Cebu Sun.Star

THE University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Adelante beat the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats 2-1 in the semi-finals of the CESAFI Esports League (CEL) Pre-Season Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament on July 22, 2023.

In Game 1 of the Best-of-3 series, the Wildcats gained the upper hand early in the match by securing first blood. Adelante overturned the situation by taking a 4-1 kill score lead. However, the Wildcats regained momentum, and tied the score (5-5). CIT-U used its momentum as leverage to win Game 1, with a final kill score of 17-12.

In Game 2, it was Reneir Frayles “Reigneir” Pañares who marked the first kill, giving an early advantage to USJ-R’s side. 10 minutes into the game, the Wildcats were leading in kills (10-13), USJ-R spun fate to their favor and ended the match with a victory despite CIT-U having a 17-12 kill score.

With the series tied, CIT-U’s gold laner, Dale, pulled off a surprise hero pick in game 3; picking Harith in the gold lane. Joseph “Wanji” Burgos secured the first blood for USJ-R, and the team managed to take two succeeding turtles—putting the Wildcats at a disadvantage. The Wildcats lost grasp of the game and eventually succumbed to a 24-12 loss.

USJ-R’s Jericho “Kazuki” Chua was hailed as the Most Valuable Player of the series.

Domination

The University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) Webmasters emerged victorious against the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in an epic clash held on the same day.

Forging ahead to Game 2 of the match, USC’s Zeke Swayze Himaya drew first blood, giving USC an early advantage. The match remained neck and neck with a kill score of 2-1 in favor of USC during the first five minutes. However, UCLM turned the tide at the 7:50-minute mark, securing a 3-2 kill score lead over USC.

As the game progressed, UCLM dominated the battlefield, widening the gap to an impressive 8-2 kill score by the 10-minute mark. Game 2 concluded with the victory from UCLM with a staggering 15-4 score, effectively tying the series, 1-1.

In the decisive Game 3 of the match, UCLM demonstrated a dominant start with Aming drawing first blood which swiftly secured a commanding 4-0 lead just three minutes into the game. Despite USC’s efforts to regain momentum around the 20-minute mark, UCLM managed to maintain their advantage, holding a substantial 28-10 lead.

In the final moments, UCLM showcased their strength with a remarkable rally against USC, culminating in a resounding 32-10 kill score, solidifying their victory in Game 3 and ultimately claiming the match, 2-1.

Adelante will battle the Webmasters for the “Mobile Legends” CEL Pre-Season Championships on July 29, 2023.

The 1st Inocentes Cabaron Summer Academic and Athletic Enhancement Program officially kicked off its sports program with a string of seminars last week in the small southern town of Moalboal, Cebu.

Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) athletic director Jon Inot and Department of Education Cebu City sports coordinator Francis Ramirez spearheaded the two-day seminar, which was well received with around 70 teachers from different public and private schools in Moalboal.

Inot taught the teachers to design their own sports programs, identify the challenges and find the solutions.

“The seminar was more of an interactive discussion; a guide for the teachers on how to plan, what to do and how to do it. There is no perfect formula on coaching and winning, but what I think is the most important thing is the mindset and the attitude of how one coaches. The purpose and the commitment to coaching is what I think is the X factor that makes one a good or even, better coach,” said Inot.

Meanwhile, Ramirez gave some vital information on the second day of the seminar. He discussed the changes of Palarong Pambansa structure and also gave them advice on which sport can give them more individual medals.

On the other hand, University of Cebu (UC) and SHS-AdC coach Sai Bacalso and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Reynaldo Cañete also had seminars with local basketball coaches and referees.

Bacalso updated the barangay-based coaches with the new trend in basketball, a zone-free style of play in his two-day seminar.

Cañete, in the meantime, imparted his knowledge on the Moalboal-based referees, which will be officiating the inter-barangay league.

