‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ star revisits his Filipino roots
From his very first Filipino morning show guesting on TV5’s “Gud Morning Kapatid” to a farewell dinner, it was the perfect homecoming for Gordon Cormier, who last visited his hometown in Laguna seven years ago......»»
Filipino-Canadian Gordon Cormier shares favorite Avatar moments, becoming Aang
Gordon Cormier is more than excited for the world to finally see Netflix's live-action series adaptation of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and his portrayal of the titular character Aang......»»
Two children rescued alive 2 days after deadly landslide in Philippines
MANILA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- A three-year-old girl and a 2-month-old boy were pulled alive from the mud more than two days after a massive landslide crashed into several villages in Davao de Oro province in southern Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross said Friday. In a statement, the humanitarian agency's chairman Dick Gordon said the two survivors were immediately taken to a local hospital in a nearby town......»»
Two children rescued alive 2 days after deadly landslide in Philippines
MANILA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- A three-year-old girl and a 2-month-old boy were pulled alive from the mud more than two days after a massive landslide crashed into several villages in Davao de Oro province in southern Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross said Friday. In a statement, the humanitarian agency's chairman Dick Gordon said the two survivors were immediately taken to a local hospital in a nearby town......»»
Aaron Gordon returns from dog bite injury as NBA champion Nuggets rout Hornets
After needing 21 stitches to his face and right hand due to a Christmas Day dog attack, high-flyer Aaron Gordon returns to help the Denver Nuggets maul the Charlotte Hornets.....»»
BI-FSU arrest US, British pedophiles in Cebu
TWO two foreign pedophiles wanted by authorities in their country for sexually molesting children were nabbed by operatives from the Bureau of Immigration-fugitive search unit (BI-FSU). BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, citing a report from FSU chief Rendel Ryan Sy, the two fugitives were identified as American John Tomas Minor, 42 and British national Derek Gordon […].....»»
No abuse of discretion in Pharmally probe – Gordon
Former senator Richard Gordon has objected to the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that the Senate Blue Ribbon committee committed grave abuse of discretion in citing Pharmally officials in contempt......»»
Beef Wellington on the way: Gordon Ramsay to open 1st Philippine restaurant
The "Hell's Kitchen" host and celebrated chef is set to open his first Philippine restaurant by the second quarter of 2024 in Newport World Resorts (NWR) in Pasay City. .....»»
The Best-Dressed Support the Best Cause
The pink carpet was finally rolled out for the Philippine Cancer Society’s annual Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Awards Ball! We recently celebrated a milestone year for the event at 20 years. Or those are two decades of making a difference in the lives of so many of our kababayans! The impact of this event continues to grow every year, that’s why we continue to give it our full support. Take it from me — an Ambassador for Life for over a decade! So it’s no surprise the Grand Ballroom at Shangri-La The Fort was packed. Hundreds of exquisitely dressed ladies and gentlemen showed up to help the Philippine Cancer Society surpass its goals yet again. I could feel the good vibes in the air with everyone buzzing and happy to be there. It was the perfect atmosphere for the night. [caption id="attachment_193064" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Nene Leonor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193043" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Shilpa Tolani and Judith Tan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193042" align="aligncenter" width="531"] Sheila Romero, Frannie Jacinto and Linda Ley.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193063" align="aligncenter" width="401"] Consul Helen Ong accepted the Legacy Award.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193067" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ramon Orlina, Richie Lerma and RJ Ledesma.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193045" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Nini Licaros, Toots Tolentino, Thelma Sioson San Juan, Randy Ortiz, Henri Calayag and Tonichi Nocom.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193054" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Dra. Elsie Pascua and Ruby Chua.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193044" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tiffany Syson Cuña.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193062" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Lovelyn Segovia[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193065" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Nikki Tang[/caption] All eyes were on the pink carpet, with a full program of ladies and gentlemen who presented their most attractive selves on the ramp, highlighted by a special auction of a new Orlina sculpture worth P2.4 Million. Congratulations to Bobby Alvarez for acquiring this piece! We were also welcomed with a speech by the queen of the BDWP, Tita Helen Ong herself. I will always be in awe of her dedication and commitment! [caption id="attachment_193068" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Patrick Cue, Jojo Silvestre and Paolo Cue.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193056" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Harold Co and Flora Chua.