PADS dragon boat racers brace for loaded 2023
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The world-renowned Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) Dragon Boat Team welcomes 2023 with a busy schedule. PADS, which won four gold medals in last July’s International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) 13th Club Crew World Championships in Sarasota, Florida will be organizing and joining various dragon boat events this year. It […] The post PADS dragon boat racers brace for loaded 2023 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Unidentified man found near Maribago wharf in Lapu-Lapu City
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu- The body of a still unidentified man was found floating near the wharf in Barangay Maribago in Lapu-Lapu City on Monday morning, November 27, 2023. Police Staff Sergeant Ronald Salimbot, investigator of Mactan Police Station, said that body was found by a pump boat caretaker at about 8:11 a.m. Salimbot said the.....»»
Chinese envoy summoned over Ayungin Shoal collision
The Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza said Monday that they had summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian after a China Coast Guard vessel collided with an AFP-contracted resupply boat off Ayungin Shoal on 22 October 2023. However, Huang was out of town and was represented by his Deputy Chief of Mission instead, said Daza. National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said it is not usual for the Philippines to summon the Chinese ambassador as the country has always adhered to a diplomatic approach. “We don’t summon Chinese Ambassador all the time and this is something like a plain message for the Philippines, the DFA just took into consideration the gravity of the urgency of the Situation and decided that it was an event that required summoning the Ambassador,” Malaya noted. The post Chinese envoy summoned over Ayungin Shoal collision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cebu Pink Paddlers make waves in US dragon boat scene
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The breast cancer survivors-turned dragon boat racers from the Cebu Pink Paddlers continue to make their presence felt in the United States after bagging a gold medal in the 2023 Nevada International Dragon Boat Festival in Henderson, Nevada, United States on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The Cebu Pink Paddlers ruled the 200-meter breast cancers survivor race category and earned the bronze medal in the 200m women’s championship division. It came less than a week after they also claimed a gold and a silver medal in the Santa Fe Dam Dragon Boat Festival 2023 in Irwindale, California. This time, the Cebu Pink Paddlers topped the 200m breast cancer survivor category with a time of one minute and 2.51 seconds to earn the first place. Warriors on Water came in second with a time of 1:02.63, followed by Dragon Divas of Minnesota at 1:02.85. The fourth and fifth placers were the Pink Phoenix (1:03.56) and the Pink Paddlers (1:06.98) in the 200m breast cancer survivor category. Meanwhile, the Cebu Pink Paddlers finished third in the 200m women’s championship division with a time of 57.44 seconds. They were behind silver medalist Tilikum Dragons who clocked in 56.97 seconds, while Catch 22-Tsunami topped the race in 55.97 seconds for the gold medal. One of Cebu Pink Paddlers’ goals of competing in the United States is to inspire more women, especially breast cancer survivors, that there is so much to life after battling the dreaded disease. They showcase this by competing not just in an average dragon boat race, but in an elite level. RELATED STORIES Cebu Pink Paddlers Dragon Boat team to compete in US next month Cebu Pink Paddlers bag silver in Malaysia competition Cebu Pink Paddlers hold photo exhibit to raise breast cancer awareness.....»»
