Getting ready for Christmas: Think local

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 18, 2023 03:16 AM

  

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As a popular song goes, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” 

Along the main roads, there are pockets of traffic slowdown where local government unit personnel are putting up Christmas décor.  At the commercial centers, the fairy lights already twinkle above traffic-clogged streets.  Shopping malls are decked with everything about the season – Santa Claus, Christmas Belen, angels, reindeers, colorful fully-decked trees.  The Festival of Lights has started at the Ayala Triangle Gardens and in the Ayala Malls, the light shows have begun.  Christmas Tree lighting events are happening all over the metro. 

It is time to think local.  Buy local products for gifts. Check first if there are food and gift products from entrepreneurs in your community or workplace before buying goods online. It will not only support the small businesses in your area, it will create jobs for neighbors.

Think local also for holiday trips.  Choose a local destination from the many tourist spots we have in our country. Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Palawan, Negros, Batanes, Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud, Baguio, Sagada, Banaue, Clark, Subic – and many more to explore. The jobs created by more local tourist traffic will give significant support to thousands of families. That can support a child’s education, needed medical procedure, small business venture, or house repair work.

Our local airports are preparing for the influx of passengers who come home for the holidays. At the Bureau of Immigration (BI), a two-month ban on leave of absence for its personnel posted in the country's international airports has been imposed from Nov. 15 by Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

“We have to see to it that our counters at the airports are fully manned during the holidays when there is a tremendous volume of international passengers arriving and departing at the airports,” he said. 

The ban applies to immigration personnel assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other international airports like those in Clark, Mactan, Davao, Kalibo and in Zamboanga.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry personnel has been making the rounds of public markets to check on food products to protect the public from overpricing and products not safe for human consumption.

As decorating for the holidays is the major activity everywhere, households are reminded to check electrical lights for safety.  After being stored for a year, it’s best to check the product for loose wires and the integrity of its connections. 

For those who are buying new lights, the DTI through the Bureau of Philippine Standards recommends Christmas lights that bear the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker. 

Christians prepare for the celebration of the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ. Church calendars will be full of activities leading to Christmas Day, many of those are gift-giving to the poor. Private organizations and NGOs will need more people to spread the joy of the season to the members of the community. It’s good to volunteer your time and talent.

Take more time to prepare for the happiest season of the year.

PH bet Anna Lakrini wins 2nd runner-up at Miss Globe 2023

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Nov 18, 2023 09:14 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The 25-year-old Binibining Pilipinas queen is a professional model and a German Language teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Vienna. 

Anna Lakrini

Miss Philippine Anna Lakrini won second runner-up at the Miss Globe 2023 beauty pageant held in Durres, Albania Friday night (Saturday morning, Manila time).

Manvin Khera of Malaysia was crowned Miss Globe 2023. Other winners were: Spain, 1st runner-up; Nigeria, 3rd runner-up; and USA, 4th runner-up.

Anna Lakrini poses after she won Miss Globe 2023 second runner-up in Albania (YouTube)

Other candidates in the top 15 were delegates from Albania, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Norway, Poland, Thailand, Ukraine, and Venezuela. 

Miss Malaysia wins Miss Globe 2023 in Albania (YouTube)

The 25-year-old Binibining Pilipinas queen is a professional model and a German Language teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Vienna. She is an advocate for accessible and affordable nutritional health. 

During her reign, she joined outreach programs to provide nutritional support to children in Tondo, Bohol, and her hometown Bataan. She also visited detainees in Bulacan to provide food assistance.    

Box-office queen Kathryn Bernardo and global fashion icon Heart Evangelista Unite for Uratex’s 55th anniversary

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 18, 2023 08:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Uratex’s quality products for sleeping have been consistently recognized as a Trusted Brand in the mattress category by the Reader’s Digest Awards. Uratex has won this award for 14 consecutive years, including the 2023 edition.

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Kathryn Bernardo

Kathryn Bernardo and Heart Evangelista, two universally beloved actresses, unite for the 55th anniversary of Uratex Philippines.  