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193058" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Jacqueline Michelle Lim, Mags Cue and Carol Mercado.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193066" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ofelia Wadle and Bong Prada Lim.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193041" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Senator Dick Gordon and Mario Katigbak.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193057" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THE columnist, Helen Ong, Bobby Alvarez and wife Claire.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193053" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Dana Silverio[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193051" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Cocoy Cordoba[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193052" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Crystal Jacinto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193047" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Aj Olpindo, Ces Rodriguez and Nini Licaros.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193048" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Atty. Salvador Panelo and Bo Muralla.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193049" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Caroline Galang Taojo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193050" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Ching and Philip Cruz.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193059" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Jennifer Weigel and Anna Sia.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_193061" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Katrina Ponce Enrile and Malou Martinez.[/caption] The spotlight was without a doubt on the men and women who strutted their stuff: The Men of Influence, which includes my wonderful hubby, Wopsy Zamora; this year's Best Dressed Women; and even the Ambassadors for Life. Yup, I got the chance to walk down the pink carpet, too! A few more conversations and picture taking galore, and just like that, it was time to go home. Happily, because the event was a resounding success. Again, congratulations to the people committed to this cause, from Tita Helen Ong and the organizing team, to this year’s awardees. And of course, everyone who attended and gave their full support. Cheers, everyone! See you all again next year. The post The Best-Dressed Support the Best Cause appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A legacy award for Tita Helen
Our favorite charity fund raiser, the indefatigable and ageless Helen Ong, honorary consul of Angola to the Philippines, received the surprise of her life when the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Cancer Society bestowed on her the organization’s first-ever Legacy Award, which cited “her outstanding service as the chairperson of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines from 2004 to 2023, while selflessly dedicating her precious time and worthy efforts to raise funds for the benefit of the PCS and, in so doing, alleviate the plight of cancer-stricken Filipinos.” Given during the recent “Best Dressed Women of the Philippines 2023” awarding at the Shangri La Hotel The Fort, the award underscored “her indefatigable commitment and loyal devotion to the Society for the last 20 years, even beyond the call of duty; her inspiring creativity and unparalleled perseverance in ensuring assistance was forthcoming during the Covid-19 pandemic amidst the scarcity of resources; and her unwavering belief in the compassionate hearts of her fellowmen and her steadfast faith in God.” [caption id="attachment_192151" align="aligncenter" width="525"] MEN of Great Influence 2023 (from left) David Ackerman, Noel Gonzales, Harold Co, Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon, Dr. Cecilio Kwok Pedro, Orberto Alvarez Jr., Richard Cariño and Richie Lerma.[/caption] The signatories of the award were PCS chairman of the Board of Trustees Antonio J. Ma. Guerrero and PCS president Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel, with PCS trustee Dr. Kelly Salvador and PCS executive director Dr. Rachel Rosario handing the plaque of recognition to the awardee. Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Tita Helen, as she is fondly referred to by her friends and family, said, “This marks a day of gratitude for me as this is our 20th year. This could not have been possible without your continued help and support to our noble cause by providing financial assistance to your cancer-stricken brothers and sisters. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="192157,192161"] [gallery columns="1" size="large" ids="192162,192163"] Addressing the honorees, she acknowledged “every one of you here who have accepted our invitation as an awardee. Choosing one is not an easy task as we aim to recognize achievers in their own fields of work or advocacy, who are not just measured by their success and accomplishments but also by the kindness of their hearts. [caption id="attachment_192164" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Dr. Lauren Lior Liechtenstein.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_192165" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DAVID Ackerman and Mache Torres Ackerman.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_192166" align="aligncenter" width="515"] Agile Zamora receives her husband Wopsy Zamora’s award. Photographs by Yummie Dingding for the Daily Tribune [/caption] “Being beautiful has nothing to do with looks; it is how you are as a person and how you make an impact on the lives of many, especially to those who are in need. Beauty isn’t about having a pretty face, it is about having a pretty mind, a pretty heart and pretty soul.” Finally, she thanked “God who has been providing me with abundant blessings to be able to mount this event.” Major sponsors of this most special of annual awards recognizing these icons of style and philanthropy were Museo Orlina Foundation, Midas Hotel and Casino, San Miguel Foundation Inc., PAGCOR, The French Baker, SM Investments, SM Retails, Corso Como 88, Salcedo Auctions, Wilcon Depot Inc., Czarina Foreign Exchange, IPM Holdings Inc., B.A. Securities Inc., MW Travel and Tour and NEO. The post A legacy award for Tita Helen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman vindicates (3)
