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But the US Treasury Secretary says the countries still have "significant disagreements" at the end of her trip.

July 09, 2023 5:30 PM

Many are blaming PM Anwar for subsidy cuts on electricity and the Haj as well as the high cost of living.

ABOITIZ Group has partnered with various government agencies to help create resilient, disaster-ready and climate-smart communities.

It recently held a five-day training to craft an enhanced and science-based Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP) in Barangay Bato, Toledo City, Cebu, the host community of AboitizPower Corp. (AbotiziPower) subsidiary Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI).

Aside from AbotizPower-TVI, Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), the AEV Sustainability Team and the Aboitiz Foundation also joined forces with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the Toledo City Government, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the training.

Toledo City Mayor Marjorie “Joie” Perales was grateful that the event was held in the city.

“I am very thankful to the Aboitiz Group and the Climate Change Commission for conducting this LCCAP training workshop in Toledo City,” said Perales. “This will upgrade the skills of our local responders and improve our readiness for disasters. I know that our people will truly benefit from this.”

Members of the Toledo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Environment and Natural Resources, City Planning and Development Office, City Engineering Office, City Agriculture Office and Barangays Bato, Cabitoonan and Awihao participated in the planning sessions and learned how to develop their capabilities in climate change resilience.

Upskilling

The participants were equipped with knowledge based on methods and strategies to produce targeted and responsive climate action plans. They were also upskilled in developing risk-mitigating LCCAPs anchored on science and evidence-based analysis, which includes biodiversity and ecosystem-based adaptation interventions.

“We recognize that our communities and local governments are at the forefront of the climate crisis,” said CCC executive director Romell Antonio Cuenca.

“It is imperative for local government units (LGUs) to be prepared for the challenges of the changing climate. LGUs should invest more in crafting and planning appropriate measures to adapt to climate impacts. That is why CCC and Aboitiz came all the way here to Toledo to increase the technical capacity of our LGUs, so that they can develop their local climate change action plans, which will serve as their pathway to resiliency,” he added.

Ronaldo Ramos, president and chief operating officer of AboitizPower Thermal Group (VisMin), believes that this project could spark transformation in Toledo City and that it can be replicated in all the other communities where AboitizPower thermal assets operate.

“We believe that by bolstering Toledo City’s climate resilience and adaptation, we can ensure the continuity of our mission to energize Cebu and the Visayas, and, more importantly, secure a sustainable future for Toledo. We’re optimistic about the completion of their LCCAP this year,” said Ramos.

At the national level, the LCCAP training workshop aligns with certain tenets of the Philippine Development Plan, including establishing livable communities, strengthening social protection, and accelerating climate action and strengthening disaster resilience.

Sustainable development

Through this project, Aboitiz Group said it also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on reducing inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13) at a global level.

“Our partnership serves as a catalyst for the ongoing development and seamless integration of our communities’ Local Climate Change Action Plans into their local government practices. This remarkable initiative not only propels the Aboitiz Group’s ESG goals forward but also resonates with our core purpose of Advancing Business and Communities,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, AEV first vice president and chief sustainability and reputation officer.

“This strong public-private partnership between Aboitiz and the Climate Change Commission is a culmination of over four years of collaboration. We wanted a program that was sustainable for all partners, and where the value of a science-based LCCAP benefitted our stakeholder communities beyond this year,” said Mirchelle Pinpin-de Guzman, assistant vice president for Corporate External Relations and Climate Smart Program lead at AEV.

“As for CCC, the program enables them to expand their Information Education Campaign reach through our business units’ operations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao,” de Guzman added.

As the Aboitiz Group undergoes its great transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, it said it is taking on challenges with a renewed entrepreneurial mindset, gaining recognition as a partner of choice for innovation and future-ready solutions.

July 09, 2023 4:38 PM

Torrential rains in parts of China over several weeks have led to a number of deadly landslides.

July 09, 2023 4:20 PM

The proposed system aims to enhance transparency after complaints of over-charging.

July 09, 2023 4:15 PM

These include lithium and graphite used in electric vehicle batteries, the demand for which is projected to skyrocket.

July 09, 2023 4:10 PM

The 29-year-old elephant was returned to Thailand after it began developing severe health problems.

