Remittances hit 2024 high of $2.88B in June

BY IAN NICOLAS P. CIGARAL

Money sent home by Filipinos abroad reached its highest level so far this year in June, although a potential recession in the United States is threatening to clip the growth of remittances.

Cash remittances coursed through banks amounted to $2.88 billion in June, up by 2.5 percent year-on-year, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Figures showed this was the highest inflow so far this year.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said remittances were typically high in June as Filipinos abroad hike their money transfers to pay for school-related fees ahead of the resumption of classes. Such a seasonal surge, he explained, may last until August.

Economic slowdown

But Ricafort said the possibility of a recession in the United States, major host country of Filipino expats, could pose a serious risk to remittances as data showed high interest rates stateside might be starting to weaken the American job market.

“Risk of economic slowdown or even recession in the United States, as well as in other countries that host large number of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) … would still be a drag for remittances especially if there would be job losses,” he said.

The June spike in inflows brought the six-month remittances to $16.25 billion, 2.9 percent bigger than a year ago. According to the BSP, cash remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia and Singapore contributed mainly to the increase in the first half of the year.

Data showed remittances have been growing at around 3 percent since late 2022, with the BSP projecting the average growth of these inflows to settle at that level again in 2024. That trend made some analysts believe that the growth of such transfers might be plateauing already even despite the weakness of the local currency in the past months.

Money sent home by Filipinos overseas is a major source of purchasing power in the Philippines, where consumption typically accounts for nearly 70 percent of gross domestic product. That said, a plateauing remittance growth may translate to sub-par support to consumer spending.

But Ricafort said remittances remain a “bright spot” for the economy, as they keep many Filipino families afloat amid stubbornly high inflation.

“Nevertheless, the continued and consistent growth in remittances could be attributed to higher inflation locally that required the sending of more remittances back to the country,” he said.

Russian ballet stars in Manila for Ballet Manila's 'Giselle'

Russian ballet stars call Philippines ‘Paradise on Earth;’ decline to comment on ongoing war

Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — “Paradise on Earth” – this is how Russian couple Renata Shakirova and Aleksei Timofeyev described the Philippines, coming here for the first time as guest performers for local ballet company Ballet Manila’s 2024 staging of the classic “Giselle.”

At a press conference early this week for “Giselle,” the Russian guests raved over the Philippines.

According to the couple, they have always heard about the country from a Filipino ballet dancer friend, and now that they have come to the country for the first time, they agree with their friend that the country is just as their friend described, a “paradise on Earth.”

“Giselle,” "a tragedy... sad but beautiful story" of a peasant girl who fell in love with a nobleman, is the third offering for Ballet Manila's 26th Performance Season, said Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Philippine prima ballerina, the first foreign soloist to join the Kirov Ballet and Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director.

The Mariinsky Ballet artists are in town to headline Ballet Manila’s “Giselle” in Aliw Theater on August 31 at 8 p.m. and on September 1 at 5 p.m.

“’Giselle’ has been a staple in Ballet Manila, but now, what makes this year different from previous seasons, aside from the fact that we have two guest artists, is the fact that it is onstage with the new Aliw Theater, with our LED (light-emitting diode) projections, with all those effects, may upgrading na kahit papaano…” Macuja-Elizalde explained.

Lisa said she learned about the couple through a recommendation from her ballet teacher in Russia. She invited the pair so that her company’s relatively new dancers (she lost many dancers during the pandemic) would be able to experience dancing with guest artists, who are also new to the country.

“Of course, it is so hard to say ‘no’ to Lisa because she is full of energy and life…” Alexei enthused.

“What is very special with Ballet Manila’s ‘Giselle’ is that I’m dancing it for the first time with my husband,” shared Renata, “and that kind of artistry and performance with somebody you are very close to will just make the performance very special. And I’m very excited to know the artists of Ballet Manila."

“It didn’t really need a lot of convincing or a lot of time to think about it. When the possibility came to perform in Manila, Philippines, there was really no question about it. We would accept because we were very excited to be able to perform in Manila. And we heard so much about the country. And so now, coming to the Philippines is just very exciting and we are looking forward to it.”

Their first performance as a couple was “Don Quixote,” and since then, they have performed in other shows together such as “Anyuta.” 

