WHOLESALE price growth of general goods accelerated to 4.5% in July from 4% in June, driven by the food, animal and vegetable oils, and manufactured goods segments, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday. Read the full story.
FOR JUST the Hangzhou Asian Games unfurling late this month, Tokyo Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Olympian Elreen Ando won’t be competing in the same division for a chance to snare two gold medals instead of one.
Ms. Diaz has been penned to see action in the 59-kilogram class while Ms. Ando in the 64kg in the quadrennial meet slated Oct. 23 to Oct. 8.
“59kgs for Hidilyn (Diaz), and 64kg for Ms. Ando,” said Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella.
The two have been competing against each other in the 59kg category since one entry per country is allowed in the Paris Olympics next year.
And after two International Weightlifting Federation-sanctioned Olympic qualifying events they’ve joined, Ms. Diaz has led Ms. Ando in their heated race.
They, in fact, will clash in the 59kg in the World Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where they will plunge into action tomorrow.
Apart from the two, the country is also fielding Vanessa Sarno (76kg), Rosegie Ramos (49kg) and John Febuar Ceniza (men’s 61kg) in Hangzhou.
In Riyadh, the 19-year-old Ms. Ramos gave a glimpse of her Asiad medal potential after she recently placed seventh out of 41 participants in the 49kg class in the World Championships in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ms. Ramos, a two-time Asian Junior champion and a Southeast Asian Games bronze winner, had a total lift of 188kg on 86kg in snatch where she placed sixth and 102kg in clean and jerk where she wound up 13th.
Another Philippine bet, Lovely Inan, also joined but she failed in all of her three attempts at 80kg in snatch.
Olympic hopeful John Febuar Ceniza, meanwhile, was competing at press time in the men’s 61kg while Ms. Sarno and countrywoman Kristel Macrohon are booked in the 71kg next week. — Joey Villar
Molten Corp., revealed the official FIBA Finals Game Ball last Sept. 4, 2023 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Music Hall.
“The BG5000 FIBA World Cup 2023 Official Game Ball represents a perfect synergy of cutting-edge technology and the timeless essence of basketball. We made sure that the design and performance pay homage to the sport’s rich history while pushing the boundaries of what a game ball can achieve,” said Noa Hasegawa, Molten Head of Marketing.
A mere 1,200 units of this Official Finals Game ball are made available globally and can be secured solely through Molten’s official e-commerce hub, accessible at www.molten.com.ph.
JAPANESE coach Munehiro Kugimiya, the man behind Filipino world champion gymnast Carlos “Caloy” Yulo’s massive international success, will launch today (Sept. 7) the Japanese Cultural Grassroots Project’s gymnastics course at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) developmental gym inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
Mr. Kugimiya said the goal of the project is to give both aspiring and already polished gymnasts access at a world-class facility and training program at a very minimum fee with hopes of producing more world beaters like Caloy (Yulo), a two-time world champion and the country’s best hope for a Paris Olympics gold next year.
“I would be happy even if one or two (gymnasts) attend the first day although I hope in three months or more, there will be more,” said Mr. Kugimiya, who is flying back home to Japan tomorrow, referring to his pet project’s soft opening.
“My goal is to give everyone a chance and help them win in international events,” he added.
It was Mr. Kugimiya, with help from the Japanese embassy, who helped broker the millions of pesos worth of Olympic-standard equipment, which was used in the Tokyo Olympics two years ago, being donated to the GAP headed by Cynthia Carrion.
It was actually turned over by Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa to Ms. Carrion last March but was only installed just last month by a team headed by Mr. Kugimiya himself.
Mr. Kugimiya also said that there will be four trainers and instructors from the GAP itself who will supervise his program.
“With the use of this proper equipment and with GAP trainers and instructors, these young athletes will undergo sessions where they can learn not only gymnastics basics but also hone their skills as they go up different age group levels,” said Mr. Kugimiya.
He promised the already cheap fee would get smaller as the participants get bigger. “We will only be charging nominal fees,” he said.
The courses offered are for pre-school, elementary high school, parents with toddlers, developmental gymnasts, as well those for all ages, including seniors, after undergoing the proper evaluation of their capabilities and skill levels.
With the help of his “Keep Going” (KG) management team led by his local administrator, Jun Esturco, Mr. Kugimiya’s vision is to provide a source of revenue for aspiring and promising athletes not only in gymnastics, but in other sports so they can also train properly and excel like his prized protégé. — Joey Villar
FORWARD Bukayo Saka was named England Men’s Player of the Year for a second successive year, the English Football Association said on Tuesday.
