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D&L ON Monday, July 10, 2023, told the local bourse it had already soft-opened its Batangas plant with several production lines already up and running.

D&L expects full commercial operations in the next couple of months after the final fine-tuning works on the remaining parts of the plant have been completed. D&L’s Batangas plant sits on a 26-hectare property in First Industrial Township - Special Economic Zone in Batangas.

The plant will enable D&L to move a step closer to its customers by providing customized solutions and simplifying its supply chain, which is of high importance given ongoing global logistical challenges.

The new plant will also be instrumental in D&L’s goal of putting the Philippines on the map as a quality manufacturing hub for sustainable, natural and organic products.

The company said it is gearing up towards launching a full range of shelf-ready products for its export customers, made from coconut oil, for personal and baby care, cosmetics and beauty care, household cleaning, health and nutrition, and food and vegetable oils categories that are sustainable, natural and organic. D&L Industries is a Filipino company engaged in product customization and specialization for the food, chemicals, plastics and consumer products ODM industries. (PR)

Nutrition Month Philippines is an annual campaign organized by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and promote healthy eating habits among Filipinos. With the alarming rates of malnutrition and food insecurity in the country, this month-long campaign plays a crucial role in educating individuals and communities about the significance of a well-balanced diet.

The inception of Nutrition Month Philippines can be traced back to June 1974 when Presidential Decree 491, also known as the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, was signed. This marked the establishment of the National Nutrition Council (NNC), which was tasked with overseeing and coordinating the national nutrition program. In the same year, Letter of Instruction 441 directed the Department of Local Interior and Government to address malnutrition in the country.

Since its creation, Nutrition Month has been observed throughout the entire month of July. Each year, the NNC selects a specific theme that reflects the current nutritional challenges faced by the country. This theme serves as the focal point for various activities and initiatives aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and raising awareness about proper nutrition.

The primary objective of Nutrition Month Philippines is to improve the nutritional status of Filipinos and combat malnutrition. The campaign aims to educate individuals about the importance of consuming a well-balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. By raising awareness and providing information on nutrition, the NNC hopes to empower individuals to make informed choices regarding their diet and lifestyle.

Another key objective of Nutrition Month Philippines is to advocate for the enactment of national and local legislation and policies that support an enabling environment for healthy diets. This includes ensuring that healthy foods are affordable and readily available to people of all economic classes. By urging the food industry, including producers, distributors, retailers, and restaurants, to offer healthier food options, the campaign seeks to transform the food landscape and promote healthier choices.

One of the key focuses of Nutrition Month Philippines is to ensure that healthy food is accessible and affordable to all Filipinos. The NNC, along with various stakeholders, works towards implementing measures that make nutritious food options more readily available. One such effort is the advocacy for the enactment of legislation and policies that support affordable and healthy diets.

The campaign also encourages the food industry to offer healthier food options. This includes promoting organic and seasonal products and educating food establishments on how to prepare meals without harmful ingredients. By providing information and support to farmers, manufacturers, distributors and food establishments, the NNC aims to create a food industry that prioritizes healthier choices.

Education and awareness play a vital role in promoting healthy eating habits and nutrition. During Nutrition Month Philippines, various educational activities are organized to increase knowledge and understanding of nutrition among individuals and communities.

Education camps and workshops are conducted to teach people how to read nutrition charts and make informed decisions about their food choices. Schools and workplaces also actively participate in the campaign, organizing events and activities that promote nutrition awareness.

The success of Nutrition Month Philippines relies heavily on collaboration and advocacy from various stakeholders. Government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), educational institutions and community leaders all play a crucial role in spreading awareness and implementing initiatives that promote nutrition.

Local government units are actively involved in the celebration of Nutrition Month, organizing events and activities that engage the community. NGOs and advocacy groups also contribute to the campaign by conducting nutrition programs and initiatives at the grassroots level.

Over the years, Nutrition Month Philippines has made a significant impact on the nutritional landscape of the country. Through its educational campaigns, advocacy efforts and collaborative initiatives, the campaign has raised awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and healthy eating habits.

The campaign has led to increased knowledge and understanding of nutrition among Filipinos, empowering individuals to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families. It has also spurred the food industry to offer healthier options, making nutritious food more accessible and affordable to a wider population.

