By Macon Ramos-Araneta
BILLIONS of pesos from China were deposited to 36 bank accounts allegedly under the name of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo or Guo Hua Ping from 2019 to 2022, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian disclosed on Friday, citing documents from the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
“My theory was that the bulk of billions came in during that time to
By Rex Espiritu and Rachelle Tonelada
THE Philippines will "stand our ground" in its dispute with Beijing over the West Philippine Sea, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said Friday, eight years after an international ruling against China in the territorial contest.
"We will continue to stand our ground and push back against coercion, interference, malign influence and other tactics that seek to jeopardise our security and stability," Año said during a Stratbase forum to celebrate the anniversary of the ruling by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement for the arbitral ruling anniversary that Washington remained "deeply concerned" about China's claims "over vast areas that are clearly within the maritime jurisdiction of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei."
bankroll the construction of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) hub in Bamban, Tarlac,” Gatchalian said, noting that billions of funds continued to enter the accounts this year. He said Guo and Zhiyang Huang, Roderick Paul Pujante, Baoyong Lin, Hongjiang Yang, Zhengcan Yu, Zhang Ruijin, and Rachelle Joan Carreon will all be charged with violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
UNITED FRONT. At least 26 countries, through their ambassadors and their appointed representatives, gathered together on Friday in the biggest West Philippine Sea Conference of 2024, organized by the Stratbase Institute. During the conference, held on July 12, 2024, global and regional powers reaffirmed their support to the arbitral award, including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and the United States. (Inset) Zambales fisherfolk under the banner of the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) hold a fluvial protest in Subic Bay on Friday to mark the 8th anniversary of the country’s landmark victory against Beijing in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).
By Vince Lopez
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) believes that wanted Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy is still in the country.
PNP Public Information Office Chief Police Colonel Jean Fajardo
By Maricel V. Cruz
By Charles Dantes and Rio Araja
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Marcos on Friday vowed to implement a comprehensive government strategy to combat illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and drug issues in Pampanga.
During a financial aid distribution event for El Niño-affected farmers and fisherfolk, he emphasized the government's commitment to tackling these concerns.
will allow the deployment of troops on each other's territory.
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Blinken called on Beijing to "abide by the 2016 arbitral ruling" and "cease its dangerous and destabilising conduct.
Año said Friday the government would continue to "foster closer ties with like-minded countries" and remained open to discussing "difficult issues.”
The Philippines has deepened defense cooperation with the United States and other countries in the face of China's growing assertiveness.
On Monday, the Philippines signed a key defense pact with Japan that
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The AMLC said the entities were allegedly used to orchestrate human trafficking and fraudulent activities.
The POGO hub sits on a sprawling 10-hectare Zun Yuan Technology complex with several villas, tunnels and an Olympic-sized swimming pool, in what the mayor claimed as her hometown.
Joint operatives of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) raided the site in March.
Guo has been accused of faking her identity based on documents gathered by the Senate and government authorities.
According to Gatchalian, he still has no information on the current amount in the bank accounts of Guo and other individuals and entities with alleged connections to the illicit
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Palawan Liga ng mga Barangay President and Board Member Ferdinand Zaballa, who authored the measure, said that the arbitration tribunal's decision is a "resounding affirmation" of the Philippines' sovereignty and sovereign rights in the WPS.
"The ruling definitively settled historic rights and maritime entitlements in the region, rejecting claims that exceeded the limits set by UNCLOS. It now stands as a pivotal part of international law," he said.
Palawan province has jurisdiction over a substantial portion of the waters being claimed by China, including the Kalayaan group of islands.
On Friday, government officials, lawmakers and foreign allies hailed the arbitral ruling, saying it has become even more consequential amid China's increased bullying in the WPS.
“We should celebrate WPS Victory Day every year, not just to remember our 2016 win, but also as a way to assert our just and rightful ownership of the WPS," Hontiveros said.
PNP:...
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Quiboloy's whereabouts, the government decided to offer a P10 million reward money for his capture. Meanwhile ,the police confimed the arrest Thursday evening of one of Pastor Quiboloy's four co-accused,
P183m...
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coming, your government is also prepared for whatever effects it may bring," Mr. Marcos said during aid distribution to farmers and fisherfolk in Aurora. He also highlighted the Aguang
"I know that you are also very concerned about the criminal activities and illegal actions that are disrupting the peace in your community. I want to let you know that we are focusing on and addressing this issue," President Marcos said.
He noted that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has formed a task force to crack down on illegal POGOs, and the Bureau of
Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad added that Manila has every right to enforce its laws against Beijing in the West Philippine Sea.
He also rejected China’s claim that BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal, was causing environmental damage in the area as a “false narrative.”
DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro echoed his position, saying it was part of Beijing's disinformation campaign.
“I think this is all part of the disinformation process that China has always projected. And I think there
operations of POGOs.
The bank transactions, he said, involved not only the deposits but the money withdrawn.
Gatchalian noted that Guo and the other POGO personalities and entities need to justify the source of billions of money that entered their bank accounts.
"That is the essence of Money Laundering... She (Guo) must justify the billions in her accounts," said the senator who, along with Sen. Risa Hontiveros, has been leading the Senate inquiry into the illegal POGO operation.
Gatchalian also said they will check with the AMLC if the bank accounts, a helicopter, 12 luxury motor vehicles and 12 real properties ordered frozen were the only assets of Guo.
The senator said there are other properties in Guo's Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) which were not included in the freeze order issued by the Court of Appeals.
“The 2016 victory showed the world that a small country like the Philippines can legally, peacefully, and diplomatically stand up to a big, autocratic country like China...But Beijing’s continued threats and intimidation despite the ruling are also a sober reminder to the world that all those who believe in the international, rules-based order must actively come together to safeguard peace and security across the globe,” she added.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said the arbitral award, which invalidated Beijing's massive claim over the entire South China Sea, was significant not just to the Philippines but to all stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The arbitral award was a milestone in setting up the legal rights and lawful maritime entitlements of the Philippines and the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea, clarifying extensive maritime areas where the Philippines enjoys sovereign rights and jurisdiction over natural resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone and on its continental shelf,” Carlson said during a conference organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute.
Pauline Canada. Department of the Interior and Local Government chief, Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. together with the Police chief, General Rommel Francisco Marbil presented to the public the co-accused of Quiboloy arrested in Davao in a Philippine National Police (PNP) in a press conference on Friday.
River Flood Control Structure Project in Baler, which aims to protect lives and properties from flooding during heavy rains.
Aurora and Nueva Ecija will see near-normal rainfall this month, with below-normal levels in other provinces. By August and September, near-normal rainfall is expected across Central Luzon, with above-normal
Customs (BOC) is collaborating with other agencies to fight drug smuggling.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is leading the antidrug efforts.
“We also hear your cries. We see your sacrifices. Your continued hard work every day is your help in building our dream of the New Philippines,” President Marcos said.
are so many other narratives that may come after that. And that's why we just have to be ready,” Lazaro said.
At the same forum, former Justice Antonio Carpio argued that it is China, not the Philippines, that is obstructing environmental restoration in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines filed a case against China in 2013. Three years later, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in Manila's favor, declaring China's expansive claims had no legal basis.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who took office in 2016, set aside the ruling in exchange for warmer ties with China. That changed when Philippine President Marcos was elected
Guo previously told a Senate hearing that she had sold the helicopter, which she acquired for P60 million, to a British company earlier this year.
As this developed, Gatchalian expressed disappointment at the failure of government authorities to check the transactions of a suspected largescale money laundering activity.
Gatchalian also scored the AntiMoney Laundering Council (AMLC) for its delayed reporting of “covered and suspicious” bank transactions, which surfaced only this year.
The senator said the banks where the deposits were made could be held liable as he raised the possibility of collusion between the financial institutions and the suspected criminal organizations.
Gatchalian said he will file a resolution to look further into this new angle.
Meanwhile, the senator disclosed that P300,000 is the price tag for foreigners to obtain a fake birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). He also learned from
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the VP Sara’s statements carry significant weight and can influence public perception and national stability.
On the other hand, Senate President Francis Escudero said Vice President Sara Duterte has no intention of attending the President’s SONA.
"I believe she does not want to attend SONA 2024…I guess she was simply making light of her excuse by quoting a Netflix series,” he said.
Escudero said he won't give any special or deeper meaning to it.
But Rep. Rodge Gutierrez of 1 Rider party-list group, a lawyer, expressed disappointment in the Vice President’s attempt at humor, stating that such remarks are inappropriate for her position and could undermine the seriousness of national events.
"While obviously intended as a joke, it is quite inappropriate. The SONA is a serious event where we address the nation's most pressing issues, and such comments taken out of context undermine its significance and fuel
Abalos said an anonymous caller last July 9 informed the Davao City police of the whereabouts of Canada.
"Before Canada was caught, an anonymous caller called the hotline of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of the office in Region 11 to report to the police that he saw a woman who
levels projected in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales by November.
The entire region is forecasted to experience above-normal rainfall from October to December.
The President addressed the impact of El Niño, which caused P367.54 million in agricultural losses for 4,402 farmers in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and Tarlac.
in 2022, insisting he would not let China trample on Manila's maritime rights.
Tensions over the strategic waterway, a key passage for sea-borne trade, have soared in the past 18 months following a series of escalating confrontations between Philippine and Chinese ships.
The most serious happened on June 17, when China Coast Guard personnel wielding knives, sticks and an axe surrounded and boarded three Philippine Navy boats during a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.
Since then, diplomatic relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated as the Marcos administration pushes back against Chinese actions. With AFP
the Chinese community that this includes the issuance of a passport and a driver’s license.
Gatchalian believes an organized “syndicate” is behind these operations, linking it to the 200 Chinese citizens arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on this issue. He asked the PSA to provide them with immediate solutions to fix the problem.
Gatchalian also rejected the statement of Guo's lawyer Stephen David that he violated the rights of his client when he released the records of her assets.
David claimed such tactics are an indication that the Senate has a weak case against his client, which is why senators have been subjecting Guo to a “trial by publicity."
Gatchalian said he released the document to the media Thursday night after the Court of Appeals (CA) released the order freezing the assets of all those involved in illegal POGO activities, which included money laundering.
speculation," Gutierrez said.
Rep. Chino MIguel Almario, vice chairman of the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs, cited the risks of the Vice President’s comments and stressed the need for leaders like her to choose their words carefully.
“When she makes such remarks, it prompts us to ask: What message is she trying to convey? Is she attempting to influence public opinion, divert attention from critical issues, or create controversy? As a high-ranking official, her words should foster unity and provide clear, constructive direction for the nation,” Almario said.
Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V pointed out the negative impact of the Vice President’s dramatic framing and emphasized that such remarks can undermine public confidence and unity.
“The Vice President’s absence from the SONA, framed in such a dramatic and fear-inducing manner, does a disservice to the spirit of public service and solidarity. It’s imperative that our leaders demonstrate resolve and composure, especially during national events,” Ortega said.
looked like the one in the photo of the wanted poster released by PNP with a reward of P1 million,” Abalos said.
Canada is also facing charges of qualified Human Trafficking and Child Abuse.
A reward money of P1 million each has been offered for the three other co-accused fugitives of Quiboloy.
Last month, authorities raided the illegal POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, seizing hundreds of gadgets, documents, and SIM cards.
There are growing demands to ban POGOs in the country following recent raids on illegal hubs in Tarlac and Pampanga.
"We hope that you will wholeheartedly and continuously act so that you may enjoy the sweet fruit of your hard work," he added.
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos on Friday inaugurated the MarivelesHermosa-San Jose (MHSJ) 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines.
“Once operational, this will strengthen power transmission services not only in the region but also in Metro Manila,” Mr. Marcos said.
The P20.94 billion MHSJ project, approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), was implemented by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) from December 2017 to June 2024.
The project includes over 275.6 circuit kilometers of overhead lines, nearly 395 towers, and two new substations, with a total transmission capacity of 8,000 megawatts (MW).
It will also connect with other projects in Bataan, such as the Battery Energy Storage System in Limay and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge.
President Marcos highlighted the project’s role in transitioning to renewable energy and ensuring a stable power supply.
He directed the Department of Energy (DOE) and NGCP to complete the project on schedule, mentioning the Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection Project and the Northern Luzon 230-kV loop.
"This way, we can meet our growing need for energy, push for new technology developments, and create more job opportunities for our citizens," he said.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
CONSUMERS can expect a price reprieve from high oil prices as the Department of Energy expects a price rollback of as much as P1.15 per liter next week.
Department of Energy (DOE) director Rodela Romero said that based on the four-day trading, gasoline prices will likely rollback by P0.70 to P0.90 per liter and diesel and kerosene by P1 to P1.15 per liter Romero said several factors influenced the softening of world oil prices.
“Firstly, crude falls on weak China inflation data pointing to soft consumer confidence and the potential stimulus measures from Beijing toboost demand,” she said.
“Secondly, apart from shipping delays and platform evacuations, Hurricane Beryl seems to have led to relatively little physical damage, allowing US to recover oil production, offsetting a larger than expected weekly draw in US crude inventories,” Romero said. She said the movement of the dollar also contributed to lower oil prices “though in the later part of the week, oil markets started to focus again on fundamentals and geopolitical issues.” Domestic pump prices have gone up for four consecutive weeks prior to the forecast rollback for a total of P4.80 per diesel and gasoline and P3.90 per liter for kerosene.
Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga pledged on Friday to address the impacts of climate change not only in the Philippines but globally. This announcement follows the Philippines' selection as the host nation for the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) board. Loyzaga said this is a welcome development for the Philippines as one of the countries most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
“The Loss and Damage Fund is a long-fought struggle to directly assist those who bear the greatest impact of climate-induced losses and damage to recover and build. We take on this responsibility in solidarity with all countries vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” she said.
AFP, PNP, PCG meet on peace and security
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday joined the 2nd Quarter 2024 National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) meeting at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The meeting was convened by the PNP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr,, along with PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil and PGC commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan attended the said meeting aimed to review and discuss the significant accomplishments and planned activities of the JPSCC ‘s different Joint Cells.
During the summit, Brawner, Marbil, and Garvan signed resolutions that will create a Joint Cyber Cell and enhance informationsharing on troop movements.
In his message, Brawner emphasized how JPSCC exemplifies the strength of collaboration and the impact of concerted efforts of the three government agencies tasked with the peace, security, and order in the country. Rex Espiritu
PH, Japan mark 68 years of friendship
IN CELEBRATION of the 68 years of Japan-Philippines Friendship, and 70 years of the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) - Central Band staged a series of performances around Metro Manila last July 4-6.
