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Spooktacular cocktails to amp the fun
It’s that time of the year when people of all ages love to celebrate, donning the scariest Halloween costumes and dressing up the room with all things spooky, eerie and creepy. But what about the Halloween drinks to complete the spine-chilling experience? DAILY TRIBUNE scoured the metropolis to look for that ominous, forbidding drinks that add thrill and spectacle to the occasion. Here are just some of the wicked cocktail drinks that we spotted that are not necessarily disgusting in taste. The haunting booze can be pretty tasty, blended either with chocolate or fruit juices and infused with wine and spirits. INTRAMUROS MASSACRE Teaser: A tempting hot chocolate treat laced with Irish whiskey and cognac, topped with a heaping of whipped cream and ghoulish tiny mallows. Where: Ilustrado Restaurant, Cabildo Street, Intramuros, Manila. STRAWBERRY FIELDS ICED VELVET Teaser: A velvety blend drizzled with strawberry syrup, crowned with whipped cream and fresh strawberry bits. Finished off with a hauntingly delicious Mummy Macaron chocolate truffle— perfect for Halloween indulgence. Where: Bizu Patisserie and Café. Branches: Mitsukoshi Mall, Taguig City; Greenhills Promenade; Greenbelt 2, Makati City; all MiraNila branches or visitwww.bizu.ph. Available until 2 November. Bloody Mary Shot. BLOODY MARY SHOT Teaser: This drink will certainly put you in the Halloween spirit — a bloody blend of tomato juice, vodka, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, fresh ground black pepper and Kosher salt. Where: Cerveseria Spanish Restaurant and Cocktail Bar at Parklane, Forbestown Road, Taguig City. Bewitching Sangria. BEWITCHING HALLOWEEN SANGRIA Teaser: The invigorating flavors of orange juice with chunks of apple and orange will refresh and revitalize but the addition of red wine and brandy amps up the drinking experience. Where: Cerveseria Spanish Restaurant and Cocktail Bar at Parklane, Forbestown Road, Taguig City. Black Magic Margarita. BLACK MAGIC MARGARITA Teaser: Who can say no to this drink fused with all things lovely— silver tequila, grenadine, blue curacao, triple sec and sour mix. Garnished with sliced lime. Where: Cerveseria Spanish Restaurant and Cocktail Bar at Parklane, Forbestown Road, Taguig City. Red Magic Margarita. RED MAGIC MARGARITAS Teaser: This will surely lend lip-smacking magic to each and every spooky sip — a mix of red sanding, mojito, triple sec and lime juice, garnished with sliced lime. Where: Gumbo is on the second floor of Megamall Atrium, Mandaluyong City Cookies ‘N Screaaaam! COOKIES ‘N SCREAAAM! Teaser: Don’t you just love the taste of vanilla ice cream exquisitely enhanced with fresh milk, Oreo cookies and decked with crushed Oreo and drizzled with choco syrup? Where: Burgoo American Bar and Restaurant. Branches: U/G B Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, Quezon City; G/F SM City, Southmall, Las Piñas; G/F Vista Mall, Taguig City; and 2/F The District, Imus City, Cavite. Bloody Morguerita. BLOODY MORGUERITA Teaser: There’s no better way to embrace the spirits than this bloody drink with a dizzying blend of tequila, lemonade, lime, cranberry and raspberry. Where: Burgoo American Bar and Restaurant. Branches: U/G B Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City, Quezon City; G/F SM City, Southmall, Las Pinas; G/F Vista Mall, Taguig City; and 2/F The District, Imus City, Cavite. FRANKENSTEIN. FRANKENSTEIN AND ALIEN EYE MONSTER Teaser: Drawing inspiration from childhood favorite Halloween hero Frankenstein, this creamy drink has the finest matcha powder and Monin Caramel syrup. For a more refreshing drink, Alien Eye Monster offers the sweetest apple juice, as well as the favorite Monin Peach and Red Berries syrup and garnished with blueberry, lychee and whipped cream. Where: High Street Café, Shangri-La The Fort, 30th Street, Taguig City. The post Spooktacular cocktails to amp the fun appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A new ‘Exorcist’ takes possession of North America box office