“I am very thankful to Mr. Bacalso and Canete for sharing their knowledge with our officials and I am confident that the two seminars will have a major impact in our local basketball community,” said Mayor Cabaron.

The 1st Inocentes Cabaron Summer Academic and Athletic Enhancement program is a summer sports and academic program that also includes sports like chess, arnis, volleyball, badminton, tennis, table tennis, sepak takraw and dancesports. (EKA)

Brian Harman won the British Open last weekend with a virtuoso putting performance for the ages. His rock solid confidence drew praises from his chief rivals, including Padraig Harrington.

“He’s a very tough, experienced character,” said Harrington, the two-time Open champion, of Harman. “He is not one to back out when he is ahead.”

“He can’t be chased with his lead of six strokes,” said John Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion. “He won’t slow down.”

And yet, before Sunday’s victory, Harman was practically a nobody. Although he’s had Top 10 finishes in 50 tournaments since he turned pro in 2009, he only has two wins before the Open—the 2014 John Deere Classic and the 2017 Wells Fargo.

Then Harman made a big bang of sorts when he finished second four shots behind multi-titled Bruce Keopka in the 2017 US Open in Erin Hills, Wisconsin, jumping from No. 26 to No. 10 in the world rankings.

But Harman would struggle again.

He missed the cut this year in the Masters and the PGA, halting the slump somewhat by finishing a modest tie for 43rd in the 2023 US Open.

Still, it delights him that his perseverance had given him $29 million in total earnings. And his purse from his six-shot win on Sunday was a whopping $3 million.

“I’ve always had a self-belief that I could do something like this,” said Harman, whose 13-under total dusted off four pursuers (Straka, Day, Kim and Rahm) who all eventually tied for second at 7-under at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England.

Harman, a clean-shaven, 5-foot-7 American, from Savannah, Georgia, stunned the field with birdies from miles away to keep his hottest chasers at bay, bundling his birdies in back-to-back fashion: 14 feet on 6 and 24 feet on 7.

He sank a scorching, downhill birdie from 40 feet on 15 after a blistering birdie on 14 for a massive six-shot margin that all but wrapped up the most revered major with three holes left to play.

“I’m 36 years old,” said Harman, who closed out with a steady one-under 70 and was never seriously threatened to become only the third lefty to win a Slam after Phil Mickelson and Mike Weir.

“The game is getting younger. These guys can hit it a mile. They are all ready to win.” He was ready to win, too—aided by a big heart that never skipped a beat all four days.

Brian Harman won the British Open last weekend with a virtuoso putting performance for the ages. His rock solid confidence drew praises from his chief rivals, including Padraig Harrington.

“He’s a very tough, experienced character,” said Harrington, the two-time Open champion, of Harman. “He is not one to back out when he is ahead.”

“He can’t be chased with his lead of six strokes,” said John Rahm, the 2023 Masters champion. “He won’t slow down.”

And yet, before Sunday’s victory, Harman was practically a nobody. Although he’s had Top 10 finishes in 50 tournaments since he turned pro in 2009, he only has two wins before the Open—the 2014 John Deere Classic and the 2017 Wells Fargo.

Then Harman made a big bang of sorts when he finished second four shots behind multi-titled Bruce Keopka in the 2017 US Open in Erin Hills, Wisconsin, jumping from No. 26 to No. 10 in the world rankings.

But Harman would struggle again.

He missed the cut this year in the Masters and the PGA, halting the slump somewhat by finishing a modest tie for 43rd in the 2023 US Open.

Still, it delights him that his perseverance had given him $29 million in total earnings. And his purse from his six-shot win on Sunday was a whopping $3 million.

“I’ve always had a self-belief that I could do something like this,” said Harman, whose 13-under total dusted off four pursuers (Straka, Day, Kim and Rahm) who all eventually tied for second at 7-under at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, England.

Harman, a clean-shaven, 5-foot-7 American, from Savannah, Georgia, stunned the field with birdies from miles away to keep his hottest chasers at bay, bundling his birdies in back-to-back fashion: 14 feet on 6 and 24 feet on 7.