Furthermore, Nutrition Month Philippines has played a crucial role in advocating for legislation and policies that support an enabling environment for healthy diets. By pushing for affordable and accessible healthy food options, the campaign seeks to address the issue of food insecurity and improve the overall nutritional status of Filipinos.

As we observe Nutrition Month Philippines, let us all strive to make healthy food choices, support local farmers and food establishments that prioritize nutritious options, and advocate for policies and initiatives that ensure affordable and accessible healthy diets for all Filipinos. Together, we can create a healthier and more nourished nation.

Mountain resorts offer the ultimate opportunity to soak in breathtaking views where the whole world lies below your feet. As Cebu transforms into a buzzing hub of busy souls and industries, finding a secret hideaway becomes crucial for a crowd-free reboot of your mind and body.

Guillen Plantaciones, dubbed “Baguio of Cebu,” is located at Sitio Gabi, Cantipla, Sudlon 2. This mountain retreat will tell the story of a newfound grandeur of Cebu’s hilltops while supporting the neighborhood.

“When my friends asked me to find a wonderful mountain spot, this mountain view is the one I could really say that I fell in love with,” said owner of the mountain farm and resort, Butch Guillen.

According to Butch, although this is a glamping experience combined with nature exploration, he highlighted that the resort provides unmatched opportunities for farming.

Guests have the unique privilege of personally harvesting their own produce and purchasing it at a significantly reduced market price.

In a heartwarming collaboration, this opportunity not only brings delight to the guests but also extends a helping hand to the dedicated farmers in the neighborhood. These passionate individuals are given the chance to nurture and tend to a diverse range of produce, from tomatoes, lettuces to cucumbers, even sweet strawberries and more.

It’s a beautiful synergy where guests and farmers come together, fostering a sense of community centered around the joy of farming.

During its grand opening on July 8, 2023, Butch took the opportunity to honor his loyal and trusted team members, which included farmers, helpers, construction workers, and more. Each of them was granted an elevated position where they could personally attend to the guests with utmost care and devotion.

“When we started conceiving this during the pandemic, our workers up to now are the locals here down to the farmers. We did not hire anyone from the outside but instead we kept the local farmers and provided them jobs to construct roads and gardens until it became a mountain resort farm,” said Butch.

With deep admiration for the locals’ commitment, Butch entrusted them with housekeeping, farming techniques, and pool maintenance. He reassured the guests that if anything went missing, the trustworthy locals would return it intact. A bond of trust and care flourished, which will make Guillen Plantaciones a beloved gem in Cebu.

“That’s the beauty that we also created while beautifying this area. When I bought this property three years ago, this is a barren land with no road access. We developed it and planted 350 pine trees and more bountiful plants,” said Butch.

Butch expressed his desire to promote organic farming and an eco-friendly menu sourced directly from the mountain resort and farm’s garden. This commitment ensures that guests can enjoy fresh, sustainable and chemical-free produce, fostering an environmentally conscious dining experience with his wife’s personal menu.

“We want everything to be fresh. If you look at the menu, we grow our own native chicken, and as much as possible we want this place to be sustainable,” said Butch.

At Guillen Plantaciones, solar power is harnessed for electricity, a vision that Butch and his family had long before the place was developed. The water source is also an underground spring, and the locals are encouraged to construct rainwater catchment systems, promoting sustainable water usage.

Their vision is to elevate hospitality to new heights and leave a lasting impression to the hearts of its visitors.

As the mountain farm and resort continue to grow, the Guillen family aims to support local crafts and traditions by providing training opportunities for locals, particularly women, in various activities.

Being devout Born Again Christians, the family has created a prayer room within the mountain farm and resort. Here, visitors can seek solace, meditate and connect with God amid the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

As the popularity of glamping rises, Guillen Plantaciones stands out by not only supporting the local community but also providing a diverse array of amenities and facilities that offer a truly unique way to explore Cebu.

Guillen Plantaciones offers A-shaped cottages with private toilets and showers. Each cottage features a bonfire area, while the Cliff resorts provide their own private pools. Additional amenities include an infinity pool, “Veranda Resto + Bar” for dining, ATV rides, horseback riding, a Wishing Well, a children’s playground, jogging/walking paths, a 360-degree viewing area, and a “Pick & Pay” section for harvesting vegetables and strawberries.