The JASDF Central Band dazzled audiences with their performances at the Rizal Park and the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, celebrating the vibrant friendship between Japan and the Philippines through the universal language of music.
On July 4, the JASDF Central Band kicked off the festivities with a special performance at the Manila Japanese School (MJS) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
DOLE meets with labor group on crucial issues
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma has opened its doors for a dialogue with officers and members of the Kilos Manggagawa who aired their concerns on the process of filing notices of strike, preventive mediation and voluntary arbitration.
The July 11 meeting also tackled the exercise of freedom of association and other labor-related matters.
Secretary Laguesma was joined by Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine Serrano, National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) executive director Maria Teresita Lacsamana-Cancio and deputy executive director for Technical Services Teresita Audea, as well as representatives from the Bureau of Labor Relations and Bureau of Working Conditions.
By Rio N. Araja
AT LEAST 137,000 land titles have already been distributed to over 140,000 farmer-beneficiaries under the two-year term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III on Friday said the Marcos administration was able to distribute a total of 137,000 land titles to more than 140,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries covering 161,000 hectares of agricultural land.
“For the first six months of 2024
alone, we have distributed 42,000 land titles, and we will try to distribute 100,00 land titles by the end of 2024,” he promised.
DAR has also provided various support services, including 219 farm-tomarket roads worth P2.3 billion of 151
kilometers nationwide.
To date, there are 89 ongoing constructions of farm-to-market roads comprising 135 kilometers worth P2.1 billion, DAR said.
The agency has also completed 116 irrigation projects covering 3,800 hectares nationwide worth P1.3 billion, and has provided 5,451 units of farm machineries and equipment for 1,450 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations nationwide worth P262 million.
The DAR chief vowed to deliver more provision of support services, storage facilities, tissue culture facilities and
By Rachelle Tonelada
THE United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted the first-ever resolution aimed at promoting and protecting the human rights of seafarers.
Tabled by the Philippines, the resolution seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination and unfair labor practices
against seafarers, “ensuring a safe and secure workplace, fair terms of employment, decent working and living conditions on-board ships, health protection, medical care, welfare measures, and other forms of social protection.”
“This milestone resolution by the Human Rights Council advances an advocacy of the Philippines, other foreign governments, rel-
evant international organizations and stakeholders to protect and promote the wellbeing of some 1.9 million seafarers, over a quarter of them Filipinos,” Foreign Affairs
Secretary Enrique Manalo said.
greenhouses to help the farmers in the storage and propagation of their crops.
He said DAR’s accomplishments underscored the Marcos administration’s commitment to agrarian reform and rural development by ensuring land ownership and provision of support services to empower farmers and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
He took pride in saying DAR has been cited by the President’s 8888 Complaint Center and Civil Service Commission for its 100 percent Outstanding Action, Performance and Resolution for referred transactions from the public in 2023.
THE fourth day of the continuing aid caravan spearheaded by the Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez saw the roll out of P14.1 million worth of benefits to qualified residents of a barangay in Tacloban City and the municipality of Sta. Fe Leyte province. In a payout held Friday morning at Brgy. 96 Calanipawan, Tacloban City, 1,000 qualified residents received P5,000 in cash and 1,000 worth of rice under the Cash and Rice Distribution Program (CARD), or a total of P6 million aid package. At the same time, the CARD payout was being held, some 2,000 residents of Sta. Fe received a cash aid of P4,050 each, for 10 days of work totalling P8.1 million under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“The resolution acknowledges that seafarers brave challenging conditions at sea that pose risks to their enjoyment of human rights, safety, and well-being. Seafarers conduct their duties, even at times under dangerous conditions,” Manalo emphasized.
The significance of this landmark resolution is underscored by the fact that Filipinos constitute the largest nationality of maritime crew, at least a quarter of the 1.9 million seafarers, serving the international merchant fleet.
FURTHER streamlining the investment rules on clean energy development ventures will attract more renewable energy developers, a Congress leader said on Friday.
Citing a report by London-based global energy think tank Ember, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the Department of Energy’s program to accelerate the country’s transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources “appears to have stalled.”
He noted Ember’s findings that the share of coal in electricity generation rose for the 15th consecutive year in 2023, accounting for almost 62 percent of all power generated in the Philippines, from about 59 percent in 2022.
“This is the fulfilment of the promise of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. that he will bring the government closer to our people,” Romualdez said.
“The House of Representatives remains committed to supporting the continuation of these laudable assistance programs to bring needed relief to our citizens in need according to our President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
He said Ember’s report points to “the urgency for the government to generate far more investments in RE generation to eventually reverse the current direction in which the steady growth in the electricity requirements of our growing economy is still being met by fossil fuel instead of renewables.”
“Hence, the need for the further streamlining of our investment rules, especially with regard to the issuance by host-LGUs of business permits to RE investors, with an eye to generating more clean energy in order to raise the combined share of renewables in the national energy mix to meet the DOE target of 35 percent by 2030 and a higher 50 percent by 2040,” he said. Maricel V. Cruz
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority launched the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) – Green Green Green Program as well as the Roxas Boulevard Promenade project segments.
These initiatives aim to improve public open spaces and promote green infrastructure in response to President Marcos’ commitment to these goals, MMDA acting chairman Don Artes said during the launching ceremony Thursday evening.
“The MMDA expresses its full support for the Green Green Green program as it aligns perfectly with the authority’s mission to enhance the quality of urban living,” he said.
Launched by the Department of Budget and Management in 2017 and initially referred to as “Local Government Support Fund-Assistance to Cities,” the Green Green Green Program has now been revived.
The LGSF-Green Green Green Program will have a fund allocation for the construction, rehabilitation, repair, or improvement of green open spaces such as public/municipal parks and plazas, nature and family/recreational parks, arboretums and botanical gardens; and, infrastructure for active mobility such as physically separated bicycle lanes, bike racks, elevated or at-grade pedestrian footpaths and walkways, sports facilities, and recreational trails.
Lawyers support Katarungan caravan
THE Department of Justice on Friday said more around 40 lawyers have joined the DOJ’s Katarungan caravan to provide legal aid to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Corrections.
The DOJ said the participating lawyers who came from the Public Attorney’s Office, private lawyers, and paralegals joined the DOJ Action Center in offering legal services to qualified inmates.
Among the services were requests for Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) and parole, preparation of indorsements, and others.
“The only way our PDLs can access justice is through this legal aid. We need to understand and address the legal needs of our PDLs,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement.
“This is a fundamental right that has to be given to the disadvantaged and underprivileged members of our society,” he added.
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Marcos said the government is working to start the Baler Airport Development Project in Aurora province.
During the distribution of presidential assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in the province, Mr. Marcos said the Baler Airport would be developed to increase its capacity to accommodate more flights and passengers.
“This is significant so that it could accommodate more airplanes and service more passengers,” he said.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has already acquired lands around the airport so that development works could start soon, he said.
“This August, the funds are set to be released to the landowners so that we can commence construction,” he said.
The airport project includes the construction of a passenger terminal building.
Mr. Marcos also outlined other infrastructure projects in the pipeline for the province, such as the construction of the Dingalan-Baler Road, the Aguang River Flood Control Structure Project, and access roads and paving in Dinalungan town.
He said the P4 billion Dingalan-Baler Road Project, which will cut down the travel time between the two municipalities through a direct road link between Dingalan and Baler, is halfway complete.
The flood mitigation project along Aguang River in Baler, on the other hand, would prevent the river from overflowing during heavy rains.
Mr. Marcos said the construction of access roads and concrete paved roads in Dinalungan town would benefit the coconut plantations in the province.
The government is likewise finding ways to complete the nearly P800 million worth of utility and infrastructure projects left unfinished within the property of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO).
Tread carefully on divorce issue, CBCP urges faithful in pastoral letter
THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines called on divorce advocates to think carefully about the measure’s effects on society.
In a pastoral letter issued Thursday after its 128th Plenary Assembly, the CBCP said there is no need to rush the passage of the measure, adding that Filipinos must exercise self-control before
calling for its enactment.
Prior to this, the DOJ provided free legal assistance to victims of the Marawi Siege and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from June 3 to July 3. Rey Requejo
Agents seize shabu shipment at NAIA
THE Bureau of Customs intercepted a shipment of shabu declared as documents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport worth more than P600,000.
The shipment from Muntinlupa City was supposed to be sent to Italy, but Customs examiners raised suspicion during routine scanning procedures.
Upon physical examination, authorities uncovered twenty sachets of suspected shabu concealed inside seven small plastic packs, totaling approximately 100 grams with an estimated street value of P680,000.
BOC-NAIA promptly turned over the confiscated drugs to PDEA for further investigation and to initiate legal proceedings against those involved in the illegal drug trade. Vito Barcelo
THE Department of Tourism in Western Visayas required beaches and inland resorts to hire lifeguards and ensure stringent safety measures are in place for both local and foreign visitors.
According to the agency’s data, 1,900 tourism enterprises, including beach resorts and establishments with swimming pools, have received accreditation.
“Accredited resorts are required to have their lifeguards; it is essential for maintaining the standard of our accreditation,” DOT Assistant Regional Director for Western Visayas Phoebe Zelie Areño said.
LGUs hold significant responsibility in this effort, she said, as they have the authority to mandate the hiring of lifeguards through their issuance of business licenses to local enterprises.
MALASIQUI , Pangasinan—The LingayenDagupan Archdiocese will be holding a rosary fluvial procession and prayer gathering at Barangay Cato Infanta town, Pangasinan on July 16 for peace amid the conflict at the West Philippine Sea.
“We will pray for both China and the Philippines. We will pray not just for protection from conflict but to make all of us, Chinese and Filipinos together, as peacemakers. Beyond human ideologies and political parties, the peoples of China and the Philippines belong to the same human family,” Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese said in a circular posted on his Facebook page on
“The Tagalog expression, ‘Maghunosdili muna tayo at mag-isip-isip,’ (Let us keep our cool and reflect) is probably the most appropriate exhortation to those who are too eager to come up with an Absolute Divorce Law in our country.”
“Before we jump into the divorce bandwagon, before we end up regretting it and hearing those who dared to swim against the current, ‘But we told you so!’, can we just take a little more time and ask – could there be a reason why we are practically the last remaining country in the world that still has not opted to legalize civil divorce?” read the letter signed by CBCP president Bishop Pablo Virgilio David.
The CBCP said it would be dangerous for the government to make it easy for married couples who are having problems with their relationship to have their marriages civilly dissolved.
Allowing divorce is not a guarantee that the succeeding marriages will be better than the preceding ones, the CBCP claimed.
Areño warned tourism establishments that failure to comply with DOT regulations could result in the loss of their accreditation.
“If we receive complaints regarding the absence of lifeguards, we immediately call their attention for compliance,” she said.
Caloy Lozada
A TOP US-proxy writer and talking head, Richard Heydarian, wrote in the South China Morning Post on July 6, 2024 a report titled, “’Backlash rising to Marcos Jr. US-friendly policy pivot’...’a rising chorus of Filipino voices has stepped up criticism of the US Pentagon’s expanding military footprint in the country.
“Certain progressive forces have accused the Marcos Jr. administration of undermining the country’s sovereignty by overtly siding with the West and Japan against China.”
Heydarian deliberately narrows the base of the “rising chorus” to red-tagged legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines, omitting the really significant forces like the “active AFP officers” that recently issued a manifesto calling for the removal of Marcos Jr. appointed rabidly pro-American and anti-China Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro who backed construction of a US-funded Forward Operating Base disguised as a “civilian” port in Batanes island closest to Taiwan.
“Secretary Gibo’s hasty and unreasonable decision to push for the military-led RoRe operation indicates a lack of strategic thinking... his main concern is to maximize his own publicity, rather than considering the potential consequences ...”
This was all in the context of US “assertive transparency” operations and the June 17 stealth resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre of the Naval Special Operations Group which the Chinese Coast Guard met with equally unconventional confrontational tactics.
There are many other military voices like ex-General Johnny Macanas with YouTube titles (translated to English) like “EDCA violates the Constitution, Supreme Court to intervene?” or exMarine General Romeo Poquiz on FB saying “...the Philippine government is mired in a Catch-22 situation.
“The decision to confront China directly, instead of bilateral negotiations or diplomacy, will result in deaths on the Philippine side.”
Or ex-General Orlando E. de Leon on FB, “We should reject war, but we are being pushed into war with China by America just like Ukraine. That is also the situation in Taiwan. The US is saying one thing and doing another.
“The US will push us for its own benefit but will abandon us eventually. Because the US national interest is different from the Philippine national interest.”
There are others of lesser renown too many to list down here.
The backlash to the US-led strategy of tension against China saw exponential growth despite the manufactured “anti-China” sentiment fanned by mainstream print and broadcast media networks.
One of the major events that fanned the backlash was the Reuters revelation of US-Pentagon deliberate anti-vaccine
lies to damage China’s vaccines and Duterte willfully harming Filipinos health, this US military psyops have been described as genocide by many Filipinos.
Another recent event was the Schiller Institute symposium on the threat of World War III and the answer of three prominent former US military officers Gen. Richard Black, Col. Lawrence Wilkerson and UN weapons inspector Maj. Scott Ritter to a question from the Philippines about the US intentions in the Philippines, summed up by Ritter in “America is not your friend, America is using you... after which it will abandon you...”
In between these is Senator Imee Marcos’ revelation of Chinese missiles targeting Philippine- based US Typhon missile launchers and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mention of the same, panicking Filipinos
Another former US Marine Brian Berletic on YouTube broadcast a video titled, “The Philippines: Why it is Choosing US Destruction Over Chinese Construction” with a companion article in New Eastern Outlook explaining: “Maritime disputes treated as minor bilateral concerns ... were escalated into a growing conflict under President Marcos Jr. with US backing, ... to expand US military’s footprint...” In between these is Senator Imee Marcos’ revelation of Chinese missiles targeting Philippine- based US Typhon missile launchers and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mention of the same, panicking Filipinos.
Then the June 17 Chinese Coast Guard axe-and-machete confrontation, boarding and dis-arming of Philippine Naval special Operations Group team sent out by US-proxy Defense secretary Gibo Teodoro ending in national humiliation and ... And America did nothing.
The US campaign to “impose reputational costs” on China using the Philippines’ maritime security forces to provoke confrontational scenes and the Western and local media to “catastrophize” the incidents has run for a-yearand-a-half since February 2023, while US “pivot to Asia” continued transferring bases and Typhon missiles launchers, clearly has run into a blank wall.
