Cebu Sun.Star

WITH the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in the country, an industry expert urged businesses to consider hiring and training women, students and veterans to help address the ongoing skills gap.

Alan Reyes, country manager of Fortinet Philippines, said tapping into these new talent pools will enhance the skills of companies’ current security teams to protect themselves from cyber threats.

“These are the underrepresented groups in the tech industry. Diversifying talents will help increase the number of qualified individuals to close the shortage,” he said.

According to the senior economic growth specialist of the United States Agency for International Development-Office of Economic Development Governance, John Avila, there are only around 200 cybersecurity professionals in the country.

Avila encouraged students and young professionals to look into the promising career in cybersecurity as this is a job that is in demand globally.

Reyes noted that understaffed security teams and a shortage of senior-level personnel make companies more vulnerable to breaches.

According to the Fortinet 2023 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap report, 86 percent of information technology and cybersecurity decision-makers in the Philippines and Malaysia agreed that the skills shortage creates more cyber risks for their organizations, with over half admitting they struggle to recruit and retain qualified professionals for their security teams.

To address this, Reyes said companies can look to untapped communities, including women, veterans and students, and provide accessible cybersecurity training to those looking for a career change.

“By investing in these new talents, Filipino organizations can broaden their candidate pool and help build a stronger defense against cyber threats,” he said.

The (ISC)² 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study revealed that the Asia-Pacific region requires at least 2.2 million cybersecurity talents, leaving traditional candidates with cybersecurity degrees or relevant work experience unable to meet this demand alone.

“In the face of a severe skills shortage, retaining top talent is crucial for organizations in the Philippines. To achieve this, leaders must prioritize employee experience and job satisfaction by offering more opportunities for professional growth and skill development. One way to do this is by encouraging team members to take advantage of high-quality cybersecurity training and certification programs, such as those offered by the Fortinet Training Institute,” said Reyes.

The Network Security Expert program, with its self-paced and instructor-led training, provides eight levels of cybersecurity certification that cater to different skill levels.

“By investing in their employees’ growth, Filipino organizations can empower their team members to progress in their careers, while also providing a strong foundation for newcomers looking to build a career in the industry,” he said.

Moreover, to address the ongoing skills gap, colleges and universities are expanding their cybersecurity degree programs.

By partnering with these institutions, organizations can provide opportunities for students to acquire industry-recognized certifications even before graduation, ensuring a pipeline of qualified candidates to fill critical cybersecurity roles.

“The cybersecurity skills gap remains a significant challenge for organizations in the Philippines. However, by adopting innovative approaches such as investing in new talent, empowering current employees with professional growth opportunities, and partnering with educational institutions, Filipino organizations can address the skills shortage and build a vigorous defense against cyber threats,” said Reyes.

He added that doing all these will help companies ensure they are adequately equipped to face the more tech-related challenges and secure their critical digital assets.

DANAO City in northern Cebu is more than ready to accept local and foreign investments. It guarantees a huge market and public participation, and offers green initiatives, effective governance and business-friendly policies.

This was Mayor Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano’s assurance to players who want to invest and expand their business outside of Metro Cebu, during the Danao City Investment Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel in Cebu City on Saturday, July 8, 2023.

In his speech, Durano said the forum was part of his administration’s thrust to make Danao City become “a model city of sustainable development in the Island of Cebu” for the next three years.

To achieve this, he unveiled four strategies: Economic Resiliency, Empowered Citizens, Eco-friendly/Livability, and the Effective and Efficient Governance.

“We need to be economic resilient, learning from the experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic... promote interactive good governance, being effective and efficient, and, lastly, purposefully promote and protect the environment,” he said.

The mayor pointed out that Danao City was identified as the next growth city in northern Cebu, based on the Metro Cebu Roadmap for Sustainable Urban Development of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

To fast-track investments in the city, the local government unit activated the Danao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC), Danao City Investment and Incentives Board (DCIIB) and Danao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI) last year.

Durano said these organizations will work together with the City Government by directly engaging and guiding the private sector and investors who want to expand in the city.

He said the City also aims to be more sustainable by prioritizing the environment.

He cited Danao City’s advantages, which include its huge market population, proximity to other municipalities that have an increasing population and accessibility to a port and terminal to Metro Cebu and other regions.

How to invest

DCIPC officer-in-charge Ramon “Red” Durano VI assured potential investors that in Danao City there will be no delays, as the DCIPC, DCIIB and DCCCI will be the designated platforms for them to inquire and collaborate with the City Government and industry leaders.

“If they want to see what it is like to invest in Danao, they can approach the chamber of commerce. If they want to know what Danao can offer, we have an investment and promotion center, and we have Danao City Investment and Incentives Board who makes the policies to make our city investment-attractive,” Durano VI told SunStar Cebu during the forum.

He said the City Government has also passed ordinances and resolutions that promote a more business-friendly policy to attract investors, including the Public-Private Partnership ordinance that sets the guidelines and the legal framework for the City to enter into contractual arrangements with the private sector.

He said they are also developing a platform to incentivize businesses and investors who will be venturing in the city.

He said they will hold more activities to further promote the city for potential investments.

Durano VI said the various educational scholarships and assistance programs offered by the City Government also guarantee a pool of talents in the city.

He is optimistic that they will be able to achieve the City’s goal of economic sustainable development.

Future projects

Danao City has 17 projects to boost the local economy, according to Ramon Gorre, officer in charge of the Danao City Planning and Development Office, during the forum.

One is the reconstruction of the Danao City Public Market, which was struck by fire in 2022. The new market, which will accommodate over 1,200 commercial stalls at affordable rates, is targeted for completion in 2024.

Chains of mini or satellite markets will be built in strategic locations across the city to bring goods and services closer to local households.

Gorre said land development has started for this project and will begin in Barangay Guinsay.

Another project is the construction of the Danao City Sports Complex, which will house an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an indoor basketball and volleyball court.

A Highland Leisure District is also being built that will house an 18-hole golf course.

He said the City is also building a three-story parking building in Barangay Poblacion that can cater to 350 cars and 300 motorcycles.

In addition, the project is open for partnership agreements and will offer commercial spaces and advertising boards that are available for lease to maximize potential revenue.