Foreign commercial vessel rams Pinoy fishing boat, 3 fishermen die
Three Filipino fishermen died when the fishing boat they were maneuvering was rammed by a foreign commercial vessel in Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales on Monday, a belated report from the Philippine Coast Guard said on Wednesday. The PCG, on the other hand, failed to identify which flag the commercial vessel belongs to. "One crew of FFB DEARYN shared that it occurred around 4:20 AM on 02 October 2023 while their mother boat was moored to payao for fishing 85 nautical miles northwest of BDM. The mother boat submerged, resulting in the death of its three crew members, including its boat captain," the PCG report released on Wednesday said. Further, the report said the eleven crew members who survived the maritime incident utilized their eight service boats to leave the vicinity waters and transport the deceased victims to Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan. "They arrived around 10 AM yesterday, 03 October 2023, and reported the incident to the nearest Coast Guard sub-station for necessary assistance," the PCG report stated. Bajo de Masinloc is a known lair of Chinese maritime operatives guarding the lagoon for Filipino fishermen, as they claim that it belongs to their territory. The Philippines, on the other hand, claims that the Bajo de Masinloc, or Scarborough Shoal, belongs to the exclusive economic zone of the country. The post Foreign commercial vessel rams Pinoy fishing boat, 3 fishermen die appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t to hold accountable those responsible in maritime collision — PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that the government is exerting every effort to hold accountable those who are responsible for the unfortunate incident in Bajo de Masinloc. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos Jr. expressed his deep sadness over the deaths of three fishermen in a maritime collision with an unidentified commercial vessel. "We are deeply saddened by the deaths of the three fishermen, including the captain of the fishing vessel," Marcos Jr. said. "The incident is still under investigation to ascertain the details and circumstances surrounding the collision between the fishing boat and the still unidentified commercial vessel." Marcos Jr. also urged the public to refrain from engaging in speculation while the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is conducting its investigation. "Currently, the PCG is backtracking and checking all monitored vessels in the area as part of its ongoing investigation," he said. "Let us allow the PCG to do its job and investigate, and let us refrain from engaging in speculation in the meantime." The President also assured the victims, their families, and the public that the government will provide support and assistance to them. "Rest assured that the government will provide support and assistance to the victims and their families," he said. Last 2 October, the PCG responded to a maritime incident involving a Filipino fishing boat rammed by an unidentified commercial vessel transiting the vicinity waters off Bajo de Masinloc. One crew of FFB DEARYN shared that it occurred around 4:20 a.m. on Monday while their mother boat was moored to payao for fishing 85 nautical miles northwest of BDM. The mother boat submerged, resulting in the death of its three crew members, including its boat captain. The eleven crew members who survived the maritime incident utilized their eight service boats to leave the vicinity waters and transport the deceased victims to Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan. They arrived around 10:00 a.m. yesterday, 3 October 2023, and reported the incident to the nearest Coast Guard substation for necessary assistance. The post Gov’t to hold accountable those responsible in maritime collision — PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM Hypermarket Street Food Festival 2023
Brace yourself for an unforgettable food party at the most delicious street food event of the year, the SM Hypermarket Street Food Festival 2023. This year, it’s all about celebrating delicious street food, featuring street food vendors, event-exclusive promos, live cooking demos from its guest celebrity chef, and exciting activities in the bustling SM Hypermarket Fairview. [caption id="attachment_190800" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Chef Boy Logro dancing with SM Markets mascots[/caption] Celebrity Chef Boy Logro Takes Center Stage! [caption id="attachment_190799" align="aligncenter" width="854"] Chef Boy Logro showing how to prepare SM Bonus Pork BBQ[/caption] Prepare to be amazed as the one and only Kusina Master, Chef Boy Logro, headlines the festival with his exceptional and creative cooking skills. Known for his culinary mastery and captivating cooking shows, Chef Boy Logro will grace the event with live cooking demonstrations that will surely make you crave. Watch in amazement as he showcases SM's finest pre-blanched meats, including the mouthwatering sisig and tender beef tendon, into classic street food creations. But the excitement doesn't stop there! Chef Boy Logro will also introduce the newest SM Bonus Marinated Pork Barbecue on stick – a premium taste sensation that’s delicious, tender, and ready to cook. A Street Food Party Like No Other [caption id="attachment_190801" align="aligncenter" width="854"] Chef Boy Logro cooking sisig using SM’s blanched sisig[/caption] The