PH to China: Respect, sincerity are key to sea row dialogue

By: Frances Mangosing - Reporter / @FMangosingINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer 

The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Sindangan isblocked by a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in October. china sea row dialogue

HARASSMENT The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Sindangan is blocked by a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in October. —GERALDFORD TICKE

China should first stop its hostile actions at sea before it enters into a dialogue with the Philippines, an official of the National Security Council (NSC) said on Tuesday, amid worsening tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The territorial disputes between the two countries have grown more tense this year as Beijing seeks to assert its maritime dominance in the South China Sea.

“Dialogues can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. The Philippines is ready to reciprocate provided that the bullying, harassment, and aggressive actions are ended immediately,” NSC spokesperson and Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday said China was open to a dialogue, stressing her government was ready to work with the Philippines to handle maritime issues through negotiation and consultation.

But Mao, at the same time, asserted Beijing’s claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including those within the 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

“China will not weaken in its resolve to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” she said.

“For months, the Philippines has been making provocations on Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) and other issues and drawing forces outside the region into those issues. China is compelled under those circumstances to take necessary measures to firmly respond to it,” she said.

Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf, one of the country’s nine occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group, or the Spratlys. Chinese ships have been harassing resupply vessels to BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded warship that serves as a Philippine military outpost in Ayungin.

“We welcome China’s offer of dialogue, negotiation, and consultation but for it to prosper, China must immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the West Philippine Sea which seriously undermine… regional peace and security,” Malaya said.

A 2016 arbitral ruling voided China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.

Root of tensions

According to Malaya, China is “the only country that believes its own propaganda” and no single nation has expressed support for its so-called 10-dash line that supposedly defines China’s territory.

The boundaries set by China overlap into the exclusive economic zones of rival claimants like the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

“The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. As the world has seen, it is not the Philippines that has been engaged in provocations, bullying and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea,” Malaya said.

“It is not the Philippines that has been doing laser pointing, water cannoning, dangerous maneuvers, blocking, swarming, etc. In fact, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible but the same cannot be said of China,” he said.

Chinese activities against Philippine vessels, harassment of fishermen and other activities “that infringe… upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea are clear violations of international law,” he added.

Last week, the top diplomats of the Philippines and China spoke by telephone where they discussed the territorial disputes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, “noted the importance of dialogue” in addressing the issues of concern.

Wang earlier accused the Philippines of “constantly provoking trouble at sea and undermining China’s legitimate and lawful rights.”

Domestic law

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, meanwhile, said Beijing was the one “committing all the violations” at sea, in response to accusations by China’s state-controlled newspaper, the People’s Daily, that the Philippines was stirring tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Philippines relies on the support of external forces, ignores China’s goodwill and restraint, and repeatedly provokes China’s principles and bottom line,” said the commentary.

But Aguilar, at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program by state-run People’s Television, said: “The Philippines is not provoking conflict. We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone where we have sovereign rights.”

He accused China of starting hostile actions that sometimes risk collisions at sea.

The Philippines, Aguilar said, is boosting its alliances and has the support of other nations because its claims are backed by international law, including Unclos. —WITH A REPORT FROM REUTERS

Kim Chiu flaunts bikini body following split from Xian Lim

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com m Chiu via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya host-actress Kim Chiu appears to be enjoying the single life just mere days after confirming she and longtime boyfriend Xian Lim called it quits.

Kim is celebrating the Christmas holidays with her family in Balesin Island, with her sister Lakam sharing some snippets of their vacation.

The host-actress too posted on her own Instagram account family photos, following them up with sizzling images of herself in the beach. 

"Opacarophile," Kim wrote in the caption, which means one who loves sunsets. "Grateful for small things, big things and everything in between!" she added with the hashtag #Chiurista.

Another photo set had Kim in a patterned bikini ensemble under a denim bottom as she posed by lanterns at dusk.

"3 C's in life. Choice. Chance. Change. Up to you what comes first," Kim wrote for that post's caption alongside emojis of the crescent moon, stars, and a white heart.

