Carlos Yulo bags PH's first gold in Paris Olympics

Carlos Yulo bags PH's first gold in Paris Olympics

Story by Nicole Anne D.G. Bugauisan 
Manila Times
03 August 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Carlos Yulo stamped his name in history after being the first Filipino gymnast to win a gold medal in the Olympics.

The 4-foot-11 turner stood stall against his opponents in the men's artistic gymnastics floor exercise finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics after garnering a total of 15.00 points (6.600 in difficulty, 8.400 in execution, and 0.0 penalty).

Yulo holds the highest record so far in the Olympic games after his solid golden performance in the finals floor exercise.

The Filipino gymnast flawlessly executed a double front with a twist in his routine.

Yulo threw his two fists up in the air after concluding his performance.

Paris 2024 Olympics. Gold medallist Carlos Yulo of Philippines poses on the podium with silver medallist Artem Dolgopyat of Israel and bronze medallist Jake Jarman of Britain. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Israel's Artem Dolgopyat bagged silver with 14.966 points, while United Kingdom's Jarman Jake took bronze with 14.933 points.

Pinoy student bagged ASDA grand prize in Singapore

Filipino student wins grand prize in American Standard Design Award 2024

Story by Lai S. Reye
Philstar Global
03 Aug 2024

An undergraduate design student from the University of Sto. Tomas bagged the grand prize in the American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2024.

Ricardo Noel Bonalos received the award, along with the regional finalists, at a special awards ceremony and exhibition in Singapore.

“Winning ASDA 2024, interacting with other national winners, as well as with the esteemed architects and interior designers, has been an incredibly enriching experience. It feels surreal to have won something so significant, and I’m deeply thankful for everyone who believed in and supported me throughout this journey,” enthuses Bonalos.

Live. Love. Home

With the theme, “Home Away from Home,” the student designers were challenged to apply their knowledge and creativity to design innovative solutions for a hospitality bathroom that creates the warm and inviting feeling of home, resonating with the American Standard brand claim of “Live. Love. Home.”

And Bonalos’ winning entry, “SereniScape Retreat: Your Personal Urban Oasis,” captured just that. Using a harmonious blend of natural elements complemented by a thoughtful design, the bathroom becomes a haven where guests can unwind, reconnect with themselves, and experience the dual warmth of a homey atmosphere and the refreshing touch of a tranquil oasis.

The use of customizable cabinets that allow guests to adapt the space to their individual needs adds a unique personality to the bathroom and addresses the challenge of catering to diverse guest preferences without imposing difficulty on hotel owners.

“My goal was to create a bathroom that felt familiar and personalized to the ever-changing guests, reflecting a sense of comfort and belonging,” explains Bonalos.

Designed for an urban boutique hotel, the bathroom serves as a “sigh of relief,” offering moments of relaxation and tranquility after a busy day in the city.

“This project required meticulous attention to detail and careful consideration of materials, fixtures, and furnishings,” Bonalos explains. “Although the process was time-consuming, it was incredibly educational.”

“SereniScape Retreat: Your Personal Urban Oasis” by Ricardo Bonalos bags the grand prize in the American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2024.

Comfort is key

The ASDA was created as a platform to nurture and recognize upcoming talent in the industry. The competition has attracted strong interest from nearly 5,000 registrants from six countries across the Asia-Pacific (APAC).

“The caliber of entries keeps impressing the ASDA judges. It is rewarding to see the ASDA platform grow to over 1,000 submitted entries from across the region, focusing on the theme ‘Home Away from Home.’ What truly defines a home is the delicate balance of design, space, and practicality,” says Antoine Besseyre Des Horts, leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia.

When traveling, we desire a space that relaxes, inspires and rejuvenates.

“No matter the style, color or decor of choice, it is the sense of comfort that greets us every time we step into the room,” adds Antoine. “The regional finalists from six different countries were able to convey that through their winning projects. We congratulate all the ASDA 2024 winners and finalists, and look forward to their continued success.” Antoine says.

The best of the best

At the awarding ceremonies in Singapore, Bonalos was joined by the ASDA 2024 regional finalists and national winners such as Davy Sophonn from Kirirom Institute of Technology, Cambodia; Luist Yansen from Tarumanagara University, Indonesia; Podsatorn Keela from Khon Kaen University, Thailand; Mai Hà Võ from Danang Architecture University, Vietnam; and Minh Chau Nguyen from Deakin University, Australia and New Zealand.

Each national winner received a cash prize of US$2,000 and were mentored by their national ASDA judges in their advance to the APAC regional finals.