The pair admitted that sometimes, it is also hard to work together as husband-and-wife, as they sometimes fight during rehearsals. But overall, it is now a “fun and pleasurable” experience for them, “especially in the acting and artistic exchange as a couple.”

“'Giselle’ is one of my favorite ballets,” said Aleksei. “And dancing ‘Giselle’ with my wife Renata, it is even more interesting for me to find out what’s going to happen… We are getting a good kind of jitters because we are performing in front of an audience we don’t know.”

“We don’t know the Philippine audience at all,” confessed Aleksei. “It is going to be the first time for the both of us. So we don’t really know what to expect from the Philippine audience, but what we want to do is to invite them to come and see our performance of ‘Giselle’.”

When Philstar.com asked how as artists were they affected by the war between Russia and Ukraine, Macuja-Elizalde said, “Sorry, I promised no politics!” — Video by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo; video editing by Martin Ramos

Karylle joins cast of reality show 'Manila Matriarchs'

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Singer-actress Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon is joining the cast of unscripted reality show "Manila Matriarchs."

The eight-part series follows four Filipino women "navigating motherhood, sisterhood, careers, love, social standing, and the pursuit of true happiness," shooting in Manila and San Francisco.

Karylle will be accompanied by entrepreneurs Joanna Preysler-Francisco and Trisha Bantigue-Tsao and writer-speaker Myrza Sison.

Filipino-American Cece Asuncion of Girl, Bye Productions is the series producer while Miguel Santos, Eddie Tran, and Joy Tarce are executive producers as are JP Mallo and Justyn Reyes of J Creative Entertainment.

The show is yet to sign to a network or streaming service but it has the backing of the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

Philippines’ abundance of national holidays: A blessing or a burden?

 

BY CHINO S. LEYCO

Aug 17, 2024 08:09 AM

  

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The Philippines, celebrated for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, has a distinctive approach to national holidays, boasting over 20 official holidays each year. This places the country among the nations with the highest number of public holidays worldwide.

While these holidays offer valuable time off for employees and stimulate tourism, they also present notable challenges to the economy.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) have expressed concerns about the sheer number of holidays, suggesting that Congress consider reducing the list to promote economic growth. 

Annually, there are about 22 regular holidays and around five special holidays, not counting local observances and work cancellations due to natural disasters.

Senate President Francis Escudero has joined the conversation, indicating openness to the idea of cutting back on national holidays.

Conversely, labor groups oppose any reduction, advocating for lawmakers to focus on understanding the challenges workers face.

Philippines vs. US and ASEAN countries 

When comparing national holidays, the Philippines stands out in the ASEAN region or even with the United States.

In the US, there are 11 federal holidays recognized nationwide. While these holidays are celebrated across the country, individual states often observe additional holidays that reflect their unique histories and cultures.

In the ASEAN region, the Philippines boasts a greater number of holidays compared to its peers. Vietnam, for instance, celebrates six national holidays. Among these, Tet Nguyen Dan, or Lunar New Year, holds particular significance, symbolizing renewal and family reunions.

Meanwhile, Malaysia celebrates eight national holidays that reflect its vibrant multicultural society. Key observances include Hari Raya Aidilfitri, marking the end of Ramadan, and Hari Raya Haji, which aligns with the Islamic pilgrimage. Additionally, each state in Malaysia may have its own holidays.

Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world, observes 16 national holidays. The calendar begins with New Year’s Day, followed by Chinese New Year, which varies each year. Galungan, a Hindu celebration, holds special importance in the Balinese calendar, while Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Independence Day on Aug. 17 are widely celebrated events.

Singapore, known for its multicultural society, has 11 national holidays that reflect its diverse ethnic groups. Celebrations commence with New Year’s Day on Jan. 1, followed by Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, and Deepavali. National Day on Aug. 9 celebrates Singapore’s independence.

Celebrating culture and community

National holidays in the Philippines are deeply intertwined with the nation’s history and culture, encompassing a range of celebrations from religious observances to national commemorations. For many Filipinos, these holidays are not merely days off; they represent opportunities to reconnect with family, honor traditions, and engage in local festivities. The prospect of holiday pay further enhances the anticipation surrounding these days, allowing employees to earn extra income.