Future plans for the resort include a clubhouse for large gatherings and events, a wedding garden, zipline and other adventure trails, a firing and archery range, and an organic/hydroponic farm.

If one is looking for a meaningful retreat to fresh mountain air and incredible views, Guillen Plantaciones will make it worthwhile by unearthing the untapped beauty of Cebu’s majestic hilltops like never before.

Mountain resorts offer the ultimate opportunity to soak in breathtaking views where the whole world lies below your feet. As Cebu transforms into a buzzing hub of busy souls and industries, finding a secret hideaway becomes crucial for a crowd-free reboot of your mind and body.

Guillen Plantaciones, dubbed “Baguio of Cebu,” is located at Sitio Gabi, Cantipla, Sudlon 2. This mountain retreat will tell the story of a newfound grandeur of Cebu’s hilltops while supporting the neighborhood.

“When my friends asked me to find a wonderful mountain spot, this mountain view is the one I could really say that I fell in love with,” said owner of the mountain farm and resort, Butch Guillen.

According to Butch, although this is a glamping experience combined with nature exploration, he highlighted that the resort provides unmatched opportunities for farming.

Guests have the unique privilege of personally harvesting their own produce and purchasing it at a significantly reduced market price.

In a heartwarming collaboration, this opportunity not only brings delight to the guests but also extends a helping hand to the dedicated farmers in the neighborhood. These passionate individuals are given the chance to nurture and tend to a diverse range of produce, from tomatoes, lettuces to cucumbers, even sweet strawberries and more.

It’s a beautiful synergy where guests and farmers come together, fostering a sense of community centered around the joy of farming.

During its grand opening on July 8, 2023, Butch took the opportunity to honor his loyal and trusted team members, which included farmers, helpers, construction workers, and more. Each of them was granted an elevated position where they could personally attend to the guests with utmost care and devotion.

“When we started conceiving this during the pandemic, our workers up to now are the locals here down to the farmers. We did not hire anyone from the outside but instead we kept the local farmers and provided them jobs to construct roads and gardens until it became a mountain resort farm,” said Butch.

With deep admiration for the locals’ commitment, Butch entrusted them with housekeeping, farming techniques, and pool maintenance. He reassured the guests that if anything went missing, the trustworthy locals would return it intact. A bond of trust and care flourished, which will make Guillen Plantaciones a beloved gem in Cebu.

“That’s the beauty that we also created while beautifying this area. When I bought this property three years ago, this is a barren land with no road access. We developed it and planted 350 pine trees and more bountiful plants,” said Butch.

Butch expressed his desire to promote organic farming and an eco-friendly menu sourced directly from the mountain resort and farm’s garden. This commitment ensures that guests can enjoy fresh, sustainable and chemical-free produce, fostering an environmentally conscious dining experience with his wife’s personal menu.

“We want everything to be fresh. If you look at the menu, we grow our own native chicken, and as much as possible we want this place to be sustainable,” said Butch.

At Guillen Plantaciones, solar power is harnessed for electricity, a vision that Butch and his family had long before the place was developed. The water source is also an underground spring, and the locals are encouraged to construct rainwater catchment systems, promoting sustainable water usage.

Their vision is to elevate hospitality to new heights and leave a lasting impression to the hearts of its visitors.

As the mountain farm and resort continue to grow, the Guillen family aims to support local crafts and traditions by providing training opportunities for locals, particularly women, in various activities.

Being devout Born Again Christians, the family has created a prayer room within the mountain farm and resort. Here, visitors can seek solace, meditate and connect with God amid the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.

As the popularity of glamping rises, Guillen Plantaciones stands out by not only supporting the local community but also providing a diverse array of amenities and facilities that offer a truly unique way to explore Cebu.

Guillen Plantaciones offers A-shaped cottages with private toilets and showers. Each cottage features a bonfire area, while the Cliff resorts provide their own private pools. Additional amenities include an infinity pool, “Veranda Resto + Bar” for dining, ATV rides, horseback riding, a Wishing Well, a children’s playground, jogging/walking paths, a 360-degree viewing area, and a “Pick & Pay” section for harvesting vegetables and strawberries.