In a world where traditional schooling has long been the norm, there are individuals who dare to challenge the status quo and pave the way for alternative educational approaches.

One such visionary is Maria Milagros “Mimi” Borbajo, a former preschool teacher here in Cebu and a former special education teacher in Dubai. After 10 years of teaching abroad, Mimi and her husband Marck decided to return to the Philippines with her then one-year-old baby in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic.

Back when she was teaching in Dubai, she had felt a certain lack and dissatisfaction about her “noble” profession. She grew tired of the same old ways of teaching and felt that children’s natural curiosity and learning through play need to be fully supported.

Desire

Mimi delved into research, particularly exploring Finland’s educational approach that trusts a child’s natural way of learning. Little did she know that her experiences and growing inquiries would ignite a passion within her to embark on a less-traveled educational path — one that would not only impact her professional life but also become a lifestyle as a mother.

Driven by her desire to create a meaningful difference for her own daughter, Mimi embarked on a journey of working with parents, mentoring them in embracing trust in their children’s abilities and nurturing their innate curiosity. She sought guidance from a trusted friend and life coach, participating in a masterclass on creating personalized programs.

During the masterclass, fate intervened as Mimi crossed paths with Sharon Cortez, the founder of Forest School Philippines. As Mimi absorbed Sharon’s passionate discourse on non-traditional learning approaches, she immediately felt a deep resonance with her own educational beliefs. The concept of a forest school, with its focus on hands-on experiences in nature, holistic development and child-led learning, captivated Mimi’s imagination.

Empowered with a shared vision, Mimi forged a partnership with Sharon, laying the groundwork for the establishment of Cebu’s first Forest School.

Experience

Mimi’s firsthand experience in conventional education made her acutely aware of its limitations and constraints. Her time as a special education teacher reinforced her understanding that each child possesses unique abilities and learns in their own way.

“What encouraged me more was witnessing my own daughter. That when I trust her innate desire for learning, everything follows. When she is interested in something, I don’t need to force her. I only need to support her to further her learning. Trust is also very important. Modesty aside, my daughter learned to hold a pen without me teaching her how to hold a pen. Instead, I gave her enough space to play, explore, and trusted her pace and readiness.”

Mimi is home educating and unschooling her daughter, providing her support through different resources that will support her child’s interests.

“I am not against schools and teachers by the way. I love my colleagues and the schools who gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself. I am grateful for them. I just believe that something more can be done for our educational system. Teachers play a big role. I know it can be challenging because sometimes or most of the time, teachers are left without a choice. But I believe that it takes a deeper understanding about how children learn for us to truly support them. We have a lot of passionate teachers. It is still a noble job, and they need our support.”

Mission

With her extensive experience and deep-rooted passion for education, Mimi embarked on a mission to introduce the Forest School philosophy to different families in Cebu. By courageously establishing the first Forest School in Cebu, Mimi seeks to provide a transformative educational experience that celebrates every child’s natural love for learning, fosters a love for nature, and equips children with essential life skills.

She launched Forest School Cebu in May 2021 in her husband’s private property, a farm and forested area, and they have been venturing into different outdoor green spaces where they can hold their sessions.

Mimi also launched Beach School Camp in October 2022 with a team of marine experts who are also aligned with her vision. Beach School Camp is an extended program of Forest School Cebu where they cover water geographies to support children’s curiosity in a beach setting. They do it two to three times a year.

Mimi has also been getting support from leading companies and organizations here in

Cebu like AboitizLand, McDonald’s, Baobao Babies Baby Shop and JCI Cebu Sinulog.

One of the key aspects of Forest School is the emphasis on fostering independence and providing ample space for children to explore. Forest School Cebu is an enrichment program, a holistic approach to learning that takes place in nature, where children take charge of their learning through play, exploration and risk taking. By allowing children to follow their interests, curiosity and risk taking, the program aims to raise resilient and independent individuals.

For Mimi Borbajo, Forest School is not just a profession; it is a calling, a lifestyle she can pass on to her daughter by embracing the non-traditional path of education, she aims to create a ripple effect that challenges the conventional norms and inspires others to think outside the box.

