Mercedes adds 13-year-old Chinese to junior F1 squad
Shanghai—Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team have added a 13-year-old from China to their junior squad, with Formula One yet to produce a driver from the world’s most populous nation......»»
Chowking Brings Halo-Halo Land to Cebu for 2024
Chowking has officially done it again. The Filipino-Chinese fast food chain has once again reinvented summer with another year of Halo-Halo Land in partnership with SM Supermalls, showcasing their new super-sangkap, kumpletong lamig-sarap Halo-Halo Supreme. Halo-halo is a Filipino staple. Its variety of ingredients dances on the pallet of your tongue as it gives you.....»»
Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, March 17
MANILA -- The number of Chinese inbound travelers to the Philippines surged by 235 percent year-on-year in the first two months of 2024, a Philippine lawmaker said Sunday. Citing data from the Philippines' Department of Tourism, Representative Marvin Rillo, vice chairperson of the committee on tourism in the House of Representatives, said that 82,314 Chinese travelers entered the Philippines in January and Febru.....»»
‘Ipaglaban natin ang atin’ — Bong Go on removal of barrier in Scarborough Shoal
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, vice chairperson of the Senate National Defense Committee, stressed in an interview on Tuesday, 26 September, the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in light of the removal of a Chinese-installed floating barrier at Scarborough Shoal. "My previous position d'yan, kung ano po ang atin ay atin. What is ours is ours. Ipaglaban po natin kung ano po ang atin," Go declared. For years, the Scarborough Shoal, located 200 kilometers away from the Philippines, has been a contentious area due to disputes over territorial claims and fishing rights. It is administered as a political subdivision of Zambales. Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) carried out a special operation to dismantle the floating barrier that had been hindering Filipino fishermen. "Trabaho po 'yun ng ating mga nasa gobyerno, sa Executive Department, DFA, PCG. I'm sure alam nila ang kanilang ginagawa," Go said, expressing confidence in the government's actions. Go also addressed the issue of barriers that had been removed but were still causing concerns. "Na-clear na ba? Dapat lang. Kung ano nga po ang atin ay atin 'yun, 'wag nating hayaang nakaharang d'yan ang mga barriers. Kung agrabyado naman tayo, kung ano nga po ang atin, ipaglaban po natin. What is ours is ours," he emphasized. Eliminating the barrier has heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, with the latter asserting ownership of more than 90 percent of the commonly referred to as" South China Sea". Go also expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s order to remove the barrier. Previously, Go criticized the series of reported harassments by China particularly in the disputed waters of Ayungin Shoal. He elaborated on the need for a unified stance to protect the country’s rights and rightful claims to its territories and Exclusive Economic Zone. "Dapat po ay respetuhin ang ating karapatan. Kung ano ang karapatan natin na mag-resupply tayo, atin po ‘yon, karapatan po natin ‘yun. Ipaglaban po natin ang ating karapatan," Go reiterated. On 8 September, the Philippine Coast Guard faced interference from the China Coast Guard while navigating to Ayungin Shoal, yet successfully executed their resupply mission. This episode adds to a pattern of maritime tensions, including a prior incident where a Chinese vessel deployed water cannons against a Philippine military ship and another involving the use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. The post ‘Ipaglaban natin ang atin’ — Bong Go on removal of barrier in Scarborough Shoal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mooncake ice cream, anyone?
