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Comelec’s Garcia eyes case vs detractors, denies having offshore accounts | Kaycee | 17/07/2024 18:25 | POLL CHIEF. Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia gives the public an early look and demonstration of the vote-counting machines that will be used for the 2025 elections, at the Rappler newsroom on June 6, 2024.
Jire Carreon/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia plans to file a case against detractors alleging that a Comelec official accepted a bribe to favor a poll tech provider.
In a press conference on Wednesday, July 17, Garcia said they are compiling all statements related to what they called a “demolition job” and are waiting for results from the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) own probe, especially as falsified documents are involved in the issue.
“Kaya hindi ako nagbabanggit ng pangalan [kasi] hindi rin naman sila nagbabanggit ng pangalan e… hintayin na lang ‘yung kasong ifa-file,” Garcia said.
(I’m not mentioning any names because they are also not naming anyone…. Let’s just wait for the case to be filed.)
Last week, SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta insinuated that a Comelec official received bribe money to favor Miru in bidding for the poll body’s procurement of new election machines.
While Marcoleta did not name anyone, Garcia already went forward in an attempt to minimize public scrutiny.
“Malisyoso po kasi ‘yung pagkakasabi, ‘Isang opisyal ng Comelec,’ (They said it maliciously, ‘One Comelec official’)” Garcia said.
“Bawat isang commissioner ang puwedeng pagbintangan, bawat isang direktor puwedeng isama, bawat isang division chief, opisyal, puwedeng isama…. Ayaw talagang sabihin kasi buong institusyon ang pakay,” he added.
(Each commissioner can be blamed for it, each director can be dragged in, every division chief, official can be included…. They really did not name anyone because they were going after the whole institution.)”
In his press conference last week, Marcoleta claimed 49 offshore bank accounts worth $15.2 million in Singapore, China and Hong Kong, the Caribbean, and North America can be linked back to the unnamed Comelec official. He claimed that around $1.2 million or over P120 million were deposits from Korean bank accounts from June 2023 and March 2024.
However, Marcoleta admitted that they have yet to verify all of these claims.
“Wala naman ako kahit isa na foreign account, wala naman ako kahit isang property sa abroad (I don’t have even one foreign account, I don’t have property abroad),” Garcia said.
Four of six local bank accounts linked to the alleged bribery scheme have since been proven non-existent. “Matatawa ka na lang sa mga account numbers na mali-mali (You’d just laugh at the wrong account numbers given),” Garcia said.
At the heart of the controversy is Miru, the government’s new elections software provider for 2025.
Election watchdogs and lawmakers have raised concerns about the tech firm’s reputation overseas, but Miru said the allegations are not true.
The Comelec has disqualified long-time elections technology provider Smartmatic from participating in all future elections in the Philippines, hence a new partner for Comelec. However, the Supreme Court recently ruled that the poll body was wrong when it banned Smartmatic.
The High Court has now ordered the poll body and Miru to comment on the petition challenging the validity of their P17-9 billion deal and Garcia has alluded that this may be what’s driving the attacks against Comelec.
“May kaso ang Comelec sa Korte Suprema ngayon at ang kaso niyan ay patungkol sa pinasok naming kontrata. Lahat ng bahid na maibabato sa Comelec patungkol sa kontrata, sa kumpanya kung saan nakipagsundo ang Comelec, ay mga bahid na pwedeng maka-impluwensya sa Korte Suprema,” Garcia said.
(Comelec currently has a case with the Supreme Court and that case is about the contract we forged. Everything they can criticize or thrown against Comelec about the contract, the company we made a deal with, are things that can influence the Supreme Court.)
On Wednesday, the Comelec commissioners, regional directors, provincial election supervisors, election officers, department division chiefs, and employee union representatives were in full force to show their support for Garcia.
In their statements, they said they viewed the allegations as a “systematic attack on the credibility of the institution ahead of the May 2025 national, local, and BARMM elections.”
“These attacks aim to undermine our efforts to safeguard the electoral process,” they said in a solidarity statement. “We remain committed to strengthening the public’s trust in the integrity of the elections, fulfilling our constitutional mandate to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.” – Rappler.com
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Despite Cabinet exit, Sara Duterte maintains top approval, trust ratings – Pulse Asia | Bonz Magsambol | 17/07/2024 13:53 | File photo of Vice President Sara Duterte
Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Despite her exit from the Marcos Cabinet, Vice President Sara Duterte still had the highest approval and trust ratings among top government officials, according to a Pulse Asia survey released on Wednesday, July 17.
The Vice President’s approval rating nationally in June was at 69%, up from 67% in March. Her approval ratings improved in almost all key geographic areas, except for Balance Luzon.
Among the economic brackets, Duterte’s approval rating was up by 17 percentage points in Class E from 65% to 82%. However, her approval rating among Class ABC dipped by 6 percentage points, which was at 57%. Her rating was up by a single percentage point in Class D at 69%.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. got 53% and House Speaker Martin Romualdez had 45%, nationally. No rating was provided for Senate President Chiz Escudero as he only assumed the Senate leadership on May 20.
As for the trust ratings of the other top officials, Duterte still had the highest at 71%. She was statistically tied with Escudero, who was at 69%. Meanwhile, Marcos and Romualdez obtained 52% and 35%, respectively.
“Both the Vice-President and the Senate President have majority trust ratings in each geographic area (56% to 95% and 64% to 75%, respectively) and socio-economic class (59% to 80% and 63% to 74%, respectively),” Pulse Asia noted in its report.
The pollster also noted that Marcos recorded majority trust scores in Metro Manila (59%), the rest of Luzon (58%), the Visayas (54%), and Class D (53%) while near majority figures were posted in Class ABC (50%) and Class E (48%).
“Mindanawons are divided in their assessment of presidential trustworthiness, with 35% trusting him, 33% being unable to say if they trust or distrust him, and 32% expressing distrust in him,” it said.
The survey was conducted among 2,400 respondents aged 18 and above using face-to-face interviews, with a ± 2% error margin at 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates for each of the geographic areas covered in the survey have a ± 4% error margin, also at 95% confidence level.
The survey was conducted among 2,400 respondents aged 18 and above using face-to-face interviews from June 17 to 24, with a ± 2% error margin at 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates for each of the geographic areas covered in the survey have a ± 4% error margin, also at 95% confidence level.
Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet on June 19, confirming the rift inside the Uniteam coalition forged in the 2022 elections for the Marcos-Duterte tandem. Duterte said that she was resigning as education chief “out of concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.”
In a statement on Monday, Escudero thanked the public for the trust and support.
“Ang mga survey ay pabago-bago at ang mataas na numero sa anumang survey ay inspirasyon sa amin at ang mababang numero ay aral at gabay para sa amin,” he said.
(Survey results are changing, and any high numbers in surveys are an inspiration to us, while low numbers are a lesson and a guide to us.)
“Subalit mataas man o mababa, patuloy lang kaming magta-trabaho at gagampanan ang aming tungkulin alang-alang sa mas nakatataas na interes ng Bansa at sambayanan,” Escudero added.
(However, whether high or low, we will continue to work and respond to our duties without hesitancy for the best interest of the country and the public.) – Rappler.com
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Iloilo targets top rice producer status with Marcos inaugurating mega reservoir | Herbie G | 17/07/2024 15:35 | DAM. The multi-billion peso Jalaur River Multi-purpose Project II in Calinog, Iloilo is expected to boost Iloilo province's quest for food, water and power security.
Philippine Information Agency VI
BACOLOD, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the second phase of the largest water reservoir outside Luzon on Tuesday, July 16, which heralds a milestone in regional development, signaling advancements in agriculture, water management, and renewable energy.
With the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Stage II (JRMP II), Iloilo aims to reclaim its status as the country’s top rice-producing province, a nearly P20-billion project overseen by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Barangay Toyungan, Calinog.
Scheduled for full operation in 2025, JRMP II boasts of being the largest water reservoir in the Visayas, with two massive dams and an extensive 80.70-kilometer canal network.
Marcos said it would irrigate over 30,000 hectares, benefiting around 25,000 farmers and increasing the Western Visayas’ annual rice production by 160,000 metric tons, covering 20% of the region’s needs.
“Farmers will benefit from uninterrupted irrigation water supply,” Marcos said.
The JRMP will supply Iloilo City and nearby municipalities will be a major source of water for industrial and commercial use, while generating 6.6 megawatts of hydro-electric power for Panay Island.
“Approximately 86 million liters per day will supply the commercial and industrial water needs of Iloilo City and neighboring municipalities,” Marcos said.
Beyond irrigation and drinking water, the project will help mitigate flooding, promote agriculture, and enhance tourism, he said.
The project will also benefit 678 indigenous families from the Ata or Ati tribes of Panay-Bukidnon across nine villages in Calinog, including Guinbunyogan, Cahigon, Pequeño, Toyungan, Binulosan, Alibunan, Garangan, Masaroy, and Agcalaga.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. called the project a “game changer” that would greatly boost rice yields to six tons per hectare, enhancing food security.
Defensor reminisced about Iloilo’s former position as the country’s top rice-producing province, citing Pototan as a leader in annual yields.
He emphasized JRMP II’s significance in enhancing the country’s food, water, and energy security, saying, “Together, we have not just built infrastructure but laid the foundation for a brighter future.”
Former senator Franklin Drilon, who pushed for the project, said the JRMP II would boost the region’s economy, and help curb inflation, noting rice as a major driver of economic stability.
The project focuses on three key areas: irrigation development, environmental and watershed management, and institutional development. The project includes an 80.70-kilometer high line canal, a 109-meter high dam, and a 38-meter afterbay dam.
The first phase of the project, another dam, was completed in the 1980s during the administration of Marcos Jr.’s father.
The second phase was made possible by a US$207-million loan from South Korea’s Export-Import Bank, repayable over 30 years at an annual interest rate of 0.15%. The World Bank provided financial assistance for the feasibility study.
“I think it is entirely too long that the Phase 1 was completed in my father’s time, and that the Phase 2 should be completed in my time. We should not have waited that long. I think we need to accelerate the process a little bit,” he said. – Rappler.com
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After Percy Lapid’s death, there are people who will benefit from his sacrifice | Jairo Bolledo | 17/07/2024 16:55 | KILLED. Supporters and friends of Percy Lapid pay their last respects during the wake of the slain broadcaster in Parañaque City on October 7, 2022.
Angie de Silva/Rappler
It’s been almost two years since hard-hitting broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa was brutally killed in Las Piñas in 2022. He was driving when motorcycle-riding assailants rained fire on his vehicle.
Lapid’s untimely death triggered a massive uproar as he was the second journalist killed under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He was also a staunch critic of both Marcos and former president Rodrigo Duterte.
His killing opened a can of worms – it exposed anew the problems in the country’s prison system because persons deprived of liberty (PDL) were implicated in his assassination.
Fast forward to 2024, the long-term impact on prisons of Lapid’s killing was highlighted as it triggered a change in the country’s prison system.
Shortly after Lapid’s death, a PDL named Jun Villamor was revealed as the alleged middleman who contacted people to order the broadcaster’s assassination. But while the probe was ongoing to identify other people behind the alleged crime, Villamor died inside the New Bilibid Prison.
At first, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which autopsied the PDL’s body, said there was “no apparent sign of external physical injury.” But when forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun reexamined him, she discovered that Villamor died of suffocation after a plastic bag was put over his head. Fortun was able to autopsy Villamor’s remains after Department of Justice (DOJ) chief Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla reached out to her.
This was the first time the DOJ reached out to Fortun to examine a PDL’s body. The forensic pathologist is known for examining the remains of drug war victims.
“We did find some answers and we [have] uncovered anomalies in the Bilibid. And so that was how it started, in October of 2022, and ever since, we had been receiving cases for autopsy,” Fortun said on July 11.
While working on the Villamor case, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) made another discovery. BuCor accidentally retrieved 176 bodies of Bilibid PDLs from Eastern Funeral Homes, where Villamor’s body was sent after he died.
Just like Villamor, Remulla later announced that the other cadavers would be sent to Fortun for examination, and for her to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
On July 11, the DOJ signed an agreement with the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila to improve the investigation into deaths of PDLs inside prisons. Through the agreement, the DOJ and UP Manila formalized its partnership in determining the real causes of PDL deaths.
Before, PDLs who died inside penitential facilities of BuCor would go straight to funeral homes, where they would be embalmed and prepared for burial. This created a problem because the circumstances surrounding the PDLs’ deaths could not be determined, and consequently, if they needed to undergo autopsy.
But now, given the agreement between the DOJ and UP Manila, PDLs’ dead bodies will have to undergo autopsy first before they are sent to funeral homes. Whether or not foul play is suspected, BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang said all PDLs’ remains from their facilities will be sent to experts for post-mortem examination.
“Any death in these places [like prisons] requires a forensic investigation. It’s a health concern,” Fortun explained. “There must be dignity in death.”
Another importance of examining PDLs’ bodies is it would be able to determine if there are preventable deaths in prisons. By examining the remains, experts can check for trends in the real causes behind deaths, allowing corrections officials to use findings to address the problem and prevent more deaths.
“I don’t have the numbers yet, but unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of tuberculosis. And that’s very telling in jail…And I was telling General Catapang earlier, if there is tuberculosis among the PDLs, your workers are just as exposed,” Fortun explained.
For the Lapid family, the broadcaster’s death has had some impact on the country’s prison system.
“That’s among the legacies left by Ka Percy. In fact, before he was killed, during the pandemic, he discussed the high profile PDLs who allegedly died of COVID-19. He called for their autopsy. Unfortunately, he was not able to see that happening,” Roy Mabasa, Lapid’s brother, told Rappler in Filipino.
“At least, even in his death, there are people who will benefit from his sacrifices,” Mabasa added.
The BuCor recorded a total of 4,636 deaths in prisons from 2020 to June 2024. Most deaths were recorded in 2020 and 2021 – 1,182 and 1,166 respectively – which occurred at the height of the pandemic. There have been 487 deaths from this year alone.
Bilibid, the Philippines’ national penitentiary, also suffers from a staggering congestion rate of 377% or 30,701 PDLs cramming into a facility meant only for 6,345. This condition, on top of other problems like low budget for food and medicine, causes sickness among PDLs.
The examination of the PDLs’ remains is among the first steps to improve the harrowing conditions inside prisons. After all, prisoners still have rights even when detained. The United Nations’ Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners suggest proper treatment of PDLs, which includes the presence of appropriate medical services to ensure their health and welfare. – Rappler.com
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In The Public Square: POGOs and dark money | Jaira Roxas | 17/07/2024 20:00 | MANILA, Philippines – As President Marcos Jr. prepares for his third State of the Nation Address, more voices are joining the chorus calling on him to use the occasion to announce an outright ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs.
What drew POGOs to the Philippines in the first place, under Rodrigo Duterte? Where does the money that funds them come from? And what explains their staying power, two years after Duterte left office?
In this episode of In The Public Square, Rappler columnist and editorial consultant John Nery sits down with Alvin Camba, a leading scholar on the effects of China’s rise on the Global South. This led him to study, among many other topics, the flow of capital, both licit and illicit, in Asia.
He was an assistant professor at the University of Denver and is a newly appointed Research Advisor at Associated Universities Inc. He continues to teach at the Fletcher School in Tufts University in Boston.
Watch the episode on Wednesday, July 17, at 8 pm. – Rappler.com
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$500 for sexual slavery: PH ‘still fails’ Japan’s war victims | Lian Buan | 17/07/2024 18:16 | COMFORT WOMEN. 89-year-old Maria Quilantang is now the president of the Malaya Lolas, a group of Japan's comfort women, taking over the post from Lita Vinuya who died in 2021 without getting reparations. Photo by Rappler
BULACAN/PAMPANGA, Philippines – While the Philippines was starting a new military agreement with Japan, the now defunct imperial army’s Filipino victims during the World War II were wondering whether there would be any addition to the P30,000 ($514) financial aid they received in the last nine months.
“Para sa akin, hindi man sapat, kusa siyang ibinigay. Pero sa totoo lang, hindi sapat sa amin ang konting pera sa nangyari sa aming mga magulang, lalo na ako, tatay ko nakita kong pinatay nila” Maria Quilantang, 89 years old and president of the group of comfort women called Malaya Lolas, told Rappler from her home in Mapaniqui in Candaba town, Pampanga on Wednesday, July 17.
(It may not be enough, but it was what was given freely. But really, the small amount of money is not enough for what happened to our parents, especially me, I saw them kill my father.)
The Malaya Lolas are among the organizations of Japan’s comfort women, or the Filipino women who were used as sex slaves by the soldiers of Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
The Philippine government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), last year started giving out P10,000 to the living victims. This move followed a landmark resolution from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (UN CEDAW) declaring that the failure to set up a sufficient reparation mechanism is a violation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
The principle for this is the Philippine obligation as a signatory to the convention that it will not discriminate against women. The commission ruled that by not providing reparations to the women victims, the State was committing a continuous form of discrimination.
Quilantang said all 18 living members of the Malaya Lolas have received three installments of P10,000 or P30,000 each, with the addition of a one-time P5,000 educational assistance for each of three chosen grandchildren or great grandchildren.
This is the first official government move they can recall to compensate for the crimes committed more than 80 years ago in the so-called siege of Mapaniqui, where Japanese soldiers raided the houses, killed the adult men, and took the women as sex slaves.
“Buong Pilipinas, walang kapares ang nangyari sa amin…Pinatay ang mga lalake, hanggang sa sinunog ang barrio na ito, walang natira kundi halaman..Mga batang lalake lang ang hindi pinatay,” said Quilantang.
(In the entire Philippines, nothing compares to what happened to us. The men were killed, our barrio was razed, nothing was left but plants. Only the young boys were not killed.)
The DSWD aid was only up to 3 installments, according to the group’s lawyer Virgie Suarez. Quilantang’s family was wondering whether there could be a fourth. Rappler asked the DSWD for more details, but it has yet to again respond after acknowledging our query on Tuesday, July 16.
“More than a year after the UN Committee decision, the Philippine government still fails to respond in an appropriate and timely manner to its treaty obligations under CEDAW,” the Center for International Law (CenterLaw), also lawyers for the Malaya Lolas, said in a statement.
The longtime president of Malaya Lolas was Lita Vinuya – also the lead petitioner and the name title of the Supreme Court case that sought to compel the Philippine government to help them get compensation from Japan. They lost that case in a controversial decision made even more anomalous by charges that the ruling was plagiarized. This loss in 2010, and the lost appeal in 2014, drove the Lolas to the UN.
Vinuya died in 2021 at 83 years old – two years before the UN CEDAW resolution. Her son Jimboy said that the families of dead victims have yet to be included in DSWD’s aid.
“Hindi po siguro [sapat] pero kung ‘yun lang po, eh pasalamat ka na rin sa kahit kaunting bagay, at least makakatulong na rin po ‘yun kahit papano,” said Mary Ann Vinuya, Lita’s daughter-in-law, describing how their matriarch often spent money out-of-pocket for the Malaya Lolas activities.
(It may not be enough, but if that’s all there is, then thank you anyway even for a pittance. At least it can still help).
Vinuya has around 80 grand and great grandchildren, so it would be challenging to also choose which three can have the one-time P5,000 educational assistance in today’s economy.
It is both the Philippines and Japan’s position that everything had been settled when the treaty of peace was signed by both countries in San Francisco in 1956. The treaty waived claims of reparations.
In 2017 under former president Rodrigo Duterte, Japan pledged funding for “nation-building” which was worth one trillion yen or P476 billion in development assistance. By 2018, the statue of comfort women along Roxas Boulevard that served as a marker for Japan’s war crimes was removed. Japan fulfilled this pledge by 2021.
While this was all happening, the victims kept waiting. Quilantang recalls a promise to dialogue with the president, although she cannot recall now which president.
“Puwede ako, kahit saan puwede ako, ang pakiusap ko lang huwag sa Ingles dahil mababa lang ang pinag-aralan ko. Pero kung idadaan sa Tagalog, lahat ng itatanong niya, masasagot ko,” said Quilantang.
(I can talk to the President, wherever that may be, my only request is to not talk in English because I have low educational attainment. But if we speak in Tagalog, I can answer all of his questions.)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created a technical working group (TWG) last year after the UN CEDAW resolution, instructing agencies to determine a mechanism for aid, and where to source it.
Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez confirmed to Rappler that a proposal is now with the Office of the President for approval.
“I was able to confirm with the handling State Counsel that a draft JMC (Joint Memorandum Circular) has already been submitted to OP for approval,” Gutierrez said but could not yet specify what the draft contained. “I do know that DOJ [Department of Justice] helped craft a JMC providing aid/services to the Malaya Lolas,” the undersecretary added.
“Panay na lang pina-aapprove, bakit hindi ina-approve? (They always tell us, it’s for approval. Why is it not being approved?)” said Quilantang, a reflection of their frustrations on their more than two-decade old organized struggle for recognition and reparation.
According to CenterLaw, “medical support programs from the local government are insufficient given their health complications and inaccessibility of facilities.”
Gabriela, a national alliance of women advocates, also highlighted the urgency of the reparations since the victims are all old, and may die before they receive substantial compensations.
“Ang hirap, dahil sa totoo lang, ang dami nang patay na lola. Halimbawa sa Lila Pilipina, mga walo na lang ang natitra out of the hundred na nandiyan. Tapos sa walo na ‘yun, ilan lang talaga ‘yung makakausap mo pa nang matino, dahil ‘yung iba sa age nila, hindi na talagang coherent kung minsan pag nagkuwento sila,” said Gert Libang, Gabriela National Chairperson on Wednesday.
Part of UN CEDAW’s recommendations was to create a memorial to preserve the site of Bahay na Pula (Red House) where Japanese soldiers took and raped women. It is, UN said, “to honor their struggle for justice. The house is located on the Pan Philippine Highway in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, just before reaching Mapaniqui in neighboring Candaba in Pampanga province.
Under Republic Act 10066, a marked structure is protected from modification or demolition. But the Red House is nearly torn down, with only the skeleton of the house intact. Rumors have long been spreading in the circles supporting the Malaya Lolas that it is being actively demolished. Rappler visited last year, but the state of Bahay na Pula was worse when we visited again on Wednesday, with the front part already collapsed.
San Ildefonso Mayor Fernando Galvez told the Malaya Lolas last May 9 that the municipal engineer and local police “proceeded to the site and ordered to stop the alleged demolition work.”
“We will always uphold the protection and preservation of properties with historical and cultural significance as mandated by pertinent laws, while recognizing and respecting the lawful rights of private individuals on their ownership and/or properties,” Galvez told Malaya Lolas through CenterLaw in a letter on May 9.
“The NCCA [National Commission for Culture and the Arts] and NHCP [National Historical Commission of the Philippines] must also act,” said CenterLaw.
The President’s sister Senator Imee Marcos has thrown her support behind the cause of the Malaya Lolas, urging all concerned agencies to “concretize the implementation of the CEDAW judgment, otherwise it remains meaningless.”
Quilantang said if she can talk to President Marcos, she will tell him: “Hihingi ako ng tulong. Maliban sa binibigay ng Japan ay ‘yung solong kanya, ipanghihingi ko ang mga lola.” (I will ask for help. His own help separate from what Japan has given. I will ask on behalf of the lolas.)
And to Japan, she says: “Importanteng humingi sila ng tawad sa ginawa nila, ng kanilang mga magulang kung magulang nila ‘yun. Napakasakit sa amin, kayang kaya kong magsalita, kayang kaya ko dahil ang karanasan [namin] ay hindi biro-birong gawa-gawa lang.”
(It’s important that they apologize for what they’ve done, for what their parents have done. That was painful to us. I can speak about it now because our experience was no light matter. It was not made up.) – with reports from Michelle Abad/Rappler.com
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SB19 named Favorite Asian Act at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2024 | jreyes0314 | 17/07/2024 16:48 | SB19's X
MANILA, Philippines – P-pop boy group SB19 was named the Favorite Asian Act at Nickelodeon’s 2024 Kids’ Choice Awards on Wednesday, July 17.
The voting period officially closed on July 14.
A post shared by Nickelodeon Asia (@nick_asia)
“Thank you so much for voting us as the Favorite Asian Act of Kids’ Choice Awards 2024. It’s such an honor to represent the Philippines. We appreciate all your love and support. Maraming maraming salamat po (Thank you so much),” the boy group said in a video posted by Nickelodeon Asia on Instagram.
The other nominees in the category are K-pop boy group ENHYPEN, Japanese girl group NiziU, Malaysian singer Iman Troye, and Indonesian actress-singer Tiara Andini.
“Winning Favorite Asian Act at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards is a dream come true for us and for our country, The Philippines. Your support and recognition mean everything. We are honored and excited for what’s next!” SB19 wrote on X.
🏆 SB19 IS 2024 NICKELODEON KIDS' CHOICE AWARDS FAVORITE ASIAN ACT!Thank you, A'TIN and @Nickelodeon! Winning Favorite Asian Act at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards is a dream come true for us and for our country, The Philippines 🇵🇭 Your support and recognition mean… pic.twitter.com/haVTkFA1Wo
Earlier today, SB19’s fans – A’TIN – were also nominated at the Billboard Fan Army Face-Off 2024. The fandom emerged victorious at the contest’s 2023 edition, making history as the first-ever fandom of a Filipino act to clinch the prize.
Composed of members Josh, Ken, Justin, Pablo, and Stell, SB19 is known for songs like “MAPA,” “GENTO,” “ILAW,” and their most recent release, “Moonlight,” featuring Ian Asher and Terry Zhong.
The P-pop group is set to release its PAGTATAG! documentary in August. – Rappler.com
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Prime Infra inaugurates 64-MW solar power plant in Cavite | Iya Gozum | 17/07/2024 16:14 | RENEWABLE. Prime Infrastructure's 64-megawatt solar power plant in Maragondon, Cavite.
Iya Gozum/Rappler
CAVITE, Philippines – Prime Solar, a subsidiary of Enrique Razon-led Prime Infrastructure, inaugurated on Wednesday, July 17, a 64-megawatt (MW) solar power plant in Maragondon, Cavite.
Prime Infra completes its Maragondon solar power plant more than a month after they inaugurated its sister 64-MW power plant in Tanauan, Batangas. This comes a year after Prime Infra broke ground.
“The completion of the Maragondon solar power plant is a significant milestone on Prime Infra’s energy portfolio,” said Prime Infra president and CEO Guillaume Lucci on Wednesday.
“This represents one-half of our entire project which is a sister plant in Tanauan.”
The company says both plants can power 84,000 households.
Cherry Mendoza, president and CEO of Prime Solar, said the design of the two power plants in Cavite and Batangas are similar, in that they both have seven blocks of solar panels and occupy around 60 hectares of land.
Mendoza also said they are still “figuring out” agrivoltaic farming which makes use of the land underneath the solar panels to grow crops.
Among those who graced the inauguration of the power plant are Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla, Energy Regulatory Commission chair Monalisa Dimalanta, Department of Energy (DOE) director Marissa Cerezo, and Maragondon Mayor Lawrence Arca.
The Philippine government aims to increase renewable sources in the energy mix from 22% in 2022 to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
According to Cerezo, there are currently around 500 active solar energy contracts with an aggregate installed capacity of 1.6 gigawatts being monitored by the DOE.
– Rappler.com
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LIST: What to expect at OPUS Mall in Quezon City | Steph Arnaldo | 17/07/2024 14:58 | OPUS MALL. The new luxury mall in Bridgetowne, Quezon City has 6 levels.
Steph Arnaldo/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Have you seen that huge, gold mall glimmering along Libis, right by the C5 flyover? Yes, the one with a towering statue of a man fist-pumping the air.
That’s the new OPUS Mall, Robinsons’ latest luxury mall in Bridgetowne, Quezon City.
The six-level luxury shopping center is the latest addition to Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) Residences’ new integrated development, which houses offices and residential condominiums in one sprawling estate.
As of July 17, OPUS Mall is open to the public but is still pretty bare, with only a handful of retail establishments and restaurants open so far (Manam, Marketplace, The Matcha Tokyo, and Cibo Rapido! are on the first floor). OPUS mall is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
The lineup seems promising – several well-known local and foreign brands are set to open across OPUS’ six expansive floors, all within the mall’s grandiose architecture and gold-specked, hotel-like interiors with oak accents.
If you’re planning to stroll around the mall, I suggest bringing a jacket or cardigan. It can get cold.
Here’s what to expect from OPUS Mall in the coming months:
On the first floor, we caught board-ups of Dubai’s Patchi Luxury Chocolates, Tim Ho Wan, and M Bakery, as well as bakery Paul, Il Lupino Wine Bar and Trattoria, and Breakfast at Antonio’s by the entrance.
Other cafes and restaurants include CBTL Kitchen, St. Ali Coffee Melbourne, Hoshino Coffee, Single Origin, and Wildflour. We also saw The Bistro Group’s Tomatito on the first level, TGIFridays, and Red Lotus by Modern Shang.
Soon to open are Jo Malone London, Estée Lauder, Armani Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, MLB, and Signett.
On the second level, there’s Katherine’s Café, Illy, Marugame, LlaoLlao, Sogeum by Soban, Duck and Buvette, Key Coffee, and Inteligentsia Coffee.
Shoppers will be able to browse through Crocs, Sneakers Chief, Toni Pons, Tokyo, OWNDAYS, Editor’s Market, Jins Eyewear, Vision Express, Bait, Mosaic, Masonette, Foot Locker, New Balance, Skechers, Spatio, Converse, Aranaz, and Aivee Clinic and Cafe.
The third floor is set to become a hub for fun and games, featuring Party in the City, Dave & Buster’s by The Bistro Group, Spatio, and Toys R Us. Dining-wise, there’s Shakey’s, Nyx by Vikings, Coco, and Nono’s.
The fourth floor will also cater to tech enthusiasts – in one area there’s True Value, Acer, Japan’s Bandai Namco toy shop, Data Blitz, Open Source, Digiplanet, Samsung, and Robinsons Appliances.
Restaurant TRES Filipino Twists is open. We also saw a huge food hall called Epic Eats opening soon from The Tasteless Group.
The entire fifth level is dedicated to OPUS Mall’s state-of-the-art cinemas; the spaciousness and golden lights add to the VIP movie-going experience. Beside the VIP Lounge are the ticketing booth and the snacks counter.
OPUS Mall carries the country’s first-ever Family Cinema. For P600 per ticket, families can watch movies on cozy and colorful couches amid candy-colored interiors, with famous cartoon characters as statuettes outside the theaters.
OPUS Mall also has a central garden on the fourth floor and daily masses at the Holy Mass Chapel of the Archangels. – Rappler.com
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Senior Republican lawmakers ask Biden for options to support Philippines in Beijing standoff | Michelle Abad | 17/07/2024 20:44 | CONFLICT. Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah on May 4 as it made its way to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on March 5, 2024.
REUTERS/Adrian Portugal/File Photo
WASHINGTON, USA – Two senior Republican US senators have asked President Joe Biden to provide a complete list of options developed by the Pentagon and State Department to help support the Philippines in recent standoffs with Beijing over a contested shoal in the South China Sea.
Central to tensions is the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a rusty warship manned by a small crew that it deliberately grounded in 1999 to reinforce its maritime claims. It regularly sends supply missions to troops stationed there.
Tensions in the disputed waterway have boiled over into violence in the past year, with a Filipino sailor losing a finger in a June 17 clash that Manila described as “intentional-high speed ramming” by a Chinese coast guard vessel.
The United States is bound by a seven-decade-old mutual defense treaty to defend the Philippines against an armed attack on its aircraft, or public vessels, in the busy waterway.
“We must respond with visible and concrete demonstrations of our support. Anything short of this risks our appearing unwilling to honor our bilateral commitments,” read a July 12 letter to Biden, seen by Reuters, from Senators Roger Wicker and Jim Risch, the highest ranking Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“We request your administration provide us with a full list of military, diplomatic, and economic options developed by the Departments of State and Defense to support the Philippines and deter further escalation by the PRC (People’s Republic of China),” the letter said.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said Manila needs to do more than protest China’s “illegal action” against its navy, without elaborating.
The Philippines has not asked the United States for support in resupplying its troops, according to its ambassador in Washington. The United States is providing some limited intelligence support to the Philippines.
The South China Sea, vital to global trade, has become a major flashpoint in the testy relationship between China and the United States.
The senators’ letter said the Biden administration must move quickly to support the Philippines “in countering China’s aggressive behavior…. Limiting our response to verbal assurances of the applicability of Article IV undermines the credibility and value of these commitments.” – Rappler.com
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Late second-half rampage tows Strong Group past Malaysia in Jones Cup | Jasmine Payo | 17/07/2024 21:03 | STEPPING UP. Strong Group-Pilipinas guard RJ Abarrientos goes for a shot against Malaysia.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – There’s still no stopping Chris McCullough and the rest of Strong Group-Pilipinas in the 2024 William Jones Cup.
Thanks to its massive second-half rampage, Strong Group remained undefeated in four games following an 89-54 annihilation of Malaysia on Wednesday, July 17, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
For the fourth game in a row, McCullough topscored for the Filipinos with 16 points, while Rhenz Abando turned in his finest performance yet of the tournament with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Big men Tajuan Agee and Ange Kouame contributed 12 and 11 points apiece, while Filipino-American guard DJ Fenner poured in 10 for the Philippines.
After seeing its double-digit lead in the first half turn into a one-point disadvantage in the third period, 46-47, Strong Group finished the quarter in style with a fiery 13-1 blast for a 59-48 edge heading into the final frame.
Three consecutive long bombs by RJ Abarrientos, Kouame, and Dave Ildefonso in the early goings of the fourth quarter then ignited a whopping 30-6 Strong Group rally as the Filipinos finished the match with their biggest lead at 35 points.
Abarrientos, the third overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft, racked up 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Ildefonso, the No. 5 selection in the same draft, finished with 8 markers.
On the other side, Malaysia was led by John Murry, who exploded for 25 points in the losing cause.
Former Ateneo foreign student-athlete Joseph Obasa – who suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 86 – backstopped Murry with 13 points.
Strong Group aims to continue its dominant run when it battles Future Sports USA at 1 pm on Thursday, July 18.
The Filipinos are currently tied with Chinese Taipei-Blue at the top spot with an identical 4-0 slate.
The team with the best record at the end of the single round-robin tournament brings home the elusive title.
Philippines 89 – McCullough 16, Abando 14, Agee 12, Fenner 12, Kouame 11, Abarrientos 9, Ildefonso 8, Heading 4, Ravena 3, Ynot 2, Chiu 0.
Malaysia 54 – Murry 25, Obasa 13, Bosango 6, Hou 3, Wong 3, Ting 2, Kuek 2, Yiang 0, Lee 0, Zi Fueng 0, Lee 0, Ragu 0.