As two of the brightest stars in the local constellation, they are the powerhouse endorsers of the country’s leading foam manufacturer, which has been consistently recognized by Reader's Digest with 14 consecutive Platinum Awards in the mattress category.

Kathryn is the face for the Uratex Classic Line while Heart fronts the Premium Line.

“Kathryn is a highly influential and marketable celebrity in the Philippines, particularly among the younger generations (Gen Y and Z). She is well loved by Filipino households and commands a significant presence in the broader mass market, making her the perfect fit to endorse Uratex’s top-selling classic mattresses,” explains Stephen Cheng-Lee, the Sleep Business Unit director.  

Offering products that help enrich lives and create meaningful moments such as mattresses, pillows, toppers, and so much more in its 55 years of existence, Uratex remains committed to providing comfort through its products and services. 

“We are proud to only get brand ambassadors who are actual Uratex users and Kathryn has been a Uratex user since she was very young. This is also the reason why ‘It’s always been U, Uratex’ is our campaign slogan for our brand ambassadors this year,” adds Cheng-Lee,  

“I have many childhood memories with Uratex. Actually, growing up I’ve been using Uratex, and up until now. I remember when I was still a kid, we would go to our parents’ room. My siblings and I have all these foldable mattresses, and we always loved to sleep in one room,” Kathryn recalls her initial encounters with Uratex.  The box-office queen adds: “So every night, we would bring our own mattress and lay them down and the next day, fold them. So that was our routine growing up when we were still in Nueva Ecija. Up until now, in our new house in Manila, and before Uratex even offered me to be their ambassadress, Uratex has always been my bed. I swear!” 

So when Uratex offered her to be one of its powerhouse endorsers, Kathryn didn't hesitate to accept it.  

“I said yes, naturally. I grew up with the brand. I think with all Filipinos, there’s no one who doesn’t know Uratex. It’s a brand that we trust,” Kathryn says. “It gives us a sense of comfort that we always look forward to going home to sleep knowing that we would feel relaxed. So, yes, there’s no reason to say No to Uratex.”   

Heart Evangelista

On the other hand, Uratex is truly honored to have global fashion icon and Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista in promoting the importance of a good night’s sleep for all.  

“Our long relationship with Heart has undeniably played a pivotal role in amplifying our commitment to promoting healthy sleep habits. With our current collaboration through the #ItsAlwaysBeenU campaign, we’re hoping to influence more people to prioritize their well-being through quality sleep,” says Peachy Medina, Managing Director. 

“I've been part of the Uratex family for a solid four years. And let me tell you, it's been a wonderful journey. As someone who’s after classy comfort all the way, Uratex has become my go-to, the one I trust above all. It's like my mattress soulmate, always delivering on the cozy vibes because it’s the real deal in comfort and quality,” Heart enthuses.   

As a longtime ambassadress, Heart Evangelista supports Uratex in sharing the value of having a good night’s sleep for its #ItsAlwaysBeenU campaign. 

“Getting good sleep is very important to me. It’s like giving my brain a beauty rest and it keeps me looking and feeling fabulous despite having a busy schedule! So for me, quality sleep is not just a necessity; it’s the secret ingredient to my daily glam routine,” says Heart.  

What gives Heart the best sleep she could ever wish for is the Uratex Premium Touch Viscoluxe. It is made of Smart Reflex® pocket springs that cleverly adjust to the body’s every move. It also has Senso Memory® foam that conforms to the shape of the body, distributes weight evenly and helps alleviate pressure points. Its Power Edge® support foam provides a supportive seating edge.  

The Premium Touch Viscoluxe uses a mattress cover made from Tencel®, a natural cellulosic fiber that regulates moisture and body temperature. Its fabric is treated with Sanitized® which effectively protects against growth of bacteria, odor, mildew, and dust mites, keeping the mattress clean and hypoallergenic.  

“It’s hard to choose which Uratex product is my favorite because I love all of them. But, if I really have to pick a favorite, it would be the Premium Touch Viscoluxe— it's been my sleep companion for a while now because it keeps me super comfy at night,” Heart says. 

