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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Anthony Pantoja President Panaderia Pantoja Inc. " Anthony learned how to run the bakery from his father Arturo, and sold cheesecake to his classmates at De La Salle Lipa." WHEN he was a college student, Anthony Pantoja hawked cheese rolls at P5 each to raise funds for his tuition.Today, Anthony heads Panaderia Pantoja Inc. which produces various bakery and confectionery products, part of which are shipped abroad for Filipino communities and foreigners to enjoy. And it all started with a bakery established by his grandparents 72 years ago in Batangas.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/18/business/sunday-business-it/taking-an-old-town-panaderia-to-another-level/1858872

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PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday described as "productive" the meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), the first under his watch.The 20-member group discussed the legislative agenda the President embodied in his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July. FIRST MEETING President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte meet members of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council in Malacañang on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/11/news/marcos-first-ledac-meeting-productive/1861783

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(UPDATE) THE Court of Appeals (CA) on Tuesday denied Rappler CEO and Executive Editor Maria Ressa's motion for reconsideration on her conviction for cyberlibel.The motion for reconsideration was filed by Ressa and Reynaldo Santos Jr., assailing the decision of the CA on July 7, 2022, which affirmed a verdict handed down by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 on June 15, 2020 that found the two journalists guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of cyberlibel.Ressa has expressed her disappointment over the CA decision to reject her motion for reconsideration.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/12/news/ca-denies-ressa-appeal-on-cyberlibel-conviction/1861851

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AN approaching storm forced at least 800 schools mostly in Northern Luzon to call off classes on school opening day on Monday.Classes in other parts of the country proceeded as scheduled, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported the day went without incident.Storm "Florita" was forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) to cross the northern tip of Northern Luzon Monday night with maximum winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 90 kph.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/23/news/national/storm-dampens-school-opening/1855602

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PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the authorities to unmask the mastermind behind the killing of broadcaster Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa as he expressed doubt that the inmate tagged as the middleman in the case died of natural causes.Speaking to reporters, Marcos said that even though the toxicology report on the death of Cristito Villamor Palaña (previously identified as Crisanto or Jun Villamor) came back negative, he wants a thorough scrutiny of the matter."The toxicology report came back.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/27/news/unmask-lapid-slay-mastermind-marcos/1863785

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THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) will beef up its campaign to lure Filipino scientists working abroad through programs and grants that will help them and their host institutions.The Balik Scientist program was created under Presidential Decree 819 issued in 1975 to create more opportunities for Filipino scientists recruited by foreign institutions.It was strengthened through Republic Act 11035 or the "Balik Scientist Act," signed in June 2018, which gave the scientists competitive benefits such as daily subsistence allowance, health insurance and roundtrip airfare.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/17/news/national/govt-boosts-drive-to-lure-back-scientists/1862558

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(UPDATE) A MAN who admitted shooting and killing broadcaster Percy Lapid (Percival Mabasa) surrendered to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Tuesday.In a press briefing with officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame in Quezon City, Abalos presented Joel Estorial, a resident of Quezon City, who revealed that there were six of them involved in the killing of Lapid. They reportedly were paid P550,000.Estorial said he surrendered out of fear after seeing his face on television.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/19/news/gunman-in-lapid-slay-surrenders/1862704

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DIET or exercise? This has been the quintessential question when talking about weight loss. Proponents of fad diets entice people by promising fast weight loss without lifting a finger. On the other hand, some exercise aficionados may guarantee a toned body without food deprivation. But a more sustainable approach to weight loss and overall health emphasizes combining diet and exercise. For those who want to reach a healthy weight faster, they may choose to focus on diet first. However, this does not mean that exercising won't help you lose weight.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/11/tmt-anniversary/diet-exercise-or-both-it-depends/1861575

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ONE of the good surprises that came out of the Covid-19 lockdowns was increased interest in gardening and growing food. As a weekend farmer, I've learned over the past 10 years to adapt lessons from the farm into a space-constrained city home. The "plantito and plantita" trend recruited a new breed of urbanites into the green world of gardening. Some have crossed over and learned to grow vegetables.The idea of urban farming, pushed by ecologists in the 1970s, has made a comeback in recent years with more sophistication and technology.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/11/tmt-anniversary/edible-gardens-in-the-city/1861614

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THE Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) industry is said to contribute nearly $30 billion to the economy each year. Some 1.3 million Filipinos were employed in over 1,000 BPO companies in 2019 and the figure is growing by some 8 percent to 10 percent every year. Outsourcing, unlike many other industries, thrived during the pandemic as businesses scrambled to digitalize and redefine many functions. TMT PHOTO Outsourcing, unlike many other industries, thrived during the pandemic as businesses scrambled to digitalize and redefine many functions.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/11/tmt-anniversary/bpo-industry-thriving-despite-pandemic/1861591

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(UPDATED) FORMER senator Leila de Lima was briefly taken hostage on Sunday by an inmate at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center in Camp Crame where she is being detained.She was unhurt, but the man who held her hostage and two other inmates were killed.Police said the inmate, Feliciano Sulayao Jr., held de Lima at knifepoint in her cell where he holed up after a foiled escape attempt. He and two other detainees were shot dead by the police.Sulayao and two other detainees had stabbed a police officer as they tried to flee the center.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/10/news/de-lima-taken-hostage/1861546

