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Jayson Tatum scores 33 as Celtics take 2-1 lead on Cavs

JAYSON TATUM recorded 33 points, 13 rebounds and six assists and the Boston Celtics regained the lead in their Eastern Conference second-round series with a 106-93 victory over the host Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.

Jaylen Brown scored 28 points on 13-of-17 shooting and collected nine rebounds as top-seeded Boston took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Jrue Holiday added 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists and Derrick White had 12 points for the Celtics.

Donovan Mitchell made seven 3-pointers and scored 33 points for the fourth-seeded Cavaliers. Evan Mobley had 17 points and eight rebounds, while Caris LeVert and Darius Garland scored 15 points apiece for Cleveland.

Game 4 is Monday night at Cleveland.

The Cavaliers were without big man Jarrett Allen (ribs) for the sixth straight game. Kristaps Porzingis (calf) missed his fourth straight game for the Celtics.

Boston shot 51.2 percent from the field, including 13 of 34 from 3-point range. Cleveland connected on 42.9 percent of its shots and was 12 of 36 from behind the Cavaliers trailed by 15 points before scoring the first six points of the final quarter. Mr. Mobley capped it with back-to-back hoops to bring Cleveland within 84-75 with 10:29 remaining.

Payton Pritchard and White nailed 3-pointers over the next few minutes as Boston pushed its lead to 94-81 with 6:58 remaining.

After a three-point play by Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Brown and Mr. White scored to give the Celtics a 98-84 advantage with 5:42 left.

Mr. Tatum’s fall-away baseline jumper over Max Strus made it 104-89 with 2:14 left, and Boston closed it out.

Boston led by nine at the break before opening the third quarter with 14 consecutive points.

Tatum opened the quarter with a three-point play, Mr. White added a 3-pointer and Mr. Brown followed with a layup to increase the margin to 17. Mr. White and Mr. Holiday knocked down treys to end the surge and give the Celtics a 71-48 lead with 9:06 left in the third quarter.

Mr. Mitchell hit a short jumper with 8:39 left in the third to start a 9-0 run as the Cavaliers pulled within 14 with 5:25 left. Boston thwarted the charge, and Mr. Brown drained a long 3-pointer with 20.3 seconds left to give his team an 84-69 advantage entering the final stanza.

Mr. Tatum scored 18 points in the first half as the Celtics took a 57-48 lead into the break. Mr. Mitchell had 23 in the half for Cleveland. — Reuters

Champion Real Madrid celebrates title with crushing win over Granada

GRANADA, Spain — Newly-crowned LaLiga champions Real Madrid earned an emphatic 4-0 win over relegated Granada on Saturday, extending their unbeaten league run to 28 games.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side continued their superb form following their midweek Champions League semi-final win over Bayern Munich, reaching 90 points in the standings, 15 clear of second-placed Girona with three games remaining.

Fran Garcia broke the deadlock with an easy finish after a long series of passes in the 38th minute before he set up Arda Guler to slot home and extend the advantage just before halftime.

Brahim Diaz made it 3-0 in the 49th minute with a shot into the near post, and the Morocco international scored his second nine minutes later off a Luka Modric pass from the right.

Granada remain in 19th place with 21 points, while 15th-placed Mallorca’s victory over Las Palmas earlier in the day confirmed their relegation after just one season in the top flight.

Real boss Mr. Ancelotti meanwhile had words of encouragement for the relegated side.

“In sport you have to look at defeat too, it has to be an opportunity to do better in the future,” the Italian told reporters. — Reuters

T-Wolves vs Nuggets

There’s no doubt that the Timberwolves headed into Game Three with the confidence of winners. Having emerged with victories in the high-altitude lair of the Nuggets, they figured on consolidating their preeminent position by holding court at the Target Center. Unfortunately, they looked flat from tipoff, and the seeming nonchalance with which they greeted the task at hand was all the opening the defending titleholders needed to show that the series is far from settled.

By the time halftime rolled around, the Timberwolves stared at a 15-point deficit borne of a striking inability to keep pace with the well-prepared Nuggets. If they thought they had any advantage that brought them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven matchup, it was promptly disabused in the face of the competition’s systematic thwarting of their efforts. Clearly, champion head coach Michael Malone spent the intervening days between Games Two and Three breaking down film and coming up with resilient countermeasures.

