last week, on 16 August, acting port managers and seven other officials of the Philippine Ports Authority assigned to the Port Management Office of Bohol were caught on CCTV drinking inside the PPA office multipurpose hall to celebrate the acting port manager’s birthday. That’s not the worst of it. Aside from drinking on the premises of a government facility, they used the office chairs and tables (supposedly for meetings and official functions) for their drinking session with lots of bottles of alcohol, an invited band, and the attorneys and port police dancing as shown on the CCTV footage. Like I said, having fun is not bad at all, celebrating birthdays is okay, and being together with friends or co-workers on a special day is totally fine.... but not to the extent of using government facilities and resources to fuel that fun. These eight officials of PPA Bohol, including the acting port manager/birthday celebrator, two legal attorneys, four port police officials, and the Port Services Department Bohol head, were removed from their posts pending an investigation. Recently, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago issued a memorandum reiterating Memo Circular No. 013-2023, otherwise known as the “Strict prohibition on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the workplace.” The memorandum was first issued in 2018 under the same management after the former DoTr officials issued a directive prohibiting alcoholic beverages in the workplace — all in accordance with Civil Service Commission Memorandum No. 4, series of 2011, stating the policy guidelines on the prohibition of alcoholic beverages among government officials and employees. See? No government official or employee is excused for drinking inside a government office. An official is expected to serve the public, to give assistance, to make their lives easier, to be of great service to the community, and not to be another source of conflicts and problems within their areas of responsibility. Ports operate 24/7, thus there is no need to be complacent at any moment. Thank goodness for the high-tech surveillance system of the PPA, serious negligence and deliberate negative acts like these can be monitored from the head office. To be fair, drinking has long been the center of workplace culture, whether for socialization or to gain each other’s trust. In fact, in China, drinking with business partners serves as a moral contract in which the potential work partners get drunk together until they become friends and gain each other’s trust and professional interests. But we are not in China, we are here in our beloved country striving to always change to rise from the difficulties of being in a third-world country. A lot of people, or even more deserving people, need jobs, hence, any job, especially a government position, should not be taken for granted and abused. Now this brings us to a question: Does alcohol have a place at work and should it? Your guess is as good as mine. Let us not normalize alcohol drinking at work or the pressure to participate. It may seem like a nice gesture to subsidize alcohol at events to build camaraderie, but it is not necessary in carrying out government functions, especially inside office areas. There you go, fellow boat riders, yes, we either sink or swim all together because we are in the same boat, but this time we’re not in the same boat because no one wants to be bonding with booze and boss in an office setup on a weekday. Smells like a “Bottoms up!” disaster. Yikes! The post Bottoms up! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Quick AI response as small biz magnet
Digital banking powered by artificial intelligence or AI is increasingly becoming the norm. How fast and flexible industry players can maximize benefits from this technology to provide credit to most small businesses is the edge, Edwin Bautista, president and CEO of Union Bank of the Philippines, told the Daily Tribune. [caption id="attachment_164549" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Edwin R. Bautista, president and CEO, UnionBank of the Philippines[/caption] “All we know is AI will disrupt industries, so the earlier you try to figure out how to adopt it, the better. Now, the question is, how many financial institutions are prepared to make that bet of lending using alternative data sources using AI?” Bautista said. UBP’s digital banking arm UnionDigital Bank is shifting gears to provide small businesses with accessible loans using AI. It collects data from the Internet and humans and organizes them into qualitative and quantitative categories to generate text, images, audio and videos. Many small business owners usually need financial statements on paper, as they sell products and services primarily online through social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. However, Bautista said their financial capabilities could be traced and analyzed even without the formal documents required by