Fifty years after the original, newly released "The Exorcist: Believer" topped the North American box office this weekend with an estimated $27.2 million in ticket sales, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday. Analyst David A. Gross called that "a good opening for a horror sequel," the best of any of the "Exorcist" movies, despite what he said were poor reviews and lukewarm audience scores for Blumhouse and Universal's Halloween-timed film. Like the original, "Believer" features possessed victims convulsing, covered in sores, and speaking in tongues. It also has a decidedly interfaith exorcism. Leslie Odom Jr. and Ann Dowd star, with an appearance by Ellen Burstyn from the 1973 original. "Believer" was to have opened on Friday the 13th, but the studio moved up its release to avoid conflicting with the release that day of "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," a concert film certain to generate big numbers, Variety reported. Last weekend's box office leader, Paramount's family-friendly "Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie," slipped slightly to second, at $11.8 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period. The Paw Pups, using new superpowers as they fight to protect their city, are voiced by actors Taraji P. Henson, Chris Rock, Serena Williams, and McKenna Grace. In third, also down one spot, is Lionsgate's horror flick "Saw X," at $8.2 million. This latest in the "Saw" series, again with Tobin Bell as the infamous Jigsaw, has received strongly positive reviews. The fourth spot, down from third, went to 20th Century sci-fi thriller "The Creator," at $6.1 million. John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, and Allison Janney play humans in a world at war with artificial intelligence. Holding steady in fifth was Fathom Events' faith-based movie "The Blind," at $3.1 million. It portrays the real-life struggles of swamp-dwelling reality TV star Phil Robertson with addiction and romance. Rounding out the top 10 were: "A Haunting in Venice" ($2.7 million) "The Nun II" ($2.6 million) "Dumb Money" ($2.2 million) "The Equalizer 3" ($1.8 million) "Hocus Pocus: 30th Anniversary" ($1.5 million) The post A new ‘Exorcist’ takes possession of North America box office appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Metrobank Foundation president elevated to status of Accredited in Public Relations
Metrobank Foundation Inc. president Aniceto Sobrepeña was conferred the status of Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines during the recently concluded 30th National PR Congress......»»
5 senior PCG officials shortlisted to replace retired Commandant Abu
Five senior officers of the Philippine Coast Guard are vying to be the PCG’s 30th Commandant, replacing Admiral Artemio Abu who retired on Tuesday, 19 September. PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo identified the shortlisted senior officials as CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan, CG Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, CG Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme, CG Vice Admiral Allan Victor Dela Vega, and CG Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria. Punzalan, a member of PMA Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992, is currently the PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations, while Gavan, a member of PMA Maalab Class of 1993, holds the number-three position in the Coast Guard hierarchy as the PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration. Coyme, of PMA Bantay Laya Class of 1994, serves as the Commander of the Maritime Services Command, while Dela Vega, of PMA Class of 1993, is the Commander of Weapons, Electronics and Information Systems. On the other hand, Echeverria serves as Commander of the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command and Director of the National Coast Watch Center. He is a member of the PMA Class of 1993. “The five candidates will undergo a series of interviews and will face the senior leadership of the Department of Transportation before they will be endorsed to the Office of the President," CG Rear Admiral Balilo said. "But the President, aside from the five nominees, can still choose from the qualified flag rank officers of the PCG,” he added. Abu served a year and a half as PCG commandant when his men suffered numerous bullying and aggressive incidents at the hands of Chinese maritime authorities in the West Philippine Sea. Despite this, Abu maintained that “with utmost professionalism and due regard for the safety and welfare of all persons with lawful business in our waters, the PCG is in lock-step with our commandant’s clarion call that despite the dangers of patrolling our waters in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG’s men and women will always be prepared to fulfill our obligations not only to the present but also to the future generations of Filipinos to the fullest.” Prior to this post, he served as the commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command and the Coast Guard Education and Training Command. The post 5 senior PCG officials shortlisted to replace retired Commandant Abu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Folayang vows to show best form vs Khan
Eduard Folayang is preparing to show the “best version” of himself in the rematch against Amir Khan at ONE Fight Night 14 on September 30th......»»