Raymond Powell must be scratching his head and pacing the floor now. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)
MUMBAI, India – Billionaire Indian tycoon Mukesh Ambani celebrates the lavish finale of his son’s wedding this week, highlighting his staggering wealth, as well as India’s rapid economic growth and stark financial inequalities.
Ambani’s younger son Anant and fiancee Radhika Merchant, both 29, are set to marry in a three-day Hindu ceremony in India’s financial capital Mumbai starting Friday.
Asia’s richest man is no stranger to throwing a costly wedding. He held the most expensive wedding in India to date for his daughter in 2018, which reportedly cost up to $100 million and saw US singer Beyonce perform.
This week’s opulent celebrations are set to raise the bar, with celebrities, politicians and business elite jetting into the monsoon-hit megacity of Mumbai.
Pre-wedding parties for his son included multi-day galas, a European cruise for 1,200 guests, a specially
built Hindu temple and entertainment provided by pop stars ranging from Rihanna to Justin Bieber. Power
Ambani, 67, the chairman of Reliance Industries, has a fortune of more than $123 billion, and is the 11th wealthiest person in the world, according to the Forbes billionaires list.
One percent of India’s 1.4 billion people earn more than a fifth of its wealth, according to the World Inequality Lab, an income share ‘among the very highest’ in the world
He is a key ally of India’s right-wing Hindu nationalist leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
THE exchange of blame this week between Beijing and Manila over coral damage at the Second Thomas Shoal or the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea has put once more into focus the picture of mutilated reefs in this Southeast Asian archipelago.
Beijing says the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, an old warship, has harmed the ecosystem in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, a criticism Manila has rejected.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea dismissed Beijing’s accusation as “false and a classic misdirection,” adding “it is China who has been found to have caused irreparable damage to corals...It is China that … jeopardized the natural habitat and the livelihood of thousands of Filipino fisherfolk.”
While the two sides blame each other over this pathetic scenario, we raise once more the sad state of coral reefs in the Philippines, where the reefs are in poor condition.
Ten percent of the world’s reefs
have been completely destroyed. In the Philippines, where coral reef destruction is the worst, over 70 percent have been destroyed and only 5 percent can be said to be in good condition. The rapidly growing population needs increasing amounts of fish and other marine organisms.
Increased ocean temperatures and changing ocean chemistry are the greatest global threats to coral reef ecosystems
However, overfishing, destructive fishing methods and sedimentation have damaged or destroyed many reef areas. Fish catches have fallen well below the sustainable levels of healthy reefs.
Up to half of the world’s coral reefs have already been lost or severely damaged.
And the negative development continues. Scientists predict all cor-
IN THE annals of Philippine law and public service, there are luminaries whose names resonate far beyond their immediate communities, casting a profound influence on society.
Lawyer Leovillo Dela Cruz Agustin stands tall among them, a beacon of integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Born in the coastal town of Ballesteros, Cagayan, Agustin’s journey is one that exemplifies the true essence of a servant-leader.
From humble beginnings as the son of a vice mayor and a public school teacher, his upbringing instilled in him the virtues of hard work, honesty, and empathy. These values formed the bedrock of his illustrious career that spanned over six decades.
At the heart of Agustin’s legacy is his steadfast dedication to providing free legal aid to the marginalized and vulnerable.
Dubbed the “Poor Man’s Lawyer,” he tirelessly championed the cause of justice for those who could not afford legal representation.
His pioneering work in this field earned him national acclaim, culminating in the prestigious 1979 TOYM Award for Law Practice and Legal Aid.
Ambani inherited a thriving industrial enterprise spanning oil, gas and petrochemicals.
He grew it into a commercial behemoth with lucrative interests in retail, telecommunications and an Indian Premier League cricket team.
Ambani’s family home Antilia is one of Mumbai’s most prominent landmarks. The 27-floor building reportedly cost more than $1 billion to erect and has a permanent staff of 600 servants.
Merchant is the daughter of pharmaceutical moguls.
Cruise and zoo
Wedding celebrations began in March with a three-day gala for 1,500plus guests in Gujarat state.
Rihanna performed her first concert since last year’s Super Bowl for wedding guests including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and ex-US president Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka.
David Blaine did magic tricks.
Festivities also involved a trip to the Ambani’s “animal rescue center” housing exotic animals, and a specially built Hindu temple complex.
als will be threatened by 2050 and 75 percent will face high to critical threat levels.
Human activities have negatively impacted marine reefs. The drivers of the coral decline are due to human activities like overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the effects of climate change.
Coral reefs of the region have an average 32 percent hard coral cover as highlighted by one latest data collection in 14 survey sites in JuneAugust 2022 with variations from 22 percent to 54 percent hard cover per sites.
One of the most significant threats to reefs is pollution.
Land-based runoff and pollutant discharges can result from dredging, coastal development, agricultural and deforestation activities, and sewage treatment plant operations. This runoff may contain sediments, nutrients, chemicals, insecticides, oil, and debris.
Increased ocean temperatures and changing ocean chemistry are the greatest global threats to coral reef ecosystems.
These threats are caused by warmer atmospheric temperatures and increasing levels of carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater. As atmospheric temperatures rise, so do seawater temperatures.
Saluting Leovillo D. Agustin: Defender of justice
This accolade not only recognized his legal acumen but also celebrated his profound impact on Philippine society.
Beyond his legal prowess, Agustin was a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity, Batch ‘58, at the University of the Philippines.
His fraternity’s motto, “We Gather Light to Scatter,” resonated throughout his career, guiding his actions and principles.
As we celebrate the Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano award bestowed upon Leovillo Dela Cruz Agustin, we honor a titan whose legacy will endure for generations
His contributions extended to the realm of good governance.
His involvement in various landmark cases, from defending farmers against exploitation to safeguarding
A second leg in June was a fourday Mediterranean cruise with 1,200 guests, Merchant told Vogue. Singer Katy Perry performed at a masquerade ball at a French chateau in Cannes, while the Backstreet Boys and US rapper Pitbull also provided entertainment.
DJ David Guetta played at a toga party at sea.
The cruise ended in Italy’s Portofino, where tenor Andrea Bocelli serenaded the party in the town square.
Gowns
The wedding invitation was an intricate chest incorporating a mini silver temple.
Merchant’s multiple dresses have been as elaborate. They have included custom designs from Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and a vintage Yves Saint Laurent for Dior, she told Vogue.
Another was a sweeping chiffon dress printed with a love letter from her fiancee, the magazine reported.
“I want to be able to show it to my kids and grandkids, and say that ‘this is what our love was’”, Merchant said. Poverty
tenants’ rights, underscored his belief in the rule of law as a cornerstone of democracy.
Educated at the University of the Philippines and honed by further studies at Harvard Law School, Agustin combined academic rigor with practical compassion.
His legal career was not just a profession but a vocation—a calling to serve his fellow Filipinos with dignity and fairness.
In a landscape rich with legal luminaries, Agustin’s impact transcends borders.
His contributions to international law and his role as a global ambassador of goodwill were duly recognized, reflecting his stature as a statesman of the legal profession.
As we celebrate the Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano award bestowed upon Leovillo Dela Cruz Agustin, we honor a titan whose legacy will endure for generations.
His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of principle, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring pursuit of justice.
Congratulations, Atty. Leovillo Dela Cruz Agustin, on this well-deserved recognition. May your light continue to inspire and guide us all.
India is the fastest-growing major economy, and the world’s fifth largest. But despite massive advances, the world’s most populous country has a jobs crisis to match.
National per capita income is just $1,174, according to government data.
India was ranked 111 of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index report last year, a peer-reviewed measure calculated by European aid agencies.
One percent of India’s 1.4 billion people earn more than a fifth of its wealth, according to the World Inequality Lab, an income share “among the very highest” in the world -- greater than South Africa, Brazil or the United States.
Perhaps to preempt criticism, Ambani provided a feast for 50,000 people in his hometown of Jamnagar in Gujarat during the first round of parties.
Ambani also organized a mass wedding for 52 “underprivileged” couples near Mumbai, promising to support “hundreds more such weddings” across India. AFP
national security-related material from the military. The 40-year-old woman Kira Korolev and her 62-year-old husband Igor -- both holders of Russian passports -- had lived in Australia for more than 10 years and obtained citizenship, the authorities said. They were arrested at their home in Brisbane on Thursday and charged with “preparing for an espionage offence”, federal police commissioner Reece Kershaw told a news conference.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment.
The accused woman was a private in the Australian defense force and had been working there for several years as an “information systems technician”, Kershaw said.
She took “non-declared” travel to Russia during long-term leave from the military, he said. AFP
MIAMI – Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban jetted off to Florida on Thursday (Friday Manila time) to meet with former US president Donald Trump after the end of the NATO summit in Washington.
The sit-down at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate is likely to further upset Budapest’s allies after Orban drew widespread ire from European counterparts for meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin last week.
Right-wing Orban, whose country took over the rotating presidency of the European Union this month, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, and last met the 2024 Republican presidential hopeful in March.
“We discussed ways to make peace,” Orban said in a post on social media Thursday evening with a picture of the two leaders meeting.
“The good news of the day: he’s going to solve it!” AFP
KATHMANDU – More than 60 people are missing in Nepal after a landslide triggered by heavy rains swept two buses off a highway and into a river, authorities said.
Dozens of search and rescue personnel were combing the site for survivors of the accident in the central district of Chitwan, district official Khimananda Bhusal told AFP.
Bhusal said that the buses were carrying at least 66 people between them but three passengers had been able to escape before they crashed into the waterway and were now being treated in hospital.
“We are not sure of the total number because the buses could have picked up others on the road,” he said.
“The river has swollen and no one else has been found yet.” AFP
Washington, United States – NATO leaders pledged enduring support for Ukraine and commitment to their alliance as they wrapped up a three-day summit overshadowed by doubts over President Joe Biden’s fitness to run crucial power the United States.
The 32-nation alliance used the pompfilled 75th anniversary gala in the US capital to showcase its resolve against Russia two and half years into the Kremlin’s invasion of its pro-Western neighbor. But the gathering was clouded by uncertainty in the United States as Biden fights for his political survival.
“I will not walk away from Ukraine. I will keep NATO strong,” Biden said in his closing press conference. “That’s exactly what we did, and exactly what we’ll continue to do now.”
The US leader compared his commitment to the trans-Atlantic alliance to comments from his challenger, former president Donald Trump.
“My predecessor has made it clear he has no commitment to NATO. He’s made it clear that he would feel no obligation to honor Article 5,” Biden said, referring to the alliance’s commitment of common defense.
TOKYO – Joint military activities around Japan by China and Russia are of “grave concern” and North Korea poses a greater threat than ever, Tokyo’s defence ministry said Friday.
In its annual white paper, the ministry outlined its stance on issues from tensions around Taiwan to the intensifying rivalry between China and the United States.
Repeated joint sorties by Chinese and Russian ships around Japan “are clearly intended as a demonstration of force against Japan and are a grave concern from the perspective of national security,” it said.
North Korea, meanwhile, which often conducts missile tests in Japan’s direction, poses a “more grave and imminent threat to Japan’s national security than ever before”.
In previous years, the defence paper has raised the need to counter regional
threats including growing Chinese military clout and a nuclear-armed North Korea.
Japan plans to double its defence spending to the NATO standard of two percent of GDP by 2027, although the falling value of the yen may dent its purchasing power.
This year, the paper noted that Beijing regularly sends ships to areas close to disputed islands in the East China Sea -- reiterating that China’s military ambitions are “the greatest strategic challenge” to Japan and the world.
It seems China intends to make increased military activities around Taiwan a new normal for the region, said the paper, which also listed heightened defense risks associated with AI, cybersecurity and disinformation.
“The international community is facing its greatest trial since World War II and competition among states, espe-
cially between the US and China, and it is set to intensify,” the white paper said.
Japan is forging closer defence ties with like-minded countries in the region including Australia and South Korea, and on Monday signed a key defence pact with the Philippines to allow the deployment of troops on each other’s territory.
The Philippines and Japan are both longtime allies of the United States, which has been strengthening defence ties in Asia to counter China’s growing military might and influence.
Chinese officials have accused the United States of trying to create an AsiaPacific version of NATO.
On Thursday, Japan’s top government spokesman declined to comment on a report by Kyodo News that said a Japanese destroyer had made a rare entry into China’s territorial waters this month, prompting a complaint from Beijing. AFP
Biden met Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy along with other NATO leaders on the third -- and final -- day of the summit after pledging new air defenses to help protect the war-torn country. But Zelenskyy called on Kyiv’s backers, especially the United States, to go further -- including by giving his outgunned forces greater scope to strike inside Russia.
“If we want to win, if we want to prevail, if we want to save our country and to defend it, we need to lift all the limitations,” Zelenskyy said. Key allies such as the United States and Germany relaxed conditions on Ukraine hitting inside Russia in May in response to Moscow’s offensive toward the second city Kharkiv, but they kept in place some limits on how far and under which circumstances Kyiv could strike.
Biden said he taking advice from his military chiefs and evaluating on a “day to day basis” whether to make any adjustments.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was more definitive, saying “no one is planning to change the previous measures and guidelines.” AFP
GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories –
Fighting and bombardment shook Gaza’s biggest city on Thursday, an AFP correspondent said, even after Israel’s military declared an end to its operation in an eastern district that saw Gaza City’s heaviest combat in months.
The upsurge in fighting, bombardment and displacement came as talks were held in the Gulf emirate of Qatar towards a truce and hostage release deal after more than nine months of war.
But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded Thursday that Israel retain control of key Gaza territory along the border with Egypt -- a condition that conflicts with Hamas’s position that Israel must withdraw from all Gaza territory after a ceasefire.
Gaza’s Hamas rulers said troops had pulled back from Gaza City’s eastern district of Shujaiya, leaving “more than 300 residential units and more than 100 businesses destroyed”.
Witnesses said tanks and troops had moved on to other parts of Gaza City. An AFP correspondent reported air strikes on the Sabra neighborhood while militants engaged in heavy clashes with Israeli forces in Tel al-Hawa.
Explosions and orange flashes shook the darkened city before daylight brought automatic weapons fire, AFPTV images showed. AFP
SEOUL – South Korea will begin deploying drone-melting laser weapons designed to shoot down North Korean UAVs this year, the country’s arms procurement agency told AFP Friday.
