PH fruit products exporter targets EU

By Jenica Faye Garcia, Manila Times

January 4, 2024

SOUTH Cotabato-based fruit products exporter Kablon Farms is aiming to expand its reach to the European Union with the extension of the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Wednesday.

"We would like to expand our product offering to the European Union ... The biggest challenge for us was relearning how to export other products to another country," Kablon Farms co-owner Leonor Pantua said in the DTI statement.

The company currently exports fruit-based products to Canada, Singapore, and several other countries, the Trade department said.

Based in Tupi, South Cotabato, Kablon Farms currently produces jams, jellies, tropical fruit purées, chocolate bars, juices, virgin coconut oil, and cacao butter, among others. It has three retail centers in South Cotabato and a distribution outlet in Davao that employs a total of 105 full-time workers.

Approximately 90 percent of Kablon Farms' revenues come from domestic sales in supermarkets, retail shops, other food manufacturers or end-users and online sales, while 10 percent comes from exports.

Given strong demand overseas for Philippine fruits and flavors, Pantua said the firm was targeting increased exports of cacao and cacao-based products.

The extension of the GSP+ "opens opportunities for us to market a wider range of products," she added.

"The EU market seems particularly attracted to the distinctive flavor of single-origin Philippine cacao."

At the same time, she urged Philippine businesses to continue to avail of the GSP privileges and expand exports and market access to the EU.

Last year, the European Commission had proposed the rollover of the current GSP+ program for another four years, lifting concerns that the Philippines could lose its trade privileges due to its failure to address a number of concerns.

The EU grants trade preferences to developing countries under the GSP facility to help grow trade, reduce poverty and support sustainable development via three schemes: Standard GSP, GSP+ and Everything But Arms or duty-free access for all goods except arms and ammunition.

The Philippines is covered by the GSP+ program, which involves having to comply with 27 international conventions relating to human rights and good governance, among others.

Travelers’ New Year’s wish: A bigger, better international airport in Manila

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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On top of every Filipino traveler’s wish list for the New Year is to depart from and arrive at a hassle-free and comfortable Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), four groups of companies submitted last week bids for its modernization and rehabilitation, namely: the Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC), Asian Airport Consortium, GMR Airport Consortium, and SMC SAP & Co. Consortium. The DOTr will conduct a technical review of the bid submissions after 10 days, which will be followed by a financial review. Announcement of the winning bidder could take place within the first quarter of 2024.

The 15-year NAIA public-private partnership (PPP) concession agreement stipulates that the winning concessionaire will rehabilitate passenger terminals and airside facilities; develop commercial assets and utility systems; and provide surface access facilities, inter-terminal transfer facilities and services. The project seeks to increase the current annual passenger capacity of the NAIA from the current 35 million to at least 62 million.

It will also establish the connection of the NAIA Terminal 3 to the Metro Manila Subway station, conduct overall beautification of the airports terminals, and incorporation of sustainable measures in the area. Modernization of communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) systems is also included in the package. 

Recall that the previous administration rejected the MIAC’s unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate the airport at a cost of P267 billion. The Marcos administration decided on a solicited proposal mode, capping the cost at P170.6 billion. The 15-year concession period could be extended for another 10 years, contingent on performance.

The rehabilitation of NAIA, the premier aviation gateway, is a crucial first step in the country’s efforts to reestablish itself as a favored tourist destination. Its ASEAN neighbors Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia, have attracted hordes of foreign tourists whose numbers are projected to even exceed pre-Covid visitor levels. But more importantly, it must provide adequate, safe and satisfactory services and facilities to all who travel throughout our archipelago. 

The eventual privatization of airport services at the NAIA will bring an end to more than four decades of government administration. In 1982, Executive Order No. 778 created the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) under the general supervision of the then Ministry of Transportation and Communications that was later renamed as the DOTC. The MIAA charter originally provided that 65 percent of the MIAA’s annual gross operating income be reverted to the general fund for the maintenance and operations of other international and domestic airports in the country; this amount was scaled down to 20 percent in 1987. Even after the enactment of Republic Act No. 6639 renaming the MIAA as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the MIAA retained its corporate name since the law did not amend its original or revised charters.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said: "This is a very important project of the government as we want all our passengers to improve their travel experience here in Manila…We look forward to working with the winning bidder in making the MIA one of the best airports in the world.”

