BIZ BUZZ: More airport fees coming?

BY TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

OCTOBER 4, 2024

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The San Miguel group—Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (Naia) new caretaker—and the government are already drawing heavy flak after hiking parking fees on Oct. 1.

But this may just be the start.

New Naia Infrastructure Corp. general manager Angelito Alvarez told reporters on Thursday that they might introduce before the year ends a new fee to ease the flow of traffic at the crowded airport.

Alvarez said they were studying the possibility of imposing a penalty for vehicles overstaying along the terminal driveways to encourage quicker movement in and out of the airport.

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San Miguel chief Ramon Ang earlier broached this idea because he observed that some family and friends picking up and dropping off their loved ones at the airport took a long time to move their cars, thus were causing traffic.

Should this new fee be approved, it will be implemented during the holiday season when passenger volume goes up—which also means more people waiting for their loved ones to arrive.

My present personal thoughts

I believe that it is an opportunity to begin turning at the forefront of my thoughts to the likelihood of progress through engaging in the present moment and dealing with external and internal conflict.

I’ll often observe my own particular emotions and practices without a moment 's hesitation, if I can utilize care to stay in that time and appreciate it, I know I will have the capacity to translate things in an unexpected way. 

Being present means being fully engaged and aware of your environment, body, and mind in the here and now. It’s known as mindfulness, and it can enrich your life, helping you benefit in all kinds of ways.

Being present nurtures richer, more meaningful connections with the people who are important to you. It allows for active, empathetic listening and deeper understanding, cultivating stronger bonds and mutual acceptance of each other’s flaws.

Being present helps to alleviate tension from overthinking or fretting about the past or future, reducing overall stress.

Being present strengthens our ability to concentrate, filtering out distractions. It allows us to focus fully on our tasks, enhancing productivity and creativity.

Embracing the present enables you to distance yourself from overwhelming worries and fears, thereby lessening the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

When you’re in tune with the present moment, you can become more aware of your emotions and reactions, enabling you to navigate your feelings more effectively and relate better to others.

Living in the moment can encourage a deeper connection with yourself, fostering self-compassion, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and a renewed appreciation for yourself. 

Another day. No, this isn't just another day. This is today. This is also tomorrow, if we talk about the whole weekend. It might be the most important time of your life. It's the only time that you can do something about.

Just for now strive to do God's will, remembering that the failures of yesterday are behind you. Live this day as though you would meet your Maker at the end of it.

Yes, is there an end to the storm? Tough times pass, but tough people endure. Tough people - those who are focused on what God says about their lives!

Your life may seem like a catastrophe, but your story is not yet finished. Lean on God and say, "I trust you Lord, please walk with me today, the whole weekend and also this coming week.

A rich boat-making tradition

Tracing the Philippines’ maritime roots

BY ELIZA ROMUALDEZ-VALTOS

Oct 4, 2024 11:32 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Another sea vessel indicative of the existence of a strong and developed maritime tradition in the Philippines even before the point of contact with our colonizers is the balanghai.

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ANCIENT TRAVELERS Scholars believe the existence of a maritime tradition practiced by early Filipinos to get around the archipelago (Source: Tadhana Vol. 1 Abridged Edition 1982)

In my previous article, I talked about the Austronesian Migration Expansion and how maritime technology increased our ability to sail longer and farther. The Austronesian-speaking people settled in and around China about 6,000 years ago, then about 3,500 years ago, groups started to migrate to the Philippines (as a jump off point), then to other islands in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This maritime culture came with a rich boat-making tradition, even observed by colonizers upon the point of contact, as documented in Maximilianus Transylvanus’s book De Moluccis Insulis, a compilation of accounts by survivors of the Magellan-Elcano expedition (1519-1522), Italian scholar and member of the expedition Antonio Pigafetta’s journals, now known as A Report on the First Voyage Around the World, among others. 

 

Not long ago, I was introduced to the many modes of watercrafts found in the Philippines by Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division senior museum researcher and officer-in-charge Bobby Cuaton Orinllaneda. You see, I was reading old correspondence of my great-grandfather Daniel Arcilla Romualdez to his relatives regarding booking safe passage back to Leyte for his three sons Norberto, Miguel, and Vicente Orestes, who were stranded in Manila during the siege of Andres Bonifacio on Intramuros in 1896. 

 

Norberto, Miguel, and Vicente Orestes were studying at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and, as the school shut down because of the siege, found themselves stuck in Manila. It took a few months before the boys were able to book a passage to Negros and then, finally, to Leyte. Bobby pointed me to the article “Types of Watercrafts in the Philippines” by Ricardo E. Galang, where he enumerated and described the different types of watercrafts that had been used in the archipelago since the point of contact with Spain. 

 

Based on the article, my lolo (Vicente Orestes) and his brothers would have taken a schooner to get back home.  