Arsenal’s Mr. Saka, 22, was voted the standout player of the 2022-23 season by fans, ahead of midfielder Jude Bellingham and striker Harry Kane, who were second and third, respectively.
Mr. Saka, who made his England debut in October 2020 scored seven goals in 10 games over the last 12 months for England — including three goals at the 2022 World Cup.
He was named player of the match during England’s opening 6-2 win against Iran in Qatar, as well as in the wins over Ukraine and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifiers, the latter game included a first career hat-trick.
Mr. Saka, who was surprised with the news at England’s training base, St George’s Park, to mark his 22nd birthday, was recently named PFA Young Player of the Season and included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
The 2022-23 England Women’s Player of the Year will be announced later in September, the FA said. — Reuters
NOVAK Djokovic blew off some steam following Tuesday’s US Open win by belting out a rendition of a Beastie Boys classic and the second seed said he was trying to enjoy his time on court despite the pressure he faces to keep winning.
The 36-year-old, who is looking to match Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles, powered past American Taylor Fritz 6-1 6-4 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium to reach a record 47th major semifinal.
Appearing more relaxed in his post match interview, Djokovic sang, ‘(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party)’ with fans in the stands joining along.
“I’m trying to enjoy the moments on the court, but there’s so much stress and pressure going on that it’s hard to have fun, so to say, on the court,” Mr. Djokovic told reporters.
“It’s really about finding a way to navigate through the match and win a match for me, you know.
“But off the court, in terms of the actual journey of still being a professional tennis player and going around the world, traveling with my coaching team, we try to keep things light and have fun and enjoy life.”
The Serbian said he expects a “great battle” in the semifinals on Friday against the winner of the all American meeting between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton.
“Both of the guys … Shelton and Tiafoe, have a lot of charisma,” Mr. Djokovic said. “They bring a lot of energy on the court. They’re very quick, very powerful.
“I have couple days off. It actually serves well for my body at this stage of the tournament. I’ll be ready whoever is across the net.” — Reuters
Early childhood development is an essential part of a child’s growth that starts at home and is further strengthened in schools and community centers. Since 2002, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc. (RMHC) has recognized that not all Filipino children have equal access to opportunities that support their development and have since remained committed to supporting early child development in local communities in need.
Laying Foundations for a Brighter, Happier Tomorrow
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), McDonald’s Philippines’ charity of choice, has been building learning centers known as the Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit across the country to support communities by providing safe spaces where children can learn and play. Every Bahay Bulilit is open to low-income families, offering a place where parents can entrust their children with accredited daycare workers, ensuring the children engage in age-appropriate learning activities and play.
“Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit is one of our flagship programs that bring to life RMHC’s mission of supporting Filipino children’s need for shelter, education, and happiness. We are grateful for the support of McDonald’s Philippines, our government and community partners in forging a better, brighter, and happier tomorrow for the kids,” said Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC.
Each Bahay Bulilit is a collaboration wherein RMHC through McDonald’s Philippines, constructs the learning center, the LGU donates the land where the learning center is built, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provides trained and capable social workers to ensure the quality of the children’s learning. This way, parents are assured that their children’s welfare and safety are prioritized.
A Cradle of Hope and Light
More than a daycare center, each Bahay Bulilit answers a community’s need for safe spaces where their children can learn and socialize. The learning centers are carefully built to incorporate facilities that contribute to the learning experience of around 90-100 children on average per learning center.
The primary feature of a Bahay Bulilit is the Learner’s Area where children are taught basic lectures on values and ethics. A Reading Corner is also placed inside the learning center to encourage early appreciation for reading where children get to read interesting stories with the help of the social workers.
While in the Play Corner, children are encouraged to have fun, express creativity, and learn to make friends among their peers. Basic hygiene is also taught among little ones through the help of the Handwash Area and separate comfort rooms for boys and girls.
Being a “house for the little ones,” the Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit enriches and cradles big dreams that grant underserved Filipino children the chance to receive quality childhood education that is critical in their formative years.
On to a brighter future
In a span of two decades, RMHC now has opened 38 active Bahay Bulilit learning centers nationwide and has supported over 78,500 Filipino children to date. Celebrating its most recent turnover last July 31, 2023, RMHC has opened its doors to another Bahay Bulilit at Brgy. Alapan 1-A, Imus, Cavite.
McDonald’s Philippines is always actively searching for ways to be a step ahead in helping the communities they serve. Through the quick service restaurant giant’s support, RMHC aims to open its third Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit within the year in San Fernando, Pampanga. The location of each learning center is strategically decided based on the needs of the community as well as the recommendation of the local government.
