A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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May 17, 2025
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HEADLINES
Japan's oil refiners scale back decarbonization efforts, refocus on fossil fuels
Pollution Incident at UK’s Felixstowe Port Prompts Warnings
Marcos to winners: Let’s move forward together
Easytrip RFID services unavailable May 19-20 due to maintenance
OFWs to enjoy lower remittance fee as PH exits from FATF gray list
Lea Salonga reflects on the rise of Filipino representation on Broadway
BINI holds peaceful send-off before touring Dubai, London, US, Canada
NBA: Jokic, Strawther star as Nuggets down Thunder to tie series
Dominant Sinner into semis; Gauff marches to final
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
China allows visa-free entry for 5 Latin American nations to boost ties
BEIJING, May 17 ------ China will allow visa-free entry for nationals of five Latin American countries for one year to boost closer connections with the region.
Starting June 1, citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be allowed to enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, China's Foreign Ministry announced. The trial program will be in effect for one year. "We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, to experience the colorful and vibrant China," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily briefing.
Beijing hosted the China-CELAC, or Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Forum earlier this week, aiming at strengthening its alliances in the region as a counterweight to U.S. influence.
China has been opening up to dozens of countries including most of the European nations, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia to boost the economy after strict pandemic travel measures. China and Uzbekistan will also begin mutual visa-free entry for up to 30 days starting June 1, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, center, Colombia Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia and Honduras Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina attend the plenary session of the China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting in Beijing Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Source: mb.com.ph
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Japan's oil refiners scale back decarbonization efforts, refocus on fossil fuels
TOKYO, May 17 ------ Japanese oil companies are scaling back decarbonization initiatives, including hydrogen and ammonia projects, amid a global shift towards more stable and cost-effective fossil fuels. The move reflects mounting concerns over energy security, US policy risks, and rising material costs driven by inflation, all of which undermine project profitability and predictability.
Across the global energy sector, companies that had reoriented their portfolios to address climate change are increasingly refocusing on oil and gas, where returns have become more attractive following a rebound in fossil fuel prices from pandemic-era lows. "The trend toward a carbon-neutral society is slowing, and the full-scale bifurcation of the energy transition, previously expected around 2030, may be delayed," Eneos Holdings CEO Tomohide Miyata told a news conference this week. Japan's largest refiner is in no rush to supply hydrogen and ammonia, as surging costs are clouding the likelihood of capital investment, Miyata added.
In its new three-year business strategy through March 2028, Eneos removed its previous target of supplying up to 4 million metric tons of hydrogen by fiscal year 2040. Instead, stable and affordable energy, including oil, has become more important amid the rising cost of decarbonization technologies, Miyata said, adding the company would ramp up investment in liquefied natural gas.
Idemitsu Kosan, Japan's No 2 refiner, has trimmed decarbonization investment plans, cutting its budget for initiatives such as hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels from ¥1 trillion (US$6.9 billion) to around ¥800 billion for the period from fiscal 2023 to 2030, President Noriaki Sakai said this week. "We sense that the momentum toward decarbonization is slowing somewhat ... and believe it is necessary to adopt a flexible approach regarding both the pathway and timeline to achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050," he said. While the global slowdown in low-carbon solutions has become increasingly evident, these remarks are among the most explicit to date from Japanese oil executives to acknowledge it.
In February, BP revamped its strategy to cut spending on renewables and lower-carbon solutions while increasing annual oil and gas spending. Norway's Equinor scrapped its 2030 target for investments in renewables and low-carbon solutions. At the energy sector's annual conference in Houston in March, executives from both fossil fuel and renewable companies touted the need to shift from "energy transition" to "energy additions".
Source: channelnewsasia.com
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MARITIME NEWS
CORE POWER: SHIPS for America Act will inject capital into US shipbuilding, nuclear technologies
May 17 ------ UK-based maritime nuclear innovation company CORE POWER has lent its voice to proposed legislation being reintroduced in the US Senate that calls for a transformation of the US shipping sector.
The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, which was first introduced in December 2024 under the previous administration, aims to revitalize the US shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. The move is said to chime with US President Donald Trump’s recent call to boost the American maritime industry to compete with China.
