Philippines News

Still showing its gratitude after seven decades, the Japanese embassy in Manila commemorated on July 13 the 70th anniversary of the presidential pardon granted by the Philippine government to Japanese prisoners of war.

A group of local rice traders on July 14 said rice at P38 per kilo of rice would also be made available to the Kadiwa outlets amid the continued spike in retail prices of the grains.

Eleven suspects in the assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others were transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Thursday evening.

Over 466,000 employers failed to remit over P92.49 million worth of premium collections to the Social Security System last year, according to the Commission on Audit.

The Commission on Audit has flagged the Department of Tourism over irregular, unnecessary and excessive expenses worth over P6.1 million last year.

Syria permitting the United Nations to use the Bab-al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance to the opposition-held northwest may seem like positive news to some. But the Syrian government cannot be relied upon to ensure aid gets to those who need it.

Two days ago, the UN Security Council

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) was circumspect, judicious, and prudent in its contextual review of the “Barbie” film.

The power to ban any movie should be wielded sparingly and as a last resort among the many powers and tools at the disposal of the MTRCB.”

As a legislator looking at this matter using a policy lens, I can see the MTRCB wielded its authority responsibly.

I also take this opportunity to invite the MTRCB and the local movie and television industry to recommend to Congress amendments to the MTRCB charter or have a new law entirely that will address the regulatory issues affecting their sector.

The legislative proposals could be in the form of a codified omnibus law or a package of laws touching on the many facets of movie and television production, marketing, working conditions, and financing.

They may recommend more developmental roles for MTRCB and perhaps less regulation. I do see the movie and television sectors as over-regulated — a situation that hinders its growth and evolution. I would like to see the establishment of a grant-giving government agency for television and cyberspace.

“The movie sector already has the Film Development Council of the Philippines. There should be a television and cyberspace sector counterpart.”

I also believe local governments and the Department of Tourism should be empowered to attract film producers to choose the Philippines as their site for location shoots, enticing them with production grants, Filipino hospitality, and red tape-free regulations. The Philippines should become more competitive in these aspects compared to other countries.

A person I do not even know asked me on a Facebook thread what was wrong with me. All because I posted that I didn’t find drag artist Pura Luka Vega’s performance of “Ama Namin” blasphemous.

In fairness to the person, her comment was not as vitriolic as the others. Still, I understand where they are coming from. They believe religion is sacrosanct.

The Senate has also jumped on the bandwagon with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri calling on authorities “to look into the matter” and saying that Vega “could be charged under Article 201, or the Revised Penal Code, which punishes offending a race or religion ‘in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows.’”

But here’s the thing.

They’re not offended by the homelessness, the hunger, the widening economic inequality and I could go on with the list of social ills in the country. Or if they are, they’re not as vocal about it on social media.

The Roman Catholic Church, or should I say, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines is not helping either. Instead of preaching tolerance and forgiveness, it is fanning the flames of hate.

Monsignor Raul Go, a canon lawyer, had plenty to say about Vega’s performance, calling it “disgusting and offensive.”

“I am personally offended by the disrespect,” he said. “If they do not mean disrespect by doing this, I cannot imagine how disrespect looks like.”

Hmm. I wonder what his thoughts are on the more than 200 cases of sexual improprieties of Filipino priests and bishops that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) admitted and reported back in 2002?

I read an article written by Father Shay Cullen that came out on Union of Catholic Asian News in December 2021 in which he said “clerical child abuse has become a crisis for the Church as an institution.”

So where’s the outrage against these morally depraved men of the cloth?

Father Cullen cited the arrest of Father Kenneth Hendricks in the Diocese of Naval in Biliran Province in December 2018 for allegedly sexually abusing dozens of boys.

According to Father Cullen, the alleged abuses were known in Naval but “no one would take action, talk to the victims or try to stop the abuse for years.”

Lo and behold, the CBCP, which had jurisdiction over him, “kept its distance from the issue.”

I hate to put the Church on the spot, especially since I know many priests and I only have the utmost respect for them but I can’t say the same for some of their fellow priests whose outright hypocrisy boggles the mind.

I’m sorry for digressing.

But I just wanted to point out to the faithful that they should be outraged at far more serious matters than a drag performer professing his faith in a manner he thought was appropriate.