As for future collaborations, Heart has some exciting news: “I’m currently working on some exciting stuff with Uratex and I honestly can't wait to spill all the details with you soon.” 

Uratex’s quality products for sleeping have been consistently recognized as a Trusted Brand in the mattress category by the Reader’s Digest Awards. Uratex has won this award for 14 consecutive years, including the 2023 edition. 

Filipino filmmaker tops HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mobile photography has revolutionized the way we capture moments, offering a convenient and accessible way to take stunning photos using smartphones. This portable and versatile way of photography has empowered individuals to express their creativity through the lenses of their mobile phones.

The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards serve as a platform that highlights spectacular photos and videos taken using HUAWEI smartphones from around the globe. XMAGE is an exclusive mobile photography brand associated with HUAWEI, representing the continuous breakthroughs and commitments in mobile imagery.

This year, a Filipino filmmaker was named the grand prize winner for the first time. Domcar Calinawan Lagto, an author and a filmmaker, secured the grand prize with his stunning photo of a lightning coming from ash clouds depicting an image of a dragon. The photo was captured using a HUAWEI P30 Pro, entitled Dragon Clouds.

The image was taken in the evening of January 12th, 2020, where a phreatic eruption from the Taal Volcano caused ash clouds, in which lightning was observed by viewers in Nasugbu, Batangas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explained that by Six PM that day, eruptive activity had generated steam-laden plumes up to nine miles tall, causing extreme weather events.

Dragon Clouds by Domcar Calinawan Lagto, shot using HUAWEI P30 Pro

Lagto’s winning photo received positive comments from the judges, expressing their admiration on how perfectly the timing was for the shot. “This is seriously a formidable image. Timing is everything”, Jessica Hromas stated.

“Unique and unrepeatable moments make the most memorable photos. This image has all the hallmark signs of a world class capture, with stunning exquisite light, grabbing the viewers attention and allowing the eyes to travel through the different elements of the scene. A classical example of being in the right place at the right time, following careful planning and creating a masterpiece.”, José Ramos also added.

Aside from Lagto, several Filipinos also won from the other categories of XMAGE Awards. Rhon Paolo C. Velarde obtained the Best in Category for #Portrait using HUAWEI P40 Pro, and Melvin Anore also won the Best in Category for #Night Walk using HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro.

Jamir Lyndon Lumbao, Ferdinand Bedana, Philip Ann Guay, and Jason Martin Sy, among others, were named as runner-up winners from different categories using their HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro smartphones. They have secured a spot in #Hello Life, #Portrait, #Art and Fashion, and the #Night Walk categories respectively. The Treasured Memories video of Kuya Less also won the Best in Category for videos.

Child’s Future by Rhon Paolo C. Velarde

 

Skating Rink by Melvin Anore

 HUAWEI Philippines also awarded three best photos of the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023 Philippines for the #ZoomIntoPhilippines local competition. User cradleofklein’s Daragang Magayon photo received a HUAWEI Sound of Joy for winning second runner-up and a HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 as #ZoomIntoPhilippines special award winner.

Daragang Magayon by user cradleofklein’s 

Parallel World photo by user bebe15

The Parallel World photo by user bebe15 placed first runner-up and received a HUAWEI GT Runner, while the grand prize of a HUAWEI P60 Pro was awarded to user chaiasher15 for Fishing Under The Rising Sun photo.

Fishing Under The Rising Sun by chaiasher15 

The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards was launched in 2017 and did not only inspire individuals to take impressive images using their mobile phones but also became a platform to showcase artistic creations that give people a glimpse into the photographers’ views.

Yes, I’m using a coffee shop as a personal office, and here's why

BY JOHANNES CHUA

Nov 17, 2023 05:44 AM

  

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EDITOR’S DESK

At least five friends forwarded me a link to a viral video featuring a foreign vlogger wondering why a popular coffee shop chain is “used” as a personal office among Filipinos. My brother said that I’m the guiltiest, since as far as he knows, a certain coffeeshop on Matalino Street in Quezon City is my “work address.” 