Gorre said the second phase of the Danao City Bulk Water Project will soon start.

The P30 million water supply project consists of a water dam that can hold about 25,000 cubic meters of surface water before flowing to the water treatment plant in Barangay Dinakot.

Gorre said the City Government also plans to add to its commercial and industrial sectors.

“With that, we are opening up and developing new commercial centers,” he said.

Gorre said the other projects lined up in the city are:

* A 400-hectare Industrial Zone;

* A 100-hectare Danao City Light Industrial Park Economic Zone Development;

* A circumferential road;

* A sea bus going from Danao to the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue;

* SM Prime Holdings Inc. in Barangay Taytay;

* Cebu Landmasters Casa Mira in Barangay Guinsay;

* A Cebudoc Group Township;

* Double Dragon Central Hub Danao Cebu;

* A Waste-to-Energy Plant Project; and

* A Toyota showroom.

Gorre said they are developing other sites for economic activities to flourish since Barangay Poblacion, which is the city’s commercial district, is already congested.

Incoming investors

Businesses have been relocating to the city, attracted by its stable economy, potential market and ease of doing business.

Dorothy Pinyoloya, chief executive officer (CEO) of TransitX, has invested US$759 million to manufacture podways in Danao City.

Transit X is an international firm that builds podways, a car-like suspended transportation.

“The reason why we chose Danao City is because it aligns with the ethics of our company and that is sustainability,” she said.

“Their public-private partnership has solidified our collaboration that we know the government will support us. We trust the City,” Pinyoloya added.

Michael Jimenez, CEO of Integrated Green Technology (IGT), has been in partnership with Danao City for more than eight years and currently has 12 waste-to-energy sites in the city.

Danao City has also been home to Cebu Mitsumi Inc. since 1989.

The Japanese-owned manufacturing firm produces “mobile devices, car electronics, medical devices, home and industrial applications, and wearable technology.”

It has nearly 20,000 employees. (EHP WITH DENISE MAE CODIS AND JUDIE LIZA ALANTOSON, CNU INTERNS)

THE Cebu City Government has increased the allocated budget for this year’s rehabilitation of barangay roads and thoroughfares from P70 million to P200 million, in a bid to also reduce road bottlenecks and traffic.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, committee on infrastructure chairman, told SunStar Cebu on Thursday, July 6, 2023, that the P100 million had already been awarded to Socor Construction Corp.

Guardo said 80 percent of P100 million will be spent for the rehabilitation of roads and bridges while the remaining 20 percent will be allocated for other structures like public parks, playgrounds and open basketball courts.

Meanwhile, the remaining P100 million is still on hold for the next bidding process for other projects.

The allocated budget for asphalt overlay will be deposited under the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) maintenance project.

Guardo explained that the City Government is focusing on the improvement of barangay and interior roads within the city including mountain barangays.

He said the DEPW will be the supervising agency for the “asphalt storm” project of the City Government.

He assured that the DEPW would accept requests from any barangay that wishes to have road asphalting in their area.

However, the DEPW would prioritize roads in dilapidated condition, Guardo added.

He said it will be Mayor Michael Rama who will choose which barangays need to be prioritized.

“The mayor will identify among those who have submitted requests coming from different barangays. He will choose who his priority is. If someone has been chosen, that will be the time when our contractor will start working,” Guardo said.

He explained the primary role of the DEPW is to classify dilapidated roads that need immediate interventions.

Contractor’s achievement

Apolo Dante, DEPW asphalting storm project head, told SunStar Cebu that Socor Construction has completed only two roads in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, namely Golam Drive and Tandang Sora Street.

Golam Drive stretches up to 60 meters while Tandang Sora Street extends up to 300 meters.

Dante said almost all barangays in Cebu City have requested for road repair, especially with the advent of barangay elections.

Dante assured that even before the start of the asphalt storm project, the DEPW had already been doing road repairs in different barangays in Cebu City since January.

He said the DEPW has been implementing asphalting, patching, and retreading of roads as per priority scheduled based on request.

The DEPW has asphalted the following barangays: Mambaling (Sinulog Route and Stage), Basak San Nicolas (Alumnus Access road to SRP), Tejero (Tejero National HIgh School Ground), Zapatera (Tourism Office Ground), and Labangon (DSWD ground and Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. National High School).

The DEPW also implemented road retreading and patching in the following areas: Burgos St.,Barangay Sto. Niño; Alfonso Arcilla St.,Talamban; Sitio Kabulakan and Forest Hills Duterte St., in Guadalupe; Vestil St. BRT, and Bagsakan Entrance Road in Mambaling.

Traffic management

The Traffic Management Committee (TMC) Board has urged the DEPW to fully implement the asphalting of city streets since last year.

Kent Francesco Jongoy told SunStar Cebu on Monday, July 3, 2023, that the TMC board emphasized the importance of the quality of roads in many meetings the board had with the DEPW.

Jongoy said the efficiency of transportation sometimes depends on the quality of the city’s roads.

“This concern has been constantly raised by the TMC Board’s business sector headed by member Mike Jo,” Jongoy added.

Jongoy said potholes significantly increase travel time and create bottlenecks due to the drivers’ common attitude of avoiding them to prevent damage to their vehicles.

He shared that in one of his walk-throughs with Rama, the mayor emphasized the importance of having good quality roads in connection with the City’s vision to achieve a Singapore-like status.

“The current status of our streets is far from perfection,” Jongoy said.

However, he said the board is optimistic that city engineering offices, both local and national, can provide measures to maintain and improve the conditions of the roads.

He explained the TMC-Board’s primary functions under City Ordinance 1264 are to monitor and coordinate with national agencies in relation to the DEPW implementation of road infrastructure projects.

“Well, the only way toward development is through our roads in a compact city like ours,” Jongoy said.

Conversion

In April 2022, the Cebu City Government turned over nine roads, namely Sanciangko St., N. Escario St., Leon Kilat St., F. Ramos St., J. Alcantara St., P. del Rosario St., Junquera St., F. Vestil St. and A. Soriano St. to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for immediate implementation of asphalting of these roads.

Guardo said the City Government has requested for these roads to be converted from barangay roads to national roads.