traditional banks, such as income tax returns, financial statements, and trading partners profiles. He stressed AI does not discriminate. “When you look at the smaller businesses, they appear as an underground economy, so they cannot produce those kinds of documents. AI will help us because what it does is it puts together different information about that particular business or person and flow of sales so it can give a prediction on whether the small business owner will pay you back or not.” This technology is critical to lenders, including informal lenders, as micro, small and medium enterprises comprise 99 percent of all businesses in the country and drive most of its economic activities. Global market researcher McKinsey & Company said Philippine-based lenders can boost their growth by tapping the country’s bankable population, which is expected to expand by 30 percent to 85 million by 2030, along with owners of small and medium enterprises. “The Philippines has an estimated 15 million informal entrepreneurs and self-employed workers. Meanwhile, retail lending is heavily concentrated in a narrow band of wealthy households,” the researcher said. McKinsey reported a few domestic digital banks had gained traction, with three digital banks, including UnionDigital, growing a total market value by $3 billion. In contrast, traditional banks only saw a $2.2 billion growth between January 2021 and January 2023. However, McKinsey stressed digital banks in the Philippines have been limiting their services to mobile payments. “While competition in digital financial services intensifies, dominant players have yet to emerge outside the mobile-payments subsector. Six digital banks have recently launched operations in the Philippines, but none lend at scale.” Unlike informal lenders, Bautista said digital banks can reach more borrowers as AI learns about all people with access to the Internet and produces sound data correlations. “The theory is that if you have many friends and are grounded in a particular community, chances are you will not just run away from your debt. The minute borrowers go outside their community. It’s challenging for informal lenders because they already do not know the people they are lending to.” With the developments in AI, Bautista said UBP is redesigning its brick-and-mortar banks by tapping digital technologies and its UnionDigital to exchange market insights, systems, and people skills to boost mutual growth. “We think we can be the number one Consumer Bank in the Philippines in the next three years. Why? Because Our growth path is based on broadening the base on which we can learn to adapt. You can only do that if you’ve transformed your front, middle, and back office accordingly.” Bautista said this means the ever-changing skills development of people of both banks. While AI has been demonized by some of the labor force and business owners worldwide, saying it will replace traditional jobs and employees, Bautista said the future remains uncertain. Still, it can also highlight innately human jobs. “AI may rather have pluses and minuses. You will be affected negatively, but you will also have a positive impact if new jobs are generated.” Bautista said proof of this is the human eye, intuition, and brain need to verify whether AI-generated data matches customers’ changing preferences and needs. “So today, I can know instantly what my customer sentiments are. If my back-end operations take me six months, what good is knowing today if I can act on it? And the only way I can act is I have people with the ability to modify their things and a back end that allows me to change my products and features near real-time.” The post Quick AI response as small biz magnet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pride screenings showcase a rainbow of stories
Cinema is one of the most engaging artforms and creative expressions through which the LGBTQ+ community documents their lived experiences, conveys their desires and struggles, celebrates their identities and advocates for reforms and deeper understanding. Thus, film screenings are popular activities during LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This year, several institutions, streaming service companies and film groups are mounting screenings, giving these works more opportunities to reach more audiences. Here is a rundown: FDCP’s Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ Film Festival The Film Development Council of the Philippines brings back the Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ Film Festival this year with the theme “Mga Kuwentong Mapagpalaya” (Liberating Stories), and the aim is training the spotlight “on underrepresented members of the LGBTQIA+ community to promote a better understanding of inclusivity, diversity and equality.” According to Tirso Cruz III, FDCP chairman and chief executive officer, Pelikulaya “aims to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues. We believe that