Future plans for the resort include a clubhouse for large gatherings and events, a wedding garden, zipline and other adventure trails, a firing and archery range, and an organic/hydroponic farm.

If one is looking for a meaningful retreat to fresh mountain air and incredible views, Guillen Plantaciones will make it worthwhile by unearthing the untapped beauty of Cebu’s majestic hilltops like never before.

The Filipino-Chinese families and friends of the Benedictos, Ngos and Chiosons, gathered at the Sacred Heart church, then at the cocktail reception and dinner at the Radisson Blu Cebu to celebrate the wedding of Charmaine Miya, daughter of Consul Sam Chioson and Consul Emily Benedicto-Chioson, and Ken Derrick, son of engineer Roderick and Marivic Ngo.

The cocktail reception at the entire lobby of Radisson Blu was followed by the dinner in the ballroom, with live music, videos and travel footage of the love story of the couple. I estimated the guests to be about 400 or more, who had their assigned tables. All came in formal long gowns, coat and tie, and barong Tagalog.

I occupied Table 52 with my old friends from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry currently headed by Kenneth Co. We had a great time talking about the current Cebu Business Month, especially the tourism events chaired by Edwin Ortiz. We were all awed with the videos delineating the love story of the bride and the groom, their families, travels across the globe, engagement and preparations for wedding, reception, guest list, among others. I sat beside my old, loyal friends, David and Tesss Chan, Bunny Pages and Edwin Ortiz.

I always think of Bunny and Edwin as my “knights in shining armor.”

“In My Diary” captured the wedding at the Radisson Blu and will share it in two series. (To be continued)

SINCLAIR and Paragsa Design and Consultancy Services advanced to the semifinals of the Architects + Engineers 6th Corporate Cup after logging in victories in the quarterfinals last Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Don Bosco Technical College – Cebu gym in Labangon.

Sinclair edged the reigning champions Build-It, 64-61, while Paragsa defeated RELLM Engineering Design, 60-49.

Build-It, manned by UAP Sugbu, held a slim 61-59 lead with just seconds remaining in the game but Sinclair, which is represented by UAP Metro Cebu, pulled out all the stops in crunchtime on both ends of the floor to come away victorious.

Zach Go led the way for Sinclair with 24 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Miguel Cenabre had 22 points and nine rebounds.

Dexsel Caadan had 17 points, 12 boards and four steals for Build-It.

Meanwhile, Jett Latonio had 18 points, 10 boards and six assists for Paragsa, which also got 18 points from Wesley Viejo.

Sinclair will take on Avantrac, while Paragsa battles CS-4 in the knockout semifinal round. (JNP)

If we go by statistics, there is no doubt that Novak Djokovic is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in tennis. For one, his collection of 23 majors is the most in the history of the sport. For another, his appetite to amass some more Slams seems insatiable despite Father Time looming in the shadows.

Four years short of turning 40, Djokovic appears unbent, his knees steady as steel as he keeps on hunting for more.

He proved that again when he beat Stan Wawrinka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, 7-6, in Round of 16 of the ongoing Wimbledon.

The win was Djokovic’s 21st in 27 meetings with Wawrinka, the Swiss old guard, whose aging legs had ferociously fought on before they eventually folded up.

But Wawrinka stood proud despite the loss, as two of his three majors had come both at the expense of Djokovic in the 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open.

Djokovic praised Wawrinka’s stamina and spunk.

“Stan’s doing an amazing job for his age—we are two old guys,” said the 36-year-old Djokovic of his 38-year-old opponent. “We’ve had great battles over the years. I respect him as a player and love him as a person. He’s a really nice guy.”

Djokovic’s win tied Pete Sampras’s mark of 31 consecutive victories at the tournament aka The Championships.

Djokovic could make it 32 straight wins if he could dismiss big-serving Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth round.

Their duel was stopped on Sunday due to the 11 p.m. curfew, after Djokovic, surviving three set points in the first set, took a nerve-wracking 2-0 lead, 7-6, 7-6, over the 26-year-old from Wroclaw, Poland.