Homemade gin with a hint of malunggay and sampaguita
Swing through the double glass doors along 30th street of Bonifacio Global City and straight into the city’s award-winning drinking den, The Back Room, as it serves its newest elixirs to enjoy. Spearheaded by mixologist Volkan Ibil, The Back Room offers 13 new concoctions. [caption id="attachment_183397" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Bootleg.[/caption] “The bar’s philosophy is more tipple than fare. Our 13 new signature cocktails are categorized into five themes based on taste preference which were named after a specific narrative of the Prohibition Era: Jag Juice (strong, flavor-forward), Giggle Water (sophisticated and glamorous), Live Wire (refreshing), Moonshine (experimental) and On a Toot (for sharing),” says Ibil, head mixologist of Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. [caption id="attachment_183399" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Daily.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_183400" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Shoeshine at 30th.[/caption] Since its inception, The Back Room received multiple recognitions, such as 50 Asia’s 50 Best Bar 2019; Best Hotel Bars in the World — The Legend Awards 2020 by Departures Magazine; 51 Asia’s Best Bars 2021; Best Bar in the Philippines by Travel + Leisure Asia’s Best Awards 2022; and most recently 75 Asia’s Best Bars 2023. The Back Room also has its homemade gin — Bee’s Knees — locally made which pays tribute to popular Philippine ingredients: dalandan, malunggay and sampaguita. The post Homemade gin with a hint of malunggay and sampaguita appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cone to coach Gilas in Asiad
Tim Cone has been appointed as head coach of Gilas Pilipinas in the 19th Asian Games following the resignation of Chot Reyes. According to a DAILY TRIBUNE source, Cone’s appointment had been formalized during a meeting among Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas and PBA vice chairman Bobby Rosales last Tuesday in Makati City. Also present in the meeting brokered by San Miguel Corporation president Ramon Ang was SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua. Cone will be assisted by his deputy at Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Richard del Rosario while Chua will serve as team manager. It’s going to be Cone’s first time to coach the national squad in the Asian Games after leading the Centennial Team to a bronze medal in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok. He also coached the Nationals to a gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the country hosted in 2019. The post Cone to coach Gilas in Asiad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos seeks closer Phl-Thai relations
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday conveyed his warm congratulations and best wishes to Srettha Thavisin on his election as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand. Marcos congratulated the new prime minister after the Southeast Asian country’s monarch approved the individuals comprising the new Thai Cabinet, clearing the way for Thavisin’s government to assume office three months following the general election. “I look forward to working with you in strengthening Philippine-Thailand relations, which celebrates its milestone 75th anniversary next year,” Marcos said in X (formerly Twitter). “Our government is committed to deepening the long-standing friendship between the Filipino and Thai peoples,” he added. On 22 August, the Thailand Parliament appointed Srettha, who belongs to the Pheu Thai party, as the prime minister. Before his formal entry into politics last year, he had a notable career as a real estate developer. Additionally, he will be taking on the role of finance minister. The post Marcos seeks closer Phl-Thai relations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM congratulates new Thailand PM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday conveyed his congratulations and best wishes to Srettha Thavisin on his election as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand. Marcos congratulated the new Thailand Prime Minister after the Southeast Asian country's monarch approved the individuals comprising the new Cabinet in Thailand, clearing the way for Thavisin's government to assume office three months following the general election. "I look forward to working with you in strengthening Philippines-Thailand