Philippines News

Multinational cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has warned that online phishing scams are circulating in Threads, the new microblogging platform launched by billionaire Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta.

The military is intensifying its anti-terror monitoring to avert any diversionary attack that may disrupt the second State of the Nation Address of President Marcos on July 24.

A total of 30 appointees of President Marcos, including Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, are still awaiting confirmation by the Commission on Appointments when Congress resumes session on July 24.

President Marcos yesterday directed agencies to strengthen programs that would benefit persons with disabilities and sustain campaigns that would remove the stigma and discrimination against them.

President Ferdinand signed the Maharlika Investment Fund into law yesterday, creating the country’s first-ever sovereign wealth fund despite some experts’ warnings that the MIF is prone to risks and mismanagement.

The Philippine government is not yet done with its rebranding schemes as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority announced on Monday a logo design contest.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and China’s President Xi Jinping met on Monday “as old friends” in Beijing, where the Chinese leader asked the former Philippine chief executive to continue promoting “friendly cooperation” between the two nations.

(New York) - The appeals chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on July 18, 2023, confirmed the prosecutor's resumption of the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in the Philippines, Human Rights Watch said today. The ruling is the next ste

THE village chief of Parian in Cebu City has assured the public that barangay officials have implemented strategies to mitigate the challenges posed by persistent flooding, particularly along Bonifacio Street.

Parian Barangay Captain Lucita Lazarte said dredging of the river and clearing of clogged drainage in the area is ongoing.

“We have been working on it,” Lazarte said in Cebuano, but she acknowledged that Bonifacio Street is prone to flooding because it is located in an area that acts like a “catch basin” for water and waste from higher ground.

She said they have been seeking a long-term solution to address the problem.

Lazarte also shared that three weeks ago, Mayor Michael Rama gathered officials from Barangays Parian, T. Padilla, Tejero and Tinago to find a solution to flooding. Representatives from the Cebu City Department of Public Services (DPS) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), among others, were present during the meeting.

“We have documentation to prove that dredging was done on Bonifacio Street,” she said.

Lazarte said they have documentation to prove that they regularly conduct dredging operations along Bonifacio Street, and the most recent dredging was carried out last Saturday, July 15.

However, Lazarte admitted that their flood mitigation efforts do not guarantee the complete prevention of flooding in the area.

She said they clean the biofence installed in the Parian creek every day as it traps garbage on a daily basis.

The biofence traps plastic, logs, clothes, and other debris. The barangay also holds a weekly clean-up activity.

Lazarte said educating people about proper waste disposal is important to address the issue.

“I hope people will be taught not to throw garbage in canals and rivers,” she said.

Apart from Bonifacio Street, Sikatuna and Ibarra Streets also experience flooding, especially during heavy rains.

According to Lazarte, one factor contributing to the flooding problem in the village is the accumulation of mud after a rainfall. (CNU INTERNS CLAUDINE FLORES AND ERICA ABELLA)

The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood firm in its position, asserting that the International Criminal Court lacks the authority to proceed with its investigation into the alleged human rights abuses committed during former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial "war on drugs". 

Amsterdam - Appeals judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday rejected an attempt by the Philippines to block an investigation into thousands of killings in the country during former President Rodrigo Duterte's 'war on drugs.'

In September 2021, the ICC approved a formal investigation into possible crimes against humanity allegedly committed under Duterte's leadership, but it suspended its probe

The judges in the ICC appeals chamber decided against the appeal of the Philippine government to stop the investigation into possible crimes against humanity committed during Duterte’s bloody “war on drugs.” 

The Department of Science and Technology on Monday announced that no local government unit has been disapproved in the assessment for the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program.

THE Labangon Police Station 10 will conduct an investigation into the brutal killing of a 19-year-old girl who was bound with a packaging tape, wrapped in a blanket and then put in a cardboard box.

Police Major Angelito Valleser, chief of Labangon Police Station, identified the fatality as Rhea Mae Batoy Tocmo, 19, a native of Jasaan town in Misamis Oriental, but was temporarily residing in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City.

Tocmo was found dead and wrapped inside a cardboard box left on the roadside in Sitio Mohon, Barangay Tisa, Cebu City on Monday, July 17, 2023.