Still, they are entitled to their opinion as am I, and I have no problem respecting their opinion as long as they respect mine.

So, to the person who asked me what was wrong with me, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

More than just going to the airport, what could be something better than merely just travelling or getting to your next flight?

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) recently launched “Rooted,” an exciting series of in-terminal activities highlighting Cebu’s art, history, culture, and heritage. This campaign offers passengers and airport users a creative and immersive experience that is firmly steeped in local identity, delivering a one-of-a-kind journey through the diverse and lively Filipino culture.

MCIA has announced its first-ever airport art exhibit, “Mga Pamalandong sa Kagawasan” (Stories of Independence), a contribution to the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, which opened June 9, 2023. This engaging show features a selection of paintings by Cebuano painters from the renowned artist group known as the Friday Group Sessionistas (FGS).

Each work of art explores the concept of freedom while expressing the various components of primal human needs using a variety of mediums, including oil, acrylic, ink and others.

“I hope they will patronize Cebu arts, not only for us, Friday Group Sessionistas, but for all other artists,” said Ana Maria Lubanga, coordinator of Friday Group Sessionistas.

Edilyth Maribojoc, MCIA’s corporate affairs and branding manager, believes that collaborating with different departments in their sector especially in the operation and commercial team makes the entire concept of holding such events more effective.

“On a daily basis, we want to ensure that there’s more to the airport experience of each of our passengers. Together with the different departments of the organization, we create different events here at the airport,” Maribojoc said.

“Under commercials, we work with them as to where exactly we put the exhibit. So that in correlation with the operations, we don’t block the circulation of the passengers. We also have connections with other exhibitors. We just link those interests, and work with them overtime,” said Ma. Christina G. Angan, deputy chief commercial officer.

Looking ahead, MCIA is delighted to announce a series of forthcoming “Rooted” events, which will feature a varied range of performances, exhibits, installations and other displays of local talent and culture.

MCIA looks forward to collaborating with Cebu’s many artistic and cultural organizations. These projects will continue to emphasize Cebu’s distinct personality and colorful traditions.

“As we all know, MCIA is one of the icons of Cebu. It’s time to bring the root of Cebuano culture here in Cebu. What better way to showcase the culture of Cebu being an icon of Cebu also, is to bring the different talents, the culture,” Maribojoc said.

MCIA began its weekly Glee Hour performances in May 2023. Local artists serenade travellers in both Terminals 1 and 2 every Wednesday to Saturday, creating a pleasant ambiance packed with music and fun.

Passengers and guests are encouraged to check back for updates on forthcoming “Rooted” events. Visit the official website and social media outlets of Mactan-Cebu International Airport for additional information and to remain updated.

Content creators representing Metro Cebu met up at 4 a.m. at the beautiful Terminal 2 of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. An early day, memorably marked by a downpour; a kind airport staff gently mopped rainwater by the entrance while greeting me “good morning.”

The pleasant vibe continued onboard Cebu Pacific flight 5J 240—I recognized one of my friends as part of the flight crew. A few hot coffees and a couple of hours later, we landed in Hong Kong where Hong Kong Tourism Board’s (HKTB) Joy Mirasol and our amazing tour guide, Martin Cheng, welcomed us.

Quick tip: Upon arrival, tourists can claim “Hello Hong Kong Goodies” from the HKTB counters which includes a voucher for welcome drinks and shopping discounts (up to HKD$100 worth).

We were off to see tourist spots like the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping. The trip was made even more exciting as we boarded crystal cable cars!

We enjoyed our iced coffees and window shopping at the nearby Citygate Outlets. Afterward, we checked out the views from Victoria Harbour and the popular seagulls of Harbour City mall—where we had casual afternoon tea thanks to Tea Moment.

Hong Kong is such a fantastic blend of the East and West. The art displays at Harbour City, and a trip to M+ Museum—a global museum of visual culture—reminded me. I spent time immersing myself in the exhibit of Angela Su, who told the story of one “Lauren O” and her “instrumental role in the 1960s anti-war movement in the United States.”

Next stop was K11 Musea, a luxurious shopping mall but also another superb art destination. Another wonder greeted me from almost 400 meters above sea level. At the Sky100 Observation Deck, I saw a concrete jungle, guarded by the Lion Rock (a mountain resembling a crouching lion).