Quarters: 21-11, 40-36, 59-48, 89-54.
– Rappler.com
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TNT, NLEX tap former NBA players for PBA Governors’ Cup | delfin.dioquino editor | 17/07/2024 20:36 | MIDAIR. Darius Days in action for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA G League.
Rio Grande Valley Vipers Instagram page
MANILA, Philippines – MVP teams TNT and NLEX tapped former NBA players as imports in the season-opening PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Tropang Giga acquired the services of Darius Days, while the Road Warriors brought in Myke Henry as they both look to make deep runs after early exits in the two conferences last season.
A product of the LSU Tigers, Days momentarily played for the Houston Rockets in the 2022-2023 season, appearing in four games and averaging 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds.
Spending most of his time with the Houstons’ NBA G League affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the 24-year-old Days earned All-NBA G League Second Team honors in 2023.
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said on Wednesday, July 17, that the Tropang Giga initially wanted to bring back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for a third run with the team, but the former Best Import is currently unavailable.
Hollis-Jefferson, who led TNT to its last title, currently plays for the Mets de Guaynabo in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico.
“If Darius turns out to be great, then we have a good problem,” said Lastimosa.
Like Days, Henry spent one season in the NBA as he suited up for Memphis Grizzlies in 20 games in 2017-2018 and averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 assists.
Henry, 31, is a well-travelled import who has taken his act to Mexico, Israel, Italy, France, Greece, Poland, and Indonesia.
“Myke’s all-around game and international experience will surely help our team’s campaign next conference,” NLEX wrote on its social media accounts.
The Governors’ Cup, which follows a new format that splits the 12 teams into two groups, will tip off in August. – Rappler.com
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MPL Philippines return? OhMyV33nus, Wise join Aurora after Blacklist exit | delfin.dioquino editor | 17/07/2024 21:58 | NEW SQUAD. OhMyV33nus and Wise begin a new chapter in their careers as they join Aurora.
Aurora MLBB Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Is VeeWise back to the pro scene?
Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario intrigued fans of a Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines return after joining Aurora Gaming, the team announced on Tuesday, July 16.
The move came after the inseparable duo ended a fruitful four-year stint with Blacklist International highlighted by multiple titles.
VeeWise led Blacklist to MPL Philippines crowns in Seasons 7, 8, and 10, and helped the organization capture the Mobile Legends M3 World Championship in 2021.
OhMyV33nus and Wise have been inactive for over a year since powering Blacklist to a runner-up finish in the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup.
Aside from OhMyV33nus and Wise, stars Edward “Edward” Dapadap, Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, and Salic “Hadji” Imam also left Blacklist.
Founded in 2022, Aurora – which has headquarters in Serbia and Malaysia – has grown into a prominent esports organization, having teams in Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and Warcraft.
Aurora replaces Minana EVOS as MPL Philippines’ eighth team.
“With mobile esports’ brightest stars, the royal duo Ohmyv33nus and Wise Gaming joining our Aurora Gaming Company, there are a plethora of reasons to be excited about the future,” said Aurora in a statement.
Aurora said it will announce its Season 14 roster on July 27. – Rappler.com
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MAP: North-South Commuter Railway stations | lkyu0285 | 18/07/2024 21:40 | TRAIN. The exterior of the train that will service the North-South Commuter Railway.
Department of Transportation
MANILA, Philippines – The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), what would be the Philippines’ longest railway, is moving full speed ahead. Where are its stations located?
As of July 18, 2024, the NSCR will have a total of 37 stations stretching across Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, and Laguna.
The railway will also connect to the Clark International Airport, with a “first-ever” airport express train expected to cut travel time from Clark to Makati City to just 1 hour.
Here is the map showing all the planned stations:
The NSCR will be built in several phases, with the Malolos-Tutuban segment the first to be completed. The north extension, which runs from New Clark City in Tarlac down to Malolos City, Bulacan, may start partial operations as soon as December 2027. The south extension will have 19 stations from Blumentritt in Manila to Calamba City, Laguna, and may be completed in 2029.
Here is a list of all the stations from the northernmost to the southernmost:
Once operational, the NSCR will serve 800,000 passengers daily and cut travel time from Clark to Calamba City to less than two hours. – Rappler.com
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For the sober club: Cosmic opens Gnostic, Poblacion’s first non-alcoholic bar | Steph Arnaldo | 18/07/2024 20:52 | MANILA, Philippines – Who needs alcohol to have fun? Many party-goers don’t actually, and Gnostic – vegan restaurant Cosmic’s newest venture – has created an inclusive space for vegans, non-vegans, and the booze-free crowd to let loose, have fun, enjoy vegan pulutan, and sip on non-alcoholic drinks.
Gnostic is Poblacion’s first non-alcoholic, vegan bar, located conveniently at the heart of Makati City. Located three floors above its sister establishment, Cosmic, Gnostic aims to revolutionize the bar scene with a sober twist on the traditional night out.
Stepping into Gnostic feels like entering a psychedelic cave, with white neon lights adorning the curved archway. With its dim lighting and rough, concrete walls, the vibe at Gnostic feels like an underground bar; the rough, pebbled floors add a rugged charm to the experience.
The space is quite limited, with around six to seven small tables and an open bar seating. Despite the intimate bar’s small size, Gnostic manages to accommodate live entertainment in the corner.
Gnostic offers a range of alcohol-free cocktails that are as inventive as they are aesthetically pleasing.
The pretty Purple Lila Cloud (P240), made with coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and butterfly pea, tastes like the nostalgic Lemon Square snack from childhood – sweet, creamy, and citrusy.
For those who like a strong flavor punch, the Gnostic Detox Shots, especially the savory Sinigang Caustic (P100), is made with tomato juice, kombucha, ginger, lemongrass, tamarind, and pink Himalayan salt lined along the rim. While the tamarind and tomato juice bring that zing of asim, the ginger adds a robust kick. Who knew shots could be healthy for you?
When asked what Gnostic means, the owners told Rappler that the name is inspired by “the concept of seeking knowledge and enlightenment, aligning with [their] mission to offer a mindful and enlightened drinking experience.”
“Vegans, like anyone else, have varied preferences when it comes to beverages. Some may choose non-alcoholic drinks for health reasons, personal preference, or because they align with a lifestyle that avoids substances like alcohol,” they said. Gnostic aims to cater to these preferences by offering a range of non-alcoholic options that are “appealing to everyone, whether vegan or not.”
“Like Cosmic, which emphasizes compassion and sustainability through its vegan offerings, Gnostic continues this tradition by creating a space where guests can enjoy non-alcoholic, vegan drinks in a thoughtful and conscious environment.”
The bar chow is vegan (meaning no cheese, no dairy, and no meat) – but as Cosmic has proven, that doesn’t mean it isn’t tasty!
For starters, Gnostic’s Dumpling Crispies Gochujang (P150) are cute little dumplings served on a cast iron skillet, doused in a bubbling hot, addictively sweet and mildly spicy gochujang sauce that sticks to each dumpling.
Contrary to its name, the dumplings were quite chewy (almost mochi-like, which we didn’t mind at all). They were easy to enjoy.
The Vuttered Cream Miso Pasta (P590), made with fettuccine and served with lemon on the side, delivers a subtly umami-forward and creamy flavor thanks to the miso and vegan cream, rivaling pasta dishes from non-vegan restaurants and some overly cheesy versions. Although light, the savory and creamy sauce adhered well to the noodles, delivering a satisfying bite. The squeeze of lemon on top adds a welcome fresh element.
The Spinach Varmesan Pizza (P490) is a charred and crispy Neapolitan-style pizza topped with blobs of vegan cheese, spinach, oyster mushrooms, and alfalfa sprouts. The thin crust has just the right amount of crisp and char on the edges, but still with a chew, and the tomato sauce was fresh and tart.
I enjoyed my pizza slice folded and eaten like a sandwich, just like the Italians do – and don’t be fooled by the size; the pizza is filling.
“Our philosophy is rooted in promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle while offering a social environment that supports those who prefer non-alcoholic options,” Cosmic’s owners said.
“We welcome all, especially mothers who want to enjoy the night, those who have gone sober but still want to socialize in bars, health-conscious individuals, people with dietary restrictions, fitness enthusiasts, teens, young adults, religious abstainers, and mental health advocates.”
Gnostic believes that a healthy, sustainable lifestyle can still co-exist in a fun, social environment. Your nightlife habits don’t need to suffer!
“At Gnostic, we want every guest, whether vegan, vegetarian, or non-vegan, to feel welcome and inspired. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that is relaxing yet stimulating, offering innovative drinks and food that cater to diverse tastes,” the owners said.
Guests can enjoy themed nights such as disco nights, reggae nights, live band performances, open mic, and spoken word events. There’s also a separate corner that caters to coffee and matcha lovers, through a partnership with the plant-based coffee establishment Odd Cafe, also from Makati City.
“By challenging the norm, we demonstrate that you can have a great night out without alcohol and still enjoy a vibrant, flavorful experience,” Gnostic’s owners said, proving that the nightlife can be fun, even when sober.
Gnostic opened to the public in late June. It is located on the 4th Floor of 4980 P. Guanzon, Poblacion, Makati. It’s open Mondays to Saturdays, from 11 am to 11 pm on weekdays and until 1 am on the weekends. – Rappler.com
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[Rappler’s Best] Big shoes to fill | lfangeles0309 | 08/07/2024 17:00 | Marian Hukom/Rappler
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara knows he has big shoes to fill as he formally assumes his post as education secretary on July 19. And I don’t mean the shoes of his predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, but those of his late father, the political giant that was former senator Edgardo J. Angara.
Before he served the post-EDSA Philippine Senate and helped shepherd the difficult transition from the Marcos dictatorship to Cory Aquino’s administration, SEJA, as he was fondly called, carved a mark in education – serving at one time as president of the University of the Philippines and being a strong advocate for education reform. Some of Senator Angara’s peers today – former Senate president Migs Zubiri and Senator Loren Legarda, among others – were also mentored by SEJA. (Speaking of the Senate, it’s now but a shadow of its old self from the days of the old Angara in the 8th Congress in 1988. In this data story, researcher James Patrick Cruz tracks how the upper chamber has evolved from an institution of statesmen to showmen.)
The younger Angara’s appointment to an executive post was welcomed by many, given that he did not shy away from addressing systemic issues as a legislator. Read our profile of him in 2013, his first run for the Senate: From textbooks to tax books. (Related story: What happens when a lawmaker gets appointed to the Cabinet?)
But it would be his first time to navigate a massive bureaucracy, and one that is as seemingly unwieldy as the Department of Education (DepEd). The challenges are enormous, the expectations big. And that’s not even taking into account the mess that the Vice President left behind.
The most urgent need that, ironically, requires long-term solutions is to equip teachers with skills that would improve learning outcomes. Dr. Feliece Yeban, a teacher-educator and human rights professor, recommends in this piece that we have to move beyond blaming overworked teachers and shift to a more deregulated environment for them that would allow for greater flexibility and innovation.
On a positive note for higher education, a bill mandating private colleges and universities to waive fees for their entrance exams has just been turned into a law. Read about it here.
Meanwhile, it’s a big day today for Philippine-Japan ties as the second 2+2 meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of both countries is held in Manila. Both sides will be signing the Reciprocal Access Agreement. What does this agreement mean, and why now? Read this explainer by Rappler security and foreign affairs reporter Bea Cupin. – Rappler.com
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FAST FACTS: What’s the North-South Commuter Railway? | lkyu0285 | 18/07/2024 20:15 | TUNNEL. An aerial shot of the tunnel leading up to the Clark International Airport as of January 2023.
Department of Transportation
MANILA, Philippines – Construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is proceeding full speed ahead, with the goal of finally completing a railway that stretches from New Clark City in Tarlac to Calamba City, Laguna.
The mega railway project is being built in three phases, with partial operations expected as early as 2027 and full completion by 2029.
All in all, the NSCR will cost around P870 billion, which will be funded through loan agreements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Here’s what you need to know about the longest railway line in the country:
Stretching from Metro Manila to Bulacan, the Malolos-Tutuban portion has stations in the City of Manila, Valenzuela City, Caloocan City, Meycuayan City, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos City. Here are the 10 stations being constructed:
This segment of the NSCR started construction the earliest and has the most progress. The Balagtas Station, for instance, is 95% complete as of July 18, 2024.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also making the NSCR more accessible for persons with disabilities by adding elevators and escalators to the stations.
The train stations will also feature a polytetrafluoroethylene-coated glass fiber roofing membrane, which is supposed to keep the areas cooler and lessen maintenance costs. The translucent roof also lets in natural light rather than relying on electrical lights during the daytime.
Once completed, commuters from Tutuban can reach Malolos in approximately 35 minutes, down from 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The first P55.2-billion civil works contract package, held by the joint venture of Taisei and DMCI, is nearing the halfway completion point at 43.34% as of May 2024. This contract package covers the stations from Tutuban to Bocaue.
Meanwhile, the second P26.5-billion civil works contract package, awarded to Sumitomo-Mitsui Construction, is almost complete at 88.94% as of May 2024. This covers the construction of the Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos stations.
Hitachi Rail has completed 8.15% of its P45.9-billion electromechanical systems and track works contract.
The trains for this segment of the NSCR will be provided by the joint venture of J-TREC and Sumitomo Corporation under a P12-billion contract package. This route will be serviced by 13 train sets with 8 cars each, with an expected ridership of 300,000 passengers per day.
Each 8-car train set has a maximum operating and design speed of 120 kilometers per hour. It has space for 384 seated passengers and 1,904 standing passengers. The train is also equipped with two air-conditioning units and four CCTV units per car.
The second phase covers a 51.2-kilometer portion of the railway that links New Clark City and the Clark International Airport to Malolos City, Bulacan. It covers the following eight stations:
Partial operations of the NSCR from the Clark International Airport to West Valenzuela Station could start as soon as December 2027, with the “worst-case scenario” being the first quarter of 2028, according to Transportation Undersecretary Jeremy Regino.
This portion of the NSCR will also have the first-ever “airport express train” that will connect Metro Manila to the Clark International Airport. A portion of the double cell box tunnel leading up to the airport has already been installed using the cut-and-cover method.
The DOTr said that once the airport express train is operational, passengers can get from Makati City to Clark in just one hour.
All five contract packages for this segment have already been awarded. This segment is being co-financed by JICA and the ADB.
The last phase of the NSCR expected to be completed is the 55-kilometer South Commuter Railway, which runs from Manila to Laguna. It has the following stations:
Like other parts of the NSCR, the South Commuter Railway will be built along the alignment of the old Philippine National Railways (PNR), which used to serve many of the stations listed above.
The PNR stopped operations last March 28 to allow for faster construction of the NSCR. According to the DOTr, halting the PNR will speed up the new mega railway’s construction by eight months, saving P15.18 billion in costs.
On July 13, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also witnessed the signing of three contract packages for the South Commuter Railway, which covers 14.9 kilometers of at-grade and railway viaduct structures.
On June 13, 2024, the DOTr also broke ground for the Banlic depot in Laguna, which serves the railway’s southern leg. The P16.9-billion project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said right-of-way issues could delay the NSCR project.
“This is one of the major problems. For us to be able to implement the project, we have to relocate informal settler families. There are almost 15,000 to 20,000 in the Pampanga and Bulacan areas, another 15,000 in Laguna and Cavite,” Bautista said during a July 8 meeting of the Monday Circle Financial Forum.
To address the problem, Bautista is tapping the interagency task force created by Marcos, which includes the DOTr, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. The task force handles right-of-way issues that affect the DOTr’s projects.
“The major issue is, of course, payment. Second is agreement by the owners on valuation,” Bautista said.
If the DOTr and the owners cannot agree on the valuation, then the government resorts to expropriation, which Bautista said is “costly and time-consuming.”
This is partly because of the bureaucracy around such issues. The only government agency that can handle expropriation cases is the Office of the Solicitor General. Bautista said there was only “a very limited number of lawyers assigned” to them, which means that obtaining a decision or even a schedule for a hearing can take much longer.
Fortunately, a bureaucratic problem can be met with a bureaucratic solution. The transportation secretary said the Supreme Court approved a recommendation to set up special courts for expropriation hearings to help speed up the process.
“There will be special courts in different regions, and this will help us solve the problem. So with that, we are very optimistic that we will still be able to finish the project by 2029,” Bautista said. – Rappler.com
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How Sara Duterte led DepEd for 2 years | Bonz Magsambol | 20/06/2024 21:00 | VICE PRESIDENT. File photo shows Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte addressing participants at the 2023 National Literacy Conference at the DepEd ECOTECH Center in Cebu City on October 12, 2023.
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
On Wednesday, June 19, Vice President Sara Duterte made a decision that many had anticipated, given her family’s widening rift with the administration she served as a Cabinet secretary. She finally resigned as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
In her first and last press conference as education secretary, also on June 19, what was immediately noticeable was the difference in her appearance: her hair was swept away from her face rather than tucked behind the ears. She wore a girly blouse that deviated from her usual uniform-style clothes for public appearances. Sharp-eyed political observers noticed that her blouse was in the same muted blue shade as what former vice president Leni Robredo had worn when she announced her bid for the presidency.
Her prepared statement, which she read at the press conference, clocked over 10 minutes, mostly devoted to the topic earlier sent to the media: the state of basic education in the country and her key programs. It was in the last two minutes of her statement when she shared that she had sought an audience with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier that day and tendered her resignation from her appointive government positions. (Malacañang announced it 15 minutes before her scheduled 3 pm press conference.)
Duterte delivered her statement as is, with no ad-libs. She spoke in an even, reportorial tone that did not change even when she announced her resignation as education secretary. Most Cabinet members stepping down from office often turn emotional as they deliver their final statement, but not Duterte, who looked relieved, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
The public’s last look at Duterte as education secretary was different from the Cabinet official who red-tagged and talked tough on social media.
The Vice President was really not interested to be the education chief – her first choice was the defense portfolio. The two posts are polar opposites, but she accepted the position without any complaints, at least based on her public statements. Amid observations that she had been shortchanged, she said that she was grateful for the education portfolio.
Bringing her tough-talking leadership style to the DepEd, Duterte traded barbs with the country’s largest teachers’ group, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and accused them of being a “lover of the useless ideologies” espoused by insurgent groups. (READ: Sara Duterte brings red-tagging to DepEd)
Her tall order of a mandatory return to face-to-face classes in 2022, when health experts said that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic was “in sight,” was criticized due to the lack of health protocols in place and the long-standing problem of inadequate school facilities. This didn’t discourage her though – a manifestation of what she wants, she gets.
In May 2023, DepEd officials linked to the messy laptop deal that Rappler investigated resigned from their positions, citing personal reasons. Insiders privy to the matter said that Duterte had asked them to resign. (READ: Negligence, corruption lead to fire sale of DepEd laptops)
Under her watch, the DepEd was allocated P150 million in confidential funds in 2023, an unprecedented amount for an agency whose mandate is not related to intelligence gathering nor national security. Issues surrounding the release and disposal of these funds came to light during the House hearings on the 2024 budget. Amid the controversy, Congress denied her request for confidential funds for 2024, a move influenced by Marcos’ cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte practically red-tagged critics of the DepEd’s confidential funds, but was later compelled to drop her request for the funds altogether, amid public backlash and a dip in her approval ratings. (READ: Sara Duterte gives up bid for confidential funds: Mere political strategy?)
Without presenting evidence, Duterte in August 2023 ordered the removal of classroom decorations in all 47,000 public schools in the country, which supposedly aimed to help students concentrate on their lessons. This was met with backlash because education posters and charts were a staple in Philippine classrooms, especially in basic education.
During the launch of her flagship “MATATAG curriculum,” Duterte admitted that she only relied on education experts in updating the curriculum because she didn’t have an “education background.”
”I felt guilty because I’m making [Undersecretary Gina Gonong] stressed because I do not come from the education sector, I don’t have an education background, so I cannot review what they are doing,” she said. “I rely on their expertise and all the stakeholders who did the review.”
The MATATAG curriculum was supposed to be a response to the learning crisis in the Philippines. According to DepEd, this “decongests” foundational subjects to allow learners to focus on literacy and numeracy skills. However, an initial study done by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and Philippine Institute of Development Studies revealed that there was “no statistical difference in the expected percentage of competencies covered in MATATAG pilot schools vs non-pilot schools.”
Duterte also began the review of the K to 12 curriculum amid growing clamor from the public to either revise it or scrap it. She had made a commitment to make the program “relevant to produce competent, job-ready, active, and responsible citizens.” The review was not yet done at the time of her resignation.
Despite criticism of her leadership and the continued poor assessment of Filipino students in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a survey in December 2023 by pollster WR Numero showed that 57% of Filipinos believed she was doing a good job at DepEd.
While she was seen as a tough woman, Duterte’s maternal side was seen in her school visits, where she would read books to children, visit classrooms, and mingle with grade school students. In an event in Metro Manila in December 2022, she almost knelt on the floor to help tie the shoelaces of a child. While doing this, she asked the student about his message to his classmates for Christmas. (READ: The 2 sides of Sara Duterte)
She was criticized for taking on the role because she lacked the qualifications for a DepEd chief. But for her supporters, she was a perfect fit because Duterte was not only a longtime public servant, but also a mother. Sara has three young children – Stonefish, Sharky, and Stingray – with husband Manases “Mans” Reyes Carpio.
In her two years of delivering the annual education report since she assumed the DepEd position, Duterte had made big promises to improve the welfare of teachers. In 2024, she ordered the removal of administrative tasks from them so they could focus on teaching, a move that was lauded by education groups. She also ordered the implementation of overtime and overwork pay for teachers.
Earlier in June, the Philippine Business for Education urged Dutertet to set up the Teacher Education Council (TEC) to enhance teaching quality in the Philippines. Under Republic Act No. 11713 or the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, the education secretary is the chairperson of the TEC, which is tasked to set and mandate basic requirements for teachers’ education programs.
The law was signed in 2022, in the last few months of the presidency of her father, Rodrigo Duterte, to address the perennial crisis hounding the Philippine education system, yet it had yet to be set up during her watch. This made education sector observers wonder if she was even aware of her mandate and responsibilities in relation to the TEC.
Ironically, she relinquished her position at DepEd on the same day PISA released the results of its new test on creative thinking that placed the Philippines at the bottom four among 64 countries. (READ: Why Filipino students performed poorly in global learning assessments)
Education advocates see Duterte’s resignation as an opportunity for the President to appoint a qualified DepEd secretary who will start reforms to address the gargantuan problems in the country’s learning system. – Rappler.com
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Road workers discover cave likely untouched for millions of years in Cagayan de Oro | Herbie G | 17/07/2024 12:20 | ACTIVE CAVE. A group of people explore an active cave discovered while construction workers were widening a road in a rural village in Cagayan de Oro.
CLENRO-Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Construction workers in a rural village in Cagayan de Oro accidentally discovered a cave, most likely untouched by human hands for millions of years until this week, revealing an astonishing underground world.
The cave, described as a time capsule, contains stalactites and stalagmites that have been evolving for millions of years. With its formations still actively developing, the cave offers a rare glimpse into the dynamic processes of the planet, captivating the imaginations of locals and providing future opportunities for scientific study, research, and tourism.
“There’s water dripping, suggesting an ongoing formation. This excites us,” said Christine Camba, officer-in-charge of the protected areas division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Northern Mindanao.
The DENR has counted about a dozen caves in Cagayan de Oro, and the one in Dansolihon is not among them, according to Camba.
Workers stumbled upon the cave on Monday, July 15, while widening a section of road in one of the interior districts of Barangay Dansolihon, according to village chairman Jose Maria Juan Roa. The road is part of a network being developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to link the rural Cagayan de Oro village with Opol town in Misamis Oriental.
The road construction inadvertently expanded its entrance, making it accessible to humans for the first time.
“It appears to be a live cave,” Camba told Rappler, referring to initial photographs that rapidly circulated on social media.
Live caves, also referred to as active caves, reveal fascinating formations shaped by ongoing geological processes such as the growth of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. These formations result from minerals deposited by water seeping through the cave’s surfaces.
At first glance, the Dansolihon cave embodies the essence of a live cave with its constant water flow and mineral deposition, setting it apart from dry or inactive caves where such processes have ceased long ago.
Engineer Armen Cuenca, Cagayan de Oro’s environmental and natural resources chief, said the cave was known to a few villagers to exist “a long time ago” but remained unexplored and free from human activity for a still unknown number of millennia due to its very small opening.
“What is certain is that it has been there for millions of years. It’s alive,” Cuenca said.
A team from the city government and the DENR has been assembled and is set to inspect the cave on Wednesday, July 17.
Roa said he ordered the cave to be cordoned off, and declared it off-limits to the public to prevent potential damage from curious onlookers who quickly trooped in the area upon news of the discovery.
Camba said the cave remains uncharted territory, and both the DENR and local government have yet to assess and map it out to determine how best to manage it.
She cautioned that unauthorized exploration of the cave could lead to disaster.
“We have not conducted a full assessment. We are unaware of the potential hazards,” Camba said.
The local government said it would require strict adherence to national laws prohibiting cave entry.
According to the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats Act mandates the protection of caves as habitats for wildlife and ecosystems.
CLENRO also said the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act designates caves as national treasures protected by law.
The law provides that cave locations should not be disclosed for one year following their discovery by the DENR and prevents their classification as tourist or study sites during this period. However, DENR, city government, and barangay officials confirmed that the cave was discovered in Dansolihon.
City hall also cautioned against extraction, possession, or sale of cave items, as well as engaging individuals to procure items from the newly discovered cave. It said such activities are considered offenses with corresponding penalties of imprisonment ranging from two to six years and fines from P20,000 to P500,000. – Rappler.com
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IN PHOTOS: Miss World Philippines 2024 candidates | Ysa Abad | 29/05/2024 14:20 | MANILA, Philippines – The search is on for the next Miss World Philippines queen!
The Miss World Philippines Organization introduced on Monday evening, May 27, the first batch of candidates who passed their final screening for the pageant’s 2024 edition.
The organization also released individual pictures of the 18 delegates along with their official pageant numbers. Notably, there were no photos for candidates #3, #4, #9, #21, #22, and #23.
Among the notable names in this year’s roster are Miss World 2021 1st Princess Rianna Pangindian and crossover queens from Miss Universe Philippines Dia Remulla Mate and Binibining Pilipinas Jasmine Omay and Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano.
On June 3, the pageant organizers introduced the second batch of their 2024 delegates, making the total number of finalists to 35. Miss Charm Philippines 2023 Krishnah Marie Gravidez, who relinquished her spot in the Miss Charm International Pageant, was part of the second batch of candidates.
The Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night is set for July 19, 8 pm, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol will be crowning her successor. Fourniol bowed out early in the pageant’s international competition after she failed to make it to the Top 40.
Meet the official candidates for the 2024 edition here:
The Miss World Philippines 2024 edition is the pageant’s comeback in more than two years. There was no competition in 2023 since the schedules for the international editions were rescheduled, affecting the local pageants.
As of writing, it also remains unclear whether other crowns will be up for grabs in the pageant aside from the Miss World Philippines title. – Rappler.com
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Who are the delegates topping the Miss World PH 2024 fast-track challenges? | Ysa Abad | 30/06/2024 15:12 | TOP 12. Miss World Philippines 2024 announced the semifinalists for its Beach Beauty competition.
Miss World Philippines' Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – The search for the next Miss World Philippines (MWP) queen is definitely heating up as the pre-pageant activities for its 2024 edition are fully underway.
On their social media pages, the MWP Organization has started announcing the delegates who are dominating its fast-track challenges.
For the sports fast-track event, 10 candidates made it to the top. They are the following:
Meanwhile, 12 contestants topped the beach beauty competition. Those who made it to this category are:
A post shared by MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES (@msworldphil)
10 finalists also made it to the Beauty with a Purpose category. They are the following:
Only five finalists were chosen for the talent competition. They are:
The top three finalists for the Head-to-Head challenge are:
For the multimedia fast-track challenge, the top six finalists are:
10 finalists were chosen for the National Costume competition. They are the following:
Only three made it to the Miss Charity event:
The winner for each fast-track challenge will automatically secure a semifinals spot in the pageant. The finals night is set to take place on Friday, July 19, 8 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
35 candidates are competing to succeed Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol. Fourniol bowed out early in the pageant’s international competition after she failed to make it to the Top 40.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 crown, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. – Rappler.com
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Billy Crawford, Maria Gigante to host Miss World PH 2024 coronation night | Ysa Abad | 04/07/2024 9:48 | HOSTS. Maria Gigante and Billy Crawford will host the Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night.
Miss World Philippines' Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – Singer Billy Crawford and Miss Universal Woman 2024 Maria Gigante will serve as the hosts for the Miss World Philippines (MWP) 2024 coronation night.
The finals night is set to take place on Friday, July 19, 8 pm at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Don’t miss the magic they bring to the Miss World Philippines stage,” the organization said.
Meanwhile, OPM band The Juans is also confirmed to perform during the coronation night.
Those who’d like to watch the finals night live can secure passes via SM Tickets website and outlets. Ticket prices range from P560 to P10,760.
As of writing, the MWP organization has yet to announce details about live streaming options for the finals night.
Thirty-five candidates are competing to succeed Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol. Fourniol bowed out early in the pageant’s international competition after she failed to make it to the Top 40.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 crown, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: No super typhoon in PH until July 18 | Ailla Dela Cruz | 18/07/2024 14:05 | Claim: A super typhoon hit the eastern side of the Philippines on July 18.
Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook post containing the claim has 16,000 shares, 1,700 reactions, and 770 comments as of writing.
The post says in its caption: “Ang bagyo, na tinaguriang Super Typhoon Lakas, ay tumama sa silangang bahagi ng bansa kaninang madaling araw, at patuloy na nagdudulot ng malakas na ulan at hanging may bilis na umaabot sa 250 kilometro kada oras.”
(A tropical cyclone called Super Typhoon Lakas hit the eastern part of the country this morning, and will continue to cause heavy rain, and wind with speeds ranging up to 250 kilometers per hour.)
The facts: As of the July 18 morning weather forecast of the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), there is no super typhoon inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
The weather bureau reported that a low pressure area (LPA) last spotted in the vicinity of Catbalogan City, Samar, and the southwest monsoon – more commonly known as habagat – are causing rain in parts of the country.
The said LPA has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, as reported by PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar D. Aurelio in the July 18 morning weather forecast.
Moderate to heavy rain can be expected throughout the day in Visayas, Bicol Region, CARAGA, Marinduque, Romblon, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon due to the LPA.
Metro Manila, Bataan, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, Northern Mindanao, and the rest of CALABARZON and MIMAROPA can also experience moderate to heavy rain brought by the southwest monsoon.
The rest of the country may experience localized thunderstorms.
Typhoon Aghon (Ewiniar) was the latest, and is so far, the only tropical cyclone that the Philippines has had in May this year. According to PAGASA, there could be 10 to 16 tropical cyclones from July to December.
For weather updates: For legitimate weather updates, visit PAGASA’s official website, X (formerly Twitter) page, and YouTube channel. Get updates too via Rappler’s Philippine weather page. – Ailla Dela Cruz/Rappler.com
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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AT A GLANCE: Delegates topping the Miss World Philippines 2024 fast-track events | Russell Ku | 17/07/2024 15:22 | MANILA, Philippines – Before a new Miss World Philippines is crowned on Friday, July 19, the 35 candidates vying for the title participated in various activities for a chance to earn a semifinal spot in the pageant.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 title, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. Here are the finalists for each event.
– with graphics by Andoy Edoria/Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night | No author found | 20/07/2024 15:40 | Who will be the next Miss World Philippines titleholder?
The Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant sees 35 women competing in the hopes of succeeding Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned Miss World Philippines in June 2022.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines crown, two other titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism.
Meanwhile, Miss World CEO and chairperson Julia Morley and Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova will also grace the crowning ceremony.
Coronation night is happening on Friday, July 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Bookmark and refresh this page for updates! – Rappler.com
‘WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY, I KNOW I WILL GO PLACES’ Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano cites the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/EdsJLMSsXY pic.twitter.com/Riklh02afn
Miss Philippines Tourism 2024 Patricia Bianca Tapia brings her advocacy of inclusive education to the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 stage. Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q1qtekdbWi pic.twitter.com/YZiDtBfJS6
Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024 Dia Mate says she draws strength from her family who taught her that kindness can help build a better world. #MissWorldPhilippines2024Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q5bqMZgt1u pic.twitter.com/hIg6EYe2KY
Miss Multinational Philippines 2024 Nikki Buenafe shares her experience with low self-esteem and how she overcame it. Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/AqENssSOQQ pic.twitter.com/6tkqbiQfam
'WE AS HUMANS, WE SHOULD EVOLVE TOO'Newly crowned #MissWorldPhilippines2024 Krishnah Gravidez highlights the importance of pageants in promoting one's advocacies. FULL STORY: https://t.co/9rsRFLCcy2 pic.twitter.com/jVZkvgQo6O
OUR NEW WORLD QUEEN IS HERE! 👑BREAKING. Baguio City's Krishnah Marie Gravidez is crowned as #MissWorldPhilippines2024. She is the first queen to wear the new "Ray of Hope" crown. Congratulations! Story to follow on https://t.co/UCYSte5Chi pic.twitter.com/MuIp3vTLVz
Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss Supranational Philippines 2022 Alison Black, and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 Michelle Arceo take their final walk in the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: CignalLIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/5fSDTPpvGA pic.twitter.com/BvCMjyQs6u
Johnoy Danao serenades the Mall of Asia Arena crowd with his performance of "Ikaw At Ako" during the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: Cignal LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/wxeeEjttRW pic.twitter.com/2pHMZfj96h | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/updates-miss-world-philippines-2024-coronation-night/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1idQ5qEF40EZIzPnYaHM2PSJ9F5bq28l2K21yDkZ-N4UDm4nwQJSTj5qc_aem_GMfayMX67u95jWOYzL8RQg | Credible |
FAST FACTS: What’s the North-South Commuter Railway? | lkyu0285 | 18/07/2024 20:15 | TUNNEL. An aerial shot of the tunnel leading up to the Clark International Airport as of January 2023.
Department of Transportation
MANILA, Philippines – Construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is proceeding full speed ahead, with the goal of finally completing a railway that stretches from New Clark City in Tarlac to Calamba City, Laguna.
The mega railway project is being built in three phases, with partial operations expected as early as 2027 and full completion by 2029.
All in all, the NSCR will cost around P870 billion, which will be funded through loan agreements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Here’s what you need to know about the longest railway line in the country:
Stretching from Metro Manila to Bulacan, the Malolos-Tutuban portion has stations in the City of Manila, Valenzuela City, Caloocan City, Meycuayan City, Marilao, Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos City. Here are the 10 stations being constructed:
This segment of the NSCR started construction the earliest and has the most progress. The Balagtas Station, for instance, is 95% complete as of July 18, 2024.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is also making the NSCR more accessible for persons with disabilities by adding elevators and escalators to the stations.
