PH gets P73-B investment leads from Europe --- DTI

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Jul 12, 2023 01:48 PM

  

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The Philippines has received P73-billion in investment leads during a three-week investment roadshow the country participated in across Europe.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual said these investment leads were from the renewable energy and infrastructure development sectors.

"During the three-week investment roadshow that we had in Europe, I had the opportunity to witness first-hand the positive outcomes of our efforts. I am pleased to emphasize the roadshow success which has resulted, as mentioned, in 48 potential investment leads," Pascual said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, July 12.

"Of these, 16 have explicitly indicated investment values totalling more than P73 billion, potentially generating more than 4,300 jobs – these are direct jobs," Pascual added.

The Trade Secretary said they went to five countries —France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

According to Pascual, these countries have expressed interest in investing in the Philippines.

He added that it became "very clear" that their main attraction to the Philippines includes its strategic location; the large population that can translate to a good market for them; and the young, talented and skilled workforce.

The Europe roadshow, Pascual said, has generated 48 project investment leads, with interest in manufacturing and related services such as IC design training, Information Technology and Business Process Management, and renewable and clean tech energy.

Investment pledges from foreign trips

Pascual has also addressed speculations regarding the investment leads garnered during previous foreign trips, assuring the public that DTI has mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the progress of investment leads from its previous foreign trips.

"We ensure transparency and accountability, although we cannot always disclose the names of specific companies that we deal with due to confidentiality demanded by private companies which are subject to competitive pressures," Pascual said.

The DTI chief explained that "some leads may take longer to materialize."

He further said that there is normally a series of steps in investment decisions involving foreign direct investment. These steps that must be followed include expression of the interest; decision to explore the feasibility; feasibility study; among others.

"It is essential for us to understand that investment leads are typically long-term commitments rather than immediate actions. It’s not like, you know, investing in shares listed in the stock exchange where after you show the potential of particular issue that an immediate investment decision can be made, and remittance of the investment follows, you know, the decision right away," Pascual said.
Sustained investments

The Trade official also stressed that the country needs a continuing flow of investments in order to support economic growth and the creation of jobs.

He emphasized that the country produces 800,000 college graduates a year and the government needs to find jobs for them.

"And of course, there is local capital, there is expansion of existing businesses. But these additional job-creating opportunities might not be sufficient with the new businesses and then we need to diversify our economy so that it is more resilient and could withstand shifts in the market and shifts in the global environmental situation," Pascual said.

'Habagat' resurfaces, enhances LPA over Visayas, Mindanao, Southern Luzon

By Arlie O. Calalo

July 12, 2023 

THE southwest monsoon locally known as "habagat" has re-emerged and is now enhancing the low pressure area (LPA) off Catanduanes, bringing rain over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Weather specialist Obet Badrina of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the LPA was last spotted past 3 a.m. some 510kilometers east-northeast of Virac, also in the same province.

"It has still a slim chance to develop into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours but we have not yet ruled out its possibility of intensifying in the coming days," Badrina said.

Along with LPA, the southwest monsoon is affecting the western sections of Visayas and Mindanao, Pagasa said.

In particular, the LPA and habagat are bringing overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Bicol Region, Mimaropa (Mindoro. Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) and Quezon.

The state-run weather agency said the localized thunderstorms are affecting Metro Manila and the rest of the country where partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated downpours and thunderstorms will be experienced in 24 hours.

'Hindi ako nagmumura' - director Adolf Alix Jr.

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "Importante sa akin lagi na willing silang matuto. Dapat may initiative sila as an actor. Kahit na ano'ng gawin ko sa end namin kung hindi sila willing to learn at tinatrato lang nila yung pag-aartista na parang hindi seryoso, kasi iba-iba silang ng orientation, some of them will take it literally as a job. Others have passion and would want to go deeper." 

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Director Adolf Alix Jr. takes a groufie with some of the stars of the upcoming horror film 'The Vigil' during a story conference in Quezon City recently.

Adolf Alix Jr. possesses a serene attitude when it comes to directing a movie. He strongly believes that actors do not require yelling or scolding in order to deliver their best performances. One admirable thing about him is that he refrains from using vulgar language or swearing, even when he's upset while filming.

"Hindi ako nagmumura," said Adolf, when asked to describe his temperament on the set, during the story conference for his upcoming horror film "The Vigil" under Obra Cinema Productions in Quezon City recently. (I don't curse or use profanities.)

Adolf added: "Hindi ako naniniwala na dapat mong bulyawan ang isang artista. Mas nakakatakot nga pag tahimik eh dahil pag nagalit mas nakakatakot versus isisigaw mo yung galit.

(I don't believe you should bully an artist. It's scarier to be quiet because when you're angry it's scarier versus when you shout your anger.)

"Mas gusto ko yung nirerespeto ko sya para hindi ako natatakot. Kapag takot ka, iba yung dating sa akin. So ang gusto ko lang alamin nila lahat yung trabaho nila," the director added.