by using the power of film, we can do our part in showcasing films that celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories. Hoping to create understanding of the lives, perspectives and advocacies shown in each film.” “With that, the FDCP sends our love and gratitude to you all for being with us, and we hope you’ll have a memorable experience in all of our Cinematheque Centres across the Philippines,” he added. To be held from 23 to 30 June, Pelikulaya will screen titles at the Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Nabunturan and Bacolod, and several theaters in Metro Manila including Cinema ‘76 and UP Film Institute’s Cine Adarna/Videotheque. Some of the titles will also be available for streaming on JuanFlix (www.juanflix.com.ph) starting 30 June with a subscription fee. A special screening of a digitally restored and remastered version of Wong Kar Wai’s Happy Together will kick off the festival on 23 June at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City. Aside from Happy Together, films that will be screened at the Cinematheque Centres are Girl (directed by Lukas Dhont); Portrait of a Lady on Fire (directed by Celine Sciamma); Women Do Cry (directed by Vesela Kazako and Mina Mileva); Billie and Emma (directed by Samantha Lee); Mamu, and a Mother Too (directed by Rod Singh); Metamorphosis (directed by J.E. Tiglao); and The Boy Foretold by the Stars (directed by Dolly Dulu). Ishmael Bernal’s Manila by Night will have a free screening. Priced from P100 to P200, tickets to Manila screenings may be purchased through bit.ly/CCManilaTickets. [caption id="attachment_146567" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Lukas Dhont’s ‘Girl’ is inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina.[/caption] Short films will be screened for free at the Cinematheque Centres, and the lineup includes Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (directed by Vahn Leinard Pascual); Love in the Ungodly Hour (directed by Bradley Jason Pantajo); Dikit (directed by Gabriela Serrano); Gulis (directed by Kyle Jumayne Francisco); Noontime Drama (directed by Kim Timan and Sam Villa-Real); and Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag (directed by Kukay Zinampan). [caption id="attachment_146563" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Dikit,’ a short film by Gabriela Serrano.[/caption] To be available for streaming on JuanFlix are Sila-Sila (directed by Giancarlo Abrahan); Metamorphosis; Mamu, and a Mother Too; Rome and Juliet (directed by Connie Macatuno); How to Die Young in Manila (directed by Petersen Vargas); Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag; and This is Not A Coming Out Story (directed by Mark Felix Ebreo). Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Women Do Cry will be also be available on a pay-per-view basis. At Cinema ’76 Cinema ’76 Film Society is bringing in acclaimed movies this Pride Month. Headlining is Happy Together, the 1997 Cannes-winning romantic drama directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai and featuring Tony Leung and the late Leslie Cheung as two lovers caught in a turbulent affair. Aside from Happy Together, two films featuring transgender experiences will also be shown. Girl is the debut film of Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont and won the Camera d’Or for Best Feature Film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. The film was inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina. On the other hand, Fanny: The Right to Rock is a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart about Fanny, the legendary Filipina-American-fronted rock band whose trailblazing impact in music was written out of history. The film touches on the place of women, women of color, queers and older women in a straight male-dominated industry. [caption id="attachment_146564" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Fanny The Right to Rock,’ a documentary about a forgotten queer band.[/caption] The three films will have a limited run from 21 to 27 June at Cinema ’76 on Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. On iWantTFC A streaming platform with international reach, iWantTFC celebrates all types of love with a special selection of movies and series called Love is Love that includes Drag You and Me, iWantTFC’s latest original series that tackles drag culture and stars Andrea Brillantes, JC Alcantara and Christian Bables. Other iWantTFC originals that viewers may stream are the Girls’ Love series Sleep with Me, starring Janine Gutierrez and Lovi Poe, and Fluid, Boys’ Love (BL) rom-com Oh, Mando! and advocacy series Mga Batang Poz. [caption id="attachment_146566" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of Dreamscape Entetainment | ‘Drag You and Me’ is an iWantTFC original series that tackles drag culture.