He sank a scorching, downhill birdie from 40 feet on 15 after a blistering birdie on 14 for a massive six-shot margin that all but wrapped up the most revered major with three holes left to play.

“I’m 36 years old,” said Harman, who closed out with a steady one-under 70 and was never seriously threatened to become only the third lefty to win a Slam after Phil Mickelson and Mike Weir.

“The game is getting younger. These guys can hit it a mile. They are all ready to win.” He was ready to win, too—aided by a big heart that never skipped a beat all four days.

HIGH-SCORING guard Uriel Avila was in his element on Sunday, July 23 as he tallied a tournament-high 55 points to help Batch 2022 best Batch 2021, 86-82, in Division C of the 26th Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) at the Magis Eagles Arena in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Down by as much as 13, Avila turned it on and shredded 2021’s defense with his scoring efficiency as he went 18-of-31 from the field and sank 10 three-pointers. It wasn’t just on offense that Avila did work as he also ruled the boards, grabbing a whopping 18 rebounds.

In other Division C games, Harley Davidson-2014 crushed Batch 2015, 87-60, for its second win in a row. Lucky Ecarma registered a rare triple-double with 22 points, 20 boards and 10 assists. Jair Igna added 16 markers even as Gio Laguyo and Popoy Navarro pitched in 11 and 10 markers, respectively.

Over in Division A, the Core Pacific Money Exchange-2000 walloped the Kima Glass Supply Co. Inc.-1998, 58-29. Batch 2000 asserted its might over their foes in the third canto, where it outscored Batch 1998, 22-4, to build a 44-21 lead.

Dave Ting led 2000’s balanced attack with 11 points, two assists and two steals.

In other Division A matches, the ARQ-2001 also routed the Yangtze Cooling Ice Systems-1992, 67-44, for their second straight win. Mark Hing led the way for the winning side with 14 points and 10 boards, while Josef Reoma and Jason Arquisola put up 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Finally, the Bayfront Hotel-90/97 won over the Speed Demon Vivant/94/95/96, 51-29. Mark Sy had nine points and nine rebounds, while many-time league MVP Dave Lim tallied seven points and 17 boards for Bayfront Hotel. (JNP)

NCR champions Farm Fresh-Letran and Luzon rulers Pampanga-Pradera Theme Park opened their respective bids in the the 2023 Manila Bankers Life-Pilipinas Super League 18-Under Battle of the Champions with dominant victories on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.

The Letran-powered Milkers obliterated Mindanao South titlist Max Ballers-Davao, 93-67, while Pampanga crushed the Sherilin Unisol-City of Naga, 104-65.

Cebuano Daniel Padilla was at the forefront of the Milkers’ attack, as he tallied 21 points on an accurate 10-of-17 shooting from the field. Another fast-rising Cebuano hooper, Jonathan Manalili, was just as terrific with his 14 points, nine steals, six rebounds, and three assists.

Veejay Pre, meanwhile, powered Delta’s rout of Sherilin, with 18 points and 11 boards while Justine Garcia and Elijah Yusi produced 16 and 12 markers, respectively. (JNP)

THE Warriors ruled over the 15-under division of the Court General Summer League 2023 Presented by Trillis with a thrilling 56-55 win over Jax Basketball in the finals last Friday at the Roadstar Sports Gym in Pardo, Cebu City.

Brent Bihag paced Mt. Zion with 18 points.

The tournament, which was organized by renowned coach Jabby Bautista, attracted 30 teams across three divisions—13-under, 15-under, and 17-under. The goal of the competition was to develop the skills and confidence of young players in a professional setting.

Jax Basketball was also victorious in the 17-under class, as it edged the Baby Hoopsters, 83-78, in the championship match. Jances Anacta had 16 points to pace Jax Basketball.

