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Thursday, February 15, 2024
Philippines Most Powerful Tidal Current
So long to Sky Cable
So long to Sky Cable
February 15, 2024 | 12:00am
Let’s say when first moved in the apartment complex, read condominium, the cornered cable TV provider was the then fledgling Destiny, whose lineup was not as illustrious as the larger companies Sky and Home, but nevertheless had its fair share of rare almost novel channels to seemingly make up for the shortfall, such as Sports plus (The NBA all day, because you asked for it we’re giving it to you) and the Japanese import Wowow, with its unusual combination of fringe movies, stellar sports events and animé.
But even before that big move to Mandaluyong 23 years ago, Sky Cable was our first-ever cable TV in the old apartment digs in Malate, where upon subscribing and telling our landlady about it, she remarked, “Ang yaman niyo!” or you’re so rich, it was such a novelty at the time almost like the telephone which Eastern Telecom had provided us off Vito Cruz after more than a decade phoneless but with pager, so cute and almost like a luxury you could kiss it.
Didn’t disconnect from Sky though despite the move, and thought of bringing it to Boni but for Destiny, or was it destiny that had us transfer the line to Maginhawa St. UP Village, at the old folks ancestral home, where they could watch Turner movie classics, Marimar dancing by the beach, the “X-files” as well as assorted game shows, not to mention the gaggle of news programs including CNN, on which they watched the planes crashing into the World Trade Center towers in New York.
Even the kids who were toddlers then had a great kick out of the cartoon cluster, such as Cartoon Network (which the youngest pronounced Neckwork), Animax, and regular programs of “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball,” the golden age of animé is always in the elementary years.
The NBA, with its much-coveted basketball programing, did musical chairs with the cable providers, until it came out with a dedicated channel of League Pass with separate subscription, with only token game offerings on long weekends to further whet the appetite of fanatics. It was on Sky though that we got our first glimpse of the English Premier League, where players were hyper like energizer bunnies a step or two quicker than those in other leagues.
Then, too, there were definitive finds on Sky, not least the channel Filmbox Arthouse where you could have your fill of European classics and avant-garde cinema, from the silent movies of Charlie Chaplin to horror pioneer “Nosferatu,” as well the cult classic “Metropolis” and Ozu’s trilogy that forever changed the face of filmmaking, “Late Spring,” “Early Summer” and “Tokyo Story,” all featuring an actress whose role as Noriko was muse of postwar Japan. Also practically the whole Tarkovsky catalogue.
Things were never the same when during the pandemic, congressmen without much gray matter decided not to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN, parent company of Sky Cable, and gradually the company began to feel the crunch forcing to lay off thousands of workers as if times weren’t hard enough.
During lockdowns and limited forays into the outside world, cable TV was the link for real time news and information, so much that if it went on the blink for some technical reason and no hotline to call, it was ABS-CBN and Sky point man Kane Choa who received our frantic texts verging on panic, and The STAR columnist always delivered to have cable restored and make quarantine less miserable, less out of touch.
News is out that Sky Cable will sign off by month’s end, making it the second major broadcast carrier and communications conglomerate to write 30 in as many months, after CNN Philippines last January. PLDT’s purchase of the cable provider has finally been approved by the concerned agencies, so Sky pay TV will transition to Cignal while still retaining its broadband service.
While channels may be comparable at more or less the same price, there’s the issue of bundled offerings (Internet plus cable) or standalone satellite dish, the latter frowned upon by condominium administration as the palangganas might be eyesores sticking out of apartments in 2024, not to mention safety hazards during storms. Also, what if the unit already has another Internet provider, say Converge, can’t Cignal harness this using existing Sky Cable lines and not resort to the dish?
So many questions, too little time to say goodbye to BeinSports and Mezzo classical station, the Aquarium channel, though Teleradyo Serbisyo and ANC can still be accessed through broadband to augment One News and OnePh that come with the buy in. So long also to Kyla the bot, whose quick stock responses were filler before connecting to an actual customer rep, but there’s no goodbyes for bots, only wishes that transition from Sky to Cignal would be as seamless as that of Destiny to Sky many years ago. Or maybe Converge Vision TV has a better, more feasible alternative.
(Erratum from last number on Brocka national anarchist: It was William Lorenzo not Alan Paule who was with the director the night he died.)
WORK CAN MAKE ME HAPPY
Some of the squishiest aspects of a job are also the ones that make it most rewarding: the values held by your company and your co-workers. Research has shown, for example, that all over the world job satisfaction depends on a sense of accomplishment, recognition for a job well done, and work-life balance.