This is a New Year’s wish that is evidently shared by tens of thousands of travelers.

'Anyone But You,' global box-office winner, opens in PH Jan. 17

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jan 3, 2024 11:00 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Cast includes Sweeney, Powell,Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.

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A scene from 'Anyone But You' (Photos & video credit: Columbia Pictures)

Anyone But You, director Will Gluck’s new edgy romantic comedy starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, has charmed its way to the global box office.

The film opened in the United States just before Christmas. It opened in several overseas markets over the weekend, including in the United Kingdom and Australia, where the film is primarily set. Anyone But You has earned a total of US$33.5 million, with a few markets still lined up for the film’s opening, including Spain, France, Italy, and the Philippines, where it opens in cinemas Jan. 17, 2024.

“I think audiences want to see movies that are relevant, authentic, and cinematic – but most of all, fun,” says Gluck, a fan favorite in the genre, thanks to previous works including Easy A and Friends With Benefits. 

 

 

In Anyone But You, Sweeney (Euphoria) and Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) play romantic enemies who must put aside their vendettas and pretend to be a head-over-heels couple to keep the peace at a wedding they both attend. The film also stars Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown, and GaTa. 

About 'Anyone But You'  

In the edgy comedy Anyone But You, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) look like the perfect couple, but after an amazing first date, something happens that turns their fiery hot attraction ice cold – until they find themselves unexpectedly thrust together at a destination wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.

 

 

Directed by Will Gluck, co-written by Gluck and Ilana Wolpert. Produced by Gluck, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Joe Roth, and executive-produced by Sweeney. 

Cast includes Sweeney, Powell, Alexandra Shipp, Darren Barnet, Hadley Robinson, Dermot Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Michelle Hurd, Bryan Brown and GaTa.  

Opening in Philippine cinemas on Jan. 17, Anyone But You is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, the local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Connect with the hashtag #AnyoneButYou

TWICE teases comeback in 'With YOU-th' mood film

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

January 3, 2024 | 1:34pm

MANILA, Philippines — K-pop girl group TWICE is gearing up for the release of its 13th extended play "With YOU-th" next month after a teasing mood film.

The group and its agency JYP Entertainment released the short mood film on social media which sees the members Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu all together in a forest.

The old-school, slow motion filming nature of the video gave the girls dressed in white, gray, and blue a dreamy, ethereal feel, holding hands at several clips. 

"Just like we always do," reads text in the mood film. "It's our golden days."

The mood film ended with the announcement of the pre-release single "I Got You" dropping on February 2 — already available for pre-save and pre-order — ahead of the "With YOU-th" extended play on February 23.

TWICE's last extended play was 2023's "Ready to Be" which it promoted as its third global tour, including a two-night stop at the Philippine Arena. 

It was the group's second time performing in the Philippines having previously brough its "Twicelights" tour to the Mall of Asia Arena last June 2019.

ECHOES UNHEARD: LARAWAN ON WINGS

by Lucell Larawan

(The setting of this poem is during my solo show at the Museo Iloilo.)

In Museo's hush, my art unfurls its tale,

Guests gathered, but a void in the familial trail.

In the opening's glow, where accolades sing,

My father's absence, a quiet sting.

Larawan on Wings, mythical birds take flight,

On canvas, their majesty, a solo artist's delight.

Yet, in the gallery's quiet, a void so wide,

Father's seat empty, by time or choice.

Whispers of colors, like feathers on air,

Unheard by him, in that vacant chair.

A dance of solitude, a poignant ballet,

Unseen admirer, shadows at bay.

Palette of sorrow, emotions run deep,

Unspoken pain in the silence, secrets to keep.

On gallery walls, where the birds take wing,

Longing for acknowledgment, in echoes they sing.

The mysterious ways of God

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THE story of how St. Andrew discovered his vocation as one of the apostles gives us an interesting insight into the mysterious ways of God. (cfr. Jn 1,35-42) As narrated in the gospel, he was just curious about where Christ was staying, and not only did he end up becoming an apostle, he managed to draw his own brother, St. Peter, to be one also.