It was the incendiary Independent Auditor’s Report on the Department of Health’s accounts and financial operations, crafted by a state auditor, a colleague of Heidi Mendoza’s, and released prematurely that roused strife between former CoA chairpersons allied with the senators of the Republic against President Rodrigo Duterte and Health Secretary Francisco Duque. On CoA’s and the senators’ side were Grace Pulido Tan, Heidi Mendoza and Michael Aguinaldo allied with Senators Richard Gordon, Franklin Drilon, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan. Words and deeds are enough to establish culpability for conspiracy by the former CoA chiefs and the senators of the Republic to destabilize the Duterte administration, to say the least, and to incite the people to sedition, at most. Immediately, this column issued commentaries informing the people that the report released by CoA on the alleged irregularities in DoH funds for Covid-19 was not an annual audit report but mere Audit Observation Memorandums, or AOMs, that were released prematurely. Almost instantaneously, Mendoza came from nowhere to declare that the release of the CoA findings on the P67.32 billion in DoH funds was not premature. The writings and voices of the former CoA chairpersons were loud, clear and eloquent in defense of an annual audit report that never was. “Today I weep for my colleague, a CoA-UN auditor, who just died of a heart attack. He was the auditor behind the DoH report. Stress can kill. Please let us offer a minute of prayer,” Mendoza said. Mendoza was referring to lawyer Jake Cimafranca who wrote the Independent Auditor’s Report on DoH’s accounts. Both Mendoza and Grace Pulido Tan were quick to say that the CoA annual audit report on DoH’s accounts and financial operations was regular and went through the process of review and approval before its release. The release was not premature, both said. The premature release put CoA under fire from President Duterte and administration officials like DoH Secretary Francisco Duque and allies for the screaming headlines in local newspapers and internet news flashes in capital cities around the world that said P67.32 billion intended to protect the people from Covid-19 was being lost to corruption. During the House hearing on CoA’s audit of the DoH, then CoA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo announced that CoA would continue making and publishing audit reports on government agencies despite criticism from Duterte and Duque. Citing the huge misstatements and deficiencies contained in the Independent Auditor’s Report, Senator Leila M. De Lima submitted P.S. Res. No. 859 ( Resolution directing the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the findings of the Commission on Audit report on the DoH on the reported unspent funds, misstatements, irregularities and deficiencies, with the end in view of addressing recurrent issues that plagued its services, as well as the persistent faults and lapses that gave rise to wastage even amid times of scarcity and shortages, and holding accountable, identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the same). The Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) headed by Senator Richard J. Gordon submitted its partial committee report to the Senate, preluded by a poem entitled “Pity the Nation” by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (After Khalil Gibran) 2007. “Pity the nation whose people are sheep And whose shepherds mislead them Pity the nation whose leaders are liars Whose sages are silenced And whose bigots haunt the airwaves Pity the nation that raises not its voice Except to praise conquerors And acclaim the bully as hero.” (To be continued) The post Ombudsman vindicates (3) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bayani Fernando’s wake open
The family of the late former Marikina City Mayor Bayani Fernando announced that his wake is now open to the public until today, 25 September 2023. Last Sunday, residents were seen paying their respects to the former mayor at the Queen of Angels Chapel at Riverbanks Center in Marikina City. Personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority were also deployed to the venue to help out in assisting visitors to the wake of Fernando who also became chairman of the MMDA. Among those who went to the wake is Vice President Sara Duterte. The former Marikina mayor passed away on Friday at the age of 77, his wife Marides said. He served three terms as mayor of Marikina City from 1992 to 2001. Fernando then served as MMDA chairperson from 2002 to 2009. He was also the secretary of Public Works and Highways from January to April 2003. From 2016 to 2022, Fernando served as the representative of the 1st District of Marikina in the House of Representatives. In the 2010 elections, he ran for a national post as running mate of then presidential candidate and former Senator Richard Gordon. Fernando was born on 25 July 1946 in San Juan to Gil Fernando, who served as Marikina mayor from 1947 to 1951 and 1956 to 1959, and the former Remedios Constantino Flores. Fernando graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the Mapua Institute of Technology in 1967. He founded the BF Group of Companies in 1985. The post Bayani Fernando’s wake open appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The Murdoch business: an empire on three continents