Valleser rejected claims that the victim was tied with a wire but with a tire interior.

According to the examination by the personnel of the Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO), they did not see evidence of torture such as bruises.

“Ang estorya sa SOCO ninglugdang man gud to nga dugo, ang kadtong mga nakita nga bun-og inagian daw to sa binanganan sa lawas gani katong ingon nga tattoo dili to tattoo agi pud to sa binanganan, ang katong mga lagom tungod sa kahugot sa paghikot,” Valleser explained.

(According to SOCO the blood appears, the bruises found were tie marks. the bruises on her body that appeared to be tattoo-like were actually tie marks, and the swelled flesh was caused by how tightly the knot was tied).

Valleser said the victim had just arrived in Cebu last June 11 to find a job.

The police are trying to identify the persons who were with the victim before she passed away.(BBT, TPT)

CEBU-BASED social enterprise Spring Rain Global (SRG) encouraged investors and philanthropists to serve communities in need as it enters its 15th year of assisting philanthropic development offices in the Philippines and across the globe

In a press conference held at Golden Prince Hotel on Monday, July 17, 2023, Dr

Glenda Antonio, founder, president and chief executive officer of SRG, said that for a decade and a half, the organization has successfully advocated 150 philanthropic development offices in Asia, America, Europe, Africa, and some cities in the Philippines

Some of SRGs major hubs are located in Singapore for Asia-Pacific and the United States in the west

“In the birth of our 15th year milestone, about two years ago, we are proud to share that we have a patented framework called the Spring Rain Global 6-Pillar Capacitation Model,” Antonio said

“These include leadership and governance, program development and management, philanthropy development, financial planning, database management, and ecosystem building,” she added

The patented model aims to mentor other development organizations that will “hone them in sustainable ways in raising funds and networks through conferences, workshops, and training,” according to Antonio

The organization will also hold events relating to sports and music that intend to determine and guide its partner organizations on the latest trends in philanthropy and attract funders and donors

“For the championship, [the prize is] P1 million

This is not a simple tournament

This is a philanthropy tournament

We are giving this kind of price precisely because we wanted to help not only the players but the advocacy that they are representing,” said Fr

Victor Gonzaga, SRG chairman of the Advisory Board

SRG will also extend its network by launching a foundation that will provide positive relations to social development organizations in their capacity-building needs, which are often overlooked by other large organizations

Meanwhile, a three-day conference headed by SRG will happen on July 24-26 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino with the theme, “Unity and Solidarity: Nurturing Towards a Stronger Ecosystem of Good

” It will feature various international speakers globally

Different sectoral groups are also expected to join the three-day-event that is going to be first hosted in the Philippines

Interested attendees may register through SRG’s official Facebook page (CNU INTERNS DENISE MAE CODIS AND KIMBERLY GOC-ONG)

CEBU City joined the National Nutrition Council (NNC) 7 in launching the annual Nutrition Month with a series of activities

This month-long celebration, which carries the theme “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All,” celebrates NNC’s 49th year in advocating for health and wellness

Among the activities lined up for the celebration is a Nutrition Caravan, said Nutrition Officer 3 Norre Jean Delos Santos

The caravan will take place in different barangays in Cebu, aiming to reach out to families in need of proper food and diet

Along with this, there are outreach programs for citizens

Breastfeeding programs have also been initiated to educate mothers about what they should do and eat during the first 1,000 days of their babies, as mandated by Republic Act 11148, which covers nutritionally at-risk mothers and babies up to two years old

Dietary supplementation feeding programs have also been carried out for pregnant women to learn which foods will make them and their babies strong and healthy, added Delos Santos

Volunteers are also recruited through the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Program, which caters to over 200 students to assist NNC 7, under the Department of Health, in monitoring children’s health and nutrition

The BNS Program includes teaching volunteers basic health tasks such as caring for the malnourished, mobilizing the community, and providing other forms of assistance

NNC 7 has requested local government units to help fulfill its programs throughout Cebu

Efforts and interventions must continue even after the month of July to continuously support those in need and improve the region’s nutritional status, according to Delos Santos

Cebu City’s celebration of Nutrition Month was launched on July 4 at Plaza Sugbo, featuring affordable healthy foods from local markets through cooking contests and food fairs (UP CEBU INTERN CHRYS CHELSEA BERNALLES)

uly is a month bursting with nutrition-themed festivities, particularly for school children. It’s during this time that the “Nutrition Month” celebration takes center stage, reminding children about the vital Go, Glow, Grow campaign.

