American singer-songwriter and producer Mac Ayres performed at the Insignia Concert Series at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier. It was his first headline show in the Philippines. A buzzing audience filled the Samsung Hall, mesmerized by Ayres' soulful music and remarkable performance with his band. For instance, the songs "I'll Be Your Home Now," "Shadows," "Devils in the Details," and "Waiting" demonstrated his range as a vocalist, while the crowd was singing and dancing to songs like"Get Away," and "Where U Going Tonight?" The musician impressively performed 15 songs and two more for the encore.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/28/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/mac-ayres-talks-about-being-comfortable-enough/1912066

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GIVING a fitting following to the action-packed season opener last July, Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines and Toyota Motor Philippines hosted another awesome racing weekend with the second leg of the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup. Held at the Clark International Speedway last September 8 and 9, race fans were able to enjoy high speed action from the circuit championship races as well as technical battles against time in the autocross challenge. The Toyota Tamaraw prototype.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/fast-times/toyota-gazoo-racing-philippines-hosts-adrenaline-filled-vios-cup-2nd-leg/1911715

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SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, held a special preview of what could be the last BMW model available with a manual gearbox — the second-generation BMW M2 Coupè. BMW M2 also gives controls at your fingertips. BMW M2 Pure's 19-inch front wheels and tires. The cockpit of the M2 Carbon Trim. The BMW M2 Pure in Zandvoort Blue. BMW M2 Carbon's 3.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/fast-times/bmw-ph-previews-the-glorious-m2-coupe/1911716

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IF the Philippines and other nations have flag carriers that represent their countries in commercial flights, then China stands out as possibly the only nation globally to have its national flag represented by an automobile brand. This distinction belongs to the brand Hongqi (pronounced hong-chee), whose name literally translates to "red banner" in Chinese. This name not only reflects the color of China's flag but also symbolizes resilience, strength, and grandeur, making a bold statement in the automotive industry both locally and globally.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/fast-times/honqi-officially-opens-in-the-philippines/1911725

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THE Chinese Honqi car brand was formally introduced to the market a couple of weeks ago and it was quite impressive. The showroom is in the high class area of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and covers some 1,000 square meters of space. The launch was pretty impressive with a marching band and uniformed people introducing the cars as it paraded along the streets of BGC. It was reminiscent of a Chinese military parade, but that is not a surprise. The Honqi brand is China's very first foray into building cars.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/fast-times/creating-a-paradigm-shift-for-the-automobile-lifestyle/1911713

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Paris, France : French customs said Thursday that they had seized almost 400 skulls from protected primate species in just seven months, in a sign of a rise in the lucrative trade. Agents at the Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport had intercepted 392 posted packages between May and December last year, containing primate skulls mostly from Cameroon and destined for collectors in the United States. They also seized hundreds more packages with skulls or bones from other species. This photograph taken on Sept.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/23/world/americas-emea/france-sounds-alert-on-primates-skulls-trafficking/1911270

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Sofia, Bulgaria: Bulgaria expelled the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Sofia and two Belarusian priests for allegedly acting in Moscow's geopolitical interests, authorities said Thursday. The National Security Agency accused the three clerics of implementing Moscow's "hybrid strategy to purposefully influence the socio-political processes in Bulgaria in favor of Russian geopolitical interests". The agency, which only identified the men by their initials and nationalities, banned them from entering the country for five years.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/23/world/americas-emea/bulgaria-expels-head-of-russian-orthodox-church-in-sofia/1911271

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THE Philippines is experiencing a rapid growth in its automotive market, with a surge of car brands entering the scene over the past decade. This influx from both China and Europe has injected excitement and innovation into the industry, particularly with the introduction of full-sized electric vehicles (EVs). These EVs, hailed as cleaner and more environmentally friendly options, boast zero carbon dioxide emissions and significantly reduced sound pollution. While the debate over the environmental benefits of EVs rages on, it's crucial to consider their immediate impact on our densely populated cities.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/19/fast-times/car-brands-and-the-electric-vehicle-revolution-in-the-philippines/1910612