Mooncakes are a traditional Chinese delicacy that are enjoyed and given as a gift to friends, colleagues, family, relatives and clients during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is now better known as the Mooncake Festival. The date changes every year because it follows the Lunar calendar. Highlight of the festival takes place on 29 September this year, but the celebration is actually longer than that. There are so many different kinds of mooncakes these days — from the traditional lotus paste to the more contemporary beans, nuts and custards, even meats. And the ultimate indulgence, the egg yolk, can be just one or as many as four or six. Shapes, too, shift from square to round, and sizes range from small, almost bite-sized, to big and for-sharing. [caption id="attachment_189648" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF KARABELLA DAIRYSalted Egg Caramel Ube Mooncake Gelato.[/caption] But there is one form of mooncake that you have probably never tried. I have also never tried it until recently, because it is an entirely new “phenomenon” mooncake in ice cream form. Mooncake gelato. With lots of chunky mooncake bits to chew on. Yes. After successful collaborations to produce cakes and alcoholic drinks in ice cream, Karabella Dairy recently joined hands with chef Nathaniel Uy of TheHungryChef to create two flavors of mooncake gelato. Chef Nathaniel is, after all, known for his homemade, artisanal mooncakes, which he produces and sells during mooncake season. He makes exquisite flavors, including black bean mooncake, ube mooncake and coffee mooncake. [caption id="attachment_189649" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Matcha Red Bean Mooncake Gelato.[/caption] “It is really a tradition to give mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and we wanted to be able to give mooncakes that are different but still delightful this year. We collaborated with Chef Nathaniel because we find his mooncakes very different from the ones we tried, especially the crust. The fillings are also ‘sakto to panlasang Pinoy’ and very creative, too,” said Jan Buenaflor of Karabella Dairy. Karabella already had the gelato base flavor, the brand’s best-selling Salted Egg Caramel Gelato for the Salted Egg Caramel Ube Mooncake Gelato, one of the two flavors that came out of the collaboration. Then Ericjan “EJ” Buenaflor, the gelato master of Karabella, created a new matcha base for the other flavor, Matcha Red Bean Mooncake Gelato. [caption id="attachment_189647" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of Jan and EJ Buenaflojan and EJ Buenaflor, the mother-and-son team behind Karabella Dairy, with chef Nathaniel Uy of TheHungryChef.[/caption] “We considered what flavors we could make to precisely combine with Chef Nat’s mooncakes. We first ran and tried a tiny batch to see if our salted egg and matcha would complement his mooncakes. We made several batches and tests to balance all the flavors, as we didn’t want to overpower the real flavor of Chef Nat’s mooncakes and we also didn’t want to come up with a mooncake gelato that will seem as if we just topped our gelato with mooncake,” explains EJ. The results: The salted egg in the first Mooncake Gelato flavor has its saltiness balanced by the sweetness of the caramel and the ube, so that the ingredients complement each other. The matcha in the second flavor provides a distinct and refreshing green tea flavor while the red bean paste adds a unique sweetness and textural contrast to it to make a great combo. Karabella x TheHungryChef’s mooncake gelatos are now available online. They are available in a package of one-pint Salted Egg Caramel Ube Mooncake Gelato, one pint Matcha Red Bean Mooncake Gelato, and two TheHungryChef mooncakes for P1,500. You can also buy the mooncake gelatos per pint or flavor. The post Mooncake ice cream, anyone? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ticking bomb
China’s latest military maneuvers in and around the Taiwan Strait are a cause for concern. Beijing’s latest exercises come at a time of heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as between China and the United States. This week, Taiwan reported that over 100 Chinese fighter planes and fewer than a dozen warships had been detected in the waters and airspace around its territory. So far, this is the most significant number of Chinese warplanes seen in the area in recent memory. China’s military posturing is not only happening in the Taiwan Strait but also in the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines. It involved the deployment of the Shandong aircraft carrier, one of China’s only two operational carriers. Since time immemorial, the US has been sending its aircraft carriers (11 of which are in service presently) to project power away from its shores. So, there is no mystery here about what China’s message is in deploying the Shandong. The Taiwan Strait’s median line, the unofficial boundary between China and Taiwan, is only about 100 nautical miles, or 190 kilometers, from mainland China. Thus, Chinese planes need not take off from the Shandong to reach the exercise site. As in past exercises, Beijing entered the strait, much to the consternation of Taiwan, using planes that took off from airstrips on the mainland or from the islands in the West Philippine Sea which it has occupied in violation of the Philippines’ territorial rights. Deploying the Shandong, the gem of the Chinese fleet, was apparently intended to add to the scare factor directed toward its neighbors like Taiwan and the Philippines. Of late, the China Coast Guard has also been bullying Philippine Coast Guard-led resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre. China claims the strait as part of its internal waters, while Taiwan and other nations like the United States see it as international waters. Freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait is guaranteed by international law, and the United States and other countries regularly conduct freedom of navigation operations there to challenge China’s claims. With the exercises, China may be trying to send a message to Taiwan and the United States that it is serious about its claims over Taiwan. China has threatened to use force, if need be, to achieve reunification with Taiwan. China may