Things like this can happen in life. What may appear at first as something insignificant and casual may end up as something extraordinary and very special. It can even happen that what may appear first to be something against the things of God can provoke an instant conversion, just like the case of St. Paul who in the middle of his campaign against the early Christians heard the voice of Christ that led to his conversion.

The providence of God, the ways of God, can certainly work beyond what we can imagine and expect. It can adapt itself to the ways of men and can take advantage of whatever human condition and circumstance there is to execute his divine designs for us. As is said, God can write straight with crooked lines.

There have been many stories of unlikely characters who became saints or at least made significant transformations for the better in their lives. That was the case of St. Augustine, for example. 

Of course, there also have been unfortunate stories of men and women who started well but ended badly. This only shows that in our relationship with God, there is always the interplay of God’s grace and our freedom. It’s in how we use our freedom that would determine whether things would go north or south.

What we should draw from this observation is that every event, condition and circumstance of our life, whether considered humanly good or bad, can be a pathway to God if we only know how to deal with these situations properly, as shown to us by Christ himself.

Yes, Christ has shown us how to deal with any situation, whether we are at the peak of human glory and success, or at the abyss of the worst human misery imaginable. That is why we can never overemphasize the need for us to know and follow Christ who himself said that he is “the way, the truth and the life” for us.

Making Christ the center of our life, making him alive in our life through our prayer, studying his life and words, and having recourse to the sacraments, etc., should be the main concern that we should have. After all, he is the one who will enable us to make any situation in our life as a way to heaven, a means to achieve our sanctification which is the fullness and perfection of our humanity.

That is also something that we have to be more aware of. The fullness and perfection of our humanity is when we truly become God’s image and likeness, sharers of his divine life and nature, as he wants us to be. This truth of faith may sound too incredible to us, but that is just how it is.

Let’s remember that we are not meant to understand everything about God and ourselves. What we are meant is to be guided by faith, hope and charity more than anything else.

What is one food that only Germans eat?

 

Chaemin Lee

Spaghettieis - a dessert that is in the shape of spaghetti.

vanilla icecream is first extruded from a press, looking like spaghetti.

then, it is placed over whipped cream and topped with strawberry sauce / syrup to give the appearance of the spaghetti sauce.

chocolate shavings or grated almonds are then topped to look like parmesan cheese.

there are some variations to imitate other kinds of pasta like Spaghetti Carbonara too (made with dark chocolate instead)

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This dish was created by Dario Fontanella in the late 1960s, when kids were given a plate of spaghetti, but instead wanted icecream. thus, he invented this dish, and even won the Bloomaulorden award for it (in 2014)

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overall this dish looks pretty cool, and probably tastes pretty good too

How to spend the next 52 weeks

 Here’s a week-on-week guide to make 2024 your year of transformation

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jan 1, 2024 03:20 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• In 2024, let’s commit to 52 weeks of activities that not only enhance our lives but also contribute positively to the world around us.

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By JACQUELINE LUCERO

Embarking on a journey of self-improvement doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, it can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure. In 2024, let’s commit to 52 weeks of activities that not only enhance our lives but also contribute positively to the world around us. From learning new languages to fostering gratitude and kindness, each week brings an opportunity for personal growth. So, let’s dive into a year full of transformative experiences!

Weeks 1–4
Learn a new language
Start the year by embracing a new language. Whether it’s Spanish, Mandarin, or French, learning a language not only expands your cultural horizons but also boosts cognitive abilities. Practical applications? There’s a lot!
Consider the practical advantages and envision yourself effortlessly navigating Seoul, seamlessly blending into the bustling scenes like a character from a K-drama, fluently expressing yourself in Hangul as if you were a native to the place.

Weeks 5-8
Read one book a week
Dive into the world of literature and challenge yourself to read a book each week. Mix genres for a well-rounded experience and gain valuable insights that can shape your perspective. The pages you turn aren’t just stories. They’re gateways to understanding the human experience in all its complexity. Rediscovering the joy of reading is like rediscovering old friends and making new ones with every turn of the page, a personal odyssey that enriches your mind, broadens your horizons, and reignites the magic of storytelling in your life. 