LOVE is supposed to be a beautiful and transformative experience. It has the power to heal wounds, mend broken hearts, and bring immense joy into our lives. But for some of us, the fear lingers in the back of our minds: will loving me be too difficult for someone?

This sentiment is not born out of self-pity or a lack of self-worth, but rather from a place of empathy and a genuine desire for harmonious relationships. It is an acknowledgment that we all come with our fair share of complexities, flaws, and baggage. We have scars that remind us of past experiences, insecurities that gnaw at our confidence, and vulnerabilities that make us question our worthiness of love.

When we say, “I hope that loving me isn’t the hardest thing anyone has to do,” we are not seeking perfection or asking for someone to fix us. Instead, we are expressing a yearning for understanding, patience, and acceptance from those who choose to embark on a journey of love with us. It is an appeal for compassion and a plea for kindness.

In a world that often glorifies effortless love stories and fairy-tale romances commonly seen on social media, it is important to remember that genuine relationships require work and dedication. They demand compromise, sacrifice, and a willingness to confront our own demons while supporting each other through the highs and lows of life. But when we fear that loving us may be an insurmountable task, it can be paralyzing, preventing us from fully embracing vulnerability and inhibiting the growth of a deep and meaningful connection.

This sentiment is not exclusive to those with visible scars or diagnosed conditions. It extends to all individuals who have ever felt different or struggled with self-acceptance. It encompasses those who have experienced heartbreak, trauma, or loss and carry the weight of their past experiences. It includes those who battle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, as well as individuals who are still discovering their true selves.

To hope that loving oneself isn’t the hardest thing anyone has to do is to wish for a world where empathy reigns supreme. It is an aspiration for a society that values emotional well-being, where open conversations about mental health are encouraged, and where people can be embraced for who they are, imperfections and all. It is a call to action for individuals to cultivate self-love and self-acceptance, and for society to extend a compassionate hand to those who may be struggling.

Dare to challenge the notion that loving someone should be easy. Instead of seeking effortless love, embrace the transformative power of loving and being loved through the struggles and complexities of life. It is in those moments of difficulty that our capacity for empathy, growth, and connection is truly tested. So, let us embark on the journey of love with open hearts and open minds, willing to confront our own biases and preconceptions, and redefine what it means to love unconditionally. By doing so, we may discover that the reward lies not in avoiding challenges, but in embracing them wholeheartedly and growing together as individuals and as a society.

KNOWN for bringing in innovative and groundbreaking advanced beauty procedures, Pearl Medical Aesthetics + Laser has expanded its expertise and heightened its rejuvenating experience with the grand opening of its newest wing at MSY Towers on June 29, 2023.

This marks an incredible milestone for its sixth anniversary in revolutionizing the skin health and beauty industry.

The skin clinic boasts state-of-the-art treatment rooms that are tailored to individual clients and couples.

Dr. Shahana Pearl V. Uy-Ang, chief executive officer, is elated to share that the clinic’s success lies in the vision of offering minimally invasive procedures by acquiring the latest international technology which makes them a premier destination for medical aesthetics and cosmetic laser treatments in the region.

“Understanding the importance of skin health and the desire to maintain natural beauty, we are committed to finding the latest revolutionary technologies to help clients with their minimally invasive beauty treatments and achieve the confidence that they desire,” said Uy-Ang.

Being at the forefront of the aesthetics industry, the skin clinic introduced its two latest treatment technologies that clients can avail themselves of: the EMFACE and ONDA.

EMFACE is a needle-free facial treatment that diminishes the appearances of wrinkles and tightens and lifts the skin in only 20 minutes.

This treatment is the world’s only needle-free facial treatment and this skin clinic is the first to offer it in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The company also introduced its latest non-invasive body contouring machine called the ONDA, which targets fats, cellulite, and skin laxity, guaranteeing instant and long-lasting results.

Since 2017, Pearl Medical Aesthetics + Laser has offered a plethora of treatments and technologies such as the Pearl Thermage FLX Face & Eyes, Pearl Sofwave, Pearl Hollywood Lift, and the Pearl Morpheus 8 Pro.

Time to rejuvenate and get that youthful glow from within at Pearl Medical Aesthetics + Laser.

Visit the skin clinic at MSY Tower, 7th floor, Pescadores Road, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City.

