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.

'Sayaw Tanan!' Alice Reyes Dance Philippines and the CCP bring Filipino dance to the Visayas

Alice Reyes Dance Philippines kicked off its Visayan tour in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental with a series of workshops and performances.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Jul 11, 2023 10:32 AM

  

---

ARDP in Erl Sorilla's Kasadya. (Photo by Ivan Castronuevo)

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), in partnership with the local governments of the Negros Islands and Leyte, is bringing Filipino dance to the Visayas through 'Sayaw Tanan!' - a program that features artists from the CCP's Professional Artist Support Program (PASP) and Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP).

The program consists of a series of workshops, technique classes, and performances where artists from ARDP and the CCP's PASP share the gift of dance with local students and audiences.

Together with the local dance community, they present a special program celebrating Filipino talent, creativity, and artistry.

National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, observing Himamaylan City Dance Students in a CCP PASP Dance Workshop.

The tour kicked off in the city of Himamaylan. This historic event would be the city's first attempt at hosting professional artists for cultural exchange and performances.

National Artist for Dance, Alice Reye, says, “Mayor Raymund Tongson Jr. and Vice Mayor Justin Gatuslao determined they would bring the ARDP to their city of Himamaylan in Negros Occidental and did everything to make it happen."

ARDP with National Artist for Dance, Alice Reyes, and Himamaylan city officials.

They were fortunate to have two men who knew what they were doing: Bundo Daemas, the mayor's special assistant for special events, and Butch Gensaya, the tourism director. These officers took care of all the details, from putting up wooden floors on the gym stage to introducing the dancers to Laswa soup for breakfast to the best place in Himamaylan to go for brewed coffee and city talk.

ARDP Artistic Director, Ronelson Yadao, and ARDP Artist and Choreographer, Erl Sorilla, teaches Himamaylan City Dance Students in a CCP PASP Dance Workshop.

The Himamaylan SPA dancers, led by their choreographer Eljay Brilliantes, joined the evening programs with verve after participating in two dance workshops led by ARDP artistic director Ronelson Yadao and young choreographer Erl Sorilla. Also featured were local talents, such as a violinist, an all-male quartet, and the unique Himamaylan bamboo band Patik Kawayan, whose scintillating rhythms filled the entire space as audiences came into the theater.

The city went all out for the program, exceeding all expectations. The gymnasium was transformed into a theater, and audiences filled the space to witness a program with professional artists sharing the stage with local talents. The audience responded with thunderous applause.

Guests at the Himamaylan City Gymnasium.

On the second leg of the tour, participants from the PASP's Regional Dance Training Program attended workshops at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. These dancers received online training from ARDP professional artists from the beginning of the pandemic, and their hard work culminated in a performance at the Luce Auditorium alongside professional artists.

"Sayaw Tanan!" is currently on its third leg in the City of Bacolod, organized with the support of Representative Kiko Benitez, City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, Victorias Mayor Javier “Javi” Miguel Benitez, and Tanya Lopez, Program Director at the University of St. La Salle. ARDP will be holding CCP PASP Dance Workshops for an estimated 150 students in and around the area on July 8 at the Victorias City Coliseum. ARDP will then perform with local talents on July 9, at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum. It moves on to the City of Ormoc from July 10-11.

Maui Taylor finds peace and fulfillment amid separation

By Ronnie Carrasco 3rd

July 11, 2023 240

COMPARED to how she was some years ago, Maui Taylor couldn't be any happier and more fulfilled now. Not only is her career going great guns, the former Viva Hot Babes member has — thank heavens — freed herself from what looked like an awkward living arrangement with her ex-husband.

It was shortly after Holy Week when the 39-year-old actress ended her 10-year marriage to a non-showbiz guy. Early on, Maui shared with an online entertainment news outlet how peculiar their setup was.

"The first seven years was okay. But the three months that followed, that's the time we both decided to part ways," Maui recounted.