[/caption] There are also empowering movies and series about loving freely and living authentically, such as The Boy Foretold by the Stars and its sequel series Love Beneath the Stars, Black Sheep’s hit series Hello Stranger starring Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara, and the Star Cinema film My Lockdown Romance, starring Jameson Blake and Joao Constancia. Stories on learning how to embrace one’s sexuality and being true to oneself are told by The Panti Sisters, Die Beautiful, The Third Party and Baka Bukas. Thai BL series, such as 2gether the Series, Still 2gether, A Tale of a Thousand Stars and Bad Buddy are also available to stream as well as well-loved and classic LGBTQ-themed movies, such as T-Bird at Ako, Si Chedeng at si Apple and In My Life. These can be viewed on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com). In other select countries, watch iWantTFC on a larger screen with select devices, including VEWD, ROKU and Amazon Fire streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV (in Australia) and VIDAA. On Jungo Pinoy New Filipino streaming app Jungo Pinoy, which boasts of having the largest Filipino-dubbed movie library in the world, as well as original films and TV series, also has a selection of LGBTQ-themed and queer-created films and series, which can be viewed either for free or through a subscription plan. Recommended watch includes: eCupid (exclusive Filipino-dubbed), a romantic comedy directed by JC Calciano and starring Morgan Fairchild, Houston Rhines and Noah Schuffman, tells the story of a gay man nearing 30 years old tapping into an otherworldly internet advertisement that begins to control his life. Hoping to end his seven-year romance rut, he uses the site to get everything he wants until he discovers that what he thought he wanted wasn’t the thing that would ultimately make him happy. Ten Year Plan (exclusive Filipino-dubbed) is another romantic comedy directed by Calciano and starring Jack Turner and Michael Adam Hamilton. In the film, two best friends make a pact to be together in a decade if neither finds love. With two months left until their deadline, they both scramble to find someone to avoid being each other’s last resort. [caption id="attachment_146565" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘TEN Year Plan,’ directed by JC Calciano.[/caption] Adan is a Filipino lesbian mystery and romance movie starring Cindy Miranda, Rhen Escano and Ruby Ruiz. In the movie, a naive provincial girl finds a way to be independent through the help of her girl best friend, but their actions have consequences. [caption id="attachment_146562" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photographs Courtesy oF JUNGO PINOY | ‘ADAN’ tells about a lesbian story.[/caption] Daddy Issues, starring Jo Ashe and Rachel Barry, is a comedy about loss and starting over. In the film, when her emotionally distant father dies and leaves her his company, a hapless stand-up comic moves to Los Angeles to take over the family business. Tucked is about an aging drag queen who forms an unlikely friendship with a younger queen. As they discover more about each other, they realize how to truly be themselves. Starring Derren Nesbit and Jordan Stephens, this film is about love, loss and friendship. Lady Gaga: iTunes Festival features the pop star’s performance at the Itunes Music Festival, which also marked the world premiere of tracks from her album ARTPOP. [caption id="attachment_146570" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JUNGO PINOY | WATCH pop star Lady Gaga perform in ‘Lady Gaga iTunes Festival.’[/caption] Sam Smith: Austin City Limits features the non-binary English singer and songwriter performing their greatest hits, such as “Nirvana” and “I Know I’m Not the Only One” on the stage at Austin City Limits. [caption id="attachment_146569" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Sam Smith: Austin City Limits.’[/caption] At the Quezon City Public Library A weekly film screening is part of the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month of one of the country’s most active public libraries, the Quezon City Public Library (QCPL). With the theme, “Equality for All,” their celebration aims “to highlight the unique contributions and lived experiences of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community through various library activities and informational resources.” “This celebration also forwards an aspiration: that one day, we will be able to genuinely acknowledge the existence of our fellow LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters as equally valuable as everyone. And that they too deserve equal opportunity in any given situation and honest representation in all of its forms, shapes and sizes,” the library explained. The film screenings started with Love, Simon and Everything Everywhere All at Once on 9 June and All My Life and Bekikang on 16 June. Other films to be shown are Perks of Being A Wall Flower and Boys in the Band on 23 June, and Eternals and Imitation Game on 30 June. Screenings are from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Conference Room of QCPL. Contact the library to reserve slots. At the UPFI Film Center The University of the Philippines Film Institute also had screenings of LGBTQ+ films on 17 June, in partnership with the UP Diliman Gender Office. Shown were short films Gutab, Dory, Niknik, Kurozetto, Bakit, Papa? and Nang Maglublob Ako sa isang Mangkok ng Liwanag. The post Pride screenings showcase a rainbow of stories appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Twitter blocks troll hunters