The tourism sector also reaps the rewards of this holiday-rich environment. During peak holiday seasons, domestic travel surges as families flock to their hometowns or popular destinations. This influx of travelers significantly boosts local economies, supporting businesses from hospitality to retail. Festivals and events tied to specific holidays further attract tourists, creating vibrant local economies that thrive on the celebration of culture.

Economic Challenges

Despite the benefits, the extensive holiday calendar raises critical economic concerns. For businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, the impact of numerous non-working days can be profound. 

The additional costs associated with holiday pay, combined with reduced productivity, can strain financial resources. Employers often face challenges in maintaining workflow, and prolonged periods without regular operations can lead to decreased output and profitability.

Moreover, industries that rely on consistent performance, such as manufacturing and services, can find the disruption caused by holidays detrimental. Frequent breaks may hinder project timelines and complicate planning, leading to inefficiencies that can ripple through the economy.

Striking a Balance

To address these challenges, a balanced approach is essential. Policymakers could consider re-evaluating the holiday schedule, potentially consolidating certain holidays or introducing more flexible arrangements. Floating holidays, for example, would allow employees to choose their days off, ensuring that businesses can maintain operations while still respecting cultural traditions.

In addition, fostering a culture of productivity during holiday seasons is crucial. Businesses can implement strategies that encourage effective time management and planning, ensuring that work continues smoothly even amid celebrations. Training programs focused on operational efficiency during holidays could also empower employees to maximize productivity without sacrificing cultural observance.

Looking to the Future

As the Philippines navigates the complexities of its holiday calendar, it becomes increasingly important to engage in dialogue among stakeholders—employees, businesses, and government officials. By aligning the celebration of cultural heritage with economic sustainability, the nation can create a framework that honors its traditions while supporting growth.

The Philippines’ numerous national holidays are a testament to its rich cultural tapestry. However, the economic implications cannot be ignored.

By finding a harmonious balance between celebration and productivity, the Philippines can ensure that its holidays remain a source of joy and economic vitality for generations to come.

Who killed the socialite?

The socialite was the personification of polite society, the embodiment of a collective aspiration to graceful living, though it has become a kind of nostalgia, no longer a living thing, alive only in memory or history, in black and white pictures.

BY AA PATAWARAN

Aug 17, 2024 08:28 AM

  

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When exactly was the decline of the socialite, who once ruled the world from her throne among the ladies who lunched in such hallowed places as The Colony or Le Pavillon in New York City—and at the right table, dressed in Mainbocher or any custom number worthy of a Cecil Beaton portrait, and with just the right company like Truman Capote?

Juan Luna's 'Hymen, oh Hyménée!' masterpiece (Photo by Noel Pabalate) 

The dictionary definition of socialite is lame, “a person who is well-known in fashionable society and is fond of social activities and entertainment.” On the internet, it is still a raging topic, but the questions are even more lame, if not downright stupid, questions like “Is a socialite a social climber? What is the difference between a socialite and a courtesan? Is it a difficult job, being a socialite?” But what is a socialite? 

“There is no one definitive answer to this,” said a girl named Catriona in an internet forum. “[It’s] simply a person thrust (sometimes unwillingly) into a particular role. In my case it was something that fell on me when I married a very ambitious man with delusions of social grandeur.”

 

She intimated what being a socialite had been like for her, in retrospect, since her marriage to this “delusional” man had ended. “My days consisted of worrying about whether I was up to the planning and presentation of his facade. Did I know how to make the latest cocktail? If not, could I find someone who did on a moment’s notice?” she confessed, which sounded to me so much like an ordeal. “Was our home filled with the best… and decorated to impress…? I am not an extrovert and it was pretty much the seventh level of hell having to discover what each of my husband’s guests was likely to want to talk about, and learning all I could about it, whether it was the restoration of Samurai swords, the writing of HTML code, the makes and models of Boeing aircraft, or the likelihood of a stock market crash in the next 18 months.” 

Babe Paley, is that you? 