(I choose to respect them so that I won't be scared. When you're scared, it's a different thing. So I just want them to take their job seriously.)

The cast of 'The Vigil'

Adolf said that it was inevitable that he scolded someone on the set.

"Meron naman akong napapagalitan. Kasama naman yun sa proseso. Sumisigaw din naman ako pero hindi dahil sa galit ako kundi dahil kasama siya eksena.

(I try to call the attention of other people. That's part of the process. I also shout, not because I'm angry, but because I need to do it).

"Kasi halimbawa malayo yung kausap mo or nasa crowd ka, kailangan lakasan mo ang boses mo. Pero hindi para sumigaw dahil galit ako. Gusto ko talaga nirerespeto ko lahat ng tao sa set.

(Because for example the person you're talking to is far away or you're in a crowd, you have to raise your voice. But not to shout because I'm angry. I really want to respect everyone on set.)

"Pag-galit na ako, ako na lang ang umaalis. Hindi po ako confrontational pero mararamdaman din naman ng artista yun," he also said.

(When I get angry, I'm the only one who leaves. I'm not confrontational but the artist can feel that too.)

Story conference for the upcoming film 'The Vigil'

Asked about his requirements to newbies who will be part of his movie, Adolf said: "Importante sa akin lagi na willing silang matuto. Dapat may initiative sila as an actor. Kahit na ano'ng gawin ko sa end namin kung hindi sila willing to learn at tinatrato lang nila yung pag-aartista na parang hindi seryoso, kasi iba-iba silang ng orientation, some of them will take it literally as a job. Others have passion and would want to go deeper." 

(It is always important to me that they are willing to learn. They must have initiative as an actor. No matter what I do on our end if they are not willing to learn and they just treat acting as if it is not serious. They have different orientations. Some of them will take it literally as a job. Others have passion and would want to go deeper.)

"Makita ko lang yung initiative na yun okay na ako. Ang mga newcomers naman kapag nakikinig sila at inaral nila yung gagawin nila mae-enjhoy naman nila yung proseso. So yun lang ang sinabi ko sa kanila," he added.

(As soon as I see that initiative, I'm fine. As for the newcomers, if they listen and study what they're going to do, they'll enjoy the process. So that's all I told them.)

Adolf, am Urian best director nominee, said that "The Vigil" is expected to be finished in August. It stars Sparkle artists Prince Carlos, Abed Green, Bruce Roeland, Carlo San Juan, Anjay Anson, Kimson Tan, Will Ashley, and Faye Lorenzo.

Some of Adolf's outstanding films have been shown and competed in major A- List festivals accredited by FIAP such Toronto International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Mar de Plata and Warsaw International Film Festival.

'Dakilang Manggagawa' exhibit showcases the hard work and grit of the Filipino labor force

Masipag Artist Group celebrates the Filipino worker with the new exhibit at ARTablado in Antipolo

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Jul 11, 2023 09:38 AM

  

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From left: Masipag Art Group (MAG) with their guests of honor Frederick Epsitola (3rd from left), Nemi Miranda, Antipolo Tourism Head Mar Bacani and actor Mon Confiado; Balloon Vendor by Ton Munoz; Gintong Ani by Krister Isip

In a world where pop culture superheroes are often celebrated, a group of artists is giving a well-deserved shoutout to the real heroes among us: the laborers who put entire industries upon their backs.

"Dance of Desires" by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

“(Our exhibit titled) 'Dakilang Manggagawa' ay isang pagpupugay sa ating mga kababayan na walang sawang nagsasakripisyo alang-alang sa mamamayan. Kaya bilang pasasalamat, ito ang maging tribute namin para sa kanila. ('Dakilang Manggagawa' is a tribute to our countrymen who tirelessly sacrifice for their fellow people. So, as a form of thanks, we are giving this tribute to them.) ”

This is according to Rico Aunzo, spokesperson of the Masipag Artist Group (MAG), which is featured in an ongoing exhibit at ARTablado, which is located at the upper ground floor, Robinsons Antipolo. The show lasts until July 31.

"Sweet Harvest" by Rico Aunzo

The Masipag Artist Group (MAG) was founded in 2019 on the Manawari Art Group page on Facebook. The group's members did not know each other formally at first, but they bonded over their shared love of art and creativity. They began communicating via social media, sharing their work and ideas. As they grew closer, they decided to form a full-blown art group called Masipag, which means "hardworking" in Tagalog.

“Ang kasipagan ang susi ng kaginhawaan (hardwork is the key to success in life),” says Aunzo. The group takes inspiration from the words of the late great Tagalog poet Jose Corazon de Jesus: “Bawat patak ng pawis mo’y / yumayari ka ng dangal / dinadala mo ang lahi mo / sa luklukan ng tagumpay.”