Finally, one must stop by Disneyland. “Momentous,” the all-new nighttime spectacular that blends the punch of fireworks and precision of projection mapping, makes for a powerful closer. I slept wonderfully at the stylish Eaton Hotel Hong Kong with a smile on my face, escaping the Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars unscathed.

Of course, we had more than coffee and tea. I write this missing the international fare our hosts handpicked. Faves include the duck breast eggette, foie gras on toast, almond soup with glutinous rice dumplings, and that gigantic turkey leg I try not to miss at theme parks.

It was nice spending summer with you, Hong Kong.

The results are out for the second week of the Cesafi Esports League (CEL) Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) pre-season tournament.

The University of the Philippines-Cebu (UP-C), University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), University of Cebu (UC), University of San Carlos (USC), University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), University of the Visayas (UV), University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM), and Cebu Eastern College (CEC) competed in the second week of the CEL MLBB pre-season tournament on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

Week two of the tournament was full of dominant wins, close matches, and highlight-worthy plays from the competing teams. USPF draws first blood in the first match of week two after sweeping UP-C in a best-of-two series. John Clifford “DuGo” A. Chan was the match MVP.

The CEL Season 1 finalist, USC, made their CEL pre-season debut in week two; USC went undefeated against UC and CIT-U but lost a game against CEC. Charles “CHARLES” Alejo led the charge for USC against UC and CIT-U and was awarded the MVP in both matches.

USJ-R was triumphant in their series against UP-C, defeating UP-C with a score of 2-0. Joseph “WANJI” B. Burgos earned the MVP of the match.

Last season’s champion went undefeated against UV. Juden “KUROKY” A. Baguio, the gold laner of UCLM, surprised everyone by using Freya in the gold lane—his performance earned him the MVP of the match.

After losing in Game 1, CEC upsets USC with a win in Game 2 to close out the series with a tie (1-1).

Week 2 ended with a game between CIT-U and CEC, with CIT-U winning the series (2-0). Arneri “future” Espinosa earned the MVP of the match. Unfortunately, UV, UC, and UP-C didn’t win a single game in week two. The CEL MLBB pre-season will continue on July 22, and will be aired live on the CEL Facebook page.

AFTER sitting out the Orlando Magic’s first three games in the NBA Summer League, Filipino center Kai Sotto finally hit the court on Thursday (Friday, July 14, 2023 PH time) against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 21-year-old rookie entered the game off the bench at the beginning of the second quarter. Just seconds into his first appearance, he was called for a 3-second defensive violation. Despite this, Sotto showcased his skills throughout the game.

The first half concluded with the Magic trailing 45-19. However, the Magic displayed improved performance in the second half, although they lost the game 88-71. The game marked the Magic’s fourth consecutive loss in the NBA Summer League.

In his debut, Sotto recorded six points on 3-for-7 shooting, along with four rebounds, three blocks, and a turnover in a total of 13 minutes and 23 seconds of play.

The Magic will have one last pre-season match against the Boston Celtics on Saturday

ABOITIZPOWER Corp. has confirmed that its subsidiary has partnered with Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc. (Ugep) to pursue solar rooftop projects.

The company’s unit, AboitizPower Distributed Renewables Inc. or APX, has entered into a joint venture agreement with Ugep.

On its website, Ugep said it provides renewable energy and energy efficiency technology solutions to various industries.

It is focused on the development, engineering, procurement and construction of renewable energy projects.

It has committed to developing about 500 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale and 100-MW commercial-scale renewable energy by 2030.

“We will make the required disclosures to the public as and when there are material concrete developments to the Company’s projects,” AboitizPower told the stock exchange. (CSL)

FRUITAS Holdings Inc. on Friday confirmed its intent to introduce more brands and open at least 50 more stores this year.

In a stock exchange disclosure, the company said the new store openings include but are not limited to Ling Nam Noodle Factory and Wanton Parlor, De Original Jamaican Pattie and Juice Bar, Fruitas fresh from Babot’s Farm, and Balai Pandesal in 2023.

The firm also confirmed that it is eyeing at least a 30 percent revenue growth this year.