For years, a band of science-loving “troll hunters” hounded climate change deniers off Twitter — but Elon Musk’s takeover has upended their efforts, with many ousted accounts back, pushing fresh disinformation. Despite the threat climate change poses to the planet, disinformation about it has gone largely unsanctioned on Twitter. But a secretive global community of about 25 scientists and activists, calling themselves Team Ninja Trollhunters, found a roundabout way to tackle it. Since its founding in 2019, TNT claims to have secured the suspension of some 600 accounts of climate change denialists by reporting them for other infringements, including hate speech, that are officially recognized by the platform as valid grounds for termination. “If they’re saying something racist or offensive or misogynist, we can get them kicked off,” one Germany-based TNT member, a 45-year-old scientist who asked to be identified as Tom, told AFP in a Zoom interview. Like other TNT members interviewed by AFP, he requested that his real identity be withheld to avoid online harassment. TNT members showed AFP archives documenting their campaigns, including a spreadsheet logging thousands of Twitter accounts they reported on grounds ranging from spam and harassment to hate speech and threats. They also shared screenshots confirming numerous suspensions. “We make sure that we’re as under the radar as possible... to get (climate) deniers and ‘sceptics’ and just generally nasty people reported on Twitter,”” a Canada-based member named Peter told AFP. “We’re more effective if we’re very quiet about it. These deniers are quite often very violent in their responses to climate misinformation being corrected. Intimidation and abuse are very common.” The post Twitter blocks troll hunters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Building a community of leading gamers
Globe is leveling up its stake in the gaming world through its partnership with AcadArena, home of Southeast Asia’s campus gaming. Together, the partners are building a community of gamers aspiring to be leaders in esports, game technology, and pop culture. To kick this off, Globe is all set to empower gamers of all kinds at CONQuest 2023, the biggest gaming and pop culture convention in the Philippines set to unfold at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex from 2-4 June 2023. CONQuest promises to be a thrilling spectacle featuring top streamers, influencers, shout casters, cosplayers, esports athletes, voice actors, and musical acts. International sensations Valkyrae, Pokimane, Lilypichu, Michael Reeves, and Tuonto are poised to share the stage with Korean indie rock band The Rose. Matching them step by step are Filipino powerhouses VeeWise, RikuPH, and a host of other local figures. The festival is gearing up to be an experience like no other, especially for Globe customers. Through the partnership with AcadArena, subscribers can get exclusive perks such as 10 percent discounts on tickets and chances to win tickets from different tiers, from day passes to coveted Premium passes, using their Globe Rewards points on GlobeOne. Globe users can also enjoy express lane entry simply by showing their proof of SIM registration. They also get the privileged opportunity to lay claim to special CONQuest 2023 merchandise. For a hassle-free trip, Globe customers can ride the shuttle service from SMX to three selected Ayala Malls using Globe Rewards points. On top of these treats, they also get the opportunity to score an academic scholarship and a CONQuest Premium Pass for a chosen student leader. Globe plans to ignite the venue of the much-anticipated event with an immersive, experiential booth that will reward gamers for their life’s wins. From getting freebies when they donate their Rewards points for a cause to indulging in free arcade plays and memorable meet-ups with their favorite streamers, the Globe gaming community is in for an action-packed, unforgettable weekend! "We in Globe are very much thrilled to once again present and enable AcadArena’s CONQuest, especially as it becomes a space for all types of gamers, with the event going beyond just games and esports and expanding into music and pop culture. It’s a perfect match as we aim to strengthen the Philippines' gaming community and provide festival goers with the most reliable mobile network in the Philippines.," said Ralph Aligada, Head of Globe Games and Esports. Ariane Lim, AcadArena COO shared, "With CONQuest getting bigger each year, we at AcadArena are very excited to see the festival goers in the activities and events that they will be able to experience. Our presenters, led by Globe, always give new gaming experiences each year, with 2023 shaping up to be the most novel one yet. We look forward to bringing our festival goers the best that AcadArena and Globe can offer." The post Building a community of leading gamers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Broader defense pacts sought