SM Hypermarket Street Food Festival 2023 is your passport to a world of street food delights, made possible by its partners Nestle Magic Sarap, Nestle All Purpose Cream, Knorr Seasoning, Knorr Cubes, Knorr Soup, Purefoods Hotdog, Purefoods Heat & Eat, Lucky Me, Alaska Crema All Purpose Cream, Joy Dishwashing Liquid, 555 Sardines, 555 Tuna, CDO Hotdog, CDO Tocino, CDO Chicken Franks, Bounty Fresh Chicken & Farm Fresh Liempo. [caption id="attachment_190802" align="aligncenter" width="854"] SM Markets mascots and Customer Assistants at the Street Food Festival[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190803" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Guests and shoppers watching Chef Boy Logro’s live cooking demo[/caption] Explore a diverse range of street food stalls offering an irresistible array of snacks, treats, and bites that capture the essence of street cuisine from around the world. From sizzling skewers to crispy empanadas, it's a street food paradise you won't want to miss. In addition to the delectable street food offerings and Chef Boy Logro's culinary expertise, shoppers can enjoy special discounts, freebies, and fun activities such as our Hook-A-Duck game, plus snap some cool shots with the trending SM Turon and Five Star coffee pillows at the Photo Alley. [caption id="attachment_190804" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Chef Boy Logro with media guests[/caption] Shop to your heart's content and take advantage of unbeatable deals and discounts available only at the festival. Enjoy freebies for every purchase of Street Food Festival bundles, as well as big savings when you buy participating items with your SM Advantage or Prestige card. You can even get free SM Bonus Pork BBQ sticks with a minimum purchase of P1,000 worth of participating items. [caption id="attachment_190805" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Chef Boy Logro at the Street Food Festival photo alley[/caption] [caption id="attachment_190806" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Shopper enjoying the Street Food Festival’s Hook-A-Duck game[/caption] That’s not all. Shoppers may still get the Street Food Festival experience within the comforts of home through the online promos. They can get free SM Bonus lobster balls for a minimum of P1,500 worth of groceries inclusive of Street Food Festival participating items if they use the code FREEILOBYOU at smmarkets.ph. Don't miss the SM Hypermarket Street Food Festival 2023! It's going to be the best street food party. Join us in SM Hypermarket stores from September to October for mouthwatering street food, and exclusive deals. The post SM Hypermarket Street Food Festival 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A token of friendship
Longest-serving prime minister in modern Japan Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, undoubtedly was one of the most significant Japanese politicians in the promotion of Japan-Taiwan relations. Many Filipinos remember Abe when he visited with his wife Akie then-President Rodrigo Duterte in his home in Davao City in 2017. Most Taiwanese, on the other hand, remember Abe as the most Taiwan-friendly prime minister in Japan for not only saying, “a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency and, therefore, an emergency for the Japan-US alliance,” but showed support for Taiwanese pineapples by sharing a photo of himself with the fruit on Twitter to promote the sale in Japan when trade restrictions disrupted the export of Taiwanese pineapples. Taiwan was under Japanese colonial rule for 50 years. Thus, most Taiwanese have a favorable view of Japan, which has long been the top destination for Taiwanese tourists. As a result, some commentators call it “Taiwan’s love affair with Japan.” To honor and pay tribute to Abe and the shared history between Japan and Taiwan, the Hongmaogang Baoan Temple in Kaohsiung made and erected a statue of the late prime minister in September 2022, less than three months after his death and before the State Funeral of Abe. Akie Abe visited the temple in July 2023 and said that she hoped the spirits of her husband and those commemorated at the temple would bring Taiwan and Japan closer together. In fact, the Baoan Temple is unique not only for the statue of Abe but the worship of Captain Matao Takada and the 145 crew of a Japanese warship who died in the line of duty during World War II. According to reports, Captain Takada was just 38 years old when he passed away. He was the captain of the Patrol Boat 38 Yomogi, which was sunk by USS Atule at Bashi Channel in 1944 when it was on the way to Manila to take the survivors of the sunken Japanese battleship Musashi back to then-Japanese colony Taiwan. Eighty-one-year-old Narumi Takada, the son of Captain Takada who was two years old when his father was killed, visited the Baoan Temple this year and finally witnessed how his father is worshipped in Taiwan. Captain Takada and the 145 sailors are not the only foreign soldiers remembered by the Taiwanese. During the Sino-French War on 1884 and 1885 in Taiwan’s northern port city of Keelung, more than 700 French soldiers died and the French Military Cemetery was built there. Nowadays, worshippers still hold ceremonies for the killed French soldiers on the Ghost Festival each year and invite guests from the representative office of France in Taipei to commemorate them. The post A token of friendship 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......»»