The train stations will also feature a polytetrafluoroethylene-coated glass fiber roofing membrane, which is supposed to keep the areas cooler and lessen maintenance costs. The translucent roof also lets in natural light rather than relying on electrical lights during the daytime.
Once completed, commuters from Tutuban can reach Malolos in approximately 35 minutes, down from 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The first P55.2-billion civil works contract package, held by the joint venture of Taisei and DMCI, is nearing the halfway completion point at 43.34% as of May 2024. This contract package covers the stations from Tutuban to Bocaue.
Meanwhile, the second P26.5-billion civil works contract package, awarded to Sumitomo-Mitsui Construction, is almost complete at 88.94% as of May 2024. This covers the construction of the Balagtas, Guiguinto, and Malolos stations.
Hitachi Rail has completed 8.15% of its P45.9-billion electromechanical systems and track works contract.
The trains for this segment of the NSCR will be provided by the joint venture of J-TREC and Sumitomo Corporation under a P12-billion contract package. This route will be serviced by 13 train sets with 8 cars each, with an expected ridership of 300,000 passengers per day.
Each 8-car train set has a maximum operating and design speed of 120 kilometers per hour. It has space for 384 seated passengers and 1,904 standing passengers. The train is also equipped with two air-conditioning units and four CCTV units per car.
The second phase covers a 51.2-kilometer portion of the railway that links New Clark City and the Clark International Airport to Malolos City, Bulacan. It covers the following eight stations:
Partial operations of the NSCR from the Clark International Airport to West Valenzuela Station could start as soon as December 2027, with the “worst-case scenario” being the first quarter of 2028, according to Transportation Undersecretary Jeremy Regino.
This portion of the NSCR will also have the first-ever “airport express train” that will connect Metro Manila to the Clark International Airport. A portion of the double cell box tunnel leading up to the airport has already been installed using the cut-and-cover method.
The DOTr said that once the airport express train is operational, passengers can get from Makati City to Clark in just one hour.
All five contract packages for this segment have already been awarded. This segment is being co-financed by JICA and the ADB.
The last phase of the NSCR expected to be completed is the 55-kilometer South Commuter Railway, which runs from Manila to Laguna. It has the following stations:
Like other parts of the NSCR, the South Commuter Railway will be built along the alignment of the old Philippine National Railways (PNR), which used to serve many of the stations listed above.
The PNR stopped operations last March 28 to allow for faster construction of the NSCR. According to the DOTr, halting the PNR will speed up the new mega railway’s construction by eight months, saving P15.18 billion in costs.
On July 13, 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also witnessed the signing of three contract packages for the South Commuter Railway, which covers 14.9 kilometers of at-grade and railway viaduct structures.
On June 13, 2024, the DOTr also broke ground for the Banlic depot in Laguna, which serves the railway’s southern leg. The P16.9-billion project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said right-of-way issues could delay the NSCR project.
“This is one of the major problems. For us to be able to implement the project, we have to relocate informal settler families. There are almost 15,000 to 20,000 in the Pampanga and Bulacan areas, another 15,000 in Laguna and Cavite,” Bautista said during a July 8 meeting of the Monday Circle Financial Forum.
To address the problem, Bautista is tapping the interagency task force created by Marcos, which includes the DOTr, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. The task force handles right-of-way issues that affect the DOTr’s projects.
“The major issue is, of course, payment. Second is agreement by the owners on valuation,” Bautista said.
If the DOTr and the owners cannot agree on the valuation, then the government resorts to expropriation, which Bautista said is “costly and time-consuming.”
This is partly because of the bureaucracy around such issues. The only government agency that can handle expropriation cases is the Office of the Solicitor General. Bautista said there was only “a very limited number of lawyers assigned” to them, which means that obtaining a decision or even a schedule for a hearing can take much longer.
Fortunately, a bureaucratic problem can be met with a bureaucratic solution. The transportation secretary said the Supreme Court approved a recommendation to set up special courts for expropriation hearings to help speed up the process.
“There will be special courts in different regions, and this will help us solve the problem. So with that, we are very optimistic that we will still be able to finish the project by 2029,” Bautista said. – Rappler.com
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On a tear: McCullough shines yet again as Strong Group rises to 5-0 in Jones Cup | Jasmine Payo | 18/07/2024 17:57 | OUTBURST. Strong Group-Pilipinas import Chris McCullough goes for a shot against the USA.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – The Chris McCullough show continues in the 2024 William Jones Cup.
For the fifth time in as many games, McCullough delivered the goods for Strong Group-Pilipinas as they turned back Future Sports USA, 112-90, on Thursday, July 18, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
The former San Miguel Beermen import filled up the stat sheet and produced game-highs of 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists to propel the undefeated Filipinos to a 5-0 slate.
McCullough’s fellow American import Tajuan Agee, likewise, came up huge for the Philippines as he dropped 19 points, 11 coming in the pivotal third quarter.
Similar to its 35-point demolition of Malaysia on Wednesday, July 17, Strong Group went on a sizzling second-half surge, where it outscored USA, 56-30, in the final two quarters.
The Americans led by 4 points at the start of the second half, 60-56, but the Filipinos quickly turned things around with a 7-2 blast in the first three minutes of the third period for a slim 63-62 lead.
From that point on, Strong Group never let go of its advantage as it finished the third frame with an 89-76 cushion, before pushing its lead to its largest at 22 points with under a minute left to play.
Aside from McCullough and Agee, Jordan Heading (11 points), Ange Kouame (10 points), and Allen Liwag (10 points) scored in double figures for Strong Group.
Rhenz Abando came up short of tallying back-to-back double-digit scoring performances as he ended up with 9 markers on 3-of-5 shooting from three-point land.
Bowen Hammer had a team-best 18 points for USA, which slipped further to a 1-5 record.
McCullough and the rest of Strong Group shoot for another easy victory when they collide with Japan’s Under-22 team at 1pm on Friday, July 19.
The Philippines is just three wins away from capturing the gold medal it last won in 2019 under the Mighty Sports ball club as the team with the best record at the end of the elimination round automatically wins the tournament.
Strong Group 112 – McCullough 24, Agee 19, Abarrientos 17, Heading 11, Kouame 10, Liwag 10, Abando 9, Ildefonso 7, Ravena 3, Manalili 2, Tiongson 0, Fenner 0.
USA 90 – Bowen 18, Ryan 15, Thomas 14, Malik 13, Scott 11, Smith 9, Agyemang 6, Sobers 2, Anthony 2.
Quarters: 29-28, 60-56, 89-76, 112-90.
– Rappler.com
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No hurdles: One-legged Zedrick Sario nabs 3 of Central Luzon’s 5 Palaro para games golds | jisaga0269 | 18/07/2024 17:18 | BIG JUMP, BIG DREAM. Central Luzon para athlete John Zedrick Sario at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City
JR Isaga/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – It was 12 noon at the Cebu City Sports Center on Saturday, July 13 for the continuation of the Palarong Pambansa 2024, and the track oval – heated from the blistering sun and controversial issues alike – was all but empty as athletes head for shade amid the afternoon break.
Near one of the oval’s curves, however, remained a small group of people – athletes, coaches, and technical officials – wrapping up a strikingly eye-catching event: para high jump.
Elite in their own field, these amputee athletes classified in different disability groups performed feats not many fully-able people could even dream of, and while they understandably struggled to get some attempts off, the fact they were even in this position to begin with is an astounding achievement in itself.
One of these Palaro athletes, John Zedrick Sario, eventually cleared his high jump event in a virtual one-on-one battle to win gold amid scattered, but sincere applause in an empty stadium with nothing but pigeons sipping rainwater from the day prior.
As it turned out, the para high jump was already Sario’s third gold, with the other two coming from long jump and shot put.
Once all the medals were tallied on Tuesday, July 16, Central Luzon placed sixth in the para games division with five gold medals, and stunningly enough, three came from the Nueva Ecija standout alone from the three aforementioned sports.
Despite the hurdles laid in front of him – his disability he got in a motorbike accident at eight months old, the fact he had to wait five hours to get his high jump event going, and that practically no one was left in the area to watch him win – Sario just pushed on, carrying a simple mindset that all para athletes share.
“I just wanted to show that people like us with disabilities can also [play sports],” he said in Filipino.
Despite being handed a different set of cards than the rest, Sario holds the same dreams and aspirations other able-bodied athletes have, to bring further distinction to Philippine sports, and para sports by extension, in higher levels of competition.
“I want to reach other countries and play there,” he said. “I want to boost my career.”
Half in limbs but full in heart and mind, Sario is certainly bound for greatness past what the Palarong Pambansa can offer, as long as he remembers his purpose and keeps his drive alive. – Rappler.com
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Stairway to heaven? MMDA draws flak for steep EDSA busway wheelchair ramp | pfkahanap0307 | 18/07/2024 16:23 | MANILA, Philippines – Is this ramp safe for wheelchair users?
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is under fire after the newly-constructed wheelchair ramp at an EDSA busway station went viral on social media for being too steep, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Instead of taking the stairs, PWDs passing by the PhilAm station in Quezon City could take an elevator, which leads to a ramp that will take them to the top of the footbridge.
But netizens are concerned that the ramp may do more harm than good.
Some social media users even compared the structure to rollercoasters, skateboard ramps, and water slides because of its steepness.
Bless Adriano, convenor of accessibility group Kasali Tayo, expressed her disappointment over the MMDA’s response to the controversy.
“It’s quite disappointing because it feels like we have to commend them for simply putting up a ramp, despite the restrictions in some parts of the area. In reality, it is our right to have an accessible environment,” she told Rappler.
The MMDA explained in a social media post that the ramp for PWDs was created since the elevator could not be at the same level as the footbridge, given height restrictions imposed by the Metro Rail Transit (MRT).
“Hindi ito perpektong disenyo lalo na sa mga naka-wheelchair pero malaking tulong pa rin ito para sa mga senior citizens, buntis, at ibang PWDs sa halip na umakyat gamit ang hagdan,” it said.
(The design is not perfect, especially for those using wheelchairs, but it would still be a big help for senior citizens, pregnant women, and other PWDs instead of using stairs.)
Batas Pambansa 344, a law promoting the mobility of PWDs, states that ramps should have a maximum gradient of 1:12 and their length should not exceed six meters. Longer ramps, such as the one at the PhilAm station, “shall be provided with landings not less than 1.50 meters.”
Armand Eustaquio, one of the architects who helped craft the Accessibility Law’s implementing rules and regulations, told Rappler that the controversial ramp “has a very steep gradient or 1:4 or angle of 14 degrees,” which does not meet the law’s standards.
He also pointed out that the ramp “does not have handrails at the right heights of 90cm and 70cm on both sides,” and that the flooring “is not non-skid, even when dry, for some, because of the steep gradient.”
“The intent of Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 is give independent mobility and hence, empowerment of persons with disabilities. This was not achieved because of the steep ramp,” he said.
Felicisimo Tejuco Jr., an architect teaching at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, said that government bodies such as the MMDA must first check if there is enough space in an area before constructing ramps like the one at the PhilAm station.
“Baka nahirapan sila (MMDA) na isiksik ‘yung [tamang] haba ng ramp na ‘yon,” he told Rappler. “Ang concern po, they spent too much on something na hindi po magagamit.”
(Maybe the MMDA struggled to fit the proper length of the ramp. The concern is, they spent too much on something that cannot be used.)
What do you think of the viral ramp? Let’s discuss this in the liveable cities chat room of the Rappler Communities app. – Rappler.com
Inclusive infrastructure is part of what it takes to #MakeManilaLiveable. Rappler has a dedicated space for stories and campaigns about improving quality of life in Philippine cities, starting with the problematic capital region of Metro Manila. Check out that space here. You can also react to this story or start a discussion about it in the Liveable Cities channel in the Rappler Communities app.
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Pagcor denies POGOs near EDCA sites in Cagayan | Joann Manabat - CMS | 18/07/2024 19:03 | JOINT PROBE. The House committee on public order and safety and games and amusements hold a joint committee hearing on the criminal activities and illegal acts associated with POGOs on July 17, 2024.
Screenshot via YouTube live stream
PAMPANGA, Philippines – The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) denied on Wednesday, July 17, that there were Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) near the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in Cagayan province.
“In the list of our Pagcor licensees, there is not a single license granted by Pagcor to any IGL (internet gaming licensee) operator that is next to or inside the EDCA sites,” Pagcor chairperson Alejandro Tengco said in Filipino during a joint hearing of the House committee on public order and safety and committee on games and amusements.
“In this hall, I want to inform you, no license has ever been issued by Pagcor within EDCA or next to EDCA sites specifically in the Cagayan area,” he added.
Two EDCA sites are in Cagayan province: Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, and the Camilo Osias Naval Base Camilo in Sta. Ana town, which is about 7.8 kilometers from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), according to Google Maps.
Cagayan 3rd District Representative Joseph Lara said he had to clarify with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) the alleged presence of POGOs near these EDCA sites.
PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said the information was based on intelligence reports and documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CEZA administrator and chief executive officer Katrina Ponce Enrile, in a press release dated March 20, said CEZA had “been issuing interactive gaming licenses, not offshore gaming licenses.”
CEZA was the first economic zone in the Philippines to offer to host of financial technology companies, and the first zone authorized to explore online gaming in the Philippines ,which have been operating in the space for over two decades, the press release read.
Rappler reached out to CEZA to validate the names of business locators allegedly linked to POGOs. We will update this story once we receive its response.
Lara said there are still around 800 Chinese nationals enrolled at a university in Tuguegarao City and that the numbers may fluctuate as short course programs, which are taken between three months to a year, are also being offered. At least four universities in Cagayan denied the influx of Chinese students.
Lara and Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino Dy V had filed separate resolutions seeking to investigate the increase of Chinese students in Cagayan.
Lara stressed that the connection between POGOs and Chinese students should not be disregarded, citing intelligence reports.
“As for Chinese students in Tuguegarao, they are still enrolled there. Per last hearing, [more than] 800 enrolled. These are moving numbers since there are three months, six months, or one year programs at Saint Paul University (Tuguegarao),” Lara told Rappler on Thursday.
“This is a national issue now. I hope not, but it’s not far from happening to us either,” Lara said. “So we can shed light in that northern part, especially because we are close to the West Philippine Sea. I believe people in our province need to know in order to alleviate the troubling issue of security in us.” –Rappler.com
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Landmark maritime zones bill now up for Marcos’ signature | Kaycee | 18/07/2024 15:14 | Fisherfolks from Zambales stage a fluvial protest on the 8th anniversary of the country’s landmark victory against Beijing in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in Subic Bay, Zambales on July 12, 2024. The group calls on the public to support the Filipino fishers in pursuing a peaceful settlement of the tensions by the arbitral ruling and an independent foreign policy and to demilitarize the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The “refined” version of the maritime zones bill has been approved at the bicameral level and is now awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The proposed measure, which seeks to define and declare the country’s maritime zones, was included in Marcos administration’s priority bills in September 2023, amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
“This development marks a crucial step towards enhancing Philippine maritime security and aligning with international standards set forth by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” Pangasinan 3rd District Representative Maria Rachel Arenas, who chairs the House foreign affairs committee, said on Thursday, July 18.
The maritime zones bill was approved by both houses of Congress last March 19. However, it was recalled in May for tweaks.
The panel again approved the measure on Wednesday, July 17, according to Senator Francis Tolentino. Arenas said the bicameral conference committee report was finalized on Thursday.
According to Arenas, the refined version of the bill include:
It also highlights the country’s extended continental shelf in the Philippine Rise and West Palawan regions. The Philippines filed the claim on the West Palawan regions before the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf in June.
The 2016 arbitral ruling, which deemed China’s sweeping claim of almost all the South China Sea invalid, is among the documents that make up the backbone of the proposed measure.
“This will be the first time that the term ‘West Philippine Sea’ will be embodied, mentioned, and referred to in a law that will be passed by Congress,” Tolentino said.
The bill also puts emphasis on Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea, particularly on exploration, exploitation, management of natural resources, and artificial islands and structures in the area. – with reports from Bonz Magsambol/Rappler.com
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Congratulations to our legislative bodies. Let’s wait and see how quickly President Marcos Jr. will act on this.
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Singapore looks to recruit more Filipino health workers | Michelle Abad | 18/07/2024 15:27 | FILE PHOTO. Singapore: The Merlion Statue at Marina Bay
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas/wikimedia commons
MANILA, Philippines – Singapore is looking to recruit more health professionals and allied health workers, with a special “welcome” for Filipino nurses, Singaporean ambassador to the Philippines Constance See said on Thursday, July 18.
“We have announced that we will be needing a lot more healthcare and allied healthcare workers, including nursing aides, and so there has been a push to recruit more of them,” See said in the opening program of the Philippines-Singapore Friendship Week celebration at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday.
See said that Singapore welcomed nurses from around the world, but “especially [from] the Philippines,” citing Filipinos’ English language proficiency and their “natural way” of caring for patients, which made them the “preferred choice.”
She added that many Filipino nurses served as frontline staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are very grateful for that, and over the past couple of years or so, the government has announced new schemes to continually improve their working conditions and their pay, and hopefully make it even more attractive to come to Singapore.”
See said there was no particular number of health workers the city-state was looking to recruit at this time.
Healthcare is one of various rising industries in Singapore – others being information and communications technology, precision engineering, finance, and social services.
As of latest government numbers, there are around 200,000 Filipinos in Singapore, 84% of whom are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Among the OFWs, around 60% are skilled and semi-skilled, while the remaining 40% are domestic workers.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said that Filipino workers with “better and stronger” skill sets have been deployed to Singapore in recent years.
“For domestic workers, the growing trend is protection [by] enhancing their skills in training,” he said.
The Philippines supplies many of the world’s health workforce, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government set a cap on deployment of health workers abroad to preserve the workforce in local hospitals.
This move by the Rodrigo Duterte administration was criticized, especially since health workers dealt with lack of protections and delayed benefits, billions worth of which were not released until 2024.
The Philippines continues to deploy health workers despite workforce shortage. In May 2024, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa disclosed a shortage of 190,000 healthcare workers in the Philippines, according to a Inquirer.net report. – Rappler.com
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Iloilo takes bold stand: POGOs banned over increasing worries | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 16:11 | TACKLE. Iloilo City Councilor Rommel Duron discusses a proposal before the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
courtesy of Limuel Celebria
BACOLOD, Philippines – Iloilo’s legislature approved on Wednesday, July 17, a ban on offshore gaming operations, a move which followed an executive order by Mayor Jerry Treñas which declared the local government’s policy against them.
It was a preemptive measure meant to protect Iloilo City from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), said Councilor Rommel Duron who pushed for the local legislative ban. Duron is the chairperson of the city council’s committee on games, amusement, and professional sports.
Treñas said the city council’s move strengthened his position to outrightly reject requests to approve POGO applications so they can operate in the city.
On July 8, Treñas issued Executive Order No. 94, declaring the city government’s position against “illegal” POGOs and their activities in Iloilo City.
POGOs, entities that manage and offer offshore online gaming services, have recently come under scrutiny as they slowly gained notoriety due to their association with crimes, resulting in debates and even increasing worries about national security.
In Iloilo alone, at least 17 Chinese men are currently in detention after they were arrested in the Jaro for cybersex and human trafficking in November 2023.
The POGOs, many run by Chinese groups, provide games, accept bets, and pay out winnings to registered players through internet-based gaming platforms. Such services are available through POGOs licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The Iloilo ban also followed a shocking revelation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) about 1,200 fake birth certificates discovered in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, raising serious concerns about national security and the integrity of citizenship documentation.
Duron said the ban “sends a clear message that we do not permit POGO operations,” and “if anyone applies for a POGO license in Iloilo City, we will deny it.
He said the measure aligns with existing laws requiring local government consent for such activities, even from Pagcor.
“The supposed benefits from POGO activities pale in comparison to their social costs. No amount of taxes or perceived job creations can justify these costs,” Duron said.
Based on the measure, homeowners in the city’s subdivisions were asked to make foreigners show their passports and other documents before renting out their properties. Duron said the city government would be strict about a “no dummy policy” among renters.
Local officials have expressed apprehensions over the supposed increasing number of Chinese residing in upscale subdivisions in the city, something which they find unusual.
Iloilo Representative Julienne Baronda has written to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, urging an investigation into the influx of Chinese nationals in the city.
In her letter, copies of which were given to reporters on July 6, Baronda identified subdivisions in Iloilo where a sudden increase in the Chinese population has been reported. Her list includes Puerto Real de Iloilo in Lapaz, Monterosa Subdivision in Mandurriao, and Ledesco Subdivision in Lapaz.
Baronda, however, acknowledged that many of the Chinese newcomers have not caused trouble and have been friendly to their neighbors. But she said questions were raised about their affluent lifestyles.
“We aim to ensure the safety of our people and protect national security,” Baronda said.
Iloilo City tourism officer Junel Ann Divinagracia said tracking foreigners is more difficult when they rent condos and houses in subdivisions instead of staying in hotels. – Rappler.com
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I appreciate these actions by the City Government of Iloilo. Will other LGUs follow?
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‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ exhibition in PH moves opening to July 27 | Ysa Abad | 18/07/2024 14:18 | DEMON SLAYER KIMETSU NO YAIBA. An exhibition based on the hit anime will come to the Philippines.
PULP Studios' Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – Attention, Demon Slayer fans! The opening of the highly-anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba concentration exhibition in the Philippines has been delayed for a week, organizers announced on Wednesday, July 17.
Initially, the exhibition located at Level 3, Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City, was supposed to be available to the public starting Saturday, July 20. But, its opening date is now set for July 27 instead as organizers cited “unforeseen production challenges” as the cause of postponement.
“This delay ensures we can deliver the ultimate experience that meets our high standards and your expectations,” the statement read. The organizers apologized for the inconvenience it caused fans but stressed that the postponement is necessary for them to provide “an immersive and memorable experience.”
Those who booked tickets for July 20 to 26 will receive an email from the organizers. They will be asked to fill out a Google form regarding their desired new schedule of visit. To compensate for the inconvenience caused by the delay, those affected can also claim two items from the exhibit’s F&B booth during their visit.
Organized by PULP Spaces+, Muse Communication, ACO MEDIA, and Mediasphere Communication, the exhibition promises to bring to life the “unwavering determination of Tanjiro Kamado and the courageous battles fought by the Demon Slayer Corps.”
Visitors can enjoy life-sized replicas of key moments and immerse themselves in interactive displays.
The anime that stole hearts worldwide & shattered box office records is now brought to life! Sharpen your senses & explore the breathtaking world of Demon Slayer in reality through this immersive exhibition coming to PH.The Demon Slayer Corps are waiting for your arrival ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/QN8Q0wfPHG
Based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko, the only survivors of a demon attack on their family. He sets out to become a demon slayer to avenge his family and find a cure for his sister.
Demon Slayer became a global hit following its debut in 2019. Its sequel Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, which premiered in 2020, remains to be Japan’s highest-grossing film as of writing.
In July, it was announced that a trilogy of movies adapting the “Infinity Castle” arc from the hit manga is in the works. – with additional reports from Fore Esperanza/Rappler.com
Fore Esperanza is a Rappler intern.
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Washington hosts first PH-US cyber-digital policy meet | Bea Cupin | 18/07/2024 16:50 | PARTNERS. The US and the Philippines hold the first-ever Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue in Washington, DC from July 15 to 16, 2024. Secretary for Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy led the Philippine delegation while US Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick headed the US delegation.
US Embassy
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and United States agreed to have more discussions on the “protection of critical infrastructure against malicious cyber activity” and to jointly develop 5G networks, during the inaugural bilateral Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue in Washington, DC.
Secretary for Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy led the Philippine delegation while US Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick headed the US delegation. The dialogue ran from July 15 to 16 in Washington DC.
In a news release, the US embassy in Manila quoted Uy as saying that “cybersecurity stands as a paramount global challenge, demanding unified efforts, collective intelligence, and steadfast solidarity.”
“The partnership between the United States and the Philippines serves as an exemplar of effective collaboration essential for combating these evolving threats,” he added.
Fick, meanwhile, said the meeting was important to discuss “bilateral efforts to strengthen cyber security and our digital economy and to protect government information systems that are a critical backbone of our alliance.”
The two countries, treaty allies bound by the Mutual Defense Treaty, agreed to:
The US embassy said the two countries also talked about the United Nations Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace and the “continued implementation of cyber confidence building measures.”
Washington DC and Manila are also set to hold a similar cyber and digital trilateral dialogue with Japan.
Representatives from the Philippines included officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of National Defense, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Trade and Industry, the National Telecommunications Commission, the National Privacy Commission, the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center, the National Security Council, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police.
The US, meanwhile, was represented by officials from the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, including the Criminal Division and Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the National Cyber Directorate, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Bilateral ties between the US and the Philippines have grown in the past year under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has turned to traditional partners like its treaty-ally the United States, as China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea only get worse. Cyber security has also been an area of concern for the Philippines. – Rappler.com
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On a tear: McCullough shines yet again as Strong Group rises to 5-0 in Jones Cup | Jasmine Payo | 18/07/2024 17:57 | OUTBURST. Strong Group-Pilipinas import Chris McCullough goes for a shot against the USA.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – The Chris McCullough show continues in the 2024 William Jones Cup.
For the fifth time in as many games, McCullough delivered the goods for Strong Group-Pilipinas as they turned back Future Sports USA, 112-90, on Thursday, July 18, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
The former San Miguel Beermen import filled up the stat sheet and produced game-highs of 24 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists to propel the undefeated Filipinos to a 5-0 slate.
McCullough’s fellow American import Tajuan Agee, likewise, came up huge for the Philippines as he dropped 19 points, 11 coming in the pivotal third quarter.
Similar to its 35-point demolition of Malaysia on Wednesday, July 17, Strong Group went on a sizzling second-half surge, where it outscored USA, 56-30, in the final two quarters.
The Americans led by 4 points at the start of the second half, 60-56, but the Filipinos quickly turned things around with a 7-2 blast in the first three minutes of the third period for a slim 63-62 lead.
From that point on, Strong Group never let go of its advantage as it finished the third frame with an 89-76 cushion, before pushing its lead to its largest at 22 points with under a minute left to play.
Aside from McCullough and Agee, Jordan Heading (11 points), Ange Kouame (10 points), and Allen Liwag (10 points) scored in double figures for Strong Group.
Rhenz Abando came up short of tallying back-to-back double-digit scoring performances as he ended up with 9 markers on 3-of-5 shooting from three-point land.
Bowen Hammer had a team-best 18 points for USA, which slipped further to a 1-5 record.
McCullough and the rest of Strong Group shoot for another easy victory when they collide with Japan’s Under-22 team at 1pm on Friday, July 19.
The Philippines is just three wins away from capturing the gold medal it last won in 2019 under the Mighty Sports ball club as the team with the best record at the end of the elimination round automatically wins the tournament.
Strong Group 112 – McCullough 24, Agee 19, Abarrientos 17, Heading 11, Kouame 10, Liwag 10, Abando 9, Ildefonso 7, Ravena 3, Manalili 2, Tiongson 0, Fenner 0.
USA 90 – Bowen 18, Ryan 15, Thomas 14, Malik 13, Scott 11, Smith 9, Agyemang 6, Sobers 2, Anthony 2.
Quarters: 29-28, 60-56, 89-76, 112-90.
– Rappler.com
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Donut shop Pufft to stop operations indefinitely | Steph Arnaldo | 18/07/2024 15:19 | CLOSURE. Bakery Pufft is indefinitely stopping operations.
Pufft's Instagram
MANILA, Philippines – Pufft, the Instagram-famous bakery known for its Strawberry Monst donuts during the pandemic, will be closing down indefinitely, Pufft owner Meg Hornsby-Bates told Rappler on Wednesday, July 17.
Pufft’s “indefinite closure” was a decision that was not easy for Hornsby-Bates, she shared.
“At the moment, there is a need to focus on other projects and concepts – something that I have been working on for some time,” she added. Pufft also holds physical pop-ups in malls.
“Over the years, we have gained a cult following. Not many donut makers specialize in filled donuts and our unique Strawberry Monst,” Hornsby-Bates said. The Strawberry Monst, a beloved best-seller of Pufft, features a fluffy brioche donut sandwich generously filled with fresh strawberries and cream.
Pufft’s last day of operations will be on July 31, 2024.
Customers can order online via Pufft’s website, or in person at Pufft stalls in SM Aura Premier’s Supermarket and on the fourth floor of Robinsons Magnolia.
Pufft’s commissary is located in Taguig City. The bakery, established in 2015, grew to viral fame in 2021 for its filled donuts in crazy flavors and the Strawberry Monst, a trending dessert in the pandemic. – Rappler.com
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Why Manila ended up 5th riskiest city for tourists out of 60 int’l cities | gdecastro0289 | 18/07/2024 14:21 | David Castuciano/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Why did Manila end up as the 5th riskiest city for tourists out of 60 international cities based on a study by media company Forbes Advisor?
That’s because of seven indicators that the Philippine government prefers to downplay when it markets the country’s capital and the whole country abroad and reports on the state of the nation.
Manila was in the company of Caracas, Venezuela (1st); Karachi, Pakistan (2nd); Yangon, Myanmar (3rd); Lagos, Nigera (4th) as the riskiest cities.
The top 10 least risky cities, according to Forbes Advisor:
Forbes Advisor used seven metrics in its study and gave a weight or importance to each category. It also cited the bases for the scores. These are:
Forbes Advisor said each metric was "measured on a scale of 1 to 60, with 1 representing the worst performance in that metric."
How did Manila fare based on these metrics? It was 9th riskiest in terms of crime; 5th riskiest in terms of personal security; 7th riskiest in terms of health security; 9th riskiest in terms of infrastructure security; and 12th riskiest in terms of digital security.
If you watch Philippine news daily, you'll find that GMA's 24 Oras, ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, and TV5's Frontline Pilipinas often have reports on these issues on a daily basis, especially on crime and personal security, and recently even digital security.
Did Forbes Advisor have good bases for its study? Here's a look at the sources it cited.
For travel safety, it used the US Department of State's reports on travel advisories.
The US government issues regular travel advisories which, it says, "represent our commitment to protect US citizens abroad."
It says these travel advisories are intended to help travelers "make informed decisions when deciding to take a trip abroad." It also says its analysis is "undertaken without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations."
The US State Department has four levels for each country, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, likelihood of a natural disaster, and current events."
The US travel advisory has four levels:
"We review Travel Advisories on a regular basis. At a minimum, we review Level 1 and 2 Travel Advisories every 12 months. We review Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories at least every six months. A Travel Advisory will also be updated anytime there is a change in U.S. government posture, normally as it relates to ongoing security concerns," the US State Department says on its website.
What risk indictators do the US government use when advising its citizens about their travel plans?
Forbes Advisor also used Numbeo for assessing crime risk.
According to Numbeo, it is the "world's largest database of user-contributed data" about cities and countries. It claims to provide "current and timely information" on cost of living, housing indicators, health care, traffic, crime and pollution.
"Numbeo uses the wisdom of the crowd to obtain the most reliable information possible," its site says. Its crime and safety is based on 12 categories:
"…Numbeo gathers valuable data to provide users with an in-depth understanding of crime and safety conditions in different cities. By comparing and analyzing this information, individuals can make more informed decisions regarding their personal safety and the safety of their communities," the site says.
This is how Manila fares in terms of crime, based on Numbeo's methodology. There were 419 contributors and its last update was in June 2024. Numbeo says its data are "based on perceptions of visitors" in the past five years.
Comments on the crime page are mixed. One netizen said on June 2, 2023 that he's "always wary" that something could happen, noting that "Manila is a hotspot for crime than other provinces since the city is overpopulated."
A netizen, "Anon," said on March 12, 2021: "I will admit Manila has improved under the administration of Duterte and Mayor Isko Moreno when it comes to cleaning the streets to look nice. But the crime and corruption has not changed, it’s the same as it was since 2016 the only thing that’s worse is police are becoming more trigger happy and abusive, sort of reverting back to the Marcos era."
The Economist 2021 report that Forbes Advisor cited is based on the publication's Safe Cities Index 2021, which covered 60 major urban areas.
Safe Cities index was launched in 2015. It had 44 indicators covering 50 cities, updated every two years.
It used 76 indicators such as digital, health, infrastructure, personal and environmental security. These findings, the report says, were "supplemented with wide-ranging research and in-depth interviews with experts in the field."
Based on The Economist's study, Manila had an overall score of 525. It was also close to the bottom of the list, placing 51st out of 60 cities. Yangon was at the bottom while Copenhagen was at the top.
And lastly, for natural disaster risk, Forbes Advisor used the World Risk Report 2023 produced by Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) at Ruhr University Bochum, a public institute in Germany.
The report essentially assessed the risks from natural disasters and how these impact people in 193 countries. The Philippines had the highest disaster risk in 2023, followed by Indonesia and India.
The index is based on exposure, vulnerability, susceptibility, lack of coping capacities, and lack of adaptive capacities, with the Philippines scoring poorly on all. – Rappler.com
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‘Long story, personal’: Sara Duterte teases reason behind Marcos Cabinet exit | Bonz Magsambol | 18/07/2024 17:15 | TURNOVER. Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her message during the turnover ceremony of the DepEd leadership to Senator Sonny Angara.
Screenshot from Rappler stream
After turning over the leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) to Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Thursday, July 18, a visibly relieved Vice President Sara Duterte faced the media, after holding a tree planting activity with the incoming education chief.
It seems that the Vice President is now more than ready to answer questions from reporters, no holds barred, including her departure from the Marcos Cabinet.
When she was asked about the reason behind her resignation, Duterte said it was a “long story,” and that it stemmed from a “personal” conversation she had with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 presidential campaign.
“Mayroong personal sa aming dalawa ni President Marcos, which stems from ‘yung napag-usapan namin bago ako tumakbong vice president, mayroon sa trabaho, mayroon sa bayan. Mahaba siyang kuwento,” Duterte told reporters.
(There are personal matters between us, which stems from the conversation we had when I ran for vice president. They were work-related and nation-related. It’s a long story.)
Duterte did not elaborate on what she meant by saying it was personal. She only said that it was a mix of reasons. “Nagkabuhol-buhol na siya na maraming rason,” she said. (The reasons just got all tangled up.)
The Vice President even hinted at doing a sit-down interview with reporters for a tell-all interview about her departure from the Cabinet. “Sabi ko nga, kailangan niya ng sit-down dahil hindi siya isang rason lang,” she said.
(Like what I’ve said, it needs a sit-down interview to be told because it’s not just one reason.)
Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet on June 19, confirming the rift inside the Uniteam coalition forged in the 2022 elections for the Marcos-Duterte tandem. At that time, she said that she was resigning as education chief “out of concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.”
Marcos appointed Duterte as his DepEd secretary even though he knew – and even made public during the campaign – that she wanted the defense portfolio. The two jobs were polar opposites but Duterte accepted the position without any complaints, at least based on her public statements.
Prior to Duterte’s resignation, clues of infighting between her and Marcos’ allies began to circulate, such as her resignation from Lakas CMD, the Congress’ denial of her request for confidential funds, and her public opposition to charter change and reboot of peace talks with the communists.
In January, Marcos and the Vice President’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, publicly threw drug accusations against each other, and in April, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos admitted she was not in good terms with the Vice President.
With her exit from the Marcos Cabinet, will Duterte be more visible and accessible to the media, and more willing to answer questions? And will she be openly criticizing and defying the Marcos administration’s policies? – Rappler.com
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The tree-planting activity that VP Sara Duterte conducted before leaving DepEd was very symbolic. A tree, being a perennial plant, represents a lasting period of time, which likely mirrors her enduring sentiments towards certain individuals who have hindered her presidential ambitions.
How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/sara-duterte-teases-reason-quitting-marcos-jr-cabinet/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR20Y9-vhO2U77vzmyUfeWsq9-bAGfsCvn5179pODVoK1Jky5V2dnVO1mCs_aem_6DkP5XU_CAl4Nnxb2O4f0g | Credible |
‘Long story, personal’: Sara Duterte teases reason behind Marcos Cabinet exit | Bonz Magsambol | 18/07/2024 17:15 | TURNOVER. Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her message during the turnover ceremony of the DepEd leadership to Senator Sonny Angara.
Screenshot from Rappler stream
After turning over the leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) to Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Thursday, July 18, a visibly relieved Vice President Sara Duterte faced the media, after holding a tree planting activity with the incoming education chief.
It seems that the Vice President is now more than ready to answer questions from reporters, no holds barred, including her departure from the Marcos Cabinet.
When she was asked about the reason behind her resignation, Duterte said it was a “long story,” and that it stemmed from a “personal” conversation she had with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 presidential campaign.
“Mayroong personal sa aming dalawa ni President Marcos, which stems from ‘yung napag-usapan namin bago ako tumakbong vice president, mayroon sa trabaho, mayroon sa bayan. Mahaba siyang kuwento,” Duterte told reporters.
(There are personal matters between us, which stems from the conversation we had when I ran for vice president. They were work-related and nation-related. It’s a long story.)
Duterte did not elaborate on what she meant by saying it was personal. She only said that it was a mix of reasons. “Nagkabuhol-buhol na siya na maraming rason,” she said. (The reasons just got all tangled up.)
The Vice President even hinted at doing a sit-down interview with reporters for a tell-all interview about her departure from the Cabinet. “Sabi ko nga, kailangan niya ng sit-down dahil hindi siya isang rason lang,” she said.
(Like what I’ve said, it needs a sit-down interview to be told because it’s not just one reason.)
Duterte resigned from the Marcos Cabinet on June 19, confirming the rift inside the Uniteam coalition forged in the 2022 elections for the Marcos-Duterte tandem. At that time, she said that she was resigning as education chief “out of concern for teachers and the Filipino youth.”
Marcos appointed Duterte as his DepEd secretary even though he knew – and even made public during the campaign – that she wanted the defense portfolio. The two jobs were polar opposites but Duterte accepted the position without any complaints, at least based on her public statements.
Prior to Duterte’s resignation, clues of infighting between her and Marcos’ allies began to circulate, such as her resignation from Lakas CMD, the Congress’ denial of her request for confidential funds, and her public opposition to charter change and reboot of peace talks with the communists.
In January, Marcos and the Vice President’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, publicly threw drug accusations against each other, and in April, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos admitted she was not in good terms with the Vice President.
With her exit from the Marcos Cabinet, will Duterte be more visible and accessible to the media, and more willing to answer questions? And will she be openly criticizing and defying the Marcos administration’s policies? – Rappler.com
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Please abide by Rappler's commenting guidelines.
The tree-planting activity that VP Sara Duterte conducted before leaving DepEd was very symbolic. A tree, being a perennial plant, represents a lasting period of time, which likely mirrors her enduring sentiments towards certain individuals who have hindered her presidential ambitions.
How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/sara-duterte-teases-reason-quitting-marcos-jr-cabinet/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0VnJEqRKUsxSe-Zj6twfP_wzpiSISxA_LW7Y8p3ZutP5ny-UqXbRXYfUk_aem_g001TRNy6lW6GVJoYuCN7A | Credible |
No hurdles: One-legged Zedrick Sario nabs 3 of Central Luzon’s 5 Palaro para games golds | jisaga0269 | 18/07/2024 17:18 | BIG JUMP, BIG DREAM. Central Luzon para athlete John Zedrick Sario at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 in Cebu City
JR Isaga/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – It was 12 noon at the Cebu City Sports Center on Saturday, July 13 for the continuation of the Palarong Pambansa 2024, and the track oval – heated from the blistering sun and controversial issues alike – was all but empty as athletes head for shade amid the afternoon break.
Near one of the oval’s curves, however, remained a small group of people – athletes, coaches, and technical officials – wrapping up a strikingly eye-catching event: para high jump.
Elite in their own field, these amputee athletes classified in different disability groups performed feats not many fully-able people could even dream of, and while they understandably struggled to get some attempts off, the fact they were even in this position to begin with is an astounding achievement in itself.
One of these Palaro athletes, John Zedrick Sario, eventually cleared his high jump event in a virtual one-on-one battle to win gold amid scattered, but sincere applause in an empty stadium with nothing but pigeons sipping rainwater from the day prior.
As it turned out, the para high jump was already Sario’s third gold, with the other two coming from long jump and shot put.
Once all the medals were tallied on Tuesday, July 16, Central Luzon placed sixth in the para games division with five gold medals, and stunningly enough, three came from the Nueva Ecija standout alone from the three aforementioned sports.
Despite the hurdles laid in front of him – his disability he got in a motorbike accident at eight months old, the fact he had to wait five hours to get his high jump event going, and that practically no one was left in the area to watch him win – Sario just pushed on, carrying a simple mindset that all para athletes share.
“I just wanted to show that people like us with disabilities can also [play sports],” he said in Filipino.
Despite being handed a different set of cards than the rest, Sario holds the same dreams and aspirations other able-bodied athletes have, to bring further distinction to Philippine sports, and para sports by extension, in higher levels of competition.
“I want to reach other countries and play there,” he said. “I want to boost my career.”
Half in limbs but full in heart and mind, Sario is certainly bound for greatness past what the Palarong Pambansa can offer, as long as he remembers his purpose and keeps his drive alive. – Rappler.com
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AT A GLANCE: Delegates topping the Miss World Philippines 2024 fast-track events | Russell Ku | 17/07/2024 15:22 | MANILA, Philippines – Before a new Miss World Philippines is crowned on Friday, July 19, the 35 candidates vying for the title participated in various activities for a chance to earn a semifinal spot in the pageant.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 title, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. Here are the finalists for each event.
– with graphics by Andoy Edoria/Rappler.com
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Iloilo takes bold stand: POGOs banned over increasing worries | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 16:11 | TACKLE. Iloilo City Councilor Rommel Duron discusses a proposal before the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
courtesy of Limuel Celebria
BACOLOD, Philippines – Iloilo’s legislature approved on Wednesday, July 17, a ban on offshore gaming operations, a move which followed an executive order by Mayor Jerry Treñas which declared the local government’s policy against them.
It was a preemptive measure meant to protect Iloilo City from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), said Councilor Rommel Duron who pushed for the local legislative ban. Duron is the chairperson of the city council’s committee on games, amusement, and professional sports.
Treñas said the city council’s move strengthened his position to outrightly reject requests to approve POGO applications so they can operate in the city.
On July 8, Treñas issued Executive Order No. 94, declaring the city government’s position against “illegal” POGOs and their activities in Iloilo City.
POGOs, entities that manage and offer offshore online gaming services, have recently come under scrutiny as they slowly gained notoriety due to their association with crimes, resulting in debates and even increasing worries about national security.
In Iloilo alone, at least 17 Chinese men are currently in detention after they were arrested in the Jaro for cybersex and human trafficking in November 2023.
The POGOs, many run by Chinese groups, provide games, accept bets, and pay out winnings to registered players through internet-based gaming platforms. Such services are available through POGOs licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
The Iloilo ban also followed a shocking revelation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) about 1,200 fake birth certificates discovered in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, raising serious concerns about national security and the integrity of citizenship documentation.
Duron said the ban “sends a clear message that we do not permit POGO operations,” and “if anyone applies for a POGO license in Iloilo City, we will deny it.
He said the measure aligns with existing laws requiring local government consent for such activities, even from Pagcor.
“The supposed benefits from POGO activities pale in comparison to their social costs. No amount of taxes or perceived job creations can justify these costs,” Duron said.
Based on the measure, homeowners in the city’s subdivisions were asked to make foreigners show their passports and other documents before renting out their properties. Duron said the city government would be strict about a “no dummy policy” among renters.
Local officials have expressed apprehensions over the supposed increasing number of Chinese residing in upscale subdivisions in the city, something which they find unusual.
Iloilo Representative Julienne Baronda has written to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, urging an investigation into the influx of Chinese nationals in the city.
In her letter, copies of which were given to reporters on July 6, Baronda identified subdivisions in Iloilo where a sudden increase in the Chinese population has been reported. Her list includes Puerto Real de Iloilo in Lapaz, Monterosa Subdivision in Mandurriao, and Ledesco Subdivision in Lapaz.
Baronda, however, acknowledged that many of the Chinese newcomers have not caused trouble and have been friendly to their neighbors. But she said questions were raised about their affluent lifestyles.
“We aim to ensure the safety of our people and protect national security,” Baronda said.
Iloilo City tourism officer Junel Ann Divinagracia said tracking foreigners is more difficult when they rent condos and houses in subdivisions instead of staying in hotels. – Rappler.com
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I appreciate these actions by the City Government of Iloilo. Will other LGUs follow?
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Suspect in killing of Australian couple, Filipino companion surrenders | Mia Gonzalez | 18/07/2024 7:00 | Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The suspect in the killing of an Australian couple and their Filipino companion in a Tagaytay hotel voluntarily surrendered to Batangas authorities early Wednesday morning, July 17, a week after the incident.
In a press statement, Cavite police identified the suspect only as “Ronel,” a 33-year-old former employee of the Lake Hotel, where David James Fisk and Lucita Barquin Cortez, a Philippine-born Australian citizen; and Mary Jane Cortez, Lucita’s daughter-in-law, where found dead in their room a week earlier.
Ronel, who had been hiding in Tuy, Batangas, surrendered to Tuy Mayor Jey Cerrado, who turned over the suspect to Tagaytay Mayor Abraham Tolentino.
The suspect is under the custody of the Tagaytay Component City Police Station and will be charged with robbery with multiple homicide, Cavite police said.
Investigators discovered that Ronel used to a pool attendant at the Lake Hotel.
“The course of the investigation revealed that the suspect took revenge against the hotel’s management for his termination from employment, which led to the tragic killing of the victims,” the Cavite police statement read.
The remains of Fisk have been transported to Sydney, Australia, police said. – Rappler.com
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[OPINION] Ignorance and prejudice | Glenda Gloria | 18/07/2024 10:00 | Compassion is noble, but hostility is quicker. It’s much, much easier to be hostile toward people whose life stories we don’t know.
We see it all the time. Whether in our everyday conversations or online interactions, it’s not uncommon to encounter offensive remarks. Many of them are unsolicited.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s a lot of kindness out there, and the ones who embody them tend to be the most inspiring in our lives.
But we also need to recognize that prejudice does exist. Sometimes we get it from other people. But sometimes, we ourselves are guilty of it too.
Consider the most divisive issues in our society. There’s the longstanding SOGIE Equality Bill. People have had much to say about it and those it represents.
Often, when people opine about it, they begin with a preface.
“It’s not that I hate gays, but…”
“Hindi naman sa nangdidiscriminate ako sa mga transgender, pero kasi naman…”
I’m certain you’ve heard these sentences many times.
And then there’s the move to legalize divorce.
For my ongoing book project, I’ve started analyzing religious statements about divorce, and I noticed that many of them follow the same formula. To paraphrase one: “We understand the situation of many parents, but they should not be selfish.” The premise is that couples who want to divorce are too selfish to stick to their marital vows.
The preface is a moral sleight of hand, if you will. Nobody wants to be accused of discrimination, so the caveat is very useful.
Prejudice manifests as negative views, opinions, or attitudes about other people that are usually based on stereotypes. Whether people admit it or not, prejudice is a serious matter. Because it rests on harmful stereotypes, it shapes how we behave toward other people.
In the course of my work as a sociologist, I’ve come to conclude that prejudice often results from ignorance. The examples above are emblematic.
But most of the time, prejudice – based on ignorance – takes place in everyday life. Some of us might remember how we were treated at school just because we were different. And no one made the effort to understand us. Once again, I’m sure you have your own stories to tell.
There are, of course, two possibilities whenever we encounter people we don’t understand.
We can latch on to stereotypes to help us make sense of the other person. Unfortunately, many stereotypes are inherently negative. As in the examples above, the prejudice towards the bakla and the woman who wants divorce emanates from bigger stereotypes about women and the LGBTQ+.
Stereotypes also abound about other groups. Think of people living with HIV, neighbors who belong to another religion, and youth dealing with depression.
As they say, “ignorance is the breeding ground for stereotypes and prejudices.”
Or we can stay quiet and try to learn from one another.
Those who have conducted research on this topic agree that learning from one another must be everyone’s aspiration. One way of doing this is through regular contact with people whose differences we do not readily understand.
This can be a personal resolution. You may intentionally go out of your comfort zone and get to know people who are unlike you.
But it can also be an institutionalized goal. Schools, communities, or workplaces can provide opportunities for different people to discover others.
Either way, the goal is for people to engage in listening dialogues. During these interactions, the questions we need to answer remain the same: Who are you? How different are the stereotypes from the real you? What’s your life story? And how can we understand each other better?
Whenever we ask these questions, I propose that our collective goal must be to become comfortable with differences. Put differently, each one of us must be able to say that it’s okay to be different.
That doesn’t mean we need to agree all the time. That’s not what listening dialogues are about.
At the very least, we must be able to respect and acknowledge each other’s validity. And when we understand where people are coming from, we may be able to develop more hospitable feelings for them.
In other words, we must aspire at every opportunity to transform our hostile feelings toward people we dislike. The goal is to soften our emotions toward them. Prejudice, after all, is not only a cognitive matter. Being exposed to the truth is not enough to abandon one’s prejudices. Emotional transformation is necessary.
To this end, dialogues where people can listen to each other are critical. Transformation is possible whenever we embrace what ethicist Karen Frost-Arnold calls “hopeful trust.” It’s the trust that when we engage in these dialogues, our life stories can help people admit to their prejudices and eventually abandon them.
What I’ve said here is also a lifelong personal mission. To be sure, it’s much easier to stay in my comfort zone.
But over the years, I’ve come to realize that nothing beats encountering people where they are. Over the past weekend, I spent time with an elderly gay couple – Dean Weller and Jim Watkins – who have been together for 42 years (and counting). I met them some weeks ago at a Christian gathering, and we readily clicked.
They invited me to stay at their place, where we had the most honest conversations. Looking over the valleys of southern Indiana from their porch, we talked about what it was like growing up in the US at a time when there was so much discrimination against gay men, not just in their communities but also within their respective churches. As we drove around, they pointed at houses, schools, and buildings, some of which were no longer there. But even so, the memories remained alive. At their home, I played the piano as they sang their favorite hymns.
They met together the year I was born, and I’m practically half their age. They’re Americans, and I’m Filipino. They’ve gone through many crises, and I’m still halfway through mine. They’re enjoying their retirement, and I’m not even sure if I’d live long enough to get there. But the brief time I spent with them was enough to convince me that they’re family.
You see, prejudice makes all of us myopic. Whenever we fail to understand other people, we fail to understand who we are, our shared struggles, and what could be our collective victories. – Rappler.com
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Hustle Hassle: Where did you Guo? | Russell Ku | 18/07/2024 14:47 | ALEJANDRO EDORIA/RAPPLER
Art by Andoy Edoria
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Golden boy: Who stands in the way of an EJ Obiena pole vault Olympic gold? | jisaga0269 | 30/06/2024 15:40 | Heading to the 2024 Olympics, Filipino pole vault sensation EJ Obiena has taken the sport by storm, poising himself for a historic performance in Paris this July, and quite literally, rising to be one of the best in the world.
Keyword: one of the best.
Also heading to Paris is a man who has the luxury of having no qualifiers attached to his descriptions. He is simply the best at what he does – backed up by smattering of records to his name, consistent performances, and to top it all off, an Olympic gold medal to defend against the likes of Obiena.
He is Armand “Mondo” Duplantis, the prodigious 24-year-old reigning Olympic pole vault champion, who is widely expected to defend his crown against all comers this July in Paris.
Boasting a yet-unbeatable world record of 6.24 meters (and still owning the next seven world record increments below it), the Swedish-American superstar blazed his way to Paris with no less than nine gold medal finishes, highlighted by the 2024 Xiamen Diamond League where he set his new high mark.
Still standing on a peak not even sniffed by the sport’s greatest like Sergey Bubka and Renaud Lavillenie, Duplantis is a young, hungry, and proven winner who – if all goes right in Paris – will more likely than not cruise to his second career Olympic championship.
He remains Obiena’s lone unreachable target, which in itself is already a massive accomplishment.
Three years removed from his Olympics debut in Tokyo, Obiena is a whole new beast this time around, heading back to the big stage for another crack at the ultimate athletic glory.
After settling for an 11th-place finish in his first Games, the 28-year-old standout has been relentless in his grind, powering through a controversial 2021 dispute with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and winning multiple gold medals in the three seasons that passed since Tokyo.
The ultimate validation came in June 10, 2023, when the University of Santo Tomas product joined the exclusive 6-meter club upon winning the Bergen Jump Challenge in Norway, setting a new Asian record in the process.
His place among the greats would then be solidified a little over a month later on July 20, when he rose as the world No. 2 pole vaulter just behind Duplantis after another string of consistent performances and top finishes.
Despite recent setbacks, like a ninth-place finish in the World Athletics Indoor Championships and unlucky battles with broken poles, Obiena has proven multiple times over that he is as ready as can be for Paris, and that he only needs to play his game to stay in the realm of Olympic history-makers.
The competition will be stiff, yes. There are many other names to look out for, like former world No. 2 Chris Nielsen of the US, Australian star Kurtis Marschall, and American juggernauts Sam Kendricks and KC Lightfoot, but these are all men who have already fallen to Obiena amid his stratospheric rise.
The men’s pole vault competition in Paris is practically a fight for silver, but to have Obiena’s name firmly in that conversation is a cause of celebration in itself.
And the cold, hard reality of all sports still remains, even for a godlike figure like Duplantis: anything is possible.
“For me, that’s why we go to the games – to win. Anything can happen when it’s time to play,” mused former pole vaulter Emerson Obiena, EJ’s father. “As long as the games haven’t happened and are not yet over, you have to have hope.”
Duplantis will remain a great barometer far beyond these next Olympics – an idol to look up to and a ghost to chase, until the day comes when he and Obiena can finally look each other eye-to-eye as equals. The greats are never satisfied, after all, but that’s a story for another day.
Right now, history still beckons in Paris, and medals – gold or otherwise – are ripe for the taking.
“Mondo is one of the greatest. He’s a league above the rest and the world record holder, but again, he’s just human,” Emerson continued. “Sometimes there are ups, sometimes downs. We cannot say what may happen in the games. I just hope we get a medal, whatever color, I’ll be happy with it.”
With the weight of the Philippines on his shoulders, can Obiena rise one more time for all his countrymen and clear the bar of their expectations? – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs USA – Jones Cup 2024 | Jasmine Payo | 18/07/2024 12:45 | MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group-Pilipinas preserved its flawless record in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan after a 112-90 drubbing of USA behind another stellar performance from Chris McCullough on Thursday, July 18.
McCullough unloaded 24 points on top of 18 rebounds and 7 assists as Strong Group hiked its record to 5-0, winning by at least 20 points for the fourth time.
Tajuan Agee backstopped McCullough with 19 points, while the rest of the local cast also delivered in the victory that saw Strong Group pull away in the second half.
USA pulled level at 62-62 early in the third quarter before Strong Group ended the period on a 27-14 run for an 89-76 lead, which ballooned to as big as 22 points.
RJ Abarrientos fired 17 points, Jordan Heading added 11 points, while Ange Kouame and Allen Liwag chimed in 10 points apiece.
On the heels of its most dominant victory, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to continue its winning ways in the 2024 William Jones Cup when it tangles with Future Sports USA on Thursday, July 18.
Riding on a well-balanced attack, Strong Group dealt Malaysia a massive 35-point beating, 89-54, on Wednesday, July 17, to hike its spotless record to 4-0.
Four players scored in twin-digits for the Philippines in the blowout win, led by Chris McCullough’s 16.
Former Gilas Pilipinas high-flyer Rhenz Abando stepped up big with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Tajuan Agee, Ange Kouame, and DJ Fenner had 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
With the Philippines just four wins away from reclaiming the gold medal it last won in 2019, look for McCullough to show the way for Strong Group once more as they lock horns with a struggling Future Sports USA crew, which fell to a disappointing 1-4 record on Wednesday.
McCullough has led Strong Group in scoring in all their four matches so far in the tournament, averaging 20.5 points per outing.
Game time is 1 pm. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs USA – Jones Cup 2024 | Jasmine Payo | 18/07/2024 12:45 | MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group-Pilipinas preserved its flawless record in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan after a 112-90 drubbing of USA behind another stellar performance from Chris McCullough on Thursday, July 18.
McCullough unloaded 24 points on top of 18 rebounds and 7 assists as Strong Group hiked its record to 5-0, winning by at least 20 points for the fourth time.
Tajuan Agee backstopped McCullough with 19 points, while the rest of the local cast also delivered in the victory that saw Strong Group pull away in the second half.
USA pulled level at 62-62 early in the third quarter before Strong Group ended the period on a 27-14 run for an 89-76 lead, which ballooned to as big as 22 points.
RJ Abarrientos fired 17 points, Jordan Heading added 11 points, while Ange Kouame and Allen Liwag chimed in 10 points apiece.
On the heels of its most dominant victory, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to continue its winning ways in the 2024 William Jones Cup when it tangles with Future Sports USA on Thursday, July 18.
Riding on a well-balanced attack, Strong Group dealt Malaysia a massive 35-point beating, 89-54, on Wednesday, July 17, to hike its spotless record to 4-0.
Four players scored in twin-digits for the Philippines in the blowout win, led by Chris McCullough’s 16.
Former Gilas Pilipinas high-flyer Rhenz Abando stepped up big with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Tajuan Agee, Ange Kouame, and DJ Fenner had 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
With the Philippines just four wins away from reclaiming the gold medal it last won in 2019, look for McCullough to show the way for Strong Group once more as they lock horns with a struggling Future Sports USA crew, which fell to a disappointing 1-4 record on Wednesday.
McCullough has led Strong Group in scoring in all their four matches so far in the tournament, averaging 20.5 points per outing.
Game time is 1 pm. – Rappler.com
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Soccsksargen on alert as region battles floods, landslides amid heavy rain | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 11:37 | SWEPT AWAY. Residents sift through the debris of a house swept away by the swollen Nalus River in Kiamba, Sarangani.
courtesy of Juvy Rodrigo
GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – The Soccsksargen region remained on alert as weather forecasts indicate the possibility of further adverse conditions.
Heavy rain in the region triggered severe flooding and landslides, displacing over 40,000 families and impacting agriculture and infrastructure in three Soccsksargen provinces since last week.
Coastal towns in the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat are the most affected.
Local authorities have been actively conducting rescue and relief operations, with difficult challenges posed by damaged roads and bridges.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the region cautioned residents in disaster-prone areas to remain vigilant as inclement weather continues to prevail in Soccsksargen.
OCD-Soccsksargen spokesperson Jorie Mae Balmediano said on Wednesday, July 17, that the floods have severely affected agriculture and displaced around 190,000 individuals in the provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato.
Balmediano identified the coastal towns of Glan, Kiamba, and Maitum in Sarangani, and the towns of Palimbang, Kalamansig, and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat as among the worst-hit.
Flash floods caused rivers in Kiamba and Maitum to overflow, destroyed houses and inundating wide areas of rice fields, according to reports by local officials. Hundreds of residents in Kiamba fled their homes and stayed in evacuation centers.
In Sultan Kudarat, a heavy downpour triggered flash floods that swept away houses and landslides that shut down roads. At least two bridges were rendered impassable due to raging floodwaters, the OCD reported.
The floods damaged two bridges in the villages of Tambis and Kidayan, along the highway linking Kalamansig and Palimbang towns.
A report by the Kalamansig Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said 3,000 families from nine barangays fled to 11 evacuation centers due to the sudden floods.
MDRRMO-Kalamansig head Ernie Quillo said the families came from barangays Santa Maria, Bantogon, Nalilidan, Paril, Santa Clara, Cadiz, Pag-asa, Hinalaan, and Datu Wasay.
Quillo said at least five houses were swept away by floodwaters with occupants still inside.
“The families inside those houses were saved with the use of rescue boats,” Quillo said.
The MDRRMO also listed 20 landslides in barangays Hinalaan and Santa Clara, which buried roads and isolated several communities, making it difficult for emergency workers to bring in aid.
In Cotabato province, Governor Emmylou Mendoza said the floods displaced more than 13,500 families, mostly from Pikit and Kabacan towns, which are along the Rio Grande de Mindanao and the vast Ligawasan Marsh.
Other affected towns were the low-lying areas of Mlang, Matalam, Pigcawayan, and Libungan, she said.
Balmediano said many of the affected families were brought to designated evacuation centers in their respective localities. While some have returned to their homes, others prefer to stay due to the prevailing inclement weather.
“We are still further assessing the extent of damage to agriculture and infrastructure,” she said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, July 17, said they were monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao that may develop into a tropical cyclone. – Rappler.com
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UP students’ exhibit tackles social issues with traffic apps, animated heritage | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 10:24 | GALLERY. The UP College of Fine Arts Gallery, Parola, features exhibit spaces and classrooms. Three pieces from Kidlat Tahimik's Indio-Genius exhibit remain in the Atrium.
Mari-An C. Santos/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Visual Communication majors at the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s College of Fine Arts are presenting their thesis projects in an exhibit, showcasing innovative solutions to social issues.
The exhibit at the 2nd floor of the Parola gallery, open until July 28, features apps to ease traffic and promote inclusive education for the hearing-impaired, along with animated stories celebrating Filipino heritage.
An app to improve traffic in Metro Manila, another to teach Filipino sign language, an interactive game based on Jose Rizal’s novels, and a game for reclaiming the Baybayin script are among the student projects currently on display at the UP’s Fine Arts Gallery.
The exhibit, called Dagos (current), showcases the students’ desire to drive change through their thesis projects. By combining technology and creativity, the graduating students have developed creative solutions to various real-world issues, offering a diverse market of ideas to benefit Philippine society.
The exhibit is divided into clusters, namely: illustrations and publications, campaigns, moving images, and hypermedia.
Catherine Bollas’ project, Pinay – Kagitingan ng Kababaihan, seeks to present a counterpoint to the negative portrayal of Filipino women as kontrabida (antagonists) in the popular teleserye genre. This would be achieved through the production of animated stories of such historical figures as Gabriela Silang, Maria Orosa, Kumander Liwayway, Carmen Rosales, and Corazon Aquino. This undertaking can help inspire Filipinos by providing realistic representations of Filipino women and empowering them.
Alexander Mataverde Jr. aims to use animation to pique the interest of elementary graders about Tadlac Lake – a place shrouded in legend – in Los Banos, Laguna with Alamat ng Pasong Buwaya (Legend of Pasong Buwaya).
Tirik, an experimental short film by Victor Emmanuel Carmelo Nadera II, seeks to raise awareness about and encourage the preservation of the Cementerio Para Los Indios in Tayabas, Quezon among the youth – considering its architectural, historical, and sociocultural significance.
Juan Pablo Basilio appeals to the youthful interest in animation, with a proposal for several episodes of Lakbay Diwa, based on Philippine mythology, to promote traditional Filipino values and a sense of pride in our own stories.
Hannah Leigh Cumla’s Drive Wise app wants to track the behavior of motorcycle drivers in Metro Manila and gamify the experience by giving them positive reinforcement and real-world incentives to encourage safer driving. In the long run, this will contribute to easing traffic congestion.
Two projects hope to foster a more inclusive society, particularly with regard to the hearing-impaired.
Romeo Nungay III’s SaySign is a mobile app that will make learning sign language more accessible to hearing parents (as well as guardians and other kin). Nungay describes it as an intuitive, user-friendly, interactive app that will be easily navigable even for older users so they can learn at their own pace. This will make them better able to communicate with their children.
Maria Cecilia Pauig’s Seeing Sign, meanwhile, is geared toward high school students. It gamifies the process of learning Filipino sign language to bridge the communication gap between hearing and hearing-impaired peers.
Conceptualized by Erynn Jenine Yap, the interactive mobile game Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo: Salin ni Virgilio S. Almario aims to develop a better appreciation for Dr. Jose Rizal’s novels among 9th to 12th graders. The player not only watches but actually enters the world of the novels to solve mysteries and move the story forward.
Baybayin Quest, by Hannah Isabela Bolado, allows players to participate in a role-playing game to familiarize them with the Philippine pre-colonial script. The player needs to help the protagonist, Atang, recover the lost letters of the Baybayin script scattered all over the Philippines.
The exhibit’s organizers said they hoped the divide between concept and execution, by way of funding from investors, can be achieved by some if not all of these promising projects.
“The graduating students’ works show that they really love our country and are thinking of solutions for different challenges,” said Professor Lisa Ito-Tapang, curator of Parola.
Parola is located at UP Diliman’s College of Fine Arts and is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. – Rappler.com
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PAGASA warns of moderate to intense rain from LPA, southwest monsoon | Acor Arceo | 18/07/2024 12:05 | PHILIPPINE WEATHER. Satellite image as of July 18, 2024, 11 am.
PAGASA
MANILA, Philippines – The low pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and the southwest monsoon or habagat are both causing rain in parts of the country on Thursday, July 18.
The LPA was last spotted in the vicinity of Catbalogan City, Samar, early Thursday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
It only has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, but it has been dumping moderate to heavy rain.
PAGASA said in an advisory at 11 am on Thursday that the LPA and the southwest monsoon will bring heavy to intense rain to the region of Mimaropa and the provinces of Batangas, Aklan, and Antique.
Moderate to heavy rain is also likely in Metro Manila, the rest of Calabarzon, Bataan, Masbate, the rest of Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur on Thursday.
PAGASA advised areas affected by the LPA and the southwest monsoon to stay on alert for floods and landslides, especially areas that are prone to hazards or have already experienced significant rainfall in recent days.
Other parts of the country may also see isolated or scattered rain showers and thunderstorms on Thursday.
The rainy season has been underway since late May, but there are monsoon breaks or relatively dry periods.
So far, the Philippines has had only one tropical cyclone in 2024 – Typhoon Aghon (Ewiniar) in May. For July to December, PAGASA estimated that there could be 10 to 16 tropical cyclones. – Rappler.com
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Bacolod’s Manokan Country reopens temporarily amid redevelopment tensions | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 13:44 | CLOSE, OPEN. The iconic Manokan Country in Bacolod reopens on Wednesday, July 17, just a day after it was closed by the city government.
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BACOLOD, Philippines – Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez ordered the reopening of the iconic Manokan Country for a month, a day after city hall closed it down.
Benitez’s decision on Wednesday, July 17, was intended to buy time for the affected tenants to relocate to the SM City Bacolod Transport Terminal, which they had previously resisted.
The move was driven by humanitarian considerations, according to Bacolod City Legal Office head Romeo Carlos Ting.
The 41-year-old Manokan Country, known for its famous chicken inasal (grilled chicken), had been shut down a day earlier to make way for a new commercial center project, displacing at least 24 stall owners, many of whom had operated their small food businesses in the area for decades.
The redevelopment project, spearheaded by SM Prime Holdings Incorporated (SMPHI), would transform the site into a mixed-use commercial property. It is part of a larger P4-billion project aimed at modernizing the property which hosts the Manokan Country, Vendor’s Plaza, and the Bacolod Arts, Youth, and Sports (BAYS) Center.
“A win-win solution has been reached,” Ting said.
The city government and SMPHI have reached a compromise with the affected tenants, offering them several concessions to ease their transition. The offers included the following:
Initially resistant to relocating, the tenants have now agreed to vacate the property after the one-month extension, and after they were assured that they will be prioritized in the new Manokan Country once the project is completed.
Lawyer Joemax Ortiz, legal counsel of the affected tenants, said the “best offers” from both the city government and SMPHI came a bit late.
Ortiz said his clients already signed a manifesto not to file a case for the nullification of the 40-year lease agreement between the city government and SMPHI for the redevelopment of the 16,875-square meter city government-owned property on Father Mauricio Ferrero Street, Reclamation Area in Barangay 12.
However, rental rates for the new location remained a contentious issue, with SMPHI proposing P250 per square meter, while tenants wanted it fixed at P100.
“This issue needs to be resolved next,” Ting said.
The progressive group Bayan-Negros, however, maintained its opposition to the redevelopment plan, criticizing the local government and SMPHI for the lack of public consultation.
“This will inevitably lead to exorbitant rents for Manokan tenants and higher prices for consumers,” read a statement released by the group.
The group said the plan threatens to integrate small entrepreneurs into SMPHI’s mega-mall complex, undermining the heritage and economic independence of local businesses.
“Demolishing the 41-year-old iconic Manokan Country, despite its status as a presumed heritage site in Bacolod sets a precedent for similar projects under Mayor Benitez’s administration that prioritize corporate interests over the broader welfare of Bacolod residents,” Bayan-Negros said.
Manokan Country was established through City Ordinance No. 16-1983 more than four decades ago.
In November last year, SMPHI paid the city P131.8 million upfront for seven years’ rent. Under the agreement, SMPHI will pay an annual rental fee of P21.26 million, with a 5% increase every three years. – Rappler.com
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Why Manila ended up 5th riskiest city for tourists out of 60 int’l cities | gdecastro0289 | 18/07/2024 14:21 | David Castuciano/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Why did Manila end up as the 5th riskiest city for tourists out of 60 international cities based on a study by media company Forbes Advisor?