To be sure, the Timberwolves appeared to have been thrown off by the tighter officiating that allowed the Nuggets to execute with precision. The latter saw fit to resort to the Nikola Jokic-Jamal Murray high-screen-and-roll action early and often, and the quick whistles of the arbiters prevented them from resorting to the constant physicality that they employed in the two previous contests. And with the baskets came the self-assurance that hitherto appeared to abandon the blue and yellow.

In any case, the Timberwolves stayed ill-equipped in the third quarter; in fact, they were even worse. And by the time the final canto began, the outcome was all but a foregone conclusion. Certainly, lethargy overcame the supposedly lethal duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. ‘I’ll take the blame for this loss. I came out with no energy at all. I can’t afford to do that for my team. I let my team down, coaches down, fans down,” the 22-year-old two-time All-Star often compared to all-time-great Michael Jordan admitted.

The good news is that today is literally another day, and if there’s anything that bench tactician Chris Finch has underscored, it’s his capacity to use any intervening time to make critical adjustments at least as well as Malone does. He knows how important Game Four is to their cause. Prevail, and they subsequently get three chances to advance to the conference finals. Suffer another setback, and they will have reduced the series to a two-out-of-three affair. In short, their destiny is theirs to carve.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human esources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Eight more Chinese cities join Hong Kong solo travel scheme

ANNIE SPRATT-UNSPLASH

HONG KONG — Eight more Chinese cities have joined a scheme allowing their residents to travel to Hong Kong on their own, rather than as part of a tour group, as part of efforts to boost Hong Kong’s economy.

Hong Kong is battling to revive its economy following a national security crackdown and COVID-related controls, which led to many local and expats leaving the city and caused tourist numbers to dwindle to a fraction of pre-pandemic levels.

The “Individual Visit Scheme” (IVS) began in 2003 as part of a cooperation agreement between mainland China and Hong Kong to boost the city’s economy by allowing Chinese residents to apply for individual travel, rather than in a tour group.

Fifty-one cities have already joined the programme and will be joined by Taiyuan in Shanxi Province, Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Harbin in Heilongjiang Province, Lhasa in Tibet Autonomous Region, Lanzhou in Gansu Province, Xining in Qinghai Province, Yinchuan in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Urumqi in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Hong Kong city leader John Lee said: “These eight cities are all provincial capital cities with large populations, significant economic growth and high spending power.”

Although recent official figures showed the territory growing 2.7% in the first quarter compared with the year before, local businesses have described shopping malls as “dead,” with low foot traffic and shops covered with “for lease” or “coming up soon” signs.

One lawmaker recently told the city’s legislature that more than 20,000 companies had deregistered in the first quarter of 2024, up more than 70% from the same period last year.

China imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020 after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019. In March, authorities enacted another set of security laws that some foreign governments say further undermine rights and freedoms.

The Hong Kong and Chinese governments have repeatedly said the security laws have brought stability. — Reuters

Elon Musk sees fourth flight of SpaceX’s Starship in 3-5 weeks

SPACEX
SPACEX

SPACEX’S STARSHIP ROCKET, a futuristic vehicle designed to eventually carry astronauts to the moon and beyond, will probably have its fourth flight in 3-5 weeks, the company’s Chief Executive Elon Musk said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday.

“Objective is for the ship to get past max heating or at least further than last time,” Mr. Musk said in response to a question about Starship.

Earlier this year, SpaceX’s Starship rocket completed nearly an entire test flight through space on its third try getting farther than ever before, but disintegrated on its return to Earth. — Reuters

Apple’s Maryland store workers vote to authorize strike

APPLE.COM

WORKERS at Apple’s store in Towson, Maryland, have voted in favor of authorizing a strike, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (AIM) said in a statement late on Saturday.

The date for work stoppage has yet to be decided, according to the union, which represents Apple’s retail store workers in Maryland.

“The issues at the forefront of this action include concerns over work-life balance, unpredictable scheduling practices disrupting personal lives, and wages failing to align with the area’s cost of living,” IAM said in the statement.