Dragon boat race kicks off ‘Higalaay’
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Cagayan de Oro City government on Saturday morning kicked off a 2,000-meter dragon boat competition at the Cagayan River, with teams from the Philippines, Hong Kong and Malaysia participating. City Administrator Roy Raagas led the opening ceremonies of the event at Isla de Oro. He said 17 local dragon boat teams and teams from Hong Kong and Malaysia took part in the competition. The two-day competition is one of the highlights of the “Higalaay Festival 2023,” the city’s annual fiesta celebration. On 28 August, a religious fluvial parade will highlight the month-long festival. The parade will start from Puntod in Macajalar and end at Duaw Park near the St. Augustine Cathedral. Nick Jabagat, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, said security measures are in place for the mass gathering that will start with the 2,000-meter dragon boat race. He said drones are not allowed to fly over the areas of the festivities, but bloggers and news reporters covering the events are given specific areas where they can pilot their drones. The post Dragon boat race kicks off ‘Higalaay’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sustainable national sports program sought
Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro called for a sustainable national sports program to help young Filipino athletes achieve their full potential as he kicked off the opening ceremony of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa. “We want a sustainable national sports program for the Filipino youth,” Teodoro said. “We want to provide them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in sports and in life.” The mayor said that heavy rains in the past few days did not dampen the spirits of the delegates to the Palaro. They even braved the downpour during the grand parade. “Despite the heavy rains in the past few days, like the tests in our country, we are still here full of hope, have strengths, for a prosperous and stable country,” Teodoro said. The Palarong Pambansa is the country’s largest youth sporting event. This year’s games are being held in Marikina City from 1 to 5 August. Along with Teodoro, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte also graced the opening at the Marikina Sports Center. The Palarong Pambansa 2023 is anchored by the theme: “Batang Malakas, Bansang Matatag.” The opening ceremony commenced with a parade of student-athletes, starting from the Marikina River Park to the Marikina Sports Center. During the parade, the delegates were accompanied by marching bands and Marikina students who performed the regional dances of each delegation. Giving additional spectacle to the festive event was the dragon boat exhibition at the Marikina River organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon boat Federation. After all delegates converged at the MSC, the program proper kicked off with the Oath of Sportsmanship led by volleyball star Alyssa Valdez followed by the Oath of Officiating Officials led by Jonathan Oscar Jimenez, boxing tournament director. Volleyball player Bea de Leon, and basketball player Mark Barroca led the lighting of the Palaro Friendship Cauldron, together with the team captains representing the 17 participating regions in this year’s national games. Some Metro Manila mayors, provincial mayors, governors, members of House Representatives, and other national government officials graced the opening to show their full support to the student-athletes and to the City of Marikina. The post Sustainable national sports program sought appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Calbayog Hibatang Paddlers Seize Over-all Championship at Bohol Dragon Boat Festival
Bohol’s scenic shores came alive with adrenaline-pumping action as this year’s Bohol Dragon Boat Festival took center stage at Miramar, Dauis, Bohol, on July 22-23, 2023. In celebration of Bohol’s renowned Sandugo Festival, this thrilling event brought together teams from all over the country to showcase their paddling prowess in a fierce competition. With the […] The post Calbayog Hibatang Paddlers Seize Over-all Championship at Bohol Dragon Boat Festival appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Thousands flee Greek island fires as southern US swelters
Around 30,000 people were moved to safety on the Greek island of Rhodes where a wildfire burned on Saturday, while people in the southern United States struggled under a record-breaking heatwave. Tens of millions of people have been suffering through intense heat this summer and the world looks set for its hottest July on record. As temperature records tumble, experts have pointed to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels, arguing that global warming is playing a key role in the devastating heat. On the Mediterranean island of Rhodes, where a wildfire has been blazing for days, boats carried 2,000 people to safety from beaches in the east of the popular tourist island. Greek fire service spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis told Skai TV: "This is not a fire that will be over tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. It'll be troubling us for days." Three coastguard ships led more than 30 private vessels in the evacuation, while a Greek navy boat was heading to the area. Island officials arranged for dozens of