That’s because of seven indicators that the Philippine government prefers to downplay when it markets the country’s capital and the whole country abroad and reports on the state of the nation.
Manila was in the company of Caracas, Venezuela (1st); Karachi, Pakistan (2nd); Yangon, Myanmar (3rd); Lagos, Nigera (4th) as the riskiest cities.
The top 10 least risky cities, according to Forbes Advisor:
Forbes Advisor used seven metrics in its study and gave a weight or importance to each category. It also cited the bases for the scores. These are:
Forbes Advisor said each metric was "measured on a scale of 1 to 60, with 1 representing the worst performance in that metric."
How did Manila fare based on these metrics? It was 9th riskiest in terms of crime; 5th riskiest in terms of personal security; 7th riskiest in terms of health security; 9th riskiest in terms of infrastructure security; and 12th riskiest in terms of digital security.
If you watch Philippine news daily, you'll find that GMA's 24 Oras, ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, and TV5's Frontline Pilipinas often have reports on these issues on a daily basis, especially on crime and personal security, and recently even digital security.
Did Forbes Advisor have good bases for its study? Here's a look at the sources it cited.
For travel safety, it used the US Department of State's reports on travel advisories.
The US government issues regular travel advisories which, it says, "represent our commitment to protect US citizens abroad."
It says these travel advisories are intended to help travelers "make informed decisions when deciding to take a trip abroad." It also says its analysis is "undertaken without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations."
The US State Department has four levels for each country, including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, likelihood of a natural disaster, and current events."
The US travel advisory has four levels:
"We review Travel Advisories on a regular basis. At a minimum, we review Level 1 and 2 Travel Advisories every 12 months. We review Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories at least every six months. A Travel Advisory will also be updated anytime there is a change in U.S. government posture, normally as it relates to ongoing security concerns," the US State Department says on its website.
What risk indictators do the US government use when advising its citizens about their travel plans?
Forbes Advisor also used Numbeo for assessing crime risk.
According to Numbeo, it is the "world's largest database of user-contributed data" about cities and countries. It claims to provide "current and timely information" on cost of living, housing indicators, health care, traffic, crime and pollution.
"Numbeo uses the wisdom of the crowd to obtain the most reliable information possible," its site says. Its crime and safety is based on 12 categories:
"…Numbeo gathers valuable data to provide users with an in-depth understanding of crime and safety conditions in different cities. By comparing and analyzing this information, individuals can make more informed decisions regarding their personal safety and the safety of their communities," the site says.
This is how Manila fares in terms of crime, based on Numbeo's methodology. There were 419 contributors and its last update was in June 2024. Numbeo says its data are "based on perceptions of visitors" in the past five years.
Comments on the crime page are mixed. One netizen said on June 2, 2023 that he's "always wary" that something could happen, noting that "Manila is a hotspot for crime than other provinces since the city is overpopulated."
A netizen, "Anon," said on March 12, 2021: "I will admit Manila has improved under the administration of Duterte and Mayor Isko Moreno when it comes to cleaning the streets to look nice. But the crime and corruption has not changed, it’s the same as it was since 2016 the only thing that’s worse is police are becoming more trigger happy and abusive, sort of reverting back to the Marcos era."
The Economist 2021 report that Forbes Advisor cited is based on the publication's Safe Cities Index 2021, which covered 60 major urban areas.
Safe Cities index was launched in 2015. It had 44 indicators covering 50 cities, updated every two years.
It used 76 indicators such as digital, health, infrastructure, personal and environmental security. These findings, the report says, were "supplemented with wide-ranging research and in-depth interviews with experts in the field."
Based on The Economist's study, Manila had an overall score of 525. It was also close to the bottom of the list, placing 51st out of 60 cities. Yangon was at the bottom while Copenhagen was at the top.
And lastly, for natural disaster risk, Forbes Advisor used the World Risk Report 2023 produced by Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) at Ruhr University Bochum, a public institute in Germany.
The report essentially assessed the risks from natural disasters and how these impact people in 193 countries. The Philippines had the highest disaster risk in 2023, followed by Indonesia and India.
The index is based on exposure, vulnerability, susceptibility, lack of coping capacities, and lack of adaptive capacities, with the Philippines scoring poorly on all. – Rappler.com
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Rappler Talk: Why it matters that PH is host of Loss and Damage Fund board | Iya Gozum | 18/07/2024 11:30 | MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is now the host country of the board overseeing the global fund that would help vulnerable countries against the adverse impacts of climate change.
For years, advocates have pushed that the loss and damage issue be tackled in the international platform provided by the yearly sessions of the Conference of Parties (COP). It was finally approved last year at the 28th COP in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
But what does it mean for the Philippines to play host? What does it mean for other climate-vulnerable countries? How can the board make sure wealthy polluting countries pay?
At the end of the day, the fund would be judged by how it reaches and helps local communities.
In this Rappler Talk interview, environment reporter Iya Gozum talks to Mark Dennis Joven, the Philippines’ representative to the Loss and Damage Fund board.
Watch the interview at 11:30 am on Thursday, July 18. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night | No author found | 20/07/2024 15:40 | Who will be the next Miss World Philippines titleholder?
The Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant sees 35 women competing in the hopes of succeeding Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned Miss World Philippines in June 2022.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines crown, two other titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism.
Meanwhile, Miss World CEO and chairperson Julia Morley and Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova will also grace the crowning ceremony.
Coronation night is happening on Friday, July 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Bookmark and refresh this page for updates! – Rappler.com
‘WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY, I KNOW I WILL GO PLACES’ Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano cites the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/EdsJLMSsXY pic.twitter.com/Riklh02afn
Miss Philippines Tourism 2024 Patricia Bianca Tapia brings her advocacy of inclusive education to the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 stage. Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q1qtekdbWi pic.twitter.com/YZiDtBfJS6
Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024 Dia Mate says she draws strength from her family who taught her that kindness can help build a better world. #MissWorldPhilippines2024Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q5bqMZgt1u pic.twitter.com/hIg6EYe2KY
Miss Multinational Philippines 2024 Nikki Buenafe shares her experience with low self-esteem and how she overcame it. Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/AqENssSOQQ pic.twitter.com/6tkqbiQfam
'WE AS HUMANS, WE SHOULD EVOLVE TOO'Newly crowned #MissWorldPhilippines2024 Krishnah Gravidez highlights the importance of pageants in promoting one's advocacies. FULL STORY: https://t.co/9rsRFLCcy2 pic.twitter.com/jVZkvgQo6O
OUR NEW WORLD QUEEN IS HERE! 👑BREAKING. Baguio City's Krishnah Marie Gravidez is crowned as #MissWorldPhilippines2024. She is the first queen to wear the new "Ray of Hope" crown. Congratulations! Story to follow on https://t.co/UCYSte5Chi pic.twitter.com/MuIp3vTLVz
Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss Supranational Philippines 2022 Alison Black, and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 Michelle Arceo take their final walk in the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: CignalLIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/5fSDTPpvGA pic.twitter.com/BvCMjyQs6u
Johnoy Danao serenades the Mall of Asia Arena crowd with his performance of "Ikaw At Ako" during the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: Cignal LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/wxeeEjttRW pic.twitter.com/2pHMZfj96h | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/updates-miss-world-philippines-2024-coronation-night/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR26yjC6PeQS-4f67hjbqwNaoYdZjrom7ONPiMgRuSJW85L4ING1yU-En2A_aem_tfZgfdnGg9FDuwPrzqZOFg | Credible |
SEVENTEEN’s concert film ‘Follow Again’ to hit PH cinemas in August | Ysa Abad | 18/07/2024 9:05 | SEVENTEEN. The K-pop boy group performs during their 'Follow Again' concert.
SEVENTEEN's Weverse
MANILA, Philippines – Attention, Filipino CARATs! A concert film based on K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN’s recent Follow Again tour is set to premiere in Philippine theaters in August.
SM Cinema and Ayala Malls Cinemas announced on Wednesday, July 17, that they’ll be screening the SEVENTEEN Tour Follow Again to Cinemas movie beginning August 21.
Calling all Filo-Carats 💎🤍Relive the exhilaration of SEVENTEEN's concert with SEVENTEEN TOUR 'FOLLOW' AGAIN TO CINEMAS beginning August 21 at #SMCinema!Stay tuned, as tickets will be on sale July 23.#FOLLOW_AGAIN_TO_CINEMAS #SEVENTEEN #SeventeenTourFollowAgainAtSMCinema pic.twitter.com/PMLylO7DkY
Seventeen is right here! 🔥Annyeong, CARATS! 💎 Tickets to 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 '𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪' 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗦 are ON SALE starting July 23 at 9:00 PM [Manila Time]. 💙💙🤍Stay tuned for more details!#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴#FOLLOW_AGAIN_TO_CINEMAS pic.twitter.com/xADLSzWchc
Fans can secure their movie passes starting July 23. As of writing, details about the ticket prices and participating movie houses have yet to be announced.
“Relive your favorite moments and create new memories with SEVENTEEN on the big screen,” member Vernon said in a video posted on the group’s social media accounts.
According to its official website, the concert film promises to give fans an “immersive experience” as it will feature “cinematic cameras from multiple angles.”
The movie also contains live performances of the group’s latest single “Maestro” and unit songs “Spell,” “LALALI,” and “Cheers to Youth.” These four tracks were part of their compilation album 17 IS RIGHT HERE, which was released in April.
Follow Again served as the encore leg of SEVENTEEN’s Follow concert tour. It only had four stops — Incheon and Seoul in South Korea and Osaka and Kanagawa in Japan.
The 13-piece act was last in the Philippines in January for their two-day Follow concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan.
SEVENTEEN made their debut in May 2015 under PLEDIS Entertainment. Since then, the group has been known for hits like “HOT,” “Don’t Wanna Cry,” “Super” and “Aju Nice,” among others. – Rappler.com
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RESULTS: July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination | Kaye Cabal | 18/07/2024 10:03 | This is a press release from the Professional Regulation Commission.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Wednesday, July 17, that 2,936 out of 6,191 passed the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination given by the Board for Master Plumbers in NCR, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Rosales, Tacloban and Puerto Princesa, Palawan this July 2024. The result of examination with respect to one examinee was withheld pending final determination of his/her liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examinations.
The members of the Board for Master Plumbers who gave the licensure examination are Hon. Reynald B. Ilagan, Chairman; Hon. Pedrito D. Camilet, Jr. and Hon. Jaime Jajay E. Cruz, Members.
The top performing schools in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination as per Commission Resolution No. 1814 series of 2024:
The successful examinees who garnered the ten highest places in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination are the following:
Below is the full list of passers:
The performance of schools in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination in alphabetical order is as follows:
The results were released in three working days after the last day of examination. Starting September 9, 2024, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card and Certificate of Registration will be done online. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following:
Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.
The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination will be announced later. – Rappler.com
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Learn indigenous cassava recipes from these Manobo and Talaandig women | Waya Lao | 18/07/2024 12:40 | AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines – Early in the morning, Talaandig leader Zenaida Mansiliohan and other indigenous women walk through the forest and first perform a ritual in honor of the spirits protecting their crops. To prepare for her community’s meal of the day, Zenaida peels the cassava’s hard wood-like skin using a small knife and manually shreds it with a cheese grater.
Women happily gather around the kitchen, watching Zenaida sprinkle brown sugar to the cassava, to flavor it differently. She later shares it with her neighbors, down to her children, husband, and then herself last.
Food on its own, narrates a community’s way of life – even in situations where food is scarce.
In a small village in San Luis, Agusan del Sur, women of the Manobo and Talaandig tribes have learned to make various recipes out of binggala or more widely known as cassava, to cope with the effects of climate change and commercialization in farming.
These traditional cassava recipes were featured through short cooking videos launched in June by indigenous women’s rights group LILAK under KPinay (Katutubong Pinay), a campaign highlighting stories of IPs in various multimedia content.
In the video, Zenaida said that about 90% of locals in Agusan del Sur are farmers. In provinces covered by forests such as San Luis, corn, bananas, and sweet potatoes are the usual source of food of indigenous people (IP).
Of their harvests, Zenaida and her daughter, Cleo Mansiliohan take pride in their cassavas.
Aside from its high potassium content, the root crop can survive the impacts of climate change such as extreme heat, and even the rising presence of paroot (forest rats) infesting in their area. Due to its sustainability, cassava has been a good alternative for rice over the years, making it a staple food of most indigenous communities across the Philippines.
In the launch of KPinay’s recipe videos, women including Zenaida and Cleo highlighted traditional ways of preparing and cooking cassava – ranging from nilong ag (boiled) anag (grilled), puto (steamed), nilupak (mashed), to bitso bitso and tupig (deep fried).
“Ang cassava kasi, hindi mo na kailangan ng ulam…Nasanay tayo na ‘pag bigas, kailangan pa natin ng ulam, kailangan pa natin ng sabaw o gulay…Talagang practice na ‘yan noon pa, nakasanayan na namin ‘yan. Pero wala rin talagang pagpipilian ang indigenous people, ang mga magsasaka,” Zenaida said.
(You don’t need a side dish to eat cassava… We are used to eating rice needing a side dish, or soup or vegetables… That’s really been a practice before, we’re used to that. But the indigenous people, the farmers, don’t really have a choice.)
Learn how to cook your own cassava dishes through these recipes.
With indigenous communities solely relying on natural resources for food supply, food insecurity has long been a problem due to climate change and commercialization.
According to LILAK communications and media coordinator Neca Reyes, the presence of mining companies continues to affect food production especially in fisherfolk communities. For instance, the king crab found in Aroroy, Masbate, is threatened by the mining activities due to heavy metals contaminating the ocean.
In San Luis, illegal logging has caused their town to become flooded for three months, affecting their farming practices and harvest for the year.
Following these challenges, farmers still receive little to no support from the government. Zenaida said that the local government has been donating hybrid corn seeds and pesticides to aid their harvest. However, hybrid seeds do not easily thrive in their land and may threaten the growth of traditional seeds. She also added that these seeds cater more to feeding chickens and pigs instead of humans.
“Parang naging dependent tayo kasi ang pino-promote ng gobyerno ay yung pagkain ng hayop, yung feeds. Ang binigyang emphasis ng gobyerno ay yung yellow corn…yung mga hybrids na mais na pagkain ng manok at baboy. So yung mga traditional seed, traditional variety ng mais, nawala na,” Zenaida said.
(It seems like we have become dependent on the government’s promotion of animal feeds. What the government tends to emphasize is yellow corn…the corn hybrids that are meant to feed chickens and pigs. So the traditional seeds, traditional varieties of corn, have disappeared.)
Due to this problem, Cleo mentioned that IPs are now resorting to farming as a way to sell and make money out of their harvest, not as a means to produce their own food.
“Kadalasan po talaga dito sa komunidad…imbes na magtanim para kainin, iba na po yung konsepto dito. Nagbebenta na po [kami] at saka po [ipambibili] ng pagkain,” Cleo said.
(What’s common here in our community…instead of growing food to eat, the concept here is now different. We sell our harvest and then we will use the profit to buy food.)
She added that IPs, especially the youth, are starting to lose interest in farming and are slowly resorting to entering corporate employment and even migration, just to get by.
Reyes highlighted that women in indigenous communities follow a long-term custom of feeding her community and family first before themselves. Given the scarcity of food, she claims that women are hungrier now.
While exploring cassava recipes promotes resourcefulness, Reyes said that IP women should not feel forced to look for other means to feed their families. Instead, the government should support them so healthy food can be readily available in their localities.
“The question: who is our government feeding? Is it us as citizens who are in the city? Because it seems that the ones who are being fed are those on the corporate side..those who can eat at restaurants, those who can buy meat at the mall. Instead of getting food directly from the place where it was planted and where it was harvested,” Reyes said in a mix of Filipino and English.
Through their recipe videos, Zenaida hopes to encourage Filipinos to farm more, and to promote food sovereignty by supporting traditional food made by indigenous communities.
To help share these videos to campaigns abroad, LILAK is planning to release versions with English subtitles. According to Reyes, more recipe videos and content will be released soon in KPinay.
“Itong videos, gusto namin siya maging positive messaging…na ang katutubong kababaihan ay may kuwento, may kaalaman, may kagandahan, may kabutihan. Pero ultimately, meron siyang karapatan. And therefore, kaya namin ito gustong i-kuwento [sa KPinay], ayun yung gusto naming message,” Reyes said.
(In these videos, we want to portray positive messaging…that indigenous women have a story, have knowledge, have beauty, have kindness. But ultimately, she has the right. And therefore, we want to tell this story [in KPinay], that’s the message we want.) – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/learn-indigenous-cassava-recipes-manobo-talaandig-women/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2OOkQ0_VQbuWqw43g-hxiTAwndnOMniHixldFTXChyQS4dwF8_sRdlElc_aem_o0x7gnsxnSRkSFRXJV4Y6A | Credible |
Rappler Talk: Why it matters that PH is host of Loss and Damage Fund board | Iya Gozum | 18/07/2024 11:30 | MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is now the host country of the board overseeing the global fund that would help vulnerable countries against the adverse impacts of climate change.
For years, advocates have pushed that the loss and damage issue be tackled in the international platform provided by the yearly sessions of the Conference of Parties (COP). It was finally approved last year at the 28th COP in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
But what does it mean for the Philippines to play host? What does it mean for other climate-vulnerable countries? How can the board make sure wealthy polluting countries pay?
At the end of the day, the fund would be judged by how it reaches and helps local communities.
In this Rappler Talk interview, environment reporter Iya Gozum talks to Mark Dennis Joven, the Philippines’ representative to the Loss and Damage Fund board.
Watch the interview at 11:30 am on Thursday, July 18. – Rappler.com
How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/philippines/interview-mark-dennis-joven-loss-damage-fund/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR17Ob9xMUD4F7mW3U43Hn_t6RtgyKBVCELoJK0yKZWqGNSf91_UKi0W9DU_aem_p_5IGRUZm_51le5uPozG3g | Credible |
HIGHLIGHTS: Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night | No author found | 20/07/2024 15:40 | Who will be the next Miss World Philippines titleholder?
The Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant sees 35 women competing in the hopes of succeeding Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned Miss World Philippines in June 2022.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines crown, two other titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism.
Meanwhile, Miss World CEO and chairperson Julia Morley and Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova will also grace the crowning ceremony.
Coronation night is happening on Friday, July 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Bookmark and refresh this page for updates! – Rappler.com
‘WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY, I KNOW I WILL GO PLACES’ Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano cites the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/EdsJLMSsXY pic.twitter.com/Riklh02afn
Miss Philippines Tourism 2024 Patricia Bianca Tapia brings her advocacy of inclusive education to the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 stage. Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q1qtekdbWi pic.twitter.com/YZiDtBfJS6
Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024 Dia Mate says she draws strength from her family who taught her that kindness can help build a better world. #MissWorldPhilippines2024Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q5bqMZgt1u pic.twitter.com/hIg6EYe2KY
Miss Multinational Philippines 2024 Nikki Buenafe shares her experience with low self-esteem and how she overcame it. Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/AqENssSOQQ pic.twitter.com/6tkqbiQfam
'WE AS HUMANS, WE SHOULD EVOLVE TOO'Newly crowned #MissWorldPhilippines2024 Krishnah Gravidez highlights the importance of pageants in promoting one's advocacies. FULL STORY: https://t.co/9rsRFLCcy2 pic.twitter.com/jVZkvgQo6O
OUR NEW WORLD QUEEN IS HERE! 👑BREAKING. Baguio City's Krishnah Marie Gravidez is crowned as #MissWorldPhilippines2024. She is the first queen to wear the new "Ray of Hope" crown. Congratulations! Story to follow on https://t.co/UCYSte5Chi pic.twitter.com/MuIp3vTLVz
Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss Supranational Philippines 2022 Alison Black, and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 Michelle Arceo take their final walk in the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: CignalLIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/5fSDTPpvGA pic.twitter.com/BvCMjyQs6u
Johnoy Danao serenades the Mall of Asia Arena crowd with his performance of "Ikaw At Ako" during the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: Cignal LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/wxeeEjttRW pic.twitter.com/2pHMZfj96h | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/updates-miss-world-philippines-2024-coronation-night/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1dQe_2dSdlKG8IS1WIDZCTOjJIHRNRrtrKtLmKsPvuuUXjQgIzNIvbE9c_aem_SBdbF6RH_20ph4Kn4PLPsA | Credible |
Soccsksargen on alert as region battles floods, landslides amid heavy rain | Herbie G | 18/07/2024 11:37 | SWEPT AWAY. Residents sift through the debris of a house swept away by the swollen Nalus River in Kiamba, Sarangani.
courtesy of Juvy Rodrigo
GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – The Soccsksargen region remained on alert as weather forecasts indicate the possibility of further adverse conditions.
Heavy rain in the region triggered severe flooding and landslides, displacing over 40,000 families and impacting agriculture and infrastructure in three Soccsksargen provinces since last week.
Coastal towns in the provinces of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat are the most affected.
Local authorities have been actively conducting rescue and relief operations, with difficult challenges posed by damaged roads and bridges.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the region cautioned residents in disaster-prone areas to remain vigilant as inclement weather continues to prevail in Soccsksargen.
OCD-Soccsksargen spokesperson Jorie Mae Balmediano said on Wednesday, July 17, that the floods have severely affected agriculture and displaced around 190,000 individuals in the provinces of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato.
Balmediano identified the coastal towns of Glan, Kiamba, and Maitum in Sarangani, and the towns of Palimbang, Kalamansig, and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat as among the worst-hit.
Flash floods caused rivers in Kiamba and Maitum to overflow, destroyed houses and inundating wide areas of rice fields, according to reports by local officials. Hundreds of residents in Kiamba fled their homes and stayed in evacuation centers.
In Sultan Kudarat, a heavy downpour triggered flash floods that swept away houses and landslides that shut down roads. At least two bridges were rendered impassable due to raging floodwaters, the OCD reported.
The floods damaged two bridges in the villages of Tambis and Kidayan, along the highway linking Kalamansig and Palimbang towns.
A report by the Kalamansig Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said 3,000 families from nine barangays fled to 11 evacuation centers due to the sudden floods.
MDRRMO-Kalamansig head Ernie Quillo said the families came from barangays Santa Maria, Bantogon, Nalilidan, Paril, Santa Clara, Cadiz, Pag-asa, Hinalaan, and Datu Wasay.
Quillo said at least five houses were swept away by floodwaters with occupants still inside.
“The families inside those houses were saved with the use of rescue boats,” Quillo said.
The MDRRMO also listed 20 landslides in barangays Hinalaan and Santa Clara, which buried roads and isolated several communities, making it difficult for emergency workers to bring in aid.
In Cotabato province, Governor Emmylou Mendoza said the floods displaced more than 13,500 families, mostly from Pikit and Kabacan towns, which are along the Rio Grande de Mindanao and the vast Ligawasan Marsh.
Other affected towns were the low-lying areas of Mlang, Matalam, Pigcawayan, and Libungan, she said.
Balmediano said many of the affected families were brought to designated evacuation centers in their respective localities. While some have returned to their homes, others prefer to stay due to the prevailing inclement weather.
“We are still further assessing the extent of damage to agriculture and infrastructure,” she said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, July 17, said they were monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) east of Mindanao that may develop into a tropical cyclone. – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/soccsksargen-alert-battles-floods-landslides-amid-heavy-rain-july-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0lYbmN8SOTkGt-QjR0UhJZaEwrkqKyLCR8QV_rJx22vFjleP1btVxq-bE_aem_BTq5zMJIq081KG9P6Vag3g | Credible |
HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs USA – Jones Cup 2024 | Jasmine Payo | 18/07/2024 12:45 | MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group-Pilipinas preserved its flawless record in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan after a 112-90 drubbing of USA behind another stellar performance from Chris McCullough on Thursday, July 18.
McCullough unloaded 24 points on top of 18 rebounds and 7 assists as Strong Group hiked its record to 5-0, winning by at least 20 points for the fourth time.
Tajuan Agee backstopped McCullough with 19 points, while the rest of the local cast also delivered in the victory that saw Strong Group pull away in the second half.
USA pulled level at 62-62 early in the third quarter before Strong Group ended the period on a 27-14 run for an 89-76 lead, which ballooned to as big as 22 points.
RJ Abarrientos fired 17 points, Jordan Heading added 11 points, while Ange Kouame and Allen Liwag chimed in 10 points apiece.
On the heels of its most dominant victory, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to continue its winning ways in the 2024 William Jones Cup when it tangles with Future Sports USA on Thursday, July 18.
Riding on a well-balanced attack, Strong Group dealt Malaysia a massive 35-point beating, 89-54, on Wednesday, July 17, to hike its spotless record to 4-0.
Four players scored in twin-digits for the Philippines in the blowout win, led by Chris McCullough’s 16.
Former Gilas Pilipinas high-flyer Rhenz Abando stepped up big with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Tajuan Agee, Ange Kouame, and DJ Fenner had 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
With the Philippines just four wins away from reclaiming the gold medal it last won in 2019, look for McCullough to show the way for Strong Group once more as they lock horns with a struggling Future Sports USA crew, which fell to a disappointing 1-4 record on Wednesday.
McCullough has led Strong Group in scoring in all their four matches so far in the tournament, averaging 20.5 points per outing.
Game time is 1 pm. – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/sports/jones-cup-updates-results-highlights-philippines-usa-july-18-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2XzmUGGyuoJKGSGOoiZxu0HryDG4mcm_Krbk-2vp1YA71C9NOLGBm87Lc_aem_q7Oc6lok76JWEOn4STjeMA | Credible |
PAGASA warns of moderate to intense rain from LPA, southwest monsoon | Acor Arceo | 18/07/2024 12:05 | PHILIPPINE WEATHER. Satellite image as of July 18, 2024, 11 am.
PAGASA
MANILA, Philippines – The low pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and the southwest monsoon or habagat are both causing rain in parts of the country on Thursday, July 18.
The LPA was last spotted in the vicinity of Catbalogan City, Samar, early Thursday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
It only has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, but it has been dumping moderate to heavy rain.
PAGASA said in an advisory at 11 am on Thursday that the LPA and the southwest monsoon will bring heavy to intense rain to the region of Mimaropa and the provinces of Batangas, Aklan, and Antique.
Moderate to heavy rain is also likely in Metro Manila, the rest of Calabarzon, Bataan, Masbate, the rest of Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur on Thursday.
PAGASA advised areas affected by the LPA and the southwest monsoon to stay on alert for floods and landslides, especially areas that are prone to hazards or have already experienced significant rainfall in recent days.
Other parts of the country may also see isolated or scattered rain showers and thunderstorms on Thursday.
The rainy season has been underway since late May, but there are monsoon breaks or relatively dry periods.
So far, the Philippines has had only one tropical cyclone in 2024 – Typhoon Aghon (Ewiniar) in May. For July to December, PAGASA estimated that there could be 10 to 16 tropical cyclones. – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/philippines/weather/low-pressure-area-southwest-monsoon-update-pagasa-forecast-july-18-2024-11am/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR13d-TgaX2g8ovedrrMy93AK1rhuHHWwmKZElX4FC6z3swqdtcRu2859Io_aem_K949h0nYAFuqn7OuAIitiA | Credible |
PAGASA warns of moderate to intense rain from LPA, southwest monsoon | Acor Arceo | 18/07/2024 12:05 | PHILIPPINE WEATHER. Satellite image as of July 18, 2024, 11 am.
PAGASA
MANILA, Philippines – The low pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and the southwest monsoon or habagat are both causing rain in parts of the country on Thursday, July 18.
The LPA was last spotted in the vicinity of Catbalogan City, Samar, early Thursday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
It only has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, but it has been dumping moderate to heavy rain.
PAGASA said in an advisory at 11 am on Thursday that the LPA and the southwest monsoon will bring heavy to intense rain to the region of Mimaropa and the provinces of Batangas, Aklan, and Antique.
Moderate to heavy rain is also likely in Metro Manila, the rest of Calabarzon, Bataan, Masbate, the rest of Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur on Thursday.
PAGASA advised areas affected by the LPA and the southwest monsoon to stay on alert for floods and landslides, especially areas that are prone to hazards or have already experienced significant rainfall in recent days.
Other parts of the country may also see isolated or scattered rain showers and thunderstorms on Thursday.
The rainy season has been underway since late May, but there are monsoon breaks or relatively dry periods.
So far, the Philippines has had only one tropical cyclone in 2024 – Typhoon Aghon (Ewiniar) in May. For July to December, PAGASA estimated that there could be 10 to 16 tropical cyclones. – Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/philippines/weather/low-pressure-area-southwest-monsoon-update-pagasa-forecast-july-18-2024-11am/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR13d-TgaX2g8ovedrrMy93AK1rhuHHWwmKZElX4FC6z3swqdtcRu2859Io_aem_K949h0nYAFuqn7OuAIitiA | Credible |
HIGHLIGHTS: Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night | No author found | 20/07/2024 15:40 | Who will be the next Miss World Philippines titleholder?
The Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant sees 35 women competing in the hopes of succeeding Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned Miss World Philippines in June 2022.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines crown, two other titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism.
Meanwhile, Miss World CEO and chairperson Julia Morley and Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova will also grace the crowning ceremony.
Coronation night is happening on Friday, July 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Bookmark and refresh this page for updates! – Rappler.com
‘WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY, I KNOW I WILL GO PLACES’ Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano cites the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/EdsJLMSsXY pic.twitter.com/Riklh02afn
Miss Philippines Tourism 2024 Patricia Bianca Tapia brings her advocacy of inclusive education to the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 stage. Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q1qtekdbWi pic.twitter.com/YZiDtBfJS6
Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024 Dia Mate says she draws strength from her family who taught her that kindness can help build a better world. #MissWorldPhilippines2024Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q5bqMZgt1u pic.twitter.com/hIg6EYe2KY
Miss Multinational Philippines 2024 Nikki Buenafe shares her experience with low self-esteem and how she overcame it. Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/AqENssSOQQ pic.twitter.com/6tkqbiQfam
'WE AS HUMANS, WE SHOULD EVOLVE TOO'Newly crowned #MissWorldPhilippines2024 Krishnah Gravidez highlights the importance of pageants in promoting one's advocacies. FULL STORY: https://t.co/9rsRFLCcy2 pic.twitter.com/jVZkvgQo6O
OUR NEW WORLD QUEEN IS HERE! 👑BREAKING. Baguio City's Krishnah Marie Gravidez is crowned as #MissWorldPhilippines2024. She is the first queen to wear the new "Ray of Hope" crown. Congratulations! Story to follow on https://t.co/UCYSte5Chi pic.twitter.com/MuIp3vTLVz
Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss Supranational Philippines 2022 Alison Black, and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 Michelle Arceo take their final walk in the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: CignalLIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/5fSDTPpvGA pic.twitter.com/BvCMjyQs6u
Johnoy Danao serenades the Mall of Asia Arena crowd with his performance of "Ikaw At Ako" during the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: Cignal LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/wxeeEjttRW pic.twitter.com/2pHMZfj96h | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/updates-miss-world-philippines-2024-coronation-night/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0A4wYOnMM5EsI2Za3fqxuC8rp8234c3q_7PTE200j9eBle5auENoNhBIg_aem_pTk-YLLi5NjOBtBMpxb6Fg | Credible |
‘One of our own’: Robredo hails Naga’s Amaro for 2024 Palaro 7-gold chart-topper | jisaga0269 | 17/07/2024 22:50 | WINNING DUO. Calabarzon-based swimmer TJ Amaro and former vice president Leni Robredo pose for a photo.
Leni Robredo Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – No less than former vice president Leni Robredo hailed the stunning Palarong Pambansa 2024 showcase of young star swimmer TJ Amaro after he rose as the most bemedalled out of 541 athletes in the 13,000-strong delegation that packed Cebu City.
A proud son of Naga, Camarines Sur now representing Calabarzon as a Grade 11 student of San Beda-Rizal in Taytay, the 17-year-old phenom swept all seven of his swimming finals across the weeklong event at the Cebu City Sports Center, breaking three Palaro records in the process.
“So proud of our very own, TJ Amaro,” Robredo wrote on Facebook, before listing the events Amaro competed in and won, like his record-setting 50-meter and 100m butterfly individual events, and 4x100m medley relay alongside three other standout swimmers.
“TJ is now an incoming senior high school student at San Beda [University] Taytay and is now representing the Calabarzon Region, but we are still extremely proud of him because he is a homegrown Nagueño and has, in the past, won many swimming competitions representing Naga City.”
Amaro represented Bicol in the Palaro 2023 edition in Marikina City, where he won just one medal in the 50m fly, albeit also in record-setting fashion.
Under the tutelage of elite coaches of San Beda’s renowned swimming program, which currently boasts a staggering title 20-peat in the men’s seniors division and 23 total titles in boys’ juniors play, Amaro skyrocketed his Palaro resume sevenfold with one more year of eligibility remaining.
“I’m happy because it was one of my goals in this year’s Palaro, to become one of the most bemedalled athletes out of all the high schoolers here in the country,” Amaro said in Filipino after his sixth event last Sunday, July 14, and a few hours before his sweep-completing relay.
He and fellow star swimmer Jasmine Mojdeh alone were responsible for 12 of Calabarzon’s 57 gold medals, more than 20% of the entire region’s title haul.
Led by the duo’s efforts, Calabarzon regained its usual second overall place in the final tally behind 17-year dynasty National Capital Region and a mere one medal ahead of fellow powerhouse Western Visayas.
“Congratulations also to all our Palarong Pambansa athletes who did us all proud,” Robredo concluded.
– Rappler.com
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How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/sports/palarong-pambansa/leni-robredo-post-naga-swimmer-tj-amaro-gold-medals-2024/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3RejQA8cgHVgZDPCJB4JW4SfBGYjJN8-ExP5jKWDuY16crnQL49c_Xu3w_aem_01qqqW4A1TkFp3BJXOugDA | Credible |
Rappler Talk: Why it matters that PH is host of Loss and Damage Fund board | Iya Gozum | 18/07/2024 11:30 | MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is now the host country of the board overseeing the global fund that would help vulnerable countries against the adverse impacts of climate change.
For years, advocates have pushed that the loss and damage issue be tackled in the international platform provided by the yearly sessions of the Conference of Parties (COP). It was finally approved last year at the 28th COP in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
But what does it mean for the Philippines to play host? What does it mean for other climate-vulnerable countries? How can the board make sure wealthy polluting countries pay?
At the end of the day, the fund would be judged by how it reaches and helps local communities.
In this Rappler Talk interview, environment reporter Iya Gozum talks to Mark Dennis Joven, the Philippines’ representative to the Loss and Damage Fund board.