“We will engage with the union representing our team in Towson respectfully and in good faith,” an Apple spokeswoman said.

In June 2022, Apple workers at Maryland voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union, becoming the first retail employees of the tech giant to unionize in the United States.

Meanwhile, workers at Apple’s store in Short Hills, New Jersey, voted against unionizing, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday.

Communications Workers of America (CWA), which filed complaints with the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB) alleging illegal union-busting by Apple at the New Jersey store and others, blamed the defeat on the company’s behavior, the report said.

Apple retail staff at its New Jersey store had filed for union representation with Communications Workers of America on April 8, according to John Nagy, who is the operations lead at the Short Hills store and a member of the organizing committee

Apple did not respond to requests for comment on the vote against unionization. CWA and the NLRB did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the Bloomberg report on the New Jersey workers’ vote. — Reuters

Death toll from floods in Brazil’s south climbs to 136

RIO DE JANEIRO — The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state has climbed to 136, the local civil defense government body said on Saturday, up from 126 in the previous day, while another 125 people remain unaccounted for.

Storms and floods battering the South American country’s southernmost state have also left around 537,000 displaced, according to the local civil defense body, a significant increase over the 340,000 reported a day earlier.

About 446 urban centers have been impacted, affecting the lives of more than 2.1 million people in a state whose population is about 10.9 million.

Weather forecaster Metsul has reported that after a short respite, rains coming down over the state on Friday have begun to fill rivers in what it called a “worrying” situation.

“Accumulated precipitation is occurring in the worst possible region given the current flood scenario, along the basins and in the sources of the main rivers that are still full,” said the meteorological service in a public statement.

The state is at a geographical meeting point between tropical and polar atmospheres, which has created a weather pattern with periods of intense rains or drought.

Local scientists believe the pattern has been intensifying due to climate change. — Reuters

Germany’s Scholz says Ukrainians with work in Germany can stay

FRANKFURT — Germany’s chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday that Ukrainians with a residence permit and work in Germany can stay even as Ukraine seeks to recruit nationals living abroad to serve in the war against Russia. The Ukrainian government last month approved rules temporarily barring military-age men from applying for passports abroad, further tightening regulations as it seeks to address a shortage of troops to counter Russia’s attacks.

“The legal situation is such that residency here is not called into question by this,” said Mr. Scholz, speaking at a webcast event by the RND group of newspapers.

“Being in employment leads to security of residence,” he said, adding that Germany wanted to encourage Ukrainians in the country to work. — Reuters

South Korea prepares support worth over $7B for chip industry

CHRIS RIED-UNSPLASH

SEOUL — South Korea is readying plans for a support package for chip investments and research worth more than 10 trillion won ($7.30 billion), the finance minister said on Sunday, after setting its sights on winning a “war” in the semiconductor industry.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said the government would soon announce details of the package, which targets chip materials, equipment makers, and fabless companies throughout the semiconductor supply chain.

The program could include offers of policy loans and the setting-up of a new fund financed by state and private financial institutions, Mr. Choi told executives of domestic chip equipment makers at a meeting, the finance ministry said in a statement.

South Korea is also building a mega chip cluster in Yongin, south of its capital, Seoul, which it touts as the world’s largest such high-tech complex.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed to pour all possible resources into winning the “war” in chips, promising tax benefits for investments. — Reuters

Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring propels economic empowerment for Filipino MSMEs

Amid fluctuating economic conditions faced by Filipinos, Puregold continues to fortify the foundation of local communities — sari-sari stores and food establishments. Recognizing these entrepreneurs as pivotal to the Philippine economy, Puregold’s Tindahan ni Aling Puring program offers comprehensive benefits tailored to bolster resilience and support the growth of the micro, small, and medium business enterprises sector.

“We have seen record-setting volumes, thanks to more small business owners signing up for Tindahan ni Aling Puring,” said Ferdinand Vincent P. Co, president of Puregold. Members attribute this to Puregold’s offerings, including the convenience of a one-stop shop for all their business needs, the reliability of product quality, convenient locations, and competitive pricing.