APAC Grand Prize winner Ricardo Bonalos was awarded a total cash prize of US$5,000. All regional finalists were also invited to an exclusive tour of the LIXIL Experience Centre, Singapore, and a curated design workshop at the LIXIL Design Centre.

“Participating in the ASDA has taught me invaluable lessons about the art of designing spaces that feel both familiar and welcoming, even within a commercial context,” Bonalos enthused. “It has boosted my confidence and prepared me to tackle real-world projects with a more refined approach. It’s provided me with a unique platform to learn from the best minds in the field, and the opportunity to receive feedback from industry leaders and peers has been incredibly enlightening.”

The young design student looks ahead with hopes of honing his design skills even more.

“I’m deeply passionate about exploring opportunities that allow me to apply my design skills to meaningful projects,” he says. “Whether it’s in sustainable design or hospitality design, like my recent success in ASDA 2024, I’m eager to find a role where I can continue to innovate and make a positive impact.”

Philippines is set for further expansion over the next decade

PH to grow by 6.1 percent in the next 10 years – report

Story by Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo @CatilogoIrish

Inquirer.net

02 Aug 2024

The Philippines is set for further expansion over the next decade, driven by the Marcos administration’s commitment to increase infrastructure investments, according to a report released on Thursday.

The global consultancy firm Angsana Council, Bain & Company, and DBS Bank placed the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 6.1 percent for the next 10 years, sitting at the lower level of the government’s 6 to 7 percent growth target this year.

The country’s projected growth of 6.1 percent over the next decade places it behind Vietnam, which is expected to grow by 6.6 percent, but ahead of the Southeast Asia average growth forecast of 5.1 percent.

For the first quarter, the economy grew by 5.7 percent, faster than the 5.5 percent growth in the last three months of 2023.

The report attributed the positive outlook to the government’s increased infrastructure investments and a growing workforce, aligning with the World Bank’s description of the country as being in a “demographic sweet spot”.

Government data showed that 64 percent of the Filipino population of over 110 million belongs to the working-age group of 15 to 64 years old which means that the country has the potential to become rich before its population gets old.

The report also noted the country’s growth in infrastructure, as measured by the gross fixed capital formation, grew by 8.2 percent in 2023, slower compared from the 9.8 percent seen in 2022. Meanwhile, its share to GDP reached 23.3 percent, the highest since the 26.7 percent in 2019.

Looking ahead, the government is expected to spend P1.28 trillion on infrastructure and capital outlays next year. This was higher by 3.04 percent from the P1.24 trillion budget this year.

The Marcos administration seeks to spend 5 to 6 percent of GDP on infrastructure annually.

According to the National Economic and Development Authority, there are 185 projects amounting P9.56 trillion in the pipeline, of which majority comes from the Department of Public Works and Highways with 74 and the Department of Transportation with 69.

Despite this, the report highlighted factors that could possibly dampen the country’s growth.

“Traditional growth drivers lagging other Southeast Asian countries (education, infrastructure, government effectiveness) and geopolitics, especially tensions with China, might escalate, disrupting recovery,” the report said.

PH bets shine in Man of the World, Summit International pageants

PH bets shine in Man of the World, Summit International pageants

Story by Armin P. Adina 
Inquirer.net
01 Aug 2024

Filipino candidates finished strong in international competitions held in the Philippines last month, with all three delegates in the “Miss,” “Ms.” and “Mrs.” divisions of the Summit International pageants held in Cebu finishing second in their respective categories, and Kenneth Cabungcal proclaimed as first runner-up in the 2024 Man of the World contest held in Manila.

The Negrense lad finished second to Venezuela’s Sergio Azuaga for the top title, but went home with the Best in Formal Wear and Mister Holiday Inn Express awards. The two men shared also the top slot for the polling for press favorites.

The international male tilt, organized by Manila-based Prime Event Productions Philippines Foundation Inc., saw 23 candidates compete in the sixth edition this year. The coronation show was held at the Winford Resort and Casino Manila on July 26.

Justinne Punsalang, a broadcast journalist who competed in the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas pageant, was first runner-up in the “Ms.” division of the Summit International pageants held at the Tambuli Seaside Resort in Cebu on July 20. Deborah Scott from the United States edged her out of the title.

The Filipino delegate also topped the social media polls for Best in Swimsuit and Best in Advocacy, and also received the People’s Choice award.

In the “Miss” division, the Philippines’ Maiko Ibarro also settled for the first runner-up spot. She was edged out for the crown by Italy’s Filipino-Italian delegate Sharon Idone, who was also proclaimed Best in National Costume, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Glamshot, Best in Headshot, and received the People’s Choice award.

