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Showing posts from June, 2025

Protesters march to the U.S. Embassy to call for overhaul of global financial system, joining worldwide protests ahead of UN finance conference

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  MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Over a thousand members of economic, finance and climate justice groups marched to the U.S. Embassy today to demand major reforms to the global economic and financial system, in time for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla, Spain, where world leaders will meet from June 30 to July 3 to address the financing needs of the developing world. The march in Manila was organized by the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD), as part of worldwide protests held simultaneously in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Latin America. According to the OECD, the gap between development financing needs and available resources will rise to USD 6.4 trillion by 2030 without a drastic overhaul of the global financial system. The global actions called for wealth taxes to generate revenue and debt cancellation to free up fiscal space. Protestors also called on the governments of rich countries to deliver climate fina...

Encantadia Chronicles : Sang'gres

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  By: Hensie Tumbagahan In 2005, Encantadia was first shown in national television. I was only 12 years old and in my high-school era. In 2016, GMA officially released new series of Encantadia. After 11 years, from a high-schooler, I'd become a mother. Now, in 2025, Encantadia Chronicles is making a buzz again, entertaining a new generation, the 2005 generation, and the 2016 generation. Every generation is comparing which one is the best. They are revisiting their memories of what they've remembered while watching these epic and fantastic dramas. I can say Encantadia series were one of the historic and unforgettable dramas of GMA network. Pero sana wag kayong magalit sa mga writers ng Encantadia Chronicles. Bakit daw ang bilis ng mga pangyayari at ang daming nagta-travel papuntang Devas? Ilang episodes pa lang? When we say chronicles, hango ito sa salitang chrono na ang ibig sabihin ay ang pagkasunod-sunod ng mga importante o mahalagang pangyayari sa isang tao, lugar, o istory...

Catch I Remember You on the Big Screens Nationwide

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Starring JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro, I Remember You is set to grace selected cinemas Will a love once lost in the waves find its way back to the shore? Coming this July 9, 2025, the romance film I Remember You will be released in cinemas nationwide. Written and directed by multi-talented Filipino artist Boboy Yonzon III, the film’s lead stars, JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro, will bring to life a heartfelt story of love and reconnection. The film will follow the journey of a CARD Bank Area Manager, portrayed by JC, who was sent to Boracay to assist the struggling community despite carrying painful memories of a past relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Valeen. What makes this film essential for viewing is the raw look of resilience amidst struggles, the quiet courage to move forward, and the subtle glimmer of hope that shines through it all. It is not just a love story, but it also weaves together the struggles of ordinary people who try to rebuild their lives. I Remember You is i...

Group’s slam Japan’s megabanks for being ‘villains of the climate crisis’

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  Climate advocates gathered in Manila today to confront what they called the “villains of the climate crisis” – Japanese megabanks and energy companies fueling the “unprecedented wave” of fossil fuel expansion across Asia. Makati’s business district became the site of a symbolic protest where the activists restrained the anime-style “villains” with ropes to depict public resistance to Japan’s continued fossil fuel financing, which, they say, is accelerating climate destruction. The mobilization, organized by the Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development, the Asian Energy Network (AEN), together with the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Sanlakas and other APMDD member groups, was held in time for the Annual General Meeting of Japan’s largest megabanks MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, and energy giant JERA. It was part of Asia-wide actions against Japanese public and private corporations’ involvement in fossil fuel expansion in Asia. Coordinated actions were also held in Bang...

Filipino community in Belfast celebrates Barrio Fiesta

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  Belfast- Thousands of Filipinos in Belfast, Northern Ireland, recently successfully elebrated the Philippines' Independence Day through an annual Barrio Fiesta. The Barrio Fiesta held last June 21 was held at the Grosvenor Leisure Center. The featured guests and performers include Ian Vemeracion, Robb Gunto, Angeli Khang, Mia Librojo, Mel & France, Paul Trajano, Patricia Trajano, Ilocano Irish Association Dancers, Hazeline Beunaventura, Cool Rain Band, and Fimus Tala Fusion Dance Troupe. Aside from the performances, the Filipino also  showcased foods and delicacies. The organizers said that Barrio Fiesta translates to "neighbourhood festival" in Tagalog, a regional language of the Philippines.\ The event celebrated Filipino heritage, traditions, and cuisine. This is also the time among the Filipinos for a fellowship with each other.