The new laser weapons -- dubbed the “StarWars Project” by the South -- are invisible and noise-free, require no additional ammunition, operate solely on electricity and cost only about 2,000 won ($1.45) per shot, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
The “Block-I” system, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, will be “put into operational deployment in the military this year”, Lee Sang-yoon, a DAPA official, told AFP.
DESPITE. A donkey feeds while camels graze at a camp for people displaced by conflict in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday amid the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. Explosions and orange flashes shook the darkened city before daylight brought automatic weapons fire, AFPTV images showed. AFP
spond to North Korea’s drone provocations will be significantly enhanced” by the laser weapons system, DAPA said in a statement Thursday.
It has successfully achieved a 100 percent shoot-down rate in previous tests, and with future improvements, it could become a “game-changing” weapons system capable of countering aircraft and ballistic missiles in the future, DAPA said.
The “StarWars” system -- a “weapon of the future” according to official Lee -- neutraliZes targets by directly hitting them with laser light generated from optical fiber.
“When a laser weapon transfers heat to a drone, its surface melts. As the surface melts, the internal components catch fire, causing the drone to eventually fall,” Lee told AFP.
The two Koreas remain technically at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
In December 2022, Seoul said five North Korean drones crossed into the South, the first such incident in five years, prompting its military to fire warning shots and deploy fighter jets, but they failed to shoot any of them down.
The South’s “ability to re-
“This laser weapon uses electricity, so simply increasing the output allows it to travel at the speed of light,” he said.
“Laser weapons can travel even further in space where there is no air,” which gives it a significant advantage over conventional weapons, he added.
But some analysts said it was too early to be sure about the weapon’s capabilities.
“Laser weapons have not yet been put to practical use worldwide, and further verification and more time are needed to determine whether they can be utilised as a practical weapon system,” Hong Sung-pyo, senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs, told AFP. AFP
PARIS—The Seine has been clean enough to swim for most of the past 12 days, Paris city hall said Friday, just weeks ahead of the Olympic Games.
The quality of the water met the required standard for “11 days or 10 days” of the past 12, city hall official Pierre Rabadan told broadcaster RFI. Weather permitting, the river will be the star of the opening ceremony of the Games on July 26 and will then host the triathlon and the swimming marathon.
The Paris region has seen an unseasonably heavy amount of
THE Premier Volleyball League has yet to unveil its Reinforced Conference, but Galeries Tower insists it has already accomplished its mission with key acquisitions in the recent Rookie Draft.
But forming a formidable squad is one thing; piling up victories in a highly competitive league is another. Nevertheless, the Highrisers believe they can rise to the challenge, asserting they now have what it takes to compete with the league’s top teams after acquiring former La Salle ace and Alas Pilipinas playmaker Julia Coronel, former UP standout Jewel Encarnacion, Arellano stalwart Dodee Batindaan and Univ. of San Jose-Recoletos product Danivah Aying. The spotlight, however, is expected to focus on Coronel, who will take over the starting setter role from Fhen Emnas once she finishes her duties with the national team.
“That, I’m not sure about. But for the meantime, since it is national team season, I’m really hoping to prioritize my duties as a national team player,” Coronel said when asked about her status for the Reinforced Conference.
The 5-foot-9 setter expressed her utmost gratitude to Galeries Tower for taking a chance on her. She also vowed to contribute to the team’s efforts as they look to climb out of the PVL cellar this season.
“I would say I’m extremely thankful because coming into this draft, I really didn’t know who would pick me. And now that I know, I’m just really happy with the team I’m in, and as I said, I’m willing to contribute to the team’s success,” said Coronel.
After losing veteran outside hitter Shola Alvarez and middle blocker Julia Ipac to the Capital1 Solar Spikers during the off-season, Galeries Tower filled the void by selecting Encarnacion and Batindaan.
rain over recent weeks, which has raised the Seine’s pollution levels as untreated sewage is washed into the river.
“We hope the weather will get a little better, but we are not worried about the possibility of holding the competitions,” Rabadan said. “They will take place.” He added, however, that there may have to be “modifications”,
without giving details. Weather in Paris is forecast to be mostly dry over the final 14 days before the start of the Games.
On July 4, city hall had already reported that E.Coli bacteria levels at the Olympics swimming spot in central Paris had fallen to within acceptable limits for four days.
But the previous week, levels of E.Coli—a bacteria indicating the presence of faecal matter—had been above the upper limits used by sports federations every day at the Alexandre III bridge location in central Paris, which is set to be the jumping off point for the swimming.
At one point, E.Coli levels were 10 times the upper limit of 1,000 colonyforming units per 100 millilitres (cfu/ ml), with heavy rain over the previous two months leading to fears for the Olympic events.
The Seine is set to be used for the swimming leg of the triathlon on July 30-31 and August 5, as well as the open-water swimming on August 8-9.
French authorities have spent 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in the last decade trying to clean up the river by improving the Paris sewerage system, as well as building new water treatment and storage facilities. AFP
talents from TriBohol, including Cian Zamora, Tim Castro, and Renzo Tirol, competing fiercely in the 15-19 division against Lance Pimentel, Elioun Austria, and Christopher Barbas. The 20-24 category will be equally competitive with T2M Tri Team’s Andrew Isoto, TaxPro Triathlon’s Benjo Namoc, and Jummel Jaspe of Paseo de Loon.
Jeremy Go, founder of Go for Gold PH, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “At Go for Gold, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and transform lives. This sprint represents more than just a race – it embodies our commitment to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and fostering a sense of community among participants. Whether you’re an elite athlete, a recreational runner, or a first-time competitor, your dedication and spirit are what make this event truly special.” Go for Gold, the sports corporate social responsibility arm of Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corp., aims to promote nation-building through sports development, encouraging young individuals to pursue excellence through physical literacy.
The race includes men’s, women’s, and mixed relay categories, with the male wave starting at 8 a.m. and the female wave at 8:05 a.m. at The Bellevue Resort’s beachfront.
LUZON, Visayas and Mindanao will be represented in the upcoming PSL Global Championship Challenge by Davao City and Cebu-USJR, which hurdled their respective rivals Thursday in the National Finals at the Filoil-EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Cebu-USJR survived another explosive showing from ex-Batang Gilas player Jeremy Godoy, but the Cebuanos won’t take no for an answer as they outplayed Pangasinan, 83-71, behind a strong fourth quarter.
The Cebuanos outscored the Pangasinense, 30-17, in that crucial stretch, which propelled them to win the Born 2006 division of the National Finals and secure a seat in the Global Championship Challenge.
Davao City completed the winner’s circle by outdueling crosstown rival Davao Occidental, 80-64, and earned the right to represent the Philippines in the major interna -
with pride has always known: greatness does not ask for permission.
“Today marks a milestone moment for the Jordan Brand. The moment we enter a new chapter of Greatness with that same bold and defiant spirit that Michael has always embodied with our new brand voice - Our Turn. It is both a rallying cry and a statement” said Caitlin Sargent, Jordan Brand Chief Marketing Officer. “We believe there is Greatness in everyone. Our role is to unleash that within the next generation across every corner of the world by inspiring them to rise up and take their turn.” Our Turn will also be brought to life through a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the next generation to broadcast their greatness on the world stage.
As it’s not enough to say it’s ‘Our Turn’, Jordan Brand is giving the next generation of hoopers the chance to prove it. Through basketball tournaments and communities globally, Jordan Brand will invite 20 young men and women to Paris – District 23 – for something greater than gold. A chance to become a part of the Jordan Brand family as a Brand Ambassador. Representing cities from across the US (NY,
tional tournament, which unfurls on July 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Global Championship Challenge serves as the flagship event of the Pilipinas Super League.
John Eimrod Rodulfa dished out an MVP performance as he flirted with a triple-double showing. The shifty guard finished with 30 points, dished out 12 assists and grabbed nine boards, a fitting way to cap the tournament where he led his team to a win in the National Finals, where he captured the Most Valuable Player award.
Keith Marquez was also a key contributor as he wound up with 16 markers, while Junel Balansag added 13.
Aside from Rodulfa, other players who also won the MVP in their respective divisions are Yujin Peña of Pampanga (Born 2008) and Jan Oringo of Cebu-USJR (Born 2006).
Chicago, LA), Asia-Pacific (Philippines, Japan, Australia), Europe (London, Paris) and many more, hoopers will compete for the chance to be named ‘The One’ – the best one-one-one player in the world. In what will be exhilarating match up’s where they will leave everything they have on the court two winners will come out on top for bragging rights as The One and will embark on a year-long partnership with Jordan Brand. After qualifying rounds taking place in Manila, Shanghai, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and several other cities globally all summer, 20 players will arrive in Paris to play-in for a spot in the Finals bracket and then an advance or knockout play where in the end, a male and female winner will be crowned. John Earl Medina, a sensational new junior player for Manila’s Adamson University and 17year old Gabby Ramos, who suits up for the U18 national women’s team Gilas Pilipinas, will be the Philippines’ representatives in Paris. “Basketball is very big in my city,” said John Earl. “Everywhere you go you see kids playing (the game) barefooted. That’s how passionate we Filipinos are for basketball. I’m excited to show what Philippine basketball is like to the world.”
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
NATIONAL University booked a quarterfinals seat after crushing Xavier University-Northern Mindanao, 25-15, 25-13, 25-13, to complete a clean sweep of Pool A in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Lady Bulldogs barely broke a sweat in claiming their second straight victory despite sitting out most of its veterans including Alas Pilipinas members Bella Belen and Arah Panique.
Aishat Bello and Vange Alinsug took care of business in leading the NU’s balanced offense to move on to the knockout quarters of the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Team Rebel Sports and Mikasa against University of Southern Philippines Foundation today at the same venue.
Bello finished with nine points including four aces while Alinsug added eighth points from six kills and two kill blocks for NU, which also rested main setter Lams Lamina and Sheena Toring. Young playmaker Abegail Pono held the fort as she took over Lamina’s job orchestrating the Lady Bulldogs’ offensive flow. Erin Pangilinan and Minerva Maaya scored five each.
“Masaya po at nanalo even without the senior players, but we saw complacency in their performance. Sakit pa rin ng team namin na magkaron ng tendency na mag-relax ‘pag alam nila na medyo under skilled ‘yung opponent, that’s what I told them. That’s not good for me,” NU head coach Norman Miguel said. “But nevertheless, mabuti at nag-step up ‘yung mga players especially sila Vange, Abe Pono with the help of Erin pangilinan. Our rookies played good today.”
NU’s victory also gave Enderun Colleges, which it defeated in straight sets last Wednesday, a free ride into the next round.
The Lady Titans, who swept Xavier University, 25-12, 25-21, 25-18, last Thursday, will play Pool D’s top seed in the quarters.
Chrys Biongcog and Charity Rockwell posted five and four points, respectively, to pace Xavier University, which ended its campaign winless.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University booted out Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-15, 25-13, 25-12, to top Pool C and punch a quarters ticket.
Paalam lead PSA sports achievers in June
PARIS Olympics-bound EJ Obiena
scored a twin-kill in Poland as he led a rousing end to the first half of 2024 for Philippine athletes. Obiena, the second-ranked pole vaulter in the world, flashed his form in setting a season best of 5.97 meter on his way to gold in the Irena Szewinska Memorial event in Bydgoszcz.
The 28-year Pinoy star outclassed nine rivals led by Greek Emmanouil Karalis (5.92m) and local bet Piotr Lisek (5.75m), who finished second and third in the World Athletics Gold event.
A few days later, Obiena followed this up with a record-smashing triumph in the Czeslaw Cybulski Memorial over in Poznan.
The Asian champion cleared 5.87 meters that erased the meet standard of 5.80m and the five-year-old stadium mark of 5.80m both set by Lisek. Home bet Lisek settled for silver with 5.82m while Saudi Arabia’s Hussain Al-Hizam (5.62) took the bronze. With this double hit, Obiena earned the nod of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) as the top performing Filipino athlete for the month of June. Making the honor roll as well were boxers Carlo Paalam and Hergie Bacyadan, who spearheaded the advance of more bets to the coming Paris Olympiad. Paalam, silver medalist in Tokyo, sealed a return stint in the Games with a unanimous decision over India’s Sachin Siwach in the semifinals of the men’s 57kg class in the 2nd Boxing World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Thailand. Bacyadan secured her Olympic debut by beating quarterfinal foe Maryel i s Yriza of Venezuela, also via a 5-0 shutout, in the quota bout of the women’s 75kg division.
By Peter Atencio
CEBU City—Athletics officials are seeking a remeasurement of the track oval inside the Cebu City Sports Complex after it appeared to fall short of World Athletics’ standard.
The oval, which is now being used for the running events of the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, is believed to have fallen short of the standard distance of 400 meters.
Tournament director Jeanette Obiena told coaches and delegation officials that the oval’s length is at 398 meters, two meters below the prescribed length of World Athletics, the world governing body for track and field sports.
“We are waiting for the technical measurements of the contractor. We need another one,” said Obiena.
Track officials said that with situation, no meet record will be recognized on running events that
CEBU CITY—Athletes from the Calabarzon region showed their might on Day 2, hauling in a total of 19 golds, eight silvers and two bronze medals in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa at the Cebu City Sports Complex here on Friday. Their dominance came through the good showings of Imus bet Jonalyn Halasan’s twogold medal haul in the secondary girls’ athletics action, Mark Jacob Villamar’s four-gold feat in the elementary boys’ gymnastics events and two more golds from Jasmine Mojdeh in secondary girls’ swimming.
Host Cebu City may have gotten six golds medals from dancesport, through the efforts of high school bets Mitchloni Dinauanao
SILANG, Cavite – Rafa Anciano and Patrick Tambalque strengthened their bids for the Philippine Match Play Championship with wire-to-wire victories in the ICTSI Junior PGT with the former securing another Luzon Series win at Riviera’s Couples course here yesterday (Friday) following a playoff triumph at Pinewoods.
Tambalque, on the other hand, scored a follow-up to his title romp in the Visayas Series 2 in Bacolod in a multi-series campaign in the nationwide circuit, defeating Simon Wahing once again in the boys’ 1618 category.
Anciano delivered a stunning performance, annexing a commanding 40-stroke victory over Gabriela Sison. She capped off her triumph with a closing 87 for a 336 total in the girls’ premier division of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Sison posted an 88 to finish second with a total score of 376, followed by Chloe Rada (91-381),
and Francis Dave Sombal, but this did not affect Southern Tagalog’s campaign after two days.
The 17-year-old Halasan bagged her gold medal by ruling the secondary girls’ division of triple jump where she cleared 11.39 meters.