The pageant also had a “Mrs.” division, where Filipino delegate Beatriz Cabañero was proclaimed first runner-up. She also topped the social media polls for Best in Swimsuit and Best in Advocacy, and received the Best in National Costume and People’s Choice awards. Australia’s Ranti Wardhanti edged her out of the Mrs. Summit International title.

The Philippines scored its first victory in the “Miss” division of the Summit International Pageants last year, at the competition held in Florida in the United States, through Kapuso actress AZ Martinez, winner of the 2022 Hiyas ng Pilipinas pageant.

PHL is expected to be the second fastest-growing economy in SEA

PHL growth likely second strongest among 6 major ASEAN economies

Business World Online
01 August 2024

THE PHILIPPINES is expected to be the second fastest-growing economy of the six major Southeast Asian Nations countries in the next ten years due to robust infrastructure and its increasing workforce, Bain and Co., Monk’s Hill Ventures’ Angsana Council, and DBS Bank said.

In a report, they said Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth will likely average  6.1% yearly until 2034, upgrading the three firms’ earlier projection of 4-5% growth over the next 10 years.

“Since 2022, our projections have improved for the Philippines and Malaysia, thanks to significant efforts by the current administrations to become more ‘pro-investment’ and ‘pro-business,’” they said.

If the forecasts are borne out, the Philippines will trail only Vietnam (6.6%) while beating out Indonesia (5.7%), Malaysia (4.5%), Thailand (2.8%), and Singapore (2.5%). The Philippines would also outpace the six-country average of 5.1%.

“Indonesia and the Philippines, which start from a lower base, are moving in a positive direction, especially in economic innovation,” it said.

Main drivers of the Philippine economy include a “pro-growth administration” and priority investments in infrastructure, especially renewables, which are gaining interest among foreign investors.

“The Philippines and Vietnam have substantial offshore wind potential, and the region has vast untapped solar and hydropower availability. With improved grid infrastructure, government support, and financial incentives, Southeast Asia could deliver climate, economic, and energy security benefits regionally and abroad,” according to the report.

The Philippines, having one of the youngest workforces in the region, will also have demographics on its side, the report said.

“The Philippines leads with the strongest working population increase, whereas Singapore and Thailand are experiencing declines caused by low birth rates and ageing populations.”

Emigration from the Philippines and Indonesia has also slowed due to better job markets, it also said.

On the other hand, education, infrastructure, government effectiveness, and geopolitical tensions with China pose risks to Philippine growth.

“SEA-6 has shown generally positive trends for education spending with Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines witnessing a sizeable increase in per capita spending on education; however, they still lag significantly behind their regional counterparts,” they said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Pinoys invade K-pop industry

These Pinoy K-Pop Idols Deserve To Be On Your Playlist

Story by Rachelle Tonelada 
Cosmopolitan Philippines
31 July 2024

When it comes to *rizz* and onstage presence, the Philippines definitely comes to mind. In fact, the country has been home to people full of talent and creativity that the world just can't turn a blind eye to. Filipino artists have made notable success in the international entertainment industry, not just in local media.

In fact, Filipino talents continue to emerge, even in K-Pop. With their impressive vocals and impeccable dance moves, they might just end up being your bias!

LIST: Filipinos Who Have Debuted As K-Pop Idols

1. Gehlee Dangca (UNIS)

Gehlee Dangca secured fourth place in the debut group of the South Korean survival show Universe Ticket, earning her the opportunity to debut under F&F Entertainment's K-Pop girl group, UNIS.

Before embarking on her K-Pop career, Gehlee was actively involved in pageants in the Philippines—she even received the nickname "Princess." At the young age of 15, she was crowned Miss Republic Continent-Charity Queen International 2022 in Bulacan, which truly showcased her wit and charm. Gehlee was a student at San Beda College Alabang and St. Paul College Pasig.

2. Chanty Videla (LAPILLUS)

Chanty Videla stands out as a rising star with a unique background. Born on June 15, 2002, Chanty has carved her path to become one of the few Filipina-Argentinian idols in the South Korean music industry. She is a vocalist and main visual of the girl group LAPILLUS, which debuted on June 20, 2022 under MLD Entertainment. 

In case she look familiar, before stepping into the spotlight as a K-Pop idol, Chanty honed her skills as an actress and model in the Philippines, appearing in various TV shows and commercials. Until now, she is listed as one of the talents under Sparkle GMA Artist Center. 

In April 2024, MLD Entertainment announced that Chanty would be taking a break from her K-Pop group after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Despite her hiatus, she remains a member of the group.

3. Elisia Parmisano (UNIS)

Another Filipina in the girl group UNIS under F&F Entertainment is Elisia Parmisano, who has showcased exceptional talent even before entering the K-Pop industry. Elisia was the first member of UNIS to secure a guaranteed spot!