In the 13-under division, Hype x Ceburitto clobbered Mt. Zion, 90-39, to capture the title. John Cedric Sasil led the way for Hype x Ceburitto with 14 markers. (JNP)

MT. Zion ruled over the 15-under division of the Court General Summer League 2023 Presented by Trillis with a thrilling 56-55 win over Jax Basketball in the finals last Friday at the Roadstar Sports Gym in Pardo, Cebu City.

Brent Bihag paced Mt. Zion with 18 points.

The tournament, which was organized by renowned coach Jabby Bautista, attracted 30 teams across three divisions—13-under, 15-under, and 17-under. The goal of the competition was to develop the skills and confidence of young players in a professional setting.

Mt. Zion was also victorious in the 17-under class, as it edged Jax Basketball, 83-78, in the championship match. Jances Anacta had 16 points to pace Mt. Zion.

In the 13-under division, Hype x Ceburitto clobbered Mt. Zion, 90-39, to capture the title. John Cedric Sasil led the way for Hype x Ceburitto with 14 markers. (JNP)

GLOBAL central bankers met on Monday, July 24, 2023, for the 28th Executive’s Meeting of East Asia Pacific Central Banks (Emeap) Governors’ Meeting in Yokohama, Japan.

Emeap member central banks, including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and monetary authorities participated in the meeting, which was chaired by Ueda Kazuo, governor of the Bank of Japan.

Governors shared their views on the recent economic and financial conditions, including the sustainability of the ongoing domestic economic recovery amid headwinds from global financial tightening and weakening external demand.

“Members also exchanged views on sustainable finance, which is vital for a smooth transition to a low carbon future in the region,” BSP said.

The discussion focused on exploring the role of central banks in supporting private sector efforts and market development on sustainable finance as well as possible areas for cooperation among Emeap member central banks.

In addition, as this year marks 20 years since the launch of the Asia Bond Fund, members assessed the developments of the local currency bond markets since its launch and shared possible approaches to further deepen the local currency markets in the Emeap region. (CSL)

IN LINE with the National Government’s digitalization drive, the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) signed a data sharing agreement to provide a more efficient and seamless banking experience to GSIS members.

Under the Agreement, GSIS will share its members’ data with Landbank to enhance the delivery of banking services, which include real-time crediting of benefit claims, loans and other proceeds for over 1.5 million GSIS members who maintain accounts with the bank.

The collaboration will likewise allow members of the state pension fund to receive their Landbank Visa debit cards within the same day of card enrollment at the GSIS main office in Pasay City.

Through Landbank Cards, members will be able to conveniently receive and withdraw their claims and proceeds from GSIS.

“This agreement further builds upon the partnership of Landbank and GSIS to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency for the benefit of GSIS members.

We fully support the digitalization journey of GSIS by attending to their banking requirements with innovative solutions,” said Landbank president and chief executive officer Lynette Ortiz in a statement. (CSL)

PROPERTY giant Megaworld Corp. will open the 1,500-room Grand Westside Hotel before the end of the year inside its 31-hectare Westside City township in the bustling Entertainment City in Parañaque City.

Once opened, the 19-story, two-tower hotel will become the biggest hotel development in the Philippines in terms of total room keys.

To be managed and operated by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, Grand Westside Hotel will be the 19th hotel property launched by Megaworld and the second homegrown hotel brand to rise inside Westside City — the first being the 529-room Kingsford Hotel Manila.

The first tower of Grand Westside Hotel is slated for opening this year, while the second tower will welcome guests by 2024. (CSL)

NEW YORK — Elon Musk said Sunday, July 23, 2023, that he plans to change the logo of Twitter to an “X” from the famous blue bird, marking what would be the latest big change since he bought the social media platform for $44 billion last year.

In a series of posts on his Twitter account starting just after 12 a.m. ET, Twitter’s owner said that he’s looking to make the change worldwide as soon as Monday.

“And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds,” Musk wrote on his account.