However, for adults who have moved past their school days, the chance to partake in this celebration may seem out of reach. Thankfully, Jo Sebastian utilizes diverse social media platforms to ensure that grown-ups are not left behind and sprinkles her wisdom as a game-changing dietitian to adults.

If one has seen those trendy diets and super strict meal plans flooding the social media, one will likely realize that these often lead to false hopes and unrealistic expectations. They might seem enticing but it’s a cruel trick on their followers, leading them down a rabbit hole of disappointment because of the lack of long-term results.

This makes Jo Sebastian a breath of fresh air in the world of nutrition for adults. Unlike those rigid diet plans, Jo puts the emphasis on something much more important: building a healthy relationship with food.

Meet Jo, the registered nutritionist-dietitian extraordinaire. Armed with a BS Community Nutrition degree from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, she’s also a fitness enthusiast and a true believer in the power of food freedom. One will find her actively sharing valuable nutrition nuggets on social media, helping adults navigate the sometimes confusing world of health and wellness.

Rather than discouraging indulgence in these cravings, Jo ingeniously reimagines a balanced diet where one can savor fast food without a twinge of guilt. Through her content, Jo introduces to viewers a healthier and happier relationship with food. It’s time to make peace with one’s plates and savor every delicious moment proving that these guilty pleasures can still be a part of a well-rounded lifestyle.

How Jo eats chicken inasal:

In this video, she presents a well-favorite dish among Filipinos consisting of protein-rich pecho, nourishing carbohydrates sourced from rice, and a serving of hot soup. But to further enrich the nutritional profile, she incorporates fiber-laden boiled broccoli and finishes it up with a dash of chicken oil. She then munches on her food like a normal person and reminds viewers of her powerful slogan: “We’re all about adding, not restricting.”

How Jo eats instant noodles:

Jo Sebastian elucidates the nutritional components of the noodles and accompanying sauce, highlighting their carbohydrate and fat content to the viewers. To incorporate dietary fiber, she includes finely chopped cabbage and carrots. Additionally, she suggests adding an egg for an extra protein boost. Concluding her video, she delivers a poignant reminder to her viewers: “You always deserve to eat.”

How Jo eats pizza:

In this content, Jo talks about the convenience and accessibility of pizzas while noting that they can also offer a reasonably balanced option. She highlights the dough as the carbohydrate source in pizza, along with the cheese providing protein and fat. To enhance the nutritional value, Jo suggests loading up the slice with additional toppings such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and pineapples. Alternatively, she mentions that adding a side salad can provide an extra protein boost, although it is not mandatory.

“One thing I noticed whenever I have pizza is that it takes a lot of pizza for me to feel satisfied so I like to load it up with extra fiber and protein to feel more satisfied. But what is most important is to focus on mindful eating, really take time to enjoy every bite so that you can feel comfortably satisfied,” said Jo.

“Why do we say add, do not restrict? When you focus on restriction, you focus on the things that you are not supposed to eat so now you’re just thinking about it and you’re stressing about it and you feel bad if ever you want it but when you focus on what to add, you are given a direction, a goal, and it makes you feel so much more accomplished when you’re doing something rather than holding yourself back,” said Jo.

With an impressive following of 2.2 million likes on TikTok, an educational Instagram platform, and a popular Spotify podcast titled “The Donut Box Podcast,” Jo has expanded her reach to connect with viewers on various platforms. Her content now revolves around addressing facts and debunking misconceptions about diets. Jo emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive relationship with one’s body and focusing on making adjustments or additions rather than restrictive measures. She feels bad when encountering fear-based approaches to diets, where certain foods are demonized or labeled as inherently good or bad.

“Stop labeling food as good or bad, clean or junk, let’s just call food, food. You can try out more nutrient dense or less nutrient dense but let’s stop putting negative labels around food because there is no good or bad food,” said Jo.

While it’s true that not all foods have the same nutritional value, it’s important to avoid attaching negative labels to food. Placing judgment on certain foods can lead to a negative internalization and unhealthy relationship with food.