“We endorsed those nine roads to be under the National Government, but we are still waiting for the approval. So what we did was to channel Congressman Eduardo Rama and Congresswoman Rachel Marguerite del Mar to file a bill to declare those as national roads,” he said.

He explained that once these roads are identified as national roads, the City will pass on its responsibility to the DPWH and all the maintenance will be at the latter’s expense.

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama considers center islands as obstructions that take up the city’s major roads and thoroughfares, said Councilor Jerry Guardo of the committee on infrastructure.

In an interview with SunStar Cebu on Thursday, July 6, 2023, Guardo said Rama believes center islands are no longer necessary along national roads and add to traffic congestion by taking up space that could be utilized for an additional lane.

Guardo explained that the main reason for removing the center islands is to improve the traffic flow.

“If we have a clearer highway, then we can ease the flow of traffic,” he said.

Guardo said the demolition of center islands is being handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways without any cost to the city government.

He explained that the mayor always has the right and prerogative to demolish these structures.

“(It’s) upon the order of the mayor, so we just implement. There is an agency that does the implementation under the office of the mayor, but it will be executed by the DPWH,” Guardo said.

He said a few center islands had already been removed.

However, the removal of the center island along Pope John Paul II Avenue was withheld due to the number of trees in the area that would be affected.

“We want it to be removed also, but there are concerns from the other party with regard to those trees that will be affected,” Guardo said.

He said the demolitions don’t take much time with the use of heavy equipment.

In June 2023, SunStar Cebu reported that some opposing parties claimed that the removal of center islands along Pope John Paul II Avenue would only pose a hazard to pedestrians and affect the movement of vehicles in the area.

A YEAR after it opened, the five-story socialized housing condominium in Barangay Lorega is now fully utilized.

Fritzgerald Herrera, barangay captain of Lorega San Miguel, said the medium-rise building (MRB) with 100 units has reached full occupancy and is currently housing up to 100 families.

The MRB is a donation from Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) in compliance with the balanced housing program of the National Government and is part of Cebu City’s socialized housing program which aims to provide affordable housing to informal settlers and city residents.

Herrera said 70 percent of the beneficiaries are from Barangay Lorega while the remaining 30 percent are from other barangays including Mabolo, Zapatera, Kamagayan and Tejero.

Beneficiaries were chosen by the local government with recommendations from the barangay which included residents who were displaced due to court demolition orders, implementation of the three-meter easement on waterways, fire-related incidents and natural disasters.

Building Administrator Arnie Llamado told SunStar Cebu that the condominium units are being rented by the beneficiaries for P1,500 a month.

Llamado also said units are not rent-to-own but will serve as “training grounds” for beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries will be evaluated every six months to assess their physiological and mental well-being for up to two years. Once deemed suitable, they will be allowed to move to an upscale housing project that is currently in the works and is funded by the City Government.

“We hold two to three meetings every week for the residents here since it can surely help them in developing better habits and mindsets,” said Llamado.

Beneficiary Maria Estrellita, who was a victim of a fire incident in Lorega in 2014, emphasized how beneficial the project has been for her family of eight.

“Okay ra jud kaayo mi diri. Karon pasalamat jud kaayo ko nga naka-avail mi ana nga condo (We’re really okay here. Now l am very grateful that we were able to avail of this condo),” she said. (RJM with CNU Intern Miguel Lumen)

TO SUPPORT the implementation of their livelihood initiatives, a total of P3.1 million was given to four farmer groups in Barangay Sudlon 1, Cebu City.

Around 222 farmers of the barangay will benefit from the funds that were distributed by the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (Dole 7) on June 29, 2023.

According to Dole 7 Director Lilia Estillore, the subsidy would pay for the costs associated with launching the livelihood projects.

“They are very fortunate. Along with their blessing comes their big responsibility of taking care of their livelihood projects,” said Estillore on Wednesday, July 5.

Beneficiaries will venture into agricultural supply, poultry broiler production, cattle fattening and general merchandise industries.

The beneficiaries were from the farming organizations of Sudlon 1 United Farmers Association, Erpat Members of Sudlon 1, Sudlon 1 Women’s Association, and the Sudlon 1 Rural Improvement Club (RIC).

The recipients’ livelihood aid stems from the Dole Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), which aims to contribute to poverty reduction.

Projects

From the funds, a total of P800,000 will be allotted for the agricultural supply business of beneficiaries from Sudlon 1 United Farmers Association, while P499,000 will go to the chicken broilers production business of the Erpat Members.

The Sudlon 1 Women’s Association will get over P900,000 for its livestock fattening livelihood program, while the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) members will get P850,000 for its general merchandise venture.

Dole 7 said they will continuously track the progression of these livelihood projects of the different farmers’ groups.

Monitoring

To help guarantee that the livelihood projects are launched and executed successfully, a project management committee has been formed, with the barangay captain serving as chairperson and the other barangay officials serving as members.

“We urge the beneficiaries to make the most of the livelihood assistance that has been entrusted to them. It is not every day that Dole 7 is giving away P3.1 million,” Estillore said.

Estillore added that the barangay council will be in charge of canvassing and purchasing all supplies, inputs and equipment required to make the business ventures fully operational as their partner in project implementation.

Estillore, together with Cebu City Second District Rep. Eduardo “Edu” Rama Jr., handed over the check to Barangay Captain Dante Tabucal in a brief ceremony.

Rama said he expects the project to improve the lives of the recipients and create chances for long-term progress.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this transformative event, and we appreciate the dedication of all involved in creating and bringing a positive impact to Barangay Sudlon 1,” he said.

ABOUT 50 personnel from the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) are now deputized to issue traffic citation tickets (TCT) in the city.

Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) legal chief Hyl Retuya said on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, the MCPO personnel are to assist Team personnel in arresting and issuing citation tickets to traffic violators, mostly during night time.

Retuya said the deputized personnel from the MCPO have undergone a traffic refresher course that’s also given to Team personnel to update them on new and existing traffic rules.

“For example ... in Mandaue, (motorcycle) drivers are allowed to use any helmet because in 2019, the City passed an ordinance allowing motorists to use any helmet,” he said in Cebuano.