Week 9–12
Practice kindness and gratitude
Cultivate a habit of kindness and gratitude. Small acts of kindness and expressions of gratitude can have a profound impact on your well-being and that of those around you. Kindness, expressed through simple acts like holding the door open for a stranger or offering a sincere compliment, radiates positivity that extends far beyond the initial gesture. It creates a ripple effect, uplifting not only your own spirits but also those of others who witness or receive these acts of goodwill.

Week 13–16
Tithe time to worthwhile missions
Dedicate time to volunteer for or support a cause you believe in. Contributing to worthwhile missions not only helps others but also brings a sense of purpose to your life.  Take time to check on what advocacies that resonate with your beliefs and contribute to the cause in whatever shape and form you can impart yourself in that mission.

Week 17-20
Tithe to uplift spiritual journeys
Allocate a portion of your resources to support institutions or initiatives that contribute to spiritual growth. This could involve supporting a local church, meditation center, or any organization aligned with your beliefs. Tithing money to support institutions or initiatives aligned with your spiritual growth is a significant step toward fostering a harmonious balance in your life. Financial contributions play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding the reach of organizations dedicated to spiritual development.

Week 21–24
Spend time with parents
Family is invaluable, and spending quality time with parents fosters stronger connections. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a simple dinner, cherish moments with your loved ones. Beyond the joy of shared experiences, spending quality time with your parents is an investment in the emotional wealth of your family bonds.

Week 25–28
Grow your own food
Explore the joy of gardening by growing your own fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Not only is it rewarding, it also promotes a healthier lifestyle. Explore plant-based cooking and learn new ways to use herbs in your healthy food.

Week 29-32
Challenge yourself
Step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s learning to wakeboard, trying a new sport, taking on a challenging project, or even asking for forgiveness (yes, it is this random), embrace the thrill of stepping into the unknown. Just dare to do something you haven’t done before and put a big check mark on that item on your bucket list.

Week 33-36
Explore local history and museums
Discover the richness of your own town by exploring local museums and delving into its history. Uncover hidden gems and gain a deeper appreciation for your community. No, visiting museums is not just for field trips! It is there for anyone to visit, enjoy, and experience the rich culture of their hometown.

Week 37–40
Declutter and recycle
Continue the decluttering journey. Donate items you no longer need and embrace a lifestyle of dynamic cycling and recycling to promote sustainability. A surprise awaits us for all those unopened boxes under the stairs and those that are tucked away high up in those cabinets that need dusting.

Week 41–44
Learn a new skill
Pick up a new skill that interests you—whether it’s photography, coding, or cooking. Lifelong learning keeps the mind sharp and opens up new opportunities. Continue to be interested in things you love doing but don’t have the time to do. Now is the moment you have been waiting for.

Week 45–48
Attend conventions and events
Immerse yourself in knowledge and networking by attending conventions related to your interests or industry. Connect with like-minded individuals and stay abreast of the latest trends. You will be surprised that new knowledge will spark your fire anew.

Week 49-52
Family albums, carpentry, swimming, and reflection
Wrap up the year by tackling that long-lost to-do list. Spruce up family albums, do that carpentry work in your kitchen you have been longing to do, conquer your fear of water by learning to swim, and take time for self-reflection. Celebrate your growth and become a better version of yourself every day.

As we embrace these 52 weeks of personal development, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Each week presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute positively to the world.

Let 2024 be a year of transformation, self-discovery, and becoming the best version of yourself. Cheers to a year filled with purpose and personal fulfillment!

Happy 2024, everyone!

Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios reveals New Year's resolutions

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 30, 2023 10:35 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "The new year not only marks the beginning of 2024 for me, but signifies a fresh start on this brand new journey as Miss Universe. Therefore, my New Year’s resolutions this year have become Miss Universe resolutions.

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Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios (Images courtesy of Miss Universe Organization)

Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios has expressed her love for New York while discussing her New Year's resolutions.

