CITY OF SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Quezon City-Wilcon Depot qualified for the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Cebu Masters after ruling the Chooks-To-Go Pilipinas 3×3 Quest at Ayala Malls Solenad Activity Center here on Saturday night.

QC-Wilcon beat Pasig-Banh Mi Kitchen in the finals, 19-15, and won PHP100,000.

Spanish import Jose Blazquez and locals TH Tumalip and Yutien Andrada took flight for Quezon City-Wilcon, making up for the lackluster performance of Keith Datu.

Blazquez scored nine points, Tumalip added six and Andrada added four.

Hamadou Laminou led Pasig-Banh Mi with five points, Louie Vigil made four, and Jean-Rony Cadot and Chris Dechavez each put up three.

Manila Chooks bested Makati, 21-15, for third place.

Meanwhile, China’s Wuxi beat Pasig-TNT, 21-17, at the Quebec Challenger in Canada early Sunday, denying a second Philippine slot in the Cebu Masters slated Sept. 23 and 24.

Latvia’s Riga and Wuxi both finished with 41 points each and made the last eight, knocking Pasig-TNT (38) out of contention. (PNA)

MANILA – State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) recorded double-digit growth in its digital transactions during the first half of the year.

In a statement on Sunday, LandBank said it facilitated 94.7 million transactions worth PHP1.9 trillion during the period, up by 22 percent and 41 percent in volume and value, respectively.

The combined digital transactions were made through the Mobile Banking App (MBA), Electronic Modified Disbursement System (eMDS), LandBank Bulk Crediting System (LBCS), Link.BizPortal, iAccess and weAccess.

The MBA accounted for the bulk, facilitating 76.1 million transactions amounting to PHP140.5 billion.

LandBank customers mostly use the MBA for fund transfer, bills payment and purchasing government bonds, including the Retail Treasury Bonds Tranche 29 (RTB-29) offered in February.

The eMDS, LandBank’s internet facility for national government agencies, facilitated 1.4 million transactions with a total value of PHP1.3 trillion.

Transactions made through the electronic bulk disbursement facility LBCS, reached 3.6 million with a total of PHP32.3 billion while the Link.BizPortal, a web-based payment channel for paying for products and services online, recorded 4 million transactions worth PHP6 billion.

The value of transactions facilitated via LandBank’s online retail banking channel, iAccess, and its corporate Internet banking platform, weAccess, meanwhile amounted to PHP9.1 billion and PHP433.3 billion, respectively.

“More customers continue to embrace the advantages of using LandBank’s digital banking solutions,” said LandBank president and chief executive officer Lynette Ortiz.

“We will drive investments to upgrade our digital infrastructure further, to continue providing convenient, accessible, and secure services,” she added. (PNA)

MANILA – The United Kingdom (UK) is eyeing to establish a Joint Trade and Economic Committee (JETCO) with the Philippines to bolster economic ties.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcomed UK’s interest to strike an agreement with the Philippines to form a committee that would boost both countries’ trade and economy, DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said in a social media post.

“This will serve as a platform to enhance economic relations, promote more trade and investments, and address related issues,” read the post on DTI’s Facebook page.

UK establishes JETCO with different countries to address trade barriers and improve the flow of trade in goods and services.

In Southeast Asia, UK has JETCO with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Last June, the UK launched the Developing Countries Trading Scheme with Manila which provides preferential tariffs on goods entering the UK.

Both countries also committed in May to develop a refreshed Joint Action Plan on Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation until 2024.

Pascual, as the coordinator for ASEAN-UK Economic Relations, met British Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston in Indonesia at the ASEAN economic ministers’ meeting over the weekend.

“Both Ministers expressed their strong commitment to continue working together to deepen ASEAN-UK economic relations,” the post added.

Likewise, Pascual welcomed the projects and initiatives of the UK in ASEAN that support the region’s digital transformation and inclusive growth.

“Southeast Asia offers big opportunities for British businesses. That’s why our team of specialists has been working hard to remove barriers to trade to help companies sell even more to this dynamic region,” Huddleston said ahead of his Southeast Asia trip, as quoted by Conservative Post UK. (PNA)

BUTUAN CITY – The troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion (75IB) of the Army recovered on Saturday afternoon a cadaver of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in the hinterland Barangay Laperian, Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur.

The recovery took place a day after the 75IB troopers engaged around 30 NPA insurgents in a 15-minute encounter.