Yes, I’m guilty as charged. I use a coffee shop as a personal office — even more than that! I conduct meetings, interviews, and socials there. I write all my articles and editorials, even edit an entire magazine, in that place. There was even a time where I completed an entire masteral thesis over a series of nights in that coffee shop, once spending 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. there since it operates 24/7.

Some people will disapprove of this practice. As a former restobar owner, I frown upon guests who monopolize the communal videoke all night if their only order was a bottle of beer. I’ve encountered before a coffee shop owner who would even hand you the menu once he noticed that you’ve been staying for too long.

Well, it’s a fact that there are some who linger all night and hog an entire desk to work or study with just one cup of coffee, which would soon turn into iced coffee, chilled by the aircon. This should not be tolerated, otherwise we may wake up one day with coffee shops imposing time limits like buffet restaurants. 

This kind of coffee shop “culture” makes us distinct from the rest of the world. I believe that Pinoys using the coffee shop as an office mirrors our society’s yearning for clean, safe, and comfortable spaces for work. Unlike other countries with libraries, museums, or malls catering to remote work needs, Metro Manila lacks 24/7 spaces (unless you consider working inside a 7-11) where you can peacefully type on your laptop. Though there are co-working spaces that charge per hour, the trend didn’t catch on that much compared with coffeeshops that are mostly filled with students studying during weekdays. 

You just have to check out Manila Bulletin’s in-house café called Paper+Cup, which is filled to the brim with students, as they appreciate its comfortable ambience. Located in our lobby, it has multiple electrical outlets, strong WiFi, and enjoyable drinks. I even use Paper+Cup as a meeting venue for my team.

I have also observed that using a coffee shop as a workplace also reflects the weariness of Filipinos in the work-from-home setup. Some people I know who are (solitary) virtual assistants desire a “change of view” and the coffee shop ambiance injects in them some semblance of normalcy — like working in an actual office.  

Of course, I understand that a coffee shop is a business first and foremost, and incurs expenses for electricity, aircon, manpower, etc. It is just right for a customer to purchase an “equitable” amount of food and drinks. When I’m at my favorite coffee shop, I make sure to order a hefty meal and a slice of cake if I’m staying for long. How could I continue enjoying its “amenities” if it is not a sustainable business venture? My patronage is my way of “paying back” for the use of space. 

While I wholly welcome a commentary from a foreigner who is exposing to the world our “quirkiness,” it should not sound like the words of early conquerors like Magellan, who came to our land to “educate” us. We have our own way of life and a foreigner’s comment is, I believe, for entertainment purposes (and perhaps, for virality and dollars) only. I respect his comments, and that even made me ponder why we, indeed, consider a coffee shop as a personal office, but my resolve remains unchanged. In fact, I’m writing this column now inside a coffee shop. 

You may ask me why I don’t do this in my own home (this is the perennial question of my parents), which is more comfortable since there are no distractions there. That’s precisely my answer — the moment I see my bed, my mind wanders off to dreamland; all creative endeavors are shelved, and I plunk down in bed for a “nap,” which turns into an eight-hour deep sleep.

That’s why, if I want to do a task, write an article, or finish reading a book, I head to my favorite coffee shop. This holiday season gives me more motivation to do work there, as I’m “rewarded” with an e-sticker for every drink I purchase, which can be converted into merchandise upon reaching a certain quota. 

With Pinoys residing in denser communities, of condo studio units filled with four to six occupants, with more youth lured by virtual work, expect more laptops to be turned on inside coffee shops. And for every table filled with conversation among friends or a family taking time off, there is another table with someone like me, quiet yet frantically typing on a keyboard. I hope no foreign vlogger will film me, engrossed in my work, without my half-filled drink and my half-eaten chezzzcake.

(Johannes L. Chua is the editor of the Environment and Sustainability Section of Manila Bulletin.)