The change isn’t surprising given Musk’s long history with the name “X,” says Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing consultancy Metaforce. The billionaire Tesla chief executive officer tweeted last October that “buying Twitter is an accelerant to creating X, the everything app.”

Musk’s rocket company, Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is commonly known as SpaceX. And in 1999, Musk founded a startup called X.com, an online financial services company now known as PayPal.

“Not sure what subtle clues gave it way, but I like the letter X,” Musk tweeted Sunday.

Hours later on Sunday, Linda Yaccarino, the longtime NBC Universal executive Musk appointed as Twitter CEO in May, weighed in on the move.

“It’s an exceptionally rare thing -- in life or in business -- that you get a second chance to make another big impression,” she wrote on her Twitter account. “Twitter made one massive impression and changed the way we communicate. Now, X will go further, transforming the global town square.”

Yaccarino wrote on Twitter that X would be “the future state of unlimited interactivity -- centered in audio, video, messaging, payments/banking -- creating a global marketplace for ideas, goods, services and opportunities.”

But the change on Twitter was met with skepticism on the social media platform.

The change will be very confusing to a huge chunk of the Twitter’s audience, which has been already souring on the social platform given a slew of other major changes Musk has made, Adamson said.

“They won’t get it,” he said. “It’s a fitting end to a phenomenal unwinding of an iconic brand and business.”

Earlier this month, Musk put new curfews on his digital town square, a move that met with sharp criticism it could drive away more advertisers and undermine its cultural influence as a trendsetter.

The higher tweet-viewing threshold is part of an $8-per-month subscription service that Musk rolled out earlier this year in an attempt to boost Twitter revenue. Revenue has dropped sharply since Musk took over the company and laid off roughly three-fourths of the workforce to slash costs and avoid bankruptcy.

Luring advertisers is essential for Musk and Twitter after many fled in the early months after his takeover of the social media platform, fearing damage to their brands in the enveloping chaos. Advertisers have cut back on spending partly because of changes Musk has made that has allowed for more hateful content to flourish and that has offended a wider part of the platform’s audience.

Musk said in late April that advertisers had returned, but provided no specifics.

Musk’s move to change Twitter’s logo to an “X” also comes as Twitter faces new competition from Meta’s new app, Threads, launched earlier this month. It has been seen as an alternative for those who have been upset with Twitter.

Threads is being billed as a text-based version of Meta’s photo-sharing app Instagram that the company has said offers “a new, separate space for real-time updates and public conversations.”

In the first five days of its launch, 100 million people had signed up for Threads, according to a post on Threads by Instagram head Adam Mosseri. (AP)

CARMEN Copper Corp., which has mining operations in Toledo City, Cebu, recorded a gold production of 12,925 ounces in the first half of 2023.

This was up by eight percent from 11,212 ounces posted in the same period last year, based on the financial results disclosed by its parent firm, Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. (ACMDC), to the stock exchange on Monday, July 24.

Atlas Mining’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cebu-based Carmen Copper, reported higher copper production and shipments in the second half of the year compared to the same period last year due to improvements in copper head grades and recovery.

Copper metal produced in the second half increased by 17 percent from 36.58 million pounds to 42.71 million pounds.

ACMDC posted revenues of P10.1 billion, a four percent growth from last year. Net income ended at P803 million for the first half of 2023. The company said copper metal price stood at US$3.95 per pound in the second quarter of 2023, lower by 11 percent from last year of $4.45 per pound.

However, gold price had increased to US$1,937 per ounce from US$1,879 per ounce in the same period of 2022, Atlas Mining said.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization was P3.61 billion for the second quarter of 2023 compared to P3.88 billion in the same period of 2022. (CSL)

LEADING digital solutions platform Globe has started to prepare its network, prepositioning personnel, and supplies in anticipation of the potential impact of Typhoon Egay.