Over the last six decades, Rupert Murdoch built a media empire well beyond his native Australia, amassing key media properties across three continents in a run that was also characterized by multiple scandals. Through his companies, News Corp and Fox Corporation, Murdoch built one of the world's most substantial portfolios of newspaper and broadcast holdings under one roof. Murdoch's wealth was estimated at $17.3 billion by Forbes on Thursday when he announced he was handing the reins to his son Lachlan while shifting to an "emeritus" status at the two companies. Here is a closer look at the two businesses. News Corp The business includes Murdoch's holdings in his birth country of Australia -- led by The Australian, the lone national daily started by Murdoch in 1964. The company also owns Australia The Daily Telegraph and news website News.com.au, as well as television station Sky News Australia and pay television company Foxtel. Murdoch's initial investment in Britain came in 1969 with the purchase of the tabloid News of the World, which was shut down in 2011 following a phone hacking scandal. In 1981, he purchased the prestigious daily The Times, along with The Sunday Times, adding to a print news business that also included The Sun. Holdings in radio and television included talkSPORT, TalkTV, and Virgin Radio UK. News Corp is also present in Ireland with local radio stations. Murdoch's push in North America dates to 1985 with his purchase of the New York Post. In 2007, News Corp landed a major acquisition of the media group Dow Jones, whose holdings include the long-respected Wall Street Journal. The company in 1987 added the publishing house HarperCollins, which originally dates to 1817. HarperCollins bought romance publisher Harlequin in 2014. News Corp also controls Rea Group, which specializes in commercial and residential real estate through websites such as realtor.com and flatmates.com.au. In fiscal 2023, News Corp reported profits of $149 million on revenues of $9.9 billion. Fox Corporation In 1984, Murdoch acquired 20th Century Fox, an entity he reorganized and remade. In 2017, he sold the movie studio, renamed 21st Century Fox, to Disney. Fox Corporation is now comprised of the national television channel Fox and several cable channels, as well as Fox News, which is known for a right-wing spin on news popular with conservative Americans. Other holdings include the entertainment news network TMZ, as well as Studio Ramsay Global, which features British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and the MasterChef franchise. In fiscal 2023, Fox reported profits of $1.3 billion on $14.9 billion in revenues. The post The Murdoch business: an empire on three continents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, Sept. 14
WELLINGTON -- New Zealand achieved 91-percent renewable electricity generation in the June 2023 quarter, a 10-percentage point increase from the June 2022 quarter, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on Thursday. "This is the highest renewable electricity generation percentage achieved for any June quarter since records began in 1980," said Mike Hayward, manager of the Markets.....»»
Ombudsman vindicates
Ombudsman Samuel Martires has found probable cause to file graft charges against former Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management, or PS-DBM, officials and Pharmally executives over Covid-19 purchases. Graft buster Martires, thus, is seeking reforms to the procurement law amid the PS-DBM controversy. The move of the Ombudsman vindicated the eight-part series of this column entitled: “PS-DBM is a catastrophe.” The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file graft charges against former PS-DBM undersecretary Lloyd Cristopher Lao, former PS-DBM procurement group director and now Overall Deputy Ombudsman Warren Rex Liong, and other officials for their involvement in the irregular procurement of Covid-19 test kits from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation. The 14 August 2023 decision signed by Martires called for the filing of three graft charges against Lao, Liong, and PS-DBM Procurement Management Officer Paul Jasper de Guzman and Pharmally executives Mohit Dargani, Lincoln Ong, Huang Tsu Yen and Justin Garado. Martires wants the PS-DBM abolished for, according to him, corrupt practices. The PS-DBM was created during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to solve the problem of supplies but this was abused, Martires noted. Now do not mistake an audit observation memorandum for an annual audit report. An AOM contains observations that auditors want a particular government agency to explain, justify and substantiate with documents within 60 to 90 days. Hence, it is preliminary and tentative finding that may be explained in the course of an audit. It is when the AOM is not satisfactorily explained or justified that the Commission on Audit considers it a finding and it would be put in the annual audit report, which is published and posted on the CoA website that is accessible to the public. Martires made his unsolicited suggestion not to publish AOMs during a House hearing on his office’s budget, saying that it would prevent the public from prejudging those involved. A regular provision in the yearly General Appropriations Act requires government agencies and state corporations to submit audited financial statements, annual audit reports and reports