Watch the interview at 11:30 am on Thursday, July 18. – Rappler.com
How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/video/rappler-talk-video/interview-mark-dennis-joven-loss-damage-fund/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3zRqPg7GdhNDNKmQh909PU0zlKD4RtRlPH38nSqbuHtLILnuFV8nJbKE0_aem_DRQk0kpegBVXj69f0xEpuA | Credible |
MPL Philippines return? OhMyV33nus, Wise join Aurora after Blacklist exit | delfin.dioquino editor | 17/07/2024 21:58 | NEW SQUAD. OhMyV33nus and Wise begin a new chapter in their careers as they join Aurora.
Aurora MLBB Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Is VeeWise back to the pro scene?
Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario intrigued fans of a Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines return after joining Aurora Gaming, the team announced on Tuesday, July 16.
The move came after the inseparable duo ended a fruitful four-year stint with Blacklist International highlighted by multiple titles.
VeeWise led Blacklist to MPL Philippines crowns in Seasons 7, 8, and 10, and helped the organization capture the Mobile Legends M3 World Championship in 2021.
OhMyV33nus and Wise have been inactive for over a year since powering Blacklist to a runner-up finish in the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup.
Aside from OhMyV33nus and Wise, stars Edward “Edward” Dapadap, Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, and Salic “Hadji” Imam also left Blacklist.
Founded in 2022, Aurora – which has headquarters in Serbia and Malaysia – has grown into a prominent esports organization, having teams in Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and Warcraft.
Aurora replaces Minana EVOS as MPL Philippines’ eighth team.
“With mobile esports’ brightest stars, the royal duo Ohmyv33nus and Wise Gaming joining our Aurora Gaming Company, there are a plethora of reasons to be excited about the future,” said Aurora in a statement.
Aurora said it will announce its Season 14 roster on July 27. – Rappler.com
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TNT, NLEX tap former NBA players for PBA Governors’ Cup | delfin.dioquino editor | 17/07/2024 20:36 | MIDAIR. Darius Days in action for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA G League.
Rio Grande Valley Vipers Instagram page
MANILA, Philippines – MVP teams TNT and NLEX tapped former NBA players as imports in the season-opening PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Tropang Giga acquired the services of Darius Days, while the Road Warriors brought in Myke Henry as they both look to make deep runs after early exits in the two conferences last season.
A product of the LSU Tigers, Days momentarily played for the Houston Rockets in the 2022-2023 season, appearing in four games and averaging 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds.
Spending most of his time with the Houstons’ NBA G League affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the 24-year-old Days earned All-NBA G League Second Team honors in 2023.
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said on Wednesday, July 17, that the Tropang Giga initially wanted to bring back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for a third run with the team, but the former Best Import is currently unavailable.
Hollis-Jefferson, who led TNT to its last title, currently plays for the Mets de Guaynabo in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico.
“If Darius turns out to be great, then we have a good problem,” said Lastimosa.
Like Days, Henry spent one season in the NBA as he suited up for Memphis Grizzlies in 20 games in 2017-2018 and averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 assists.
Henry, 31, is a well-travelled import who has taken his act to Mexico, Israel, Italy, France, Greece, Poland, and Indonesia.
“Myke’s all-around game and international experience will surely help our team’s campaign next conference,” NLEX wrote on its social media accounts.
The Governors’ Cup, which follows a new format that splits the 12 teams into two groups, will tip off in August. – Rappler.com
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SEVENTEEN’s concert film ‘Follow Again’ to hit PH cinemas in August | Ysa Abad | 18/07/2024 9:05 | SEVENTEEN. The K-pop boy group performs during their 'Follow Again' concert.
SEVENTEEN's Weverse
MANILA, Philippines – Attention, Filipino CARATs! A concert film based on K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN’s recent Follow Again tour is set to premiere in Philippine theaters in August.
SM Cinema and Ayala Malls Cinemas announced on Wednesday, July 17, that they’ll be screening the SEVENTEEN Tour Follow Again to Cinemas movie beginning August 21.
Calling all Filo-Carats 💎🤍Relive the exhilaration of SEVENTEEN's concert with SEVENTEEN TOUR 'FOLLOW' AGAIN TO CINEMAS beginning August 21 at #SMCinema!Stay tuned, as tickets will be on sale July 23.#FOLLOW_AGAIN_TO_CINEMAS #SEVENTEEN #SeventeenTourFollowAgainAtSMCinema pic.twitter.com/PMLylO7DkY
Seventeen is right here! 🔥Annyeong, CARATS! 💎 Tickets to 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 '𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪' 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗔𝗦 are ON SALE starting July 23 at 9:00 PM [Manila Time]. 💙💙🤍Stay tuned for more details!#SEVENTEEN #세븐틴#FOLLOW_AGAIN_TO_CINEMAS pic.twitter.com/xADLSzWchc
Fans can secure their movie passes starting July 23. As of writing, details about the ticket prices and participating movie houses have yet to be announced.
“Relive your favorite moments and create new memories with SEVENTEEN on the big screen,” member Vernon said in a video posted on the group’s social media accounts.
According to its official website, the concert film promises to give fans an “immersive experience” as it will feature “cinematic cameras from multiple angles.”
The movie also contains live performances of the group’s latest single “Maestro” and unit songs “Spell,” “LALALI,” and “Cheers to Youth.” These four tracks were part of their compilation album 17 IS RIGHT HERE, which was released in April.
Follow Again served as the encore leg of SEVENTEEN’s Follow concert tour. It only had four stops — Incheon and Seoul in South Korea and Osaka and Kanagawa in Japan.
The 13-piece act was last in the Philippines in January for their two-day Follow concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan.
SEVENTEEN made their debut in May 2015 under PLEDIS Entertainment. Since then, the group has been known for hits like “HOT,” “Don’t Wanna Cry,” “Super” and “Aju Nice,” among others. – Rappler.com
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RESULTS: July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination | Kaye Cabal | 18/07/2024 10:03 | This is a press release from the Professional Regulation Commission.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Wednesday, July 17, that 2,936 out of 6,191 passed the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination given by the Board for Master Plumbers in NCR, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Rosales, Tacloban and Puerto Princesa, Palawan this July 2024. The result of examination with respect to one examinee was withheld pending final determination of his/her liabilities under the rules and regulations governing licensure examinations.
The members of the Board for Master Plumbers who gave the licensure examination are Hon. Reynald B. Ilagan, Chairman; Hon. Pedrito D. Camilet, Jr. and Hon. Jaime Jajay E. Cruz, Members.
The top performing schools in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination as per Commission Resolution No. 1814 series of 2024:
The successful examinees who garnered the ten highest places in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination are the following:
Below is the full list of passers:
The performance of schools in the July 2024 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination in alphabetical order is as follows:
The results were released in three working days after the last day of examination. Starting September 9, 2024, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card and Certificate of Registration will be done online. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following:
Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.
The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination will be announced later. – Rappler.com
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Alex Eala cruises to 2nd round of Spain ITF W100 | Jasmine Payo | 18/07/2024 9:57 | READY. Alex Eala in action during the W25 Yecla event of the ITF Tour.
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MANILA, Philippines – The quest to make the US Open main draw is off to a promising start for Alex Eala, who kicked off the second part of the hard court season with two impressive showings.
The 19-year-old followed up her straight-set doubles win with partner Estelle Cascino with an equally dominant 6-4, 6-2 victory over 21-year-old Dutch-Vietnamese qualifier Lian Tran in the opening round of the singles competition in the ITF W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz on Wednesday, July 17.
Now ranked a career-high 155 in the world, Eala dropped her serve right in the opening game of the match but kept her wits together by breaking the world No. 610 Tran in the very next game.
Eala took over from then on, erecting a 5-2 lead. Tran attempted a rally by breaking Eala in the ninth, but the Filipino thwarted Tran’s hopes to extend the set further when the Filipino answered back in the 10th game with her own service break.
The second set saw the fifth seeded Eala drop serve anew to fall behind 1-2. But just like in the first set when she came back with ferocious intent after losing her serve, Eala blanked Tran the rest of the way and claimed the next five games.
The match held at Peña Vitoriana Tenis Club in Spain was all over after an hour and 10 minutes.
Eala will now advance to the second round where she will be up on Thursday, July 18, against a dangerous foe in 24-year-old Lucia Cortez Llorca of Spain.
Ranked 385th in the world, Cortez Llorca is coming off a finals appearance on July 7 in the ITF W35 Getxo in Spain, which was played on clay.
Thursday will be a test of endurance for Eala as she is also set to take the court in the quarterfinals of the doubles competition.
The Filipina and her French partner, 28-year-old Cascino, seek to advance to the quarterfinals where they will face 16-year-old Victoria Bervid of the Czech Republic and 21-year-old Laura Mair of Italy.
Seeded third in the competition, Eala and Cascino aim to duplicate their run in the ITF W75 Croissy-Beaubourg in France last March where they emerged champions. – Rappler.com
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[Rappler’s Best] Big shoes to fill | lfangeles0309 | 08/07/2024 17:00 | Marian Hukom/Rappler
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara knows he has big shoes to fill as he formally assumes his post as education secretary on July 19. And I don’t mean the shoes of his predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, but those of his late father, the political giant that was former senator Edgardo J. Angara.
Before he served the post-EDSA Philippine Senate and helped shepherd the difficult transition from the Marcos dictatorship to Cory Aquino’s administration, SEJA, as he was fondly called, carved a mark in education – serving at one time as president of the University of the Philippines and being a strong advocate for education reform. Some of Senator Angara’s peers today – former Senate president Migs Zubiri and Senator Loren Legarda, among others – were also mentored by SEJA. (Speaking of the Senate, it’s now but a shadow of its old self from the days of the old Angara in the 8th Congress in 1988. In this data story, researcher James Patrick Cruz tracks how the upper chamber has evolved from an institution of statesmen to showmen.)
The younger Angara’s appointment to an executive post was welcomed by many, given that he did not shy away from addressing systemic issues as a legislator. Read our profile of him in 2013, his first run for the Senate: From textbooks to tax books. (Related story: What happens when a lawmaker gets appointed to the Cabinet?)
But it would be his first time to navigate a massive bureaucracy, and one that is as seemingly unwieldy as the Department of Education (DepEd). The challenges are enormous, the expectations big. And that’s not even taking into account the mess that the Vice President left behind.
The most urgent need that, ironically, requires long-term solutions is to equip teachers with skills that would improve learning outcomes. Dr. Feliece Yeban, a teacher-educator and human rights professor, recommends in this piece that we have to move beyond blaming overworked teachers and shift to a more deregulated environment for them that would allow for greater flexibility and innovation.
On a positive note for higher education, a bill mandating private colleges and universities to waive fees for their entrance exams has just been turned into a law. Read about it here.
Meanwhile, it’s a big day today for Philippine-Japan ties as the second 2+2 meeting between the foreign and defense ministers of both countries is held in Manila. Both sides will be signing the Reciprocal Access Agreement. What does this agreement mean, and why now? Read this explainer by Rappler security and foreign affairs reporter Bea Cupin. – Rappler.com
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How Sara Duterte led DepEd for 2 years | Bonz Magsambol | 20/06/2024 21:00 | VICE PRESIDENT. File photo shows Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte addressing participants at the 2023 National Literacy Conference at the DepEd ECOTECH Center in Cebu City on October 12, 2023.
Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler
On Wednesday, June 19, Vice President Sara Duterte made a decision that many had anticipated, given her family’s widening rift with the administration she served as a Cabinet secretary. She finally resigned as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
In her first and last press conference as education secretary, also on June 19, what was immediately noticeable was the difference in her appearance: her hair was swept away from her face rather than tucked behind the ears. She wore a girly blouse that deviated from her usual uniform-style clothes for public appearances. Sharp-eyed political observers noticed that her blouse was in the same muted blue shade as what former vice president Leni Robredo had worn when she announced her bid for the presidency.
Her prepared statement, which she read at the press conference, clocked over 10 minutes, mostly devoted to the topic earlier sent to the media: the state of basic education in the country and her key programs. It was in the last two minutes of her statement when she shared that she had sought an audience with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier that day and tendered her resignation from her appointive government positions. (Malacañang announced it 15 minutes before her scheduled 3 pm press conference.)
Duterte delivered her statement as is, with no ad-libs. She spoke in an even, reportorial tone that did not change even when she announced her resignation as education secretary. Most Cabinet members stepping down from office often turn emotional as they deliver their final statement, but not Duterte, who looked relieved, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
The public’s last look at Duterte as education secretary was different from the Cabinet official who red-tagged and talked tough on social media.
The Vice President was really not interested to be the education chief – her first choice was the defense portfolio. The two posts are polar opposites, but she accepted the position without any complaints, at least based on her public statements. Amid observations that she had been shortchanged, she said that she was grateful for the education portfolio.
Bringing her tough-talking leadership style to the DepEd, Duterte traded barbs with the country’s largest teachers’ group, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and accused them of being a “lover of the useless ideologies” espoused by insurgent groups. (READ: Sara Duterte brings red-tagging to DepEd)
Her tall order of a mandatory return to face-to-face classes in 2022, when health experts said that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic was “in sight,” was criticized due to the lack of health protocols in place and the long-standing problem of inadequate school facilities. This didn’t discourage her though – a manifestation of what she wants, she gets.
In May 2023, DepEd officials linked to the messy laptop deal that Rappler investigated resigned from their positions, citing personal reasons. Insiders privy to the matter said that Duterte had asked them to resign. (READ: Negligence, corruption lead to fire sale of DepEd laptops)
Under her watch, the DepEd was allocated P150 million in confidential funds in 2023, an unprecedented amount for an agency whose mandate is not related to intelligence gathering nor national security. Issues surrounding the release and disposal of these funds came to light during the House hearings on the 2024 budget. Amid the controversy, Congress denied her request for confidential funds for 2024, a move influenced by Marcos’ cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte practically red-tagged critics of the DepEd’s confidential funds, but was later compelled to drop her request for the funds altogether, amid public backlash and a dip in her approval ratings. (READ: Sara Duterte gives up bid for confidential funds: Mere political strategy?)
Without presenting evidence, Duterte in August 2023 ordered the removal of classroom decorations in all 47,000 public schools in the country, which supposedly aimed to help students concentrate on their lessons. This was met with backlash because education posters and charts were a staple in Philippine classrooms, especially in basic education.
During the launch of her flagship “MATATAG curriculum,” Duterte admitted that she only relied on education experts in updating the curriculum because she didn’t have an “education background.”
”I felt guilty because I’m making [Undersecretary Gina Gonong] stressed because I do not come from the education sector, I don’t have an education background, so I cannot review what they are doing,” she said. “I rely on their expertise and all the stakeholders who did the review.”
The MATATAG curriculum was supposed to be a response to the learning crisis in the Philippines. According to DepEd, this “decongests” foundational subjects to allow learners to focus on literacy and numeracy skills. However, an initial study done by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and Philippine Institute of Development Studies revealed that there was “no statistical difference in the expected percentage of competencies covered in MATATAG pilot schools vs non-pilot schools.”
Duterte also began the review of the K to 12 curriculum amid growing clamor from the public to either revise it or scrap it. She had made a commitment to make the program “relevant to produce competent, job-ready, active, and responsible citizens.” The review was not yet done at the time of her resignation.
Despite criticism of her leadership and the continued poor assessment of Filipino students in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a survey in December 2023 by pollster WR Numero showed that 57% of Filipinos believed she was doing a good job at DepEd.
While she was seen as a tough woman, Duterte’s maternal side was seen in her school visits, where she would read books to children, visit classrooms, and mingle with grade school students. In an event in Metro Manila in December 2022, she almost knelt on the floor to help tie the shoelaces of a child. While doing this, she asked the student about his message to his classmates for Christmas. (READ: The 2 sides of Sara Duterte)
She was criticized for taking on the role because she lacked the qualifications for a DepEd chief. But for her supporters, she was a perfect fit because Duterte was not only a longtime public servant, but also a mother. Sara has three young children – Stonefish, Sharky, and Stingray – with husband Manases “Mans” Reyes Carpio.
In her two years of delivering the annual education report since she assumed the DepEd position, Duterte had made big promises to improve the welfare of teachers. In 2024, she ordered the removal of administrative tasks from them so they could focus on teaching, a move that was lauded by education groups. She also ordered the implementation of overtime and overwork pay for teachers.
Earlier in June, the Philippine Business for Education urged Dutertet to set up the Teacher Education Council (TEC) to enhance teaching quality in the Philippines. Under Republic Act No. 11713 or the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, the education secretary is the chairperson of the TEC, which is tasked to set and mandate basic requirements for teachers’ education programs.
The law was signed in 2022, in the last few months of the presidency of her father, Rodrigo Duterte, to address the perennial crisis hounding the Philippine education system, yet it had yet to be set up during her watch. This made education sector observers wonder if she was even aware of her mandate and responsibilities in relation to the TEC.
Ironically, she relinquished her position at DepEd on the same day PISA released the results of its new test on creative thinking that placed the Philippines at the bottom four among 64 countries. (READ: Why Filipino students performed poorly in global learning assessments)
Education advocates see Duterte’s resignation as an opportunity for the President to appoint a qualified DepEd secretary who will start reforms to address the gargantuan problems in the country’s learning system. – Rappler.com
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Late second-half rampage tows Strong Group past Malaysia in Jones Cup | Jasmine Payo | 17/07/2024 21:03 | STEPPING UP. Strong Group-Pilipinas guard RJ Abarrientos goes for a shot against Malaysia.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – There’s still no stopping Chris McCullough and the rest of Strong Group-Pilipinas in the 2024 William Jones Cup.
Thanks to its massive second-half rampage, Strong Group remained undefeated in four games following an 89-54 annihilation of Malaysia on Wednesday, July 17, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
For the fourth game in a row, McCullough topscored for the Filipinos with 16 points, while Rhenz Abando turned in his finest performance yet of the tournament with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Big men Tajuan Agee and Ange Kouame contributed 12 and 11 points apiece, while Filipino-American guard DJ Fenner poured in 10 for the Philippines.
After seeing its double-digit lead in the first half turn into a one-point disadvantage in the third period, 46-47, Strong Group finished the quarter in style with a fiery 13-1 blast for a 59-48 edge heading into the final frame.
Three consecutive long bombs by RJ Abarrientos, Kouame, and Dave Ildefonso in the early goings of the fourth quarter then ignited a whopping 30-6 Strong Group rally as the Filipinos finished the match with their biggest lead at 35 points.
Abarrientos, the third overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft, racked up 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Ildefonso, the No. 5 selection in the same draft, finished with 8 markers.
On the other side, Malaysia was led by John Murry, who exploded for 25 points in the losing cause.
Former Ateneo foreign student-athlete Joseph Obasa – who suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 86 – backstopped Murry with 13 points.
Strong Group aims to continue its dominant run when it battles Future Sports USA at 1 pm on Thursday, July 18.
The Filipinos are currently tied with Chinese Taipei-Blue at the top spot with an identical 4-0 slate.
The team with the best record at the end of the single round-robin tournament brings home the elusive title.
Philippines 89 – McCullough 16, Abando 14, Agee 12, Fenner 12, Kouame 11, Abarrientos 9, Ildefonso 8, Heading 4, Ravena 3, Ynot 2, Chiu 0.
Malaysia 54 – Murry 25, Obasa 13, Bosango 6, Hou 3, Wong 3, Ting 2, Kuek 2, Yiang 0, Lee 0, Zi Fueng 0, Lee 0, Ragu 0.
Quarters: 21-11, 40-36, 59-48, 89-54.
– Rappler.com
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Bacolod’s famous Manokan Country shut down to make way for SM project | Herbie G | 16/07/2024 17:03 | CLOSED. A yellow tape marks the end of operations at Bacolod's iconic Manokan Country.
courtesy of Jun Punzalan
BACOLOD, Philippines – The city government has closed down Bacolod’s iconic Manokan Country, renowned for its famous chicken inasal (grilled chicken), bringing an end to its four decades of operation.
Its closure on Tuesday morning, July 16, to pave the way for the development of an ambitious commercial center project, displaced at least 24 stall owners at the 41-year-old food center on Father Mauricio Ferero Street at the reclamation area in Barangay 12.
Members of a team from city hall’s legal office placed yellow police tape across about 30 stalls to keep the public off the property.
“This means no one is allowed to operate anymore,” said city legal officer Romeo Carlos Ting.
Colonel Noel Aliño, Bacolod police director, said authorities implemented the closure order without resistance, but a lawyer, speaking on behalf of the affected tenants, hinted at bringing the local government to court.
Meanwhile, SM Prime Holdings Incorporated (SMPHI) will soon start fencing off the entire Manokan Country after its closure.
Based on an agreement between city hall and SMPHI in October last year, the company will pay the local government P21.26 million annually, with a 5% increase every three years.
SMPHI plans to build a mixed-use building with retail stores, BPO hubs, and the rebranded Manokan Country.
In November 2023, SMPHI paid the city government P131.89 million as an advance for seven years of rent for a 16,875-square meter property, including Vendor’s Plaza, Manokan Country, and the Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports (BAYS) Center.
Established during the tenure of the late Bacolod mayor Jose Montalvo Jr. through City Ordinance No. 16-1983, Manokan had been a favorite place of tourists whose visit to Bacolod was seen as incomplete unless they tasted chicken inasal there.
Lawyer Joemax Ortiz, one of the legal counsels of the displaced stall holders, said they would file a case to nullify a 40-year lease contract between city hall and SMPHI, which they blame for the Manokan’s closure.
Ortiz argued that the 1983 city law established the Manokan Country during the Montalvo administration, and the ordinance was neither amended nor repealed at the time city hall closed it down.
He said such “neglect involves several legal lapses” which justify the cancellation of a P4-billion, 40-year lease agreement between the city government and SMPHI.
Father Julius Espinosa, head of the Caritas Philippines-Social Action Center Foundation (PC-SACF), the social arm of the Catholic Diocese of Bacolod, came and watched as the city hall team implemented the closure order.
He said he was sent by Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon to “take care” of the displaced Manokan tenants.
“We are with them (tenants) in their fight for just and fair treatment amid the city government’s quest to redevelop the Manokan Country area through SMPHI, as part of the mayor’s dream to turn Bacolod into a super city,” Espinosa said.
Espinosa acknowledged the separation of church and state principle but emphasized that the Diocese of Bacolod cannot ignore the displaced tenants’ pleas, pointing out that Manokan Country has been part of the Bacolod cathedral’s neighborhood for over 40 years.
Manokan Country is less than 200 meters from the cathedral.
Displaced tenants were offered temporary space at SM City Bacolod-North Terminal Hub during the redevelopment, but no one accepted. They, however, want a relocation site where they can all move together. However, the city government hasn’t found a place yet, though the tenants will be prioritized for the new Manokan Country once the project is completed.
The displaced tenants are concerned about anticipated high rent and other charges from SMPHI for the new Manokan Country.
“It won’t be the same anymore,” said Ortiz. “The new rates and other costs will be a burden for the original Manokan Country tenants.” – Rappler.com
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Road workers discover cave likely untouched for millions of years in Cagayan de Oro | Herbie G | 17/07/2024 12:20 | ACTIVE CAVE. A group of people explore an active cave discovered while construction workers were widening a road in a rural village in Cagayan de Oro.
CLENRO-Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Construction workers in a rural village in Cagayan de Oro accidentally discovered a cave, most likely untouched by human hands for millions of years until this week, revealing an astonishing underground world.
The cave, described as a time capsule, contains stalactites and stalagmites that have been evolving for millions of years. With its formations still actively developing, the cave offers a rare glimpse into the dynamic processes of the planet, captivating the imaginations of locals and providing future opportunities for scientific study, research, and tourism.
“There’s water dripping, suggesting an ongoing formation. This excites us,” said Christine Camba, officer-in-charge of the protected areas division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Northern Mindanao.
The DENR has counted about a dozen caves in Cagayan de Oro, and the one in Dansolihon is not among them, according to Camba.
Workers stumbled upon the cave on Monday, July 15, while widening a section of road in one of the interior districts of Barangay Dansolihon, according to village chairman Jose Maria Juan Roa. The road is part of a network being developed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to link the rural Cagayan de Oro village with Opol town in Misamis Oriental.
The road construction inadvertently expanded its entrance, making it accessible to humans for the first time.
“It appears to be a live cave,” Camba told Rappler, referring to initial photographs that rapidly circulated on social media.
Live caves, also referred to as active caves, reveal fascinating formations shaped by ongoing geological processes such as the growth of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. These formations result from minerals deposited by water seeping through the cave’s surfaces.
At first glance, the Dansolihon cave embodies the essence of a live cave with its constant water flow and mineral deposition, setting it apart from dry or inactive caves where such processes have ceased long ago.
Engineer Armen Cuenca, Cagayan de Oro’s environmental and natural resources chief, said the cave was known to a few villagers to exist “a long time ago” but remained unexplored and free from human activity for a still unknown number of millennia due to its very small opening.
“What is certain is that it has been there for millions of years. It’s alive,” Cuenca said.
A team from the city government and the DENR has been assembled and is set to inspect the cave on Wednesday, July 17.
Roa said he ordered the cave to be cordoned off, and declared it off-limits to the public to prevent potential damage from curious onlookers who quickly trooped in the area upon news of the discovery.
Camba said the cave remains uncharted territory, and both the DENR and local government have yet to assess and map it out to determine how best to manage it.
She cautioned that unauthorized exploration of the cave could lead to disaster.
“We have not conducted a full assessment. We are unaware of the potential hazards,” Camba said.
The local government said it would require strict adherence to national laws prohibiting cave entry.
According to the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), the Conservation and Protection of Wildlife Resources and their Habitats Act mandates the protection of caves as habitats for wildlife and ecosystems.
CLENRO also said the National Caves and Cave Resources Management and Protection Act designates caves as national treasures protected by law.
The law provides that cave locations should not be disclosed for one year following their discovery by the DENR and prevents their classification as tourist or study sites during this period. However, DENR, city government, and barangay officials confirmed that the cave was discovered in Dansolihon.
City hall also cautioned against extraction, possession, or sale of cave items, as well as engaging individuals to procure items from the newly discovered cave. It said such activities are considered offenses with corresponding penalties of imprisonment ranging from two to six years and fines from P20,000 to P500,000. – Rappler.com
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First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos dons 3 stars as newest Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary officer | Bea Cupin | 16/07/2024 19:08 | VOLUNTEER. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joins the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary as Auxiliary Vice Admiral on July 16, 2024.
Philippine Coast Guard
Liza Araneta-Marcos, lawyer and wife to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., just got a new title: Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), or the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s volunteer force.
The First Lady officially joined the PCGA’s Executive Squadron in a ceremony aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang on Tuesday, July 16, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo.
She was bestowed the honorary rank of Auxiliary Vice Admiral, or a 3-star officer of the volunteer force.
“I join the PCG to inspire the men women of the organization as they fulfill its duty to the country,” said the First Lady, in a short release to media from Balilo.
Araneta-Marcos was joined by her son Vincent, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, and PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan, during her donning of rank.
The PCGA is a volunteer non-government organization that follows a “military structure” as it is attached to the PCG. One’s role as a PCGA member is rather vague – and will ultimately be up to an individual.
The PCGA counts as its members celebrity couple Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto.
Balilo said Araneta-Marcos is the first First Lady to join the PCGA’s ranks.
Gavan, in a speech aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang, said the First Lady could help the PCGA since her “mere presence exudes strength and compassion that drive actions and inspire results,” according to a release from the PCG.
The PCG release added: “For her part, Auxiliary Vice Admiral Araneta-Marcos thanked Coast Guardians for ensuring maritime safety and maritime security, as well as upholding the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.”
But will she join PCG voyages to the West Philippine Sea, such as resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal? Balilo, responding to a media inquiry, said the First Lady didn’t say anything about it.
The PCGA is a separate entity from the PCG itself. The PCG, meanwhile, is among the frontline government agencies that’s had to deal with China’s growing aggression in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
It’s the PCG that escorts vessels – be it civilian ships contracted by the Navy or vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – to flashpoints of Philippine-China tensions in the West Philippine Sea. – Rappler.com
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Philippine reps assert dominance in PSL Global Challenge eliminations | Jasmine Payo | 17/07/2024 19:18 | KEY COG. Jaylord Pepito of Cebu’s U18 team has been solid on both ends of the court.
Philippine Super League
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine representatives from the under-16 (Born 2008), U18 (Born 2006) and U20 (Born 2004) divisions each claimed commanding victories in the Philippine Super League (PSL) Global Championship Challenge elimination round on Wednesday, July 17, at the Victoria Sports Club.
Pampanga-Luid Philippines prevailed over GIGG Canada, 95-84, in U16 as Chester Tulabut dropped 21 points and 8 rebounds, and Yujin Peña added 20 points and 8 rebounds.
The Kapampangans, now holding a 2-1 win-loss record, started strong in the second half, fueled by their offensive and defensive adjustments after a lineup change in the third quarter that maximized the speed and spacing on the floor.
Cebu-USJR Philippines dealt U18 New Zealand with a 54-point beatdown, 89-35, as Shaun Grava’s 13 points and Shinrei Menchave’s 10-point, 11-rebound double-double performance steered the unbeaten U18 Philippines to its third win.
In U20, Davao City-NTB Wolves Philippines extended their win streak with a dominant performance over FILCOM Italy Basketball Association, 76-49. It was a masterclass for Davao with their team-oriented system as 14 out of 15 players scored in the game.
John Eimrod Rodulfa led Davao City in points with 10 followed by Jimz Aaron Lulab and Karl Benedict Wood, who scored 8 points each.
North America also saw no loss in each division, claiming commanding wins on Wednesday.
In the U16 division, North America demolished New Zealand in a 40-point blowout, 95-55, behind Christian Corcuera’s 17 points and the team’s quick hands, tallying 28 total steals, to stay unbeaten.
North America nabbed its first win in the U18 after dominating UK, 70-43, with Shayne Gonzales and Gavin Calleja tallying 12 points apiece.
Red-hot Richmond Casino tallied 34 points as he made 12 out of his 16 attempts for North America to win by 19 over GIGG Canada, 107-88, in the U20.
Meanwhile, Don Wayde Basadre’s one-man show helped Thailand pull off a gutsy win over Canada, 67-61, in the U18.
Basadre exploded for 32 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds while shooting with an impressive 80% (12-of-15) from the field.
Thailand, along with Cebu-USJR Philippines, remained unbeaten teams in the U18 division with three wins each.
U20 United Kingdom Kampi Basketball shut the door on any comeback, winning against Fil Nation Select New Zealand, 85-76.
Four players scored double digits for the United Kingdom including Martin Alburo’s 20 points.
The top four teams in each division will advance to the semifinals, where the first seed will face the fourth-ranked squad, while the second seed will match up with the No. 3 team, on Saturday, July 20, at Victoria Sports Club. – Niño Dominic Ronquillo and Jorge Marion Dionisio/Rappler.com
Court 1
Born 2008 Division Game 1
North America 95 – Corcuera 17, Tuason 16, Bungar 14, Albano 14, Versoza 9, Telan 9, Joaquin 7, Cuevas 6, Tiu 3.
New Zealand 55 – Barrenechea 18, Isidro 15, Tamaira 7, Morales 6, Remedios 4, Llanes 3, Losorata 2, Cavan 0, De Manuel 0, Cardinez, 0.
Quarters: 28-13, 47-27, 72-40, 95-55.
Born 2006 Division Game 2
Philippines 89 – Grava 13, Pepito 12, Pasaol 11, Menchave 10, Antig 8, Lozano 6, Narvaez 6, Chua 6, Candia 5, Tan 4, Petillos 3, Gonzales 3, Toring 0, Barrieta 0.
New Zealand 35 -Miguel 13, Moreno 11, Rasalan 4, Rosales 3, Trocio 2, Garrovillo 2, De Roxas 0, Bautista 0, Ranjo 0, Ocampo 0.
Quarters: 26-8, 43-12, 67-25, 89-35.
Born 2006 Division Game 3
Thailand 67 -Basadre 32, Jenodia 14, Soriano 9, Kurihara 7, Lahoylahoy 3, Relente 2, Baltazar 0, Villegas 0, Tadeo 0, Rangel 0.
Canada 61 – Quintos 16, Palacol 14, Joachimbelen 14, Ladines 7, Lee 5, Montero 3, Agua 2, Matibag 0, Borreta 0.
Quarters: 14-16, 37-27, 52-46, 67-61.
Born 2006 Division Game 4
North America 70 – Gonzales 12, Calleja 12, Pascual 10, Matala 9, Williams 8, Salgado 7, Bonado 7, Obukwelu 5, Garciso 0, Villorente 0.
UK 43 – Cendana 9, Torres, 8, Palacpac 7, Capanzana 5, Doclis-Capili 4, Formeloza 4, Villaver, 4, Alburo 2, Castro 0, Hardwick 0.
Court 2
Born 2008 Division Game 1
Philippines 95 -Tulabut 21, Peña 20, Lagman 17, Canapi 10, Zapata 8, Hilot 7, Castro 6, T. Pineda 3, Hugo 2, I. Pineda 1, Cruz 0, Sundiang 0
Canada 84 – Sarsadias 27, Adelantar 18, Dayno 11, Tabisola 10, Langman 6, Martinez 5, Pineda 4, Aguada 3, Macdonald 0
Quarters: 25-23, 40-45, 72-65, 95-84.
Born 2004 Division Game 2
United Kingdom 85 -Alburo 20, Capanzana 16, Gravador 16, Pangilinan 12, Tandang 7, Espiritu 6, Dacusin 4, Formeloza 4, Arriaga 0, Villaver 0, Soberano 0
New Zealand 76 – Lacap 22, Book 21, Nepe 21, Reyes 6, Javines 4, Alan 2, Andrews 0, Beringuel 0, Respuesto 0, Smith 0
Quarters: 18-19, 41-43, 64-57, 85-76.
Born 2004 Division Game 3
Philippines 76 – Rodulfa 10, Balansag 9, Lulab 8, Wood 8, Taray 7, Decin 6, Flores 6, Sollano 5, Bayate 4, Young 4, Uy 3, Adabo 2, Albiendo 2, Marquez 2, Ambuat 0
Italy 49 – Mecha 14, Tria 11, De La Viña 8, Castro 6, Villacarlos 3, Alcaide 2, Arriola 2, Gonzales 2, Estacio 1, Calma 0, Ergino 0, Escalada 0, Flores 0, Peralta 0
Quarters: 23-14, 50-23, 69-36, 76-49.
Born 2004 Division Game 4
North America 107 – Casino 34, Santos 17, Palarca 10, Marabuto 9, Brucal 6, Javier 6, Merchan 6, Obukwelu 6, Perez 6, Alonzo 4, Hines 3
Canada 88 – Brannen 33, Ramos 18, Mansaya 16, Bruan 15, Escalona 3, Lee 2, Mortel 1, Fangonilo 0, Williams 0
Quarters: 24-24, 54-44, 80-65, 107-88.