The weather system, forecast to graze the country early this week, rapidly intensified Monday morning, prompting the state weather bureau to raise storm warning signals across the country. PAGASA warned Egay could further intensify into a super typhoon, with the northernmost provinces at the highest risk of impact.

To prepare for the storm, Globe has placed technical and support personnel, as well as critical supplies, in areas where the storm may pass or else trigger enhanced monsoon rains. Globe facilities are equipped with generators and alternative power sources to ensure power supply and prevent commercial power outages from affecting the delivery of connectivity services.

Globe is also on standby for the possible deployment of Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging, and Libreng WiFi Services in areas where the storm may cause power and service outages.

“We have prepared our network, facilities, and personnel to minimize the potential impact of Typhoon Egay and prevent service disruptions. We stand ready to support our customers who may be affected by this typhoon,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, at Globe Group.

Globe calls on residents in areas that may be affected by Egay to make their own preparations, including storing food, water, and medicine, readying first aid kits, emergency light sources and batteries, and charging their mobile devices.

To help customers access timely and verified weather updates, Globe provides free data access to the website of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Globe would also like to remind the public to get their information from legitimate and trusted news sources to make sure they get vetted weather information, and heed warnings sent by the agency via SMS alerts.

For more information on Globe’s disaster response operations, follow GlobeICON on Facebook or visit globe.com.ph for the latest #StaySafePH advisories. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

AIRASIA Philippines has announced that wearing face masks is no longer mandatory on all domestic flights. This follows the National Government’s decision to lift the state of public health emergency under Presidential Proclamation 297, supported by the Department of Transportation’s Department Order 2023-017.

Meanwhile, wearing face masks for international destinations will remain subject to the existing health protocols in the destination country. AirAsia destinations Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have lifted the face mask requirement as early as the first quarter of 2023.

Despite dropping the face mask policy, the airline remains committed to adhering to the highest standards of safety among all its flights.

“There is no room for complacency in the airline business. We want our guests to feel secure when they fly with AirAsia. Although it is no longer a policy, guests, and crew may still opt to wear face masks whenever they deem necessary. However, we also want to reiterate that our aircraft are equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which filter and block 99.97% of airborne particles including known bacteria and viruses,” AirAsia Philippines public affairs head and spokesperson Steve Dailisan said in a statement.

The company is also asking its guests for more patience as airport authorities have implemented the mandatory removal of shoes during final x-ray screening in the airport for enhanced security purposes.

“AirAsia supports activities that would enhance safety and security among all industry stakeholders. This additional layer of security screening should be viewed as a deterrent to illegal activities and other threats especially now that air travel is on its strong rebound,” Dailisan said.

Stuck at home and can’t wait for the PBA and NBA season to start? Well, here are five sports movies you can watch to satisfy the sports fanatic in you. This list won’t include sports classics like Rocky and Coach Carter, rather, it will focus more on modern movies you might have missed but are still worth watching. Sit back, relax (or get hyped) and enjoy these fine selection of sports movies:

“Warrior” (2011)

An emotional love-hate triangle between two brothers and their father. Tommy (Tom Hardy), a former Marine, comes back home and gets trained by his alcoholic father (Nick Holte) for a mixed martial arts tournament, things take a turn when his path collides with his distant older brother (Joel Edgerton), now a family man. This is not your typical sports flick, as it focuses on love, honor, and the intricacies of family dynamics.

“42” (2013)

The first major lead role of the late Chadwick Boseman, “42” is about the true story of the legendary Jackie Robinson as he overcomes challenges to become the first African-American to play in the Major League Baseball. Boseman’s powerful portrayal of Jackie Robinson is considered by many to be his best. It’s a compelling story of the fight against racism and baseball history. A great watch regardless if you are a baseball fan or not.

“The Way Back” (2020)

Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck), a former high school basketball phenom, gets a shot at redemption as he coaches the struggling basketball team of his alma mater, all the while facing his addiction and dealing with his broken family. The movie is a melancholic tale exploring the consequences of our actions and how we can look “way back” to inspire and redeem ourselves.