Retuya is referring to City Ordinance 15-2019-1438 passed in 2019 that allows the use of full-face helmet, half-face and/or open-face protective motorcycle helmet by the driver and their back riders or passenger while driving within the territorial jurisdiction of Mandaue City.

Retuya said only the MCPO’s deputized personnel are authorized to issue citation tickets for violations such as disregarding traffic signs (DTS), not having a helmet, not having a driver’s license, and failure to carry registration, among others.

The deputized police personnel should call Team when a violator is caught and the vehicle needs to be impounded.

THE Philippines may soon be using nuclear energy within the decade.

According to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael “Popo’’ Lotilla on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, the Marcos administration is working on the possibility of using small modular reactors (SMRs) as an alternative source of energy to address the country’s growing electricity demand.

He said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had a talk with developers of the SMRs on how to roll out the technology during his visit to the United States last April, wherein they also discussed Marcos’ concern about the safety, sustainability, deployability and affordability of the SMRs.

However, Lotilla said use of SMRs or conventional nuclear power plants will depend on Congress and private stakeholders in the energy sector.

“Should the Congress give the green light, then we wouldn’t be starting from scratch. So we will have to do our part in the executive department, such as preparing the (potential) sites and other requirements,” Lotilla said during the Pandesal Forum at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe on July 5.

Advantages

The Marcos administration said the use of SMRs will be in accordance with requirements and regulations set by The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the intergovernmental organization that promotes the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy across the globe.

According to the IAEA, SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with the power capacity of up to 300 megawatts per unit, almost one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.

It has the advantage of being small and modular, thus requiring less space. It’s also easier to construct and is cost-effective.

Lotilla said the developers of SMRs have guaranteed that these are safer compared to a conventional nuclear power plant because of new technologies that minimize the risk of a possible meltdown or nuclear disaster.

“They use as a cooling medium not water but molten salts, helium and others that are not as volatile or susceptible to explosion or meltdown,” he said.

With the archipelagic geography of the Philippines, Lolita said that deploying SMRs will be more economical and sustainable.

However, Lotilla said SMRs are still in the demonstration stage and not yet commercially available. Even if it becomes so, the price per unit might be expensive for the government.

That’s why the DOE has collaborated with the National Economic and Development Agency (Neda) to develop a framework for the private sector to participate in nuclear energy generation, he said.

He said the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) of 2001 prohibits the government from owning and operating in the electric power industry, which is why the private sector must be tapped.

“Under the Epira, the government is prohibited from entering the energy generation space. And if there is a possibility or potential for the private sector to do it, then we should by all means encourage the private sector to do it,” Lotilla said.

THE final numbers for Victor Wembanyama in his Summer League debut: nine points on 2-for-13 shooting, eight rebounds, five blocked shots and three assists.

Not on the stat sheet: countless pictures and videos captured on phones, the couple dozen times he applauded teammates and all the autographs that a very friendly San Antonio Spurs coach named Gregg Popovich signed at halftime for kids and other fans.

The Wemby Show is underway. The outcome on Friday night, July 8, 2023, doesn’t matter much and will be forgotten in the next couple days — for the record, the Spurs beat the Charlotte Hornets 76-68. But for the 17,500 people who bought tickets, most of them just to say they saw Wembanyama’s first time sweating in a Spurs game uniform, it was a night to remember.

A night to remember for the No. 1 pick, too.

“Special moment,” Wembanyama said. “Really special to wear that jersey for a first time. It’s really an honor.”

Wembanyama did a lot of things well, which can’t be a surprise. He screened well. Passed well; he even had a left-handed shovel pass for an assist. Defended well at times; Charlotte’s Brandon Miller, the No. 2 pick in the draft, tried a 3-pointer from about five or six feet beyond the arc in the first half, and Wembanyama threw his left arm skyward and blocked it with ease. And his four-point play with 2:50 left put the Spurs up by 14, just about sealing the win.

“He’s a legit 7-6,” Miller said afterward, only slightly exaggerating Wembanyama’s official height of 7 feet, 3-1/2 inches. “Victor is a great guy, great off the court. He’s going to have a great career, and just to see him step up to the challenge, I think that shows a lot of heart.”

Wembanyama struggled shooting and air-balled a pair of 3-point tries in the fourth quarter, got moved out of the way on a few rebound opportunities, and was sort of dunked on when he was trying to defend a lob to Charlotte’s Kai Jones — Wembanyama couldn’t reach it, and fouled Jones as he threw the ball down — and had tons of moments that he’ll learn from on film.

“All in all, I think he did a good job. ... You can see his basketball IQ is elite,” Spurs summer coach Matt Nielsen said.

Again, none of it mattered much, good or bad. Wembanyama’s body of work in France over the last three years more than proved his enormous potential. A 30-point game or an 0-for-30 game on Friday night wouldn’t have changed anything.

There were hundreds of phones pointed at the tunnel where he emerged for a six-minute warmup before the game. Some tickets went for more than $200 on the resale market; that’s pretty much unheard of for Summer League. Fans in Spurs jerseys — they were obviously new jerseys, since they had Wembanyama’s name on them — started showing up inside the arena two games before the Spurs-Hornets matchup just to make sure they had a good seat. No. 3 draft pick Scoot

Henderson played in the previous game for Portland; he came out and stood courtside for some of the second half of the Spurs game.

“I’m glad a lot of people could get to see us play,” Wembanyama said.

Jerry West was courtside, as was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who’ll join Wembanyama on stage at NBA Con on Saturday, July 8, for a conversation between a legend and someone who is expected to become a legend.

The numbers didn’t matter. Wembanyama overshadowed everyone. And everything.

Like Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, for example. They combined for a miracle finish to give Houston a 100-99 win over Portland in the game that immediately preceded Spurs-Hornets. Down by two with 0.6 seconds left, Eason just sort of sidearm-heaved a pass about 40 feet to Smith, who turned and beat the clock with a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Everybody celebrated, some because of Smith’s shot, some because the game was over, and it was Wemby time. It would have been the talk of Summer League, under normal circumstances.

These are not normal circumstances.