Niño Dominic Ronquillo and Jorge Marion Dionisio are Rappler interns.
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Philippine reps assert dominance in PSL Global Challenge eliminations | Jasmine Payo | 17/07/2024 19:18 | KEY COG. Jaylord Pepito of Cebu’s U18 team has been solid on both ends of the court.
Philippine Super League
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine representatives from the under-16 (Born 2008), U18 (Born 2006) and U20 (Born 2004) divisions each claimed commanding victories in the Philippine Super League (PSL) Global Championship Challenge elimination round on Wednesday, July 17, at the Victoria Sports Club.
Pampanga-Luid Philippines prevailed over GIGG Canada, 95-84, in U16 as Chester Tulabut dropped 21 points and 8 rebounds, and Yujin Peña added 20 points and 8 rebounds.
The Kapampangans, now holding a 2-1 win-loss record, started strong in the second half, fueled by their offensive and defensive adjustments after a lineup change in the third quarter that maximized the speed and spacing on the floor.
Cebu-USJR Philippines dealt U18 New Zealand with a 54-point beatdown, 89-35, as Shaun Grava’s 13 points and Shinrei Menchave’s 10-point, 11-rebound double-double performance steered the unbeaten U18 Philippines to its third win.
In U20, Davao City-NTB Wolves Philippines extended their win streak with a dominant performance over FILCOM Italy Basketball Association, 76-49. It was a masterclass for Davao with their team-oriented system as 14 out of 15 players scored in the game.
John Eimrod Rodulfa led Davao City in points with 10 followed by Jimz Aaron Lulab and Karl Benedict Wood, who scored 8 points each.
North America also saw no loss in each division, claiming commanding wins on Wednesday.
In the U16 division, North America demolished New Zealand in a 40-point blowout, 95-55, behind Christian Corcuera’s 17 points and the team’s quick hands, tallying 28 total steals, to stay unbeaten.
North America nabbed its first win in the U18 after dominating UK, 70-43, with Shayne Gonzales and Gavin Calleja tallying 12 points apiece.
Red-hot Richmond Casino tallied 34 points as he made 12 out of his 16 attempts for North America to win by 19 over GIGG Canada, 107-88, in the U20.
Meanwhile, Don Wayde Basadre’s one-man show helped Thailand pull off a gutsy win over Canada, 67-61, in the U18.
Basadre exploded for 32 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds while shooting with an impressive 80% (12-of-15) from the field.
Thailand, along with Cebu-USJR Philippines, remained unbeaten teams in the U18 division with three wins each.
U20 United Kingdom Kampi Basketball shut the door on any comeback, winning against Fil Nation Select New Zealand, 85-76.
Four players scored double digits for the United Kingdom including Martin Alburo’s 20 points.
The top four teams in each division will advance to the semifinals, where the first seed will face the fourth-ranked squad, while the second seed will match up with the No. 3 team, on Saturday, July 20, at Victoria Sports Club. – Niño Dominic Ronquillo and Jorge Marion Dionisio/Rappler.com
Court 1
Born 2008 Division Game 1
North America 95 – Corcuera 17, Tuason 16, Bungar 14, Albano 14, Versoza 9, Telan 9, Joaquin 7, Cuevas 6, Tiu 3.
New Zealand 55 – Barrenechea 18, Isidro 15, Tamaira 7, Morales 6, Remedios 4, Llanes 3, Losorata 2, Cavan 0, De Manuel 0, Cardinez, 0.
Quarters: 28-13, 47-27, 72-40, 95-55.
Born 2006 Division Game 2
Philippines 89 – Grava 13, Pepito 12, Pasaol 11, Menchave 10, Antig 8, Lozano 6, Narvaez 6, Chua 6, Candia 5, Tan 4, Petillos 3, Gonzales 3, Toring 0, Barrieta 0.
New Zealand 35 -Miguel 13, Moreno 11, Rasalan 4, Rosales 3, Trocio 2, Garrovillo 2, De Roxas 0, Bautista 0, Ranjo 0, Ocampo 0.
Quarters: 26-8, 43-12, 67-25, 89-35.
Born 2006 Division Game 3
Thailand 67 -Basadre 32, Jenodia 14, Soriano 9, Kurihara 7, Lahoylahoy 3, Relente 2, Baltazar 0, Villegas 0, Tadeo 0, Rangel 0.
Canada 61 – Quintos 16, Palacol 14, Joachimbelen 14, Ladines 7, Lee 5, Montero 3, Agua 2, Matibag 0, Borreta 0.
Quarters: 14-16, 37-27, 52-46, 67-61.
Born 2006 Division Game 4
North America 70 – Gonzales 12, Calleja 12, Pascual 10, Matala 9, Williams 8, Salgado 7, Bonado 7, Obukwelu 5, Garciso 0, Villorente 0.
UK 43 – Cendana 9, Torres, 8, Palacpac 7, Capanzana 5, Doclis-Capili 4, Formeloza 4, Villaver, 4, Alburo 2, Castro 0, Hardwick 0.
Court 2
Born 2008 Division Game 1
Philippines 95 -Tulabut 21, Peña 20, Lagman 17, Canapi 10, Zapata 8, Hilot 7, Castro 6, T. Pineda 3, Hugo 2, I. Pineda 1, Cruz 0, Sundiang 0
Canada 84 – Sarsadias 27, Adelantar 18, Dayno 11, Tabisola 10, Langman 6, Martinez 5, Pineda 4, Aguada 3, Macdonald 0
Quarters: 25-23, 40-45, 72-65, 95-84.
Born 2004 Division Game 2
United Kingdom 85 -Alburo 20, Capanzana 16, Gravador 16, Pangilinan 12, Tandang 7, Espiritu 6, Dacusin 4, Formeloza 4, Arriaga 0, Villaver 0, Soberano 0
New Zealand 76 – Lacap 22, Book 21, Nepe 21, Reyes 6, Javines 4, Alan 2, Andrews 0, Beringuel 0, Respuesto 0, Smith 0
Quarters: 18-19, 41-43, 64-57, 85-76.
Born 2004 Division Game 3
Philippines 76 – Rodulfa 10, Balansag 9, Lulab 8, Wood 8, Taray 7, Decin 6, Flores 6, Sollano 5, Bayate 4, Young 4, Uy 3, Adabo 2, Albiendo 2, Marquez 2, Ambuat 0
Italy 49 – Mecha 14, Tria 11, De La Viña 8, Castro 6, Villacarlos 3, Alcaide 2, Arriola 2, Gonzales 2, Estacio 1, Calma 0, Ergino 0, Escalada 0, Flores 0, Peralta 0
Quarters: 23-14, 50-23, 69-36, 76-49.
Born 2004 Division Game 4
North America 107 – Casino 34, Santos 17, Palarca 10, Marabuto 9, Brucal 6, Javier 6, Merchan 6, Obukwelu 6, Perez 6, Alonzo 4, Hines 3
Canada 88 – Brannen 33, Ramos 18, Mansaya 16, Bruan 15, Escalona 3, Lee 2, Mortel 1, Fangonilo 0, Williams 0
Quarters: 24-24, 54-44, 80-65, 107-88.
Niño Dominic Ronquillo and Jorge Marion Dionisio are Rappler interns.
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TNT, NLEX tap former NBA players for PBA Governors’ Cup | delfin.dioquino editor | 17/07/2024 20:36 | MIDAIR. Darius Days in action for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA G League.
Rio Grande Valley Vipers Instagram page
MANILA, Philippines – MVP teams TNT and NLEX tapped former NBA players as imports in the season-opening PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Tropang Giga acquired the services of Darius Days, while the Road Warriors brought in Myke Henry as they both look to make deep runs after early exits in the two conferences last season.
A product of the LSU Tigers, Days momentarily played for the Houston Rockets in the 2022-2023 season, appearing in four games and averaging 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds.
Spending most of his time with the Houstons’ NBA G League affiliate Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the 24-year-old Days earned All-NBA G League Second Team honors in 2023.
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa said on Wednesday, July 17, that the Tropang Giga initially wanted to bring back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for a third run with the team, but the former Best Import is currently unavailable.
Hollis-Jefferson, who led TNT to its last title, currently plays for the Mets de Guaynabo in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional in Puerto Rico.
“If Darius turns out to be great, then we have a good problem,” said Lastimosa.
Like Days, Henry spent one season in the NBA as he suited up for Memphis Grizzlies in 20 games in 2017-2018 and averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 assists.
Henry, 31, is a well-travelled import who has taken his act to Mexico, Israel, Italy, France, Greece, Poland, and Indonesia.
“Myke’s all-around game and international experience will surely help our team’s campaign next conference,” NLEX wrote on its social media accounts.
The Governors’ Cup, which follows a new format that splits the 12 teams into two groups, will tip off in August. – Rappler.com
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Late second-half rampage tows Strong Group past Malaysia in Jones Cup | Jasmine Payo | 17/07/2024 21:03 | STEPPING UP. Strong Group-Pilipinas guard RJ Abarrientos goes for a shot against Malaysia.
STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – There’s still no stopping Chris McCullough and the rest of Strong Group-Pilipinas in the 2024 William Jones Cup.
Thanks to its massive second-half rampage, Strong Group remained undefeated in four games following an 89-54 annihilation of Malaysia on Wednesday, July 17, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
For the fourth game in a row, McCullough topscored for the Filipinos with 16 points, while Rhenz Abando turned in his finest performance yet of the tournament with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Big men Tajuan Agee and Ange Kouame contributed 12 and 11 points apiece, while Filipino-American guard DJ Fenner poured in 10 for the Philippines.
After seeing its double-digit lead in the first half turn into a one-point disadvantage in the third period, 46-47, Strong Group finished the quarter in style with a fiery 13-1 blast for a 59-48 edge heading into the final frame.
Three consecutive long bombs by RJ Abarrientos, Kouame, and Dave Ildefonso in the early goings of the fourth quarter then ignited a whopping 30-6 Strong Group rally as the Filipinos finished the match with their biggest lead at 35 points.
Abarrientos, the third overall pick in the 2024 PBA Draft, racked up 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Ildefonso, the No. 5 selection in the same draft, finished with 8 markers.
On the other side, Malaysia was led by John Murry, who exploded for 25 points in the losing cause.
Former Ateneo foreign student-athlete Joseph Obasa – who suited up for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 86 – backstopped Murry with 13 points.
Strong Group aims to continue its dominant run when it battles Future Sports USA at 1 pm on Thursday, July 18.
The Filipinos are currently tied with Chinese Taipei-Blue at the top spot with an identical 4-0 slate.
The team with the best record at the end of the single round-robin tournament brings home the elusive title.
Philippines 89 – McCullough 16, Abando 14, Agee 12, Fenner 12, Kouame 11, Abarrientos 9, Ildefonso 8, Heading 4, Ravena 3, Ynot 2, Chiu 0.
Malaysia 54 – Murry 25, Obasa 13, Bosango 6, Hou 3, Wong 3, Ting 2, Kuek 2, Yiang 0, Lee 0, Zi Fueng 0, Lee 0, Ragu 0.
Quarters: 21-11, 40-36, 59-48, 89-54.
– Rappler.com
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MPL Philippines return? OhMyV33nus, Wise join Aurora after Blacklist exit | delfin.dioquino editor | 17/07/2024 21:58 | NEW SQUAD. OhMyV33nus and Wise begin a new chapter in their careers as they join Aurora.
Aurora MLBB Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines – Is VeeWise back to the pro scene?
Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario intrigued fans of a Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines return after joining Aurora Gaming, the team announced on Tuesday, July 16.
The move came after the inseparable duo ended a fruitful four-year stint with Blacklist International highlighted by multiple titles.
VeeWise led Blacklist to MPL Philippines crowns in Seasons 7, 8, and 10, and helped the organization capture the Mobile Legends M3 World Championship in 2021.
OhMyV33nus and Wise have been inactive for over a year since powering Blacklist to a runner-up finish in the Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup.
Aside from OhMyV33nus and Wise, stars Edward “Edward” Dapadap, Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, and Salic “Hadji” Imam also left Blacklist.
Founded in 2022, Aurora – which has headquarters in Serbia and Malaysia – has grown into a prominent esports organization, having teams in Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, and Warcraft.
Aurora replaces Minana EVOS as MPL Philippines’ eighth team.
“With mobile esports’ brightest stars, the royal duo Ohmyv33nus and Wise Gaming joining our Aurora Gaming Company, there are a plethora of reasons to be excited about the future,” said Aurora in a statement.
Aurora said it will announce its Season 14 roster on July 27. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Philippines vs USA – Jones Cup 2024 | Jasmine Payo | 18/07/2024 12:45 | MANILA, Philippines – Strong Group-Pilipinas preserved its flawless record in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan after a 112-90 drubbing of USA behind another stellar performance from Chris McCullough on Thursday, July 18.
McCullough unloaded 24 points on top of 18 rebounds and 7 assists as Strong Group hiked its record to 5-0, winning by at least 20 points for the fourth time.
Tajuan Agee backstopped McCullough with 19 points, while the rest of the local cast also delivered in the victory that saw Strong Group pull away in the second half.
USA pulled level at 62-62 early in the third quarter before Strong Group ended the period on a 27-14 run for an 89-76 lead, which ballooned to as big as 22 points.
RJ Abarrientos fired 17 points, Jordan Heading added 11 points, while Ange Kouame and Allen Liwag chimed in 10 points apiece.
On the heels of its most dominant victory, Strong Group-Pilipinas aims to continue its winning ways in the 2024 William Jones Cup when it tangles with Future Sports USA on Thursday, July 18.
Riding on a well-balanced attack, Strong Group dealt Malaysia a massive 35-point beating, 89-54, on Wednesday, July 17, to hike its spotless record to 4-0.
Four players scored in twin-digits for the Philippines in the blowout win, led by Chris McCullough’s 16.
Former Gilas Pilipinas high-flyer Rhenz Abando stepped up big with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Tajuan Agee, Ange Kouame, and DJ Fenner had 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
With the Philippines just four wins away from reclaiming the gold medal it last won in 2019, look for McCullough to show the way for Strong Group once more as they lock horns with a struggling Future Sports USA crew, which fell to a disappointing 1-4 record on Wednesday.
McCullough has led Strong Group in scoring in all their four matches so far in the tournament, averaging 20.5 points per outing.
Game time is 1 pm. – Rappler.com
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From Sulu to Burgos, the Marines’ Fourth Brigade comes home | Bea Cupin | 19/07/2024 20:45 | MARINE DRILLS. Personnel of the 4th Marine Brigade execute a live fire exercise with their American counterparts as observers in mid-June 2024.
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ILOCOS NORTE, Philippines – For most military officers, homecomings happen after decades of service, when they’re finally ready or required to don their rank one last time.
But for Brigadier General Vicente Blanco III, commander of the 4th Marine Brigade, the homecoming came early and twice over. Just as he earned his first star in late 2021, Blanco prepared for a major task, moving the brigade from the country’s southernmost to its northernmost frontier.
“This should have happened a long time ago, after the World War. You should have seen your Marines, your Army forces, here in this part of the region,” Blanco told reporters in mid-June, as the 4th Marine Brigade wrapped up a live fire exercise in its headquarters in Camp Cape Bojeadorm, Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
The Marines have slowly but surely made their home in the sleepy town of Burgos.
Blanco, a native of Ilocos Norte, has been in charge of transforming the area.
After over six years in Sulu, the brigade arrived in Burgos in late 2022. Back then, there was nothing much but an irregular oval lined with stones, and a vast span of land that was used sporadically as temporary encampments of the different services in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Today, the 4th Marine Brigade is a hub of activity.
The first thing that catches your eye, after entering its threshold, is a display of long-decommissioned and retired AFP assets – howitzers from World War II, the Air Force’s once-majestic F-5s, military trucks made in the Philippines, and even old V150s similar to the ones Blanco used in his younger years as a Marine.
Beside the tourist-friendly military park is an obstacle course constructed during Balikatan 2023 – a joint effort of the Philippine and US Marines. Left of the park is a multipurpose hall, the Marines’ barracks, and a small driving range.
The rock-lined oval is much-improved: it’s now regularly shaped, and its perimeter paved with concrete. Two concrete bleachers flank the oval from the left – funded by nearby local government units. Two more were being constructed when Rappler was in the camp, this time funded by Ilocos-based business.
Most of the structures have been built through the support of the President’s son, Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander Araneta Marcos III.
It hasn’t been a bad two years at all for Blanco and his men – in their (and his) grand homecoming. But putting together a military park that brings in tourists obviously isn’t the main goal of this Marine Brigade.
What comes with moving from Luuk Town in Sulu to Burgos in Ilocos Norte is the relearning of “old” tricks.
“Territorial defense is supposedly our number one task. It so happened that for the past many decades, your Marines have been in the south, [focusing on] counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism. It’s like nakalimutan na namin ‘yung number one task namin (It’s like we forgot our number one task), which is territorial defense operations,” explained Blanco.
For years, most of the AFP Marines, especially, had been deployed to provinces where the Philippines battled Asia’s longest communist insurgency and terror threats in parts of Mindanao.
“As of now, hindi na kami kailangan doon ngayon (we’re no longer needed there) for counter-terrorism purposes. So we were deployed here for that purpose—to establish a credible territorial defense,” he added.
The 4th Marine Brigade, after all, was born in Sulu. In 2019, it was activated following the deactivation of the Philippine Marine Corps Ready Force-Sulu. A year later, in December 2020, the 4th Marine Brigade went from a provisional to a regular brigade of the Marine Corps.
From September to November 2022, the entire brigade finally moved into its new home in Ilocos Norte.
Blanco will readily admit that this has not been easy—for reasons opposite their American counterparts’ transition from wars in the Middle East to littoral warfare.
The move from Luuk to Burgos means they now have an even more vast area to worry about.
“When you talk of Sulu, when you talk of Mindanao, these are small unit operations, counter-terrorism. But when we talk of territorial defense operations, you transition into a sort of a conventional warfare wherein you talk of larger formations. So, it was not really easy for us to transition,” he said.
All is calm in the northern front, for now, at least. Blanco, as all other residents of Ilocos Norte, or Apayao, or Cagayan, or Batanes, hope it’ll stay calm forever.
But the tall and tanned Marine general said they’re ready for what may come.
“We are always prepared. Our battle cry is ‘the most ready force.’ We look at ourselves as the contingency and the national government look at us also as the most preferred [unit] to be used or to be utilized for such contingency,” he added.
As the sun sets and the temperature finally cools over Camp Cape Bojeador, a new wave of tourists arrives to explore and take photos of the military park. A day after the drills with the US Marines as observers, the camp hosted a static display of both Marine Corps’ assets—from their firearms to the different vehicles the Marines use to bring troops around.
Blanco set up a similar park in Sulu. The goal is the same—to bring the community closer to the Marines and the AFP.
“It’s their first time to see a large formation of military troops. Welcoming naman ‘yung mga taga-Ilocos (Those from Ilocos are welcoming), but to have a more appreciative view of the military, it’s not there. But their heroes are there. Many from Northern Luzon sacrificed their lives. So we endeavor to bring that education here in the military park,” he explained.
Taiwan as a flashpoint for tensions in the region occupies Blanco’s mind. From Cape Bojeador, Taiwan’s southernmost point, Cape Eluanbi, is less than 400 kilometers away. In contrast, the 4th Marine Brigade is almost 450 kilometers away from the Marine Corps headquarters in Taguig City.
“The tension in Taiwan is… we are also concerned as your Armed Forces. We are preparing for any eventualities that may arise. You can say it—it’s [because of] the distance. Malapit lang ‘yung Taiwan (Taiwan is so near). And we need to prepare for it, not necessarily to join the fight,” he explained.
Blanco explained that being prepared for conflict in areas north of the Philippines also means preparing for humanitarian action.
“When you see us carrying equipment, loading equipment in our trucks, in our helicopters, doing the amphibious landing, this can be a transition for other operations also. And as far as we are concerned, the tension in Taiwan, if that happens, we will be more concerned about how to assist the Filipinos in Taiwan,” he said.
But as easily as he talks about Taiwan, Blanco is also quick to put China out of the equation, especially when he’s asked about the bilateral drills with their American counterparts. He said these drills are “part and parcel” of any military’s development, on top of acting as a detterence to would-be trouble seekers.
“We are not even thinking of China whenever we do exercises or training,” he said.
It’s not just the Filipinos who are going through a reeducation.
Rommel Ong, a retired Navy rear admiral, told Rappler in a March 2024 interview that the Indo-Pacific Command, the US unified command that covers most of Asia, including the waters surrounding the Philippines, is “testing” its littoral warfare capabilities.
“They have redesigned the Marine Corps, from a conventional force to a literal force,” he said.
Ong explained that for the Americans, this means ditching the conventional “heavy formation” to a more mobile and agile infantry that can be deployed to, say, islands to defend sea lanes.
It’s a convergence of relearning that makes drills especially important for both sides of the decades-old Philippine-US treaty alliance.
“Bumabalik sila doon sa…core nila, operating in islands. Bumabalik sila doon,” Ong added. (They are returning to their core, operating in islands. That’s what they are returning to.)
The 4th Marine Brigades’ transfer comes as the AFP pivots to external defense—a shift that was articulated in the Marcos administration’s National Security Plan and which will be fleshed out through the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, a sweeping plan that ought to lay out how the country can defend and secure all its maritime zones.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., an Ilokano just like Blanco, has said that should conflict break out in Taiwan, it would be “very hard to imagine a scenario where the Philippines will not somehow get involved.”
In Singapore, when a Chinese general implied that Philippine actions in the South China Sea are putting regional peace at risk by bringing in other countries into the mix, Marcos posited that there’s “no such thing as a regional issue any longer.” The Philippines has been upping defense ties not only with the US, but with countries like Japan and Australia, too, among others.
Marcos was specifically alluding to the West Philippine Sea, where Philippine-China tensions have been rising steadily over Beijing’s sweeping claim of those waters. But he could as well have been talking about other flashpoints in the region, Taiwan included.
Marines—although from a different unit—are also in the forefront of tensions in the West Philippine Sea, under the Western Command. It’s Marines under WESCOM who man the BRP Sierra Madre, a flashpoint for tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Inside the multipurpose hall, one of the more prominent buildings inside the camp, is a sparse stage lined with green carpet and a podium bearing the Marine Corps insignia.
It’s backdropped by a map of the area under the Northern Luzon Command’s responsibility.
A straight line—the 18th parallel—cuts across Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Cagayan “…that none shall cross the 18th parallel unscathed,” reads a quote, in all caps, across the map.
NOLCOM, which the 4th Marine Brigade is now under, covers a large area of the country—the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon. Key features in the West Philippine Sea—Scarborough Shoal and the Philippine Rise—are also under its charge.
Blanco has often visited the province of Batanes, the northernmost of all northernmost provinces in the Philippines facing the Taiwan Strait.
“We were supposed to be here since yesterday. Pero ngayon lang na-implement ‘to (But it was only implemented now). And in doing so, we need to, again, babalikan namin ‘yung (we are returning to) different doctrines, a different way of doing things,” he said.
At a time when shifts in geopolitics happen faster and faster, the 4th Marine Brigade’s re-education, to borrow Blanco’s words, needed to happen yesterday.
The contingency force is here to stay, as Blanco touches base with his roots and as he establishes the 4th Marine Brigade’s new Ilokano roots in Burgos. Two years in, even as the realities of a new role sink in, it’s not so bad of a homecoming after all. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night | No author found | 20/07/2024 15:40 | Who will be the next Miss World Philippines titleholder?
The Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant sees 35 women competing in the hopes of succeeding Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned Miss World Philippines in June 2022.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines crown, two other titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism.
Meanwhile, Miss World CEO and chairperson Julia Morley and Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova will also grace the crowning ceremony.
Coronation night is happening on Friday, July 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Bookmark and refresh this page for updates! – Rappler.com
‘WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY, I KNOW I WILL GO PLACES’ Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano cites the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/EdsJLMSsXY pic.twitter.com/Riklh02afn
Miss Philippines Tourism 2024 Patricia Bianca Tapia brings her advocacy of inclusive education to the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 stage. Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q1qtekdbWi pic.twitter.com/YZiDtBfJS6
Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024 Dia Mate says she draws strength from her family who taught her that kindness can help build a better world. #MissWorldPhilippines2024Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q5bqMZgt1u pic.twitter.com/hIg6EYe2KY
Miss Multinational Philippines 2024 Nikki Buenafe shares her experience with low self-esteem and how she overcame it. Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/AqENssSOQQ pic.twitter.com/6tkqbiQfam
'WE AS HUMANS, WE SHOULD EVOLVE TOO'Newly crowned #MissWorldPhilippines2024 Krishnah Gravidez highlights the importance of pageants in promoting one's advocacies. FULL STORY: https://t.co/9rsRFLCcy2 pic.twitter.com/jVZkvgQo6O
OUR NEW WORLD QUEEN IS HERE! 👑BREAKING. Baguio City's Krishnah Marie Gravidez is crowned as #MissWorldPhilippines2024. She is the first queen to wear the new "Ray of Hope" crown. Congratulations! Story to follow on https://t.co/UCYSte5Chi pic.twitter.com/MuIp3vTLVz
Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss Supranational Philippines 2022 Alison Black, and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 Michelle Arceo take their final walk in the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: CignalLIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/5fSDTPpvGA pic.twitter.com/BvCMjyQs6u
Johnoy Danao serenades the Mall of Asia Arena crowd with his performance of "Ikaw At Ako" during the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: Cignal LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/wxeeEjttRW pic.twitter.com/2pHMZfj96h | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/updates-miss-world-philippines-2024-coronation-night/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2OxdzimQHXp8peGb-wZ4AUPMeyKi6SJLO14dMG1mseKtjZNyImqYm-MKA_aem_0oJbQXcD6uq5GwVhWQX8ug | Credible |
AT A GLANCE: Delegates topping the Miss World Philippines 2024 fast-track events | Russell Ku | 17/07/2024 15:22 | MANILA, Philippines – Before a new Miss World Philippines is crowned on Friday, July 19, the 35 candidates vying for the title participated in various activities for a chance to earn a semifinal spot in the pageant.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 title, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. Here are the finalists for each event.
– with graphics by Andoy Edoria/Rappler.com
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Strong Group cruises to 6th straight win, secures top 2 in Jones Cup | Jasmine Payo | 19/07/2024 17:13 | BOARD BATTLE. Strong Group-Pilipinas’ Chris McCullough (right) and Geo Chiu battle for the rebound against Japan in the Jones Cup.
STRONG GROUP-PILIPINAS/JONES CUP
MANILA, Philippines – Despite missing three of its key players, Strong Group-Pilipinas remained unbeaten in the 2024 William Jones Cup with a 92-79 romp of Japan’s under-22 team on Friday, July 19, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
Playing in their sixth game in seven days, the Filipinos were without Rhenz Abando and Ange Kouame due to minor injuries and American import Tajuan Agee due to illness.
Still, the Filipinos led the Japanese from start to finish as they clinched a top-two finish in the single round-robin tournament with a 6-0 slate.
Strong Group super import Chris McCullough dropped a game-high 26 points on an efficient 12-of-17 field goal clip, while Filipino-American guard DJ Fenner added 17 points.
With the Philippines leading by only 4 points at the end of the first quarter, 22-18, Fenner provided a huge spark off the bench in the second period as he unloaded 11 of his 17 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting to help Strong Group enjoy a 54-36 cushion at halftime.
Former Gilas Pilipinas guards Jordan Heading and Kiefer Ravena continued their steady play for Strong Group with 11 and 9 points, respectively, while big man Geo Chiu stepped up in the absence of Kouame and Agee with 8 points and 7 rebounds.
Hiyuu Ozawa topscored for the Japanese with 17 points built on five long bombs, while John Harper, Ryosuke Saeki, and Ryosei Saito all had 10 markers each.
Already assured of a silver medal, Strong Group takes on Chinese Taipei-White in its penultimate game on Saturday, July 19, before its highly anticipated clash with fellow undefeated Chinese Taipei-Blue the next day.
The team with the best record at the end of the tournament brings home the championship.
Strong Group 92 – McCullough 26, Fenner 17, Heading 11, Ravena 9, Chiu 8, Abarrientos 5, Tiongson 4, Ynot 4, Liwag 4, Ildefonso 2, Manalili 2.
Japan 79 – Ozawa 17, Harper 10, Saeki 10, Sato 10, Kibayashi 9, Hasegawa 5, Kurokawa 3, Buto 3, Watanabe 2, Asai 2, Arai 2.
Quarters: 22-18, 54-36, 70-55, 92-79.
– Rappler.com
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Doctors, healthcare workers urge Marcos to fix PhilHealth fund transfer issue | Kaycee | 19/07/2024 18:11 | Members of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) process transactions at PhilHealth National Capital Region Central Branch in Quezon City, on September 26, 2023.
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MANILA, Philippines – Doctors are knocking on the doors of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to undo a Department of Finance (DOF) directive to transfer P89.9 billion worth of excess funds from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury.
“Hinihiling namin na itong tinatawag na excess fund, kung totoo man na may excess fund, [ay] palawakin ‘nyo ang coverage ng PhilHealth insurance natin sa mga sakit ng mamamayang Pilipino,” Maricar Limpin, former president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said in a press conference on Friday, July 19.
(We are asking that this so-called excess fund, if it’s true that there’s an excess fund, be used to expand PhilHealth’s insurance coverage to other illnesses suffered by Filipinos.)
“You are the only one who can prevent this, Mr. President, and we believe that you will find ways to find solutions to this particular problem,” she added.
Over 60 professional medical and healthcare organizations signed the letter to the President, whom they hope will address the issue at his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22. If the President does not, the groups are looking to file a petition before the Supreme Court questioning the legality of the DOF directive.
Groups noted that the funds “could have been used for the health care of individuals in need of financial aid” instead of being transferred to the government’s coffers.
63 professional organizations from the healthcare sector are calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prevent the diversion of P89.9 billion worth of Philhealth funds to the National Treasury. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/yKkGnjsGxT
The plea comes after the Department of Finance (DOF) ordered to transfer excess funds from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) to help finance the government’s unprogrammed funds, which is essentially the country’s standby funds for programs that are not specifically stated in the government’s budget.
PhilHealth gets money through member contributions and covers indigent Filipinos through subsidies from the government. “Parang alkansya ‘yan ng taumbayan, ambagan tayo diyan (It’s like the nation’s coinbank, we all contribute there),” said Antonio Dans, president of the Asia Pacific Center for Evidence-based Healthcare.
The DOF said on Monday, July 15, that the funds being transferred are unused government subsidies. PhilHealth acting vice president Rey Baleña also clarified that the funds do not include contributions from paying members of the state insurer.
However, doctors and healthcare workers argue that the DOF’s directive still violates Section 11 of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act (RA 11223), which provides that “no portion of the reserve fund or income thereof shall accrue to the general fund of the National Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations.”
Under the UHC, excess or reserve funds should be used to increase PhilHealth benefit coverages, on top of cutting costs for contributing members. Should there still be extra funds, PhilHealth is mandated to put these into “investments.”
Doctors and health professionals also highlighted that the fund transfer of unused government subsidies essentially sets aside indigent Filipinos. “Doing so will inadvertently lay the burden of health care entirely on the shoulders of formal payors, many of whom are in need of help themselves.” (READ: [OPINION] Just one medical bill away from hell)
If Marcos were to snub their plea, the groups hope to bring the issue to the High Court.
“Kung pipigilan niya kaagad, wala na tayong basis dyan para sabihin na unconstitutional,” said Bu Castro, former president of the Philippine Medical Association. “Kung wala pa rin at nandiyan pa rin ‘yung pag transfer, then wala kaming choice kundi mag-file [ng petition] after the SONA.”
(If he were to already stop the transfer, then we won’t have any baasis to say that the action was unconstitutional. But if there would be inaction and the transfer would continue, then we don’t have a choice but to file a petition after the SONA.)
The groups clarified, however, that they are not pinning the blame on PhilHealth management, but rather “PhilHealth as a corporation.”
“Isa sa aming proposed solutions na systemic solution ay magkaroon ng independent benefit development agency kasi d’yan tayo naiiwan,” Dans said.
(One of our proposed systemic solutions is to have an independent benefit development agency because that’s where we’re lagging)
While the UHC essentially expands insurance coverage to all Filipinos — whether or not they are registered members — doctors noted that patients still pay an average of 50% of their hospital bills, a luxury not all Filipinos have.
Doctors also pointed out that PhilHealth does not cover all illnesses and patient care needed.
“Philhealth’s P400 billion worth of unspent funds should not be tagged as ‘excess’ funds because they are a result of Philhealth’s inefficiency,” their statement read. The groups are calling for reforms in the state insurer’s system to make the most out of the “excess” funds: pic.twitter.com/eTNrA4Z3PD
PhilHealth’s Baleña said the agency is looking to further expand packages this year, in line with the approved benefit plan in 2023, but doctors want to bring down out-of-pocket costs for patients as soon as possible.
“It’s very technical,” Dans said. “Kulang ang tao natin sa PhilHealth para diyan kaya ang proposal namin pansamantala tumawag sa mga research, academic institute, kapit-bisig tayo (PhilHealth lacks the manpower for that so that’s why we suggest reaching out to research, academic institutions, let’s all work together).” – Rappler.com
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FACT CHECK: KOJC lawyer wrongfully denies Quiboloy’s status as a fugitive | Ailla Dela Cruz | 19/07/2024 20:15 | Claim: Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy is technically not a fugitive from justice because there is no official court conviction and the charges against him are still under question.
Why we fact-checked this: The YouTube video bearing the claim was posted on June 16 by a YouTube channel with 775,000 subscribers. As of writing, it has 36,552 views, 1,100 likes, and 342 comments.
The video shows KOJC lawyer Israelito Torreon in a June 12 interview with journalist Ed Lingao on One News. Torreon said Quiboloy, who faces arrest orders for child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and a non-bailable human trafficking case, is technically not a fugitive from justice because the court has not yet convicted him. Additionally, he said that Quiboloy’s indictment was still under question because his legal team has filed a motion for reconsideration, petitioning that the court ruling is erroneous and improper.
The facts: In Marquez, Jr. vs. COMELEC promulgated on April 18, 1995, the Supreme Court said “‘fugitive from justice’ includes not only those who flee after conviction to avoid punishment but likewise those who, after being charged, flee to avoid prosecution.”
The Court added: “The definition thus indicates that the intent to evade is the compelling factor that animates one’s flight from a particular jurisdiction. And obviously, there can only be an intent to evade prosecution or punishment when there is knowledge by the fleeing subject of an already instituted indictment, or of a promulgated judgment of conviction.”
