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The enthusiastic hoots and groundbreaking hoopla surrounding Joaquin Pedro Valdes' career-boosting star turn in "Death Note: The Musical" has yet to die down. From the show's sold-out runs at The London Palladium and Lyric Theatre last August and September, Joaquin was unanimously praised by critics and theater buffs alike for his "magnificent," "sensational," "soaring" and "powerful" portrayal of lead character Light Yagami. But the homegrown Filipino star is already setting his sights on yet another theater behemoth: Stephen Sondheim's "Pacific Overtures." While it is one of the least performed productions in the Sondheim canon, the musical features a score considered by many...

Keep on reading: From ‘Death Note’ to Sondheim: Joaquin Pedro Valdes on a roll

MANILA, Philippines --- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. extended Philippines' appreciation to Vietnam for supporting Manila's position on the South China Sea arbitration as he met his Hanoi counterpart for the first time.   Teodoro and Vietnam's minister of national defense General Phan Van Giang met on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers'Meeting Plus heldin Jakarta, Indonesia on November 16, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Thursday.   "Secretary Teodoro then expressed his appreciation for Viet Nam's support on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award and the Philippines' position on the matter," the DND said in a statement. ...

Keep on reading: Teodoro thanks Vietnam for backing PH position in South China Sea arbitration

    MANILA, Philippines --- Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the Philippines will uphold provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in discussions for drafting resolutions on maritime security issues during the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum. "It's safe to say that that type of wording --- particularly respect for UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and possibly rules-based order will be discussed. If it will be adopted, we still have to find out after three days, but definitely it will be discussed," Zubiri told reporters in a briefing on Thursday. Zubiri likewise noted that maintaining this stand does not mean that the Phili...

Keep on reading: ‘PH to uphold UNCLOS provisions in APPF maritime security talks’

MANILA, Philippines --- A Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel heeded the call of duty and assisted a hit-and-run victim in Davao City by using his uniform as a torniquet Thursday afternoon. Airman First Class (A1C) Kent Kelly Buhian was on his way home from duty when he spotted the bleeding victim who was ignored by other passers by in Barangay Buhangin. "He swiftly administered first aid, using his own uniform to effectively control the bleeding of the man's wound," the PAF said in a statement. Buhian is well-trained in responding to emergencies, being a member of the humanitarian assistance and disaster response team of PAF's Tactical Operations Group 11...

Keep on reading: Air Force member rescues Davao City hit and run victim

MANILA, Philippines ---When Choco Mucho went down 0-5 to PLDT in the fifth set putting the team's winning streak in peril, coach Dante Alinsunurin didn't call a time-out. Not doubting his players one second, Alinsunurin let his Flying Titans figure out how to get out of that hole themselves. And Sisi Rondina and Co. did just that, as the Flying Titans pulled off a come-from-behind 25-20, 23-25, 18-25, 25-17, 15-12 win over PLDT--their eighth straight--that secured a semifinal berth in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference. "I trust all of my players. Even when we were down by five, I never called for a timeout to pressure them. I just gave t...

Keep on reading: Choco Mucho comeback win over PLDT seals PVL semifinals return

    MANILA, Philippines --- The so-called Magnificent 7, made up of seven transport groups has expressed its support for the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday. The DOTr, in a statement said the transport groups pointed out that a "just transition" must be obtained for the benefit of operators and drivers as well as commuters. The Magnificent 7 is made up of Pasang Masda, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and...

Keep on reading: 7 transport groups support PUV modernization program — DOTr

MANILA, Philippines --- A magnitude 4.1 earthquake rocked Davao Oriental on Thursday night, according tothe Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The epicenter of the tectonic earthquake was traced west of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental and had a depth of focus of 130 kilometers, Phivolcs said. It was measured at Instrumental Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; City of Digos, Davao del Sur, and Malungon, Sarangani. No damage or aftershocks are expected, Phivolcs added. RELATED STORIES: Death toll in Davao Occidental quake reaches 11 Bongbong Marcos flies to GenSan to hold briefing after Sarangani qua...