on the utilization of their funds to the Department of Budget and Management and Congress or to post these on their websites. The AOM came to public and global prominence when a compilation of audit observation memoranda, including the findings on the P67-billion DoH funds for Covid-19, was released as the annual audit report on the accounts and financial operations of the Department of Health for calendar year ending 31 December 2020. This drew an immediate public statement from former CoA commissioner Heidi Mendoza — from her exalted post as Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations for Internal Control Oversight — saying that the CoA audit report had gone through the formal process of review and approval. This was reported by local media on 18 August 2021. The report, “Heidi Mendoza: Release of CoA findings on P67-billion DoH funds not premature,” brought her to global prominence, showing indeed that she was a “glorified incompetent.” The assertion globally by Mendoza that the release of AOMs as audit reports was not premature did not sit well with the rank and file of the CoA. Retired and senior auditors of the commission opined that the sudden emergence of Heidi Mendoza, Grace Pulido Tan and Michael Aguinaldo, who refused to obey the president, and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Franklin Drilon, Richard Gordon and Kiko Pangilinan who were the discordant choral voices against the government was part of a grand conspiracy to embarrass President Duterte before the president of the United States and the whole world and to destabilize his administration. There are many other valid reasons why AOMs should not be published. (To be continued) The post Ombudsman vindicates appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Barbie Forteza, David Licauco light up ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’
GMA’s hit stars Barbie Forteza and David Licauco of Maria Clara at Ibarra fame will bring back their sizzling chemistry to the television in Maging Sino Ka Man, the series adaptation of the ‘90s blockbuster hit of the same title and which catapulted Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla to new heights in their career back in the day. The highly anticipated romantic-action series will premiere 11 September and will run from Mondays to Fridays at 8 p.m. on GMA Telebabad and at 9:40 p.m. on GTV. It is directed by Enzo Williams (Ang Probinsyano). The Kapuso Primetime Princess and Pambansang Ginoo will play Monique and Carding, two very different people who fall in love with each other. It’s a rich girl-poor boy love story jampacked with action thrills and romance. The series also features Juancho Triviño as Gilbert Arnaiz, Faith Da Silva as Cleo Ramirez, Mikoy Morales (2023 Cinemalaya Best Actor) as Gordon a.k.a. Libag and Rain Matienzo as Tetay. Also part of the roster of its exciting cast are E.R. Ejercito as Boss Frank, Jeric Raval as Alex, Jean Saburit as Shonda, Juan Rodrigo as Miguel, Antonio Aquitania as Jonas, Jean Garcia as Belinda Salazar, Al Tantay as Osmundo and Tonton Gutierrez as George. At the most recent grand media conference, Williams described his experience directing the series as “not that hard.” “It’s not that challenging kasi ang galing nilang dalawa, to be honest. Working with Barbie, working with David — andiyan na ang chemistry nila eh, parang kaunting guidance na lang. So it’s not that hard,” he said. The director also expressed admiration for Forteza. “Barbie, I think she’s one of the best actresses I worked with.” This will definitely further amp the excitement among Forteza’s cult following as she will also play a male character in Maging Sino Ka Man. In the story, she also plays a dude named Dino as her disguise. For this, the actress studied Hilary Swank in Boys Don’t Cry, where Swank won an Oscar for her sensitive and complex role as a transman. This shows how serious Forteza is in her work for the series. Meanwhile, Licauco at the presscon admitted some challenges in his role as Carding, specifically the way the character talks as exemplified by Padilla in the hit movie: crass, crude and a thug. “As you know from the movie, mabilis magsalita si Carding. Matigas. As you can hear now, medyo mabagal talaga ako magsalita. I think iyon ang pinaka-challenging for me. But, of course, with the help of my director, I think…hopefully, nabigyan ko naman ng justice iyong character,” he replied to the question posted by a media member. Forteza also revealed that the series was created precisely for her and Licauco. “Personally, umeere pa lang Maria Clara at Ibarra, kumbaga napansin kami ng mga boss,” she said. “And they were already thinking of a follow-up project na para sa amin bilang artista. Sobrang fulfilling iyon, syempre. And kami (she and Licauco) naman po, in return, gagawin naman po ang best namin para mapaganda rin ang seryeng ito.” The creative team behind this 2023 remake of Maging Sino Ka Man is composed of creative director Aloy Adlawan; senior writers Benjamin Benson Logronio and John Kenneth de Leon; head writer Mark Duane Angos; brainstormer Louize Andrei Al-Shehri. Maging Sino Ka Man is made possible under the supervision of GMA senior vice president for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; vice president for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; assistant vice president for Drama Helen Rose S. Sese; senior program manager Camille D. Hermoso; and executive producer Darling Pulido-Torres. The post Barbie Forteza, David Licauco light up ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Michael Ted Macapagal: Making tracks in public service