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Wednesday stressed that the Philippines should forge broader defense pacts with its allies to counter Chinese encroachment in the South China Sea, including in the West Philippine Sea. “Japan, Australia, and the United States, as well as countries that have territorial claims in the South China Sea have to band together so that we can put up a respectable force against China’s aggression,” Ejercito said in a statement. “Because of China’s aggressive and hostile activities in the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, it is important for nations to have alliances and coordinate with each other’s armed forces and coast guards to ensure that the freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea area is maintained,” he added. He also said that the ongoing joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, as well as recent talks on the formation of a new defense pact with Japan, are “crucial steps in achieving regional stability amid China’s growing military aggression.” On Tuesday, the 38th Philippine-United States Balikatan exercise kicked off with more than 17,000 Filipino and American troops will be participating in the joint drills. The Balikatan joint military exercise was created under the US-Philippine Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries. Meantime, Senator Risa Hontiveros echoed the same sentiment, stressing that a strong coalition will prevent escalating tensions in Taiwan. “We need the international community to help de-escalate and cool the tensions between the US and China especially around Taiwan,” Hontiveros said. “Let us create a strong coalition with our neighboring countries that are ready to stop any destabilization in our region.” She issued the statement a day after China concluded its three days of military drills around Taiwan, which is currently hosting around 150,000 to 200,000 Filipinos. The lawmaker said the escalating tensions in Taiwan are worrisome but the Philippines “shouldn’t be coaxed to participate in any kind of war.” “We have to uphold the Constitutional mandate of peace as the instrument of national policy or the abandonment of war as an instrument of national policy,” she said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, on the other hand, said that military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States should not involve any disputes in the South China Sea. “The US-Philippines military cooperation must not interfere in South China Sea disputes, still less harm China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests and security interests,” Wang said. He issued the statement following the kick-off of the joint military exercises of the Philippines and the United States earlier this week. Wang also said that military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States should not target any third party. “Exchange and cooperation between relevant countries should not target any third party and should be conducive to regional peace and stability,” said Wang. Earlier this day, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that Manila and Washington have agreed to further integrate their “strong bilateral ties” into “multilateral networks.” The post Broader defense pacts sought appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Korean boy band-inspired community pantry in Malabon
A Malabon resident put a dash of K-pop on a community pantry in Barangay Maysilo. On her Facebook page, organizer Kristine Santos posted photos of her South Korean boy band EXO-themed community pantry. Santos said that aside from extending help to her neighbors in need of food items and other necessities, she also wanted to […] The post Korean boy band-inspired community pantry in Malabon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN to hold ‘IN-COMPLETE’ Online Concert on January 23
K-pop performance powerhouse group SEVENTEEN is starting the year with an energetic online concert! The official announcement was posted last January 5 through the group’s official fan community on Weverse. Aptly titled ‘IN-COMPLETE’, the highly anticipated online concert is set to premiere on January 23, 2021 at 5PM PHL with delayed single-view rewatch on January […] The post K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN to hold ‘IN-COMPLETE’ Online Concert on January 23 appeared first on Pinoy Parazzi......»»