“12 Mighty Orphans” (2021)

Set in the 1930s, this underdog story follows a football team of orphans and how their devoted mentors, Doc Hall (Martin Sheen) and Rusty Russell (Luke Wilson) lead them to the state championship. It’s based on the inspiring true story of the Masonic School for Orphans in Texas. Overall, the movie is familiar and “easy to watch,” akin to the sports flicks of the ‘90s.

“Foxcatcher” (2014)

A must-see intense drama based on the true story of the US wrestling team “Foxcatcher’’ of the 1988 Olympic Games. The star-studded cast comprises Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo as the Olympic wrestling Schultz brothers, and Steve Carell as millionaire sports enthusiast John du Pont. Bennett Miller won as best director for this movie at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Every year for many decades, July 16, 2023 is “Friendship Day” for members of the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R) Dramatics and Cultural Ensemble (Drac) and Amparito L. Lhuillier Educational Foundation and Speechcom alumni. The date coincides with the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. So, USJ-R has novena masses and other related activities during this religious event.

The USJ-R Drac alumni across the globe find time and ways to renew their friendship ties.

Thank you for the prayerful greetings from my colleagues from Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko; We Care; Zonta Clubs 1 and 2; Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; American Chamber; Cherrypie Callelero; USJ-R; and Benedicto College.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration has failed to address the pressing issues that concern the youth sector of the country, particularly on providing free education for all and helping graduates secure jobs that match their courses, a militant leader said.

Kyle Enero, chairperson of Kabataan Party-list Cebu, said they were not disappointed with Marcos’ performance in his first year in office since they did not expect him to do projects that will be beneficial to the disadvantaged members of the youth.

"We are not expecting from him at all. Because in reality, he wasted his first year in presidency, he wasted the opportunity in helping the common Filipino. If we rate him, it will be 0/0," Enero told SunStar Cebu during a protest rally on Monday, July 24, 2023, hours before Marcos will deliver his second State of the Nation Address (Sona).

The militant youth leader urged the National Government to invest more on quality education in the country so more youth can avail themselves of free and accessible education, in contrast to the slashing of budget of state universities and colleges (SUCs) last year.

Based on the proposed national budget for 2023, SUCs were allocated funds amounting to P93.08 billion, lower than the P103.97 billion budget in 2022.

He also challenged the government to increase the budget allocation for education to six percent of the Philippines' gross domestic product (GDP) following the international standards or education set by the United Nations.

According to the Philippine Institute for Domestic Studies (Pids), since 2010 to 2019, the government has only been spending amounts equating from 2.2 percent to 3.6 percent of the GDP to education.

Job mismatch

Enero also hit the National Government for not intervening on the lack of job opportunities available for college graduates, which led to job mismatching.

Job mismatch is a growing phenomenon wherein the skills required to be successful in a certain position and the skills possessed by a certain employee are not completely aligned with each other.

According to a Pids report in August 2022, 40 percent of employed Filipinos have academic credentials beyond what is needed in their jobs and that these Filipinos were only earning five percent more for finishing their studies despite being relatively overeducated for their positions.

Enero said more youth chose to enter the freelancing industry now instead of applying for a job where they can fully utilize the degree program they have graduated from in college.

No crimes

Police Major Efren Diaz Jr. of Cebu City Police Office told SunStar Cebu that the protest rally in Cebu City remained orderly, adding that they have not recorded any crimes relating to the event.

Diaz said the police office deployed around 100 personnel on standby to maintain the peace and order during the demonstrations.

He said among the places that they focused on were Colon Street in downtown area, Plaza Independencia in Barangay San Roque, Fuente Osmeña Circle in Osmeña Boulevard, and Carbon Freedom Park in Barangay Ermita.