Employees who see their work as worthwhile are nearly 2.5 times happier than others – with research by Robert Half finding that it's the biggest driver of happiness for people in the marketing and creative fields.
Of course, no employee is happy at work every single day, and even jobs you are passionate about can sometimes be frustrating or tedious. But if your career is something you generally enjoy and feel proud of, you are more likely to feel happy at work.
What makes people happy at work? There are seven major factors that make people happy: having a sense of purpose, feeling valued, the availability of wellness programs, feeling engaged, working in a collaborative environment, having flexibility, and being in a positive workplace culture.
Doing a job we enjoy and find satisfying can provide a meaningful focus for our lives, as well as bringing in an income. Our standard of living hinges on the money we make, while employment often contributes to our self-image and self-esteem. Work-related problems can affect our physical, emotional and mental health.
Employees tend to be happier and more hardworking when they are in a good working environment, for instance, being happy to work in a good working relationship. Group relationship is important and has effects on employees' absenteeism and turnover rate.
Does work make you happy? Not so much if you're in the developed world. Believe it or not.
“Why am I never happy with any job?!”: There are surprising reasons: You’re looking for happiness in all the wrong places. You’re looking for a job that makes you rich, not happy. You have a “good job” that you hate -- but that you just can’t quit.
But wait, are you saying I’ll never be happy with any job??? Nope. In my turn I was happy with most of my jobs -- seriously -- even when things weren’t perfect. And it really came down to making sure my values matched the organizations and that I got the “perks” that were most important to me.
As a retiree at the age of 70, I have stayed in the Philippines now since 1999. I still enjoy writing, translating, and teaching. I just can't sit in my tropical garden or on the beach under some palm trees.
Philippine Fairy Tales (XXI) - Philippinische Märchen (XXI): Why Dogs Wag their Tails - Warum Hunde mit dem Schwanz wedeln
Why Dogs Wag their Tails - Warum Hunde mit dem Schwanz wedeln
A rich man in a certain town once owned a dog and a cat, both of which were very useful to him. The dog had served his master for many years and had become so old that he had lost his teeth and was unable to fight any more, but he was a good guide and companion to the cat who was strong and cunning.
The master had a daughter who was attending school at a convent some distance from home, and very often he sent the dog and the cat with presents to the girl.
One day he called the faithful animals and bade them carry a magic ring to his daughter.
“You are strong and brave,” he said to the cat “You may carry the ring, but you must be careful not to drop it”
And to the dog he said: “You must accompany the cat to guide her and keep her from harm.”
They promised to do their best, and started out. All went well until they came to a river. As there was neither bridge nor boat, there was no way to cross but to swim.
“Let me take the magic ring,” said the dog as they were about to plunge into the water.
“Oh, no,” replied the cat, “the master gave it to me to carry.”
“But you cannot swim well,” argued the dog. “I am strong and can take good care of it.”
But the cat refused to give up the ring until finally the dog threatened to kill her, and then she reluctantly gave it to him.
The river was wide and the water so swift that they grew very tired, and just before they reached the opposite bank the dog dropped the ring. They searched carefully, but could not find it anywhere, and after a while they turned back to tell their master of the sad loss. Just before reaching the house, however, the dog was so overcome with fear that he turned and ran away and never was seen again.
The cat went on alone, and when the master saw her coming he called out to know why she had returned so soon and what had become of her companion. The poor cat was frightened, but as well as she could she explained how the ring had been lost and how the dog had run away.
On hearing her story the master was very angry, and commanded that all his people should search for the dog, and that it should be punished by having its tail cut off.
He also ordered that all the dogs in the world should join in the search, and ever since when one dog meets another he says: “Are you the old dog that lost the magic ring? If so, your tail must be cut off.” Then immediately each shows his teeth and wags his tail to prove that he is not the guilty one.
Since then, too, cats have been afraid of water and will not swim across a river if they can avoid it.
+++
Ein reicher Mann in einer bestimmten Stadt besaß einst einen Hund und eine Katze, die ihm beide sehr nützlich waren. Der Hund hatte seinem Herrn viele Jahre lang gedient und war so alt geworden, dass er seine Zähne verloren hatte und nicht mehr kämpfen konnte, aber er war ein guter Führer und Begleiter der Katze, die stark und gerissen war.
Der Meister hatte eine Tochter, die in einem weit von zu Hause entfernten Kloster zur Schule ging, und sehr oft schickte er dem Mädchen den Hund und die Katze mit Geschenken.