"Gintong Ani" by Krister Isip

The founder and president of the Masipag Artist Group (MAG) is neo-realist painter Naptalie “Rico” Aunzo. His art style is characterized by a modern, traditional, and cubist take on classic Filipino tropes and customs. He has a recurring protagonist named “Pedrong Masipag,” who is meant to represent traits and virtues that an everyday Filipino possesses. Pedrong Masipag is the antithesis to Juan Tamad, the poster-boy of laziness in Pinoy folklore. He is described as a decent gentleman, dressed in a traditional barong Tagalog and salakot, and often illustrated doing noble deeds.

With Aunzo are Daniel Dumaguit, sculptor-painter Nelson Basa, Pol A. Mesina (the founder of Artipolo Group Inc.), Jayson Borlon, Krister Jhude Isip, Rem Kulas, Mori, Hannah Castalone, Ton Muñoz, Efren Saludar, Rodgie Gapayao, Doodz Iligan, Dominic Gomez, Antonio Pacuan Jr., Leo De Fraga Torcelino, Joyce Pertez and Mark Aparato.

16 European countries back PH territorial integrity over WPS

A total of 16 European nations have backed the Philippines in its fight for sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea as the world commemorates this month Manila’s victory against Beijing with regards to South China Sea dispute through the 2016 Arbitral Ruling issued by The Hague.

A joint statement on Tuesday issued by Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden supports the Philippines’ territorial integrity as China continues its unilateral claim over the whole of South China Sea.

The embassies of the 16 countries cited the significance of the ruling, which was based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), by saying it is “a significant milestone” in contributing to the maintenance of rules-based order and the settling of dispute.

They said it is “legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings, and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between parties.”

"The EU (European Union) reiterates the fundamental importance of upholding the freedoms, rights and duties established in UNCLOS, in particular the freedoms of navigation and overflight," the European nations, which are also members of the EU, said.

Despite the ruling, China continues its claim over the South China Sea on the basis of its unilateral nine-dash line. It is a party to the UNCLOS.

When the Philippines filed an arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea, a part of the bigger South China Sea, China refused to participate.

The 26 countries further said they are committed to secure, free and open maritime supply routes in the Indo-Pacific, in full compliance with international and “in the interest of all.”

Several countries have expressed concern over an open Indo-Pacific maritime route amid reports of maritime harassments, including those committed by Chinese personnel against Filipinos.

"The EU supports the swift conclusion of talks aiming at an effective Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China that is fully compatible with UNCLOS and also respects the rights of third parties," the said countries added.

STRUGGLES ABROAD

From the first moment I have been involved with Filipinos I thought that there must be a reason why they detached themselves from their loved ones... only to be enslaved in a foreign country.

Look through a migrant worker's life and agree with me: being an oversea worker is not easy - but for innumerable Philippine families, it seems the only way to survive financially.

If dealing with language barriers and cultural differences wasn't enough, there's also the challenge of having to adapt to a new climate. The weather plays a big role in how comfortable we feel and being constantly sweating or freezing can be just another reminder that we're away from home, in a foreign environment. 

Traveling abroad is an experience that can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges of living abroad. From navigating different cultures and customs to finding friends and learning a new language, the transition from living in your home country to living overseas can take a lot out of you.

Change isn't easy, and it is inevitable that it causes some stress. Even if your thoughts are calm and you feel organised, change can stress out your body, triggering its 'fight or flight' response (read more on the effects of change here).

Overseas workers have to deprive themselves of many things they used to enjoy at home - physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and even spiritually. Some of them go to the extent of sacrificing one's cherished profession in order to reach that proverbial greener pasture, to cross the poverty line and have a fraction of taste of the "God's" comfortable living.

When one goes abroad, his toughness as a person is put to a test. Both, an old timer and a neophyte suffer the same illness every now and then: homesickness, especially when one doesn't receive any news from home any more. Moods become utterly dull and dispositions are greatly affected.

Of course, sometimes unexpected news from home "go abroad": death of a family member, the husband is womanizing or the wife having a paramour; the child is being hospitalized, the house robbed of products of sweat and tears, natural calamities, and many others. And, as I know from many Filipinos abroad, added to this is the knowledge that sometimes, hard-earned money is just spent wastefully by the recipients, despite repeated reminders that working abroad is not lifetime.

With these uncalled-for events, sometimes you can do nothing but close your eyes, secretly shed tears, have deep sighs and call for someone "up there" to make you stronger and ask for hope. My good friend Arvie, who experienced her first weeks as a nurse in Vancouver/Canada sent me the following lines:

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will. when the road you're trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile but you have to sigh, when care is pressing and you lay down a little bit, rest if you must, but never quit!"

How very true, because in working abroad, one is confronted with equally exhilarating daily crosses, deal with hard-to-spell employers, perform boring, routinary, round-the-clock-chores, overcome fatigue, but always doing the very best to adapt to the culture of the new place.

After these sufferings, it is every migrant worker's wish, that his crosses overseas will be rewarded after several years - rewards happily shared by the whole family, the community and by the nation as a whole.