If life were a train, then Michael Ted Macapagal’s has been quite a ride. Raised by a labor leader and human rights lawyer father who served the people of Olongapo, including the workers of the US American Base in Subic, Michael Ted Macapagal had always wanted to become a public servant. It took Ted, though, a long journey to reach his goal, first achieving success in the insurance field in the United States where he lived for 20 years starting in 1991. Today, he is the chairman of the Philippine National Railways, a position “that allows me to make a difference in the lives of my countrymen,” he shared during his recent visit to the Daily Tribune office in Makati. Ted, good-looking and affable, proudly spoke of a father, his namesake, Atty. Teddy C. Macapagal who, early on, exposed his son to a firsthand view of a gentleman who looked beyond himself and his personal interests, and instead dedicated his career to protecting the common man and bettering their lot. The elder Ted served as a city councilor for 10 years. In 1984, he ran for the Batasang Pambansa, and in the late 1980s, for city mayor. “In all these electoral processes, I was involved and saw for myself how my father related to the people. He was a sincere man who helped them in the best way he could. He provided free legal services to those in need,” Ted recounted. Ted grew up in Olongapo, his place of birth. It was in the neighboring province of Pampanga, though, at the Don Bosco Institute in Bacolor town, where he first studied, but he eventually returned home to Olongapo, where he finished high school at the St. Columban. Aiming to become a lawyer, he enrolled at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, where he majored in History, which he intended as his pre-law course. Not unexpectedly, he joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi, his father’s fraternity. He also joined rallies where he stood with those who wanted the retention of US bases in the Philippines, in keeping with the sentiments of his townsmen. “It was the one concern where the whole of Olongapo was united,” he recalled, “because the people’s livelihood was connected to the base and the American presence in the community.” As a lawyer who specialized in labor, his father himself handled cases for the base employees. In 1988, his father lost his mayoralty bid in Olongapo. He fought against his fraternity brother, Richard Gordon. Actually, the two had been fighting it out for decades. “Olongapo became too small for them,” shared Ted. “A vivid memory to me to this day was the night I cried after my father lost. I was heartbroken because, for the most part of my life, I saw him give his all to the people. Throughout all those years, I just loved assisting my father. I followed him whenever he visited his constituents. I was a witness to everything that happened to him, his conflict with his political adversary and the loyalty of the people who believed in him and saw in him the man who would change the face of politics in our city.” The elder Macapagal became OIC-Mayor in 1986, but only two months after he received his appointment from the new president because the incumbent mayor did not easily give up his post which he was required to vacate under the new revolutionary government. “The next local election was the most expensive political exercise that our family ever waged,” Ted recounted. “It was then that my father decided that I pursue a new life in the United States, away from politics back home. “All the while, my heart never left the Philippines. Even before I left, I promised myself I would return to continue what my father started.” First non-white president Ted stayed in San Francisco for 20 long years. He had a tough time at the beginning of his new life. “I started off doing odd jobs. I worked as a security guard, janitor and waiter in a pizza parlor. “I also guarded the heavy equipment in a construction site in San Francisco. Thievery was a problem in that kind of situation. We would sleep in a trailer. “I transferred to a construction firm because I found out it offered a bigger salary. But I didn’t know the technical aspects of construction. Once, I made a portable ladder, but it fell apart, for which I was scolded by the owner of the company. I was fired on my third day on the job. Too bad because it paid high.” Ted then decided to pursue another degree, one that would be more useful in the United States. He took up Human Resource Management, a four-year course at the University of California in Berkeley. When he finally entered the corporate world, his first job was as a clerk. It wasn’t long before he became Division President of Stewart Title Company, one of the largest underwriters in the world, with offices across the United States, and in some 80 countries around the globe. He was based in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I may have been the first non-white president,” he said. “And I was a division president for the whole of North America. I was the first Filipino to reach that level.” Of his trailblazing accomplishments, he shared, “I was able to bring cultural diversity to the company, which enhanced its value. I got the top post because I asked for a meeting with the president. I told him we were not diverse enough to appeal to the non-white clients, and there were many of them who were first-time home buyers. Then, I told him to make the rounds. He would see that none of the home buyers was white. They were of different ethnic groups. I told him that if he appointed me as vice president, I would give him multi-cultural buyers because I would appeal to them and they would be our first-time buyers. So, he appointed me, and one month later, he made me president.” As an adjunct, he lectured on the topic of title insurance and escrow procedures in several community colleges in and around the San Franciso Bay Area. Through it all, he chose to keep his Filipino citizenship. The ‘Railway