“CORE POWER unequivocally endorses the SHIPS for America Act of 2025. The technological edge it will advance through its support of US-flagged, large civil nuclear-powered ships will allow America to regain global maritime leadership. Moreover, it will strengthen American supply chains and the workforce to the mutual benefit of both our private maritime sector and the great US Navy,” Mikal Bøe, Chairman and CEO of CORE POWER, commented. “Passing this bill will unleash immense private capital into shipbuilding and the US-built civil nuclear technologies – now being created here – which America needs to power a globally dominant maritime fleet of the future.”
China currently builds over 50% of the world’s ships – more than the rest of the world combined. The SHIPS for America Act aims to close this gap and boost the US Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for US maritime policy, making US-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the US shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training and retention.
“After decades of dangerously neglecting our shipbuilding industry, we’re finally doing something about it. The SHIPS for America Act is the most ambitious effort in a generation to revitalize the US shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries and counter China’s dominance over the oceans,” Senator Mark Kelly, who along with other legislators reintroduced the bill, said.
In related news, CORE POWER recently launched a US-anchored maritime civil nuclear program titled Liberty that aims to bring floating nuclear power to market by the mid-2030s. The program will lay the foundation for the use of nuclear power in the civil maritime sector, CORE POWER claimed, adding it will encompass modular construction of advanced fission technology and create the regulatory and supply chain frameworks necessary to enable this technology to be rolled out worldwide.
In January 2025, CORE POWER also partnered with naval architecture firm Glosten for the design of a floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) for ports in the United States.
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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Pollution Incident at UK’s Felixstowe Port Prompts Warnings
May 17 ------ Officials issued a warning to the public reporting that there was an ongoing “pollution incident” at the Port of Felixstowe. Few details were provided but reports said it prompted a “pollution response procedure” to contain the spill.
The East Suffolk Council, the local government authority, posted alerts saying that it was working with partners in response to a “suspected deposit of soot into the water at the Port of Felixstowe.” Other reports warned that the shoot was also airborne and being carried by the wind. It was unclear which vessel might have been involved and if it was a release of scrubber washing from an emissions filtration system or from elsewhere of the vessel.
Residents and the public were being warned to stay away from any soot. However, they were told if they came in contact with the soot on their skin or clothing, they should “remove all contaminated clothing and wash the skin, using soap and water, for 10 minutes.”
The East Suffolk Council later said that there was no evidence of pollution having reached the shoreline at Felixstowe. “Due to the direction of the wind, some sooty residues were reported on parked vehicles in Harwich. We can now confirm that any pollution of water should disperse naturally,” the Council advised. While the local government declared the incident closed, officials said there would be an investigation into the source of the pollution and a review of the response.
Located on the southeast coast of England, Felixstowe is the largest container port in the UK, handling nearly half the country’s container volumes. It also handles RoRo and break bulk cargo.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Denmark Approves World's First Trial of "Remote Pilotage"
May 17 ------ Authorities in Denmark have signed off on the world's first test program for "remote pilotage" - a high-tech method of remotely guiding ships without putting a pilot aboard.
The concept of remote guidance for vessels is not itself new. VTS operators remotely monitor traffic in congested waters and can send navigational safety advice to individual ships. But pilotage has always been an in-person task - until now.
Working with DanPilot, Danelec has developed a system that takes advanced data from the ship and enables pilots to provide guidance remotely. The advantages include improved pilot safety - no more pilot ladder and pilot launch - and less fuel consumption for ships. According to the partners, the new approach does not compromise on navigational safety when compared to in-person pilotage. “Remote pilotage makes our work safer and helps reduce both CO? emissions and operational costs for our customers. We have worked intensively towards this for six years, and now we can finally test it in practice. It has the potential to become a major paradigm shift in how pilotage is carried out,” says Erik Merkes Nielsen, CEO of DanPilot.
For now, the initiative is a limited test program run with the approval of the Danish Emergency Management Agency, and will be restricted to the Kattegat and the western Baltic - and only on transits that do not require compulsory pilotage. Pilots based at a control center in Randers, Denmark will operate the system for the next 18 months and will make about 50 transits over the period. If it works as designed, it could be rolled out further, within Denmark and abroad. "Remote pilotage is not only a technological breakthrough – it is a strategic step towards safer and more sustainable shipping," said Danelec CEO Casper Jensen. "Here, cybersecurity – a cornerstone of our technology – is a prerequisite for implementing the solution safely and at scale in the global maritime sector."