Fruitas operates a number of stores in Cebu, including Buko Loco, House of Fruitas, and Soy & Bean. (CSL)

THE Petro Gazz Angels battle Choco Mucho, looking to bolster their pursuit of the first semis ticket in Pool B of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

After losing to Cignal last June 27, the Angels have racked up three wins in a row, including an incredible 20-25, 25-22, 25-12, 33-35, 15-9 victory over fellow semis contender and erstwhile unbeaten F2 Logistics Cargo Movers last Thursday.

With the HD Spikers dispatching the Farm Fresh Foxies in three, Petro Gazz, F2 Logistics and Cignal found themselves locked at 3-1 with Choco Mucho making it a four-way battle for the two berths with a 2-1 slate.

A victory by the Angels, however, will get them a spot in the next phase, a carry-over round, making the encounter so crucial for both teams. But a reversal will put Choco Mucho in a tie instead with the idle F2 Logistics and Cignal, jeopardizing the Angels’ semis bid in the mid-season conference of the league.

Cebuanas Grethcel Soltones and Sisi Rondina will square off in this marquee match-up.

Soltones came away with a career-best 31-point explosion, including key hits in the decider to anchor the Angels’ triumph over the Cargo Movers.

But Rondina is likewise playing in a zone. Despite their loss to F2 Logistics, the former UST hitter’s energy and leadership have inspired the rest and made the Flying Titans a clear semis contender. (JNP)

THREE regular white taxis and one yellow taxi have been impounded for violating their franchise conditions after the Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO 7) personnel caught them in the act of price contracting and picking up passengers outside the airport.

The LTO 7 Operations Division headed by Aden Belza said that three regular taxis were caught offering price contracting to passengers in the port in Cebu City, violating the provision of their franchise.

One yellow taxi was caught picking up passengers outside the airport. All these incidents happened on Friday, July 14, 2023.

As per the initial assessment of the LTO 7, all four will face a fine of P120,000 each, all units will be impounded for three months, and the drivers have been issued temporary operator's permit (TOP).

LTO 7 officer-in-charge (OIC) Regional Director Glen Galario has been firm in his priority campaign against colorum in the region.

Galario has instructed his law enforcement arm to go after the colorum operations of both motorcycles and motor vehicles in Central Visayas.

Galario stressed that one of the agency’s mandates is to ensure the compliance of every motorist on the existing laws relative to land transportation for the riding public and other road users to have a safer journey.

"We have been doing random roadside inspections and making sure that our taxi drivers are compliant. Our operations division is on top of this campaign as we continue to strictly implement this drive to eliminate any kinds of illegal activities present on our roads, especially the colorums. I have instructed them to do random roadside inspections to catch these culprits,” he said.

He added that LTO 7’s law enforcement will continue to implement “Oplan Isnabero,” or the crackdown against erring taxi drivers who refuse to render service to passengers in the strategic areas in the regions such as the ports.

“One of our focus areas is the ports, we have received reports and even experienced erring taxi drivers that refuse to give service because they want to contract passenger fares which is a violation of the JAO 2014-01,” he said.

Galario revealed that he had experienced having been denied such service. “For the public to trust the office, they should see that we are working for the people and implementing existing rules without favor.”

Under the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01, “Refusal to render service to the public or convey passengers to destination” will result in a penalty and possible cancellation of their Certificate of Public Conveyance. (PR)

SOME residents of Barangay Basak Pardo have called for help due to a “never ending” problem on flooding, especially during heavy rainfall.

A resident, who asked not to be named, approached SunStar Cebu on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, to report that they have been enduring the flooding for several years.

Eleuterio Reqinto, 58, another resident in Sitio Fatima, Barangay Basak, Pardo, took the lead in initiating a weekly clean-up drive to somehow prevent flooding in the area.

“Ikapila na mi gapangayo og tabang sa taga barangay ani. Ikadaghan na jud pero wala ra silay action gihimo, igo ra mag kodak-kodak diha,” Eleuterio said.

(We have asked for help from the barangay, but they have not taken action, aside from taking photos of the situation.)

Another resident who refused to be named said: “Ang kanang kapitan diha sa barangay wa ra nay lihok, maski ikapila na mi diri nangayo og tabang, wala jud.”

(The barangay captain has not done anything no matter how many times we have asked for help.)

SunStar tried to contact Basak Pardo Barangay Captain Catalina Cabardo on Friday, July 14, but she could not be reached for comment on the allegations.