President’ For all the successes he was enjoying, the Philippines beckoned. He felt he still had a mission to accomplish. “My father was surprised. He asked me why I would still want to go home when I was doing well in the States. I insisted, so I came back and I plunged into political life. I worked on difficult campaigns, like the one for Rodrigo Duterte.” Back to his first love and passion, the political arena, he was in his element and served as president of PDP LABAN in Olongapo City from 2016 to 2021. In 2022, he joined LAKAS-CMD as its local chairman. This engagement led to his original target, as his father had achieved in his lifetime — serving the people. This time, he would be appointed to key posts in the government. He became director of the Clark Board and Gulf Oil Philippines. He took his oath of office as chairman of the Philippine National Railways on 28 April 2023. It is a job in a government agency where he is confident “I could make a difference because I can see that President Bongbong Marcos is really intent on improving the railway system of the country. “On my part, I want to make a difference. I want to be able to contribute whatever I can to help the president to achieve that objective. I call him now the ‘Railway President’ because I consider him the father of the railway system in our country.” Of course, he noted that many plans have been formulated during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. Moreover, he recognized that President Gloria Arroyo “navigated our country through the global crisis. I was in the United States when the global economic crisis happened, and the Philippines was one of the countries spared, and I give credit to her. The economic fundamentals were very strong during her time. Being an economist, she was there at the right time when the country needed her the most.” With President BBM at the helm, he is confident “we will be able to push through with our development plan and finish the projects we have started, like the North-South Commuter Railway, which is a 147-kilometer stretch from Clark to Laguna. We hope to have the dry run in 2026 and it will be fully operational in 2027.” He also looks forward to the completion of the Bicol South Long Haul project. He is equally hopeful for the North Long Haul, the Subic-Clark and the Mindanao railways. He clarified that “we are now talking with the proponents, while some negotiations are being undertaken.” Working boots and a hard hat It would seem that this successful insurance executive was out of place in the railway sector. He pointed out, though, that “coming from the outside, I have the technical advantage of being able to look outside the box. So, I’m looking at it from outside the box, looking in. I am able to see the problems that need to be fixed. Stoppage is one of the problems so we have a bus augmentation program. We will also deploy UV Express units. We are closely coordinating with the LTFRB to provide emergency alternative transportation.” On the other hand, his exposure to people of all backgrounds from his youth, being his father’s son, has given him the advantage of “knowing how it is to be one of the boys. Something that I also experienced in the United States. “When people ask me what my management style is, I tell them straight I like to go down to the ground. I like hands-on supervision. I want my hands to be dirty. If you open the trunk of my car, you will find my working boots and my hard hat. I enjoy going to the construction sites and seeing for myself the progress, the problems, whatever it is that needs to be attended to. “Finally I want those working in the field doing the most difficult tasks to be satisfied and never to be hungry. Gusto ko, busog sila lagi. I am not happy when I get invited by the constructors and I am honored with a feast-like lunch or dinner, and not knowing what the workers are eating. I am on a diet anyway, so I make sure that my hosts bring the food to where the workers are eating. I can only eat so much and I would rather that the workers and the staff are full and happy. I am vocal about my displeasure when the construction workers are not eating the same food that is served to me. I may not be able to invite them to where I am eating but I can have the food brought to them.” Smiling from heaven Without a doubt, the old man Atty. Teddy C. Macapagal is smiling happily from his heavenly perch. He had served his fellowmen well, but he had done right as well by raising a son who took after his heart, to whom service to the people and compassion for the less fortunate matter more than any personal gain. His father, according to Ted, “died a broken man at the young age of 63. But whatever he lacked in longevity and riches, he made up for it with his compassion for others, for the free legal services that he gave to the people of Olongapo. “If you didn’t have money, you went to him because he was generous with his time and expertise. He would even give you some cash to use for your transportation fare to go home. That was my father. “The people whom he helped in turn would come to our home and bring him gifts like eggs, fruits, fish, vegetables and native chickens that they raised in their backyards. My father accepted them all. When I came home and saw all this, I teased him and said that he should probably open a sari-sari store so he could resell them. “Of course, we had a good laugh. But beyond the laughter, we both knew in our hearts that doing good to one’s fellowmen is its own reward and nothing in this world can take the place of personal fulfillment for having put a smile on people’s faces because you somehow made their lives better. “I am grateful that I have been raised by such a great father.” The post Michael Ted Macapagal: Making tracks in public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BI opens new Olongapo office