also be trying to test Taiwan’s air defenses and assess the US response to any Chinese military action against Taiwan. China’s latest military maneuvers are particularly concerning given its recent release of a new map claiming almost the entire South China Sea as its territory. The new 10-dash map of China is based on the nine-dash line, which it had used to claim almost the entire South China Sea since the 1940s. However, the new map adds a tenth dash to the east of Taiwan. The Taiwan Strait is a vital shipping lane, and any conflict in the area could have a significant impact on the global economy. It could well be a ticking time bomb, a potential flashpoint for regional and even global conflict. Nations must dissuade China from taking aggressive measures that might spark a conflict. Taiwan’s efforts to preserve its democracy and its right to self-defense should be encouraged by the international community. The post Ticking bomb appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Heinous crime on high seas
The West Philippine Sea has been a longstanding flashpoint in Southeast Asia due to the competing territorial claims between China and the Philippines. Amid the territorial dispute, a concerning incident occurred when China’s Coast Guard again fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is an atoll located in the Spratly Islands chain in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines claims Ayungin Shoal as part of its exclusive economic zone or EEZ, while China asserts its historical rights over the entire South China Sea, including areas claimed by neighboring countries. This is not the first time the Chinese Coast Guard committed provocative acts against Philippine vessels. Earlier, on March 2021, when the Philippine Coast Guard attempted to deliver supplies and rotate personnel stationed on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal, the China Coast Guard intercepted the Philippine vessel and used water cannons to deter the resupply mission. The Sierra Madre is a scuttled, rusted Philippine Navy ship that serves as the country’s outpost on Ayungin. The firing of water cannons on Philippine vessels underscores the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea. Such provocative acts heighten the risk of a clash between the two countries’ naval forces, which would surely lead to further instability in the region. With other claimant states, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, having their own territorial disputes with China, any escalation of hostilities could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and peace. The latest water cannon incident further strains Philippines-China relations, which have been marred by territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea for years. The Philippines has consistently sought a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means and in adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. However, China’s assertive actions, including the deployment of its Coast Guard and maritime militia in the disputed waters, have challenged these efforts. The incident at Ayungin Shoal adds to the mistrust and animosity between the two countries, making the prospect of diplomatic negotiations more challenging. It also raises concerns among Filipinos about their country’s ability to protect its sovereignty and maritime rights in the face of China’s growing assertiveness in the region. The Ayungin Shoal incident is just one of many incidents that have contributed to the complexities of the West Philippine Sea dispute. China’s expansive claims and island-building activities in the area have raised concerns among other claimant states and the international community. The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s landmark ruling in 2016, which invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its EEZ, has not deterred China’s actions. China’s militarization of artificial islands and imposition of fishing restrictions further intensified tensions and escalated the territorial dispute. The water cannon incident reflects a broader pattern of behavior, where China uses its military and paramilitary forces to assert dominance and control over contested waters, challenging the norms of international law and UNCLOS. To achieve lasting peace and stability, it is crucial for all parties involved to uphold the principles of international law, including UNCLOS, and engage in diplomatic negotiations in good faith. Moreover, regional and international cooperation is essential to addressing the complexities of the West Philippine Sea dispute and promoting a peaceful resolution that will respect the rights and interests of all claimant states. Only through constructive dialogue and adherence to established norms can the countries in the region find a way to coexist peacefully and ensure the sustainable management of the West Philippine Sea’s resources for the benefit of all stakeholders. **** E-mail: mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post Heinous crime on high seas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAL adds flights to Taiwan
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines has expanded its codeshare deal with Chinese counterpart China Airlines to add Manila flights to Kaohsiung and Cebu trips to Taipei......»»
Celebrity chef Jereme Leung returns for‘Flavors of the Orient’