buses to take people to safety, but where fires had cut off road access, others had to walk. Authorities have opened up gyms, schools and hotel conference centers to serve as makeshift accommodation, while firefighters battle the blaze. In Athens, the foreign ministry said it had activated its crisis management unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign citizens due to the ongoing forest fires. Greece is fighting dozens of forest fires 11 days into a heatwave that has seen temperatures soaring above 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Meteorologists have warned it could be the longest hot spell the country has ever seen. - 80 million Americans sweltering - Across the southern United States, about 80 million Americans will swelter in temperatures of 41C and above this weekend, the National Weather Service said. The southwestern city of Phoenix, Arizona hit 46C on Saturday, extending a record-breaking streak to 22 consecutive days of highs above 43C. Tourists have been flocking to Death Valley National Park, which straddles California and Nevada, to post selfies with a temperature display outside the visitor centre. Many are hoping to see it break a world record of 56.7C, which was set in July 1913 but was likely the result of a faulty measurement, according to several meteorologists. Further north, in Canada, which has been suffering wildfires that left Montreal blanketed in smog, torrential rain hit the eastern province of Nova Scotia, cutting off roads and threatening to burst a dam. Four people were reported missing, including two children who had been in a car engulfed by flood waters. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 active wildfires were burning across Canada, with 11.3 million hectares scorched this season by the deadly blazes. Across the border in the US state of Washington, a wildfire burned more than 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres) in less than a day. - Hottest month - July 2023 is on track to be the hottest month -- not only since records began, but also in "hundreds, if not thousands, of years", said leading NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt. The effects cannot be attributed solely to the El Nino weather pattern, which "has really only just emerged" and isn't expected to strengthen until later in the year, he added. El Nino is associated with the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. Schmidt said the trend of extreme heat was expected to persist, "and the reason why we think that's going to continue, is because we continue to put greenhouse gases into the atmosphere". The exceptional temperatures in Greece also meant key tourist sites such as the Acropolis closed during the hottest part of the day. A 46-year-old man was reported to have succumbed to heatstroke on the central Greek island of Evia after being admitted to Chalkida hospital. Staff there said cardio-respiratory failure following exposure to high temperatures appeared to have been the cause. Emergency health officials told the state broadcaster they had admitted at least 38 heatstroke patients in the last three days, while hospitals were also seeing cases of fainting and other heat-related conditions. Greece is just one of many countries battling a prolonged spell of extreme heat around the globe in recent days. burs/jj/acb © Agence France-Presse The post Thousands flee Greek island fires as southern US swelters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PADS to vie in Bohol Dragon Boat Festival 2023 ahead of Thailand World Championships
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The renowned Philippine Accessible Disability Services, Inc. (PADS) Dragon Boat Team will vie in the Bohol Dragon Boat Festival 2023 this weekend in Dauis town, Bohol. The Cebu-based PADS will field in over 60 paddlers that will compete in the masters open small boat, women’s small boat, mixed standard boat, and […] The post PADS to vie in Bohol Dragon Boat Festival 2023 ahead of Thailand World Championships appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Rate cut possible to brace against global recession
PAMPANGA – A rate cut will happen depending on the domestic economy’s health and if inflation starts hitting the 2 to 4 percent target by the end of this year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said. BSP Governor Eli Remolona made this assessment in a recent Bloomberg TV interview as the US Federal Reserve is eyeing another rate hike in its July meeting. “What might happen, this won’t happen very soon but with the Fed in hiking mode, global financial conditions might tighten then there might be a global recession and then we would have to consider a rate cut just to protect ourselves from a global recession,” Remolona said. He further stated that raising interest rates is still being considered, indicating that the concern regarding core inflation, which strips out volatile food and fuel items, has not eased. For context, the country's headline inflation rate eased from 8.7 percent in January to 5.4 percent in April 2023. But core inflation slowed to 7.4 percent in June from 7.7 percent in May. Last year, the BSP initiated an aggressive initiative to address inflation. Starting in May, the central bank increased the benchmark lending rate by 425 basis points. This shift signaled a significant departure from the previous