“One day after the encounter, or on Saturday, the barangay officials of Laperian reported the discovery of the body,” the 401st Infantry Brigade said in a statement Sunday.

Government troops are now working to identify the recovered cadaver so they can turn it over to the family.

The recent encounter happened after concerned civilians reported the presence of NPA rebels who were conducting extortion activities.

Troopers recovered one M16 Bushmaster rifle, one grenade, one rifle grenade, four pieces of 40mm high explosive live ammunition, one set of anti-personnel mine, 15 meters of detonating cord, 22 long and one short 5.56mm magazines, 58 pieces of cal. 30 ammunition, 200 pieces of 5.56 ammunition, three bandoliers, eight backpacks, three analog cellular phones, one USB (Universal Serial Bus), various medical and dental paraphernalia and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

In a separate statement, the Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion reported the recovery of several war materials on Friday in remote Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The recovered items include one 2.5 horsepower generator set, 15 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition for the M16A1 rifle, 30 rounds of ammo for the AK47 rifle, 15 rounds of ammo for 50 caliber machineguns, two magazines for M16A1 rifles, one magazine for AK47, 125 pieces blasting caps, a 150-meter of detonating cord, 20 kilograms of explosive materials and various subversive documents. (PNA)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A family of three and another person were killed while one was hurt in a road accident along the national highway in Barangay North Poblacion, Bacong town in Negros Oriental Saturday morning.

A report from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) identified those killed as couple Ruel and Analie Pascual, 47 and 43, respectively; their 15-year-old daughter Shelly; and Meliton Blanco, 59.

The injured was identified as Wilson Kial, 43.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, deputy chief of the NOPPO Police Community Affairs and Development Unit, told the Philippine News Agency that a wayward tanker truck caused a traffic pileup after one of its tires burst.

The driver lost control of the truck and crossed to the other lane, hitting the victims.

“The Pascual family was on board a motorcycle, Blanco was driving a motor vehicle popularly known as “chariot” and Kial was driving another motorcycle that all figured in the traffic accident,” Polinar said.

The oil tanker, registered under the name of New Bian Yek Commercial, Inc., was traveling to the south while the victims came from the opposite direction.

The driver sustained minor injuries and is now under the custody of the Bacong police as charges are being readied against him. (PNA)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will procure at least 45,000 body-worn cameras (BWC) next year to be used in recording incidents during operations.

PNP Public Information Office chief, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, said in a radio interview Sunday that a BWC-equipped force ensures that there will be no violation in police operational procedures or human rights abuses.

At the same time, PNP personnel will be protected from malicious and baseless charges, Maranan said.

“Ngayon meron lang tayong 2,700 so very, very limited ‘yung mga pulis natin na may issued BWCs but this year, pinrogram na natin ‘yung procurement niyan. Nakapag request na tayo ng budget sa DBM (We only have 2,700 at the moment. So, our police officers with BWCs are very limited. But this year, we have programmed the procurement. We have requested the budget from the Department of Budget and Management),” Maranan said.

Meanwhile, Maranan confirmed that one of the six police officers in the Navotas incident that killed 17-year-old Jerhode Baltazar had a BWC but did not use it when they conducted the operation.

“Dito sa Navotas incident ay kasama ‘yan sa ating inimbestigahan at napatunayan nga natin na ‘yung pulis na merong body camera na naka-issue sa kanya ay hindi niya nagamit or hindi niya nabuhay at sinasabi niya nawalang ng baterya. Pero hindi yun katanggap tanggap na dahilan sapagkat being a responsible officer dapat kapag ginamit mo yung iyong BWC, dapat full charge talaga kapag nag start ka ng duty (In the Navotas incident, that was included in our investigation and we found out that the policeman who was a body camera did not use it, claiming that the battery was dead. That is not acceptable because a responsible officer would make sure that your BWC is fully charged when you come to work),” Maranan said.

Baltazar was shot dead after he was mistaken by the police for a murder suspect.

The six policemen involved in the incident were charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and are currently detained at the Navotas City Police Station.

In 2021, the Supreme Court issued guidelines on the utilization of body cameras and required law enforcers to wear them when serving warrants. (PNA)

MANILA – The internal investigation into the escape of a person deprived of liberty from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City has commenced with an actual demonstration of how he eluded authorities.