And in the adjacent court — UNLV has two separate gyms under one roof — Cleveland and Brooklyn were playing simultaneously to Wembanyama’s debut. Let’s just say there were more than a few empty seats in the gym for that game; only the most ardent Cavaliers fans, Nets fans, or friends and family of players on those rosters seemed to be there for that one. Meanwhile, a few feet away in the big gym, fans were seated all the way up to the rafters.

The debut was a circus. Everyone expected it would be, and that was even before he went to dinner Wednesday night and was approached by Britney Spears — the pop star who grabbed or poked at Wembanyama and set off a two-day story that generated tons of headlines worldwide.

He handled all that with ease, not even knowing until hours later Spears was the person involved, and handled all the attention Friday night with ease as well.

“He’s pretty cool,” Spurs teammate Julian Champagnie said, later adding, “he deserves to have this moment.”

He is a rookie. A very tall, super talented one. He will have great games in San Antonio. He will have bad games. And he’s now had his first game. His NBA story is underway. The Spurs are betting that it only gets better from here.

“I just want to get better every time,” Wembanyama said, “and learn as much as I can.” (AP)

THE Atlanta Hawks have agreed to a four-year, $120 million contract extension with guard Dejounte Murray, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Friday, July 7, 2023.

The deal preserves his Hawks backcourt pairing with Trae Young and keeps Murray on the roster for five years, through the 2027-28 season, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the extension has not been announced.

Murray hinted at the agreement on his Twitter account when he posted late Thursday “ATLANTA. Been Locked In From The Moment Y’all Accepted Me” and added “ LOYALTY OVER EVERYTHING Let’s Gooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

The Hawks helped to clear cap space for the extension on June 26, when they traded forward John Collins to the Utah Jazz for veteran forward Rudy Gay and a conditional 2026 second-round draft pick. Collins is guaranteed $25.3 million in the 2023-24 season. Gay, 36, is due approximately $6.5 million.

On Friday night, the Hawks officially announced the Collins trade, which creates a $25.3 million trade exception for Atlanta. The exception, currently the largest in the NBA, can be used to acquire a player in a future deal within a year.

“Being able to create financial flexibility moving forward was a major priority for us,” Hawks general manager Landry Fields said in a statement released by the team. “The added flexibility will give us greater optionality as we look at opportunities to improve our team.”

The extension was especially important for the Hawks following their significant commitment to Murray. On June 29, 2022, the Hawks traded Danilo Gallinari and three first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs for Murray.

Murray, 26, averaged 20.5 points and 6.1 assists for the Hawks last season, creating the high-scoring backcourt duo with Young that was expected. Even so, the Hawks suffered another first-round loss in the playoffs following their midseason firing of coach Nate McMillan and the hiring of Quin Snyder as his replacement.

The Hawks finished 41-41, again unable to regain the promising form they showed when they advanced to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals. (AP)

Nowadays in professional boxing, it’s not too often that we get to witness a seminal match-up between two undefeated, elite fighters at their absolute primes, duking it out for all the marbles.

Blame that on the promotional outfits, matchmaking issues, and petty management disputes, but we rarely get treated to a dream match-up like we are about to witness later this month.

Errol Spence and Terence Crawford will finally make all our dreams come true as they clash on July 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

SPENCE. Errol Spence (28-0, 22KOs) brings a lot to this table. He is currently the IBF, WBA and WBC welterweight champion.

To get to where he is right now, he waylaid several big names in boxing, to wit: Kell Brook, Lamont Peterson, Mikey Garcia, Shawn Porter and Yordenis Ugas.

Looks like a Hall of Fame roster to me.

He also had to survive a horrible car crash back in October 2019, which was thought to be career-ending at that time. Thankfully, he was able to bounce back and resume his career.

He is a southpaw who brings a hybrid boxer-puncher approach and is a master at making adjustments mid-game to overcome his opponents.

CRAWFORD. “Bud” (39-0, 30 KOs) has been at the apex of the game for a decade now. He is always arguably in the top 3 of most pound-for-pound lists.

Rightfully so as he had multiple world championships in three weight classes.

He has defeated the likes of Victor Postol, Amir Khan, Jose Benavidez Jr, Kell Brook and Shawn Porter.

Currently, he holds the WBO diadem, a title he held since 2018, after moving up from the junior lightweight division.

Crawford is a master boxer and can switch stances with fluid ease. He is fast, powerful, and a crafty ring technician. Some refer to him as Floyd Mayweather with a punch.

The knock-on Crawford is his lack of a career-defining matchup, one that would propel him to boxing immortality.

FINALLY. Will the Spence fight finally cement Crawford’s claim to being one of the best? Or will Spence prove he has always been the superior fighter and overcome his vaunted rival?

For years now, these fighters have been tiptoeing around each other and for some reason, there was always a contingency that pushed the fight back.

For now, it’s all systems go, and it looks like we are set to witness one of the greatest fights this decade has to offer.

LAST ROUNDS. Are on Kenneth and Anabelle Dyguani who recently celebrated their birthdays. Cheers guys.

MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are encouraged to participate in a digital export hub program to help them grow their brands and overcome barriers to their journey to become global players.

“With a growing global demand for Filipino products, it’s time to seize the opportunity and unlock the full potential of our local businesses,” said technology solution ECFulfill.

ECFulfill is introducing the MSME Digital Export Hub-Global Program designed to address the challenges faced by these businesses in maximizing the growing demand.

These are the limited direct access to the export market, inconsistent sales demand and channels, and limited resources for sales and marketing.

In response to these challenges, the MSME Digital Export Hub provides a comprehensive solution through two powerful phases – the Bridge and Expand phases.

The Bridge Phase (Incubation) consists of branding, or developing a strong brand identity and market positioning; digital export, unlocking the potential of online platforms for international trade; and market testing, or testing market viability and refine strategies.

“We believe that building a strong brand is essential for long-term success. Our platform offers tools and guidance to help businesses define their brand and stand out in the market,” ECFulfill said.

ECFulfill said its platform connects businesses with potential buyers through social media and content creation. It also provides automated marketing solutions and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features that streamline sales and marketing efforts.

On the other hand, under the Expand Phase (Acceleration), the Asian Institute of Management-Dado Banatao Incubator provides startup training, while brands are registered at Amazon Store with one-year subscription.