Eines Tages rief er die treuen Tiere zu sich und befahl ihnen, seiner Tochter einen magischen Ring zu bringen.
„Du bist stark und mutig“, sagte er zur Katze. „Du darfst den Ring tragen, aber du musst aufpassen, dass du ihn nicht fallen lässt.“
Und zum Hund sagte er: „Du musst die Katze begleiten, um sie zu führen und sie vor Schaden zu bewahren.“
Sie versprachen, ihr Bestes zu geben, und machten sich auf den Weg. Alles ging gut, bis sie an einen Fluss kamen. Da es weder eine Brücke noch ein Boot gab, gab es zum Überqueren keine andere Möglichkeit als zu schwimmen.
„Lass mich den Zauberring nehmen“, sagte der Hund, als sie sich gerade ins Wasser stürzen wollten.
„Oh nein“, antwortete die Katze, „der Herr hat es mir zum Tragen gegeben.“
„Aber man kann nicht gut schwimmen“, argumentierte der Hund. „Ich bin stark und kann mich gut darum kümmern.“
Doch die Katze weigerte sich, den Ring herauszugeben, bis der Hund schließlich drohte, sie zu töten, und sie ihn ihm dann widerwillig gab.
Der Fluss war breit und das Wasser so schnell, dass sie sehr müde wurden, und kurz bevor sie das gegenüberliegende Ufer erreichten, ließ der Hund den Ring fallen. Sie suchten sorgfältig, konnten es aber nirgendwo finden, und nach einer Weile drehten sie sich um, um ihrem Herrn von dem traurigen Verlust zu berichten. Doch kurz bevor er das Haus erreichte, überkam ihn die Angst so sehr, dass er sich umdrehte, weglief und nie wieder gesehen wurde.
Die Katze ging alleine weiter, und als der Herr sie kommen sah, rief er, um zu erfahren, warum sie so bald zurückgekehrt sei und was aus ihrem Kameraden geworden sei. Die arme Katze hatte Angst, aber so gut sie konnte, erklärte sie, wie der Ring verloren gegangen war und wie der Hund weggelaufen war.
Als der Herr ihre Geschichte hörte, wurde er sehr wütend und befahl, dass alle seine Leute nach dem Hund suchen und ihm zur Strafe den Schwanz abschneiden sollten.
Er befahl auch, dass sich alle Hunde der Welt an der Suche beteiligen sollten, und seitdem sagt er, wenn ein Hund einen anderen trifft: „Bist du der alte Hund, der den magischen Ring verloren hat?“ Wenn ja, muss dir der Schwanz abgeschnitten werden.“ Dann zeigt jeder sofort seine Zähne und wedelt mit dem Schwanz, um zu beweisen, dass er nicht der Schuldige ist.
Auch seitdem haben Katzen Angst vor Wasser und schwimmen nicht über einen Fluss, wenn sie ihm ausweichen können.
‘Rama Hari’ returns onstage for two weekends this February
BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
Feb 15, 2024 09:28 AM
AT A GLANCE
Five National Artists collaborated on this landmark production – Alice Reyes (dance), Ryan Cayabyab (music), Bienvenido Lumbera and Rolando Tinio (literature), Salvador Bernal (theater design).
“Rama Hari,” the Filipino modern rock opera ballet that is an adaptation of the Sanskrit epic poem, “Ramayana,” returns onstage starting Feb. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
Five National Artists collaborated on this landmark production – Alice Reyes (dance), Ryan Cayabyab (music), Bienvenido Lumbera and Rolando Tinio (literature), Salvador Bernal (theater design).
All shows will be accompanied by live music from the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth. Toma Cayabyab wields the baton for the orchestra.
On Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m., National Artist Ryan Cayabyab will conduct the orchestra for one special performance of “Rama Hari,” and on Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m., the closing show is a special gala performance for the Angat Buhay Foundation.
Arman Ferrer and Shiela Valderrama-Martinez will respectively play the roles of Rama and Sita both on Feb. 23 and 25.
Other casts members are Karylle Tatlonghari and Nica Tupas (Sita alternates), Vien King (Rama alternate), John Mojica, Poppert Bernadas, Paw Castillo, Jon Abella and Audie Gemora.
With Katrine Sunga, Miah Canton, Marynor Madamesilla and Raflesia Bravo. Chorus is Ryan Cayabyab Singers (RCS), with members from Baihana and Conchords. The ballet is danced by the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.
"I am very excited for this last run of Rama Hari this weekend and next,” Mr. C wrote on his FaceBook account.