Halasan, an incoming Grade 12 student at the General Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School in Imus City, Cavite, earlier leaped to a height of 5.3 meters on her third attempt in the long jump event.
“Kanina kinakabahan ako, pero binigay ko na lang ang best, at kung ano iyung ginawa ko sa training,” said Halasan.
It was Halasan’s third time in the Palaro and her second gold medal after finishing first in the
elementary girls’ division of the same event in 2019.
Villamar, a student of Jose Rizal Memorial School in Calamba, Laguna, struck gold in four of five events in cluster one of the elementary boys’ men’s artistic gymnastics action at the Cebu Institute of Technology.
Villamar’s golds were in the floor exercises, pommel horse, horizontal bar and individual allaround.
The 17-year-old Mojdeh, who is on her final year in the Palaro, took two more golds, following her record-smashing feat of 2:14.75 in the 200-meter backstroke, which eclipsed Xiandi Chua’s (NCR) five-year old 2:43.08. Peter Atencio
have distances of 400 meters, or more.
Work was still going on to fix the condition of the newly-renovated rubberized track oval at the CCSC some three days to go before competitions.
Two lanes needed to undergo a makeover with visible signs of damage seen on the turf near the finish line.
Concerns were brought up on the situation at the oval, with the detachment of the rubber from its base, a bumpy surface, and the presence of water trapped inside the rubber base.
CCSC was closed for renovation in May 2023 and completion of the repairs were rushed, days before the Palaro was to start.
Meanwhile, Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon said that the Province of Ilocos Norte will have facilities built under better conditions when it hosts the 2025 Palarong Pambansa.
Keon, who recently learned about the situation involving the CCSC turf, revealed that the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium, also known as Marcos Stadium, will meet international standards, featuring an oval with a 400-meter length. The Marcos Stadium is a football and track stadium that was completed last year, with a seating capacity of 25,000.
“It was obviously more relaxed here compared to Pinewoods,” said Anciano, who had to go head-to-head for all four days and play an extra hole to defeat Chloe Rada at Pinewoods in Baguio, clinching her first win after finishing fourth and fifth at Splendido Taal and Pradera Verde, respectively.
“Having an early big lead (14 shots) also helped me focus on other aspects of my game, like my short game and how to improve my drives or second shots. It felt like a game where I could just try to score my best without the pressure of competing against my opponents,” added Anciano, who thanked God, her family, and supporters for her latest triumph.
Tambalque, despite a shaky back nine on his home course, managed to stay in control, pouncing on Wahing’s late mishap to win by eight on a 12over 300 total after a 76.
PASAYPROMENADE.
Metropolitan
226,279 202,415 39,088
Vehicles sold in first half of 2024
Vehicles sold in first half of 2023
Vehicles sold in June 2024
Office demand increased 56% in first 6 months
THE Philippine office market showed resilience and growth in the first half of 2024, according to Leechiu Property Consultants Inc. (LPC). Transactions increased 24 percent from the same period last year, driven by the IT-business process management sector and government agencies, LPC said.
“Net office demand in the first half of 2024 surged 56 percent,” said LPC director Mikko Barranda. “However, the sector remains under pressure due to new supply entering the market in the second half of 2024.” Barranda noted a “flight to quality” trend, with traditional offices relocating and expanding to newer spaces. “Live demand gives us optimism, as we see numerous transactions still in the pipeline for the second half of 2024,” he said.
The office market’s strong performance was fueled by two key sectors: IT-BPM, which experienced a 13-percent year-on-year jump in transactions and government agencies, whose leasing activity increased by over sevenfold from the first half of 2023 to the first half of 2024.
Overall transaction activity in the first half of 2024 included 268,000 square meters (sq. m.) for IT-BPM offices, followed by traditional offices (229,000 sq. m.), government offices (113,000 sq. m.), and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (75,000 sq. m.).
LPC said most occupiers gravitated towards newer buildings or those five years old or less.
Metro Manila remained a preferred location for office space. In the second quarter of 2024, the Bay Area and Makati City captured a combined total of 155,000 sq. m., representing a significant 44-percent share of national demand.
Government activity fueled 68 percent of the demand in the Bay Area. Outside the capital region, Cebu maintained its position as the provincial leader.
By Othel V. Campos
PHILIPPINE vehicle sales grew 11. 8 percent to 226,279 units in the first half of 2024 from 202,415 units in the same period in 2023 despite a slight drop in month-on-month (MoM) sales in June.
June from 10,967 units in May but increased 18.3 percent, year-on-year from 8,966 units in June 2023.
Commercial vehicle sales also showed a slight drop of 2.9 percent to 28,460 units from 29,304 in May but grew 4.2 percent from 27,325 units a year earlier.
Total vehicle sales in June showed a positive growth of 7.6 percent to 39,088 units from 36,311 units in the same month in 2023.
Data show that the six-month passenger car sales increased 17.8 percent to 59,875 units from 50,848 a year ago, while commercial car sales rose 9.8 percent to 166,404 units from 151,567. Passenger car sales declined by 3.09 percent to 10,628 units in
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) said in a joint report sales were stable in the first six months and were on track to the target sales for the whole year. Sales in June fell 2.9 percent to 39,088 units from 40,271 units in May 2024. “The decline in consumer demand, as well as delays in the arrival of vehicle units and supply limitation for fast-moving variants all contributed to this decline,” said CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez.
CLARK International Airport Corp. (CIAC) signed on Friday an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center for technical advisory services for the 62-hectare National Food Hub at the Clark civil aviation complex.
“This ceremonial signing marks a major step in the transaction advisory phase, ensuring technical expertise in the preparation, structuring, and procurement of the concessionaire for the National Food Hub Project,” said CIAC president Arrey Perez. Under the agreement, ADB will provide comprehensive market-facing transaction advisory services and technical assistance, including the
By Ralph Harvey Rirao
DOMESTIC liquidity (M3), or the money supply circulating in the financial market, grew by 6.5 percent year-on-year to about P17.4 trillion in May 2024.
This was faster than the 5.6-percent growth recorded in April, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Friday. M3 also went up by 1.1 percent on a month-onmonth on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Data from the BSP show that domestic claims expanded 10.7 percent in May, consistent with the previous month’s figure.
Claims on the private sector grew by 11.6 percent in May, from the revised-10.9 percent in April with the
preparation of pre-tender documents, securing approvals and assisting with the tender process.
Perez stressed the value of partnering with international financial institutions like ADB and the PPP Center, saying their expertise would ensure technical excellence throughout the project’s development.
The PPP Center earlier granted $450,000 in funding support to CIAC for the project. It procured ADB’s Office of Markets Development and Public-Private Partnership (OMDP) services through a negotiated procurement process.
The P8.5-billion National Food Hub Project involves developing, operating, and maintaining a wholesale
sustained expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households.
Net claims on the central government went up by 12.2 percent, due in part to sustained borrowings of the national government.
The net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose 4.9 percent year-on-year in May, faster than 2.1 percent in April. The BSP’s NFA grew by 8.6 percent, while the NFA of banks contracted on account of higher bills and bonds payable.
The BSP said it would continue to ensure that domestic liquidity conditions remain consistent with the prevailing stance of monetary policy in line with its price and financial stability objectives.
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained the dominant market player with 46.12 percent of the total sales. It was followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with 18.83 percent, Ford Group Philippines with 6.39 percent, Nissan Philippines Inc. with 6.16 percent and Suzuki Philippines Inc. with with 4.26 percent.
INTEGRATED PLATFORM.
Officials of the Department of Information and Communications Technology and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. announce the integration of the ePhilHealth Platform in the eGovPH app, enabling the general public to digitally access and avail of the various digital health insurance services securely and conveniently anywhere they are in the world.
Leading the ceremonial launch are (from left) PhilHealth executive vice president and chief operating officer Eli Dino D. Santos, senior vice president and chief information officer Jovita Aragona, president and chief executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy and Undersecretary David Almirol Jr.
food hub catering to a wide region, including the Clark Freeport Zone, New Clark City, Metro Manila, North, Central, and Southern Luzon.
Perez said the food hub would replicate the state-of-the-art agrologistics systems from advanced Asian countries, elevating food safety standards and creating better opportunities for local farmers, fisherfolk and growers.
“The Clark hub will serve as a comprehensive solution for the distribution, storage, and processing of agricultural products, strengthening the national government’s food security measures—a key priority of the Marcos administration,” he said.
Othel V. Campos
AIP MEMBER. Design Systemat president Paolo Buñag (right) gains associate membership to the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), the leading professional body for packaging education and training in Australasia. Buñag, a director and past president of the Packaging Institute of the Philippines (PIP) and a board director of the World Packaging Organization (WPO) for the Philippines, has represented the country in international packaging industry forums on such topics as packaging technology, food & packaging innovation and sustainability. The certificate of membership was presented by AIP president John Bigley during the ProPak Asia 2024 conference held in Bangkok, Thailand.
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday denied that Governor Eli Remolona Jr. endorsed a cryptocurrency investment. It said in a statement that Remolona “does not endorse the alleged cryptocurrency project ‘Tesler Code’ or any other cryptocurrency investment.”
The BSP also asked the public to be more vigilant against scams because the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create or manipulate fake videos and audios make them appear more believable.
“Perpetrators of these fraudulent activities post AI-manipulated content on social media to spread false information about organizations, officials, and persons, including the central bank and its personnel,” it said.
The BSP said any act of misrepresenting the bank regulator or any of its officers or units is punishable under the law.
“To guard against this scam and other similar schemes, the BSP urges the public to remain vigilant and to refrain from providing personal information to unverified or suspicious entities,” it said.
“The public is also encouraged to verify the authenticity of messages from supposed BSP officers or representatives, and to report suspicious activities,” the BSP said.
stocks sustain gains on optimism over rate cuts
PHILIPPINE stocks ended the week in the green after the US June inflation rate slowed to 3 percent, which boosted expectations of a possible rate cut by the Federal Reserve.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 6,648.23, up by 38.99 points, or 0.59 percent, from the previous trading, while the broader all-shares index picked up 20.54 points, or 0.58 percent, to reach 3,576.22.
“Philippine shares continued climbing as investors got more reassurance that Fed would likely cut interest rates as inflation cooled to 3 percent from 3.3 percent in May,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.
“Today’s moves also reflect investor optimism and highlight the influence of international market movement in local trading sentiments,” he said. Value turnover was thin at P3.91 billion.
Indices ended mixed, with industrial and mining and oil declining by 0.63 percent and 0.21 percent, respectively.
Services surged by 1.64 percent, followed by financials which rose 0.70 percent. Property also climbed 0.68 percent, while holding firms advanced 0.44 percent.
Meanwhile, Asian Markets mostly rose Friday after a largely negative day on Wall Street despite growing confidence of a US interest rate cut, while the yen saw big swings as speculation swirled that Japan had stepped into forex markets to support the currency.
A smaller-than-expected read on the June consumer price index ramped up bets on the Federal Reserve lowering borrowing costs in September, and possibly again before January.
The news came after the central bank’s boss Jerome Powell said decision-makers would not wait until inflation had hit the bank’s two percent target before loosening monetary policy, warning that “if you waited that long, you’ve probably waited too long”.
On Thursday, San Francisco Fed chief Mary Daly said: “I do think with the incoming information on inflation, growth and the labour market, some policy adjustments are likely to be warranted.” Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP
NEXGEN Energy Corp., a renewable energy corporation with a diverse basket of solar and wind service contracts, said it received strong demand from investors for its initial public offering from July 1 to July 8. It said while the offer period was short due to time constraints and the approaching ghost month, the IPO was oversubscribed, with investors taking up 315 million shares at P1.68 per share.
Under the terms of the IPO, 300 million primary common shares were sold at P1.68 per share.
XG said it received commitments from various investors to purchase all primary common shares available for the offering. To accommodate the greater-than-expected investor demand, XG sold an additional 15 million shares from its overallotment option.
The company is raising P504 million in gross proceeds from the IPO.
“As we move closer to our listing date in the Philippine Stock Exchange, we are grateful to all who supported the IPO because it demonstrates the confidence in XG’s management team to develop and manage the company’s long-term growth prospects,” XG president and chief executive Eric Peter Roxas said.
“The IPO will be a key milestone in XG’s history, given it would provide much-appreciated financing to fulfill our expansion plans, and our investors will be key to us to succeed in our objectives,” he said.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE newly-appointed president and chief executive of Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) was elected as the president of SP New Energy Corp (SPNEC).
SPNEC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday Emmanuel Rubio will replace Manuel Pangilinan who will step down after taking over the company for more than six months. Pangilinan, however, will remain as chairman of SPNEC.
Company sources said Rubio’s election as president and CEO of SPNEC was in light of his recent election as president and CEO of MGEN.
SPNEC is the renewable arm of MGEN and in charge of developing
the P200-billion Terra solar project in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. The project involves the construction of 3,500 megawatts of solar panels and 4,000 megawatt-hours of batter energy storage.
Meanwhile, SPNEC also disclosed the resignation of Rochel Donato Gloria as director of SPNEC and election of Rubio as replacement.
SPNEC chief operations officer Dominador Camu Jr. also resigned and will be replaced by Dennis Jordan. Rubio, who retired as president and
CEO of Aboitiz Power Corp., took over MGEN on July 1, 2024. MGEN acquired a majority stake in SPNEC, which was founded by businessman Leandro Leviste through a series of transactions with total investment reaching nearly P16 billion. Leviste, through Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings Inc., still owns less than 30 percent in SPNEC. Pangilinan earlier said SPNEC would likely take in two foreign partners in Terra Solar Philippines to help fund the world’s biggest solar project.
SM Store gets local, international awards for responsible retailing
THE SM Store received accolades from local and international organizations which acknowledged its impactful contributions to community welfare through its flagship corporate social responsibility program, the Shop & Share movement.
The League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) recognized SM’s Shop & Share for Education program for its efforts to provide essential backto-school kits, well-fitted shoes and learning toys for underprivileged grade schoolers in the most in need communities across the Philippines.
The Shop & Share for Education program, now on its second year, aims to distribute educational supplies to 12,000 pupils in over 70 public schools nationwide, addressing critical educational needs in the country.
The LCF is a network of corporate foundations in the Philippines active in promoting corporate social responsibility practices among its members and the larger business community.