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Sunday released the video of inmate Michael Angelo Cataroja enacting how he slipped under a garbage truck and clung to it.

The 25-year-old Cataroja, who is serving time for violation of the anti-fencing law, was recaptured at his residence in Barangay San Isidro, Angono, Rizal on Aug. 17. He was first reported missing on July 15.

He underwent inquest proceedings on Aug. 18 and was sent back to NBP on the same day.

A Board of Inquiry was created by BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. to probe the escape, composed of Deputy Director General for Administration Al Perreras, Deputy Director General for Operations Gil Torralba and lawyer Ferdinand Balduman, acting chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Division.

Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier noted that Cataroja, who also has pending charges for car theft, is an expert in motor vehicles which could explain how he facilitated his escape from the maximum security compound.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights will also look into the Cataroja issue in a public hearing on Tuesday.

The panel chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino initiated a motu proprio inquiry last week following the alleged discovery of a mass grave beside a septic tank inside the national penitentiary.

The inquiry also unraveled a supposed scheme on how drug syndicates smuggle and repack illegal drug shipments inside the NBP compound. (PNA)

MANILA – The country’s trade chief has called on fellow ministers in Southeast Asia to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) during the 37th Meeting of ASEAN Free Trade Area Council in Semarang, Indonesia.

Secretary Alfredo Pascual highlighted that the upgrade of the ATIGA is an opportune time to address trade issues within the ASEAN, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement over the weekend.

During the meeting, Pascual mentioned that the updating the ATIGA should address the long-standing issues in availing of preferential market access within the region.

“He recommended the establishment of a mechanism to address the timely resolution of these trade issues in order to fully realize the benefits of ATIGA and encourage stakeholders to utilize the agreement,” the DTI added.

Pascual also updated his fellow ASEAN trade ministers that the Philippine government remains committed to digitalize trade through the implementation of the National Single Window or TradeNet, a platform for automated and integrated licensing, permitting, clearance, and certification system of trade regulatory government agencies relative to the import and export trade of regulated goods.

The DTI chief also said the Philippines is on track to fully issue and accept electronic Certificate of Origin Form D — a document certifying that goods in a particular shipment were wholly obtained, produced, or processed in a particular country — within the year.

“The DTI works closely with the Bureau of Customs and the Department of Finance on this endeavor,” DTI added. (PNA)

ANTIPOLO CITY – The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI) on Friday lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to the National Food Authority (NFA) to focus on local production, stressing that surges in the price of rice can be solved by increasing domestic production.

In an interview, PCAFI director Elias Jose Inciong said the group’s membership welcomes the president’s directive affirming that the long-term stability of rice supply and price is anchored on helping local farmers become more productive.

“For decades, economic managers have held the notion that they can ensure food security by importation. We are glad that the president is departing from this, but a lot needs to be done in terms of changing old policies,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Inciong, who is also the president of the United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA), said because the country has become accustomed on food imports, it is very vulnerable to international supply and price fluctuations.

Besides giving more focus on local production, President Marcos has also directed concerned agencies to monitor the supply of rice nationwide, while expressing optimism that ongoing harvests in Nueva Ecija, Isabela and North Cotabato would help address supply deficits.

Marcos said rice prices would only stabilize if the commodity’s supply increased, and ample reserves can be maintained. (PNA)

SYDNEY — Spain etched its name in history by securing its inaugural Women’s World Cup championship with a 1-0 victory over England on Sunday.

This triumph marked a significant milestone for La Roja, as they became the first team to simultaneously hold the under-17, under-20, and senior world titles.

Emerging as the victors, Spain now stands as the fifth nation to claim the Women’s World Cup title in nine editions, alongside Germany, the sole other country to have secured both the men’s and women’s tournament titles.

Notably, Spain’s men’s team clinched the championship in 2010, while their women’s team made it to the final in only their third appearance in the tournament.

The decisive moment arrived for Spain through a goal from Olga Carmona in the 29th minute. This marked Carmona’s consecutive goals in back-to-back World Cup matches, making her the seventh player in tournament history to score in both the semifinals and the final.

Spain, who weathered a near mutiny just last year when 15 players left the national team, displayed greater aggression in the final, asserting dominance throughout the game.

This loss for England, the reigning European champions, thwarted their hopes of bringing the coveted trophy back to their homeland for the first time since 1966 – the year England’s men’s team secured their sole World Cup victory.