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Remittances rise to $3.1 billion in March
MANILA, Philippines, May 17 ------ Personal remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rose by 2.6 percent to $3.13 billion in March from $3.05 billion in the same month last year amid sustained demand for Filipino labor abroad. However, economists are sounding the alarm over a new tax proposal in the United States that could threaten the steady inflow of remittances. The US remains the largest source of cash remittances to the Philippines.
Under the proposed measure, the US government may impose a five-percent excise tax on immigrant remittances. Analysts said this could discourage OFWs from using formal banking channels and shrink the overall volume of funds sent home. Reinielle Matt Erece, an economist from Oikonomia Advisory & Research Inc., warned that if the tax were applied to March inflows alone, it would translate to around P7.7 billion in potential losses for Filipino households. “The impact starts at the household level. Less remittances means less spending, lower disposable income and weaker consumption,” Erece said.
Remittances also provide a large cushion against foreign exchange fluctuations by being a key source for the country’s dollar reserves. “Since the country runs a trade deficit most of the time, this added tax means the country’s dollar reserves may deplete faster as dollar inflows from remittances may slow down,” he said.
Ser Percival Peña-Reyes, director of the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development, said it is difficult to predict the exact impact of the tax on remittance behavior, but acknowledged there is potential for a dampening effect. While not all OFWs will stop sending money, the tax can strain relationships between senders and recipients and create uncertainty. He also tied the proposal to broader US protectionist trends that began under the Trump administration, which signaled tougher stances on trade and legal immigration.
Based on BSP data, cash remittances coursed through banks rose by 2.6 percent to $2.81 billion in March from $2.74 billion a year earlier. The growth in cash remittances as of March was mainly driven by higher flows from the US, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. By country source, the US accounted for the largest share at 40.7 percent of total cash remittances in the first quarter, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
In the first quarter, cumulative personal remittances totaled $9.4 billion, up by 2.7 percent from $9.15 billion in the same period last year. Cash remittances reached $8.44 billion from January to March, also posting a 2.7 percent increase from $8.22 billion a year ago. John Paolo Rivera, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said that the proposed US tax could lead to a rise in informal remittance channels, reducing transparency and putting financial integrity at risk. “About 40 percent of Philippine remittances come from the US. Any significant disruption could discourage some OFWs from sending funds through formal channels, potentially pushing more transactions into informal or unregulated systems and pose risks to transparency and financial integrity,” Rivera said. The peso may also face depreciation pressures if remittance inflows are significantly disrupted, he said.
Peña-Reyes echoed concerns over informal channels. “There’s regulatory risk in those systems, and we obviously lose visibility over money flows,” he said, adding that remittances play a critical role in the country’s macroeconomic stability. Despite these risks, Rivera noted that the March and first-quarter figures reflect resilience in remittance flows. “Sustained demand for Filipino labor, especially in healthcare, engineering, and domestic work, continues to drive remittance growth. Seasonal needs like Holy Week and school-related expenses may have also contributed,” Rivera said.
The BSP expects cash remittances to grow by 2.8 percent this year and three percent in 2026.
Source: philstar.com
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Marcos to winners: Let’s move forward together
MANILA, Philippines, May 17 ------ With administration candidates unable to sweep the elections, President Marcos expressed his gratitude to all who took part in Monday’s midterm polls, and urged newly elected officials to “move forward together” to address the challenges facing the nation. Marcos reminded Filipinos that the elections are both “a celebration of continuity” and “a call to act on the real challenges our people face.” “Filipinos elected leaders who will listen and act – on inflation, on jobs, on corruption and on the everyday burdens they carry. These are issues we must face head-on,” the President said in a Facebook post.
Marcos stressed that governance is a shared responsibility and a mission that requires unity and burden sharing for the common good. “To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand. Let us move forward together – with open minds and a common purpose,” he said.
The President also shared a quote from his late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.: “If we are to prevail, we must prevail as Filipinos – for it is the only way to endure. If we are to attain our goals, we must march forward, not to the past but to the future. And we must do this as one family, a nation united.” At the same time, Marcos thanked those who voted for the senatorial candidates of the administration ticket Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Based on partial and unofficial election results, Alyansa candidates who entered the so-called Magic 12 were former social welfare secretary Erwin Tulfo, former senator Panfilo Lacson, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar and Sen. Lito Lapid. Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., Makati Mayor Abby Binay, former interior and local government secretary Benhur Abalos, and former senator Manny Pacquiao were in the 14th, 15th, 16th and 18th spots, respectively.