The Bureau of Immigration announced on Friday that it has inaugurated its new office in Olongapo City last 26 July which will act as a center for immigration-related services, serving applicants in the province of Zambales. The office — located on the sixth floor of the SM City Olongapo Downtown, along Magsaysay Drive and Gordon Avenue — was opened by Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., SM management and key officials of the BI. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco expressed his excitement about the new development as the new office is seen as one of the numerous improvements that they have to bring services closer to the people. The BI chief added that their vision is to enhance the accessibility of immigration services and the office represents a crucial step towards achieving their goal. Tansingco also revealed that the agency plans to transfer many of its operations to more accessible locations, such as malls, for the convenience of the public. Apart from this, Tansingco disclosed that they are also set to open new offices in popular tourist areas and they are targeting the transfer of many of their operations to more accessible locations. The post BI opens new Olongapo office appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P6M worth of illegal drugs seized at NAIA warehouse
The Bureau of Customs-Port of NAIA intercepted about P6 million worth of illegal drugs from two parcels at the DHL warehouse inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport complex in Pasay City. First intercepted was an inbound parcel declared as a steel bread toaster Shipment by eBay Inc. from 134 Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, USA where 318 grams of suspected shabu were placed. It was consigned to a certain Kay Raymond Dulla of 2218 P. Binay Street, Bangkal, Makati City. The second interception was an outbound parcel declared as hair dryers and brushes sent by Cherry Aguiling of Block 9 Lot 35 Meadowpark Subdivision, Molino, Bacoor, Cavite. It was consigned to a certain, Gordon Wood of 2774 Mount Riverside, Australia. Three improvised pouches containing suspected shabu were found in the parcel. The BoC-NAIA confirmed that the two intercepted parcels contained a total of 878 grams of suspected shabu with a street value of P5,970,400. All seized illegal drugs were immediately turned over by the Bureau of Customs to the NAIA PDEA-IADITG for further investigation and proper disposal. The post P6M worth of illegal drugs seized at NAIA warehouse appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Huge difference (2)
Former Commission on Audit chairperson Ma. Gracia Pulido Tan and Commissioner Heidi L. Mendoza worked in tandem but their ill-fated partnership was marred by their mishandling of the audit of lawmakers’ pork barrel, which turned into a global disaster. The dysfunctional CoA turned Noynoy’s straight path into a crooked one, losing total control which led to the holocaust in Philippine fiscal administration under the triumvirate of Florencio Abad, Pulido Tan, and Mendoza. The appointees of then-president Aquino in CoA were the obstacles to the ability of President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfill his promises and meet the high public expectations. In one instance, he ordered the CoA chairman to audit the accounts of the Philippine National Red Cross, given the President’s controversy with Senator Gordon. The CoA chief rebuffed the President, saying the CoA had no jurisdiction over the PNRC. That was indeed a rebuff and a disrespect because it was incredible that a 7th placer in the Bar did not know her constitutional power to audit. But when the President directed the Solicitor General to take action and make CoA audit the Red Cross, the CoA chief blinked and said CoA would conduct an audit “next week.” Such was the naughtiness of President Noynoy’s appointees to constitutional offices. President Digong appointed the former chief accountant of Davao as CoA chief in 2022. Digong’s decision had a lot of logic and common sense. First, it would remove hindrances to the fulfillment of his promises to the people. Then Chairperson Rizalina Justol was greeted warmly by the CoA officials and staff. “I am glad to be back at CoA, an institution that I had served for 10 years as an auditing examiner,” Chairperson Justol said. She chose 1 March as the date of her assumption as chairperson, it being a significant date as it was when she left the Commission in 1996. Justol, however, was not confirmed by the Commission on Appointments, and her term was overtaken by the assumption into office of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. President Marcos then appointed National Telecommunications Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba as CoA. He took his oath of office before Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Alexander Gesmundo. Cordoba obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1992. He entered the Ateneo School of Law and obtained his law degree in 1996. He passed the Bar in 1997. Atty. Cordoba was supposed to enjoy life with his appointment to the exalted post of chairman of the Commission, not far down the line of succession from the Head of State, but his life has been complicated by the backlog of more than 6,000 cases left behind by the former Commission Proper who wasted their official time on too much foreign travel, on the unconstitutional citizen participatory audit, and simply with their lack of direction. Cordoba was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun by Japan as a rising star of the Philippines. (To be continued) The post Huge difference (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»