relations, which celebrates its milestone 75th Anniversary next year," Marcos said on X (formerly Twitter). "Our government is committed to deepening the longstanding friendship between the Filipino and Thai peoples," he added. On 22 August, the Thailand Parliament appointed Srettha, who hails from the Pheu Thai party, as prime minister. Before his formal entry into politics last year, he had a notable career as a real estate developer. Additionally, he will be taking on the role of finance minister. Foreign reports have mentioned that the new Thailand Prime Minister will not attend the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Jakarta this week as his government has yet to its oath and office and deliver a policy statement to parliament. Thailand's permanent secretary Sarun Charoensuwan will represent the country during the summit and related summits in Indonesia, according to Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The post PBBM congratulates new Thailand PM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A grateful nation honors its heroes
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will lead today’s observance of the country’s 92nd National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio Taguig, where his father and namesake was buried. In the presence of other top government officials, the President is expected to expound on the celebration’s theme of “Karangalan, Katungkulan and Kabayanihan (honor, duty and heroism).” But what stuff are heroes made of? Historian Esteban Ocampo described “heroes” as those whose gallantry helped shape the history of nations, so much so that they are immortalized, and remembered long after their deaths. The Philippines has produced a long list of heroes, with Dr. Jose Rizal being considered the primus inter pares or the first among co-equals among them. Why not allow Andres Bonifacio, the Katipunan’s supremo, to share the spotlight with Rizal? Why not indeed, when the nation celebrates both Rizal Day, every 30th of December to commemorate his martyrdom; and Bonifacio Day, every 30th of November celebrating the birth of Tondo’s pride, whose death would be ordered by another Filipino “hero,” General Emilio “Miyong” Aguinaldo. But Rizal alone or with Bonifacio would not suffice as heroes were forged, too, through the years of fighting American and Japanese colonizers, many of them sacrificing their lives on the altar of freedom. The country, dating back to 28 October 1941 when Act 3827 was passed, has been celebrating National Heroes’ Day every last Sunday of August. The celebration dates would be moved many times over before being reverted to the original. True enough, many other Filipino heroes had been disenfranchised with only nine making it to the official list of the National Heroes Committee created by then-President Fidel V. Ramos in 1995. The magnificent nine are Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino and Gabriela Silang. Rizal is best known for his fiery novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterimo which, to some historians, planted the seed of revolution in the likes of Bonifacio against Spain. Bonifacio so idolized Rizal that his Katipunan would use his surname as the password in their clandestine meetings, something which the Spaniards would use in convicting him and ordering his execution via firing squad at Bagumbayan, today’s Luneta or Rizal Park in Manila. Aguinaldo’s place on the list is certainly a contentious one amid his formation of the court that tried and ordered the execution of the Bonifacio brothers. He had also been pilloried over the roles he played during the American and Japanese occupations. Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” would be credited as the “brains” of the revolution, while Del Pilar would be hailed for his propaganda work against the Spaniards. Luna, who painted the Spoliarium and Parisian Life, was also active in the fight against Spain. So did Sultan Kudarat, who did so in the 1600s. Women are well-represented in the list by Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino who provided the Katipuneros food, medicines, and a safe haven; and Gabriela Silang, who took over the fight against Spain when her husband Diego Silang was killed. But where is Lapulapu, whose forces were credited for killing the first Spanish conquistadores to step foot on Philippine soil, Ferdinand Magellan? Not on the list for sure. Maybe on the menu? The post A grateful nation honors its heroes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A journey of innovation and creativity among kiddie entrepreneurs