 

On one of my proxy duty trips for my cousin Senator Imee Romualdez Marcos, I was sent to Negros. At the event I was attending, I told a Negrense about how my lolo and his brothers had to flee Manila during the siege of Manila. I asked him why it was necessary to book a boat bound for Negros instead of going straight to Leyte. He explained that in the middle of the 19th century Negros saw a period of rapid economic expansion on account of the widespread cultivation of sugar. There was a lot of traffic of trade goods and, because of the booming economy, many were migrating to the island. Negros had a bustling port with a lot of vessels coming in and out from all parts of the archipelago. Just to note, two years after my lolo and his brothers boarded their boat to Leyte, Generals Aniceto Lacson and General Juan Araneta joined Aguinaldo’s revolutionary army and laid a successful siege on the Spanish garrison in Negros.

 

Another watercraft mentioned by Galang was the karacoa, the largest locally made vessel at the time made for war and raiding. They were owned by chieftains and when decked up could carry as many as 300 warriors. Spanish accounts would describe the sight of at least 50 or so karacoas at a time attacking settlements along the coasts of Leyte and Samar and at times going head on with Spanish fleets. What a sight that would have been!

 

Another sea vessel indicative of the existence of a strong and developed maritime tradition in the Philippines even before the point of contact with our colonizers is the balanghai, described as “beyond 30 meters long, with squared keels and edge-pegged planks.” The balanghay or balanghai is also where we get the word barangay from. 

 

Today the barangay is known as the smallest political unit or “administrative division” in the Philippines. As it was when the barangay was first observed by Spanish colonizers to be “well-organized independent villages serving under a chief,” the barangay today is the “primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in the community.” Also, it exercises judicial powers to settle disputes between and among neighbors. In simple terms, the barangay is tasked to address the immediate concerns of members of its community and cater to their wellbeing. 

 

The late President Ferdinand E. Marcos (PFEM) believed that the barangay system could restore power to the people, “where it properly belongs.” PFEM believed that the barangay provided the humble citizen who could not be heard and who seemed powerless with a ready access to political authority through his barangay. This political authority is the barangay captain, who is accountable to his constituents on “a daily basis and (is) the people’s link to government,” he explained. 

 

Voter’s registration in the Philippines ended on Sept. 30, 2024 and the filing for Certificates of Candidacy has now begun (Oct. 1 to 8, 2024). Participatory democracy is still in its infancy in the Philippines whose independence has been regained only in 1946, only to be succeeded by a number of republics (five total in nearly 100 years!). We are still learning but as Plato in The Republic is quoted as saying, “The beginning is the most important part of the work.” 

Except for Filipinos, Mariah Carey tells other fans excited to sing All I Want For Christmas Is You: 'Not yet!'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 5, 2024 08:59 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• In 2023, "All I Want For Christmas is You" remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It achieved 48.4 million streams, 31.7 million radio airplay audience impressions, and 7,000 downloads inthe U.S. from December 15 to 21 of that year, as reported by Luminate.

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Mariah Carey (Facebook)

It's the "Ber" month, and fans of Mariah Carey believe it's time to start playing her timeless Christmas song "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

However, the Grammy-winning artist believes it is too soon to take that action.

On social media, Mariah shared a post related to her hit song. 

"This is your captain speaking; welcome aboard, Mariah! We are headed for the North Pole," said the voice-over as the intro to her holiday song rolled in.

Then Mariah dubbed Queen of Christmas said in a whispering voice: "They always rush me."

Mariah captioned her post: "To those asking ... Not yet!!!" 

A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey)

Fans believe Mariah would give the go-signal to play the song on Oct. 30 when the classic Christmas song turned 30. 

In September, Mariah kicked off the Christmas season with her Filipino fans. 

Mariah shared a website dedicated to the Philippines, which includes links for fans to play her song "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

“Philippines, it's time (only for you!!) I hope you're all safe and well. Let’s celebrate together,” Mariah wrote in the caption.

On Nov. 6, Mariah will kick off "Christmas Time" concert visiting Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia and more before wrapping up on Dec. 17 in her hometown of New York City.

In December 2023, The pop megastar logged 13 weeks on the top of the chart since its release in 1994, making it the biggest holiday song ever.

In 2023, "All I Want For Christmas is You" remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It achieved 48.4 million streams, 31.7 million radio airplay audience impressions, and 7,000 downloads in the U.S. from December 15 to 21 of that year, as reported by Luminate.

Olivia Rodrigo pens sweet message to Pinoy fans: 'Proud Pinoy ako'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Oct 6, 2024 00:10 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• On social media, the "Drivers License" singer penned a sweet Tagalog message during her full-packed concert held tonight at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

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Olivia Rodrigo (Instagram)

Paving her way on the Philippine stage for her "Guts" world tour concert, Filipino-American singer, Olivia Rodrigo couldn't help but smile as he performed for her Pinoy fans.

On social media, the "Drivers License" singer penned a sweet Tagalog message during her full-packed concert held tonight at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

Rocking her iconic sparkling see-through dress and purple guitar, Olivia shouted how proud she is to be a Pinoy.