With nearly one million members, the Tindahan ni Aling Puring program is the cornerstone of Puregold. One way that Puregold gives back to its members is through the annual Negosyo Convention, scheduled for May 16-18, 2024, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This year’s theme, “Asenso Tayo,” underscores Puregold’s commitment to boosting the profitability and long-term viability of Filipino sari-sari stores and other small businesses.

“Behind nearly every sari-sari store in the Philippines is Puregold. We are honored to be their ally in their journey to success and financial independence,” said Mr. Co.

Puregold reiterates that its core mission will continue to benefit sari-sari stores and other businesses. Through strategic initiatives and robust support systems, Puregold pledges to remain a steadfast partner in the growth and success of Filipino entrepreneurs across the nation.


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Mother’s Day gift ideas: Upgrading your mom’s garden with outdoor furniture

Nurturing, caring, and loving are words we associate with our mom, mama, mommy, or nanay. Our mother’s unconditional love has always been our anchor in life, and we thrive thanks to their fostering heart and unwavering support. So, this Mother’s Day, let us give back to our mothers by supporting their hobbies, such as gardening. Why don’t you surprise her by transforming her garden into a stylish and cozy hideaway where she can relax and have fun with loved ones? Build a garden where furniture and plants collide in a way that nourishes her soul and brings her closer to nature.

Wilcon Depot offers a wide range of outdoor products to create a space of comfort and relaxation for her backyard. Elevate her outdoor space and make it more inviting. Spruce up your mother’s outdoor experience to new heights with our variety of outdoor furniture, lighting, and tiles, designed to make her outdoor space more inviting and enjoyable, just as she deserves.

Give your mother the gift of simple comfort with the Heim Patio Outdoor Dining Set. Made with durable PE rattan, this set is designed to withstand the changing weather, providing your mother with a peace of mind and minimal maintenance. Whether she is sipping coffee over chat with you, relishing in her solitude, or hosting an evening outdoor gathering with loved ones, this set will be her perfect companion, offering a nature-inspired look that enhances the beauty of her backyard.

Don’t let the heat of the sun dampen your mother’s outdoor enjoyment, especially this summer. The Heim Steel Banana Umbrella is a practical solution, providing a cool shade for her to lounge in. Its sturdy design and classic green color will not only protect her from the sun but also complement her garden’s look.

When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t have to end. There are many outdoor lights to choose from with Alphalux. Illuminate her space aptly with the Alphalux Led Flood Light, an eco-friendly choice that mimics the bright color of sunlight and saves 70% less electricity. For a stylish touch, choose the Alphalux Post Lamp,  built from lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and recyclable aluminum material. These versatile lights are designed to enhance the outdoor experience, no matter the occasion.

Complete your mother’s outdoor area with a pathway that reflects her garden’s personality. If she prefers minimalist designs and simplicity, the Saigres Criscross Tile is the perfect choice. This ceramic tile adds a chic touch to her garden with its beautiful gray and white cross patterns, reminiscent of stones. However, if maximalism and colorful flowers are the focal point of her garden, get the Saigres Doily Stone Outdoor Tile for a vibrant pathway that will create a pathway that perfectly complements her outdoor space.

Let your mother’s personality shine with these stylish additions to her outdoor space. Remind her that between her busy schedule, she should allow herself to bask in the sun occasionally and be one with the earth. Explore endless quality choices through Wilcon Depot’s products and check out these outdoor essentials that will make a difference in her sanctuary.

Bonus Tip: Essential Items for a Healthy Garden

Potted Beauties

First, start by picking the perfect home for your mom’s botanical beauties: plant pots. Heim Home Essentials offers various rubber plant pots in different sizes and colors. If she owns bigger plants sitting outside to get all their nourishment, get her the Heim Rubber Plant Pot, which offers a deep interior and is perfect for plants that grow large. For plants she puts as decorations, get the Heim Ceramic Plant Pot carved with a gorgeous pattern and a glossy finish. She wouldn’t want this to get muddy, and it will surely make her plants look prettier. There are many pots in different finishes and materials to choose from, but what matters is where her plants will be most comfortable.