In the unlikely event that the ace-smashing 6-foot-5 Hurkacz, who made history in 2021 when he crashed the Wimbledon semifinals by beating Roger Federer in what proved to be Federer’s farewell match in his storied career as a 20-time major champion, would mount a miracle and defeat Djokovic in the remaining three sets, goodbye to the much anticipated showdown between the No. 2 Serb and No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.

Alcaraz, the 20-year-old sensation ballyhooed as the future of tennis, advanced to the last 16 on Sunday after bucking a minor scare in bundling out Chile’s power-hitting Nicolas Jarry, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 7-5.

Hang in there, fellas. More thrills and spills are coming.

CHOCO Mucho and F2 Logistics clash in a crucial tiff in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational elims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

The winner of this game will nab the first semifinals ticket in Group B after the two swept their first two games in the short single-round elims in the two-division mid-season offering of the league.

With the league taking a brief break, the two teams are expected to come out swinging, especially now that they’ve had ample time to prepare and build on their cohesion.

“I’m happy we have a lot of options now but I have to make sure that they gel in together,” said F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego before the league headed to the nine-day break.

Against the tall Flying Titans, the Cargo Movers would need to come up with new plays to fuel their offensive drive although they must also come up with something in defense to slow down a looming Choco Mucho assault.

Cebuana Sisi Rondina has provided not just scoring options but also power, resolve and more importantly leadership to a team looking to score a breakthrough in the league in four years.

After debuting with a top-scoring 14-point barrage against Farm Fresh and banging in 19 points, including 15 hits, versus Foton, the high-flying former UST firebrand is more than likely to put in another sterling performance as the Flying Titans try to zero in on the first semis seat.

“We’re thankful for her (Rondina) performance, she reciprocates the trust we’re giving her,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin. (JNP)

If we go by statistics, there is no doubt that Novak Djokovic is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in tennis. For one, his collection of 23 majors is the most in the history of the sport. For another, his appetite to amass some more Slams seems insatiable despite Father Time looming in the shadows.

Four years short of turning 40, Djokovic appears unbent, his knees steady as steel as he keeps on hunting for more.

He proved that again when he beat Stan Wawrinka in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, 7-6, in Round of 16 of the ongoing Wimbledon.

The win was Djokovic’s 21st in 27 meetings with Wawrinka, the Swiss old guard, whose aging legs had ferociously fought on before they eventually folded up.

But Wawrinka stood proud despite the loss, as two of his three majors had come both at the expense of Djokovic in the 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open.

Djokovic praised Wawrinka’s stamina and spunk.

“Stan’s doing an amazing job for his age—we are two old guys,” said the 36-year-old Djokovic of his 38-year-old opponent. “We’ve had great battles over the years. I respect him as a player and love him as a person. He’s a really nice guy.”

Djokovic’s win tied Pete Sampras’s mark of 31 consecutive victories at the tournament aka The Championships.

Djokovic could make it 32 straight wins if he could dismiss big-serving Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth round.

Their duel was stopped on Sunday due to the 11 p.m. curfew, after Djokovic, surviving three set points in the first set, took a nerve-wracking 2-0 lead, 7-6, 7-6, over the 26-year-old from Wroclaw, Poland.

In the unlikely event that the ace-smashing 6-foot-5 Hurkacz, who made history in 2021 when he crashed the Wimbledon semifinals by beating Roger Federer in what proved to be Federer’s farewell match in his storied career as a 20-time major champion, would mount a miracle and defeat Djokovic in the remaining three sets, goodbye to the much anticipated showdown between the No. 2 Serb and No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.

Alcaraz, the 20-year-old sensation ballyhooed as the future of tennis, advanced to the last 16 on Sunday after bucking a minor scare in bundling out Chile’s power-hitting Nicolas Jarry, 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, 7-5.

Hang in there, fellas. More thrills and spills are coming.

SINCLAIR and Paragsa Design and Consultancy Services advanced to the semifinals of the Architects + Engineers 6th Corporate Cup after logging in victories in the quarterfinals last Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Don Bosco Technical College – Cebu gym in Labangon.

Sinclair edged the reigning champions Build-It, 64-61, while Paragsa defeated RELLM Engineering Design, 60-49.

Build-It, manned by UAP Sugbu, held a slim 61-59 lead with just seconds remaining in the game but Sinclair, which is represented by UAP Metro Cebu, pulled out all the stops in crunchtime on both ends of the floor to come away victorious.