Highlighting the SM Store’s efforts in leveraging its nationwide footprint to foster collaborative social good and positive impact in the communities it
BOND LISTING. Officials attend the bell-ringing ceremony for the listing of P15 billion maiden bond issue of Maynilad Water Services Inc. on July 12 on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. They include (from left) East West Banking Corp. head of investment banking Gerald Abrogar, BDO Capital & Investment
head of legal and regulatory affairs Lourdes Marivic Punzalan-Espiritu, Bank of the Philippine Islands executive vice president and head of institutional banking Juan Carlos Syquia and BPI Capital president Roland Gerard Veloso Jr.
BOUTIQUE airline Sunlight Air said it is bringing back its Sunlight Air Grand Travel Fest on July 26 to 28, 2024 at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2 in Makati City to celebrate its fifth anniversary. It said that following last year’s Grand Travel Fest, the three-day event would bring together mall goers and avid travelers alike for riveting deals and travel perks that everyone will surely enjoy.
“From our operational move to Clark to the launch of multiple new routes, the company has seen immense growth not only as an airline but also in the community of passengers we have built over the last five years. With this year’s Grand Travel Fest, we hope to reach even
more passengers and treat our customers with exclusive deals they can enjoy as a show of our appreciation for all their support,” said Sunlight Air chief executive Ryna Brito-Garcia.
Visitors will have the opportunity to avail of exclusive discounted offers, with up to 55 percent off on accommodations at partner hotels like Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark and Fili Hotel-NUSTAR Cebu.
Event partners GCash and BPI will also offering up to 20-percent off Sunlight Air fares, with special BPI installment offers at 0 percent interest and Buy Now, Pay Later options for all fares, SmartPass, and vacation package deals.
serves, the Shop & Share movement bagged the bronze award for innovation in communications and public relations at the 11th Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.
The Shop & Share movement reflects SM Store’s steadfast commitment to bridging societal gaps through strategic partnerships with global and local non-government organizations, local government units (LGUs), and schools across the Philippines. Its diverse portfolio includes initiatives such as Shop & Share for Sustainable Livelihood, Shop & Share for
Education, Shop & Share a Toy, Shop & Share for Women, Share Shoes, and Shop & Share for Tech Education, which collectively impact youth, women, farmers, and students nationwide. SM Store was also bestowed with the Hall of Fame for Social Empowerment award by the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA). Presented by Enterprise Asia, this recognizes SM’s continuous commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices, solidifying its position as a leader in corporate social responsibility in Asia.
Maynilad eyeing up to P35b in bilateral loans to fund capex
By Othel V. Campos
MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc.
(Maynilad) is setting its sights on a multibillion fundraising round in 2025 to finance its ambitious capital expenditure (capex) program, fresh from its successful P15-billion blue bond offering. Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez said the water company was looking to raise P25 billion to P35 billion in bilateral loans, financial instruments and a potential initial public offering (IPO) in early 2025 to secure the necessary capital for its extensive infrastructure projects.
“We are committed to finding the most efficient and cost-effective way to finance our capex program. We are confident that we can secure the necessary funding to deliver on our promise
of providing reliable and sustainable water services to our customers,” Fernandez said at the sidelines of the listing ceremony of its maiden fixed-rate blue bond offering Friday.
The projects aim to upgrade and expand Maynilad’s water supply, sanitation and wastewater treatment services to meet the growing demand in its concession area. Fernandez expressed confidence in the company’s ability to attract investors, citing the overwhelming success of the recent blue bond offering which was more than twice oversubscribed.
“We are encouraged by the strong investor interest in our company and our commitment to sustainability. We are confident that we can raise the necessary capital to support our growth and development plans, next year and beyond,” he said.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) expressed optimism about the launching the country’s first cable car system, the Antipolo Cable Car Project, by 2028.
DOTr Undersecretary for planning and project development
Timothy John Batan said the project would connect the Taytay station of Metro Rail Transit Line-4 to Antipolo.
“We know that Antipolo is very dense, and has lots of residents and
PHILIPPINE Airlines and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) unveiled a brand-new passenger transit lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
The facility located at the predeparture area is open 24 hours daily and is adjacent to the OFW lounge.
The lounge provides a comfortable and relaxing space for passengers with connecting flights and a suitable holding area for inadmissible passengers excluded by the Bureau of Immigration.
Under the partnership agreement, PAL provides for lounge amenities such as comfortable seats, charging stations and shower facilities.
“Our working partnership with the MIAA on this much-needed project will ensure the comfort and convenience of passengers traveling through the Manila gateway,” PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng said.
“PAL always advocates collaboration with industry partners. Together, we can do things better,” he said.
The country’s only full-service legacy carrier serves 40 international and 32 domestic destinations. Darwin G. Amojelar
economic activity, so it will be complementary to connect MRT-4 to Antipolo City,” Batan said.
The Asian Development Bank funded the cable car project’s prefeasibility study which was finished early this year.
“The project appears viable. The next step is the detailed feasibility study which the ADB is also financing,” Batan said.
The detailed feasibility study, which would determine the project cost and its passenger capacity, is expected to commence in 2025, while the project bidding will likely take place in 2026.
“It’s our first cable car project. We were told that it will take up to two years of construction. If we are able to award the contract in 2026, it is possible to [be operational] in 2028,” Batan said.
The government is seeking a $1-billion loan from the ADB to finance the planned MRT-4 that would run from San Juan City to Taytay in Rizal province. The 15.56-kilometer MRT 4, with 11 stations, two other provisional stations in the future and a barrier-free design to allow inclusive access, is expected to address the transport bottleneck along Ortigas Ave.
The P59.3-billion MRT-4 trains could run 80 kilometers per hour at maximum speed and a commercial speed of 25 kilometers to 40 kilometers an hour, once fully operational by 2028.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
HERMOSA, Bataan—The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said Friday some 59 million households and other power consumers would benefit from the completion of the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose Transmission Line which would further secure and stabilize the power transmission services in Luzon.
“This critical backbone provides a new high voltage link capable of transmitting a total of 8,000 MW of power from power plants in Bataan and Zambales,” NGCP president Anthony Almeda said during the inauguration and energization at full capacity of the landmark project.
Almeda described the project as a “ critical component in ensuring the reliability and sustainability of our power grid.”
“The line is ready to serve and benefit the 59 million and other power consumers in Luzon,” he said.
Almeda also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who was present during the event, for his commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure, which served as the driving force behind the completion of some NGCP big-ticket projects in the past 12 months. Among these big-ticket projects were the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection, the Cebu-NegrosPanay 230kV Interconnection, and today’s full energization of the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose 500kV line.
NGCP assured the government of its continued support to boost the economy.
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said it released the guidelines on merger remedies, a comprehensive framework outlining the approach to assessing and implementing remedies in merger and acquisition
acquires more shares in Belenos Energy for P467m
ACEN Corp., the power generation arm of the Ayala Group, said it is subscribing to more shares in subsidiary Belenos Energy Corp. for P467.75 million.
ACEN said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday it signed a subscription agreement with Belenos for 467.75 million redeemable preferred shares (RPS) representing 69.58 percent of the total outstanding shares of the company with a par value of P1 apiece ACEN said the subscription would be issued out of the increase in authorized capital stock of Belenos, a special purpose vehicle for development projects in the Philippines.
“The acquisition will allow ACEN to have a significant ownership in Belenos and is meant to implement Belenos’ investment into a potential renewable energy project,” it said.
The transaction is subject to the regulatory approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the increase in authorized capital stock of Belenos.
ACEN said in May it substantially increased its credit facility to Belenos subsidiary YMP Telecom Power Inc. to P466 million from P200 million to fund the latter’s development costs of certain energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
ACEN is the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group with a fast-growing presence in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR and the United States. Alena Mae S. Flores
(M&A) transactions.
The guidelines aim to ensure that mergers do not harm competition and ultimately protect consumer welfare.
Approved by the PCC on May 9, 2024, the guidelines offer detailed guidance on the design, selection and implementation of remedies.
The PCC said each M&A transaction requires a tailored assessment and that remedies must be effective, proportionate, and address the specific competition concerns identified.
The guidelines provide that remedies should directly address identified competition
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting
(ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 08 August 2024 at 2:00PM via Zoom webinar.
Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/SoldivoFundsASM2024 Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.
The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:
I. Call to Order
II. Certification of Notice and Quorum
III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders
of the Articles of Incorporation
IX. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation and Registration Statement to Increase the Authorized Capital Stock of the Company
X. Amendment of the By-laws
XI. Appointment of External Auditor for 2024
XII. Other Matters
XIII. Adjournment
Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 10 June 2024 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled
concerns and be proportional to the identified anti-competitive effects.
The PCC’s merger review mandate aims to safeguard competition in the market after an M&A is completed, ensuring that consumers continue to benefit from a variety of choices and fair prices.
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2024
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Finance (DOF) is pushing for innovative and sustainable financing strategies to support the big-ticket projects under the “Build Better More” program.
“The continuous roll-out of the infrastructure buildup on this scale demands the lifeblood of funding. And it requires an expansionary fiscal posture: a willingness to accept some amount of deficit spending and longterm borrowing. That fiscal posture will have to be supported by a more robust revenue stream,” DOF Undersecretary for the corporate affairs and
strategic infrastructure group (CASIG) Rolando Tungpalan said.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s massive infrastructure program, the government is rolling out 185 flagship projects worth P9.5 trillion, with the DOF holding a central role in acquiring much-needed funding for their timely completion.
It said of the total, 82 projects are identified for funding through official development assistance (ODA) from development partners, 43 projects for public-private partnerships (PPP), while the rest would be financed by the national government or a combination of the three financing modalities.
By Ralph Harvey Rirao
BANK loans increased faster and posted a doubledigit growth in May 2024 despite the impact of high interest rate environment on demand.
Preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) show that outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the central bank, grew by 10.1 percent year-on-year in May, faster than the 9.6-percent increase in April.
It also rose 1.1 percent on a monthon-month, seasonally adjusted basis, the BSP said.
Outstanding loans, net of RRP placements, amounted to P12 trillion in May, up from P11.9 trillion in April and P10.9 trillion a year ago.
Outstanding loans to residents, net
of RRPs, saw a rise of 10.2 percent, up from April’s 9.6 percent. Loans to non-residents went up at a slower rate of 8.1 percent in May from 10.8 percent in the previous month.
Loans for production activities grew 8.4 percent in May from 7.8 percent in April.
This was driven by the increase in loans to major sectors, including real estate activities (up 13.2 percent); wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (11.1 percent); manufacturing (10.1 percent); transportation and storage
(26.7 percent); and electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply (7.7 percent). Consumer loans to residents expanded by 25.6 percent in May, higher than 25.3 percent in April.
This growth was mainly driven by the increase in credit card, motor vehicle and salary-based generalpurpose consumption loans, the BSP said.
The BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board kept the benchmark interest rate at a record high of 6.5 percent in its last meeting.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC), the governance arm of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), plans to file an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission for approval of P241 million in supplemental market fees a four-year period.
PEMC said in a statement this is urgently needed to augment operations in the monitoring of the reserve market, which would require additional manpower and equipment.
It said PEMC’s share in the approved annual market fees of P200 million received in 2023 would not be sufficient to cover the costs required for expanding operations.
PEMC said that during its annual general membership meeting last month, it reported a total excess of expenses over revenue of a little over P90 million in its financial report.
“As a non-stock, non-profit corporation, PEMC intends to file an application with the ERC for approval of supplemental market fees to fund this capital expansion. This is urgently needed to augment operations in the monitoring of the Reserve Market, which will require additional manpower and equipment,” it said.
PEMC, as the governing body of the WESM, the trading floor of electricity, makes sure that transactions in the electricity market are fair and transparent.
ALBAY 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte
Salceda, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, congratulated the Marcos administration for the Philippines’ successful bid to host the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).
“Hosting the LDF will help the Philippines gain fair access to financial resources for funding climate change adaptation and mitigation
measures,” said Salceda who was the first Asian co-chair of the UN Green Climate Fund, a predecessor of the LDF. He was elected in 2013 by representatives of 180 nation-states.
“As a former delegate to the UNFCCC, alongside many Filipino experts, we fought for the principle of loss and damage and why it needs compensation,” he said.
Salceda said that “loss and damage are adverse impacts of climate change despite adaptation and mitigation
measures. They are, in other words, the unavoidable losses due to the fault primarily of industrialized countries.”
“And because it is both inevitable and attributable, the principle is that we should hold large industrialized countries accountable for loss and damage to climate-vulnerable communities,” he said.
As first Asian co-chair of the UNFCCC Green Climate Fund, Salceda is recognized for leading the board to completing the eight prerequisites
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the release of guidelines for the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF)-Green Green Green Program.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the Green Green Green program represents a significant step towards the President’s vision of a ‘Bagong Pilipinas” where every Filipino is committed to the improvement of life in the community, involved in contributing to the maintenance of a healthy ecology, and devoted in providing secure environments that will benefit future generations.
The Green Green Green program under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) is designed to sup-
for its operationalization during the board meeting in Bali, Indonesia, and for raising $13 billion for the Green Climate Fund in the Initial Resource Mobilization in Oslo, Norway.
Salceda was recognized for these accomplishments during the Conference of Parties (COP) 20 in Lima, Peru in 2014.
“In fact, during my term, in 2014 it [COP 20] was supposed to be held in Legazpi City, Albay were it not for a typhoon,” he said.
port local governments in promoting green open spaces and infrastructure projects for active mobility. It aims to develop greener, more vibrant and well-connected public open spaces, fostering an active lifestyle and enhancing the overall wellness of the community.
The DBM said that in the 2024 budget, P1.055 billion was allocated for the Green Green Green Program of 80 beneficiary LGUs nationwide, composed of 38 cities and municipalities in Luzon, 21 in Visayas and 21 in Mindanao.
The funding is designated for the construction, rehabilitation, repair, or improvement of green open spaces, including public and municipal parks and plazas. Darwin G. Amojelar
RCBC, FastPay sign remittance tie-up
RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) teamed up with FastPay, a mobile remittance app that operates exclusively in Taiwan
providing more convenience to OFWs living in Taiwan.
“Knowing that Taiwan is a great place of opportunities for overseas Filipinos, RCBC Telemoney bridged the gap in terms of remittances: OFWs can now comfortably send their remittances from the FastPay app directly to an RCBC customer’s bank account,” said Tirol. Jenniffer B. Austria
URC breaks into meal preparation market
UNIVERSAL Robina Corp. (URC) is making its first foray into the meals preparation mega-category with a new breading mix that offers a better and appealing alternative to brands available on grocery shelves.