Farmer attacked, killed inside his home by terrorists
CAGAYAN — A band of terrorists killed a farmer inside his residence in Barangay Isca, Gonzaga here on Wednesday. PHOTO VIA LIEZLE BASA INIGO/ MANILA BULLETIN The victim was identified as Freddie Pahicniyon, 34, a native of Banaue, Ifugao and resident of Purok 7, Barangay Isca, Gonzaga, Cagayan. Investigators said that at about 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, at least 10 unidentified terrorists in camouflage uniforms barged into the house of the victim and shot him several times causing his instantaneous death. The suspects fled towards Sitio Tagcar of Brgy. Isca, Gonzaga, Cagayan. Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) Regional Director Police Brigadier General Crizaldo O Nieves said the murderous act of the Communist Terrorist Group is proof of their criminal nature and total disregard for the life and rights of other people. “I urge the public to deny support to these lawless groups and to immediately report to the authorities their presence in the community to prevent them from disturbing the peace and order in the region,” he added. Nieves assured the family of the slain farmer that they will hunt down the perpetrators and have them face the full force of the law. He directed Cagayan Philippine National Police Provincial Director Col. Ariel N Quilang to conduct a thorough investigation and manhunt operation for the identification and immediate arrest of the perpetrators. “They are no different from ordinary criminals. Hence, treat them as such,” Nieves said......»»
Tothapi may bagong single, ka-join na sa Sony Music family
LEVEL up ang breakthrough Bicol-based band na Tothapi! Sila kasi ang pinakabagong pamilya ng Sony Music Entertainment na kinabibilangan ng ilan sa mga biggest OPM acts ng bansa, katulad ng Ben&Ben, SB19, Denise Julia, Clara Benin, Ace Banzuelo, The Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, at marami pang iba. “It has been an amazing ride with Sony Music.....»»
What s Wrong With Secretary Kim star Park Min Young making first-ever Manila visit in May
The Korean star of "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim" and "When The Weather Is Fine" Park Min Young will be having her first-ever fan meeting in the Philippines this May......»»
Korean star Lee Sang Yeob marries non-showbiz girlfriend
"My Lovely Boxer" star Lee Sang-yeob has tied the knot with his non-showbiz girlfriend. .....»»
K-pop group Unis releases debut mini-album, Superwoman MV
After surviving the reality show "Universe Ticket," the eight-member K-pop group Unis, with Filipino members Gehlee and Elisia and Filipino-Korean Jin Hyeonju, launched its mini-album......»»
‘Our Dream’: K-pop boy band BtoB to hold fan-con in April
The K-pop boy band BtoB, also known as Born to Beat, is poised to come back to Manila on April 7 at the SM Mall of Asia for a fan-con labeled as “2024 BTOB Fan-Con Our Dream.”.....»»
'India, Russia have taken extra care to look after each other s interests': EAM Jaishankar
Singapore, March 25 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday stressed that Russia is a country with which India has always had a positive relationship. While addressing the members of the Indian Community in Singapore, Jaishankar said that both countries have taken extra care to look after each other's interests. "I will ask myself...Has Russia helped us or harmed us?...Are there gains to be made from Russ.....»»
Greenwich Inspires Filipinos to Create More Authentic Meaningful Connections, Launches ‘Sarap to Feel G’ Campaign
Greenwich, one of the country’s leading homegrown pizza and pasta makers, is embarking on a massive campaign this year to inspire millions of Filipinos to create more genuine, meaningful connections with each other. The campaign is anchored on having more experiences inspired by authenticity and real “feel-good” togetherness made possible by incredible, great-tasting food. This […].....»»
Missing man found dead in Barangay Bonbon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 50-year-old man who had been missing for two weeks was found dead in Sitio Golivas, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. The victim was identified as Adriano Fuentes Durano, a resident of Kiniasan, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. Police Major Philip John Libres, chief of Malubog Police Community Precinct, stated that on Tuesday.....»»
Sarangani Writers League welcomes 11 new members, all women
ALABEL, Sarangani (MindaNews / 24 March) – The Sarangani Writers League (SWL) recently welcomed its new members, all of them women, for helping develop the literary community in the province of Sarangani. The new members successfully navigated the application process, fulfilled all requirements, and surpassed the evaluation criteria: Catherine R. Discorson, Mariele M. Gallego, and Eva […].....»»