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July 14, 2023 8:50 PM

Indonesia will most likely have a three-way presidential election on Feb 14, 2024.

Tycoon Ong Beng Seng has been entrenched for decades in the Singapore establishment and is known to have a colourful persona and aggressive dealmaking skills.

The launch is India’s first major mission since PM Narendra Modi ’s government revealed policies to spur investment in space launches, satellite-based businesses.

Hiroko Hatagami, a 51-year-old unemployed resident of Matsudo city, said she made the 2,761 calls because she craved attention.

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)

July 14, 2023 7:15 PM

The country's religious communities currently follow their own personal laws and customs.

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)

July 14, 2023 7:00 PM

The storms have been relentless, with one Chongqing district posting a record 227mm of rainfall.

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)

Marcos did not cite specific arguments for or against the showing of the controversial scene nor comment on the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board’s order to blur the fictional map to avoid misinterpretations.

CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is asking the candidates for Pasigarbo sa Sugbo’s festival queen competition to limit their outfit to only five kilograms or less.

This came about as a result of observations that costume bearers found it difficult to dance and move around due of the weight of their costumes.

During a meeting with the mayors, choreographers, and provincial tourism officers at the Capitol on Thursday, July 13, 2023, Cebu Fifth District Board Member Andrei "Red" Duterte, chairman of the Committee on Tourism, said festival queen candidates often get weak easily and may even collapse because of their heavy attire.

Because of this, Garcia mandated that contestants for the festival queen competition and their costumes be weighed at the opening of One Cebu Expo.

"During the opening, i-weigh nato ang mga candidates so kahibaw nata unsay normal weight... you cannot add more than five kilos or 10 pounds," Garcia said on Thursday.

The candidates' frequently worn outfits are positioned with a steel rod so that the decorations are sturdy and not easily damaged.

Garcia advised the designers to use bamboo instead of a steel rod to make it lighter.

"Kana man gud uban ninyo design kabilya man gud inyo ibutang, karon mangita namo sa mga lightweight materials. Mag design man gud mo wala mo nag huna-huna sa nagdala, naghuna-huna mo sa pinakabongga. That affects your festival queen, so kung ato ning ma limit and sigurado nga i-limit. This is a challenge for you to look for more lightweight materials...kawayan ibutang," the governor said.

(Some of you used steel bars in your designs; now you look for lighter materials. When making a design, you don’t think of the wearer, but only its awesomeness. That affects your festival queen, so if we can limit and definitely limit it. This is a challenge for you to look for more lightweight materials like bamboo.)

In line with its desire to level up this year’s presentation, the Capitol will give a P2 million subsidy to every participating contingent from mainland Cebu and P2.5 million for those from surrounding islands.

The Pasigarbo Street Dancing and Grand Showdown Competition will showcase the different delicacies and tourist sites of the province.

Around 50 contingents coming from the different local government units in Cebu will join the event, which will be held on August 27 in Carcar City, southern Cebu. (ANV/TPT)

Not ‘out of the woods completely … it’s ‘still a half full, half empty kind of situation’, economist says.