“VegiGood! is a smarter way to get kids to eat vegetables,” said URC chief marketing officer Mian David. VegiGood!, available in leading supermarkets, groceries, market stalls and sari-sari stores, has been formulated in a way that it is as appetizing as its main competitors, but with a twist. It contains carrots and malunggay, real vegetables.
“It is still an all-in-one, crunchystyle breading mix that has a blend of tasty seasonings and spices. But it’s also something meant to help mothers give their kids a better diet,” said David. “The taste and crunch are still there, so it won’t dampen the children’s enthusiasm and appetite.”
“URC aims to grow the business by entering the meal occasions market, delighting consumers with tasty, quality, innovative mealtime solutions, relevant to Filipino families,” said David.
GAC Motor reports 172% sales growth
GAC Motor Philippines
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2024
rumallari@thestandard.com.ph
rieramallari@yahoo.com
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
By Jessica Luna
IHAVE always been fascinated by tablets as my go-to gadget when I go out of town for a quick getaway or when I attend events that are less than a week abroad. You see I am a light packer. The lighter the stuff is, the better it’s suited for me.
As a sports journalist (and also tech journ, if you will), who is always on the run chasing stories on the track or the boxing ring or the hardcourt, a device that won’t slow me down is always an advantage, compared to the bulky laptops that consume too much time setting up, especially if it’s battery is wornout and you need to attach its clunky cord and adapter.
A smartphone sure is nice, but when you want to really get down to business for a serious sports feature, or a tech review for that matter, that handheld device just won’t cut it. Furthermore, I am that guy who couldn’t afford to miss the latest episode of my favorite streaming series like HBO’s House of the Dragon or Prime Video’s The Boys, when I am out of town, and so either a smartphone or a laptop won’t cut it.
LEARN from some of the best in the business. Canon Marketing Philippines invites photography beginners, hobbyists, and professionals to join the Canon Imaging Academy workshops and activations.
Among the first of its kind, the Canon Imaging Academy is a structured learning program aimed at supporting and upskilling local photographers of all skill levels. The workshops cover various topics from photography and videography to printing and exclusive training sessions with industry experts and Canon ambassadors called the Canon Crusaders of Light and Canon Professional Shooters.
That is why the Xiaomi’s latest release, the Redmi Pad Pro, is a breath of fresh air as it is tablet not only designed to offer an immersive entertainment experience at an affordable price, it is also a serious device for your occasional work-from-anywhere duties. Here’s a closer look at what this tablet brings to the table.
Entertainment on the Go
The centerpiece of the Redmi Pad Pro is its massive 12.1-inch LCD display. With a 16:10 aspect ratio and Dolby Vision support, the display offers a clear and expansive viewing experience, perfect for watching movies, shows, or playing games. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals and responsive touch input, making scrolling and navigating the tablet a breeze.
Capable Performance
The Redmi Pad Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform, which offers smooth performance for everyday tasks, browsing the web, and even some light gaming. While it might not be ideal for heavy-duty gaming or multitasking, it delivers dependable performance for most users.
All-Day Battery Life
The Redmi Pad Pro boasts a long-lasting 10000mAh battery, which can easily power you through a full day of use on a single charge. Whether you’re streaming movies, browsing social media, or working on documents, you won’t have to worry about running out of juice before the day is done. Clean and Simple Software
The Redmi Pad Pro runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS based on Android 14. This lightweight interface offers a clean
GOOGLE recently announced a significant upgrade to NotebookLM, its AI-powered research and writing assistant. This upgraded version, powered by the latest advancements in Google AI’s Gemini 1.5 Pro technology, is now available in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Developed by Google Labs, NotebookLM is an AI-powered research and writing assistant designed to help people navigate complex information and generate insights from them. NotebookLM uses cutting-edge AI technology to provide users with a comprehensive and user-friendly research and writing experience.
“We’re thrilled to bring this powerful upgrade of NotebookLM to a global audience,” said Steven Johnson, Editorial Di-
ASUS Philippines has launched a new era in AI-powered computing with the debut of the ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507). Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, the device is the company’s first Copilot+ PC, with Windows AI features and a collection of exclusive ASUS AI apps. ASUS Philippines Business Development Manager Harrison Cheng shares, “As leaders of innovation, we are excited to introduce to our Filipino audience our first Copilot+ PC, the ASUS Vivobook S 15, designed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Microsoft. This AI PC aims to take users’ lives to the next level, making them more secure, efficient, and personalized. AI connects users to endless possibilities, opening a new incredible way to work, study, play, and create, ultimately giving back valuable personal time to its users.”
The Vivobook S 15 is equipped with the efficient power and built-in AI engine of the Snapdragon X Elite Platform. Users can also enjoy incredible
rector at Google Labs. “With Gemini 1.5 Pro’s capabilities, NotebookLM empowers users to unlock insights and make connections across a vast range of documents.
We’re excited to see how users worldwide leverage it for their unique needs.”
Since its introduction, NotebookLM has aimed to empower users to explore complex information, identify connections within data, and accelerate the writing process. This upgrade delivers a range of new features designed to further enhance these capabilities:
● Expanded source compatibility: NotebookLM now accepts a wider variety of source materials, including Google Slides files and website URLs, alongside existing support for Google Docs, PDFs, and text files.
and bloatware-free experience, keeping things smooth and clutter-free. While some users might miss the customization options of MIUI, HyperOS prioritizes a user-friendly interface for a frustration-free experience. Room for Expansion
The Redmi Pad Pro comes with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, and it also features a microSD card slot for expandable storage. This allows you to store your favorite movies, games, music, and photos without having to worry about running out of space. Optional Extras Xiaomi offers a smart keyboard and smart pen as separate purchases for the Redmi Pad Pro. These accessories can transform the tablet into a productivity powerhouse, making it suitable for taking notes, working on documents, or even creating art.
The Verdict: A Big-Screen Value Leader
The Redmi Pad Pro is a solid choice for users looking for a large, affordable tablet with a focus on entertainment. With its expansive display, long battery life, and clean software, it’s a great companion for watching videos, playing games, browsing the web, or even getting some work done. The addition of expandable storage and optional productivity accessories makes it even more versatile.
In summary, the Redmi Pad Pro offers a big screen, big battery, and big entertainment value for a budget-friendly price. It’s a great choice for casual users and students who prioritize a large display and long battery life.
● Enhanced fact-checking: Inline citations seamlessly link users to the supporting text within their uploaded sources, enabling effortless verification of AI-generated responses and deeper exploration of original content.
● Streamlined information access: The new Notebook Guide provides a high-level understanding of uploaded materials by con-
verting them into user-friendly formats like FAQs, briefing documents, or study guides.
● Multimodal understanding: Using Gemini 1.5 Pro’s multimodal capabilities, NotebookLM can now answer questions and reference images, charts, and diagrams within Google Slides and Docs. Relevant image citations are automatically included as supporting evidence.
Home & Student 2021 lifetime license, and a one-year Microsoft 365 Basic subscription. All-new next-gen AI experience Packed with the latest Windows AI tools and powered by the Snapdragon X Elite with built-in Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, the Vivobook S 15 boasts a 45 TOPS Neural engine for swift ondevice AI processing. An ultrafast 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD and 16 GB of 8448 MHz LPDDR5X RAM are included for ample storage and memory. Next-gen AI-powered enhancements include Windows Studio Effects and an ASUS AiSense IR camera. The camera’s presence-detection capabilities enable Adaptive Dimming, which dims the screen when the user looks away, and Adaptive Lock, which locks the laptop when the user moves away and unlocks it upon return. The Vivobook S 15 is the first device to feature the exclusive AI app StoryCube, which uses AI to sort, edit, manage, and export digital assets.
Earlier this year, Canon Marketing Philippines held a Penagbenga Festival Photowalk and Photo Contest with Jijo de Guzman, a filmmaking workshop with director Zig Dulay, and a Geek + Pop Cosplay Photography Workshop with Jay Tablante.
“These workshops by Canon Philippines are designed to foster growth and creativity, offering both new and existing photographers the opportunity to learn from a roster of highly professional speakers. Each speaker is a proven expert in their field, bringing a wealth of experience and theoretical knowledge to the table,” shared Edwin Martinez, Canon Crusader of Light.
The workshops are also an opportunity for Filipino photographers and videographers to meet other creatives and try Canon’s wide range of EOS R full-frame cameras and RF lenses, which are renowned for their intelligent technology and adaptability to shooting various occasions.
“Our goal is to provide meaningful and substantial experiences for the participants through valuable and fun learning. I am proud to be part of #TeamCanonPH,” shared by Jijo De Guzman, Canon Crusader of Light.
Canon Marketing Philippines is not only committed to advancing photography skills but also to promoting environmental sustainability. “At Canon, we believe in sustainable practices in all aspects of our business,” shared Consumer Information and Imaging (CII) Director Jian Liu. “Through initiatives like the Canon Imaging Academy, we empower photographers to capture the world’s beauty responsibly, respecting and preserving our natural environment.”
Additional features include Windows Studio Effects for enhanced lighting and noise removal during video calls, Live Captions for real-time subtitles, and Cocreator to transform sketches into finished artwork. These technologies enhance se-
By Riera U. Mallari
IT’S no secret that the Philippine smartphone industry values diversity and practicality, while following ever-evolving technology trends. Filipinos are meticulous buyers, keenly considering a combination of factors when choosing a phone. Budget is crucial in purchasing, but Filipinos crave the latest features and stylish designs. This dynamic creates a constantly changing market, with manufacturers needing to adapt and innovate to stay ahead of the curve.
With the realme GT series finally roaring into the Philippines with the launch of the realme GT 6, the highly anticipated smartphone promises to redefine the game by offering high-end features at an accessible price point. After observing a significant change in consumer preferences, realme shifted its focus towards meeting the demand for mid-range, yet feature-rich and flagship-grade smartphones. Introducing the realme GT 6 to PH “In 2024, we see a stabilized market condition and renewed consumer confidence. This prompted us to introduce the realme GT 6 in the Philippines just in time to cater to the growing number of tech-savvy Filipinos seeking reliable and advanced smartphones within the mid-range price segment,” said realme Philippines Country Manager Jacky Chen of the realme GT 6, which has earned the moniker “flagship killer”. He shared that the realme GT 6 has
features tailored for mobile gaming and an outstanding overall performance. Its advanced camera system also enables users to capture highquality photos and videos, meeting the demand for content creation and social media sharing.
“The Philippine market has consistently shown heartwarming support even without a realme GT phone released in recent years. This sustained interest is a testament to the strong brand loyalty and trust we have cultivated among Filipino consumers. The anticipation for a new GT model has been noteworthy, indicating a clear demand for our high-performance, feature-rich smartphones,” Chen said.
realme drew inspiration from the high-performance Grand Tourer in motorsports, hence its name. The smartphone’s elements highlight competitive racing and high-performance vehi- cles with sleek
CONSIDERING the necessity of the internet as a tool for learning and its rising cost in the Philippines, leading fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is launching an internet scholarship program for 10 underprivileged, public school students in senior high under the brand name of its postpaid fiber plan BIDA.
“While we now serve more than 2 million customers with high speed broadband, the reality is, many more remain unserved by the benefits of technology. This includes young students, who are in danger of being left behind by their global peers as indicated in surveys such as the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA,” said Converge President Maria Grace Y. Uy.
“With this in mind, we now launch the BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program which is our company’s homegrown initiative to fight the learning poverty our students face. We hope with this free access to the internet, underprivileged students may reach their full potential as learners and ultimately, as productive citizens,” she continued.
Moreover, initiatives geared towards better access to education are aligned with the company’s thrust to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, Quality Education, and SDG 1, No Poverty. Education is among the company’s key issue areas when it comes to corporate support, having inked a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education at the height of the pandemic in 2021 to enhance the remote delivery of education.
The BIDA Fiber Internet Scholarship Program is open to incoming Grade 11 students enrolled in public schools and have chosen the STEM track. They must also be in the top 10% of their graduating batch, among other requirements.
For Converge, both connectivity and education are society’s great ‘equalizing’ forces, allowing marginalized and disadvantaged groups to access the same resources as privileged ones, and leveling the playing field in terms of opportunities in the job market.
high-quality specifications often found in pricier flagship phones. Moreover, the smartphone’s competitive advantage lies in producing flagship-level technology accessible to wider audiences.
According to the realme Country Manager, the brand made strategic decisions regarding the GT6’s features, like wireless charging and materials, to balance affordability and performance.
and minimal finishes, among other distinctive racing aesthetics.
Speed, sophistication, unrivaled performance
“For the realme GT 6, we aim to evoke a sense of speed, sophistication, and unrivaled performance synonymous with a GT vehicle. By adopting this terminology, we strive to effectively communicate the remarkable capabilities integrated into the realme GT 6 to our consumers,” Chen said.
Coinciding with the brand’s bid for quality and performance, the realme GT 6 promises a holistic user experience that offers
PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, in collaboration with PLDT’s Innovation Laboratory, PLDT Innolab, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting start-ups at the TECH PLANTER in the Philippines 2024 Demo Day, held at the Frassati Building, University of Santo Tomas. The event provided a platform for emerging start-ups to present their groundbreaking technologies and solutions aimed at addressing important social issues through science and technology.
During the event, PLDT Enterprise awarded Filrobotics Technologies Inc., led by founder Anthony James Bautista, PhD, with the “Best Use of Technology Award” for their development of the AGROTIS Navigation System, an autonomous navigation system for agricultural machinery designed to improve the working conditions of Filipino farmers.
Kristine Dara Ever Juan, Head of Innovations Lab and Ecosystem Partnerships (Innolab) at PLDT Enterprise, expressed her excitement about the partnership and the future of innovation in the Philippines. “We are thrilled to support and collaborate with start-ups like Filrobotics Technologies. Their innovative approach to solving real-world problems through technology aligns perfectly with our parent company PLDT’s broader mission to create lasting and positive impact to the community through digital innovation. At PLDT Enterprise, we are committed to providing the tools and resources necessary to help start-ups thrive and support their ideas and technologies.”
REFRIGERATORS have become essential in modern living, revolutionizing how we store and consume food. Today’s fridges are marvels of efficiency and convenience developed with the smart features, it helps us simplify our lives. While the innovative designs keep food fresher for longer. Plus, sustainability practices ensure a lighter footprint on the planet. The refrigerator always plays a vital role in our kitchens, constantly evolving alongside our needs. With this, leading consumer electronics brand TCL brings in all the innovative features in just one appliance set to elevate your kitchen experience. Embrace a new era of style, sleekness and convenience with the new TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator.