ultra-loose policy rate of 2 percent, which had been reduced by 200 basis points in November 2020 to stimulate credit expansion. During that period, the domestic economy experienced a contraction due to mobility restrictions aimed at containing the spread of the virus. Remolona mentioned that the BSP is favoring a "tightening" approach. “For now, we’re contemplating whether to hike or not to hike,” Remolona said. “We’re not thinking about whether to cut or not to cut,” he added. During his first weeks in office, Remolona described the BSP as “structurally hawkish” and emphasized its inflation-targeting role. The new BSP governor expects the Federal Reserve to halt its actions following a decrease in US inflation temporarily. He indicated that the BSP is prepared to take preventive measures if higher US interest rates significantly devalue the peso, as experienced last year. Although a rate cut by the BSP is not expected shortly and is more likely to occur once inflation has reached the target range, Remolona expressed his willingness to consider easing measures if there is a need to protect the country’s economy. The post Rate cut possible to brace against global recession appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sara, Teodoro to inspect Palaro site
by Neil Alcober Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, together with Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, will conduct an ocular inspection next week, 21 July, to determine the city’s readiness in hosting this year’s Palarong Pambansa. “We’re working doubly hard to prepare all the facilities based on the specifications and standards required by the technical working group of the Palarong Pambansa and, at the same time, to simply validate all the preparations are in place,” Teodoro told this reporter in an interview on Thursday. “We’re also hoping by that period the oval track of the city is already finished and complete,” the Marikina mayor added. Teodoro also said that they hired a Malaysian consultant to inspect all the facilities and to provide specifications requirement. “We’re almost 100 percent ready for the Palarong Pambansa 2023. But, of course, there are adjustments. It’s a working progress in terms of the number of delegates that will be coming because clusters 1 and 2 are still ongoing — there are still pre-qualifying games being done for Central Luzon, and we’re waiting for that,” the mayor added. Teodoro also assured that the minimum public health standards will be strictly implemented during the conduct of the said sporting event. “We’re establishing medical stations as well as treatment medical facilities,” he said. Teodoro also said that the city government has set aside funding for the athletes who sustained injuries during the games and for their hospitalization in case they get infected with Covid-19. “This is the first undertaking in the Palarong Pambansa that the local government will be providing fund in the amount of P5 million for injuries and medical contingency of the athletes,” he said, adding that they signed an agreement with various hospitals in the city. Teodoro also said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be attending the opening ceremony. The Eastern Police District, headed by P/Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, has already set up security measures to ensure public safety and peace and order during the conduct of this year’s sporting event. “We have already coordinated with the Philippine National Police. EPD Director General Asueta was with us in the meeting for the final security arrangement,” Teodoro said. “They will also augment our security personnel in the city as well as for the traffic management. They will be assigning some PNP personnel to manage traffic during the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa,” the mayor added. The PNP, according to Teodoro, has also tightened its VIPs security arrangements. “They did a threat assessment and found no major problem ensuring that no untoward incident will happen,” he said. There will be side events like dragon boat competition and e-games such as mobile legend during the conduct of the Palarong Pambansa, Teodoro said. The mayor added that there will be a closing concert to be held at the Marikina Sports Complex, solidarity meeting for all the regions, and a three-night mayors’ night. This year’s Palarong Pambansa 2023 will kick off on 31 July 2023 at the Marikina Sports Center. This will be followed by actual games (games proper) on 1-5 August at the assigned playing venues until its closing ceremonies on 5 August. This year, the Palarong Pambansa will feature a total of 37 sports including athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, football and taekwondo. The games are expected to draw over 10,000 athletes from all over the Philippines. The post Sara, Teodoro to inspect Palaro site appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rescuers resume search for migrant boats off Canary Isles