 

But Babe Paley, as you know, ever the doyenne of the New York social scene, Truman Capote’s foremost swan, and best dressed of all time, would never dare say such a thing about her husband, CBS founder William Paley, whom the rumor mill portrayed as a womanizer and whom Truman Capote revealed in his roman à clef “La Cote Basque 1965” as the cause of Babe’s broken, never mended heart. Neither would she have said anything remotely similar to what Catriona said of her erstwhile husband. The socialite would find it so inelegant, if not so vulgar, to wash dirty linen in public.

Photo courtesy of Edgar Allan

The fascination is still there, for sure. It persists in me, who grew up on the pages of my mother’s copies of Vogue, where the world, for the most part, was a trove of treasures in the form of a snow-covered chalet in Gstaad, breakfast champagne at the Grand Hotel in Rome, a beach trip to Coopers Beach at the Hamptons, and dressed for show, say, in the case of the Hamptons, in Emilio Pucci swimwear.

 

The socialite was the personification of polite society, the embodiment of a collective aspiration to graceful living, though it has become a kind of nostalgia, no longer a living thing, alive only in memory or history, in black and white pictures. 

 

But before we digress further, other than being a celebrity or royalty, who is much in demand at parties, how does one become a socialite? First to come to mind is that one at least has to be an object of beauty, arm candy on some man or walker to a lady, or—in the case of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, who said, “I'm nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than anyone else.”—command attention. Imelda Marcos once told me, “You sense beauty more than you see it. I know. Anywhere I go, when I walk into a room, people turn to look at me. We don’t have eyes on our backs, do we?”

Photo courtesy of Edgar Allan

You could say a socialite has to be rich, but not really, like Truman Capote, who was welcomed into the sanctum sanctorum of New York’s upper crust. If you can’t be rich, then you ought to have rich friends, who can fly you to the moon on their Gulfstream G700, or sail you across the seven seas on their luxury yacht, or drive you around on their Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail. Before you say “social climber,” remember that you can be as rich as the friends you hang around with and because you are friends, you get to stay for free in a villa that is owned by one of them in a historic building in the Campo San Polo in Venice, just as any of your friends can stay free of charge in your duplex at 220 Central Park South in Manhattan. 

 

Supposing you have no private jet, sailboat, or luxury car to share with your bosom buddies, then to be a socialite, you must have something else to bring to the table—your wit, for instance, or your personal style, your social charm, your sense of humor, or your golden friendship. 

 

Back in the day, you couldn’t be a socialite, unless the media took notice of you, unless you landed in the pages of uppity magazines or in the newspaper headlines.

 

I might be wrong, but pop culture has guillotined the socialite just as the French Revolution killed Marie Antoinette.

 

In just the same way as possession obsession, all that waltzing around in a dazzling display of wealth, nod-nodding to consumerism and inconspicuous consumption, has been exhausted by such pop culture movies as The Devil Wears Prada, Zoolander, even documentaries like The September Issue or The Grey Gardens, the socialite has been dragged back to earth by the seemingly innocuous raiding of her closets in Gossip Girl, The Nanny Diaries, Downton Abbey, W.E., even Mean Girls.

 

In its obsession with exposes and BTS, the 1980s thrust the socialite under a magnifying glass and we all looked in and gasped: “You’re no different than us, you’re just like every last one of us!”

 

And then social media took over, democratizing everything, where a single viral post could catapult you to the A-list—for how long, who knows?—in much the same way as, just a decade before Instagram ruled the world, winning a reality show could turn you into a household name, whether or not you were beautiful, elegant, sophisticated, graceful, world-wise, or stylish.

 

It doesn’t really matter now how you look, speak, move, think, or behave, as long as you fetch the numbers in terms of views, likes, follows, or shares.

 

The socialite is dead. 

Another year of unfolding nature’s stories: The annual Earth+Lens photo exhibit is back

Manila Bulletin’s Earth+Lens features the earth’s best and captivating moments through the lens of a camera

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Aug 17, 2024 09:50 AM

  

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From highlighting the beauty of Philippine Forests from last year’s exhibit, Manila Bulletin’s annual Earth+Lens photo exhibit returns this year to unfold ethereal and mesmerizing images of landscapes, wildlife, and sceneries. Previously, the Manila Bulletin’s Earth+Lens exhibit focused on the grandeur of the micro and macro elements of the Philippine forests that brought awareness and an imperative call to action for forest protection. This year, the exhibit will not only showcase the majestic nature the country has, but also the scenes that tell stories on how life forms sway with nature.