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Sidon, Lebanon: Palestinian fighters agreed a new ceasefire on Thursday after more than a week of deadly violence in Lebanon's largest refugee camp, two Palestinian officials told Agence France-Presse (AFP). A Palestinian protester holds a tear gas canister fired by Israeli forces during a demonstration along the border, east of Gaza City, to mark Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, on Sept. 13, 2023. AFP PHOTO At least 17 people have been killed and around 100 wounded in the fighting in Ain al-Helweh refugee camp, on the outskirts of the port city of Sidon, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent's Lebanon branch.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/16/world/americas-emea/palestinian-fighters-in-lebanon-camp-agree-new-truce/1910175

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Geneva, Switzerland: Victims of lead poisoning in UN-run camps in Kosovo have still not received adequate reparations more than 20 years after the war, rights advocates said at a UN roundtable Thursday. This file photo shows a woman walking past the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States on Sept. 14, 2020. Victims of lead poisoning in UN-run camps in Kosovo have still not received adequate reparations more than 20 years after the war, rights advocates said at a UN roundtable on Thursday, Sept.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/16/world/americas-emea/activists-call-on-un-to-act-on-kosovo-lead-poisoning/1910174

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ELECTRIFICATION is pretty much inevitable at this point. That's why every automaker has committed to the technology as we transition towards an era of purely electric vehicles (EVs). Electrified cars, which we mean hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and full EVs, are starting to become the norm these days. However, not all electrified vehicles are created equal. Especially when it comes to the two types of hybrids, thus making the two powertrain sources work seamlessly can be challenging.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/12/fast-times/bmw-showcases-electrification-can-be-fun/1909528

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AS families gear up for a new school year and plan their remaining vacation trips, Suzuki Philippines, a pioneer in compact car distribution, has elevated its iconic vehicle, the new Ertiga Hybrid, with cutting-edge technology and modern safety features that perfectly complement its form and functionality. Ertiga Hybrid is a stylish 7-seater MPV. PHOTOS FROM SUZUKI PH The Ertiga Hybrid stands as Suzuki's stylish seven-seater compact multipurpose vehicle (MPV). It proudly holds the title of being the first hybrid MPV in the market and remains one of Suzuki's most iconic models.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/12/fast-times/experience-stylish-travel-with-the-suzuki-ertiga-hybrid/1909531

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Lagos, Nigeria: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, also head of the West Africa bloc ECOWAS, on Thursday suggested a nine-month transition back to democracy for Niger's new regime as Nigeria had done in the 1990s following military rule. ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray (center) delivers a speech in the presence of Niger's Foreign Affairs Minister Hassoumi Massoudou (right) during an informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers held in Toledo on August 31, 2023, in the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/02/world/americas-emea/ecowas-chief-sees-nine-month-transition-for-niger-junta/1908058

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In a groundbreaking move, Kroma's NYMA has joined forces with EN Management, an independent management and entertainment company founded in Los Angeles by Eddie Nam, to bring back one of the day's biggest K-Pop phenomena to the Philippines, Eric Nam. K-pop star Eric Nam PHOTO COURTESY OF KIGON KWAK A man of many talents, Eric Nam juggles his roles as a singer, songwriter, actor, podcaster, and TV personality. Named "GQ Korea's Man of the Year" in 2016 and listed in "Forbes 30 Under 30" Asia in 2017, Nam has become a household name renowned for his extensive touring and remarkable success as one of Korea's top-selling artists.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/31/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/k-pop-superstar-eric-nam-enlists-ph-reps/1907717

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Sony Music Entertainment (SME) Philippines has formed a strategic partnership with indie label Offshore Music. Under the partnership, SME Philippines will distribute Offshore Music's catalogue globally and work together to build strategies in marketing, media promotion, artist development, brand partnership, and synchronization. Sony Music Entertainment Philippines will distribute Offshore Music's catalogue globally. Offshore Music, headed up by Ely Buendia, is home to carefully handpicked artists and bands, including Apartel, Ena Mori, Pinkmen, Sulo, Sansette, Eliza marie and Toni Panagu.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/31/entertainment-lifestyle/life-times/sme-philippines-partners-with-offshore-music/1907714