“Brand registration is the key to export success!” it added. / PHILEXPORT

It rained money bills that day at the south coastal road of Cebu so they thought the heavens must have answered their prayers and dropped onto them almost P4 million.

The saying “Finders keepers, losers weepers” is not a rule, just a children’s rhyme without any ethical reality for both children and adults, including the finders of the money last Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the Cebu South Coastal Road at the South Road Properties. The reality is if it’s not yours, you return it; if you don’t, you can be cited for theft which can send you to prison for up to 12 years.

Those on the northbound lane of the coastal road at the time the money bills flew out of the busted knapsack of a money collector knew the money they picked up wasn’t theirs. Some of them probably refuse to know or understand that there are consequences to appropriating the bills for themselves.

They must have thought it was their good fortune to be on that portion of the road at the right time, but they were wrong. Court rulings have cited finders of lost items for theft and those who were given the money or profited from it were likewise charged with fencing.

If a finder thinks the money is answered prayer as he has been imploring the saints in heaven for help for his sick father, he could end up endangering himself and his father. That’s a possibility, although finding the finder and building evidence will require much sleuthing.

The finder who turns over the money to local authorities or the collector cannot be held guilty of theft because there is no intent to gain or appropriate the money for himself. But a finder who keeps the money is guilty of theft.

The update from the incident said only about P2 million or half of the money was returned by the finders or gathered by the collector after rushing after the money and asking others to help.

The police have called on other finders to return the rest to the collector or surrender them to authorities. Mambaling police officers said Wednesday, July 5, they have collected video from security cameras at the south coastal road and from witnesses. Police are trying to identify the finders to ask them to return the money. If they refuse, they could face criminal charges. Reports said three finders have returned P30,000 to the police as of last Wednesday.

The saying “Finders keepers, losers weepers” is described as an idiom used by children to mean you can keep what you find and do not need to give it back to the person who has lost it. That idiom has been found to not have ethical merit or any legal basis.

Finders of the money cannot invoke it.

As a career-obsessed woman, my dating life has always been an afterthought for me.

However, my looming 28th birthday, bringing me a year closer to 30 has caused me to panic a little at the state of my lovelessness.

After ending a nearly five-month relationship with a man I thought I was in love with, I found myself loveless again.

The recent heartbreak and the longing to be with a partner have pushed me to do the unthinkable ... join dating apps.

This column is neither an advertisement nor a criticism of Bumble, but that app is great entertainment for single people and a huge frustration for those seeking long-term relationships.

So 27-year-old me went on a dating spree over the past month, meeting a total of five men, three on physical dates and two virtually.

One thing I have to say, those dates were not what I expected them to be.

To be clear I dated men in their 30s, ages ranging from 31 to 37 years old.

I was very surprised by the dynamics of this dating spree and by the end of the experiment, I was left surprised.

My first date was with a man who immediately told me I was already his girlfriend. His overconfidence struck me as quite arrogant, but I enjoyed talking to him.

What I didn’t expect was his insistence on being intimate immediately. While I sure did lead him on, too (because it was a date, duh), I was not prepared for the level of aggressiveness he showed.

I left that date feeling both bewildered and honestly flattered but also flustered.

I should have known it was going to be the theme of my entire experience.

Date after date, I enjoyed intriguing and intellectually stimulating conversations with men only to find myself in the trap of love bombing as these men tried to be intimate with me.

And while I do not fear intimacy, I am also wary of who I am intimate with, as should every woman.

Pushing them away at the end of every date was a chore and by the fourth man I dated, I became a rigid pole.

I can’t help but remember the last man I loved, the slow burn, and how he made me slowly fall in love with him.

Maybe men from dating apps are simply a different animal altogether, men on the hunt, eager to have their fill.

But, I am not someone’s meal.

Women are gardens that need to be tended to bear fruit. I realized that I am seeking emotional intimacy more than anything else.

I am seeking a man who would tend to my heart with hard work and patience, and growing love as we learn from each other.

I know this romance I seek is unrealistic. And I perhaps, will have to tend my own gardens, too.

However, I still harbor a little hope, that the next man who enters my life would be a gardener instead of a hunter.

Still, at the end of the experiment, I found a man who likes to garden.

He thinks I’m a doll because I’m short and stout and like to wear dresses. His tall and lean figure towers over me.

I don’t know how good he will be, or how long he will stay, but my flowers are blooming at a happy rate.

I am, after all, going to be loved at 28.

An expansive range of stakeholders from the Central Visayas business community, represented by established business membership organizations namely, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Visayas Region VII Central Visayas, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Cebu Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce . (CFCCC), Mandaue Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce (MFCCC), Subdivision and Housing Developers Association-Central Visayas (SHDA-CV), Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu Chapter (PRA-Cebu Chapter), Cebu Contractors Association Inc. (CCA) and the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc. (HRACC), together with the other business membership organizations (BMO) in Central Visayas, Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and PCCI-Panglao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, by mutual agreement and sincerity wholeheartedly support the Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Hon. Christina Garcia Frasco and its “Love the Philippines” campaign.

The Central Visayas region has long been recognized as one of the prime tourist destinations in the country. From the bustling streets of metropolitan Cebu to the breathtaking landscapes and seascapes of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, our region offers an expansive range of experiences that enthrall both local and international visitors. Our islands boast a rich tapestry of natural wonders, historical sites, and diverse traditions and culture that continue to captivate both local and international visitors.

We commend the DOT’s proactive approach in its refreshing movement to attract both domestic and international tourists and the steadfast commitment of Secretary Frasco. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the Department and its campaign have played a pivotal role in driving the revival of the tourism industry in the country. The “Love the Philippines” campaign serves as one testament to the DOT’s commitment to showcase the natural and cultural wonders that abound in our region.

The recent incident by the ad agency regarding the promotional video is a serious challenge which we firmly believe will be resolved soonest, most especially because of the high professionalism and good governance that Secretary Frasco has shown since her stint as local chief executive. These issues, though serious, should not overshadow the positive impact and potential of the campaign itself. We recognize the great importance of the tourism industry and its relative value chains in the global economy. We believe in the immense potential of the campaign to promote tourism and investments, drive economic growth, and create diverse sustainable livelihood opportunities for our communities.