MOA on AI weather forecasting system signed; Marcos says PH is AI-ready

 

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Nov 16, 2023 09:32 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Atmo will undertake cooperation activities to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using AI technology.

• Marcos says the Philippines is embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of the Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

• Marcos acknowledges that the Philippines still has a distinct lack of trained talents. 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and California-based tech company Atmo have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish Asia's largest artificial intelligence (AI)-driven weather forecasting program in the Philippines.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

This developed as President Marcos witnessed the signing of the MOA between the two parties on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in San Francisco on Thursday, Nov. 16 (Manila time).

Atmo, a leading AI meteorology company, will undertake cooperation activities to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the Philippines using artificial intelligence technology. 

This will be Asia's largest AI-driven weather forecasting program, playing a pivotal role in bolstering the Philippines' resilience in the face of climate change.

 

AI and cybersecurity

In his meeting with Silicon Valley investors, President Marcos said that the government is looking at AI technology and increasing capability in terms of knowledge and know-how.

Marcos said the government and private sector are vulnerable to cybersecurity threats, pointing out the need for capability improvements. 

"And the part that AI plays in this is also something that we need to be — at least to have put a good deal of thought to," he said.

"As I said, digitalizing our system, we have now to put in together; we need to have data centers, we need to have our own cloud so that we have, again, that capability," he added.

 

AI demands

As the government focused on upskilling and reskilling Filipino workers, President Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines still has a distinct lack of trained talents.

"We don't have enough engineers. That simple. So we need to get them trained, we need to get them... as part of the system," he said.

"And so again, we have really put a great deal of emphasis on retraining. These are new technologies," he added. 

 

PH is AI-ready

Despite this, President Marcos highlighted that the Philippines is ready to embrace AI as he invited tech companies and venture capitalists to partner with the country in its technological revolution.

"The Philippines is ready to become your partner in navigating the AI future," he said.

"As we look to the horizon, let's 'Make It Happen in the Philippines,' where the promise of a future defined by technological inclusivity and shared growth is not just envisioned but actively realized," he added.

According to Marcos, the Philippines is currently embracing the AI revolution to augment the existing skills of the Filipinos, increase the productivity of enterprises, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy.

"We believe AI can uplift the lives of Filipinos. I'm certain our discussions here today will help the Philippines steer our roadmaps in a direction that maximizes the skills of Filipinos and helps them achieve their aspirations," he added.

 

Bringing AI tech to PH

David Dewalt, CEO of Nightdragon, a leading venture capital firm for cybersecurity, security, safety, and privacy, said his company and the other tech firms present are looking forward to bringing all the technologies that will benefit the Philippines, considering its young and robust workforce.

"The way I would say it is the Filipinos have an unbelievable ability to integrate into the global business systems as we do, maybe unmatched by any workforce on the planet," he said.

"I think using the upskilling and the retraining of those teams to focus on how we will — when we get the productivity benefits to invest in more resources, we can do that even more so in the Philippines with teams that are experts on generative AI," he added.

Ryan McInerney, CEO of Visa, said generative AI will be a leveling force for small businesses. He added generative AI will give microbusinesses, nanobusinesses, and small businesses the tools and capabilities to provide Filipinos with a rich shopping and commerce experience.

The roundtable meeting was co-organized by Dewalt, Bain, and Company CEO Emmanuel Maceda, Crescent Point Group Vice Chairman Thomas Pompidou, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

They were joined by Microsoft Managing Director Michelle Gonzalez, Mandiant (A Google Company) CEO Kevin Mandia, and Group of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC) Head Chris Emanuel.

Plug and Play Ventures CEO Saeed Amidi, Altimeter CEO Brad Gerstner, HP (formerly Hewlett-Packard) CEO Enrique Lores, Mastercard Co-President Ling Hai, and Anthropic were also present during the roundtable meeting.

LPA to enter PAR, trough to bring rains in 10 areas – Pagasa

The extension of the low-pressure area or LPA located east of northeastern Mindanao is forecast to drench Palawan, Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Caraga, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi on Friday, November 17, 2023, says the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.