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The German Embassy in the Philippines, together with its implementing partner organizations, continue to support sustainable peace-building in Mindanao. This takes place through several projects that employ an inclusive approach in various sectors."We are convinced that a successful and inclusive peace process will increase prosperity and social cohesion not only in the Philippines, but also in this highly inter-connected region," German Ambassador to the Philippines Anke Reiffenstuel said. German Embassy's YOUCAP project aims to empower the youth and keep them from being involved in armed conflict.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/10/17/expats-diplomats/german-embassy-continues-support-for-mindanao-peace-building/1862486

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(UPDATE) SUSPENDED Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag, who is implicated in the killing of broadcaster Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa and a prison inmate, said on Monday he will not surrender until an arrest warrant is issued against him.Bantag said in an interview that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is in a hurry to get him jailed by asking him to surrender despite the fact that the preliminary investigation in the Mabasa case has not even started."I don't have an arrest warrant yet, but he is asking me to surrender.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/15/news/no-arrest-warrant-no-surrender/1866261

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGTO: ALL SHAREHOLDERSNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual stockholders' meeting of PH Resorts Group Holdings, Inc. (the "Corporation") will be held on 9 December 2022, Friday, at 2 o'clock p.m., via videoconferencing, for the purpose of taking up the following:AGENDA Call to Order Proof of Notice of Meeting Certification of Quorum Approval of Minutes of Meeting of Stockholders held on 19 May 2021 Report of the President Approval of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2021 Ratification and confirmation of all acts and resolutions of the Board and Management executed in the normal course of business covering the period 1 May 2021 to 31 October 2022 Approval of the grant of authority to the Board of Directors to issue such number of shares of stock out of the existing capital stock at an issue price of not less than par value as the Board of Directors may determine and to accept cash or non-cash properties as payment for such subscription and the listing of such shares with the Philippine Stock Exchange.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/16/business/top-business/ph-resorts-group-holdings-inc-announces-notice-of-annual-stockholders-meeting/1866387

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERSPlease take notice that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of DITO CME HOLDINGS CORP. (Formerly: ISM Communications Corporation) (the "Company") will be held on 6 December 2022, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon via videoconferencing in its principal office at the 21st Floor, Udenna Tower, Rizal Drive corner 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City to discuss the following:AGENDA 1. Call to Order2. Certification of Notice and Quorum 3. Review and Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on 8 December 20214.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/15/business/top-business/dito-cme-holdings-corp-announces-notice-of-annual-stockholders-meeting/1866254

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Global Times editor's note: What is the Communist Party of China (CPC)? What is the CPC's role in the new era? The CPC has grown into one of the largest parties in the world in the process of leading the Chinese people in seeking liberation and happiness, making China as strong and prosperous as it is today. As the CPC ushers the nation into a new era of development, the last decade has witnessed great achievements in national strength and prosperity, with people's confidence and recognition of this path rising to unprecedentedly high levels.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/06/news/world/guizhou-teacher-dedicates-self-to-rural-education-sets-example-for-others/1865187

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Erik Akpedonu, Ige Ramos, Gemma Cruz-Araneta, Clara Reyes-Lapus, Jing Brucelas, and Dr. Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu The Mama Sita Foundation (MSF) recently hosted "Peacetime Quiapo (1920 to 1940): Home Recipes from the Art Deco Era," a non-profit dinner held at the Lore Manila in Bonifacio Global City.The event was curated by food writer Ige Ramos and organized by Fernando Nakpil Zialcita, and his class at the Cultural Heritage Studies Program of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology of the Ateneo de Manila University.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/13/the-sunday-times/filipino-champions/quiapo-themed-heritage-dinnercelebrates-heirloom-recipes/1866058

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A RANKING official of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Wednesday said that the government will lose at least P1 billion in annual revenues with the implementation of one-year moratorium on land amortization and interest payments of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) for agricultural lands distributed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).In a radio interview, DAR Undersecretary Marilyn Barua-Yap added that at least 655,000 ARBs will benefit from the Executive Order (EO) 4 signed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/15/news/national/govt-to-lose-p1b-with-moratorium-on-land-amortization/1858519

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THE administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was drafting measures to assist agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB), Malacañang said on Friday."The President and his Cabinet discuss how the government can aid agrarian reform beneficiaries by implementing projects and programs such as crafting a proposed bill on the condonation of payments for the amortization fees and interests on ARB loans and providing legal help for land disputes," the Office of the President announced in a Facebook post.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/07/news/marcos-to-aid-agrarian-reform-beneficiaries/1853707

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(UPDATE) EDUCATION continues to get the biggest slice of the national budget pie, but transportation and agriculture have the highest percentage increases.Based on a presentation by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman during a hearing at the House of Representatives on Friday, the Department of Education (DepEd) was allocated P852 billion in the proposed P5.268-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2023. BUDGET Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. Photo from Official Facebook Page of Department of Budget and Management The figure, however, was only 8.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/27/news/national/deped-still-budget-topper-dotr-has-biggest-increase/1856103

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