“As a company with a mission to create feel-good moments for all, McDonald’s Philippines recognizes its responsibility and ability to make a positive impact in communities. We are committed to support RMHC in building a brighter future for Filipino children through learning,” said Margot Torres, McDonald’s Philippines’ Managing Director.
To learn about Ronald McDonald House Charities or RMHC Philippines and how to help, visit www.rmhc.org.ph.
To learn more about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Facebook, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, @McDo_PH on Twitter.
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With Christmas season approaching, companies of all sizes are preparing for annual retreats and team-building activities. Given the value of their contributions, you should recognize your employees’ efforts and give them a well-deserved respite with leisure activities after your yearly strategic and budget planning meeting. Whether in the heart of the metro or on serene coastal shores, Astoria Hotels and Resorts offers a range of strategically positioned properties in prominent destinations, such as Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Makati, and Ortigas. Each features ideal accommodations for discerning corporate travelers seeking luxury and ease.
Astoria Hotels and Resorts extends an exclusive invitation to your corporate group to embark on a refreshing getaway. This is the moment to indulge in the exquisite experiences offered by their top-tier properties and discover what Astoria is all about.
Astoria Palawan, Where Nature and Leisure Converge
Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and a diverse array of marine creatures, Palawan is a sanctuary for those who seek adventure and appreciation of nature’s magnificence. Bask in the awe-inspiring sights of Puerto Princesa’s offerings and discover ultimate comfort at Astoria Palawan.
Located in the verdant surroundings of Puerto Princesa, Astoria Palawan showcases the unspoiled beauty of nature in its purest form. To provide unparalleled experience for business and leisure, Astoria offers the Mangrove Conference & Convention Center By Astoria, an exceptional events venue within the resort. The facility spans an area of 439 square meters. It houses a primary convention hall that can accommodate 450 individuals at maximum capacity and two function rooms capable of hosting 200 guests each.
Astoria Palawan offers world-class amenities, including 198 gorgeous rooms, 3 stunning pools, a recreation pavilion equipped with karaoke and games, and on-site restaurants, cafés, and a resto-bar. Additionally, the resort is home to Palawan Waterpark By Astoria, the only waterpark in the region. These facilities are sure to satisfy your needs for a balanced work-and-play retreat.
Astoria Boracay, Where Luxury and Tranquility Meet
Boracay, a highly sought-after destination, is a scenic sanctuary for those seeking solace on its sun-kissed shorelines and pristine aquamarine waters. Its breathtaking beauty, adorned with ivory sands and crystal-clear seas, is a testament to the artistry of nature.
This is why Astoria Boracay chose Station 1 as its home. The resort offers 71 well-appointed rooms for ultimate relaxation. Additionally, you can take in stunning sunset views by standing on their beachfront, providing you with a magnificent golden view.
For meetings, their function rooms can be combined to accommodate 80 people. To cap off your event, White Café offers a selection of gastronomic delights, expertly prepared to satisfy discerning palates. Savor their exceptional offerings and experience the epitome of culinary excellence.
Astoria Current, Where Vibrance and Activity Abound
Located in the bustling hub of the island, Astoria Current can be found on the Station 3 strip of Boracay. Experience the most thrilling water sports activities the island has to offer with ease and excitement! The resort has more than 200 rooms in total, offering rest at its finest after a day of tropical adventure.
For your company’s major presentation, you may book Astoria Current’s function room which has a seating capacity of up to 140 people. If a more intimate gathering is required, you may opt to use the Sales Deck function room that can accommodate 100 people.
Experience a delightful start to your evening at Stratos bar, the idyllic rooftop hangout spot on the island offering cold cocktails and an enchanting ambiance under the stars. If you’re looking for an authentic culinary adventure, Parasol is the perfect destination, renowned for its generous servings of traditional Filipino fiesta dishes, including fun boodle fights. For casual corporate gatherings, Citrine offers an inviting and comfortable atmosphere – the ideal setting for team lunches, dinners, and brief alignment sessions.
Astoria Greenbelt, Where Convenience and Comfort Align
Astoria Greenbelt is situated in the bustling Makati business district, conveniently located along Arnaiz Avenue. It is a sophisticated hotel that provides a luxurious staycation experience, catering to business travelers and individuals seeking a break from the urban jungle. After an afternoon of brainstorming, you may come home and surrender to relaxation in one of their 48 rooms.
The executive boardroom offers a setting for corporate leaders to strategize and chart the course for their organization’s success. With a seating capacity of up to 15 individuals, the boardroom is designed to provide a seamless business gathering experience, complete with the essential amenities necessary to facilitate presentations at the highest level of professionalism. Dine in their modern and chic Tableau café, where you may savor international and local delights to end the busy day.
