VP Duterte to graduates: Honor parents’ sacrifices

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Jul 13, 2023 11:12 AM

  

---

When Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte graced the graduation of a school in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, it was to ask students there to honor their parents, whose sacrifices made possible the fruits of their labor.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte at the graduation ceremonies of Mangaldan National High School in Pangasinan. (OVP photo)

Speaking as keynote speaker during a commencement exercise, the official gave tribute to parents for supporting their children and providing them with the means to achieve their dreams.

“This journey would have been unimaginably impossible if not for your parents, whose unconditional love for you they may have shown in a thousand different ways — one of which was the unbelievable amount of sacrifice they had to make to give you the best kind of life,” she told graduates.

Duterte credited the parents for the success of their children finishing senior high, saying that the milestone was also an achievement for them.

“Ang graduation ninyo ngayong hapon na ito ay hindi lang para sa inyo, kundi para sa mga magulang ninyo at sa mga guro ninyo (Your graduation this afternoon isn’t only for you, but for your parents and teachers, too),” she told graduates who braved the rain during the ceremony on Wednesday, July 12.

“Ang araw na ito ay para sa kanila dahil sila ang naghirap. Ang kanilang luha, dugo, at pawis ang rason kung bakit kayo nakaupo dyan ngayon (This day is for them because they were the ones who worked hard. Their tears, blood, and sweat are the reason why you are seated there now),” she added.

Similar to her earlier messages to graduates, the Vice President also advised them about how to face challenges and failures.

“Ang tao na dumanas ng sakit, dumaan sa challenges, failures — yon ang may matututunan (Someone who went through pain, went through challenges, failures — they are the ones who learn),” she said.

Duterte reminded graduates to be open and optimistic as unfulfilled dreams are avenues for much greater opportunities.

“But there are times that even with hard work, even with determination, a dream slips through one’s fingers, causing disappointment and despair,” she said.

“I learned that sometimes, instead of aspiring for the impossible, we should follow the path that leads us to a place that allows us to reach our full potential,” the official added.

July orchids of the month: Trichoglottis orchids

BY JAMES TABABA

  

---

Trichoglottis orchids are known to be in full bloom during the month of July. It is a time when these beautiful orchids showcase their captivating and vibrant flowers. The name "Trichoglottis" is derived from two Greek words: "trichos" meaning "hair" or "hairy" and "glotta" meaning "tongue." This name refers to the characteristic tongue-like labellum, or lip, of the orchid flowers and the presence of fine hairs or trichomes on certain parts of the plant. Trichoglottis orchids are native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines.

Trichoglottis gubertti (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Growth habits and mounting

Trichoglottis orchids stand tall with an upright or sometimes pendulous growth habit that has alternating spikes. These remarkable plants typically are found mounted on tree branches or tree fern plaques in the market. While some may mistake them for regular Vanda orchids, it's crucial to acknowledge that Trichoglottis orchids require a more humid environment due to their natural inclination to thrive near rivers. Daily watering is recommended, preferably in the morning, ensuring the plants start their day refreshed.

Mounting plays a vital role in the successful growth of Trichoglottis orchids. Despite their thick roots, these orchids need proper anchoring to establish themselves in their new environment. Firmly mounting them allows their roots to settle and secure their footing, enabling them to absorb moisture and nutrients efficiently. By providing a stable foundation, we offer these blooms the opportunity to flourish magnificently in our gardens.

Trichovanda Thai Velvet/ Trichoglottis artropurpurea x Vanda kinzweiler (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Thick and waxy petals

One of the key attributes that make Trichoglottis orchids highly sought after for hybridization is the thickness and waxy texture of their petals. These characteristics contribute to the longevity and shelf life of their flowers. An excellent example of the successful outcome of hybridization involving Trichoglottis orchids is the Trichovanda Thai Velvet. This mesmerizing hybrid, born from the union of Trichoglottis artropurpurea and Vanda kinzweiler, showcases larger flowers compared to its parents. Such hybrids with enhanced qualities demonstrate the remarkable characteristics inherent in Trichoglottis orchids.

Trichovanda Thai Velvet/ Trichoglottis artropurpurea x Vanda kinzweiler (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Beautiful colors

Trichoglottis orchids exhibit a stunning array of colors and patterns, further enhancing their allure. Some varieties show intricate combinations and striking blotches that add a more artistic touch to their blooms. Take, for instance, Trichoglottis rosea, a captivating orchid showcasing a blend of pink, lavender, or rose hues, earning its specific epithet "rosea." The elongated and somewhat twisted petals and sepals of Trichoglottis orchids create an elegant and unique appearance.

Trichoglottis rosea (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Small but compact

While some Trichoglottis orchids may have relatively small individual flowers, they compensate by forming dense clusters that exude a symphony of beauty. Trichoglottis gubertti, a native species of the Philippines. When in full bloom, this species captivates onlookers with its impressive floral display. The number of flowers per inflorescence may vary depending on the plant and growing conditions, but Trichoglottis gubertti consistently offers a generous presentation.

Trichoglottis gubertti (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Cultivating Trichoglottis orchids requires attention to their specific needs, such as mounting them securely, providing a humid environment, and ensuring they receive bright but indirect light. The rewards, however, are well worth the effort.

Photo courtesy ofManila Bulletin Agriculture

Cargo Movers, Cool Smashers seek to seal semis berths

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• F2 Logistics and Creamline gun for semifinal berths when they clash with separate foes on Thursday, July 13, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

---

F2 Logistics and Creamline gun for semifinal berths when they clash with separate foes on Thursday, July 13, in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.  

The F2 Logistics Cargo Movers try to preserve their unbeaten run. (PVL Images)

The Cargo Movers seek a fourth straight win in Pool B when they take on the Petro Gazz Angels at 12 noon, while the Cool Smashers aim for third consecutive victory in Pool A in their 4 p.m. tussle with the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

Gerflor and Chery Tiggo also collide in the 9:30 a.m. curtain raiser to bolster their respective semis bids, even as Cignal also tries to keep its semis campaign afloat in its 6:30 p.m. confrontation with Farm Fresh. 

Recovery is in the mind of F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego after surviving a classic 21-25, 25-17, 17-25, 25-21, 18-16 win over Choco Mucho late Tuesday, July 13, that saw Des Cheng quit in the fourth set due to exhaustion.

“We have to recover more. Sleep, nutrition and supplementation, we got coaches for that and they’re doing really well,” said Diego, who will continue to rely on Kianna Dy and Aby Maraño after the power duo unleashed 24 and 14 points the last time.

“I know these girls are not going to be overconfident for the next game. So we’re just going to celebrate for a second here and we’ll just move on and continue to work,” she added.

Locked in a three-way tie behind F2 Logistics at 2-1, Petro Gazz, for its part, is expected to muster all its might anchored on Grethcel Soltones, Aiza Pontillas and Remy Palma to challenge the Cargo Movers. 

The clash between Creamline and PLDT is also tipped to be a toss-up. While the Cool Smashers remain the slight favorites with their tested crew made up of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, Ced Domingo and Michele Gumabao, the High Speed Hitters, led by Jovie Prado, Dell Palomata, Michelle Morante, toughened up by tapping former Army hitter Honey Royse Tubino.

Mika Reyes and Me-an Mendez, who didn’t see action in PLDT’s straight-set romp over Akari last June 1, are also expected to suit up to reinforce the squad against the solid Cool Smashers, who swept their first two games against Chery Tiggo and Gerflor.

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

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Jul 12, 2023 01:48 PM

  

---

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

  

---

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." 

---

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

  

---

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.