With its continuing goal of raising public awareness and understanding of the featured environmental-related issues, Manila Bulletin’s Earth+Lens features the earth’s best and captivating moments through the lens of a camera. This year’s theme, Motions in Nature, will showcase the movements in nature both its natural flow and element’s motion. It will also display nature’s harmonious choreography and sceneries that narrates compelling stories.

Together with partner stakeholders that share the same goal and vision with Manila Bulletin, the Earth+Lens 2024 will be mounted on a bigger venue, longer display duration, and more enthralling photos to reach a wider audience. Since 2019, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has been a staunch supporter of this campaign in sharing the beauty of the Philippines and eco-tourism. The Earth+Lens 2024 also marks the fifth year of the event’s annual partnership. Along with the DOT is the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to help put forward the campaign through the art form of photography. The National Museum of the Philippines will also be this year’s official venue partner to host the exhibit, and HUAWEI, the long-time and the official smartphone photography partner for this year.

Similar to the previous partnerships, HUAWEI powered the roster of content producers with tools to capture the moment when nature moves and to showcase new and fresh nature photos using its latest flagship phone, HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra and Pura 70 Pro. The innovative Pura 70 Series continues the brand’s exceptional photography feature where advanced camera capabilities such as, Ultra Speed Snapshot for fast-moving subjects, 

Telephoto Macro Shot for extreme close-ups, and detailed Portrait Shot for dramatic photos were put to test in creating stunning visual storytelling.
This year’s edition will highlight the intricate movements in nature, such as the delicate sway of the trees, the rhythmic flow of the seas, and how the birds sync with the wind. Staying true to the campaign’s core mission, the promising photos captured by the partner photographers are printed on fabric canvas using eco-solvent ink similar to last year, to promote sustainability as part of its campaign.

The partner photographers traversed through various stunning locations across the Philippines to take breathtaking images. 

Jan Mayo, a new partner this year and a professional portrait photographer, explored the lush greenery and diverse flora of the UP Arboretum in Quezon City. He also ventured through Bohol, capturing its unique wildlife, both in the skies and the crystal-clear waters. His works show a wide-ranging fauna, from a turtle gliding underwater to a tarsier perched upright on a tree. His photography draws attention to the intricate beauty of each subject.

Photographed by Jan Mayo

Silver Belen, a partner photographer since 2023, delved into the hidden beauty of Banaue, Ifugao. Silver’s keen eye captured both the minute details of movements in nature and the sweeping landscapes found in the community, providing a glimpse into Banaue’s lesser-discovered wonders. His works reveal the delicate movements of endemic insect species, the daily life of locals, and the terraces illuminated by sunlight.

Photographed by Silver Belen

The enchanting centuries-old stone houses, white sandy beaches, and green mountains of Batanes were artfully captured by Noel Pabalate, Manila Bulletin’s photojournalist and a longtime partner photographer of the exhibit. Through his expert eyes, Pabalate has crafted a visual narrative that highlights the magnificent life and stillness in the island. 

Photographed by Noel Pabalate

Keith Bacongco, also one of the longest partners of the exhibit, journeyed into the landscapes, skies, and waters of Burauen, Leyte, and Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. The images he has taken provide a vivid representation of the magnificence of the flora and fauna in the lesser-explored destinations in the region. Bacongco’s images capture the intricate details of an eagle's feathers, the majesty of these birds soaring through the sky, and the fascinating interactions of insects in their natural habitats.

  Photographed by Keith Bacongco

Catch more of their breathtaking works, captured through the newest HUAWEI Pura 70 series, which will be displayed at the Marble Hall (Hyundai Philippines Entrance Hall) of the National Museum of Natural History in Manila. 

The on-ground activity comes back on August 20 which will run until September 1, with Manila Bulletin Earth+Lens and partner organizations to officially launch the event. 

Discover the motions of nature in the country’s hidden gems through the photo displays. Visitors can explore these breathtaking images, open to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra and Pura 70 Pro are also available in all leading stores nationwide and on the HUAWEI Official Website. Get yours now and share your mobile photography skills with the world.