Pinoys make it to ‘America’s Got Talent: All Stars’ finals

by Stephanie Bernardino, MB

Pinoy couple Jervin and Anjanette Minor, otherwise known as The Power Duo, has barged into the finals of “America’s Got Talent: All Stars.”

Apparently, they earned the votes of fans following a superb performance.

Show judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum, as with show host Terry Crews, have nothing but good words for the real-life couple. 

“I love you, two,” Simon told them after they flaunted their skills to the tune of Calum Scott’s “You Are The Reason.”

Howie for his part admitted to enjoying their moves.

Heidi, on the other hand, described their performance as “great.” 

Terry echoed the same thing.

“It is so beautiful to watch two people that are in love and they do something beautiful together. It was beautiful to watch,” Heidi pointed out.

On Twitter, Power Duo shared their success to the judges of the local iteration of the show, namely Robin Padilla, Freddie “FMG” Garcia, Vice Ganda, and Angel Locsin.

It was in 2016 when Power Duo was declared winner of the show’s fifth season.

Industry leaders forge partnership: GMA Network, Viu Philippines ink deal to bring world-class content to more viewers

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

‘Love Before Sunrise’ lead stars Dennis Trillo and Bea Alonzo and ‘The Write One’ lead stars Bianca Umali and Ruru Madrid

Philippine broadcast giant GMA Network and Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top (“OTT”) video streaming service, are set to bring world-class content to more Filipinos as the two enter a five year partnership deal.

The said deal, which marks the first-ever collaboration between GMA and Viu, will bring upcoming Kapuso shows available on Viu Philippines, beginning with “The Write One” and “Love Before Sunrise.” Both titles are set to premiere in 2023, and will be available on Viu-ers in the Philippines exclusively 48 hours before their respective TV broadcast on GMA Network.

“This 2023, GMA Network is all set to bring more world-class content to Filipino viewers across various platforms. We are honored and grateful that Viu Philippines is with us in our endeavor to produce original and top-notch programs that can be consumed in various platforms such as leading OTT service Viu,” said GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes. 

Mr. Vinchi Sy-Quia, Deputy General Manager of Viu Philippines, adds his excitement on this collaboration, “Viu is proud to embark on this milestone partnership with Philippine multimedia giant GMA. Aligned with Viu’s vision of offering Premium Asian Entertainment and Experiences, this collaboration with GMA showcases the best of world-class Filipino content from both the GMA Entertainment Group and the GMA Public Affairs Group that can be streamed anytime, anywhere on the Viu Philippines platform.”

The partnership was made official during a contract signing held on Jan. 12. Joining Atty. Gozon-Valdes for GMA Network were Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon; and Consultant for Business Development and Strategic Content Partnerships Reena de Guzman Garingan.

Philippine broadcast giant GMA Network and leading pan-regional over-the-top video streaming service Viu are set to bring world-class content to more Filipinos as the two enter a momentous partnership deal. From left: GMA Network First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon; Senior Vice President for Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable; Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes; Viu Deputy General Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia; and Viu Head of Content Partnerships Garlic Garcia.

Attending for Viu Philippines were Deputy General Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia; and Head of Content Partnerships Garlic Garcia alongside the Viu PH Content and Marketing team.

Produced by GMA Public Affairs, “The Write One” sees the much-awaited team-up of Sparkle artists Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali. A romantic drama with a touch of fantasy, it tells the story of Liam (Ruru), a frustrated man who is given a chance to rewrite his love and life story with the help of a mysterious typewriter.

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With the love between Liam and Joyce (Bianca) dimmed by the years that have passed, both wonder what could have been had they not given up their individual dreams. Until one night, Liam stumbles upon an antique typewriter and finds himself writing – and magically making real – the revised story of his life.

Multi-awarded actress and box-office icon Bea Alonzo and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo banner the original drama “Love Before Sunrise,” set to be produced by GMA Entertainment Group. An epic love story, “Love Before Sunrise” brings to life the story of Atom and Tala and their humble beginnings from when they first met under the stars to becoming friends, lovers, and eventually ex-lovers while pursuing their dreams. A dramatic exploration of romantic desires and aspirations, the series will also be Bea and Dennis’ first-ever drama series together.

The Viu app is available on App Store, Google Play and select Smart TVs, as well as on the web at www.viu.com.

Shear line to dampen Visayas, Mindanao

By PNA

The shear line and the northeast monsoon will continue to dampen most parts of the country on Monday, the weather bureau said.

Scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the shear line will prevail in Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga and Davao Region.

Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region and Bicol regions and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque and Romblon will also have rain showers caused by the northeast monsoon.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said these areas may possibly experience flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon will also cause light rains in the rest of Luzon.

The rest of Mindanao, on the other hand, will have isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail in Luzon, the Visayas, and the eastern section of Mindanao.

Rough to very rough seas are forecast over the northern, eastern, western and southern seaboards of Luzon, the eastern and western seaboards of the Visayas, and the eastern seaboard of Mindanao.

PAGASA advised fishing boats and other small sea vessels not to venture into the sea, and larger sea vessels are also alerted against big waves.