Zach Go led the way for Sinclair with 24 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Miguel Cenabre had 22 points and nine rebounds.

Dexsel Caadan had 17 points, 12 boards and four steals for Build-It.

Meanwhile, Jett Latonio had 18 points, 10 boards and six assists for Paragsa, which also got 18 points from Wesley Viejo.

Sinclair will take on Avantrac, while Paragsa battles CS-4 in the knockout semifinal round. (JNP)

July 10, 2023 10:10 PM

The Chinese President met Russia's Federal Council Speaker on Monday.

COMING soon: the NBA Cup.

The NBA unveiled the details Saturday (Sunday, July 9, 2023 PH time) of its inaugural in-season tournament, which will have a prize pool of about $18 million and will be capped by a championship game—which won’t count in the standings—in Las Vegas on Dec. 9. It’s an event that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver wanted for years, giving teams a trophy to play for during the regular season.

And now, it’s finally reality.

“This is a concept that has been rumbling around the league office for about 15 years,” Silver said. “It’s not a new concept in sports. For those that follow particularly international soccer, it’s a long tradition of having in-season tournaments... so we thought, what a perfect opportunity for a global league like the NBA and it’s a perfect fit for our game.”

The tournament payouts for players on standard contracts will be $500,000 apiece for those on the winning team, $200,000 apiece for those on the runner-up, $100,000 apiece for those on the teams that lose semifinal games and $50,000 for those on the teams that lose in the quarterfinals.

Two-way players on any of those teams are eligible for up to half those amounts, depending on how many games they spend on a roster during the tournament.

“I can see what the aim could be,” said Miami guard Josh Richardson, who follows global soccer closely and understands the parallels Silver makes when comparing it to in-season tournaments that sport has around the world. “It gives you another chance to win something, for real. I think that’s a big part.”

Games will start on Nov. 3, being played mostly on Tuesdays and Fridays in November—except for Nov. 7, when the NBA will play no games to commemorate Election Day. That announcement came Saturday, and will mark the second consecutive year when the NBA has no games on that date with hopes of promoting civic awareness and engagement.

The Final Four will be in Las Vegas.

“This city knows how to host big events,” Silver said.

Teams were assigned to a five-team group. They’ll play one game against each other; the six group winners will make the quarterfinals, as will the best two second-place teams from the groups.

They were chosen as follows:

West Group A — Memphis, Phoenix, the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah and Portland.

West Group B — Denver, the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans, Dallas and Houston.

West Group C — Sacramento, Golden State, Minnesota, Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

East Group A — Philadelphia, Cleveland, Atlanta, Indiana and Detroit.

East Group B — Milwaukee, New York, Miami, Washington and Charlotte.

East Group C — Boston, Brooklyn, Toronto, Chicago and Orlando.

“I’m excited about this midseason tournament,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said. “I think it’s going to add an element of energy and excitement for the players and coaches and the fans. I think it’s a great idea.”

Joe Dumars, the league’s executive vice president of basketball operations and a Hall of Famer as a player, said he thinks players will like the idea—even if it takes some time.

“Everybody’s not going to buy in right away,” Dumars said. “That can’t be the goal, that everybody’s going to buy in from Day 1. These things take time. And I think as time goes on you can build this up and people can really get into it.”

Tournament games, except for the championship game, will all count in the standings—much in the same way that the WNBA runs its Commissioner’s Cup event.

It’s been known for some time that teams will be getting only an 80-game schedule when the 2023-24 slate is released by the NBA in the coming weeks.

Games 81 and 82 will be added in December; this is where things get tricky.

Teams that don’t make the knockout stage will be assigned two games against other non-knockout qualifiers, and those will be the missing two games on their schedules.

For the eight teams that make the knockout stage, the quarterfinal game becomes the 81st game added to their schedule. Quarterfinal losers—two from the East, two from the West—will play each other, and that’ll be the 82nd game on their schedules. Semifinalists—again, two from the East, two from the West—will play, and that game becomes the 82nd game on their schedules.