"I love the excitement of New York City, especially for Christmas. All the decorations reminded me of that feeling of joy we all experience during the holidays as a child. And I saw snow for the very first time!" said Sheynnis, who was crowned Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador last Nov. 18. She flew to New York where she will fulfill her reign as 72nd Miss Universe.

She added: "Reflecting back on my first month as Miss Universe, it is impossible to choose a favorite moment. It was a month full of surprises and new experiences. I explored New York, traveled to Indonesia, and I had my first official photoshoot as Miss Universe…plus a whole lot of unofficial ones!" 

Sheynnis with her fellow Miss Universe sisters in Mexico

"I remember arriving in my new apartment for the first time – the rooms are decorated with pictures of former Miss Universes on the walls, and as I placed the crown on my bed it really sunk in, “Wow. I am Miss Universe." 

The Nicaraguan beauty queen also shared her New Year's resolutions.

"The new year not only marks the beginning of 2024 for me, but signifies a fresh start on this brand new journey as Miss Universe. Therefore, my New Year’s resolutions this year have become Miss Universe resolutions. 

Sheynnis during her trip to Indonesia

At the top of the list is removing the stigma of mental health, so we can eliminate the fear of talking about our emotional well-being. I want to help people feel confident and comfortable opening their hearts and allowing themselves to talk without fear.  

"That is the only way we can take responsibility and control of our mental health. I look forward to doing more with this platform in the coming months – do you want to help? Let us know!

"I want to thank all of the people who have shown their affection through social media, and all of the fans who celebrated my triumph with me. They are a huge source of motivation for me," she said.

Miss Universe Lebanon 2023 Maya Abou El Hosn, Miss Universe Venezuela 2023 Diana Silva, Miss Universe Germany 2023 Helena Bleicher, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, and Miss Universe Thailand 2023 Anntonia Porsild enjoy Mexico together following the 72nd Miss Universe Competition

Sheynnis also thanked her countrymen for their love and support during her pageant journey.

"I also want to thank my family for their unconditional support, and my country Nicaragua for filling me with so much love and happiness. Thank you for celebrating this collective triumph with me, I hope it has filled you with the same pride and joy that I feel," she also said.

New Year thru Mary

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! Once again, we begin a new year and let’s hope that as another year starts, we can truly say that we are getting stronger in our resolve to pursue the real purpose of our life here on earth.

Liturgically, January 1 celebrates the divine motherhood of Mary which tells us a lot of amazing things. From the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, for example, we are told this wonderful, if incredible, truth about ourselves, about who we really are:

“When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that he might redeem them who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. So, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.” (4,4-7)

We need to process these words slowly so they may sink into our very consciousness and start to live them out. Hopefully, we can little by little overcome whatever disbelief and awkwardness we can feel about this truth about ourselves.

Of great help to us in this regard is to have a deepening devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother. If we try our best to imitate her faith in God, we too, despite all the difficulties and effort involved, can somehow also incarnate Jesus in our own lives. We are actually meant for that, since we are patterned after him and he is also the savior of our humanity that has been wounded by our sins.

With Mary always in our mind and heart, we would always be led to Christ. She would teach us how to find Christ in everything that we do, no matter how mundane things are. Even the little ordinary things we deal with everyday can be an occasion to have an encounter with Christ as well as a chance to be like Christ as we should. As one saint had put it, Mary is the shortest, surest and safest way to Jesus.

If we truly have Mary in our mind and heart, then we can learn how to always ponder the truths of our faith and to act on them. (cfr. Lk 2,19) Yes, we can develop a contemplative life even right in the hustle and bustle of our earthly affairs. Yes, we are all meant to be contemplatives because we need to be aware that we are meant to live our life with God and with everybody else.

We are never alone. Feeling alone is an anomaly in our life. As persons, endowed with intelligence and will, we are meant to be always in relation with God and with everybody else. This potential of ours should be actualized. We need to find ways of how to actualize such potential.

We need to see to it that we should always feel the urge to pray, to engage with God, to be with him. If we do not feel that urge yet, let’s convince ourselves that we have something most important to work on. Thus, like the disciples of Christ, impressed by how Christ was to them, we should beg him to teach us how to pray. (cfr. Lk 11,1-4)

Again, Happy New Year, everyone! And good luck!