The area affected by flooding are Sitio Fatima, Japper 1 and Sitio Tangkongan 2.

These areas are flooded easily even during light rainfall and residents said it usually takes four to five days, or even a week, for the water to subside.

“Taga hawak gani ang tubig diari usahay. Baho pa jud kaayong canal and baha madugayan,” Eleuterio said.

(The water level here sometimes is waist-deep and the stench from the canal is so bad.)

“Grabe nangasakit na lang gani ni ang uban nga nipuyo diri. Gipang dengue, ang uban namatay tungod sa dengue. Gipangagod na lang gani mi diri tanan halos tungod aning tubig ug naa pod gani nay bedridden diha nga gipasaka na lang namo maski ari unta na siya sa ubos para dili maglisod,” he added.

(Some people who live here have gotten sick; some got dengue fever. Some also got Athlete’s Foot and we even need to transfer a bedridden resident upstairs due to the flooding.)

“Mao ni nga rason nga nangayo mi og tabang sa barangay nga ang mga kanal tarongon aron ang mga tubig dili mag pundo,” Eleuterio said.

(This is the reason why we sought help from the barangay in fixing the drainage system so that the water will not be stuck.) (Angel Leduna, CNU intern)

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday that more than 80 million Filipinos are now registered under Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or the national ID.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism's (DOT) marketing and promotions arm Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is set to hold its 11th Regional Travel Fair (RTF) fully onsite in Cebu.

SOME members of the LGBTQ+ in Cebu found the “Ama Namin” drag performance of Pura Luka Vega as offensive and blasphemous.

In a tweet, drag queen Pura Luka Vega showed a video where he was performing as Jesus Christ, singing along with other people a remix of “Ama Namin” (The Lord’s Prayer), on July 10, 2023.

Emjee, who refused to give his full name, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, said it is not the song that lost its dignity, but the doer who mocked it.

“It is clearly offensive for the Catholics knowing that someone we adore and worship became an icon for entertainment,” said Emjee from Talisay City, Cebu.

“Blasphemy naman sya to consider kay bugal-bugal naman to (It was already considered blasphemy because the act was mockery). Wala naman niya giimitate or giemulate ang God figure ni Jesus (He was no longer imitating or emulating the God figure of Jesus),) he added.

Emjee also stressed that there was always a better way to entertain people without hurting the religious feelings or making fun of their beliefs.

Another member of the community from Dalaguete, Cebu who asked not to be named said every religious aspect should be respected and valued, and Vega’s action is an example of why LGBTQ+ does not deserve the Sogie bill.

The Sogie bill aims to end gender-based discrimination by penalizing people who discriminate people due to their Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (Sogie).

“It is critical to handle such performances with sensitivity and respect, as they can be contentious and may upset certain people with religious views,” he said.

Choky Repollo from Naga, Cebu, a church server, said he was saddened to hear what happened.

He said giving respect to the beliefs of Catholics and other religions is simple and “common sense.”

“Is it necessary to be perfect for you to give respect to holy things not only to Catholics but also other religions?” he said.

Calyxto, not his real name, said he felt insulted because it was losing the sacredness and the value of the Lord’s Prayer.

“I think this is too much nga kani siya is part of freedom of expression, naa na siya below the belt (I think it’s too much that even this (Vega’s impersonation of Jesus) is part of freedom of expression, it’s already below the belt),” he said.

“Whether the intention is good or bad, since nanobra naman, so sayop gyud sya (Whether the intention is good or bad, since it’s too much, it is wrong),” he added.

Franco Francisco, a worship committee head in District II, questioned how people currently interact with the Lord and if they even understand the fundamentals of the Catholic faith.

"The community has been longing for others to respect our sexuality, yet in this case, we are the ones who are not respecting others' beliefs. The longer this is tolerated, the more people are unaware of our beliefs and respect," he said.

"As a catholic and a drag fan, I was disappointed and saddened to know that he used the image of Christ in the art form of drag. A reminder that anything can be a kind of art or drag, but we must consider our boundaries," he added.

Vega, in a tweet on July 13, 2023, said that he understands the perspectives of people on his performance.

“However, they shouldn’t tell me how I practice my faith or how I do my drag. That performance was not for you to begin with. It is my experience and my expression, of having been denied my rights,” Vega said. (GK Marie Dejacto, CNU Intern)