For coach Sarina Wiegman, this marked her first defeat of the tournament, having assumed her role in late 2021 as the team’s inaugural non-British manager. The finale also marked Wiegman’s second consecutive loss in the championship match. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the only coach in the tournament’s history to lead two nations to the final; Wiegman previously coached the Netherlands when they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against the United States in 2019.

The grand finale ensured the emergence of a first-time Women’s World Cup victor, as neither Spain nor England had previously laid hands on the coveted trophy. (Source: Online/AI/MNM)

Team Gilas Pilipinas poses with the national team of Ivory Coast following a tune-up game on Friday night. (Photo courtesy of the SBP).

MANILA — The Gilas Pilipinas basketball team is poised to wrap up its series of preparatory matches ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a face-off against Mexico.

Scheduled for Monday at 8:00 PM, the Philippine team will clash with Mexico, currently ranked 31st in the world, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Drawing on their experience from the 2014 World Cup in Spain, Mexico relies on their dynamic playmakers and lethal shooting prowess, which have led to several remarkable upsets against the United States over the past two years.

Leading the charge for Mexico are key offensive contributors such as Paul Stoll, Pako Cruz, Orlando Mendez, and Gabriel Giron, while Daniel Amigo and Joshua Ibarra will anchor the team’s presence in the paint.

Coming off a recent friendly game against Montenegro, Gilas will utilize this contest to further integrate Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto, and Scottie Thompson into their system, aiming to reduce the turnover count that reached 18 in their previous match.

In reference to the new additions to the team, former Philippines head coach and current Serbia mentor Rajko Toroman, who observed the Ivory Coast tuneup, commented, “This is the first game with Jordan Clarkson. They need time to iron out everything, to build the chemistry. But you can see that Clarkson brings a lot to the game; he showcased dominant play here. It’s just a matter of establishing chemistry among all the players.”

Toroman, also a former consultant for Barako Bull, praised the current crop of national team players, asserting, “They possess size and all-around skills, even players with international exposure like Kiefer Ravena and Dwight Ramos. I believe this is the strongest team in the history of Philippine basketball.”

On the other side of the court, the Filipino squad faces similarities in their game against Montenegro, where they encountered the challenge of Chicago Bulls star Nikola Vucevic. Standing at 6-foot-9, the former Orlando Magic center presents an array of offensive skills, reminiscent of Karl Anthony-Towns, who will lead the Dominican Republic in their inaugural match at the Philippine Arena on the 25th. (ai/mnm)

Gilas Pilipinas star Jordan Clarkson with ANTA Group Philippines Marketing Manager Mikko Abello, General Manager JP Paglinawan and Sports Marketing Associate Mais Cruz. (Photo supplied)

Gilas Pilipinas standout, Jordan Clarkson, has teamed up with ANTA for the upcoming 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The 6-foot-5 former NBA Sixth Man of the Year has formally solidified an agreement to sport ANTA sneakers throughout the tournament.

The official signing event took place on Saturday at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, where Clarkson, alongside ANTA Group Philippines General Manager JP Paglinawan and ANTA Group Philippines Marketing Manager Mikko Abello, officially sealed the partnership.

Both ANTA representatives conveyed their enthusiasm about having Clarkson onboard, as his presence will undoubtedly elevate the brand’s profile, especially considering the attention that the former LA Lakers guard and the team will attract.

JP Paglinawan remarked, “The FIBA World Cup is unquestionably one of the premier basketball tournaments globally. Having one of the world’s top players showcase ANTA at this pinnacle of competition reaffirms our belief that our brand offers the finest basketball products on the market.”

Mikko Abello added, “We are thrilled that Jordan has chosen to don ANTA on the grandest stage of international basketball, particularly as the Philippines hosts this quadrennial tournament. This year is an exhilarating time for the brand, and Jordan’s participation adds an extra layer of significance.”

ANTA’s roster of endorsers already includes NBA champions Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving. As for Clarkson, discussions for a potential longer-term collaboration that could extend to the upcoming NBA season are currently in progress. (ai/mnm)

Photo courtesy Spot.ph

Senator Mary Grace Poe, being the offspring of the renowned cinematic legend and National Artist, Fernando Poe Jr., who passed away on December 14, 2004, will officiate the unveiling event today, Sunday, 20 August 2023, coinciding with what would have been FPJ’s 84th birthday.