Over the years, the inventiveness of celebrity master chef Jereme Leung has garnered a loyal following. Modern Chinese food inspired by Chinese culinary traditions defines his cuisine and creativity is his game. [caption id="attachment_159822" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Steamed Sea Garoupa withsun-dried ginger, red chili, black bean paste and superb chicken stock.[/caption] When you see him in his restaurants going around and speaking to the guests, take the opportunity to ask for his recommendations. With his innovative cooking, it would be a mistake not to try it. That’s why, it’s best to visit Conrad Manila for its Legendary Chef Series and experience a rare chance to meet the world-renowned chef and savor his exceptional culinary creations that will leave epicurean enthusiasts in awe and craving for more. The exclusive engagement, dubbed “Flavors of the Orient” and ongoing until 23 July at China Blue, presents a delicious set menu meticulously curated by Leung and his team led by chef Eng Yew Khor. The limited-time offering showcases a symphony of flavors, combining Cantonese culinary traditions and gastronomic innovation — a feat Leung has mastered from age 13 when he began his culinary career in Hong Kong. Leung is a culinary visionary who is known for conceptualizing Conrad Manila’s China Blue, that’s why it was named after him — China Blue by Jereme Leung. “Master chef Jereme Leung’s limited engagement at Conrad Manila brings a lot of excitement as he once again delights guests with his magical culinary touch on extraordinary dishes most fitting during this period of our Legendary Chefs Series,” says Conrad Manila general manager Fabio Berto. “We are certain that his exclusive new gastronomic repertoire will further heighten the culinary reputation of the already well-loved China Blue.” Oriental choices The culinary spectacle begins with an enticing appetizer featuring marinated lobster enriched with coriander lime jelly dressing and crispy bean curd sheet, accompanied by deep-fried kataifi seafood and otak otak with lemongrass. “The lobster roll’s dressing is very Southeast Asian,” says 52-year-old Leung, who arrived in Manila a few days ago to personally prepare the dishes for the limited lunch and dinner treat. “It’s not spicy but refreshing. The crispy sheet is bean curd, steamed and deep fried. When it’s hot and fresh, it’s super crispy and melts in your mouth.” The otak-otak, Leung explains, is a Malaysian fish cake wrapped in banana leaf. But, instead of fish, he substitutes it with cuttlefish and shrimp. The kataifi, on the other hand, is a pastry deep-fried on lemongrass skewer. The journey continues with a flavorful double-boiled merry fruit peach gum with sea cucumber, black chicken dumpling, dry moon clam Matsutake mushroom soup. “The soup is a special one,” says Leung. “The base is made of chicken and matsutake mushroom which is very intense in taste. I personally hand-carried the dried mushroom from Hunan.” Another special ingredient is the merry fruit from Guangdong Province. It is a medicinal fruit that has a nutty flavor that offers a strong, potent taste. Leung’s repertoire continues to impress with his main courses — the steamed sea garoupa garnished with sun-dried ginger, red chili, black bean paste and superior chicken stock; and the slow-cooked beef short ribs, coated in green pepper and barbecue sauce. “It’s a live fish that we clean, cover in salt and air dry in a temperature-controlled room for hours to remove its moisture and to make the flesh firmer,” explains Leung. “The braised beef is slow-cooked for several hours.” To accompany the main course, Leung offers black sesame fried rice with dry scallops, seafood, and spring onion egg white pearl. And, to complete the feast, a refreshing serving of hawthorn ice cream, Chinese sweet vinegar caramel, and the delightful touch of traditional onion pancake leave the palate with a lingering note of sweetness. Yes, each of Leung’s dishes has a unique quality and taste, a special touch to make it stand out. The food presentation does an excellent job of increasing one’s appetite. “The objective of the menu is to introduce some of the less common ingredients here,” shares Leung, who, as of this writing, is simultaneously opening five restaurants in China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Macau. “But while they are less common in this country, they are common ingredients in different regions of China. It’s an interesting exchange of knowledge.” He adds: “My cuisine is about adapting ourselves based on what we see in the local market. While we retain our own recipes, we create dishes depending on the availability of the ingredients in the market. Our creation is not just out of the blue. It’s something that we think, try, and work on over and over again to make sure we please our diners.” For reservation on Conrad Manila’s Legendary Chefs Series, call 8833-9999, 0917-650 3591, or email MNLMB.FB @conradhotels.com. The post Celebrity chef Jereme Leung returns for‘Flavors of the Orient’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blowing whistle on cops
The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group, or PNP-ACG, seems predisposed to taking shortcuts, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, fresh from a heart bypass, was livid about it Monday. Remulla minced no words in slamming the PNP-ACG’s failure to coordinate with the Department of Justice before conducting raids on POGO or Philippine offshore gaming operator firms in Las Piñas City. The DoJ chief’s frustration was palpable as he condemned the PNP-ACG’s approach. “Arresting people without cases. What, cases will be invented? The DoJ will not agree to that,” Remulla fumed. “They just raided… they just entered the premises, as if they were fishing.” Remulla raised the important point that many cases have remained pending due to lack of evidence, in most cases because of sloppy police work. In the POGO raids, he said the cops did not cite specific acts or grounds for arresting the individuals. According to Remulla, the booboo left the DoJ with no choice but to set free five Chinese nationals arrested during the raids for alleged involvement in human trafficking operations, pending reinvestigation. Many similar drug cases had been thrown out either at the prosecutorial level or before the courts for the failure of arresting officers to observe protocol, including having members of the media and the local prosecutor’s office present when processing arrested individuals and the evidence seized from them. The bungling of the Las Piñas raids raises questions about the competence and professionalism of the PNP-ACG. Furthermore, the PNP-ACG’s recent proposal to join POGO raids only adds to the confusion surrounding their intentions and actions. In a press conference, PNP-ACG chief P/Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia suggested that police officers be included in inspections of POGOs. However, one cannot help but question the reason behind this request. Does the PNP-ACG truly believe that its presence would enhance the effectiveness of these inspections, or is it simply an attempt to exert control and create the impression