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To strengthen the disaster and climate resilience of its emerging tourism and agribusiness sectors, the provincial government of Davao Oriental entered into a partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the Australia-supported Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change (Shield) Program. ‘Shield' will complement existing efforts of the province in disaster risk reduction and management, as well as in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/28/expats-diplomats/davao-oriental-bats-for-resilient-australia-undp-shield-support/1907252

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Brasília, Brazil: Police in Brazil raided the home of embattled ex-president Jair Bolsonaro's youngest son Thursday in a money-laundering investigation, his lawyer said. Officers searched 25-year-old Jair Renan Bolsonaro's residence in Balneario Camboriu, in the southern state of Santa Catarina, and seized a cell phone, hard drive and notebooks, his lawyer, Admar Gonzaga, said in a statement. Jair Renan Bolsonaro, one of the sons of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, was targeted on August 24, 2023, in a police operation mainly for money laundering, his lawyer confirmed to Agence france-Presse.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/26/world/americas-emea/brazil-police-raid-home-of-bolsonaros-youngest-son/1906952

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JAPAN-affiliated telecommunications company (telco) InfiniVAN Inc. participated in the turnover ceremony of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 11. Present at the turnover ceremony are (from left) Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 11 Director Evamay dela Rosa, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, InfiniVAN Inc. Director Shigeki Nakahara and InfiniVAN Chief Operating Officer Edgardo Opulencia. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The ceremonial turnover of computers to Paquibato district barangay (villages), along with the handover of free Wi-Fi contracts, was held at Apo View Hotel on Aug.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/20/public-square/infinivan-supports-dict-davaos-digital-inclusivity-project/1906131

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ORIGINALLY conceived in 2014 as a response to the challenge of initiating the harmonization of testing laboratories in the country, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST)'s One-Stop Laboratory for Global Competitiveness or OneLab Network has gone a long way from being a network of laboratories in the country to expanding its network abroad. Eurofins Scientific Sac Ky Hai Dang executives welcome the Department of Science and Technology's One-Stop Laboratory for Global Competitiveness project management team.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/20/public-square/dost-onelab-expands-abroad-visits-testing-lab-in-vietnam/1906130

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WELL, it is a question worth asking and one I did ask during the AC Motors roundtable that introduced Jaime Alfonso E. Zobel de Ayala as its new head. Of course, it mildly ruffled a few feathers since it was the first outing of the scion into the motoring community. The question was, how does AC Motors intend to improve its performance considering most of its badges have been in a slump since being acquired by the mega-conglomerate? Because at the roundtable, AC Motors also announced their acquisition of electric car company BYD for exclusive distribution in the Philippines.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/22/fast-times/quo-vadis-ayala-motors/1906112

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The Philippine and Japanese delegations to the 5th Philippines-Japan Maritime Dialogue. The Philippines and Japan held their 5th Maritime Dialogue on March 29, in Tokyo, Japan. The talks covered key components of the two countries' active engagement in the field of maritime cooperation. The Maritime Dialogue was held following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s visit to Japan in February, during which he and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio affirmed the mechanism's importance for maritime policy coordination and the effective pursuit of projects and activities.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/04/03/expats-diplomats/japan-ph-hold-5th-maritime-dialogue/1885400

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Entrepreneur Jelyn Patricio has created a community of moms who juggle household duties and livelihood opportunities. "Creating a safe environment with co-mompreneurs will make everyone feel less alone, that their problems are shared by others, that they are recognized, that their sentiments are real and significant, and that we can handle motherhood and entrepreneurship together with grace and grit." Jelyn Patricio Founder The Modern Mompreneur ENTREPRENEUR Jelyn Patricio has been working since she was a child.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/04/09/business/sunday-business-it/jelling-motherhood-and-business/1886283

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If the Christmas season has Jose Mari Chan's classic songs wafting through the cool holiday breeze, Holy Week in the Philippines — the most defining period for the Christian faith — belongs to Jamie Rivera's spiritual music accompanying days of reflection every year. Jamie Rivera Dubbed the "Inspirational Diva," Rivera is behind the most well-known local religious compositions, among them "The Jubilee Song" (1999), "Heal Our Land" (2001), and "Only Selfless Love" (2002).