“Come and watch this (habang buhay pa kami ni Alice!!!). I don't think it will be restaged in the next 10 years. The last time there was a major re-staging was in 2011. That was 13 years ago!
“The dancers are sooooooooo good and sooooo disciplined. Iba sila talaga. The costumes and stage design by Badong Bernal are classic. Bienvenido Lumbera's libretto is moving, lyrics are sublime in the arias and scintillating in the production numbers.”
Get your tickets now at TicketWorld.com.ph or by contacting Alice Reyes Dance Philippines via email at ardancephilippinesinc@gmail.com or via mobile number 0967 153-6173.
TESDA grads thank Sen Alan Peter Cayetano and wife Pia for support
PRESS RELEASE
February 15, 2024
TESDA grads thank Sen Alan Peter Cayetano and wife Pia for support
Graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) Bread and Pastry Production NCII from Caloocan City thanked Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano for the support they received.
“Nabigyan po kami ng new learnings para makapag-trabaho sa labas ng comfort zone namin,” said Rogie Ganituen, one of the 50 students who graduated on February 13, 2024 at the Integrated Innovation and Hospitality (IIH) Colleges Inc.
“Sa pag-aaral ko po, na-apply ko po 'yung BPP [Bread and Pastry Production]… Thank you so much for giving us out this opportunity, na nabigyan kami ng scholarships sa course na 'to,” he added.
TESDA held the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) in partnership with the Cayetano siblings. STEP is a community-based program that enhances students' employability and productivity by offering targeted skills training in entrepreneurial, self-employment, and service-oriented activities.
Under STEP, scholars go through four phases of training: Qualification, Competency Standards, Training Standards, and National Assessment and Certification.
Scholars enrolled in this program receive tool kits – including an oven and mixer – and a training allowance which serve as seed capital to start their livelihood endeavors.
Another scholar, Maila Altar, said the course was timely as the price of flour-based food has increased.
“Mahal na po kasi ang presyo ng mga bilihin, lalo na sa mga cakes and breads, mas makakamura kami kasi nakapag-aral kami. Malaking tulong po sa akin ‘yung Bread and Pastry,” she said.
“Ang tulong na ibinigay sa amin ng mga Cayetano… 'yung tool kit po at oven with mixer,” she added.
The training and graduation were made successful due to the support and efforts of the Assessment Center Manager at IIH Colleges Rosel Dela Cruz, Officer in Charge of IIH College Arjade Bocay, and TESDA Trainer and Assessor Les Navarro.
As gifts for the scholars, the sibling senators gave them with Cayetano in Action aprons upon receiving their certificates.
As advocates of technical education, the Cayetano siblings have supported TESDA students in various cities, recently providing allowances and tool kits to Malabon students during their training.
Senator Alan has recognized the significance of TESDA certification in advancing technical education, which leads to a more progressive nation.###
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
This Valentine's Day, PCW advocates self-love, setting boundaries for flourishing partnerships.
Feb 14, 2024 10:23 AM
How many times have you set aside things that may hurt or degrade you in the name of "love"?
That love inside you may be so pure that you feel compelled to sacrifice not just many things but also a significant part of yourself.
However, if it is already altering your values and taking away your aspirations, can you honestly still call it "love"?
Perhaps there were times when you felt insecure or frustrated about the love you deserve, pushing you to unconditionally exert all you've got and leading you to give more and more from an almost empty cup.
However, as love beautifully abounds through the magic of fulfillment and satisfaction, it still should not overshadow the power of freedom, independence, and self-respect as suggested by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
On this special day dedicated to love and those who cherish it, PCW reminds women to empower themselves by fostering "self-love," a principle upon which the treatment of their partners should be based.
"By nurturing their self-love, self-worth, and self-esteem, women can navigate romantic relationships with confidence, resilience, and authenticity, ensuring that they can draw the line when they are disrespected, degraded, devalued, or abused," adds PCW.
Tips for single ladies
It is noted that women who have not yet found love prioritize their well-being.
PCW emphasizes the necessity of self-care and caution when choosing a partner, urging individuals to observe how their potential partner treats them and others.
"Never ignore red flags or tolerate behavior that undermines your self-worth," advises PCW.
'Controlling' partner
The Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC) identifies 'controlling behavior' as a sign of a potentially unhealthy relationship.
'Green flags?'
Moreover, IACVAWC warns that initial positive qualities in a partner may eventually transform into negative traits or behaviors due to various influences.
'Abusive' relationships
In light of abuses in some relationships, PCW emphasizes that there is no excuse for such behavior, and assures women of their right to feel safe, respected, and unconditionally loved.