Sandwiched between the bikini posts was a photo set of Kim in a white outfit that had a photo of singer Mariah Carey and her iconic holiday song "All I Want For Christmas Is You," though Kim hilariously blurred out the last word so it could read "Chiu" instead.

Kim and Xian confirmed their breakup two days before Christmas, ending a relationship that lasted 12 years.

"We shared more than a decade of love, each other's support system, and many beautiful memories," Kim said at the time. "As we close this chapter, I ask for everyone's kindness and respect. I hope this clears everything as we all move forward with our lives."

SMC waives toll fees on New Year’s Eve

Motorists advised to plan for peak holiday traffic

BY MB DRIVE

Dec 29, 2023 09:43 AM

  

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San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced it will again waive toll fees at all its expressways on the eve of New Year’s Day, an annual tradition the company’s infrastructure unit fulfills in the spirit of the holidays, and to show its appreciation for motorists’ continued patronage.

SMC Infrastructure said it will waive toll fees at the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), on December 31, 10:00 PM to January 1, 2024, 6:00 AM.

“This annual tradition is our way of showing the Christmas spirit, especially for those who for some reason will have to travel late and try to get home to their loved ones. Through this, we hope to help spread the Filipino Christmas spirit, and also wish our countrymen well at the start of the new year,” the company said in a statement.

The company is also advising motorists heading in and out of Metro Manila to expect heavy traffic at all expressways as holiday traffic volume is expected to peak during the weekend.

It encouraged motorists to allot additional travel time especially if they are headed to transport hubs such as airports, sea ports, and bus terminals for their scheduled trips.

“We appeal to our motorists for patience with the anticipated heavy traffic around Metro Manila, and its impact to their scheduled flights or trips. We advise them to plan their trips ahead and allot more time for travel to make sure they come on time for their trips or flights,” the company said in a statement. 

Misleading advisory

The company also sought to provide clarity on the recent advisory from Philippine Airlines that urged air passengers to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport three to four hours early due to a new toll booth setup at NAIAX Skyway exits.

“While we appreciate PAL's concern for passengers, we need to make sure that our stakeholders are getting accurate information to avoid confusion. There have been no recent modifications to the toll booth setups or operations at both NAIAX and Skyway toll plazas,” the company said.

The company reminds travelers, especially those catching their flights, to allow extra travel time due to the expected increase in traffic on the expressways.

It has deployed enough traffic management personnel to help keep vehicle traffic moving at exit plazas, in coordination with local police and traffic management offices of local government units.

All construction and improvement works at expressways have also been suspended to further help keep traffic flowing. 

The toll operator also reminded motorists to ensure they have enough load on their RFID accounts, and to keep their Autosweep RFID cards in their vehicles. These may be scanned in advance by ambulant tellers who are deployed to speed up exiting vehicles at toll plazas.

For motorists who have yet to get Autosweep RFID tags, the company encourages them to get their free Autosweep RFID stickers at any Autosweep customer service centers and Autosweep kiosks along South Luzon Expressway, Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, STAR tollway, and TPLEX.

GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs’ ‘Firefly’ is Metro Manila Film Festival’s Best Picture

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Lights shone undoubtedly bright for ‘Firefly’ at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal last Dec. 27, as the film took home three major awards among 15 nominations, including this year’s Best Picture nod.

It indeed pays to be brave.

Lights shone undoubtedly bright for ‘Firefly’ at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal last Dec. 27, as the film took home three major awards among 15 nominations, including this year’s Best Picture nod.

Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, Firefly likewise bested nine other entries in two more categories: Best Screenplay, which was won by GMA Public Affairs Senior AVP and Firefly creator Angeli Atienza, and Best Child Performer, which was conferred to GMA Sparkle child star Euwenn Mikaell.

It follows the story of Tonton (Euwenn), a young boy on a journey to find the mystical island of fireflies from his mother’s bedtime stories. Together with the companions he meets along the way, they set out on a quest of their dreams in search of the fireflies.