Poe expressed her aspiration that passengers would connect FPJ with their train journeys. She stated on Saturday, “I wish for people to keep FPJ in their thoughts whenever they step onto this train.”

“FPJ’s heart was consistently dedicated to public service. Bestowing commuters with a secure and comfortable ride is a means of preserving his enduring influence,” she remarked, highlighting the ongoing impact of his legacy.

This renaming aligns with the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 11608, which also renamed Roosevelt Avenue to FPJ Avenue.

During the unveiling ceremony, Poe is expected to be accompanied by former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3rd and Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, the author of RA 11608.

Moreover, the event will feature a pop-up exhibit that pays tribute to FPJ. Notably, FPJ was designated as a National Artist in 2012. Throughout his 46-year acting career, he starred in approximately 300 films, earning him the title of the King of Philippine Movies. (ai/mnm)

By Benjamin Cuaresma

Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia led the way in conducting a voting simulation at an Ermita mall on Saturday, August 19, 2023, for the upcoming political exercise.

Organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the said event witnessed the participation of Comelec officers as they practiced casting their votes ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for October 30, 2023.

On August 7, 2023, an agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between SM Supermalls and the 2023 BSKE, aiming to enhance the convenience and comfort of the voting process for the general public.

Chairman Garcia highlighted that SM Supermalls played an instrumental role in this collaboration, with twelve (12) malls across Metro Manila, along with one (1) mall in both Legazpi City and Cebu City, being covered under the Memorandum of Agreement.

The simulation exercise was undertaken to guarantee the security and seamless nature of the forthcoming elections. The successful execution of this endeavor paves the way for the utilization of all participating malls in the nationwide BSKE 2025 elections. (ai/mnm)

By Benjamin Cuaresma

MANILA — A gunfight occurred at the intersection of Sta. Cruz and Soler Streets in Chinatown in this city late Friday resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals including a bystander and the prime suspect.

The incident transpired during a police checkpoint operation known as “Oplan Sita.”

The director of the Manila Police District, P/BGen. Andre Dizon identified the primary suspect as Wilfredo Marquez Jr., a security guard.

Another individual involved was Rosemarie Depaudhon Marinas, an innocent bystander, who unfortunately lost her life due to a stray bullet.

She died while receiving medical treatment.

Bobby Alconera, the companion of the deceased suspect, sustained a gunshot wound and was promptly transported to Jose Abad Santos Hospital for medical attention. He is presently receiving treatment and is in police custody.

In a related development, two officers from the Tactical Motorcycle Rider Unit (TMRU) of the MPD Police, namely P/Cpl Raymond Ocampo and P/Cpl Raymart Laurena, also sustained injuries from the encounter. They were swiftly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Initial findings from the investigation reveal that MPD officers were conducting a routine checkpoint operation, referred to as “Oplan Sita,” at the junction of Sta. Cruz and Soler Streets.

The suspects, riding Kawasaki motorcycles, were instructed to halt for a standard inspection. However, instead of complying, both riders brandished firearms and opened fire at the police officers, igniting a firefight.

The Manila Police District continues its efforts to ascertain the true identities of the suspects, and updates on this matter are pending. (ai/mnm)

Former DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo (CNN Ph photo courtesy) 

The proposal to declare August 18 as a special non-working holiday in honor of the late Mayor Jesse Robredo’s death anniversary has been rejected by the Palace, according to reports.

Malacañang turned down the request put forth by Naga City, Camarines Sur, to commemorate the passing of former Mayor Jesse Robredo with a special non-working holiday.

In response to the proposal, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan sent a letter dated August 17 to Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion, conveying the Palace’s decision.

The rationale behind the decision lies in Republic Act No. 10669, also known as “Jesse Robredo Day,” which designates August 18 as a special working holiday.

Logan’s letter noted, “Given that there is already a legislative enactment, this Office is constrained to deny your request.” However, the Palace acknowledged the significance of the commemoration of Jesse Robredo’s death anniversary to the people of Naga City.

Jesse Robredo, who previously served as the secretary of the interior and local government during the tenure of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, tragically passed away in a plane crash in Masbate on August 18, 2012.

He was also the spouse of former Vice President Leni Robredo.