Astoria Plaza, Where Productivity and Relaxation Connect
Perfect for city life, Astoria Plaza is within walking distance to Pasig City’s shopping centers, hospitals, and universities. This ensures that you are always at the center of its activities. Shopping purchases are made easier with complimentary roundtrip shuttle services to nearby malls in Ortigas.
With 131 suites, a wide range of boardrooms and function rooms are also available for business conferences within the hotel premises. If your team requires a big venue, Chardonnay Events Hall By Astoria, is the perfect option. Located minutes away from Astoria Plaza, it has 3 function rooms that can accommodate up to 400 guests.
Proximity to the hotel grants access to gourmet delicacies, with international and local cuisine served at Café Astoria and with Japanese dishes in Minami Saki By Astoria. The latter is an award-winning restaurant belonging to Tatler’s Best Restaurants list, multiple years in a row. Enjoy the popular Aburi Sushi and other delectable teppanyaki dishes.
Be it for business or leisure, every journey is always an opportunity to experience the beauty of Astoria Hotels and Resorts and their top-tier services that offer a memorable journey. When deciding on your next destination, the choice should be #AlwaysAstoria. To know more, visit www.astoriahotelsandresorts.com or call (+63) 939-939-1731/(+63) 917-559-4341.
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JAKARTA — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday it is important to avoid a “new Cold War” when dealing with conflicts between countries as world leaders gathered in Indonesia amid sharpening geopolitical rivalries across the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking at an annual summit involving members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and South Korea, Mr. Li said countries needed to “appropriately handle differences and disputes.”
“At present, it is very important to oppose taking sides, bloc confrontation and a new Cold War,” Mr. Li told the meeting.
ASEAN, which has warned of the danger of getting dragged into major powers’ disputes, is also holding wider talks with Mr. Li, US Vice President Kamala Harris, and leaders of various partner countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and India.
Neither US President Joseph R. Biden nor his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, is attending the summit.
High on the agenda at the gatherings in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, is concern about China’s increasingly assertive activity in the South China Sea, an important trade corridor in which several ASEAN members have claims that conflict with China’s.
ASEAN this week discussed with China accelerating negotiations on a long-discussed code of conduct for the waterway, said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi of the ASEAN chair, Indonesia.
The issue also came up during an ASEAN-Japan summit where leaders “expressed the importance of keeping situations in the region conducive, especially in the Korean Peninsula and also the South China Sea,” she said.
The United States and its allies have echoed ASEAN’s calls for freedom of navigation and overflight and to refrain from building a physical presence in disputed waters. China has built various facilities, including runways, on tiny outcrops in the sea.
“The vice president will underscore the United States’ and ASEAN’s shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea, in the face of China’s unlawful maritime claims and provocative actions,” a White House official said on Tuesday.
Just before this week’s gatherings, China released a map with a “10-dash line” showing what appeared to be an expansion of the area it considers its territory in the South China Sea.
Several ASEAN members rejected the map.
‘GREAT DANGER’
Some members of the Southeast Asian grouping have developed close diplomatic, business and military ties with China while others are more wary. The United States has also courted ASEAN countries with varying degrees of success.
ASEAN, in a draft of a statement it will issue this week and seen by Reuters, said it needed to “strengthen stability in the maritime sphere in our region … and explore new initiatives towards these ends.”
Lina Alexandra, a political analyst at think tank CSIS, said the draft was “very weak on the issues of the South China Sea,” noting the Philippines was losing patience with ASEAN when it came to dealing with China’s presence in the area.
“If ASEAN is not useful that is a great danger, because the other option is they go up to the big powers and they bring these big powers to the region,” Ms. Alexandra said.
A source close to the matter verified the draft.
The summit also saw South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledge to work with Japan and China for the early resumption of a three-way talks between them in building better ties.
Mr. Yoon said any military cooperation with North Korea must immediately stop, referring to a report that its leader, Kim Jong Un, plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss supplying Russia with weapons for the war in Ukraine.
The 10 members of ASEAN held their summit earlier in the week with leaders seeking to assert the bloc’s relevance in the face of criticism it is failing to press Myanmar’s military leaders to cooperate on a plan for peace in their strife-torn country.
ASEAN member Myanmar has been gripped by violence since the generals overthrew an elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in early 2021.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. — Reuters
JAPAN will strengthen its support and cooperation with Southeast (SE) Asian nations in six areas including transportation infrastructure and maritime patrols, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday.
He made the remarks in a speech to the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) in Jakarta, which is hosting a summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this week. The move comes as China asserts itself in the region’s disputed waters.
“We will develop a wide range of cooperation initiatives in the political, security, economic, cultural and social areas,” Mr. Kishida said.
