NEWS
Albay bishop launches big prayer rally for Rosals
October 16, 2022 12:30 p.m.
A BISHOP from the province of Bicol led a peaceful prayer rally, dubbed as “Dasal para kay Rosal” over the weekend to support Governor Noel E. Rosal and Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal for a beautiful province of Albay.
Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi City graced the peaceful rally, with more than 25,000 Rasal supporters at the Peñaranda Park, saying that the Albayanons (people of Albay) had already decided who to elect last election.
“Let the will of the people prevail, and let’s go to work for a progressive Albay. The election is already done here. The people have already chosen their leaders so let’s stop politicking,” Baylon said.
“The Church has joined the people today to support the leaders they chose.”
Banners and tarpaulins with messages of support were also seen carried by thousands of supporters from various barangays and municipalities during the peaceful rally, praying for a divine intervention to reverse the Commission on Elections’ disqualification case against the elected governor and his mayor wife.
“The entire community has expressed their support to the leaders they know who will serve them. Our governor here is doing his best to find solutions to fight illegal quarrying, put up hospitals in some areas and make projects for the people.”
The COMELEC, according to reports, disqualified Rosal from the provincial electoral race last month for violating the 45-day ban on the release of public funds by government agencies for social welfare projects, particularly the approval of cash assistance to tricycle drivers in April.
According to a Rappler report, Mayor Geraldine Rosal was also disqualified for the same offense last October 4, just two weeks after the first division of Comelec disqualified her husband.
Baylon added, though, that they would always respect the law, but he is praying that true justice will prevail for the benefit of the 469, 481 Filipinos who voted for Governor Rosal and wife Mayor Geraldine.
“My message to our political leaders is we will always respect the law, the law which stands for the truth, that respect and love the dignity of one another. There are many things that can cause us divided or may turn against one another. But the loser in the end will be the people of this land,” he added.
Despite the peaceful rally, the people that attended had a strong message, saying they know who are the true people behind the ongoing battle of their beloved governor and Legazpi City mayor.
“We are praying for divine intervention from God to reverse that ruling. We cannot allow to lose the people’s governor, who really serves us,” Tabaco City Councilor Oden Berces of first district said. “He is the real governor of Albay.”
“He is the only governor who visits the tiny islands of Tabaco, according to the people there, and he’s very approachable. He also reorganized the hospital here to help the people.”
A 70-year-old retired teacher Rose Ajero, who joined the rally said they love the governor because of his great environment advocacy to limit the quarrying activities around Albay to prevent the catastrophe that happened way back 2006.
“The people of Albay don’t want a repeat of that tragic calamity in 2006 when typhoon Reming hits the town of Padang, where many have perished because of illegal quarrying,” Ajero said. “We know the bad effect of illegal quarrying.”
“We know who are behind this issue and we’re asking them to just take care of their issues, the scandals they’ve been, because our governor and mayor here are working hard as true public servant,” she added.
The supporters of the husband-and-wife governor and mayor believe that the issues hurled at them are political and baseless.
The first-time governor and the mayor will continue to function as an elected head of the province and the city until the court orders them with finality to vacate their positions, according to Rosal’s social media account.
NEWS
Agoda: Cebu is tourist favorite to welcome ‘The Year of the Snake’
10:30 a.m. January 13, 2025
As the Lunar New Year approaches, digital travel platform Agoda unveils Cebu to be the most sought-after destination for international visitors celebrating the start of ‘The Year of the Snake’ in the Philippines. Agoda further reports that, based on accommodation searches made on the platform, Manila is the top-searched domestic destination, with Hong Kong being the most popular among Filipino travelers looking to spend the Lunar New Year holiday abroad.
International travelers are increasingly looking to the Philippines as a Lunar New Year destination, with accommodation searches growing 19% compared to the previous year. The archipelago draws the most visitors from South Korea, United States and mainland China. Cebu, with its world-renowned beaches, marine life, and cultural heritage continues to charm as the top destination for international travelers during the holiday period, with accommodation searches rising 15% from last year.
Domestic travel during the Lunar New Year holiday is also increasingly popular in the Philippines as witnessed by a 52% rise in accommodation searches on Agoda. The most popular destination for domestic travel is Manila, with a nearly 50% increase in searches compared to last year. The capital is a favorite among Filipinos looking to usher in the Lunar New Year in what is said to be one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, featuring traditional dances, lantern-lined streets and festive fare.
For Filipinos looking to celebrate ‘The Year of the Snake’ abroad, Hong Kong slithers into the lead with a 120% growth in accommodation searches compared to the previous year, overtaking Tokyo. With its impressive skylines and melting pot of cultures, Hong Kong offers an exciting array of festivities including fireworks, parades and performances to usher in a prosperous new year. Overall, outbound accommodation searches increased by 67%, indicating Filipino travelers’ growing desire to spend the holiday period abroad.
Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda said, “The Lunar New Year holiday is one of Asia’s most popular travel periods and it’s great to see growing interest in the Philippines from international and domestic travelers alike. Cities like Cebu and Manila showcase the wonderful diversity of experiences in the Philippines, from stunning island escapes to cultural festivities in the heart of the capital city. Whether celebrating the new year from the Philippines or traveling abroad, Agoda offers travelers great deals on flights, accommodations and activities to usher in the Year of the Snake.”
The Lunar New Year holiday marks new beginnings and the arrival of Spring, making it a significant travel period as people look to reunite with family and friends. ‘The Year of the Snake’ symbolizes rebirth and transformation and is said to present an auspicious opportunity for embracing self-discovery and exploring new horizons. Known for their association with good fortune, snakes inspire travelers to shed the old and welcome the new — whether by rediscovering familiar places or venturing abroad during this festive season.
Looking at the combined preferences for Asian travelers, Japanese cities in particular emerged as favorites for the Lunar New Year holiday, with Tokyo taking the crown followed by Bangkok (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), Fukuoka (Japan), and Seoul (South Korea).
As travelers prepare to shed the old and embrace the new, Agoda offers exceptional deals for their Lunar New Year holiday on over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.
NEWS
PAL Interclub’s return to Bacolod celebrates triumph of human spirit
4:22 p.m. January 10, 2025
When the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub returns to Bacolod next month, the triumph of the human spirit will be at the back of most players’ minds as the last time the event was held there, action at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club and Bacolod Golf and Country Club was one of the last events held before COVID-19 ground all of sports in the world to a halt within the next few days.
Less than a week after Manila Southwoods and Canlubang won the Men’s Regular and Seniors divisions titles, respectively, that lockdowns were ordered worldwide because of the pandemic that would drag for more than two years.
And from Feb. 7 to 21, the courses formerly known as Marapara and Binitin will again be the venues for the event’s 76th playing where Southwoods shoots for a fourth straight crown and Del Monte a repeat of the upset it posted on home turf last year in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.
“Bacolod has been the site of many memorable Interclub championships and we are sure of having the same keen competition this year,” PAL president Stanley K. Ng said. “As we return to the City of Smiles, let’s also celebrate the triumph of the human spirit through the sport we love as we wish every team the best out there next month.”
Known as the country’s unofficial team golf championship, the Interclub was forced to take a two-year leave because of the pandemic and resumed in 2023 in Cebu where Southwoods again ruled regular play and Luisita dislodged Canlubang.
Seniors action gets going first on Feb. 10, with the men starting their 72-hole championship eight days later.
Competition in the 55-and-over division is deemed to be a wide-open race this year with some of the talents that have beefed up Cangolf and Luisita either begging off or playing for other squads.
Canlubang and Luisita have combined to win a total of 29 titles, with the Sugar Barons holding an 11-5 edge since 2006 after snapping the Luisitans’ six-year reign that started in 2006.
In 24 years, only Del Monte was able to break that dual stranglehold of Senior play, and the Bukidnon-based bets will come to Bacolod with basically the same lineup that posted that upset last year.
NEWS
TCL to Inspire Greatness at CES 2025 with latest products, innovations
4:39 p.m. January 7, 2025
TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brands, today announced its attendance at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 which takes place in January.
TCL has participated in CES for 31 years, during which the brand has consistently showcased its latest innovative display technologies and a full range of smart home products to global visitors.
As a highlight of this year’s showcase, TCL will reveal its innovative QD-Mini LED technologies and products that deliver an unparalleled visual experience.
The display innovations TCL is bringing to CES 2025 are sure to excite both professionals and home entertainment enthusiasts alike. They cover almost every form factor, from professional monitors to in-car displays, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, smart projectors, and RayNeo AR glasses. TCL will also display its award-winning NXTPAPER technology and officially unveil its revolutionary NXTPAPER 4.0 at CES 2025.
Underscoring its innovations in the AI field, TCL is bringing its latest AI advancements in new product categories as well as partnerships with world-renowned technology brands.
Additionally, TCL will unveil the integration of its smart home ecosystem with intelligent solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency and enrich the user experience, which includes air conditioners, built-in refrigerators, washing machines, smart locks, and mobile routers.
Leading up to Super Bowl LIX, TCL’s partnerships with renowned global partners, including its role as the Official TV Partner of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, will also be a major highlight of the exhibition.
Through these partnerships, TCL is developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance viewer experiences and engage fans across a range of interactive on-site activities and online campaigns that aim to build global connections and inspire greatness in everyday life.
For more details, please see below:
TCL CES 2025 Press Conference:
● Date & Time: 11:00 – 11:45 AM (PST), January 6, 2025
● Location: Mandalay Bay, South Convention Center, Ballroom E (Level 2)
TCL CES 2025 Booth:
● Date: January 7-10, 2025
● Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth #17704
Agoda: Cebu is tourist favorite to welcome ‘The Year of the Snake’
PAL Interclub’s return to Bacolod celebrates triumph of human spirit
TCL to Inspire Greatness at CES 2025 with latest products, innovations