Aside from Kabataan Party-list Cebu, 11 other groups joined the protest rally in Cebu City on Monday. These include Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Central Visayas, Partido Manggagawa, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, Kilusang Pambansang Demokrasya, Freedom from Debt Coalition, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Urban Poor Alliance Cebu, Akbayan Citizens Action Party, Alyansa ng mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno, All UP Academic Employees Union Cebu, University of San Carlos Supreme Student Council and Independent Vendors for Empowerment and Development.

The groups said there were more or less 600 activists from Cebu-based progressive groups who joined the rally on Monday to air out their grievances concerning issues from different sectors in the community. (KJF)

CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia described the State of the Nation Address (Sona) delivered by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday afternoon, July 24, 2023, as comprehensive.

"The President gave a very comprehensive report on the gains of the PBBM administration in just one year. And considering that he started with an economy ravaged by the pandemic restrictions, I must say he has done admirably well," Garcia told reporters on Monday, July 24.

The governor also admired the finale of Marcos’ speech that gave emphasis on tourism slogan “Love the Philippines."

"Most of all, I really appreciated the ending. This is a President who, by word and by deed, is leading our country and all of us Filipinos to genuinely and truly Love The Philippines!," Garcia said.

The governor had praised the president for his sacrifices on behalf of the nation.

These include traveling abroad to create positive relationships and attract investments to the country.

In his Sona, Marcos Jr. also underlined the importance of forging friendships with all nations in order to create a more orderly, peaceful, and successful nation.(ANV, TPT)

I remember years ago when I jogged at the oval of the Cebu City Sports Center. One time, the late Cebu Daily News (CDN) fotog Tonee Despojo approached me while I was doing the rounds. I was surprised by his presence and he told me his friends and he would be using the football field for a bit of an exercise. He said he did not want to grow old with any physical disability, so he had to do some exercises to improve his physical health. Yet, Tonee died relatively young nevertheless, succumbing to a cardiovascular ailment.

When you get old, you have to take good care of the organs of your body, like the heart. Another CDN fotog, Junjie Mendoza, suffered from a heart attack recently, but he is on the road to recovery. Former SunStar Cebu reporter Elias Baquero suffered from heart problems also -- before he retired a few years ago. He told me about how his friend Augusto Go of the Chong Hua Hospital, saved him from expensive heart bypass surgery, which was recommended by his doctor, by advising him to get a second opinion on the matter. He got well without surgery, but when he went back to normal living, a heart attack soon felled him. He died.

And who would have thought that another friend, Art Barrit of the Associated Labor Unions, and a seemingly healthy Cebu City Sports Center top gun Ricky Ballesteros, would succumb to cardiovascular ailments? This is the reason heart attacks and strokes are considered “traitor diseases.” You feel healthy enough not to watch what you are eating -- and then when the body already has enough, the attack comes. Often, it is already too late.

I used to joke about how people who grew up in poverty are malnourished because of the lack of resources while growing up. They strive and get rich -- and just when they already have the money to buy food, the doctor tells them to slow down on the food and go on a diet. That’s what life is sometimes: ironic.

I was hospitalized recently when my blood pressure shot up and refused to go down despite medication. I had to act before another stroke would hit me after the mild stroke I suffered a couple of years ago. At the hospital, I was fed with food that had less salt while a dietitian had to lecture me about the benefits of going on a diet. What we eat makes us what we are. My blood pressure shot up because I loosened up on what I ate. And I didn’t exercise much.

Disciplining oneself is among the difficult parts of living. There are even some religions that spend a good deal of time discussing the virtues of eating the right food and at the right amount. But practicing what is preached is difficult. So some people hold on to the opposite. We Cebuanos have a word for that: “pamahala.” We close our eyes, live the life that we want to and forge ahead. If we die in the process, at least we enjoyed life. And if we survive, well and good.

By the way, I would dedicate this column to Landring, a friend when I was growing up spending vacation time in the hometown of my father, Tudela. Landring succumbed to a heart attack recently. May his soul rest in peace.