The KOJC leader has remained at large since a Davao court ordered his arrest for alleged sex trafficking in March, followed by an arrest warrant issued by the Pasig Regional Trial Court over human trafficking charges. A manhunt has been ongoing since April as Quiboloy evades these arrest warrants, with the preacher refusing to surrender and saying he will “not be caught alive.” A P15-million reward is being offered for information on Quiboloy’s whereabouts.
Motion for reconsideration: According to the Supreme Court, a motion for reconsideration refers to a legal petition filed “to convince the court that its ruling is erroneous and improper, contrary to the law or the evidence.”
Quiboloy’s lawyers have filed a motion for reconsideration asking the Department of Justice to reconsider the filing of charges against the preacher. As of writing, there has been no resolution on the motion, and the charges against him stay.
Aside from being wanted by Philippine courts, Quiboloy is also on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought Church members to the US using fraudulent visas, among other offenses. (READ: FAST FACTS: Who is Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the ‘Appointed Son of God’?) – Luis Garcia/Rappler.com
Luis Garcia is a research volunteer at Rappler. He is an incoming fourth-year BS Economics student at the University of the Philippines Diliman. This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.
Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.
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LISTEN: #MarcosYear2 wrapped | Vixey Marie | 19/07/2024 17:07 | All eyes and ears are on the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22.
Two years into Marcos’ presidency, key issues such as inflation, agriculture, climate change, public healthcare, independent foreign policy, and the West Philippine Sea dispute continue to impact the lives of the Filipinos.
How well has the Marcos administration addressed these challenges?
Rappler curated a playlist featuring songs that social media users referenced to assess how the Marcos administration fared, two years after he took office.
Marcos himself is known for his love of music. This became evident to the public when he spared no effort or privilege and used a chopper to avoid traffic and arrive in time for the concert of British band Coldplay.
When criticized for his actions, he defended himself by saying, “By now, you would have known, I’m a music lover, I have been for a long time. I studied music for many years. And to have somebody like Coldplay, that’s unmissable, cannot miss.”
He also organized concert-like events from time to time. For instance, on January 28, 2024, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) spent at least P16.4 million for the “Bagong Pilipinas” rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
On June 12, the Marcos administration staged the “Musikalayaan” concert at the same venue to mark Independence Day.
Also in June, Malacañang mandated government agencies and schools nationwide to recite the “Bagong Pilipinas (A New Philippines)” hymn and pledge during weekly flag ceremonies.
Marcos appears to understand how music can convey messages and shape public sentiments.
Which song would you add to the Marcos Year 2 playlist? – Rappler.com
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Executive takes back control of Cagayan de Oro water firm, bars LWUA appointees | Herbie G | 19/07/2024 16:04 | ANSWER. Engineer Antonio Young, general manager of Cagayan de Oro Water District, answers queries from a city hall fact-finding committee on Wednesday, March 13, about the water supply situation in the city.
Cagayan de Oro City Information Office
CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Sidelined by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the general manager of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) took back control of the water utility firm on Thursday afternoon, July 18.
Engineer Antonio Young, COWD general manager, also ordered the interim officers designated by LWUA to replace him and COWD board members barred from the upper levels of the water district building.
Young broke his weeks of silence as he reclaimed his office from Fermin Jarales, LWUA’s designated COWD interim general manager for six months, amid cheers from water district workers.
He invoked a legal opinion from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the LWUA takeover, and the city council’s position against the LWUA intervention as among the bases for his decision to reassume as COWD general manager.
Young had his office, padlocked by Jarales, forced open while his supporters, many of whom came from the workers’ picket lines outside, cheered.
He said the interim officers would no longer have access to the upper floors of the COWD building, and he had the padlock of his office changed to prevent Jarales from entering.
“It is clear that the takeover implemented by the LWUA has no basis,” Young told Rappler on Friday, July 19.
He cited a letter from the Commission on Audit (COA), which, he said, gave him the confidence to assert his position.
On June 28, Young wrote to COA, questioning Jarales’s appointment as a primary signatory for voucher disbursements up to P10 million, which require interim board approval for larger amounts.
COA responded, citing a memorandum circular which provides that “only permanently appointed officials shall be designated as disbursing officers,” among other guidelines pertaining to cash advances.
Rappler sought comments from Jarales, but he has yet to respond as of posting time.
Meanwhile, Young said he wanted to return to the negotiating table with Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated (COBI), a bulk water supplier controlled by business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, over a still unresolved debt dispute exceeding P400 million. The corporate dispute was what triggered a series of events, including a brief water supply crisis in the city, which led to the LWUA takeover.
For COBI, the interim officials installed by LWUA still have the authority unless they withdraw from the COWD or are removed by a court.
Roberto Rodrigo, senior legal counsel for Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Water, which controls COBI, said they received a notice from COWD indicating that all correspondence from COBI should now be addressed to Young.
Asked if they would comply, Rodrigo said COBI has no basis to do so, and the firm’s position has been communicated to the COWD.
“The city council resolution they cited is merely a request to the interim board and LWUA to recognize the DOJ opinion. It does not revoke the authority of LWUA or the interim board,” Rodrigo told Rappler on Friday.
He said COBI would remain open to negotiations, but only with the “correct people.”
Before the takeover, COWD and COBI’s dispute was left unresolved despite several meetings, even with LWUA involved. This led to a temporary water supply disconnection in the city on May 14, a crisis that caught the attention of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. He then directed the provincial water districts regulator to consider a takeover. – Rappler.com
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Court of Appeals convicts mastermind in killing of Korean Jee Ick Joo | Jairo Bolledo | 19/07/2024 19:47 | SLAIN. File photo of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-Joo.
Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) has convicted a cop over the killing of Korean Jee Ick Joo at the height of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war in 2017.
The country’s appellate court reversed the acquittal of Police Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Dumlao III, the mastermind behind the Korean’s killing, the Supreme Court (SC) said on Friday, July 19. The SC said the CA’s 13th Division granted the petition for certiorari filed by prosecutors, which sought to nullify the decision of Angeles City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court Branch 60 that acquitted the cop.
Dumlao was sanctioned with the following:
Along with Dumlao, other suspects – Police Chief Master Sergeant Ricky Sta. Isabel and Police Executive Master Sergeant Roy Villegas, former National Bureau of Investigation agent Jerry Omlang, and Gerardo Santiago – were earlier charged for Jee’s kidnapping and killing. The Korean was killed inside Camp Crame, the Philippine National Police’s national headquarters, and was later cremated.
In June 2023, the local court convicted Sta. Isabel and Omlang for homicide and kidnapping. They were also convicted of carnapping, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention of Jee’s helper. However, the same court acquitted Dumlao after ruling that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The CA, in its decision, said it found that the local court gravely abused its discretion by “misapprehension of facts” when it rendered its decision on the case. The CA said the proceedings were “a sham and an apparent mockery of the judicial process” because the cop’s acquittal was a “foregone conclusion and in total disregard of the evidence.”
The CA added that the local court’s decision was in contrast to the witnesses’ testimony. The appellate court added that the RTC decision rendered the prosecution’s evidence “inutile” and blatantly abused its discretion “to a point so grave as to deprive it of its very power to dispense justice.”
“The Court of Appeals found the RTC’s ruling patently conflicting and irreconcilable with the facts it discussed in its Joint Decision. It erred in brushing aside the circumstantial evidence by the prosecution, which is sufficient by itself to support a judgment of conviction and could have galvanized Dumlao’s culpability,” the CA said.
Jee was strangled to death allegedly by the police assigned to the then-Anti-Illegal Drugs Group. His death became one of the biggest controversies the police faced since the launch of Duterte’s bloody drug war because the Korean died at the hands of cops. The Philippine National Police chief at the time was now-Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
According to the police, the South Korean businessman was killed to “silence” him about the alleged police extortion of Koreans in Angeles City. Jee’s death triggered the first suspension of the war on drugs back in early 2017.
After the Pampanga court absolved Dumlao, the prosecutors asked the court to reconsider its decision and convict the mastermind as well. However, the RTC denied the motion, prompting the prosecutors to file the certiorari petition with the CA.
As a legal remedy, certiorari is used to review grave abuse of discretion or simply to seek a review of another body’s decision on a case. Acquittal in a case is final and cannot be appealed because it would result in double jeopardy, a constitutional rule that prevents a person from being under jeopardy of being punished twice for the same offense.
What the prosecutors did was to take the much harder path, which was to prove, through a certiorari petition, that the lower court erred in its ruling. The SC said this is among the exceptions that can be used to challenge an acquittal without violating the Constitution.
“This is strictly limited to instances where there is a violation of the prosecution’s right to due process, such as being denied the opportunity to present evidence, when the trial is a sham, or when there is a mistrial that renders the judgment of acquittal void,” the High Court explained.
Meanwhile, the conviction of Sta. Isabel and Omlang still stands because the certiorari petition only covered Dumlao, SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting confirmed to reporters. – Rappler.com
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At FIDMarseille, Khavn pumps new life into Rizal’s unfinished novel | jreyes0314 | 19/07/2024 17:15 | Khavn
Khavn has long been meaning to reimagine, put to the screen, and sort of complete José Rizal’s unfinished third novel, Makamisa, since reading around 1992 historian Ambeth Ocampo’s book about its discovery.
“During that time, I wanted to make a rock opera adaptation inspired by [Luigi] Pirandello, but fate had other plans,” he tells Rappler.
This, until he received an invitation to write and direct a staging, the mouthful SMAK! SuperMacho AntiKristo: A Headless 100-Act Opera To Avenge All Bicycles Of The Universe According to Jarry & Rizal, for Berlin’s Volksbühne theater in 2019.
“I took this as a sign to revive my dream of finishing Rizal’s magnum opus,” he says. “The seminal idea of SMAK! is to fuse Rizal who died in 1896 and the father of surrealist subversion Alfred Jarry whose masterpiece Ubu Roi premiered in 1896. Rizal’s Makamisa is my response to Jarry’s Ubu trilogy.”
Such fixation led to Makamisa: Phantasm of Revenge, Khavn’s latest film and entry in the main competition section of this year’s FIDMarseille, chiefly a documentary film festival in France, where Lav Diaz’s seven-hour epic Isang Salaysay ng Karahasang Pilipino also had its debut two years ago.
Makamisa, a hand-colored silent film, had its world premiere in June. Says FIDMarseille programmer and film critic Nicolas Feodoroff, the film is “part pamphlet, part historical saga, part intimate novel, [and] part parable” that mines “the agonies and torments of a malevolent priest (Khavn himself) and Rizal the poet as they vie for the favors of a poor woman, Crazy Sisa.”
It is Khavn’s collaboration with John Lloyd Cruz (playing Rizal and Simoun) and German actress Lilith Stangenberg (playing Sisa and Josephine Bracken), “egoless” artists, as the Filipino director describes them.
“They came on the set possessed by their characters,” Khavn says. “As you will see in the film, both of them gave their all, not just their hearts but also their intestines. They surprised me in every single scene.”
Khavn notes further that two films set to come out soon will serve as companion pieces to Makamisa. “One is the 10-hour black-and-white silent film El Demonio de las Comparaciones. The other is Pomeglycerina, a found footage feature akin to Nitrate and National Anarchist that also utilizes hard-to-find archival material,” he says.
Here, Khavn shares the gestation period of Makamisa and why he gravitates to the revolutionary hero.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
We were still reeling from the world premiere of Makbetamaximus: Theater of Destruction at International Film Festival Rotterdam last January, where festival director Vanja Kaludjercic lauded us for creating this mindfuck of a Macbeth deconstruction — “Better than Joel Coen’s!” — when our German co-producer Stephan Holl told us the good news that Makamisa: Phantasm of Revenge was officially selected for the main competition of FIDMarseille, similar to Isang Salaysay ng Karahasang Pilipino by Pugot Brocka aka Lav Diaz two years ago.
Finally! A film I’ve been dreaming of since the 19th century! A hand-colored fake-but-genuine 1920s (proto-)surrealist silent film will be born and see the light of the projector.
This postcolonial project starts with the premise that surrealism was born in the Philippines via a Filipino polymath neighbor of Jose Rizal. It’s always fun and funny to premiere more than one feature in a year. We shot this in December 2021, during the longest lockdown in the world. The German actress Lilith Stangenberg had to quarantine more than a week in a windowless hotel before we could head to Zambales for the seven-day shoot.
A film professor based in Congo and Belgium thought that there were a lot of post-production effects done to simulate this old archival footage look; even though there were actually none. It was all cut and paste. The look was achieved with in-camera techniques and experimental hand-processing.
One of the magical moments — according to some the audience afterwards — happened during the end credits, when they realized that the saxophone they were hearing was not from the cinema speakers but from my nine-year-old son Katch23 playing live on his curved soprano sax, joined by my seven-year-old daughter 1delacruz’s feral snare-drumming, followed by me doing a spoken word litany about the postcolonial Indio, the lethal Philippine heat stroke, and the consistent tragedy of government.
No. Makamisa is a totally new work.
What the Volksbuehne Berlin audience saw in 2022 were ghost sketches projected on the translucent curtain while actors performed behind as silhouettes, or in front as live cinema. During SMAK!, the focus was total theater, with film as one of the many components that were cockfighting with each other to create something Ezra New.
In 2023, we had a rough draft which was already impressively expressionist, according to a few friends who saw it. But it was only during the last two months before the world premiere at FIDMarseille this June 2024 when the film was fully sculpted in terms of editing (with editor Furan Guillermo and co-scriptwriters Homer Novicio and Douglas Candano); the soundtrack (created by David Toop and my Kontra-Kino Orchestra, edited by sound designer Diego Mapa); and the hand-coloring (meticulously painted by Timmy Torres and her 200-woman team of dedicated tint magicians).
Somewhere between three days and 30 days, depending on who you ask from the cast and crew. We weren’t on hallucinogenic gummies but it was definitely a trip.
Six days in the Kingdom of Zambales, where we also shot Balangiga: Howling Wilderness, although the locations were different. One day in RSVP Film Studios in Makati.
Lilith is the loveliest, wildest, most authentic acting machine/creature a director could ask for. One day, Philippine cinema will have its own Lilith Stangenberg, once we’ve harnessed more intelligent self-reflexive thespians; once we’ve freed ourselves from formulaic dumb obedience to the whims of the algorithm and the audience. Then, Philippine cinema will have embraced its true meaning and thrown away its ugly pretentious TV clothes — in other words, to be art.
John Lloyd Cruz also over-delivered. He totally unleashed the saddest poet and the darkest revolutionary inherent in Rizal’s multi-faceted tortured/tortuous psyche. He was unpredictable — in a good way, interpreting my jazz cues.
The concept is greater than form. In the beginning was the concept. Cinema is not story. Story is just one of the many elements that the filmmaker juggles with. And like the juggler, you have the liberty to let the story fall on the floor and gloriously rot.
Of course, form is important. We are formless and all forms are ours. Form is how we communicate. In the future, we can just lock heads to share each other’s mind movies. But for now, go to the cinema.
Form is the container. Even the ocean needs the earth to be its container. Art is impossible without form. To embrace form is to embrace the fluid, uncontainable, uncontrollable properties of the soul, which is what art is all about.
Which comes first: the duck or the balut? We will never know. Each film is case to case and beer to beer. If you really want to be chronological, first came Rizal’s Makamisa circa 1890s. Then the desire/urge/hunger to create this monster of a movie in 2015. You can consider my short films Filipiniana (2016), Aswang [1933] (2017), Juan Tamad Goes To The Moon [1898] (2018) as pre-prod. Or you can also go a few years back with the first two-hour draft of Nitrate: To the Ghosts of the 75 Lost Philippine Silent Films (1912-1933) which we first screened with a live soundtrack by The Brockas in Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Mirage Cinema as part of the Sharjah Biennial 2013. The shooting screenplay of Rizal’s Makamisa was officially written in 2021. Needless to say, a lot of things changed during the actual shoot. And the final crafting in the aforementioned elaborate and laborious post-production happened this year.
Yes. No one could plan what would come out of this mad experiment. One can only desire/wish/dream, but not plan. This is too chaotic even for the freakiest of celluloid freaks.
Step one: Shoot on expired Fuji 35mm film stock.
Step two: Hand-process in your toilet, courtesy of Jesed Moreno of The Happy Chimps Lab.
Step two & a half: Flush.
Step three: Look for a film scanner that could handle wet, sticky celluloid.
Step four: Hand-color each frame ‘til you go blind. And voila! MAKAMISA!
What was that process like? Tedious as T.
And how long did it take? Very, very long.
No, we didn’t. Everything that you will see we created from scratch.
They look like archival images from the early 20th century Philippines. Dirty, ruined, improperly archived, lost but found footage from our erased/neglected/forgotten history. This is what’s left from the 75 or so silent films of Philippine film history. But no, nothing’s left. The Filipino is forgetful. The Filipino doesn’t care about his past, his self, his identity. Let him forget. This is just another bad dream.
R-i-z-a-l is a five-letter vessel, similar to J-e-s-u-s, that one can project one’s brutal fantasies into. Rizal is the devil. Rizal is the antichrist. Rizal is the savior. Rizal is God. Rizal is a writer. Rizal is an anarchist. Clearly he is a metal and I am the magnet. Or is it the other way around?
He wrote more poetry and fiction than the other Ilustrados and Katipuneros. His name was used as a secret password to Katipunan meetings. He had a voracious appetite for destruction and reconstruction. I sincerely believe he is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and that the Holy Volcano of Banahaw is the New Jerusalem.
The DAAD Artists In Berlin Program has been a prestigious residency since 1965. Its roster includes Andrei Tarkovsky, Jim Jarmusch, Steve McQueen, Nam June Paik, Damien Hirst, Marina Abramovic, Mario Vargas Llosa, Stanislaw Lem, Margaret Atwood, Carlos Fuentes, Susan Sontag, John Cage, and Igor Stravinsky. It’s a residency that doesn’t technically require any output. They invite the artist and his family to reside in Berlin for a period of time as a kind of sabbatical from the hectic world and percolate new ideas for a rebirth, reincarnation — to become the multiple souls that artists are designed/destined to be. You’re totally free what to do with this six-month-bubble-of-a-gift. You can treat it as a long holiday reward for all your hardcore toiling years. And/or a going-back-to-the womb/cocoon to meditate/ruminate on your next strategies/plans. As part of its long-term support of artists, works by current and former guests are presented at the Daadgalerie in Kreuzberg as well as at partner institutions in Berlin, around Germany and also abroad.
My family and I are based in Berlin until the end of the year. Every now and then, we host Folk U Mondays at the DAAD Galerie, a little night of free-jazz-punk with my trio Babel Gun, featuring various musicians and artists from Berlin and beyond. On October 1, the Berlin premiere of Makamisa will take place at Volksbuehne. Upcoming retrospectives, concerts, and workshops at Filmhaus Köln, Underdox Munich, Le Alleanze dei Corpi in Milan, Sinema Transtopia, etc.
Every year, my filmmaking metamorphoses into a different animal perpendicular to Chinese astrology. It’s like shedding skin and emerging as a different species of cinema/art/music/literature-making animal. This year is the year of the Titanium Dragonfly. It’s extremely exciting, not just from the outside, but even more from the inside. Like a psychedelic phantasmagoric rave party minus the hangover and side effects.
Change is inevitable. If I made my old films now, they would surely be different. And vice versa. If you put my films under a microscope, you will notice that I make the same films but different timestamps. Different time, different place, different cast, different crew, different ingredients, different recipe, different everything, but same banana chips. What is constant? What remains? I actually don’t know. I’m still me. I am Rumi’s ball/pen. I create films. It’s the critic’s duty to write about the changes. – Rappler.com
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Philippine companies affected by global Windows outage | lkyu0285 | 19/07/2024 16:44 | CONGESTION. Queues start to build up at the Davao International Airport in Davao City due to technical issues on July 19, 2024.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines – Several local airlines and banks are all experiencing technical issues that have led to the cancellation of flights and rendered some banking services offline.
Cebu Pacific said its systems were down due to a technical issue related to technology provider CrowdStrike. (EXPLAINER: What caused the global cyber outage?)
“The technical issue requires us to handle affected processes manually, potentially causing delays. We are working closely with our teams to mitigate disruptions to our operations and will provide regular updates as the situation progresses,” the Gokongwei-led airline said in a 3 pm advisory on Friday, July 19.
As of Friday evening, Cebu Pacific has canceled more than 20 local and international flights. (LIST: Flights affected due to global Windows outage)
AirAsia Philippines also confirmed that its systems were affected.
“A global outage affecting Microsoft services has been confirmed by our partner, Navitaire. This outage is causing unexpected rebooting of machines, leading to some operational disruptions related to check-in processes and navigating the AirAsia MOVE app,” AirAsia head of communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan said.
Philippine Airlines told Rappler that it is “not affected by the system outage situation.”
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) confirmed that the operations of two local airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were affected by the CrowdStrike issue.
As of 4 pm, no international carriers at NAIA were affected. MIAA has mobilized additional manpower to manage longer queues at check-in counters.
“A global cyber disruption is currently impacting critical services, including flights, banking, and company operations in various countries such as Singapore, the United States, and Australia. This disruption, linked to Microsoft’s Windows, appears to be related to an issue with cybersecurity software from CrowdStrike,” MIAA said in a statement, adding that there were widespread instances of the “blue screen of death” or BSOD hitting Windows operating systems.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) also said it is “currently preparing for the increase in passengers waiting at airports due to a system issue affecting airline operations.”
“There is already congestion at Davao International Airport Passenger Terminal Building caused by the system issue in Cebu Pacific, leading to delays and two flight cancellations,” CAAP said in a statement.
So far, BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank), and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) have all confirmed that they are experiencing some issues due to the global outage.
BDO advised its clients that they may experience “extended wait times at our branches and contact center, and delays in or unavailability of some functions in our digital channels.”
As of 8:24 pm, BDO reported that its digital channels have been successfully restored.
In an advisory, BPI said the issue “impacted certain operations in the bank which may cause longer wait times in our branches and contact center.” Customers of the Ayala-led bank may also experience delays in the crediting of financial transactions, such as bills payment and interbank fund transfers. The bank’s branches, ATMs, cash accept machines (CAMs), and online and mobile banking services remain available.
Metrobank said customers may experience “a slowdown or temporary unavailability of some bank products and services through our online channels.” Bank ATMs and CAMs remain available.
UnionBank said its customer service hotline and “some branch services and online credit card transactions are temporarily unavailable.” The bank’s app, website, and ATMs remain available.
Both Landbank and RCBC acknowledged a system outage, but have since announced that all their online banking services are back.
Security Bank, Maya, and GoTyme have confirmed to Rappler that they were not affected by the outage.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued a statement, saying that it was “closely monitoring the global Microsoft and CrowdStrike outage.”
“Some BSP-Supervised Financial Institutions (BSFIs) have experienced disruptions but are addressing the issue, while some already restored affected systems. The BSP has required affected BSFIs to provide updates and activate their resilience and continuity plans as needed,” the central bank said on Friday night.
The BSP Peso Real Time Gross Settlement System, or PhilPassPlus, was unaffected. All PESONet, InstaPay, ATM, and check settlements for the day were successfully completed.
Meanwhile, the country’s two largest telecommunications companies have both confirmed that their services remain online. Globe said that its core services, which includes call, text, and data connectivity, were unaffected.
“The issue was isolated to a few Windows-based workstations that our employees use for work for the most part, and some servers that do not materially affect our core services,” Globe chief information security officer Anton Bonifacio said in a statement on Friday.
In a statement sent to Rappler, PLDT and Smart both confirmed that they were not affected, saying that the “PLDT Group does not use any software from CrowdStrike in its ecosystem, thus our operations remain unaffected by the current outage.”
DITO was unaffected by the Windows outage, DITO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago confirmed to Rappler.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also said that it was “vigilantly monitoring the ongoing software outage allegedly caused by a faulty update of a cybersecurity provider.” The DICT also said that it does not use the same cybersecurity service provider – which it did not name in its statement – and that none of its systems or assets were affected.
The systems of airlines, banks, and even media companies are going offline around the world due to the issue affecting Microsoft’s Windows operating system. So far, the issue has been traced to CrowdStrike, which has acknowledged the reports of crashes on Windows related to its “Falcon sensor.” – Rappler.com
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[In This Economy] Why Marcos is getting high on unprogrammed funds | Chay Hofilena | 19/07/2024 16:52 | Last week I wrote about the scandalous and imprudent transfer of two government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) of their surplus funds to the Treasury.
The ultimate culprit here is not the Department of Finance, which is sweeping GOCCs for their surpluses, but Congress and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who enacted the 2024 budget law, otherwise known as the General Appropriations Act or GAA.
You see, the budget law always contains “unprogrammed appropriations” — standby funds for special projects that can only be authorized if the government has extra money.
In the past, that extra money could not come from GOCCs’ surpluses. But in the 2024 law, they included GOCCs’ surpluses as a source of funding for unprogrammed funds.
In the proposed budget (National Expenditure Program or NEP) submitted by Marcos to Congress middle of last year, they asked for “just” P281.9 billion of unprogrammed funds. But after going through the budget process, that amount ballooned to a staggering P731.4 billion.
This was done thanks to the shenanigans of the closed-door meetings of the bicameral conference committee — a handful of lawmakers who convene and finalize the budget bill.
What’s the big deal with unprogrammed funds?
This past week, budget analyst Zy-za Suzara and I looked at the history of unprogrammed funds from 2010 to 2024. We came up with Figure 1 below:
Figure 1.
Note that in 11 of the past 14 years, there has been virtually no difference between unprogrammed funds as found in the proposed budget and the final budget law. Notable exceptions include the 2010 budget: the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration proposed P68.9 billion in unprogrammed funds for 2010, but Congress approved P118.9 billion — an extra P50 billion.
In 2012, the reverse happened: the Benigno Aquino III administration proposed P161.7 billion in unprogrammed funds, but Congress approved P8.87 billion less.
All other years have zero difference.
Things started to get weird in the 2022 budget. For that year, the Duterte administration proposed just P151 billion in unprogrammed funds, but Congress added P100 billion — and got away with it.
Then in 2023, the first budget of the Marcos Jr. administration, unprogrammed funds in the NEP almost quadrupled the proposed amount. Congress padded P219 billion more. So the final unprogrammed funds in the 2023 budget law was a whopping P807.16 billion. That’s close to a trillion pesos!
Then for this year, the executive proposed just P281.9 billion in unprogrammed funds, and Congress added almost P450 billion more — for a total of P731.45 billion.
In sum, congressional additions to the unprogrammed funds have grown steadily since 2022 (the blue line in Figure 1). So much so that the total unprogrammed funds in the first two years of Marcos Jr. were already 93% of the total unprogrammed funds of the Aquino III and Duterte administrations combined.
Suppose the government can sweep funds from GOCCs and other sources like new or excess revenue collections, as well as approved loans for foreign-assisted projects. On what things can they spend unprogrammed funds?
The budget law typically includes an enumeration of these things. And it used to be a short list. In the 2016 budget law, for example, there were only eight such “purposes,” including the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and payments for living World War II veterans.
The biggest jump was from 2021 (24 purposes) to 2022 (50 purposes). The number of purposes peaked at 61 in 2023, then slid down again to 51 in 2024.
Figure 2 shows the detailed breakdown. What jumps out at you is the increase in 2023, thanks to “support to foreign-assisted projects” (P344.14 billion). Such projects include big-ticket infrastructure projects, like the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project and the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I.
These programs aren’t usually included in the unprogrammed funds. They’re included in, say, the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). But it seems that lawmakers learned to remove such projects from agencies’ budgets, possibly to give way to their respective pork projects. (Remember that the Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that pork is unconstitutional, unless they are embedded in the national budget already.)
So pork projects were lodged in agencies’ budgets at the expense of foreign-funded big-ticket infrastructure projects — which have been relegated to unprogrammed funds. According to Zy-za Suzara, this might explain the big jump in the DPWH’s budget in 2024, compared to proposal in the NEP.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this piece said there was a huge jump in 2024 of “support for infrastructure projects and social programs.” This has been corrected.
But apart from that, Figure 2 shows that there was a huge jump in 2023 of “support for infrastructure projects and social programs” (P50 billion). There were also new items: one was “priority infra program for roads, bridges, multi-purpose buildings/facilities, flood control, water systems” (P145.47 billion), and another was “priority social programs for health, social welfare and development, higher education, and technical vocational education” (P52.17 billion).
In 2024, there’s also a massive increase in “support for infrastructure projects and social programs” (P225.38 billion, which was more than 4.5 times the previous year’s budget). The allotment for “priority social programs” also increased to P59.02 billion.
Figure 2.
All these types of extra assistance — aid, medical assistance, scholarships, local public works — can be used by incumbent politicians to bolster their electoral bids in their respective districts.
You see now the usefulness and convenience of tapping GOCCs like PhilHealth using the new “special provision” in the 2024 budget. Lawmakers can use such surpluses for their own political goals, ahead of the election spending ban.
The emerging picture is not pretty. We may be looking at a massive flooding of public funds in the run-up to the 2025 elections to bolster incumbents’ local bids in 2025. And this is enabled by the national budget shenanigans that lawmakers (and President Marcos himself) passed right under our noses. – Rappler.com
JC Punongbayan, PhD is an assistant professor at the UP School of Economics and the author of False Nostalgia: The Marcos “Golden Age” Myths and How to Debunk Them. In 2024, he received The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award for economics. JC’s views are independent of his affiliations. Follow him on Twitter/X (@jcpunongbayan) and Usapang Econ Podcast.
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Thanks to Prof. JC Punongbayan, the ‘shenanigans’ and their hidden activities are now visible to the public. These ‘shenanigans’ attempted to conceal their evil works behind the ‘closed-door meetings of the bicameral conference committee’, but Prof. JC Punongbayan’s powers have exposed them. He not only sees and hears through walls, but also deciphers their conversations, making them understandable to the Filipino People. It’s crucial that we’re aware of these ‘shenanigans’ and their potential negative impact on the Filipino people. Let’s hope they don’t unleash their three-headed dragon against the Economist of the People.
How does this make you feel? | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/in-this-economy-why-marcos-getting-high-unprogrammed-funds/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1xMxbG1D2YHiccKqhdX5o_N5iDoUV19gYE8SbtA-sS2nEEMpOXvKJwtrI_aem_AiyaeHYkGcJGgtRMm9yCjQ | Credible |
Another low pressure area forms while first LPA moves away from land | Acor Arceo | 19/07/2024 18:20 | PHILIPPINE WEATHER. Satellite image as of July 19, 2024, 5 pm.
PAGASA
MANILA, Philippines – A second low pressure area (LPA) formed inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), still located far from the country’s landmass as of Friday, July 19.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the second LPA was 865 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas on Friday afternoon.
It is not yet affecting any part of the country due to its distance from land.
Meanwhile, the first LPA, which brought heavy rain to parts of the Philippines in recent days, has no more direct impact on the country since it is already moving away from landmass.
The first LPA was last spotted 365 kilometers west of Tanauan City, Batangas, also on Friday afternoon.
PAGASA Weather Specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda said both LPAs have a high likelihood of developing into a tropical cyclone within 24 hours.
The next two tropical cyclone names on the weather bureau’s list are Butchoy and Carina.
While the first LPA is no longer causing rain, the southwest monsoon or habagat is expected to trigger scattered rain and thunderstorms in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani for the rest of Friday.
PAGASA warned that rain from the southwest monsoon may still be moderate to heavy at times.
The rest of the country will only have isolated rain showers or thunderstorms on Friday evening. – Rappler.com
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HIGHLIGHTS: Miss World Philippines 2024 coronation night | No author found | 20/07/2024 15:40 | Who will be the next Miss World Philippines titleholder?
The Miss World Philippines 2024 pageant sees 35 women competing in the hopes of succeeding Gwendolyne Fourniol, who was crowned Miss World Philippines in June 2022.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines crown, two other titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism.
Meanwhile, Miss World CEO and chairperson Julia Morley and Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova will also grace the crowning ceremony.
Coronation night is happening on Friday, July 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Bookmark and refresh this page for updates! – Rappler.com
‘WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY, I KNOW I WILL GO PLACES’ Face of Beauty Philippines 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Bilasano cites the importance of a loving family in one’s personal growth.Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/EdsJLMSsXY pic.twitter.com/Riklh02afn
Miss Philippines Tourism 2024 Patricia Bianca Tapia brings her advocacy of inclusive education to the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 stage. Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q1qtekdbWi pic.twitter.com/YZiDtBfJS6
Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024 Dia Mate says she draws strength from her family who taught her that kindness can help build a better world. #MissWorldPhilippines2024Read the rest of the Miss World Philippines 2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/Q5bqMZgt1u pic.twitter.com/hIg6EYe2KY
Miss Multinational Philippines 2024 Nikki Buenafe shares her experience with low self-esteem and how she overcame it. Read the rest of the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 top 10 answers here: https://t.co/AqENssSOQQ pic.twitter.com/6tkqbiQfam
'WE AS HUMANS, WE SHOULD EVOLVE TOO'Newly crowned #MissWorldPhilippines2024 Krishnah Gravidez highlights the importance of pageants in promoting one's advocacies. FULL STORY: https://t.co/9rsRFLCcy2 pic.twitter.com/jVZkvgQo6O
OUR NEW WORLD QUEEN IS HERE! 👑BREAKING. Baguio City's Krishnah Marie Gravidez is crowned as #MissWorldPhilippines2024. She is the first queen to wear the new "Ray of Hope" crown. Congratulations! Story to follow on https://t.co/UCYSte5Chi pic.twitter.com/MuIp3vTLVz
Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss Supranational Philippines 2022 Alison Black, and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 Michelle Arceo take their final walk in the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: CignalLIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/5fSDTPpvGA pic.twitter.com/BvCMjyQs6u
Johnoy Danao serenades the Mall of Asia Arena crowd with his performance of "Ikaw At Ako" during the #MissWorldPhilippines2024 coronation night. 📸: Cignal LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/wxeeEjttRW pic.twitter.com/2pHMZfj96h | Rappler | https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/updates-miss-world-philippines-2024-coronation-night/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3kCpWsZVI9ekwzcKPggTT5US4gFY0sAdIElyNqHcv3P3Y-Qbk5sdsr19w_aem_B8OZmzY6BhYqtEl3TV-4Jg | Credible |
AT A GLANCE: Delegates topping the Miss World Philippines 2024 fast-track events | Russell Ku | 17/07/2024 15:22 | MANILA, Philippines – Before a new Miss World Philippines is crowned on Friday, July 19, the 35 candidates vying for the title participated in various activities for a chance to earn a semifinal spot in the pageant.
Aside from the Miss World Philippines 2024 title, two more titles are also up for grabs: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas and Miss Philippines Tourism. Here are the finalists for each event.
– with graphics by Andoy Edoria/Rappler.com
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