That means the championship game will be one of 83 games on the schedule for the last two teams standing. And since the season is 82 games, that game won’t count in the standings, nor will the stats count for anything. They’ll be playing for money and the trophy. (AP)

CHOCO Mucho and F2 Logistics clash in a crucial tiff in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational elims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

The winner of this game will nab the first semifinals ticket in Group B after the two swept their first two games in the short single-round elims in the two-division mid-season offering of the league.

With the league taking a brief break, the two teams are expected to come out swinging, especially now that they’ve had ample time to prepare and build on their cohesion.

“I’m happy we have a lot of options now but I have to make sure that they gel in together,” said F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego before the league headed to the nine-day break.

Against the tall Flying Titans, the Cargo Movers would need to come up with new plays to fuel their offensive drive although they must also come up with something in defense to slow down a looming Choco Mucho assault.

Cebuana Sisi Rondina has provided not just scoring options but also power, resolve and more importantly leadership to a team looking to score a breakthrough in the league in four years.

After debuting with a top-scoring 14-point barrage against Farm Fresh and banging in 19 points, including 15 hits, versus Foton, the high-flying former UST firebrand is more than likely to put in another sterling performance as the Flying Titans try to zero in on the first semis seat.

“We’re thankful for her (Rondina) performance, she reciprocates the trust we’re giving her,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin. (JNP)

July 10, 2023 9:15 PM

The projects include building a windmill in Uzbekistan and a hospital in Ecuador.

The country holds vast reserves of the metal, which is essential for the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries  

Russia will completely cover its domestic demand for rare earth metals by 2030, while industrial needs for lithium will be met even earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov announce

July 10, 2023 8:58 PM

They fear the proposed reforms will destabilise the healthcare system.

The current noontime show wars remind me of how fragile social media is. I first joined a political campaign in 2019 and found out how social media can be manipulated considering the absence of editors online to ensure that social media would be a rules-based undertaking like what traditional media became through the years.

The word “troll” became ubiquitous with the surfacing of social media. I saw up close the use of trolls to tilt public opinion in favor of a paying candidate. When I was working with a newspaper, I was amazed at how my columns gathered wide engagement every time I wrote about candidates and the elections. That was, of course, the result of the use of trolls.

I once read somewhere how some governments used trolls to serve their own ends. One government hired trolls 24 hours a day and housed them in a building full of computers. That practice was aped by some local politicians but on a smaller scale. One particular candidate had a supporter who housed the trolls on a floor full of computers inside a momentarily neglected structure. The trolls worked 8-5 and were paid accordingly.

The trolls were given instruction to monitor anything in social media that discussed the candidate as a topic. When one monitors such a topic while surfing the Net, the other trolls would be told to transfer to the concerned website and fire away. The trolls would then shoot one-liners and even longer, including insults, to defend the bet that hired them. That was how some of the social media engagements in my columns increased.

I therefore am not surprised if trolls are currently being hired to shape a noontime show’s image in social media. Trolls are but one problem, of course. So-called social media technicians can also be hired to influence the social media algorithms some platforms are using. One time, I got the surprise of my life when a popular noontime show suddenly lagged behind the competition in Facebook live views. I thought then that social media manipulators were being hired to favor the unpopular show.

Fake news is also being used, especially in the reporting about the daily television ratings. Here, questionable survey firms become useful. I remember a former colleague reporting out of thin air the results of a survey supposedly conducted by a virtually non-existent survey firm. The results, of course, favored the candidate my colleague was supporting at that time. The same fake news template is being used now.

Several years have passed since trolls became a by-word in social media. Fake news has also been exposed for several years now. But there are still people who fall for the lies. So it still pays to remind one and all that in an election or noontime show war, deep discernment is important. We are better intellectually than those social media manipulators and influencers. We should not fall, therefore, to their manipulation and influencing.

Hong Kong, July 10 (ANI): China has already gained de facto control over huge swathes of the South China Sea, it daily sends aircraft and warships close to Taiwan, and it contests passages of foreign warships through the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Yet the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is still dissatisfied, for it feels confined by what is referred to as the First Island Chain. This so-called chain stretches from

For over a decade, a widening wealth gap is thought to have helped fuel social "revenge attacks".

Wealthy countries and a growing number of middle-income nations, which are traditionally the main sources of migrants, face declining populations – the Philippines is still an expanding and a young population, lead economist said.