Spain's coastguard resumed the search for three migrant boats reported lost off the Canary Islands after suspending an aerial search earlier in the day due to bad weather. In recent days, rescuers have been looking for hundreds of migrants on board three boats that left Senegal in late June and were reported lost at sea by Caminando Fronteras, a Spanish NGO that helps migrant vessels in distress. "The plane left about half an hour ago but so far we have no further information," a coastguard spokeswoman told AFP around 1600 GMT. Earlier she said bad weather conditions meant it was not possible "to conduct a search by plane". Caminando Fronteras founder Helena Maleno said the biggest boat left the southern Senegalese fishing town of Kafountine on June 27 carrying some 200 people, "among them many minors". Kafountine lies at least 1,700 kilometres (more than 1,000 miles) south of the Canaries. The other two boats, one carrying 50-60 people and the other 65 people, had left from Mbour, a town some 75 kilometres (50 miles) south of the capital Dakar, she said. During their searches on Monday, the coastguard rescued 78 sub-Saharan migrants from another boat in distress but it was not one of the three that had departed from Senegal, the NGO said. Senegal denies migrant lost In a statement late on Tuesday, Senegal's foreign ministry denied "reports on social media about at least 300 Senegalese (migrants) had gone missing at sea". "Checks that were carried out show that this information is totally unfounded," it said. It also said that "between 28 June and 9 July, 260 Senegalese in distress were rescued in Moroccan territorial waters", without saying if there was any connection with the boats reported missing by Caminando Fronteras. In a statement on Wednesday, the NGO said it had been able to confirm that the rescues mentioned by Dakar corresponded "to boats that had also left the Senegalese coast but were not those carrying the 300 missing people". The Spanish islands have long been a draw for migrants seeking a better life in Europe, with many boats setting off from the coastline of Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Senegal. But the Atlantic route to the Canaries is particularly dangerous due to the strong currents, with migrants travelling in overloaded wooden boats known as pirogues that are often unseaworthy, and without enough drinking water. Atlantic crossings began surging in late 2019 after increased patrols along Europe's southern coast dramatically reduced Mediterranean crossings. In the first six months of 2023, 7,213 migrants reached the Canary Islands by boat, interior ministry figures show. The post Rescuers resume search for migrant boats off Canary Isles appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
40 migrants feared drowned off Lampedusa
The United Nations said that about 40 people are missing after a boat full of migrants sank Thursday near the island of Lampedusa in Italy. IOM spokesperson Flavio di Giacomo said that 46 people from Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast were on board the ship, which set sail from Sfax, Tunisia. The boat capsized in strong winds and high waves, he said. “Some survivors were taken to Lampedusa and others were brought back to Tunisia.” “Among those missing were seven women and a minor. The survivors are all adult men,” he added. “We have noticed more arrivals of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa than Tunisians” via the Tunisian route since November, he said. He explained this was due to people from sub-Saharan Africa fleeing discrimination in Tunisia. “It is unacceptable to continue counting the dead at the gates of Europe,” United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees representative to Italy Chiara Cardoletti wrote on Twitter. “A coordinated and shared rescue mechanism at sea between states is now also a matter of conscience.” The southern Italian island of Lampedusa is one of the main entry points for migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Last year, more than 46,000 people arrived there, out of a total of 105,000 in Italy, according to the UNHCR. Migrant boat shipwrecks have increased in recent months, while the number of migrants entering the EU via the central Mediterranean “more than doubled” in 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to the European border agency Frontex in mid-June. Last week, a crammed trawler from Libya sank off the Greek coast. The death toll stands at 82, with 104 survivors pulled from the water, but witness accounts suggest many hundreds more went down with the ship, with their remains still missing at sea. The post 40 migrants feared drowned off Lampedusa appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Review: ‘Sharper’ (2023): Terrific cast, plodding movie
From A24, home of award-winning indie gems, comes this visually gorgeous caper movie starring Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, and John Lithgow. [caption id="attachment_148673" align="aligncenter" width="642"] JULIANNE Moore and John Lithgow.[/caption] Sharper (2023), currently streaming on AppleTV+, opens like a romantic New York tale. In a small, quaint and dreamy Manhattan bookstore, the manager and owner Tom (Justice Smith) falls in love with a new customer — the bookish grad student Sandra (Briana Middleton). [caption id="attachment_148672" align="aligncenter" width="1021"] BRIANA Middleton and Justice Smith in ‘Sharper.’