“We focused on including ultra-fast 120W SUPERVOOC Charge, which fully charges the battery in under 30 minutes. Additionally, we chose to use a plastic frame to make the device lighter without compromising its elegance or build quality; this is evident in details like the Nano Mirror Design and high-quality glass panels. These thoughtful decisions reflect our commitment to providing a premium experience at an affordable price,” he said. Benchmark tests
The realme GT 6 boasts of impressive performance in benchmark tests with AnTuTu Benchmark Scores exceeding 1,500,000. The realme GT 6 consistently showcases superior speed and efficiency.
Users can anticipate enhanced connectivity with faster download and upload speeds. With DDR5 RAM and UFS 4.0 ROM, the realme GT 6 delivers lightning-fast app start speeds across various applications and tasks.
Furthermore, the realme GT 6’s features cater to the significant shift in the gaming industry, considering consumer preference for performance and appearance.
“The smartphone market in the Philippines is highly dynamic and rapidly evolving. As consumers, Filipinos consider a combination of specifications, price, and style or taste in design when choosing a smartphone.
The Gen Z, specifically, represents a significant segment of our target market, and one of their key interests is gaming; thus, high-performance specs are crucial. The affordability and stylish design of the device also play important roles in their decisionmaking process,” Chen said.
PLDT Enterprise and PLDT Innolab award the ‘Best Use of Technology’ prize to Filrobotics Technologies, Inc., cementing their commitment to pushing innovation and technology forward by constantly supporting start-up businesses and their innovative ideas. [L-R] Kristine Dara Ever Juan, Head of Innovations Lab and Ecosystem Partnerships (Innolab) at PLDT Enterprise; Engr. Mary Grace Ann Bautista, Project Sta and Co-Investigator of Agrotis Project (University of Santo Tomas); Anthony James Bautista, PhD, Founder and Representative (Filrobotics Technologies, Inc.) and Associate Professor (University of Santo Tomas) Filrobotics Technologies will benefit from a one-year use of PLDT Innolab’s co-working laboratory, providing them with the space and resources to further develop their technology.
PLDT Innolab is a world-class fa-
cility designed to create opportunities with start-up partners, focusing on research, next-generation product development, and innovation. By giving start-ups the opportunity to innovate, PLDT Enterprise welcomes next
Upgrade your kitchen with the fresh,
“We are happy to finally introduce to you the TCL Free Built-in Refrigerator. This state-of-theart appliance is designed to blend seamlessly into your kitchen while offering top-of-the-line features that make it a must-have for any modern home,” TCL Brand Manager Joseph Cernitchez shares. Effortless elegance with efficient functionality Imagine a refrigerator that seamlessly blends elegance with cuttingedge technology. The TCL Free Built-In Refrigerator achieves all that. Its ultra-thin, minimalist design upgrades that can easily adapt to any kitchen’s aesthetic while its advanced features
generation technologies to support businesses in their growth and transformation.
“Agriculture 5.0 is fast approaching, and we need to work harder together to cope with the ever-advancing technology,” said Anthony James Bautista, PhD, founder of Filrobotics Technologies. “The accessibility and affordability of these technologies are improving, and our task now is to prepare and aid our farmers in adapting these tools.”
TECH PLANTER, initiated by Leave a Nest, is a global platform that supports start-ups in various regions, including the ASEAN. The program in the Philippines aims to solve deep social issues using science and technology-rooted innovations.
This year’s Demo Day brought together nine finalists and six invited teams for Lightning Talk sessions, showcasing their passion and innovations through pitch presentations to a conglomerate of academia, corporate, and government stakeholders.
The grand winner, Filrobotics Technologies Inc., also received a PHP 50,000 cash prize and an invitation to present at the TECH PLANTER Asia Final 2024. The recognition and support from PLDT Enterprise and other partners are crucial in driving forward the solutions developed by these start-ups.
By Angelica Villanueva
WEARING a glamorous all-red dress, box office queen Marian Rivera walked to her seat beside awardwinning filmmaker Kip Oebanda at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival press conference on Wednesday, July 10, at The Metropolitan Theater.
As she sat down, the press gathered around her, eager to know how she felt about starring in her first Cinemalaya movie, Balota. Marian stood up excitedly and shared how fulfilled she felt after taking the lead role in the film.
“I couldn’t explain the feeling I had after finishing the film, ‘Balota.’ It’s like what I always say, especially to my husband, that you know, I’ve been in show business for a long time, but it feels like my sense of fulfillment in doing the work has returned,” Marian said in the vernacular.
In Balota, Marian will be portraying the role of Emmy, a dedicated teacher serving during an election. Amidst the outbreak of violence in their town, Emmy bravely ventures
box containing the final copy of the election results.
When its 15-second teaser was first released, Marian gained praise for her superb acting. It was later revealed that the actress was carrying an official ballot box while running.
“It’s so fulfilling to do something real. It’s great to do something where you are the one doing everything, it’s also difficult to fake scenes. As I always say, these scars and experiences that I’ve had here, all of those will pass, but the 100 percent effort that I put into this, I can’t bring that back,” she added.
When asked what the takeaway she wanted the audience to get from watching the film, Marian expressed her hopes that people would know the importance of their right to vote and that every vote counts.
highlighted the crucial role of every teacher in keeping safe the ballot boxes during the time of election.
On the other hand, director Kip emphasized how the film aims to tell the story of ordinary people especially when vote-buying gets involved every election.
“If you look at our teaser, there are probably around 400 comments from people sharing stories about violent elections in their small towns. Why aren’t we talking about this more?
We’ve been blinded by the spectacle. We’ve been blinded by the horse race of the candidates. Where are the ordinary people in our discussions? And where is the discussion about people selling their votes?” the director explained. about her role, Marian
“Well, in this story, what I did and portrayed was very difficult. And their lives, they dedicate that to protecting the votes of the people. So, just from that alone, we salute everyone who is working, especially the teachers who volunteer themselves to work during elections,” stated Marian.
EXPERIENCE anew the glitz, glamour, and victories of the 7th Eddys (Entertainment Editors’ Choice), staged on July 7 at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. The event, directed by Eric Quizon, will be broadcast on AllTV this Sunday, July 14, at 10:00 p.m. The star-studded awards night, organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), was highlighted by A-list performances and showcased a roster of distinguished acting award winners. Julia Montes won Best Actress for Five Breakups and a Romance, while Piolo Pascual took home Best Actor for Mallari Charlie Dizon, who tied with Julia for her role in Third World Romance, was unable to accept her award. Julia and Piolo were also honored as Box-Office Heroes for their films, alongside Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera for Rewind, and Kathryn Bernardo for A Very Good Girl Eddys Movie Icons for 2024, Nova Villa, Leo Martinez, Eva Darren, and Gina Alajar, received their trophies personally. Senator Lito Lapid, another awardee, was represented by his nephew, Attorney DX Lapid About Us But Not About Us won Best Film, with Jun Robles Lana earning Best Director for the same film. Gladys Reyes won Best Supporting Actress for Apag, and Enchong Dee won Best Supporting Actor for GomBurZa The event was hosted by 6th Eddys Best Actress Janine Gutierrez, Kapuso Millennial It Girl Gabbi Garcia, and rising actor
Jake Ejercito
Balota is one of the 10 full-length
Special performances were rendered by award-winning singer Jed Madela, OPM icon, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, drag queens Rampa Reynas, and promising young artists Elisha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez Radio and online personality Mr. Fu served as the red carpet host.
Presenters included 6th Eddys acting winners Elijah Canlas, Max Eigenmann, Mon Confiado, and Nikki Valdez, as well as Senator. Bong Revilla, Congresswoman Lani Mercado, Cedrick Juan, James Reid, Jose Javier Reyes, Joross Gamboa, Arnell Ignacio, RS Francisco, Liza Reyes of Globe Telecom, Kelley Day, Michael Sager, Jeric Gonzales, Miss New Zealand Universe 2024 Franki Russell Christophe Sommereux, Beaver Magtalas, Khai Flores, Shaira Tweg, and PCSO acting director Imelda Papin Korina Sanchez received the Joe Quirino Award, while siblings CJ and Peach Caparas accepted the posthumous award for their late father, Carlo J. Caparas. Director-producer Perci Intalan accepted the awards for About Us But Not About Us, and Bryan Dy of Mentorque Productions, producer of Mallari, was named Rising Producer of the Year.
Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson and former House Speaker Sonny Belmonte (on behalf of his daughter, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte) received the Isah V. Red Award. Actor Leandro Baldemor designed and created the new Eddys trophy. Several nominees, including Romnick Sarmenta and Keempee de Leon, also attended the awards night.
Newport World Resorts and AllTV collaborated to support SPEEd’s 7th Eddys, along with sponsors like Globe Telecom and iFern/Kim’s Diary. Additional partners included DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, Mayor Albee Benitez, Beautéderm by RheaAnicoche Tan, Unilab, Frontrow, Kat Corpus Atelier, Senator Chiz Escudero, Senator Bong Revilla, Camille Villar, Senator Nancy Binay, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, Representative Arjo Atayde, Emelette Gorospe, Rowena Gutierrez Kamiseta, Casa Juan, and Echo Jham Entertainment Production. Juancho Robles of Chan Robles & Company (CPAs) served as the official auditor.
AS SCHOOLS prepare for the opening of SY 20242025, the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI), celebrating its 25th anniversary, will host its first Teachers’ Conference on Teaching Reading and Mathematics with Wikaharian, Ready, Set, READ!, and MathDali.
The conference is free and will merit participants with a Certificate of Participation and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for their professional expertise. It will be streamed live via Knowledge Channel’s Facebook page on July 15 and 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in time with the Department of Education’s National Learning Camp for teachers. With the goal to empower and engage 30,000 participants with effective strategies, resources, skills, and methodologies to enhance learner performance in reading and mathematics, KCFI’s Teachers’ Conference will cover topics such as Phonics, Word Recognition, Comprehension Strategies, and Literacy Interventions for teaching reading, and Common Math Misconceptions, Differentiated Instruction, and Constructivism for teaching mathematics. The event will also showcase KCFI’s original educational programs Wikaharian, Ready, Set, READ!, and MathDali as digital tools for teaching reading and mathematics.
The Knowledge Channel Foundation cordially invites teachers, principals, school administrators, curriculum developers, educational technologists, teacher trainers, aspiring teachers, parents, and caregivers of children to take part in the event. Register for the conference now through tinyurl.com/ KCFIRegistration! Registration closes on July 16, 8:00 a.m. To learn more about how you can support our learners and teachers, visit knowledgechannel.org or email Liberty Reyes, liberty.reyes@knowledgechannel.org, or call us at 0915-9803474 or 0917-8978443.
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
By Nickie Wang
CONRAD Manila opened its doors to soon-to-wed couples for the “Inspired Beginnings” bridal fair that took place on June 29 and 30, in collaboration with Getting Married Wedding Coordinators and Events Planner by Kutchie Zaldarriaga The event, which showcased premier event stylists and renowned fashion designers, also coincided with the luxury hotel’s eighth anniversary,
Fabio Berto, General Manager of Conrad Manila, expressed his excitement about the event: “It is a privilege to be part of a couple’s wedding journey as they embark on a lifetime commitment. At Conrad Manila, we are thrilled to host ‘Inspired Beginnings’ and offer couples a glimpse into the exceptional services and stunning settings we can provide for their special day.”
The two-day event showcased stunning new bridal creations in a fashion show at Forbes Ballroom from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 pm.
On June 29, fashion visionary Michael Leyva presented his bridal couture collection inspired by sunrise and blooming flowers, featuring elegant dresses in soft pastel shades, intricate details, and luxurious materials, paired
with Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
On June 30, the finale fashion show included designs from Bianca Cordero, Rian Fernandez, Hannah Kong, Ehrran Montoya, Banggo Niu, Joe San Antonio, and Ryan Uson, showcasing wedding gowns and suits that portrayed the beauty of the seasons. The event also featured jewelry from Jewelmer and footwear by Bucroe and Doreen Odvina
By Angelica Villanueva
ADULTING has never been easy. Imagine, from being a carefree kid now transforming into a responsible, well-adjusted grownup juggling all the responsibilities—from managing finances or keeping a roof over your head to developing essential life skills like cooking healthy meals.
With these, many young adults today find themselves short on time in improving their cooking skills often leading to opt for takeout food that admittedly can drain budget.
To address this, local food company NutriAsia recently launched a recipe community called TasteTok PH on its TikTok account to help millennials and Gen Z provide themselves with good yet budget-friendly and easy-to-make food.
Known for being the go-to source of recipes, NutriAsia aims to provide the young ones with simple, quick, and delicious recipes for meals that can be prepared using kitchenware staples. TasteTok PH focuses on quick, healthy meals that anyone can make, even with minimal cooking skills, using NutriAsia’s convenient products.
“We understand the demands of modern life, and we strive to provide solutions that fit into the hectic schedules of these young adults. This
Couples were encouraged to register for the trunk show, a highlight of “Inspired Beginnings.” Held in the hotel’s premier suites from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., couples could try on bridal gowns and groom suits by Rian Fernandez, Michael Leyva, and Ryan Uson. Pre-registration was required through the official website.
Forbes Ballroom.
The event officially commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the hotel’s Atrium on June 29 at 9:30 a.m., led by Kutchie Zaldarriaga, Fabio Berto, Joanne Gomez, and other special guests.
Conrad Manila’s exhibitors included industry-trusted wedding coordinators, jewelry brands, hair and make-up teams, and audiovisual experts. They were available for consultations from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on both days in the hotel’s Taft Ballroom and Foyer area.
Guided by Assistant Director of Events Juan Alfonso Mendoza, Conrad Manila’s social events team offered exclusive packages and surprises for couples. For more information about “Inspired Beginnings 2024,” guests could contact +63 2 8833 9999 or email MNLMB. Weddings@conradhotels.com.
In celebration of Conrad Manila’s eighth anniversary, eight esteemed event stylists, including Amelia Blossoms, Nikki Chatto, Amante Fleurs, Kathy Sy King, Randy Lazaro, Drew Menor, Dave Sandoval, and FJ Sionson, showcased their gemstoneinspired tablescape designs in the
Let them
how the younger generation looked for the simplest ways how they can survive every meal without any hassle or even just to satisfy their cravings.
“The way the younger generation now, iba na ‘yung way nila of cooking. Hindi na siya tulad ng millennial o Gen X na full luto na may rekados. During this fast-paced lifestyle, instant na siya or using appliances for another purpose. We want to tap this.