Jesse’s impactful legacy included his six consecutive terms as the Mayor of Naga in Camarines Sur, beginning in 1988. His achievements in this role were so outstanding that he was honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2000, becoming the first Filipino mayor to receive this esteemed accolade. (AI/MNM)

Photo by Benjie Cuaresma

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has provided assurance to the general public that the price of rice will soon find stability, coinciding with the commencement of the harvest season in the major rice-producing regions of the nation.

In a video message released by the Presidential Communications Office on Friday, Marcos conveyed that the government is maintaining a vigilant watch over both the supply and pricing of rice.

“We are diligently overseeing the rice supply and closely monitoring the upward movement of rice prices,” articulated the President.

He communicated being apprised of the initiation of rice harvesting in Nueva Ecija, Isabela, and North Cotabato.

Marcos, concurrently overseeing the Department of Agriculture, conveyed the administration’s scrutiny of the farmgate prices. He maintained a positive outlook, asserting that rice prices will regain equilibrium once there’s a substantial supply and an ample reserve of this essential staple.

In the preceding week, Marcos asserted that the nation’s rice stockpile could sustain itself even following the impending El Niño episode.

“The rice scenario is well within control and stability. The Philippines possesses an adequate rice reserve that extends beyond the period of El Niño next year,” he affirmed.

Leo Sebastian, the Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development, disclosed that an estimated 900,000 metric tons (MT) of rice have already been harvested in Isabela, Nueva Ecija, and North Cotabato. (ai/mnm)

The Guardian photo courtesy

Filipinos residing in areas of Canada affected by wildfires are being encouraged to reach out to their respective consulates.

The initial advisory was issued by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver through their Facebook page.

The focus was on wildfires that have impacted the Northwest Territories.

The territorial government declared a state of emergency on August 15, leading to evacuation orders for several regions, including Yellowknife, N’Dilo, Dettah, and Ingraham Trail.

Individuals affected by the wildfires in the Northwest Territories are kindly requested to establish contact with either the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver or the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary.

This communication is intended for reporting their current status and to seek any necessary assistance, as conveyed by the Vancouver consulate.

Similarly, in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, evacuation orders were issued due to the wildfires, with Kelowna City being under a state of emergency.

For Filipinos impacted by these wildfires in the Okanagan area, the Vancouver consulate also urges them to get in touch. The purpose is to inform them about their situation and to access any required assistance, as outlined in a separate advisory issued on Saturday. (Sourced Online/AI/MNM)

ILOILO CITY – Guimaras State University (GSU) and University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) ruled their respective brackets in the women’s volleyball event of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games Visayas Leg on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the University of San Agustin Gymnasium here.

GSU prevailed over Colegio de Santa Ana de Victorias, 25-17, 19-25, 25-21, 25-19, and reigned supreme in the Army bracket, while UNO-R hardly broke a sweat after sweeping Negros Oriental State University-Recoletos, 25-17, 25-14, 25-10, and top the Air Force side.

Meanwhile, in boxing, Army’s Efondo Joeler pocketed the gold medal in the 48-51 kilograms category after downing Romeo Caluspos, while Alfred Deslate clobbered Christian Moses for 51-54kgs top honors.

Renz Puyong bested Klent Pareno to clinch the gold in 54-57kgs, as well as Love Heart Marino (51-54kgs) and Ranie Caringan (54-57kgs).

The closing ceremony was led by Senators Francis Tolentino and Robinhood Padilla.

Vina Morales (New York Theater Guide photo courtesy) 

Vina Morales, the singer-actress, is set to replace Lea Salonga in the Broadway production of ‘Here Lies Love.’ 

As Lea Salonga, a Tony Award winner, gets ready to bid farewell to the pioneering all-Filipino Broadway ensemble this week, her role will serve as a rotating opportunity to showcase other renowned talents from the Philippines.

Vina Morales, a well-loved figure in the Philippines for her acting and singing, will step into the shoes of Aurora Aquino in “Here Lies Love” for a month-long run starting on September 22.

The producers have expressed their commitment to shining a spotlight on the “wealth of talent” in the country, giving guest performers a chance to make their Broadway debut.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Morales shared, “For any artist, being able to grace the Broadway stage is a realization of a cherished dream. I extend my gratitude to ‘Coach Lea’ Salonga for mentoring me throughout this journey.”

Salonga, who has been part of the production since its previews in June, warmly referred to her friend Morales as “a fantastic addition to our ensemble.” (ai/mnm)