IDEAYALA 2023 offers an opportunity for the next generation of entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas and turn them into action. In addition to encouraging the youth’s creative thinking and problem-solving skills, the affair also aims to instill in them a sense of confidence and determination to pursue their dreams. Spearheaded by Ayala Malls in partnership with Kiddo-preneur, IDEAYALA’s commitment to supporting and recognizing the potential of these young minds exemplifies the group’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of business leaders in the Philippines. Following the launch at Greenbelt earlier this year, Ayala Malls and Kiddo-preneur continue to empower the youth, ages five to 17, as they make rounds at various Ayala Malls in the coming weeks and months: Market! Market! on 26 and 27 August, Ayala Malls Circuit on 2 and 3 September, Glorietta on 23 and 24 September, Ayala Malls Solenad on 7 and 8 October, Ayala Malls The 30th on 21 and 22 October, Ayala Malls Feliz on 11 and 12 November and Ayala Malls Marikina on 18 and 19 November. Future leaders Launched in 2014 as the brainchild of Mariana Zobel de Ayala and Paloma U. Zobel, IDEAYALA is a visionary project that aims to inspire, train and challenge young minds to innovate and create viable, sustainable and market-inclusive mall experiences or entrepreneurial concepts. Seeking to envision the “mall of the future,” some of these ideas may even hold the potential to address the country’s social and environmental concerns. Previously, IDEAYALA mostly engaged college students through talks, mentorship programs and competitions. After seeing how the pandemic affected numerous businesses, particularly the micro, small and medium enterprises, IDEAYALA took on a different shape. This year’s IDEAYALA initiative focused on developing a new generation of strong business leaders by engaging entrepreneurs as young as five years old. This shift in approach sparked a partnership between IDEAYALA and Kiddo-preneur, a socially oriented non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship among the youth. Together with Ayala Malls, Kiddo-preneur is driving meaningful change by propelling the next generation of young entrepreneurs forward. “IDEAYALA was created by our need to define the ‘mall for the future,’” shared Mark Sablan, vice president and head of Leasing of Ayala Malls. “Fast forward to today, after the pandemic, we revisited the concept of IDEAYALA together with Kiddo-prener because we believe these young minds will be the source of inspiration and new concepts that we’ll be discovering in the next coming years.” IDEAYALA co-founder Zobel de Ayala added, “It’s exciting to be in the midst of all this creativity. It’s also impressive to see kids this young conceptualizing and executing fresh ideas and new solutions. Our goal now at IDEAYALA is to nurture this mindset and encourage the kids to keep imagining new and sustainable business models and ideas for the future.” Opportunities Hundreds of kids launched their businesses through IDEAYALA. Some of the businesses showcased at recently concluded events in Greenbelt, TriNoma and Fairview Terraces were eight-year-old Mariella Oreta’s Science in a Jar, an education-oriented business that sold live caterpillars; Zara, Zree and Zac Chua’s Cafe de Slime, which sold slime sets; and siblings Vino and Bella Bugayong’s VB Pantry, which sold treats and refreshments to hungry mallgoers. Other notable highlights were the Build-A-Brand Workshop, where 50 young kiddo-preneurs were challenged to get creative and create and present their very own shampoo brand. The kids also got the chance to listen and learn from industry titans: Jollibee Foods Corporation president and chief executive officer Ato Tanmantiong and the founder and namesake of the well-loved Mary Grace Café, Mary Grace Dimacali, who shared their humble beginnings and how they grew their businesses into the empires they are today. The post A journey of innovation and creativity among kiddie entrepreneurs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WATCH: Dolly de Leon, Kathryn Bernardo, A Very Good Girl cast slay the runway
To mark Star Cinema’s 30th anniversary, the production studio’s latest offering, “A Very Good Girl,” held a grand media press conference in ABS-CBN yesterday, with the dark romantic comedy’s cast slaying the runway......»»