The weird part, however, was that the ex-husband didn't make her leave the house, "Instead, we were still living under one roof only that I stayed and slept in a separate room with the boys."

The boys Maui was referring to are their sons who were practically clueless about their parents' separation.

Didn't her kids at some point ask her why she chose to share the same bed with them?

"They were asking me, but all I say is that I got vertigo, which is also true. As much as we could, we didn't let the children feel that we have separated."

All throughout that three-year period, Maui and her ex-partner had managed to keep their setup under the rug.

None of their boys ever suspected that their daddy and mommy were no longer the sweet, clingy couple they used to see. In fact, not a day passed without Maui and the guy doing the same normal thing.

"We were perfectly composed in every action. As usual, we would all gather at the dinner table, engage in conversations. Just casual. Hardly did the guy and I show any sign that something was wrong."

Even with the way Maui dealt with her ex and vice versa remained the same.

"Except that we didn't ask each other questions. You know, in a married couple, the wife would usually ask, 'How was your day at the office?; or in my case, he wouldn't ask me how the film shoot went. It was strictly a no questions asked situation."

Seemingly tired of the odd setup, Maui finally hit rock bottom. She woke up one day realizing how pointless it was to endure such an arrangement any longer.

If I may backtrack, while she was telling all this, not once has Maui hinted at the cause of their falling-out.

Did Maui's sexy screen image have anything to do with it? If so, wasn't her ex-husband aware of this prior to their marriage? It appears, however, Maui couldn't care less whatever the guy's reason was.

The more important thing is that she's way past that awful stage to prepare herself for the imminent challenges of being a solo parent.

Cloud formations outside PAR likely to develop into LPA – Pagasa

By Arlie O. Calalo

July 11, 2023

THE Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Tuesday that it is closely monitoring cloud clusters outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) which may develop into a low pressure area (LPA).

Then there is likelihood that the LPA will enter PAR within 24 hours, according to weather specialist Obet Badrina.

The Pagasa forecaster said that the southwest monsoon locally known as "habagat" is expected to resurface in the coming days which will bring the usual rain particularly in western parts of the country.

Over Luzon, the state-run weather agency said it will have hot and humid temperatures except for occasional downpours and thunderstorms in the afternoon or at night.

In the meantime, Badrina said the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is affecting Palawan, Visayas and Mindanao.

SC: Lawyers are guardians of law to serve people

BY REY G. PANALIGAN

Jul 10, 2023 05:42 PM

  

---

The country’s lawyers, “regardless of the roles they play, are first and foremost the guardians of law and officers of the court who are called to serve the people,” the Supreme Court (SC) declared.

Through Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, the SC also reminded lawyers that “public service takes precedence over any monetary consideration.”

Gaerlan was guest speaker during the recent induction of the board of officers of the La Union chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and welcome rites for new members of the bench and the bar.

In his message, Justice Gaerlan said that lawyering “is a lifelong calling that constitutes our very core as human beings.”

In a press statement, the SC’s public information office (PIO) said that Gaerlan reminded IBP members “the importance of the Code of Responsibility for Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), which replaced the 34-year-old Code of Professional Responsibility.”

It said that Gaerlan described that the CPRA -- which is “a more comprehensive and responsive guide on the conduct of lawyers in their interactions with clients, colleagues, courts, agencies, and society in general -- is in line with the SC’s initiative to promote ethical responsibility as a component in accomplishing one of its targeted outcomes of efficiency under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022 to 2027.”

Those present during the affair in Bauang, La Union reaffirmed their commitment as they recited the revised Lawyer’s Oath, the PIO also said.

Gaerlan, who is the vice-chairperson of the SC’s sub-committee for the revision of the old CPR, reiterated that the SC remains steadfast in its commitment to promote ethical responsibility as he called on the IBP’s cooperation in upholding the integrity of the legal profession.

He also reminded those appointed to the courts that “they are held to higher standards of conduct in the performance of their duties and even in their daily personal lives.”