"I wanna say proud Pinoy ako, my Tagalog isn't so good, but I'm working on it," she said before heading to another song. 

The comment section was full of support and saying how proud they are to see Olivia still look back on her Filipino roots.

"And we’re so proud of you, Olivia!"

"That's awesome, Olivia! Embrace your Filipino heritage!"

"ang galing mag tagalog ah"

"We love you" 

During the concert, Olivia performed some of her top hit songs like Traitor, Drivers License, and Vampire. 

Showing her love and flaunting her Pinoy roots, Olivia also wore a white shirt with the words "Pinoy Pride" while performing her last song, "Good 4 U".

Before heading to her concert, Olivia also took the time to roam around Intramuros with her boyfriend, British actor Louis Partridge. Some lucky fans got the chance to meet and take photos with the couple while strolling around. 

BINI recognized by Grammy website as one of 12 rising girl groups

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 4, 2024 09:33 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Other girl groups featured on the site were FLO, VCHA, Kiss of Life, ARTMS, NiziU, BLACK SWAN, Citizen Queen, Say Now, 4EVE, UNIS, and SZNS.

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BINI (Facebook)

Don't look now, but P-pop group BINI was recognized by the official website of the Recording Academy in the US, popularly known as the Grammys, as one of the 12 rising groups in the world.

BINI, formed in 2019, is the only Filipino in the group.

In the article entitled "12 Rising Girl Groups To Know Now: FLO, KISS OF LIFE, BINI, Citizen Queen & More" uploaded on the site on Oct. 3,  it said that the presence of BINI and the other girl groups are expected to push the needle of girl group culture. 

"Amid K-pop's global domination, Filipino pop — commonly known as Pinoy pop, or simply "P-pop" — is becoming one of the fastest-growing music markets. Leading the revolution are the eight women of BINI: Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoannna, and Sheena," the article said.

It added: "First seen in ABS-CBN's 2019 training program "Star Hunt Academy," BINI has captured Southeast Asia with EDM-driven pop production and a blend of English and Tagalog lyrics. And as the first Filipino act to enter Spotify's Top Artist Global Chart and to perform at the long-standing KCON festival, it's no surprise they've been dubbed the "Nation's Girl Group."

Other girl groups featured on the site were FLO, VCHA, Kiss of Life, ARTMS, NiziU, BLACK SWAN, Citizen Queen, Say Now, 4EVE, UNIS, and SZNS.

Now in its 65th year, the Grammy Awards is a prestigious award-giving body in the US that recognizes outstanding achievements in the music industry.

Baguio folk mourn loss of iconic mural

BY VINCENT CABREZA

OCTOBER 5, 2024

WATERPROOFING A popular mural in front of a busy bus terminal in Baguio City is coated with waterproof paint and cement to repair leaks at its host building. Work to complete the rehabilitation may take until Monday, giving residents and artists more time to grieve. —VINCENT CABREZA

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BAGUIO CITY—Residents and art enthusiasts in this city are mourning the loss of a mural featuring realistic images of indigenous peoples of the Cordillera, which was gradually destroyed this week to allow repairs to the building that has been hosting it since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

These towering portraits of Cordillera life were drawn by a team of young artists led by Venazir Martinez on the wall of the three-story building and quickly became some of the most photographed street art in Baguio because it stood right in front of a busy bus terminal along Barangay Marcoville.

These drawings were part of an ecosystem of Cordillera street art found all over the summer capital, which were outputs of Martinez’ Hila-bana Art Project.

The project highlighted Baguio’s Igorot populace to advocate humanity’s interconnectivity. Martinez’ art can be seen on the walls of a shopping mall near the Baguio Cathedral, on a small road along Military Cut-off, and on Carantes Street, which was recently converted into a “living street.”

In shock

But people were shocked on Thursday when they saw two-thirds of the artwork covered in a mixture of cement and the deep gray coat of waterproofing paint.

On Friday, a crew proceeded to cover the rest of the beloved artwork.

A real estate firm hired to manage the property had been dealing with bad water leaks, according to an employee who asked not to be identified in this report.

The repair work has spared the companion drawings of Igorots that encircle the compound where a gas station and a fast food restaurant operate.

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“We coordinated with the artists,” said the source, which Martinez confirmed on her social media page on Thursday night after friends in Baguio reached out to “condemn the atrocity.”

“It is truly sad when the building owner told me months before that they needed to paint over the mural to waterproof the building,” Martinez wrote, adding: “So I said, ‘You know what, this mural had its moments.’ This Hila-bana wall gave me a lot of blessings! This was my saving grace during the pandemic, and it [had been] a glorious experience.

Upset mayor

The incident upset Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who stressed that while building owners had the legal right to remove the artwork, they “could have given me a knock on the door to tell me what would happen.”

The mayor said on Friday the government may draw up an incentive program to encourage private building owners to preserve “culturally significant artworks” on their properties.