Hydrated Greens

There are two things a garden can’t live without: sunlight and water. Watering cans are optional for smaller plants, but to effectively help her water the lawn, she should use a Metal Head Impulse Sprinkler. It has an adjustable spray pattern and customizable spray from a powerful blast to a gentle mist. Another option is the Truper 3-Ply Garden Hose, which is easier to install and paired with the Spray Nozzle to maximize and control the water flow. These water mechanisms ensure her garden will get enough water, and she will have a thriving green haven with time!

Tending Essentials

Gift her gardening tools that will make her tasks more manageable. P.Tech Rake can help her whisk away leaves and debris falling, and to level soil and cover newly planted seeds. With its sturdy yet thin handle, storing this rake wouldn’t be a problem. The Truper Trowel is a small yet handy tool to dig holes and remove pestering weeds. Trim plants growing out of control with the Gilmour Grass Shear. With its vertical blade design, this can also cut the grass that mowers can’t reach and give an efficient slice-cut action every time.

For a mom, tending to a garden and caring for her family is quite similar. With enough love and attention, plants and children can grow into something she can be proud of. Gardening is a beautiful way for moms to find pleasure in nurturing plants and enjoying the outdoors. Converting her garden into a scenic and comfortable retreat where she can unwind to care for her mind and soul is the best gift you can give her on this special day. When you combine gorgeous furniture and her healthy plants, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful results she can achieve!

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact the Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.

 


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Treat Yourself 2024: Welcome to the self-care movement

As SM Supermarket and Savemore Market’s Treat Yourself enters its 4th year, it continues to redefine shopping experiences as more than just an event; it’s a movement advocating self-care and indulgence, fostering a culture of fun and wellness. For until the end of May, shoppers are invited to embark on a journey of joy, relaxation, and delight at their branches nationwide.

A Celebration of Self-Care

The Treat Yourself campaign offers an array of deals and offers across food, beauty, and health segments. Moreover, SM Advantage Card (SMAC) members can expect member-only deals, enticing bundles, freebies, and substantial discounts.

Supported by leading grocery brands such as Coca Cola, KitKat, Milo, Bear Brand, Chuckie, Colgate, Head and Shoulders, Dove Hair, Dove Body, and many more, Treat Yourself promises an enriching shopping experience with event-exclusive offers.

Pillar ambassadors are at the forefront of spreading the self-care movement during the Treat Yourself campaign. In the food category, we have professional chef Gerick Manalo and food enthusiast Bayaw Mike. For beauty, actress-vlogger Bea Borres and model Racy Oliva take the lead. In health, wellness advocates Dan and Danica will share tips for a balanced lifestyle. Together, they’re here to inspire and guide everyone to prioritize self-care.

Delightful Experiences Await

From skincare to wellness products and delectable treats, shoppers can immerse themselves in exclusive promotions both in-store and online at smmarkets.ph. The excitement extends beyond discounts with captivating activities and experiences at SM Supermarket and Savemore Market.

From May 3 to June 7, patrons can enjoy up to P40 off in all stores, along with exclusive offers at select branches. With enticing incentives such as up to 50 extra points, 5+1 promo bundles, and complimentary items in every pack, Treat Yourself ensures a delightful shopping experience.

Moreoever, exclusive to the Treat Yourself expo branches at SM Supermarket San Lazaro on May 3-5 and at SM Supermarket Dasmariñas on May 24-26, the first 50 shoppers will receive a free Treat Bag. Each bag is filled with self-care goodies worth over P1,000, and it’s all yours with a minimum purchase of P2,000 inclusive of any Treat Yourself items.

For those seeking even greater rewards, every purchase of P500 worth of Treat Yourself items during the aforementioned dates and locations, shoppers stand a chance to win an exhilarating P10,000 grocery shopping spree.

The excitement extends online as well, where shoppers can shop at smmarkets.ph from May 1-15 and get FREE Coles Malted Milk Biscuits with a minimum spend of P3,000 inclusive of any participating Treat Yourself items.

As we indulge in the Treat Yourself experience, let this celebration remind you that every day is a chance to prioritize your well-being, embrace self-care, and to love yourself.

 


Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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