“Just because you eat a cookie you feel like the worst person in the world and it’s ruined your diet and you fall into the shame spiral. Attaching moral value to food and judging yourself for your food choices is not going to help you. It would actually make it harder for you to make healthy habits and changes. So instead focus on seeing food as food with everything having something to offer and you choosing which gives you the most satisfaction for the moment,” explained Jo.

“Remember it takes time to get out of the cycle but you can do this,” added Jo.

“Come Theresians and acclaim, St. Theresa’s glorious name...” It is Homecoming Day next Saturday, July 29, at the STC campus. Taking charge of the festivities are the Silver Jubilarians this year with a core group headed by Janice Y. Perez. Overall coordinator is Marianne Avenido Neri, president of St. Theresa’s Alumnae Association. School reunions always take us down memory lane. It’s a time for happy reconnections and fond recollections. Come one, come all!

Meanwhile, there’s a musical happening at Tambuli Seaside Resort & Spa tomorrow at 7 p.m. entitled “Faith and Music, Marvelous Gifts.” On centerstage will be the Cebu Normal University Chorale, tenor Dave Clark Sibonga and soprano Giannine Tan who is in town from London where she is taking further music studies.

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Cebu’s first ever Curry Club was launched at Radisson Blu with general manager Marko Janssen, executive chef Nick van Riemsdijk and Indian chef Jyoti Singh on the frontline. The club is a take off from the one founded in the United Kingdom in the 1970s where British professionals and businessmen gathered to enjoy exotic Indian food. Radisson Blu has taken the initiative of organizing the Curry Club because it is proud of its authentic and award-winning Indian food.

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Ulli’s Streets of Asia has opened a branch at the base of the lighthouse at the seaside Il Corso Lifemalls. With its floor to ceiling windows, the restaurant has a 180-degree view of the big, blue yonder. Street food favorites from different Asian countries make up the menu; Definitely something to taste and enjoy. As for drinks there are thirst-quenching choices of fresh fruit juices as well as coffee and tea. The place is ideal for intimate lunches and dinners and other small gatherings, so says Julia Absin, the granddaughter of resto founder Julita Urbina.

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The newest dining destination in Banawa is Ayame Japanese Restaurant at the Arcenas Arcade. Inaugurated two weeks ago, it is the third and most spacious Ayame in the city. The resto offers traditional Japanese fare with an added contemporary touch. Lady-at-the-helm Ingrid Espina Gamboa happily shares that their kitchen staff has mastered the art of Japanese food preparation and cooking, thanks to the training they got from an expert Japanese chef from Tokyo.

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Over at the picturesque mountain terrain of Aloguinsan, a farm resort has opened its doors — La Joya Farm Resort and Spa. Breathtaking views, peace and quiet, and its charming cottages are the main come-ons. However, for those who seek action, there’s the dragon fruit plantation to explore, an inviting swimming pool to enjoy, an animal farm to visit, and billiard games to amuse. On top of the resort operations is Corito Escario Yu assisted by her loving family.

SM INVESTMENTS Corp. (SM Investments) recently received three major wins at the 13th Asian Excellence Award of Corporate Governance Asia.

The Hong Kong-based magazine conferred SM Investments with multiple awards including Asia’s Best Corporate Social Responsibility, Best Corporate Communication, and Best Investor Relations Company.

This year’s awards add to SM’s longstanding history of winning in the categories of Asia’s Best Corporate Social Responsibility, Best Corporate Communications, and Best Investor Relations Company.

With these wins, SM notched its sixth, seventh, and 12th times coming on top in these categories, respectively. (PR)

FILINVEST Innovation Park-New Clark City (FIP-NCC) has announced the arrival of its inaugural locator, electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer StBattalion, which is keen on taking advantage of the park’s strategic location and growth prospects.

In the contract-signing ceremony Monday, July 17, 2023, at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, the Australia- based StBattalion formalized with FCGC Corp. (a wholly owned subsidiary of full-range property developer Filinvest Land Inc.) its five-year renewable lease of two ready-built factory unit, each measuring 2,500 square meters in gross leasable area.

The FIP-NCC sits inside New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac — a 9,450-hectare greenfield development inside the Clark Special Economic Zone positioned to be an inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and smart city. (PR)