Madela exudes brilliance @ the newly opened coral lounge in Okada, Manila

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  Last weekend, Madela showcased a performance like never before as he lit up the Coral Lounge in Okada Manila with much power and exuberance which truly made a lasting impact! Madela continues to shine bright as he gave an exceptional 1 hr and 30 minute-show featuring some of the iconic crossover hits and all-time favorites to the delight of the crowd! Jed, whom early in his career was exposed to the band scene, and is very diverse when it comes to his musicality, curated an extra special line up just for his first night at the “Celebrity Saturdays” show in Okada. What seemed to be an ordinary night was brought to life by Madela as he unquestionably enthralled the VIPs, high rollers and locals, hit after hit garnering him a thunderous applause every spot. He also made sure that the sold-out show captured the hearts of the crowd, giving in to almost all of their requests mid-show and took a generous amount of time to greet everyone who was celebrating something special during that ...

Climate groups call out Japan’s dirty energy agenda on the eve of the energy summit

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  (photos by Elmer Valenzuela) Climate groups gathered in front of the Japanese Embassy in Manila today to condemn  “Japan’s fossil fuel obsession”  and its promotion of false solutions, which are endangering the climate and harming communities across Asia. The climate advocates-  coming from the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD,) and other groups –  staged their action on the eve of the Japan Energy Summit,t which will be held from June 18 to 20 in Tokyo. Hosted by Japanese energy giants JERA and Tokyo Gas, the annual event is viewed by activists as an ineffective attempt to “greenwash Japan’s destructive role in Asia’s energy future.” “ At a time of worsening climate crisis, it’s outrageous to see an industry summit propping up fossil fuel companies under the guise of energy transition. The Japan Energy Summit doesn’t accelerate the shift to clean energy. What we urgently need is a full-scal...

Boy Abunda stars in Visayas business forums

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  Iloilo City- King of Talk Boy Abunda is expected to be part of the highlight of this year's business forums in Visayas, The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo said that Abunda has confirmed his participation in this year's 'What's Up Western Visayas Conference '.. This will happen on July 18 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel-Iloilo. What’s Up Western Visayas is a regional business conference organized by PCCI Iloilo, bringing together industry leaders, government officials, and NGOs to discuss the evolving business landscape and growth opportunities in the region. "We’re thrilled to welcome multi-awarded talk show host and communication expert Boy Abunda this July 18 at Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo. In his session, “The Power of Resilience: How Adversity Shaped Success,” Tito Boy will share powerful reflections on navigating media, business, and life’s toughest moments — all with his signature wit and wisdom. Don’t miss the stories that shape...

Kalibo to celebrate fourth hydro festival

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  KALIBO, Aklan- The local government of Kalibo under the administration of Mayor Juris Bautista-Sucro is set to celebrate hydro festival, now on its fourth year. Sucro said that the festival set on June 24, 2025 at the Pook Jetty Port features Filipino reggae band Tropical Depression, Also to perform includes Jenniferlee and many more. The said concert is free of charge. June 24 is long considered in Kalibo as the religious feast in honor of St John the Baptist. Sucro said aside from the hydro festival, other activities includes food fest (Jue 20-24), boxing, boat race, zumba, and many other parlor games. Meanwhile, the Kalibo Municipal Police Station is currently preparing to ensure the success of the festivity.

Two Aklanon teen stars in a nationwide theater showing

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  Boracay Island—At least two Akeanon teens will star in an anticipated romantic movie set to be shown nationwide on July 9. The teens were Adrianna Nicolette Cooper of Malay, Aklan, and Early Grace Abarro of Altavas, Aklan. The movie also featured some microfinance workers based in Boracay Island. Shot in 2024, the film 'I Remember You' follows Isagani (JC Santos), a successful bank manager sent to Boracay to help a struggling community, despite painful memories from his past with his ex-girlfriend, Debbie (Valeen Montenegro). Many of the scenes were shot on Boracay Island. Their journey of reconnection leads them both to second chances in life, love, and community. The full-length film is produced by Bente Production. Written and Directed by Boboy Yonzon. "I thanked the Boracay Island News Network (BINN) for endorsing me in this film, together with Ms Cooper," Abarro said. Bente Productions Inc., which started in 2024, is a community-driven media production comp...

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  The Department of Tourism (DOT) formalized a multi-year partnership with premier race organizer Runrio Inc . through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday (Jun. 9), reinforcing its promotion of the Philippines as a sports tourism destination. Held at the DOT Multi-Purpose Hall in Makati City, the signing marked the renewal of the Department’s collaboration with RUNRIO Inc., represented by its CEO and President, Rio de la Cruz. “Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we have made sports tourism a strategic priority, a platform not just to showcase our destinations, but for celebrating Filipino resilience and excellence, not to mention highlighting the beauty of our destinations,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said. “Today’s Memorandum of Understanding signing and renewal of commitment with RUNRIO, Inc. is the necessary and welcome step towards that vision, a way to move the Philippines forward, one powerful stride at a time,...