By focusing on the many positive aspects of our country and collaborating on impactful initiatives, we can help rebuild public confidence and revive our tourism industry in deeper collaboration with local, domestic and international stakeholders. We are supportive of Secretary Frasco and the DOT in pursuing a more collaborative approach to address concerns and improve the outcomes of the campaign. As marketing efforts align with our shared goals of promoting the Philippines as a premier destination and showcasing the unique experiences our country has to offer, we have become more vigilant in creating this added value to the industry and safeguarding the campaign from future anomalies.

We extend an invitation to other stakeholders to join us in supporting the DOT Secretary and the DOT’s “Love the Philippines” campaign. Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our partnerships, leverage our collective expertise, and demonstrate our resilience in the face of challenges. Through collaboration and good governance, we can help overcome obstacles, promote smart tourism practices, and shape a brighter future for the tourism industry and its related value chains in the Philippines.

RENOWNED Cebuano sports organizer and former Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director, Ricky Ballesteros, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023. He was 57.

According to an official from the Cebu City Government, Ballesteros suffered a cardiac arrest while riding an elevator at a mall in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

Ballesteros, a political science graduate from the University of the Visayas, was manager of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) from 2001 to 2019. In 2002, Ballesteros also assumed the role of executive director of the SFI.

Sinulog Festival

Ballesteros' contributions and leadership elevated the Sinulog Festival to become one of the largest and most prominent in the Philippines and Asia.

In a 2016 interview with SunStar Cebu, Ballesteros emphasized the importance of evaluating each Sinulog event and striving for improvements annually.

Under his guidance, various contests were introduced to enrich the Sinulog celebration, including the festival queen contest, street dancing category, free interpretation category, Sinulog-based category, best participating float contest, and competitions such as the Sinulog photo contest, Sinulog Idol, Sinulog dance crew contest, DJ-mixing competition, music video contest, Sinulog documentary and short film festival, as well as the higante and puppeteer contests.

Throughout his tenure, Ballesteros embraced the consistent theme of "one beat, one dance, one vision" for the Sinulog Festival.

His 18-year stint as manager was marred by the theft of P1.7 million in SFI and CCSC funds from a vault in the sports center's office on January 16, 2012, a day after the Sinulog Grand Parade. The crime remains unsolved.

He held the position for 15 years until his resignation in 2018, following allegations by then Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña of mishandling of SFI funds, which Ballesteros denied.

Ballesteros cited personal reasons for his resignation from the SFI, saying he was not getting any younger.

Other endeavors

Following his resignation, Ballesteros served as the president of the Korea Philippines Festival Cultural Exchange Association.

He brought the Sinulog to other countries, including South Korea, where the Sinulog won multiple times, most notably at the Daegu Powerful Festival.

Ballesteros was also known as a race organizer. (JGS, CTL, FVQ)

I’ve been told I have exacting standards. That’s highly debatable.

I admit to getting immensely annoyed when people cannot effectively communicate or comprehend simple instructions. The other thing that vexes me is the almost complete extinction of this thing called “common sense.”

Growing up, my father used to tell me that common sense is not really as common as we think it is. I’m not sure why. But my father was right. Still is.

What I do know is that the idiocy index has been rising faster than the heat index in the last few decades. It’s not just the depletion of the ozone layer that is real.

I hate hearing excuses about how and why something has not been done or has not been done right. If you can’t do it right the first time, just do it again and do it right the second time around. The best apology is still changed behavior.

I don’t understand why some people need to be told twice before their body can be set into motion to perform a task. I also don’t understand why I need to get my heart rate up before people can put in their best efforts to get something done or done right.

I don’t know if it’s the cell sites and/or gadgets frying our brains but many people are afflicted with severe inattention these days.

How can anyone be 20-something and not be able to remember so many things? If you’re 50-something, I can understand the brain fog.

How can anyone be young and tired all the time? Unless you have a medical condition, I suspect some shady reasons.

My mother used to tell me, “It’s easy to tell the hard workers from the lazy ones. The hard workers are always looking for something to do. The lazy ones sit and wait to be told what to do.”

My mother was right. Still is.

Despite all the caffeine imbibed, what is this permanent state of sluggishness that invades so many bodies? Lyme disease, laziness or high blood glucose levels, perhaps?

With all the pastries and sugar-laden beverages people take these days, is it any wonder why so many are so tired all the time?

I’m not a slave driver. Though, I do send emails and messages at three or four in the morning. But I don’t really expect a reply at that time.

I don’t expect others to work harder than me. But I do expect them to do their job well and to give every task their full attention and their best efforts.

I know working smart not working hard is the new mantra. But when it comes to honing skills, there are no shortcuts. You really have to work harder to be better. And that’s how you get smarter.

You set the bar high to improve and grow because when you set the bar low, you stagnate and regress through time.

You never leave anything to chance. You never fall victim to overconfidence and complacence.

I’ve been told I have exacting standards. I don’t believe so. I think some people just don’t have any standards.

I am writing to express my full support for the “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign. As the Consul General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu, I have closely followed the commendable efforts put forth by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in promoting the Philippines as a must-visit destination.

Since my tour of duty here in Cebu, Philippines, I was able to visit various cities and provinces in the Visayas region, to name a few cities—Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Maasin, Borongan, and of course, Cebu, the most beautiful island—I have seen the stunning and diverse attractions the region has to offer. The initiative of personally engaging with local communities, collaborating with Japanese tourism stakeholders, and documenting my experiences (through my Letters from Cebu) have been crucial in building a positive and lasting impression among Japanese tourists who are seeking memorable travel experiences to the Philippines.

Furthermore, I believe that the “Love the Philippines” campaign holds tremendous potential for attracting an increasing number of Japanese visitors. Japan has been a key market with a significant interest in exploring international destinations: and the campaign can serve as a catalyst to tap further into the Japanese market and elevate the Philippines as a preferred destination for the Japanese.

In conclusion, I am determined to align my endeavors with the objectives of the “Love the Philippines” campaign and will continue to collaborate with and support the tourism sector. I am committed to raise awareness of the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and warm Filipino hospitality.