[/caption] It’s all cute, with moody, elegant cinematography from Charlotte Bruus Christensen (All the Old Knives). But considering it’s a crime thriller about con artists swindling their way in New York City, you brace yourself for the anticipated theft that will end their fairytale-like romance. The story is divided into four sections, each following a key character: Tom, Sandra, Max (Stan) and Madeline (Moore). All four people are connected. How they met, as well as their relationship, is slowly revealed as the story unfolds. Each chapter feels episodic, ending with a surprise. While the small and scattered plot twists are fun — albeit some of them predictable — they are not thrilling enough to get you excited for the big conclusion. In fact, after every chapter, I would pause to scroll through Instagram or Shopee, or play with the cat, then resume streaming when I’m too bored to do other things. But Sharper is not a bad movie. It has a terrific cast delivering competent, engaging performances, but it is often plodding, with its dry dialogue and twists that could have been more imaginative. Sharper is intentionally an understated crime drama. It is purposely slow-burn. No wild car chases, no explosive action sequences, just characters outwitting one another — with the movie trying so hard to outsmart its audiences. Who is sharper? Sandra or Max? Madeline or Max? The movie or you? Who is the biggest con artist? Written by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, the movie’s focus is also entirely on the business of conning, not so much on character development — hence you don’t find yourself sympathizing with any of the characters. But for a feature-film directorial debut, it’s not bad at all. This is Benjamin Caron’s first venture into directing a full-length film. The Golden Globe, Emmy and BAFTA-winning Caron previously helmed episodes of hit TV series such as The Crown and the soon-to-be-released Star Wars: Andor on Disney+. Sharper, though, is sharper than most mind-numbing new releases on any streamer. It is worth the look, especially if you’re a fan of Moore — and the prolific Sebastian Stan, who is almost in every streaming movie nowadays. Also, it’s an A24 film — so it is a safe pick if you can’t find anything entertaining to watch. Neither outstanding nor loathsome, Sharper is borderline mediocre, but a decent time-killer. 3 out of 5 stars On Apple TV+ The post Review: ‘Sharper’ (2023): Terrific cast, plodding movie appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marina proposes extension office in Camarines Norte
The Maritime Industry Authority has proposed the establishment of an extension office in Camarines Norte to enhance the accessibility and delivery of maritime services in the province. Atty. Maximo Banares Jr., director of Marina Regional Office V, held discussions with Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte R. Padilla on 19 June 2023 to explore the feasibility of the initiative. By establishing an extension office in Camarines Norte, Marina seeks to bring its services closer to the local community. This move will provide convenient access to essential training programs and licensing procedures for boat operators, captains, and motormen, according to the agency. Moreover, vessel owners will benefit from a simplified and efficient registration process. Further, the two officials also discussed Marina measures to improve the safety of lives and property at sea. These include conducting Modified Basic Safety Training to improve the skills and knowledge of individuals involved in maritime activities. Additionally, Marina is focused on licensing boat captains and motormen to ensure competent professionals are operating vessels, leading to safer journeys at sea. Furthermore, the registration of vessels enables better monitoring and regulation of maritime activities, contributing to the protection of the marine environment. The post Marina proposes extension office in Camarines Norte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BFAR assures enough fish supply
The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources over the weekend, allayed the concern raised by Alliance Philippines Fishing Federation Inc. against the reinstatement of Fisheries Administrative Order 266 series of 2020 relative to its alleged effect on the fish supply and prices. The DA-BFAR assured the public that it has been taking steps to always ensure an adequate supply of fish and other seafood products. The DA-BFAR in a statement, emphasized that the fish prices are dependent on the sufficiency of fish supply, which the government ensures to provide enough through sustainable fisheries production programs. These include the National Payao Program, National Lambaklad Program, Legislated Hatcheries Program, fishing boat and gear distribution program, broodstock development and maintenance, fingerling production and distribution, fish cage distribution, as well as the operation and maintenance of technology stations, national centers, and hatcheries. The Bureau stressed that while it adheres to the memorandum from the Office of the Secretary dated 13 March 2023 — which suspends the implementation of the FAO 266 and directs all concerned government agencies, including the DA-BFAR, to strengthen the government’s response against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing — it supports the implementation of FAO 266 mandating the installation of vessel monitoring measure in commercial fishing vessels. As a tool for monitoring, control, and surveillance, VMM can effectively help in the prevention, deterrence, and elimination of IUU fishing. The post BFAR assures enough fish supply appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»