For his message to candidates who were not so fortunate, Marcos said their courage to stand for public service is deeply respected. He also noted that the Philippine democracy has once again renewed itself – peacefully, orderly and with dignity. “May God bless our leaders, our people and our beloved Philippines,” the President said.
Source: philstar.com
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Bulusan logs 14 volcanic quakes, 1 tremor - Phivolcs
MANILA, Philippines, May 17 ------ Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon was rocked by 14 volcanic earthquakes and one volcanic tremor during the 24-hour monitoring of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The monitoring posted on Friday said that the volcanic tremor lasted for 39 minutes. Phivolcs earlier defined a volcanic earthquake as one that originates from an active volcano, which differs from a tectonic earthquake, which is produced from faulting.
Meanwhile, a volcanic tremor is “a continuous seismic signal with regular or irregular sine wave appearance and low frequencies (0.5 to 5 Hz) where a tremor can be caused by magma flow, low-frequency earthquakes, or minor eruptions.” The volcano also released 748 tons of sulfur dioxide on Friday, which is more than the 406 tons it emitted the day before. It generated a plume that rose 100 meters high, and drifted west. The volcano edifice was observed to be inflated.
Phivolcs observed an increase in the volcano’s activity last Monday where it detected 309 volcanic earthquakes since midnight of May 8. The volcano had a phreatic eruption last April 29, while its eruption last April 28 prompted its alert level hike from Alert Level from zero (normal) to one (low-level unrest). Phivolcs prohibits entry into the four-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone and flying of any aircraft close to the volcano.
Source: inquirer.net
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TESDA, GCash partner to expand online courses reach
MANILA, May 17 ------ The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced the partnership it reached with GCash to expand the agency's online program's reach. With the recent partnership, GCash users could view the TESDA Online Program (TOP) website through the GCash app's GJobs icon, making more people aware of the courses. "Through the partnership, learners will be able to access industry-relevant courses and effortlessly explore employment opportunities via GJobs, powered by PasaJob. By linking skills development with job accessibility, this collaboration will help Filipinos move efficiently from education to workforce readiness, supporting their long-term career growth," TESDA said in a news release.
“By integrating TESDA’s programs within the GCash platform, we are empowering individuals with the tools they need to build financial independence and secure meaningful job opportunities in the digital economy," G-Xchange Inc. vice president and head of Innovations Leonardo Ferdinand Byron Perez was quoted as saying.
TESDA and GCash will also conduct consultative meetings to explore how financial technology tools and innovations can improve TOP and digital learning. “Through this collaboration with GCash, we can reach more Filipinos and equip them with the industry-relevant skills and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s evolving job market,” TESDA Secretary Francisco Benitez said.
TOP offers 187 courses and is accessible via e-tesda.gov.ph.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Easytrip RFID services unavailable May 19-20 due to maintenance
MANILA, Philippines, May 17 ------ Several radio frequency identification (RFID) services will not be available due to upcoming system maintenance of Easytrip Services Corporation. The corporation announced on Thursday that it will conduct a system maintenance from May 19, 11 p.m. to May 20, 5 a.m., thus advising motorists to plan their transactions ahead to avoid inconvenience.
The following RFID services will not be available during the activity:
- RFID reloading (via MPT DriveHub app, Easytrip stations, kiosks and other reloading platforms)
- Balance inquiry
- Statement of Account Generation via myeasytrip web
- RFID installation in Easytrip stations, customer service centers and toll plazas
- Online RFID appointment via Online RFID Reservation and Appointment System
“Rest assured that all passages and transactions are recorded and will be reflected in your account accordingly,” the corporation said in a statement.
Source: inquirer.net
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'Balikatan' boosts PH Army units 'joint, combined' ops
MANILA, May 17 ------ Philippine Army (PA) units that participated in this year's "Balikatan" exercises enhanced their joint and combined operations capabilities with the assistance and support of their US counterparts.
Joint and combined operations are the means of conducting force projections against a threat. "Participating PA units significantly enhanced its joint and combined operations (capabilities) particularly in maritime security, amphibious operations, air and missile defense, and cyber defense," PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Wednesday.