PSAC bats for ‘e-Travel’ app for inbound travelers

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, MB

Malacañang said that the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) was working on a mobile application called “e-Travel,” which would integrate all of the information on immigration, customs, health, and quarantine of travelers entering the Philippines.

OFWs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Ali Vicoy/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said this after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with the PSAC on Jan. 26, wherein they presented their “Quick Wins” recommendations to boost the country’s tourism industry. 

In a statement, Garafil said the application aims to allow groups or families to input data easier. The database also includes tourist destinations, transport, hotel information, and traffic condition.

Tourists can complete the form through the app before boarding or while onboard the plane if they have an internet connection.

The “e-Travel” mobile application could be deployed by February.

Meanwhile, President Marcos highlighted the importance of digitalization, which, he said, could allow tourists to fill out forms quickly while traveling.

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He added that digitalization would enable authorities to ensure security at the borders.

The Quick Wins proposals aim to further boost the country’s tourism industry by improving airport infrastructure and operations, managing the national brand and image, and promoting tourism investments.

The recommendations include the following:

• The implementation of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund Program for foreign tourists by 2024
• The rollout of e-visa by 2023, prioritizing China and India
• The removal of the One Health Pass, or requiring only one form for health, immigration, and customs
• The revocation of outdated advisories and loud-speaker announcements in the country’s airports
• The automatic inclusion of travel tax in all airline tickets

Data showed that 2.65 million visitors entered the Philippines from February to December 2022. This figure comprised 2.02 million foreign tourists and 628,445 Filipinos overseas.

The PSAC, led by Sabin Aboitiz, President/CEO at Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., is composed of business leaders and industry experts providing technical advice to the President in achieving the government’s economic objectives in six key sectors — agriculture, digital infrastructure, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs generation, and tourism.

Marcos OKs VAT refund program for foreign tourists

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, MB

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has approved the recommendation to implement the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund Program for foreign tourists by 2024 to boost tourist arrivals in the country.

TOURISTS enjoy the sunset at world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province. (Tara Yap)

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said this after Marcos met with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Tourism Sector Group, which presented its “Quick Wins” recommendations to the Chief Executive on Jan. 26. 

In a statement, Garafil said President Marcos would issue an executive order to implement the tax refund program, which is also being carried out in other countries.

The Quick Wins proposals aim to boost the country’s tourism industry by improving airport infrastructure and operations, managing the national brand and image, and promoting tourism investments.

Aside from the VAT Refund Program for foreign tourists, other PSAC Quick Wins recommendations approved by the President include the rollout of e-visa by 2023, prioritizing China and India; and the removal of One Health Pass (OHP) or requirement of one form only for health, immigration, and customs.

The PSAC comprises business leaders and industry experts providing technical advice to the President in achieving the government’s economic objectives in six key sectors — agriculture, digital infrastructure, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs generation, and tourism. 

Sabin Aboitiz, President/CEO at Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc., serves as the PSAC lead convener.

The Philippines recorded 2.65 million visitors from February to December 2022, over 2 million of which were foreign tourists.

This figure is higher than the 2021 tourist arrivals of 163,879 but still significantly lower than the pre-pandemic level of 8.26 million.

This year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) targets to welcome 4.8 million visitors, which could generate P2.5

Alex Eala downs Belarusian foe, enters main draw of Thailand Open

by Manila Bulletin Sports

By NIKOLE JAVIER 

Alex Eala outlasted Kristine Dmitruk of Belarus, 6-2, 7-5, to barge into the main draw of the Thailand Open on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the True Arena in Hua Hin.

Alex Eala needed to win two matches to enter the Thailand Open main draw round. (From Thailand Open Facebook page)

The reigning US Open Girls champion started on right footing, similar to her first-round win against Chinese foe Xinyu Han the day prior and gained an early 6-2 advantage to keep herself cushioned going into the next set. 

However, the ninth-seeded Dmitruk got over her scrappy start and eased into the second set  after surging into a 5-4 lead and even looked poised to force the decider. 

But right before the Belarusian could completely blindside the 17-year-old Filipina, Eala tied the score at 5-all and broke Dmirtuk’s serve for the 6-5 lead and ultimately complete her victory after one hour and 19 minutes.

With the victory, Eala has arranged a first-round main draw meeting with sixth seed Tatjana Maria of Germany.

The 35-year-old Maria is currently ranked 71st in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and boasts of a semifinal finish at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.

80% of Filipinos believe SIM registration will reduce PH cybercrime – survey

by Charie Mae F. Abarca

At least 80 percent of Filipinos believe that the mandatory Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card registration will help reduce cybercrime cases in the Philippines according to a survey conducted by data research firm Tangere.

The mobile-based survey was conducted from Jan. 18 until Jan. 20, 2023 with a sample size of 2,400 respondents.

Based on the survey, two out of three Filipinos have already registered their SIM cards in compliance with the law. Three out of five respondents, on the other hand, “have not yet registered” their cards, believing that their personal information will be compromised under the government’s central database.