Keep on reading: Magnitude 4.1 quake jolts parts of Davao region

PHOENIX--- Chris Paul's return to Phoenix ended in the second quarter on Wednesday night after the 12-time All-Star was ejected by his old nemesis: NBA referee Scott Foster. The Golden State Warriors guard and Foster have a long, acrimonious history, with the point guard complaining about Foster's officiating for nearly a decade. Now Paul says that a years-old issue that involves his son is at least part of the reason for the friction. "It's personal," Paul said. "We had a situation some years ago and it's personal. The league knows, everybody knows. There's been a meeting and all that. It's just a situation with my son. I'm OK with a ref saying whatever --- just don't use a te...

Keep on reading: Chris Paul ejection adds to feud with referee Scott Foster

MANILA, Philippines --- Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Thursday that he will discuss with other officials the current position of the government on allowing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct investigations in the country. "Hindi pa namin pinag-usapan although i intend to seek out the Executive Secretary tomorrow just be able to make sure that we have the same page on this matter, siyempre humihingi tayo ng instruction sa executive secretary," Remulla said. (We have not talked about it yet, although I intend to seek out the Executive Secretary tomorrow just to be able to make sure that [we are on the same page]on this matter, of course we will as...

Keep on reading: Remulla to discuss with other gov’t execs House resolution on ICC probe  

MANILA -Berong Nickel Corp. (BNC) will spend another P50 million to finish rehabilitating its nickel project in Palawan in four years' time, its parent firm DMCI Mining Corp. said on Thursday. DMCI Mining president Tulsi Das Reyes said they have raised the budget for revitalizing the nickel site located in Quezon town after the cost of fuel increased significantly. "Fuel is the number one, two and three. When we made that budget, fuel prices were not that high," Reyes said. The firm initially earmarked P110 million for the six-year rehabilitation program which commenced in June last year. So far, it has spent almost P80 million. Reyes said the rehabilitation of the mine site ...

Keep on reading: Berong Nickel boosts budget for mine rehab

ANKARA -Turkey's central bank raised its policy rate by a larger-than-expected 500 basis points to 40 percent on Thursday and said the pace of monetary tightening would slow as the rate approached its peak. "The Committee assessed that the current level of monetary tightness is significantly close to the level required to establish the disinflation course," the bank said following its monetary policy committee meeting. In a Reuters poll, most economists predicted a 250 basis-point hike, while three forecast a 500-point hike. The bank has raised its one-week repo rate by 3,150 basis points since June. "The pace of monetary tightening will slow down and the tightening cycle wi...

Keep on reading: Turkey central bank hikes rate sharply, sees peak soon

MANILA, Philippines --- A bill seeking to include cohabiting gender-fluid couples in the administration of property ownership was filed by House Assistant Majority Leader and Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Rep. Migs Nograles. House Bill No. 9502, which was filed on Nov.8, seeks to amend Article 148 of the Family Code of the Philippines, which states the following: "In cases of cohabitation not falling under the preceding Article, only the properties acquired by both of the parties through their actual joint contribution of money, property, or industry shall be owned by them in common in proportion to their respective contributions. In the absence of proof to the contrary, their ...

Keep on reading: Bill filed for inclusivity in property ownership for ‘gender-fluid’ couples

Dr. Brian Poe-Llamanzares Chief of Staff of Senator Poe accepts medal for public service MANILA, Philippines --- The Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of the Philippines celebrated its annual Bureaucrats' Ball with a gathering of distinguished public servants from both the private and public sector. HKS Alumni Association of the Philippines (HKSAAP) President Atty. Gianna Montinola said, "The festive Bureaucrats' Ball  is an annual tradition carried on from our Harvard Kennedy School student days. It is not only an  opportunity for the alumni in the Philippines to catch up but also to share and celebrate the achievements of those who serve in government and in th...