The Army's interoperability with allied forces was "deepened" especially in the use of advanced defense systems and integrated air-sea-land assets, Dema-ala said. "The exercise strengthened our command and control systems through integrated operations in live, virtual, and constructive environments."
The annual drills, Dema-ala said, provided critical exposure to emerging defense technologies and best practices, enabling the troops to operate alongside and learn from allied militaries in real-time scenarios. Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. touted this year's exercises between Filipino and American troops as exemplary.
The drills started April 21 and ended May 9. Brawner said the most valuable outcome of the exercise has "been the enhanced mutual trust, deeper understanding, and renewed commitment to shared security goals" between the participating nations.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Travelers told: Heed safety measures on power banks
May 17 ------ AIRPORT and airline officials remind travelers that power banks are strictly prohibited in checked baggage due to the risk of overheating and potentially spark fire inside airplanes. Passengers are advised to keep their power banks with their personal belongings, either under the seat or in the seat pocket in front of them, rather than in the overhead compartments. The use of power banks during the flight is also not allowed.
On Monday, authorities were able to prevent a fire incident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after smoke was reported coming from the baggage carousel in Terminal 1. “The situation was promptly handled, resulting in no injuries or damage to airport facilities,” said the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the airport’s private operator.
The smoke was observed coming from Baggage Carousel 3 around 4:55 p.m. “Airport emergency response teams were immediately took action, and passengers nearby were safely evacuated as a precaution. The area was secured, and ventilation measures were implemented to dissipate the smoke,” said NNIC.
Airport officials identified the source of the smoke as a power bank that had likely fallen from a passenger’s luggage into the carousel system. “The device caused a minor spark, resulting in the smoke. It was immediately contained and the carousel remained fully operational after testing.”
Clean-up of the area was completed shortly afterward, and terminal operations continued without further disruptions. “We thank all responding teams and partner agencies for their swift action. The safety and well-being of passengers remain our top priority,” the NNIC stated.
Passengers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh. For those with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh, passengers can request approval at the check-in counter. Authorities emphasized the importance of following these guidelines and the safety protocols established by airlines concerning the transport, use, and storage of power banks on commercial flights. Adhering to these measures is essential for ensuring passenger safety and preventing in-flight incidents caused by the misuse or malfunction of lithium batteries.
Source: manilastandard.net
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Youth vote credited for historic turnout in 2025 midterm polls
May 17 ------ The youth vote came out in force during the May 2025 midterm elections, helping drive the highest voter turnout ever recorded for a non-presidential race, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). According to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, tye May 2025 midterm elections recorded the highest voter turnout in terms Philippine midterm poll history, with an estimated 81.65 percent of registered voters participating, according to poll body's initial unofficial figures.
Garcia attributed this historic turnout — 55.87 million out of 68.43 million registered voters — to the strong participation of young voters and heightened public awareness in the lead-up to the elections. “Base sa inisyal nating pagtingin, talagang dumagsa ang kabataan sa pagboto (Based on our initial observations, the youth really turned out in large numbers to vote)," he said during a press briefing. He noted that while voter participation was high across all age groups, the surge in youth involvement played a key role in mobilizing the electorate.The voter turnout came close to the 2022 presidential elections, which saw 84.20 percent turnout (55.43 million voters), highlighting how engaged the public remained even in a non-presidential race.
Garcia also highlighted the success of early voting, particularly among senior citizens and persons with disabilities, citing that over 3 million people had cast their votes in the first two hours of polling, between 5:00 to 7:00 a.m on election day. While new vote-counting machines were deployed in this election, Garcia said the turnout was less about technology and more about civic engagement. “Regardless of whether it is a new machine or not… I honestly believe basta mabigyan mo lang ng tamang prinsipyo't issue ang mga kababayan natin, they will go to the polls,” he said. Garcia pointed to Comelec’s sustained public engagement efforts, especially on issues like vote buying, as instrumental in challenging and motivating voters — particularly the youth — to exercise their right to vote. “Naniwala kasi ang mga kababayan natin na mabibilang ang boto nila,” he added.
As of Thursday, Garcia said the canvassing of 16 remaining Certificates of Canvass (COCs) was underway, with all local votes already in and only a few overseas precincts pending transmission — including those from Moscow and Iran, where technical limitations required rerouting through embassies in Qatar and Kuwait, respectively. Assuming the remaining COCs are transmitted by 3:00 p.m. Thursday, proclamation of the winning senatorial candidates is expected by Saturday afternoon, with party-list proclamations to follow by Monday. If realized, this will mark the fastest official proclamation in Philippine midterm history.