QC barangay chair suspended anew
Two 30-day suspension was again slapped against Quezon City Barangay Pasong Tamo chairperson Mae Tagle by the City Council’s Special Investigation Committee Friday. Tagle who was supposed to be back next month as barangay chairperson (village chief) from a 90-day suspension over abuse of power charges was meted another two months’ suspension over three cases filed against her by concerned citizen and the Sangguniang Kabataan officials at City Council’s SIC. The SIC Administrative Order 449-23 was issued for violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Grave Misconduct, when Tagle allowed the space used as the Barangay Pharmacy to be rented by a private individual. The Botika ng Barangay located at Barangay Pasong Tamo Annex along Luzon Avenue has been turned into a fish and meat store. Such act, the SIC noted, required the concurrence of the Barangay Council documented by a resolution. The second charges for Acts Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service was due to Tagle’s appointment of Diosdado Velasco as the Barangay Administrator. Velasco ran and lost during the May 2022 polls but Tagle after the polls appointed him, violating the one-year prohibition ban for those who ran and lost in the last national and local elections. The case of nepotism for appointing her daughter as Barangay clerk was dismissed, leaving the two cases to impose a 30-day suspension each, thereby prohibiting Tagle to assume as the Barangay Pasong Tamo Chairman. The SIC resolution order was concurred by the City Council to be implemented for the month of September and October where the next barangay election slated on the 30th. The Special Investigation Committee was an offshoot of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Office of the Ombudsman and the Quezon City Council’s 38 members, led by Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto as the presiding officer, granting the council authority to hear cases against barangay officials to lessen the Ombudsman office of loads of this kind of cases. The post QC barangay chair suspended anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP to take ‘prudent’ pause from rate hike if inflation cools
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) would be "prudent" to pause the policy rate increase if there are no significant inflation shocks in the country. Speaking to Nomura Holdings Inc. earlier this month, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. warned against "sudden reversals" of monetary policy when asked about a possibility of a rate cut in the next Monetary Board meeting on 17 August. "If there's a chance that we might have to raise rates again after we start cutting, we don't want to take the risk from these quick reversals," Remolona said in an interview with Nomura's chief ASEAN economist Euben Paracuelles that the central bank sent on Friday. Remolona also reiterated that the country isn't "out of the woods yet" on inflation, and the BSP is watching new supply shocks and El Niño to see if further monetary tightening is needed. For context, the Central Bank chief said in a speech during the BSP's 30th-anniversary reception for the banking community last month that the core inflation in the country is still elevated despite easing headline inflation. Core inflation is the change in the costs of goods and services that excludes volatile food and energy prices. Headline inflation, on the other hand, is a measure of the total inflation within an economy, including commodities such as food and energy prices. "Headline inflation is at 4.7 percent year-on-year, and we want to get to the target of 2 to 4 percent. But we also want to be comfortable that inflation stays within that range and inflation expectations remain anchored," Remolona told Nomura. "If we don't tighten when those shocks materialize, then expectations could get out of hand, inflation will feed on itself, and it gets much harder for us," he added. Asked if policy settings would be kept stable if no supply shocks happen, Remolona said, "The pause means the signals from the data are still mixed and inconsistent. Some indicators show the economy is holding up, some are weakening." "If this continues, then it's likely prudent for us to pause still," he said. Remolona said that the BSP is ready to resume monetary policy tightening if needed to keep inflation under control. He noted that the central bank has a "flexible" inflation targeting framework and will not hesitate to take action if inflation pressures persist. "We're also flexible in the sense that we can extend the horizon. We go where the data lead us," Remolona said. The post BSP to take ‘prudent’ pause from rate hike if inflation cools appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023
The Aboitiz Group has seen exceptional performance in the first half of 2023, showcasing its "Great Transformation" into the Philippines’ first techglomerate. Leveraging innovation as well as synergies across its diverse business portfolio, the group has solidified its position as a trailblazer of industry. With a strong foundation in place, the Aboitiz Group eagerly sets its sights on forthcoming projects that promise further success and innovation. AboitizPower. The Aboitiz Group’s holdings in power generation and distribution, AboitizPower, continues to support the country’s energy transition and socioeconomic development with its diverse portfolio of thermal and renewable energy power plants, as well as internationally certified asset management capabilities from its distribution utilities. With close to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of ongoing and disclosed energy projects, it is en route to accomplishing its 10-year growth strategy of having