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/04/09/the-sunday-times/cover-story/opms-inspirational-diva-on-reinvention-and-realizing-her-true-calling/1886260

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Connie Villeta's journey in the United States started when she was just nine years old. This was when Connie and her entire family packed their bags and left everything behind to pursue a life in a different country. Connie, who is now a successful entrepreneur and a veteran in the hospitality industry, is grateful for everything she learned through those experiences. "My family was in the lower income bracket in the United States and while we had fortunate seasons, there were also times where our family struggled.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/04/09/the-sunday-times/filipino-champions/connie-villetas-redemption-story/1886264

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(UPDATE) THE Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has recommended the voluntary wearing of face masks outdoors across the country, Malacañang said Wednesday.In a Palace press briefing, Department of Health (DoH) Officer in Charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the recommendation was verbally approved by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.Press Secretary Rose Beatrix "Trixie" Cruz-Angeles said the IATF made the recommendation to the President after a recent meeting in light of Cebu City's adoption of the said policy.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/08/news/national/iatf-recommends-voluntary-face-mask-wearing-outdoors/1857579

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(UPDATE) THE Senate blue ribbon committee has recommended filing graft charges against four agriculture officials implicated in the foiled attempt to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar.Sen. Francis Tolentino, blue ribbon chairman, released the committee's findings and recommendation on Thursday, two days after the panel's probe was terminated.Tolentino said 14 of the 17 committee members signed Committee Report 354, with one member, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel 3rd, dissenting.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/09/news/national/charge-execs-in-sugar-mess/1857722

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(UPDATE) SUGAR Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Hermenegildo Serafica has resigned from his post after a controversial order to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar was made to avert a supposedly looming shortage in the country. SUGAR Regulatory Administration (SRA) head Hermenegildo Serafica. Photo from SRA website In his letter to Serafica, Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has accepted his resignation "effective immediately.""This refers to your letter dated August 10, 2022 tendering your resignation as administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/17/news/national/sra-chief-quits-over-sugar-import-mess/1854807

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TOFA dinner hosted by philanthropist, Atty. Loida Nicolas Lewis with TOFA founder Elton Lugay, Resident host Boy Abunda, 2022 TOFA honorees and friends. NEW YORK CITY: There was unmistakable excitement as the honorees shuffled in, the piano played, and the mayor strode to his seat. A first in history for any sitting NYC mayor to attend a Filipino event.On September 16, The Town Hall was luminous with New York City dignitaries and exemplary Filipino Americans celebrating the 12th The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA) awards with their families and friends.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/16/the-sunday-times/filipino-champions/mayor-eric-adams-makes-historic-attendance-at-tofa/1862452

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SEN. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go vowed to continue to advocate for policies that will improve the welfare of migrant workers who are considered modern-day heroes for keeping the economy afloat through their remittances.The senator voiced his respect and gratitude for modern-day heroes, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as the country commemorated National Heroes Day on Monday."In a modern world we now live in, freedom is not always about being free from foreign powers," Go said in a statement.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/30/news/national/go-vows-to-back-policies-for-ofws/1856524

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(UPDATED) THE Philippine peso on Tuesday fell to a new record low against the US dollar after closing at P58.999.It opened the day at P58.8 after trading was suspended on Monday because of Typhoon "Karding."The peso also traded between P58.7 and P58.999, resulting in an average of P58.904. Tuesday's volume reached $1.0622 billion, up from $985 million the previous session.The local currency remained weak against the US dollar for the fifth trading day by 49 centavos amid the continued increase in the US dollar versus major global currencies.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/28/news/national/peso-dives-to-p58999-vs-us-dollar/1860003

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