Under the Republic Act 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act, PCW outlines various forms of violence against women (VAW), including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.
PCW acknowledges different reasons why some women may not recognize such 'red flags,' but reiterates that they are not defined by the abuse they endure.
PCW emphasizes the need for women to embrace their strength and resilience 'to break free from the chains of an unhealthy relationship.'
Lastly, the national commission notes that a healthy relationship should not define one's happiness but rather complement it.
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Davao City-based farming group wins silver at Cacao of Excellence Award
Saloy Organic Farmers Association was recognized as one of the best cacao producers in the world
Feb 13, 2024 09:30 AM
Saloy Organic Farmers Association (SOFA), a small group of cacao farmers based in Davao City, brought pride to the Philippines by winning the 2023 Cacao of Excellence Silver Award at the prestigious Cacao of Excellence Award. The ceremony happened in Amsterdam during CHOCOA 2024, an annual marketplace celebrating quality cacao and chocolate and sustainable farming.
With its mission to empower a new generation of cacao producers, the Cacao of Excellence Award collected over 222 entries from 52 cocoa-originating countries. Out of the roster, it selected its top 50 producers, which were awarded gold, silver, and bronze awards in various regions—Africa and the Indian Ocean, Asia and the Pacific, Central America and the Caribbean, and South America. SOFA, the only representative from the Philippines, was one of the recipients of the silver award in Asia and the Pacific region.
Led by Judith Gabasa, SOFA has been one of the seven farming partners of award-winning homegrown brand Auro Chocolate. Their partnership started in 2015, and since 2021, the Davao City farming association has been part of the brand’s Chocolate Organic Conversion program. The program aims to “provide assistance to the community in their efforts to convert to organic farming practices.”
Receiving the award on behalf of SOFA were Auro Chocolate’s co-founders and managing directors Kelly Go and Mark Ocampo. “It’s the second time for our farming partners to be awarded this prestigious award,” the brand posted on Instagram. “A new Philippine origin no less! Saloy!”
Also present at the event was Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya, who praised SOFA and Auro Chocolate’s efforts in bringing Filipino cacao to the world stage. “We commend Auro and the Saloy Farmers’ passion and dedication in making the Filipino-made chocolate recognized around the globe,” he said. “Philippine chocolate has come of age and is now world-class.”
What is the most studied language in the world?
Elena Gold
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Writing a book about Russo-Ukrainian war.
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ABOUT ME: Born in the USSR; lived in 4 countries; have a degree in philosophy; media analyst; sailing skipper; yoga instructor; own an online business since 1999 (Elenasmodels•com)
According to the language learning app Duolingo, English remained the most popular choice among learners in 2023.
The top-10 most studied languages worldwide:
- English
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Korean
- Italian
- Hindi
- Chinese
- Portuguese
The map above shows the most studied language by country.
Duolingo provides learning apps to study over 40 languages, ranging from English, French, and Spanish to less commonly studied languages such as Welsh, Irish, and Swahili.
- All in all, in 2023 English remained No. 1 most studied language in 122 countries on the app.
- In 2023, Korean jumped past Italian for the No. 6 spot in the rankings. A large part of the increase is attributed to the fandom surrounding Korean music and movies. South America has seen a surge in learners taking on Korean, as has India.
- Russian, which previously held the No. 10 spot, was ousted from the top-10 by Portuguese in 2023.
After Russia’s attack on Ukraine, the popularity of the Russian language in the world dropped, with courses of Russian closing in many European countries. The popularity of learning the Ukrainian language, vice versus, increased.
Almost 40% of those learning Ukranian list their top motivation as a way to connect with other people, said Duolingo’s content editor Cindy Blanco: “It is a way people may show solidarity during the war.”
Cindi Blanco.
The top countries that had the most users learning Ukrainian were the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Poland. Next on the list was, surprisingly, Russia — and, unexpectedly, Ukraine itself, where many former Russian speakers no longer wish to converse in Russian in their daily lives.
- One of the most prevalent trends among younger users was their interest in learning less common languages: much of the interest in Ukrainian was driven by ‘Gen Z’ users.
- Growing interest in Asian languages has been also strongly influenced by younger learners: 86% of the people learning Japanese and 76% of those learning Chinese were under 30.
In 2024, the company expects that Asian languages will continue growing in popularity.
After the onset of the Israeli-Hamas war, interest in Arabic and Hebrew is likely to change as well. It will be interesting to see whether this will affect the top-10 ranking in 2024.
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