Garcia also reported a smooth and peaceful election process, emphasizing that no failure of elections occurred in any precinct across the country or in any of the 93 overseas posts. “Again, nagpapasalamat tayo sa lahat-lahat ng workers, teachers, PNP, AFP, ang ating lahat ng tumulong sa Commission ng Elections dahil wala tayo kahit isa na failure of election," he said.
Source: mb.com.ph
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Lea Salonga reflects on the rise of Filipino representation on Broadway
May 17 ------ Lea Salonga reflected on the rise of Filipino representation on Broadway. In an interview with CBS New York, the Filipino theater actress expressed pride and amazement at the number of Filipino talents currently starring in major Broadway productions including Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending, Tati Córdoba in Real Women Have Curves, and Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard, among others.
"All of these folks are incredibly inspiring. I need to amplify that we are all of Filipino descent because who in our right minds ever thought this would ever happen. I am seeing this in my lifetime. And I'm seeing it and I am still doing it, and I am still strong enough to do it," Lea remarked. She emphasized that this growing representation proves there's space for more diverse voices in theater. "The fact of the matter is there's room for all of us," she stated.
When asked if she ever thinks about her legacy, the Tony Award-winning actress shared a humble reflection: "It is a passing thought that oh this happened and now because of that, folks feel empowered to do this. The one contribution that I made was just looking the way that I do." This May, Lea is set to be honored at the 91st Drama League awards which is set to take place on May 16 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. The Filipino Broadway star will receive the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award.
In the segment, the Tony Award-winning actress read her letter as she reflected on her early years in the entertainment industry, her breakthrough role in Miss Saigon, and the impact she unknowingly made on future generations of Asian performers. "It was your mother’s determination that set you on a course to make movies, host television shows, and perform in front of tens of thousands of people," Lea wrote. "All of it will prepare you to land the lead role in the West End musical, Miss Saigon." The singer went on to describe the moment she would arrive on Broadway and how she would eventually become the first Asian actress to win a Tony Award. "You will come to Broadway, the world you only know through watching the Tony Awards on television. You will one day, thanks to Miss Saigon, win a Tony for yourself, becoming the very first Asian actress to hold that trophy," she said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Kendra Kramer ‘not in a rush’ to do acting, open to what her parents want
May 17 ------ Kendra Kramer, the eldest daughter of celebrity couple Chesca Garcia and Doug Kramer, shared that she is keeping her options open when it comes to acting. Kendra told reporters at a casual-wear retail brand event that she’s taking it step by step regarding the possibility of being seen on the big screen. “I’m not in a rush to do anything. It’s also up to what my parents want. Anything they want, I’m also happy with. Again, I’m taking it step by step. Because I’m also busy with school and I’ve been swimming a lot. I’ve been doing my sports so there’s a lot of things going on,” she said.
Kendra also expressed the same sentiments about joining beauty pageants, saying it’s something for which she will be thankful when it comes her way. “It’s a very intriguing question and an option but I just want to take it step by step. I’m not saying it’s a no, or it’s a yes. It’s something that I’d like to pray to God wherever He’ll take me. I’m gonna be grateful for it,” the young influencer said.
Meanwhile, Kendra also shared that her parents have a say in the clothes she chooses to wear, but mostly their sentiments are supportive. “They do. But I think they also trust me in what I wear and my style is very similar to my mom. She’s like my fashion icon. A lot of my clothes also come from her closet,” she said, adding that she also shares clothes with her younger sister, Scarlett.
Kendra also offered advice to young ones like her who are still discovering their style and the fashion tip she received from her mom. “It’s best to be careful with the patterns of your clothes in the way you style it because it would really make or break how your outfit would look,” she said. “Just find what you like. If you like a certain kind of style, just wear it and be confident.”
Source: inquirer.net
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BINI holds peaceful send-off before touring Dubai, London, US, Canada
May 17 ------ BINI is preparing to take their “BINIverse World Tour” to several cities across the globe, as they held an intimate send-off ceremony at the ABS-CBN headquarters.