that the Philippines is a police state? The dangers of the latter scenario cannot be overstated. A police force that overreaches its authority and encroaches upon the rights of individuals and businesses fosters an environment of fear and distrust. We must be cautious not to allow our country to slide down a path where citizens are constantly under surveillance and their rights are infringed upon in the name of law enforcement. Hernia’s proposal came on the heels of the PNP-ACG’s recent “rescue” of around 3,000 Filipino and foreign workers in raids on Las Piñas City POGO firms allegedly involved in human trafficking and other illegal activities. Make no mistake about it, all illegal POGOs should go and those behind them prosecuted. Just the same, Hernia’s suggestion in the face of the dressing down the PNP has received from Secretary Remulla raises concerns about his unit’s approach and its potential ramifications for those involved in the POGO industry, especially those operating legally. The controversy surrounding the PNP-ACG has naturally trained the spotlight on the whole PNP, which has been touting high crime solution efficiency — 81.78 percent in 2022. However, the real question is how many of these “solved crimes” have resulted in convictions. If that’s too much to ask for, let’s dumb it down a bit: How many of the complaints filed by the PNP are ultimately adopted by prosecutors and filed in court? A high crime solution efficiency rate may provide a sense of accomplishment, but it does not necessarily guarantee justice or the successful prosecution of criminals. The PNP’s claimed efficiency in solving crimes must be accompanied by a commitment to thorough investigations, the gathering of compelling evidence, and the successful prosecution of offenders. Without these elements, the high crime solution efficiency rate becomes a hollow metric. In light of these stories, it becomes apparent that the PNP-ACG’s actions are cause for concern. Their failure to coordinate with the DoJ, their lack of proffered evidence, and their questionable proposals raise doubts about their commitment to serve and protect. We must demand better from our law enforcement agencies. We deserve a police force that respects the rule of law, values evidence-based investigations, and prioritizes the protection of citizens’ rights. The post Blowing whistle on cops appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US adds 6 Chinese entities tied to balloon program to export blacklist
The Commerce Department says the six entities supported the modernization of China's People's Liberation Army and its aerospace programs including airships and balloons.....»»
Mercedes adds 13-year-old Chinese to junior F1 squad
Shanghai—Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team have added a 13-year-old from China to their junior squad, with Formula One yet to produce a driver from the world’s most populous nation......»»
US suspends flights by Chinese airlines in new spat with Beijing
Washington on Wednesday ordered the suspension of all flights by Chinese airlines into and out of the United States after Beijing failed to allow American carriers to resume services to China. The move adds to a growing friction between the world’s two largest economies amid the coronavirus crisis and in the wake of a two-year […] The post US suspends flights by Chinese airlines in new spat with Beijing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China urges ROK to stay prudent on South China Sea issue: Chinese FM
BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Republic of Korea (ROK) to stay prudent when it comes to the South China Sea issue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday. Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to a media query about ROK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's biased and unfactual comments on the South China Sea issue over the past few days. "China.....»»
Chinese Diplomat Liu Jianchao Meets With Singapore s Leaders
singapore - Liu Jianchao, the senior diplomat widely expected to become China's next foreign minister, said "the world needs connectivity, not decoupling," during a four-day visit to Singapore.Liu, who heads the international department of the Communist Party, was in the city-state to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the country's incoming leader, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.During a s.....»»
PH media slam Chinese foreign ministry’s claims of manipulating WPS reports
Philippine media groups criticized the Chinese foreign ministry for suggesting that recent reports on Chinese harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea involved video manipulation and sensationalism to portray the Philippines as a victim. The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) expressed offense.....»»
China: PH is ‘straying down a dangerous path’
MANILA, Philippines — China continued to blame the Philippines and its ally, the United States, for the continued tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea. In a statement on Thursday, Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian warned that the Philippines is going down a dangerous path. READ: No letup in Chinese water cannon attacks.....»»
PH media organizations slam Chinese Foreign Ministry
PH media organizations slam Chinese Foreign Ministry.....»»
DOH: Pertussis cases 20 times more than last year
DOH: Pertussis cases 20 times more than last year.....»»
Philippines logs 40 pertussis deaths this year
MANILA, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Forty children have died of whopping cough, a respiratory infection also called pertussis, since this year, the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has reported. The DOH said in a statement on Wednesday that cases have continued to increase since the start of this year, recording 568 cases from Jan. 1 to March 16. "The total number of cases for the same period in 2023 was.....»»
PNVF forms coaching sataff for world meet
Seasoned coach Dante Alinsunurin will make a comeback as one of the deputies for the national men’s team as host Philippines pulls out all the stops to parade a competitive squad against the best of the best in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships 2025......»»