at least 9,200 MW in its generation portfolio equally split between RE and thermal sources of energy by the next decade. This journey includes the development of the 17 MW Tiwi Binary Geothermal Power Plant, the 94 MW Cayanga-Bugallon solar facility, and the 167 MW Laoag solar facility. AboitizPower is also looking to begin the construction of its Calatrava Solar project and Olongapo Solar project within the year. These RE investments are complemented by other developments in Battery Energy Storage Systems, like the SN Aboitiz Power 24 MW Magat Battery in Isabela, which — much like the commercially operational 49 MW Maco Battery in Davao de Oro — will help provide regulating and contingency reserve power to the country’s grids. Subsidiaries. Meanwhile, subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Company, Visayan Electric Company, Cotabato Light and Power Company and Subic EnerZone Corporation were the first power DUs in the Philippines to be certified with an ISO 55001:2014 certification for Asset Management, an international standard that attests to the efficiency of how they manage the lifecycle of their assets, i.e., power lines, transformers and substations. This validates the reliability of their services and strengthens the uninterrupted provision of electricity in their respective service areas. Efficient asset management is essential for DUs to successfully manage their infrastructure and optimize maintenance and costs, thereby ensuring regulatory compliance and a reliable bridge between transmission lines and businesses, communities and homes. UnionBank. Union Bank of the Philippines continues on its trajectory of becoming a Great Retail Bank as it has consistently been recognized as one of Asia’s leading companies. Among the many recognitions for the 1st half of 2023 that UnionBank has reaped are: Best Retail Bank in Southeast Asia (Cfi.co), 4-time Best Retail Bank in the PH (The Asian Banker) and 6-time Digital Bank of the Year PH (The Asset). In line with its nation-building “Tech-UP Pilipinas” advocacy, UnionBank’s strategic partnerships have been focused on digitization as an essential element for client success. UnionBank’s determination to be an enabler of the Philippines’ bid to be a G20 country by 2050 is apparent as it continues to nurture and grow its diverse client portfolio that includes corporate, MSME, high net worth as well as local and national government entities. As a recognized trailblazer that embraces technological innovations that empower its customers, UnionBank together with its digital banking arm UnionDigital Bank (UnionDigital), fintech arm UBX and thrift arm City Savings Bank (CitySavings) showcased its expertise in artificial intelligence at the first AI Summit PH 2023 last May. The first half of the year also saw UnionBank’s commitment to offering clients amazing and exclusive experiences through partnerships with Live Nation (for world-tour concerts) and GMG productions (for the Hamilton musical). “The investments we made last year have exceeded our expectations. UnionDigital is already profitable after less than a year in operation. There is strong momentum in the acquired credit cards business from Citi. New-to-bank card customers are at a record level. We are geared up to grow our retail banking business. Our infrastructure is ready for scale. We have sufficient capital coming from the recent stock rights offering to further grow our earning asset capital base,” said UnionBank president and CEO Edwin R. Bautista. Aboitiz InfraCapital. Aboitiz InfraCapital remains on track with its purpose of enabling businesses and uplifting communities. AIC Economic Estates maintains its position as the leader in industrial-anchored mixed-use development nationwide, with the largest footprint of developed industrial estates as well as the single largest privately owned industrial estate in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas– LIMA Estate. 2023 marked LIMA Estate’s 25th anniversary, as well as the 30th year of West Cebu Estate in Cebu. These estates are undergoing industrial and commercial expansion to accommodate more locators and create approximately 90,000 employment opportunities. Water business. For AIC’s water business units, Apo Agua can now produce safe and reliable water for the Davao City Water District’s water reservoirs. Apo Agua’s laboratory has also obtained accreditation for drinking water analysis from the Department of Health. AIC's LIMA Water, on the other hand, continues to operationally benefit from its SMART Water Network, leading to reduced fuel consumption and high facility uptime. Digital infrastructure. In the digital infrastructure landscape, Unity Digital Infrastructure completed the first closing of a total of 250 sites from its acquisition of over 1,000 telecom towers from Smart-PLDT and Globe Telecom. Additionally, Unity marked a major milestone by successfully co-locating three Mobile Network Operator tenants (Globe, Smart and DITO) in one of its towers in Cebu. The three-tenant tower is the first in the Philippines and showcases the effectiveness of the shared tower model in support of the government's drive to improve digital connectivity through the common tower initiative. Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Mactan-Cebu International Airport surpassed expectations with significant growth in passenger traffic, peaking at around 5 million passengers in the first half of this year, more than double the previous year. The resumption of major international routes, such as Shanghai and Taipei, and improved aircraft availability are expected to further boost traffic in the second half of the year. MCIA's excellence in promoting the airport and in ensuring customer experience was also recognized, as it received the Routes Asia 2023 Marketing Award in the 5 million category and became the first airport in the Philippines to be accredited by the Airports Council International for its Airport Customer Experience. The post Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP target: 70% of adult Filipinos to have bank accounts