The film is also top-billed by award-winning actress Alessandra de Rossi, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Elay – Tonton’s mother in the film. Earning Best Supporting Actor nominations as well were Dingdong Dantes (who played the young Tonton) and Epy Quizon. Ysabel Ortega, Miguel Tanfelix, Cherry Pie Picache, Yayo Aguila, Kokoy de Santos, and Max Collins complete the ensemble.

Senior Vice President for GMA Pictures and First Vice President for GMA Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon shares her pride for Firefly’s recent MMFF achievements: “This means so much to GMA Public Affairs. Firefly is a story about a small boy with a big and heartfelt dream. It’s also the story of GMA Public Affairs, this small team that could. We were the underdog in the MMFF this year but somehow, magically, became the biggest winner of all.  So I just want to tell everyone to continue being brave and to believe in the power of stories!”

“My only hope is that more people watch and come to love Firefly, as it’s a film made with so much love and respect for our audience,” she added.

Behind the success of ‘Firefly’ is ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ director Zig Dulay, who heartwarmingly dedicates the film to his late mother. “Siya ang nagsilbing patunay sa akin na totoo ang mga superheroes na napapanood sa mga pelikula,” shared Dulay, who was also nominated for Best Director.

Award-winning cinematographer Neil Daza, who was nominated for Best Cinematography, further highlighted the film’s cinematic masterpiece.

The film was also shortlisted in various special awards including the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence, Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award, Gender Sensitivity Award, and Best Float.

Also earning nominations for Firefly were Kenneth Kevin Villanueva (Best Production Design), Reality MM Studios Inc. (Best Visual Effects), and Len Calvo (Best Musical Score).

In its special screening last December 12, ‘Firefly’ received touching praises from Kapuso celebrities and personalities, including award-winning broadcast journalists Jessica Soho, Howie Severino, and Kara David, who all commended ‘Firefly’ for its powerful and moving storytelling.

Moviegoers echoed their sentiments amid the limited cinemas where the film was being shown during the first few days of the festival screening.

Firefly director Zig Dulay and GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes

Coming from the public’s clamor, more cinemas have been added to the list of theaters where Firefly can be seen.

The Metro Manila Film Festival continues to embody the highest standards of excellence in Filipino cinema, and ‘Firefly’ proudly cements its place as a top-performing masterpiece in this year’s film festival.

What are some good German wines?

By Volker Eichener

I start with the most obvious and best-known: riesling. Riesling is a grape that grows well in the rather cool German climate. It is also found in Alsace, California and South Africa. Riesling wines are usually very crisp and have delicate citrus notes, often combined with mineralic accents by the terroir. Good rieslings come from Mosel, Rhein, Ruwer, Nahe, Pfalz, also Baden (where riesling is called Klingelberger). Rieslings can be dry, sweet or very sweet, especially late harvests, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese or the rare Eiswein (wine made from frozen grapes, happens not every year). If the harvest is late, the wine may get a botrytis aroma. Some famous wineries include: Kloster Eberbach (Rheingau). Dr. Loosen (Mosel). Maximin Grünhaus (Ruwer). Robert Weil (Rheingau). Schloss Vollrads (Rheingau). Van Volxem (Mosel). Markgraf von Baden (Baden). Besides riesling, there are some other grape varieties to taste. Something very special is the wine region of Franken (Northern Bavaria). There, the sylvaner grape produces exzellent, aromatic wines with fine mineral tastes. Zehntkeller and Wirsching from Iphofen are great, also Juliusspital from Würzburg. The grape variety that is usually called pinot grigio, in German Grauburgunder, can be excellent, especially in the region Baden. Great producers are Alde Gott and Kellers Schwarzer Adler. A rare and lesser-known grape variety is Auxerrois which grows on the upper Mosel. Fruity, floral wines. Herber is an excellent winery. Germany is not so famous for red wines, but you may give these ones a try: Red wines from the Ahr, both fruity and mineralic, sometimes volcanic: Stodden, Meyer-Näkel, Adeneuer are the best wineries in the region. The premium red wine from Alde Gott, Alte Reben, from Baden is also recommendable.