Before heading abroad, the girl group held a “quiet send-off” at ABS-CBN’s Chapel of Annunciation, as seen on their social media platforms. Photos showed the members being blessed by the priest and praying at the chapel. “Before we take flight, we took a moment to look back. A quiet send-off filled with prayer, the love of our family, friends, and our ever-supportive Blooms. May your hopes for good health, safety, and protection guide us as we take on the world,” the post read.
“Back in February, BINI, the eight-girl pop sensation from the Philippines, kicked off its 15-city world tour with a sold-out concert at home, packing excited fans into the 50,000-seat Philippine Arena north of Manila,” the publication said of the girl group.
Source: inquirer.net
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SPORTS NEWS
NBA: Jokic, Strawther star as Nuggets down Thunder to tie series
LOS ANGELES, May 17 ------ Nikola Jokic scored 29 points and unheralded bench player Julian Strawther produced a crucial late burst as the Denver Nuggets clinched a series-leveling 119-107 victory over the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
A hard-fought NBA Western Conference semi-final series will now go to a decisive Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday after another ferocious duel between two evenly matched teams. Serbian star Jokic was once again the anchor of a composed Denver performance, finishing with 29 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists to shepherd the Nuggets to victory. Jamal Murray added 25 points while Christian Braun finished with 23. But arguably the most significant contribution came from the bench, with Strawther scoring 15 points. "Tonight we had a guy step up," Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman said of Strawther's performance. "He made some shots and then our main people were still complementary."
Denver's win came after they had fallen 3-2 down in the series following late stumbles to lose games four and five. "Those losses were tough but the series is still here," Adelman said. "I know it's a cliche, but every game is its own chapter, its own thing, its own entity and different people are going to step up. "And now we've put ourselves in a position where we can say, 'Hey, let's go see what happens on Sunday'. And I know I've got a group of guys that have been in a lot of game sevens and seen a lot of things. So we're excited for the opportunity."
Oklahoma City looked ready to clinch a series victory after surging into a 12-point lead late in the second quarter at Denver's Ball Arena. But Denver, as they have done all series, once again refused to roll over and rallied to trim the Thunder lead to 61-58 at the break. There was little to choose between the teams for most of the third quarter, and with just under two minutes remaining in the frame, the score was level at 80-80. Yet within moments Denver had suddenly opened up a double-digit advantage after a 10-0 run that put the Nuggets into a 90-80 lead.
The scoring spree came from an unlikely source, with the 23-year-old Strawther, in only his second season in the league, suddenly finding his scoring range. Strawther knocked down back-to-back three-pointers followed by a layup to rattle in eight of the 10 points in the Denver run. With their noses in front, the 2023 NBA champions ruthlessly held a firm grip on the contest through the fourth quarter, keeping the Thunder safely at arm's length to close out the win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City's scoring with 32 points while Chet Holmgren finished with 19. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said his team, who recorded a league-best 68 wins in the regular season, would be ready to bounce back on their home court on Sunday. "First of all credit Denver -- they threw a punch tonight, as has happened all series," Daigneault said. "Both teams have been exchanging blows and they got theirs in tonight. "Both teams have done a great job so far of getting back up, including us, and we need to do that on Sunday. "Other than that, we need to be who we've been all season and embrace the opportunity that's in front of us. We get to play that game at home on Sunday because of the work we did during the regular season. So we're obviously disappointed in the outcome tonight, but when the ball goes up in the air we'll be excited to go."
Source: philstar.com
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Dominant Sinner into semis; Gauff marches to final
ROME, Italy, May 17 ------ Jannik Sinner marched into the semifinals of the Italian Open after destroying Casper Ruud in straight sets 6-0, 6-1, as Coco Gauff won a marathon three-set battle with China's Zheng Qinwen to advance to the women's final. American Gauff will face Italy's Jasmine Paolini in title match after pulling through 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4) in a match that lasted over three-and-a-half hours.
Ruud was supposed to be Sinner's toughest test in Rome since he came back from his three-month doping ban, as the Norwegian came into the match in hot form on clay after winning in Madrid earlier this month. In his previous matches, Sinner looked to be still finding his feet after his suspension, accepted from the World Anti-Doping Agency for testing positive for traces of clostebol in March last year.
But the 23-year-old demolished sixth seed Ruud in just over an hour with an ominous display of tennis, his domination such that the home fans at the packed center court, seemingly out of sympathy, began to cheer the rare points that Ruud won. "I was feeling great on court today. I think we all saw that," said Sinner. "How I felt today was very, very positive signs for me. I was serving well and also returning well. Moving great on the court, so I'm very happy about that."