The country's central bank may achieve its aim of having 70 percent of adult Filipinos with bank accounts later this year as more Filipinos are now part of the official financial system, the new Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) chief recently said. "In our financial inclusion survey in 2021, 56 percent of [adults] in the country had a bank account, a significant increase from just 23 percent in 2017," he said during the BSP 30th Anniversary Reception for the Banking Community. "We're confident we will reach our target of 70 percent by this year," he added. Remolona attributed digitalization to financial equality in the country, allowing people to save money, invest in their futures, and participate in the digital economy more effectively. He added that more Filipinos made more digital payments and formally opened bank accounts. "We're making some progress. At last count, 42 percent of retail payments were in digital form. This is up from just one percent 10 years ago. That proportion should hit our target of 50 percent this year," Remolona said. So far, 258 digital payment companies have been given licenses by the BSP. Remolona expects competition and network effects to result in a system where the "most innovative, efficient, and responsible providers truly respond to customers' needs." Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the banking event, BSP deputy governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that the central bank's recently deployed coin deposit machines (CODM) in various retail locations across Greater Manila Area have already recorded P12 million worth of deposits within just one month of operation. "It's been only one month since we deployed all the machines, but we started with just ten machines. Yet, we have already received 12 million worth of deposits," Puyat told reporters. The machines located in Robinsons Manila, SM Hypermart, SM, and Filinvest Alabang have been experiencing heavy foot traffic, with the Robinsons Manila machine being the most popular. The influx of people depositing coins has been attributed to the artificial coin shortage in circulation, as people tend to keep their coins at home or find it troublesome to deposit them at the banks. The coin deposit machines accept all coins except unfit ones and reject deposits with scotch tape or other items mixed with the coins. Puyat also shared that the highest deposit received was worth P50,000 in coins, which the depositor immediately converted to e-wallet credits. "In fact, 98 percent of depositors use e-wallets for their transactions," Puyat said. The BSP plans to expand the initiative to more locations in Metro Manila. When asked about future plans, she mentioned, "We're planning to relaunch it with Gov. Eli (Remolona) and maybe in Pasig, as Mayor Vico texted me. He also wants it in Pasig." The post BSP target: 70% of adult Filipinos to have bank accounts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A central banking nerd
It’s been raining for several days now; still splattering as I write this. Friday night was no exception, which is why I missed the 30th anniversary reception of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for the banking community hosted by our new BSP Governor Eli Remolona......»»
DILG hosts Kadiwa activity at central office
The Department of the Interior and Local Government hosted the Kadiwa ng Pangulo at the DILG Central Office on Friday, bringing low-cost agricultural products and other products of small and medium enterprises to employees of the DILG and the National Police Commission in Quezon City. This was part of the celebration of National Nutrition Month, where DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said the Department is one of the first national government agencies to host the KNP on its premises. He said conducting KNP in DILG premises will allow department employees to buy low-cost and fresh goods straight from the producers since they, like the others, should also benefit from this good program of the President and are not exempt from rising food costs. “We are planning to hold this activity monthly and as the Christmas season approaches, we will do it twice a month,” Abalos said. The DILG secretary said the project is already being implemented in the local government units, where KNP market days are set on the 15th and 30th days of each month. He said local governments provide for free sites for the activity, for example, a basketball court or the provincial capitol or municipal hall. The Department of Agriculture brings the farmers and their produce, and the Department of Trade and Industry takes care of the products of SMEs. “Only Philippine products are sold so each LGU can promote the fruits and vegetables that are grown in their locality as well as their local dry goods,” he said. In addition to fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat food and processed meat were sold at the eighth floor of the DILG Central Office as well as organic fruit juices and concentrates. SMEs sold bags and apparel and leather goods like wallets, belts and shoes. On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development showcased its livelihood assistance projects, while the National Nutrition Council and the Cooperative Development Authority promoted proper diet and cooperative participation. The post DILG hosts Kadiwa activity at central office appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»