Did you know you can be blind despite being able to see? Sometimes, there are things directly in front of someone, yet can’t be seen. This is because when someone chooses not to understand perspectives, one blinds oneself to what’s around oneself. While drowning in the concepts and ideas one forms numbs us from pains others give, it may also block the good as well. With this in mind, One must ask oneself as well, does living numb suit the life one wants to live?

Though being blind and numb are different things, in the context of accepting positivity, both can’t receive it. I believe both were caused by “wounds” that were inflicted by someone they cared about. These often go unnoticed, which is why Heaven Luck is utilized to locate these. Heaven Luck is a factor of Human success capable of finding out about anyone’s past. With its help, anyone is able to heal from anything and everything.

With all the benefit of Heaven Luck on our side, things should be easy going now, right? Well, knowledge of our wounds will only get someone so far. Finding out what to do with them should be next. That’s why Heaven Luck must always be paired with our Man Luck, another factor that deals with our hard work and preparation. “To heal” has many definitions, so finding out what it means to you and how to get there is an important part of our own journey to self-betterment.

With knowledge and hard work on our side, one is surely to become better with time and consistency; however, one last factor has to be considered, our Earth Luck. Our Earth Luck refers to the energy of where one stays and how it influences and affects us. In other words, it is our environment. No matter the determination one has, Earth Luck is capable of dragging us back. With an environment that’s supportive and positive, anyone can achieve their goals.

“In the valley of the blind, the one-eyed man is king” is a phrase I’m sure you have heard before. When one is lost, one tends to confide in those who one thinks can see. While it is good to be helped by people with similar experiences, their company can lead us to rely on them and push us to be more numb and blind. Though learning to see and feel again means one can be hurt, I believe it is worth it so one can love again. Once one has chosen to see and feel again, with the right people, one will be met with love as just because one was numb to it, the love never left.

My first memorable encounter with the subject of this feature was not in person.

In 2017, when our beloved Ricardo Cardinal Vidal passed away, his wake at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral became some sort of pilgrimage site for Cebuanos and out of town visitors. The Knights of Columbus would be guarding the area surrounding his coffin in shifts and beside it, a portrait of the Cardinal in his red robe held its own in its place of honor. It was so realistically captured that it seemed that he was seated comfortably, welcoming us to his wake, ever so composed, with the slight hint of a smile and that stare I know so well.

What an amazing piece of work it was from the one and only Jun Impas.

Six years later, and now with the privilege of calling this talented man a friend, we were invited to the launching of his book aptly titled “Pangandoy: The Art of Jun Impas.”

Published by Bamboo Village Publishing in consultation with Ambassador Jose Maria Cariño and co-authored by Jay Nathan Jore, Alyssa Selanova and Sayoka Takemura, this 234-page coffee table book is a feast for the eyes and a joyful peek into how this little boy who grew up by the sea in Dinagat Island became such a celebrated artist.

Background

Florentino Impas Jr. was born in Danao City as the sixth of 10 children in a fisherman’s household. His childhood days were spent in Surigao del Norte where the family had relocated and his experience with hardship at an early age instilled values of industry, diligence and perseverance in him. He would be burning firewood for blocks of charcoal, help his grandparents make and sell local delicacies, while studying at night to complete elementary school.

The young Jun Impas realized early on that he had a penchant for drawing, copying photos from whatever sources that captured his interest. His classmates soon noticed that his work was a notch above the rest and started to pay him for help in their projects. An early pencil drawing of Fernando Poe Jr. copied from a movie was a turning point for him because it made him realize just how much potential he had for this art form.

His older brother, Dodong Impas, was already a noted sign maker in Surigao City at this time and from him, Jun learned the basics of sign art and lettering and the business side of this craft. In time, The Impas Brothers Sign Art became famous all throughout Surigao, especially when it came to making realistic billboards for moviehouses.

Passion

After seven years and many life-changing events, Jun decided it was time to return to his birthplace, Cebu. It was 1992 when he found work as an in-house artist in the Cebu Art Shop and started to meet other artists like Pepe Villadolid and Celso Pepito. Realizing what great potential this young lad had, Celso introduced him to a wider circle of Cebuano artists, enthusiasts, patrons and passionate collectors and it was through these connections that he was finally able to join his first exhibition in Cebu.

His first sale was a still life of flowers with a price of P5,000. In 1993, Jun opened his own studio named Prints and Brushes which would feature him painting live, thereby catching the attention of the public. After befriending renowned sculptor Ed Castrillo and taking his advice to heart, it took Jun five years to finally mount his first one-man show also titled “Pangandoy” in Montebello Villa Hotel which ended with a high note as he sold almost all of 20 of his exhibited works.

The great admiration for Fernando Amorsolo’s talent in portraiture led him to make his wife the subject of his very first piece, as a tribute to her patience and support over the years. When it was put on exhibit, renowned businessman Luis King, fell in love with his work and commissioned him to make almost 30 portraits of the first to third generation of his family.

It was during one of the King family gatherings that Cardinal Vidal became so impressed with his work, that as a result, the family gifted him with a Jun Impas portrait on the occasion of the Cardinal’s 75th birthday.

This painting is the one I am describing at the beginning of this article.

Mission

And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, portraits by Jun Impas encompass a diverse mix of personalities from high society, businessmen, politicians, religious leaders, art lovers from all over the country, not just Cebu. He has painted presidents, cardinals and even Pope Francis himself as photographed by Msgr. Jan Limchua. His recent 10 piece series, called Panagtagbo, chronicles the arrival of Christianity to our shores and was made for the 500 Years of Christianity Celebration. It starts with the depiction of a meeting aboard Magellan’s ship, then to the meeting of Magellan and Rajah Humabon, Magellan meeting Humabon’s chiefs, the baptism of Humabon, the gifting of the Sto. Niño to Queen Juana, the First Miracle, a Babaylon Ritual, the victory at Mactan and finally, the poisoning of the Spaniards. It was sold as a set, because the artist would not have it any other way as he wanted the “whole story” to be in just one place.

Jun Impas is a man on a mission. Still in his prime, his best work is yet to come, such exciting times ahead for this humble man with an immense God-given talent.