All data that will be given to public telecommunication entities (PTEs) will be treated as confidential, said the national government.

SIM cards (Pixabay)

Why do we need to register our SIM?

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 11934, otherwise known as the SIM Registration Act, all new and existing subscribers in the Philippines are mandated to register their cards until April 26, 2023. All unregistered SIMs will be deactivated permanently.

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The law, which was signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., seeks to curb electronic communication-aided crimes like mobile phishing and text spams.

A month after the law took effect, several users continue to receive text spams, but Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy, in a palace briefing, noted its “significant drop.”

“Before the law was signed, how many spam messages were you receiving everyday? I am sure all of you felt the significant drop. I used to receive about six or seven then, but now just one or two,” said Uy in Filipino.

Latest data from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) showed that a total of 25,917,464 SIM cards have already been registered as of Jan. 26. This equates to about 15.34 percent of the existing 168,977,773 units nationwide.

K-pop girl group Momoland members leave agency

by Jonathan Hicap

Members of K-pop girl group Momoland have left their agency.

MLD Entertainment, the group’s agency, announced on Jan. 27 that all six members of Momoland have decided to leave after their contracts expired.

Momoland performing at the Ripples for Hope event in Manila last November (Jonathan Hicap)

“First of all, I sincerely thank the fans who cherish and support Momoland,” it said.

The agency said, “After long discussions with Momoland (Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, Nancy), we agreed to respect each other’s opinions and terminate the exclusive contract upon expiration of the contract period.”

“We express our deep gratitude to Momoland for being with us as artists for a long time. We will also sincerely support the members’ future. Fans, please give unchanging love and encouragement to the six members who are about to start anew,” MLD Entertainment said.

Momoland debuted in 2016.

Imported red onions cheaper than local counterpart in NCR

by Jel Santos

Imported red onions in various markets in the National Capital Region (NCR) are at least P40 cheaper than local red onions, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported.

Red onions (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

Based on the price monitoring of the agriculture department as of Friday, Jan.27, imported red onions are being sold for P200 to P250 per kilo, while local red onions are priced P240 to P350 a kilo.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has disclosed in a recent “Laging Handa” briefing that the first batch of imported onions have arrived in the country, saying that 588 metric tons (MT) of onions– 218 MT of yellow onions and 370 MT of red onions– are now stored at cold storage facilities.

Meanwhile, the price of imported white onions monitored by the DA are higher than of locally harvested white onions. Per kilo, imported onions are priced P250 to P260; local white onions cost P170 to P300 a kilo.

The agriculture department had earlier predicted that prices of onions would drop once the of imports arrive in the country before the end of January.

Assistant Secretary Rex Estoperez, DA deputy spokesperson, said in an earlier interview that they are expecting the price of onions to go as low as P150 to P200 per kilo.

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He said the agriculture department has calibrated the time and volume of the importation to ensure that the imported onions will not overlap with the local harvest of onion growers.

This is because the peak of harvest for local onion growers in the country is in mid-February, explained Estoperez.

Some groups of farmers have earlier expressed worry that the public would patronize imported onions over local harvests.

Prior to the approval of onion importation, Estoperez himself admitted that the price of onion in the country has “gotten out of control.”

The price of onions in some markets went as high as P720 per kilo during the holiday season.

What is the reason for the diversity of languages spoken in the Philippines, given that they all have their origins in the Malay/Indonesian language?

Datu Ulap

There are a couple of things wrong with this question.

“ given that they all have their origins in the Malay/Indonesian language? “

This is false. Tagalog, Bisaya, Ilocano, and many of the local languages, as well as the many local languages of Malaysia and Indonesia, are all part of the Austronesian language family. Which all come from Taiwan.

[Paper] Is Malayo-Polynesian a primary branch of Austronesian? : A view from morphosyntax

via Diachronica, 16 May 2022: This paper by Chen et al. takes a look at the linguistic evidence for the Austronesian expansion and hones a likely origin to the east coast of Taiwan. 

https://www.southeastasianarchaeology.com/2022/08/19/paper-is-malayo-polynesian-a-primary-branch-of-austronesian-a-view-from-morphosyntax/

The Out-of-Taiwan Theory shows how Austronesians spread from Taiwan to the rest of Maritime Southeast Asia.

As for the diversity of languages spoken in the Philippines, it's the same reason why there is a diversity of languages spoken in Malaysia, Indonesia, and even in most neighboring countries like Vietnam, Myanmar, and Thailand. In Maritime Southeast Asia, many different island groups allow for different groups of people, or tribes, to develop their own distinct cultures, and thus their own languages.

• Ethnic Groups of Indonesia

Not to mention the other form of geographic barriers and features such as mountains and valleys or even open seas that create distinct cultural groups. This is true throughout Southeast Asia and throughout many parts of the world. Monocultures are quite rare in general.

• Ifugao people of the mountains in the Cordilleras.

• Maranao, people of the lake in Lake Lanao.

• Sama-Bajau people are known for living on the open seas.

• Panay-Bukidnon, known for living in the Visayan highlands.