Keep on reading: Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of PH celebrates members in public service

MANILA, Philippines --- Only one of the finalists in the past two seasons will return to the championship round as defending champion Ateneo and the top seed University of the Philippines collide in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament. A new finalist will emerge as the twice-to-beat La Salle and National University clash for the other championship berth on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. INQUIRER Sports gives you a preview of this year's Final Four teams, who will fight for the two tickets for the best-of-three AAP Season 86 finals. Battle of Katipunan: UP Fighting Maroons vs Ateneo Blue Eagles After clashing in three of the last four UAAP...

Keep on reading: UAAP men’s Final Four: Ateneo vs UP and La Salle vs NU

MANILA -Renewables in Mindanao now comprise 37 percent of its overall energy mix, making it possible for the island group to achieve 50-percent clean energy share by the end of the decade, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said. ERC Chair Monalisa Dimalanta pointed out at the Mindanao Clean Energy Forum earlier this week that this was already beyond the national target of 35 percent by 2030. "In this sense, the 50 percent renewable energy [target] by 2030 is a very realistic ambition for Mindanao than the rest of the country," she said. READ: PH wants 35% renewables in energy mix by 2030, 50% by 2040 The national government aims to increase the share of renewables in the...

Keep on reading: 50% clean energy goal for Mindanao achievable, says ERC

MANILA - Power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is considering deploying nuclear reactors in 14 potential sites in the country that have been identified by the Department of Energy (DOE), according to company chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho. Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Aperocho said "it would be best" to align with the DOE on the specific locations for the deployment of US-based developer Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.'s (USNC) reactors. The DOE has yet to disclose the list of the potential sites and its selection criteria, noting only that the selection process would be was compliant with the National Policy and Strategy for Safety on Nuclear Energy that is...

Keep on reading: Meralco considers deploying micro nuclear reactors in 14 sites

  MANILA, Philippines --- The country is ready to work with regional and global partners for a rules-based order and pursue dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. This is the message of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday during the 31st Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) held at Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay city. Romualdez is co-chairperson of the event attended by at least 237 parliamentarians from 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. "Peace remains a paramount objective. We are firm in our support for a rules-based international order, governed by the principles of international law and informed ...

Keep on reading: Romualdez talks about rules-based order at parliamentarians’ forum

DHAKA, Bangladesh---Bangladeshi trans woman Yasin Ahmed Sokal always wanted the freedom to dress like her sisters, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine being showered with applause at a beauty pageant in her conservative homeland. For 24-year-old Sokal, her triumph in one of the South Asian nation's most prestigious beauty contests was not only a personal victory but one that sent a message of hope. Sokal, whose name means "dawn" in Bengali, was this month named second runner-up in Miss Evergreen Bangladesh 2023. "I hope I've brought a dawn of hope for trans women in Bangladesh," Sokol told AFP in the capital Dhaka. "It is a victory for thousands of trans women...

Keep on reading: Bangladesh trans woman’s win in beauty pageant brings ‘dawn of hope’ for others like her

MANILA, Philippines---The sense of urgency is high in the NLEX camp, especially now that they will miss the services of star player Kevin Alas until the foreseeable future. So when the Road Warriors' role players stepped up in the squad's 112-104 win over Northport in the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, coach Frankie Lim was thoroughly satisfied. Of course, he'd still want to see more from his boys, particularly in the one position. "I think Rob Herndon did very well and same with Don (Trollano) and Richie Rodgers. Solid game from them and they just have to step up more because we also don't have Matt Nieto now. I think my guards have to step up...

Keep on reading: PBA: NLEX role player mob leading rally with Kevin Alas out

MANILA, Philippines --- Defending champion Creamline overcame the tough challenge from the also-ran Nxled, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21, to remain unbeaten in eight games nearing a semifinal berth in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at Philsports Arena. Trailing the Chameleons in the third set, 20-21, Michele Gumabao stopped the bleeding for the Cool Smashers before Tots Carlos nailed back-to-back kills, 23-21. Jema Galanza sealed their eighth win with two consecutive aces. Galanza led the balanced attack of Creamline with 14 points including four aces as the team stayed on top of the pack. It can clinch the semifinal berth if Choco Muc...

Keep on reading: PVL: Creamline fends off Nxled to go 8-0 and close in on semis berth