Japan will offer training for 5,000 people over the next three years in the six areas, which also include cooperation on cyberspace, Mr. Kishida said. Transportation infrastructure projects include building seaports, roads, railways and airports.
Japan will also help enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities by training personnel at coast guard agencies and maritime police, as well as providing patrol vessels, Mr. Kishida said.
Following the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Kishida also said Japan would strengthen supply chains with the region to secure a stable distribution of goods and food security.
Tokyo is due to host a summit meeting with ASEAN leaders in December to celebrate 50 years of ties. — Reuters
VENICE, Italy — Venice plans to experiment with an admission fee of 5 euros($5.35) for day trippers next year to try to manage the flow of tourists drawn to its historic canals, the city council said on Tuesday.
The fee will be applied on a trial basis on 30 days next year, focusing mainly on spring bank holidays and summer weekends when tourism numbers are at their peak. All visitors over the age of 14 will have to pay it.
The aim was to find “a new balance between the rights of those who live, study or work in Venice and those who visit the city,” Venice tourism councilor Simone Venturini said.
It is not a money-making move, he added, saying the fee would only cover the cost of administering the scheme.
The exact dates of the plan and how it will be run will be agreed after final council approval, which is expected next week.
The plan, first mooted in 2019, was initially postponed because of COVID-19, which kept tourists away, and later for technical and procedural reasons.
Visitors have meanwhile poured back into Venice, with outsiders often vastly outnumbering the roughly 50,000 residents of the city centre, overwhelming its narrow alleys.
Overtourism has long been a problem for the fragile lagoon city.
In July, UNESCO experts recommended that Venice and its lagoon be added to its list of World Heritage in Danger, claiming that Italy was not doing enough to protect the city from the impact of climate change and mass tourism. — Reuters
NAIROBI — The world is losing the race to meet its climate change goals, the president of the upcoming COP28 summit said on Tuesday, as African leaders called for changes to what they say is an unfair international climate finance system.
The grim assessment by Sultan Al Jaber, who will preside over the summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in late November, came three days before the United Nations publishes its first “global stocktake,” an assessment of how nations are doing in their efforts to tackle climate change.
“We are not delivering the results that we need in the time that we need them,” Mr. Jaber, who also heads the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, told delegates at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.
The summit, which opened on Monday, is focused on mobilizing financing for Africa’s response to climate change.
While Africa is suffering from some of the most severe impacts of climate change, the continent only receives about 12% of the financing it needs to cope, according to researchers.
Hundreds of millions of dollars of investments in sustainable development projects were announced on Monday, and on Tuesday Mr. Jaber announced the UAE was pledging $4.5 billion dollars to develop 15 GW of clean power in Africa by 2030.
Africa currently has about 60 GW of installed renewables capacity.
Germany also announced 450 million euros ($482.31 million) in financing, including 60 million for a green hydrogen project in Kenya, and the United States committed $30 million to supporting climate resilience and food security efforts.
African officials say the investments are welcome but that meeting the continent’s financing needs will require a transformation of the global climate financing architecture, particularly given governments’ high debt loads.
Specifically, African states plan to push at the COP28 for the expansion of special drawing rights at the International Monetary Fund that could unlock $500 billion worth of climate finance, which could be leveraged up to five times.
Kenyan President William Ruto said that special drawing rights should be made available to the countries that need them most, which he said has not previously been the case.
CARBON TAX
Complaining that African countries pay five times as much in interest as other borrowers, he called on multilateral finance institutions to increase concessional lending and for a “conversation” about a carbon tax to finance development.
“Those who produce the garbage refuse to pay their bills,” Mr. Ruto said, striking a different tone from Monday when he said the summit was not to “catalogue grievances and list problems.”
Joseph Ng’ang’a, who was appointed by Ruto to lead the summit’s secretariat, said the proposal was a carbon tax that could be collected from fuel suppliers, relieving governments of the domestic political pressure against taxing fossil fuel consumption.
“If the carbon tax is at source… every barrel that comes out of the ground has a tax on it,” he said. “And because fossil fuels are sold on a global market, you can track it, then it is an even cost globally.”
The president of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, called for the continent’s natural wealth, notably its forests which sequester carbon, to be accounted for when calculating its economic output. He said this would make it easier for African countries to access debt financing.
A loss and damage fund was agreed at last year’s COP27 to help poor countries battered by climate disasters, but Majid Al Suwaidi, COP28’s director general, said negotiations over how to implement it were not going fast enough.
“We have been calling on countries to make early commitments because it is not enough to operationalize the fund, it needs to be capitalized,” he told Reuters. — Reuters