DREAMING of the picture-perfect wedding by the beach? Club Serena Resort in Moalboal, Cebu is the perfect place to say, “I do.”

With its stunning location, all-inclusive wedding packages, and dedicated team of experts, Club Serena Resort promises to make your special day an unforgettable experience.

Club Serena recently participated in the Kasalan sa Kotilyon 2023 wedding showcase at Ayala Center Cebu last June 30 to July 2.

General manager Rafael John Bautista, in an interview, said Club Serena seeks to be the premier resort for intimate destination weddings.

“We want to provide the best service in the best destination for couples to hold their weddings,” said Bautista.

What sets Club Serena apart is its exquisite wedding packages. The resort offers a range of options to suit every couple’s desires and preferences.

From indoor to beach weddings, Club Serena can accommodate up to 100 guests, ensuring an intimate and memorable celebration.

The team

Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated professionals brings the wedding vision to life.

Jaymar Enriquez - Location stylist

Jaymar Enriquez, the mastermind behind Enriquez Embellishments, discovered his flair for decorating at an early age. With a background in Hotel and Restaurant Management, his journey as a stylist began during his college years.

After gaining experience through various hotel projects and collaborations with establishments, he has become a trusted name in the events styling industry.

Gianne Paolo Anciano - Photographer and Videographer

Gianne Paolo Anciano, the skilled photographer and videographer of GPA Art & Photography, has been capturing moments of beauty and significance from a young age.

As an official photographer for prestigious events like Man of the Philippines, Queen of Cebu and Miss Universe Cebu Candidates, he has a keen eye for capturing the essence of every occasion.

Anciano’s photography expertise ranges from fashion editorials and local pageants to showcasing hotels and restaurants.

John Espinoza - Hair and Makeup Artist

John Espinoza, a freelance Makeup Artist based in Cebu, believes in the transformative power of makeup.

He specializes in enhancing the beauty of individuals for special occasions such as weddings, prenup photo shoots, films and commercials.

With experience in working in international and local movies, commercial shoots, print ad campaigns and fashion shows, Espinoza has honed his skills and expanded his expertise to cover various domains of makeup artistry.

Unparalleled experience

Club Serena Resort aims to provide couples with an unparalleled wedding experience.

With its breathtaking venues, customizable packages, and a team of talented professionals, Club Serena Resort ensures that your special day will be truly unforgettable.

Say “I do” in paradise and let Club Serena Resort be the backdrop of your love story.

July 09, 2023 4:00 PM

In March, two senior citizens in Johor died after consuming pufferfish bought from a local vendor.

The forced evacuation came after authorities received reports that some residents had not moved to safer areas. 

The Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported last week that 48 boats believed to be part of the Chinese maritime militia were found around Iroquois Reef, also known as Del Pilar Reef, on June 30. 

New Zealand and the European Union's collaboration on research, science and innovation will mean greater access and opportunities for Kiwi researchers, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Ayesha Verrall announced.    

The Prime Minister and the EU President Ursula von der Ley

New Zealand and the European Union have overnight signed a ground-breaking Free Trade Agreement that will provide significant new trade access to our fourth-largest trading partner.

"The EU FTA will increase our exports to the EU by up to $1.8 billion per year by 2035," Chris Hipkins said.

"Tariff savings

Demand for new homes has dropped as families cannot afford increased mortgage costs, Halifax has said

House prices in the UK fell at the fastest annual rate seen in 12 years last month, Britain's major mortgage lender, Halifax, announced this week.

Prices for June dropped for the third month in a row by 2.6% ye

Demand for new homes has dropped as families cannot afford increased mortgage costs, Halifax has said

House prices in the UK fell at the fastest annual rate seen in 12 years last month, Britain's major mortgage lender, Halifax, announced this week.

Prices for June dropped for the third month in a row by 2.6% ye

Demand for new homes has dropped as families cannot afford increased mortgage costs, Halifax has said

House prices in the UK fell at the fastest annual rate seen in 12 years last month, Britain's major mortgage lender, Halifax, announced this week.

Prices for June dropped for the third month in a row by 2.6% ye

The Global Sikh Trail aims to promote knowledge and understanding of Sikh culture, and dispel the stereotype of Sikhs being ‘separatists and terrorists’.