Ruud even got the loudest celebration of the match when he held his serve for the only time, in game three of the second set, holding his arms aloft in ironic joy. "He was just everywhere it's just like playing a wall that you know shoots hundred miles an hour balls at you all the time," said a bewildered Ruud.
Tommy Paul, a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 winner over Hubert Hurkacz in the day's first match, will have wondered what on earth he can do to stop Sinner if the Italian brings that form to Friday's last-four clash. Sinner won the first set in just 27 minutes, giving up only seven points as he stalked the court with intent, dressed all in black as he has been all week. And he then maintained his record of not dropping a set in the tournament to not so much stroll as smash into the last four, and send a message to Carlos Alcaraz. Spaniard Alcaraz, Sinner's key Grand Slam rival ahead of the French Open, will contest the other semifinal with Lorenzo Musetti on Friday afternoon, with the blockbuster final tennis fans wanted still on.
Gauff prevailed on a center court left mostly empty by fans who headed for the exits in large numbers after watching Sinner's tennis clinic. Former US Open winner Gauff won her third straight match against Olympic gold medallist Zheng, after coming through a tie in which she made 15 double faults on serve and there were a combined total of 156 unforced errors.
The 21-year-old is looking for her first title of the season after losing the Madrid final to Sabalenka, and against home hope Paolini will find herself in a much fiercer atmosphere than the soporific crowd which stayed till past midnight to watch her reach her second final of the year. "I told myself I'm ready to go home," said an exhausted Gauff. "It was tough for me, finding my rhythm especially at night, it was so slow, I just tried to stay in there. I was frustrated. She forced me to get out of my comfort zone." she added.
Sixth seed Paolini is the third Italian woman to reach the Foro Italico final, and the first since her doubles partner Sara Errani was thumped by Serena Williams in 2014. Late bloomer Paolini, 29, will have a chance to be the first woman from the Mediterranean nation to win in Rome since Raffaella Reggi in 1985, after beating Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-1. "It's a privilege to be in this position. I matured late as a tennis player but everyone has their own path. Some mature earlier and some later," said Paolini. "I'm just enjoying it without thinking too much about the past."
Paolini could yet win both the singles and women's doubles tournaments, with her and Errani taking on Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider in the semifinals on Friday.
Source: philstar.com
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Bolts brace for Champions League Asia
MANILA, Philippines, May 17 ------ While in the middle of its PBA Philippine Cup title-retention drive, Meralco is plotting its buildup for next month’s Basketball Champions League Asia. “It’s exciting anytime you get to go out the country, play international basketball and represent the Philippines,” Meralco star Chris Newsome said of the Bolts’ stint against fellow club champions in Asia in the June 9 to 15 competition. “It’s an honor and for us to be able to have that chance to represent the PBA and and the Philippines, it’s something that I would always suit up for, whether that’s in a Meralco jersey or a Gilas jersey,” he added.
As they accepted the responsibility of flying the country’s flag, the Bolts will be facing a killer domestic schedule. The reigning All-Filipino kingpins (3-4) will play Magnolia, Blackwater, NLEX and Ginebra in the next 12 days before shifting focus to the BCL Asia to be held in a yet-to-be-named venue in the Middle East.
In preparation, the Bolts are currently recruiting three imports to join the crew led by Gilas mainstay Newsome. Trillo declined to divulge their prospective reinforcements but promised Meralco is going to hire quality ones. The squad also received good news as Fil-foreign stalwarts Cliff Hodge and Chris Banchero have been cleared by FIBA to suit up as locals owing to their 10 years or more tenure in the PBA. “We’re excited but we just have to pivot because that’s the middle of the (PBA) playoffs,” said coach Luigi Trillo, whose team will run straight into the PBA quarterfinals after wrapping up their campaign in the BCL Asia. “It’s a great exposure for us and we want to do our best. We’re going to get good quality imports to complement our guys. All focus now will be on this (PBA Philippine Cup), but once June 1 hits, we focus on Champions League already,” he added.
Meralco will be up against the champions of China, Japan and Korea, the champion and runner-up of the FIBA West Asia Super League and the top two teams from the BCL Asia-East Qualifiers.
Source: philstar.com
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