ICYDK, she trained under Star Magic as a child star. She had guest roles in prominent Filipino TV shows like the ABS-CBN series Nang Ngumiti ang Langit. When she won the Universe Ticket, Regine Velasquez and Vicky Belo shared their warm congratulations. 

4. Sophia Laforteza (KATSEYE)

Picked from 120,000 aspiring trainees as one of the lucky 20 to appear on the Korean show The Debut: Dream Academy, Sophia Laforteza proved to be an exceptional talent. She has now debuted under HYBE Label as part of their international girl group, KATSEYE.

The 20-year-old Filipina is the daughter of Filipino singer-actress Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Godfrey Laforteza. Like others, she used to be a K-Pop fan, and is a certified ARMY (fan of BTS)! 

Sophia also excelled in her studies, having graduated from the Multiple Intelligence International School with awards in June 2021.

5. Dongyeon (POW)

Justin Youn, also known as Dongyeon, is a talented Filipino-South Korean singer and dancer under GRID Entertainment, making waves as a member of the boy group POW. This 20-year-old artist, whose mother resides in Negros Occidental, was a contestant on the SBS survival program Loud under JYP Entertainment. Yes, the entertainment agency currently in charge of 2PM, TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY, and NMIXX.

Although Dongyeon was eliminated in the seventh round of the program, his journey didn't end there. In October 2023, he made his debut with POW, marking a significant milestone as one of the first Filipino K-Pop boy group members.

6. Jay Chang (ONEPACT, B.D.U)

Filipino-American singer Jay Chang debuted under FM Entertainment. Jay has gained significant recognition through his participation in several reality survival shows, including Under Nineteen, Boys Planet, and Build Up: Vocal Boy Group Survivor.

Despite being eliminated early in Under Nineteen, he continued to pursue his dreams and was later revealed as the second member of M.O.N.T Arena in 2022. In November 2023, he debuted as a member of ONE PACT alongside fellow BP contestants Jongwoo, Seongmin, and Yedam. Jay also debuted in June 2024 as part of the project group B.D.U., formed through Mnet's reality survival show Build Up: Vocal Boy Group Survivor.

7. Anthonny (TOZ)

Anthonny, a multi-talented artist born in Davao City, made a name for himself in the world of reality survival shows, ranking 18th in Produce 101 Japan Season 2 and 32nd in Boys Planet. Afterwards, he debuted as the leader of boy group TOZ under YY Entertainment.

Fun fact: he is a fan of Filipino singer Yeng Constantino, and he absolutely loves her song "Ikaw."

PH rises in global anti-red tape rankings

PH rises in global anti-red tape rankings

Story by Kristina Maralit
Manila Times
30 July 2024

THE Philippines climbed by three spots in the global anti-red tape rankings, proof that it has made significant strides in addressing corruption, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said on Monday.

"The Philippines proudly climbs three spots in Government Efficiency, ranking 49th in the 2024 World Competitiveness Report by the International Institute for Management Development," ARTA said in a statement.

The agency said that the Marcos administration remains committed to ensuring that government services are streamlined and digitalized to make the country more competitive, after posting an improved placing in the 2024 World Competitiveness Report by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).

The IMD recognizes the crucial role of governments in providing an environment characterized by efficient infrastructure, institutions and policies that can encourage sustainable value creation for private enterprises.

It created the World Competitiveness Ranking 36 years ago in a bid to provide actionable data analysis on economies, regions and sub-regions according to how they optimize their individual competencies in order to achieve long-term value creation for their people.

The ranking provides benchmarking and exposes trends, using both statistics and real-world survey data.

This year's rankings, released in June, provide extensive coverage of 67 global economies and are a worldwide reference on the competitiveness of economies.

ARTA attributed the improvement to several government policies, among them Executive Order 59, or the Streamlining of Requirements for Infrastructure Flagship Projects, the rollout of the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), and the Electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) that contributed greatly to the country's performance in start-up procedures, start-up days and new business density.

ARTA expects more improvements in 2025 with the full implementation of its major Ease of Doing Business programs, including the Philippine Business Regulations Information System, Anti-Red Tape Electronic Management Information System, Report Card Survey 2.0, Philippine Global Competitiveness Report Card (PGCRC) and the Philippine EODB Reporting System.

"These initiatives, particularly the PGCRC will be pursued with continued collaboration with the Asian Institute of Management and the Department of Trade and Industry, and sustained engagement with our private sector stakeholders," it said.

"The call to replace red tape with a red carpet — ensuring that government processes are more efficient and not burdensome — is expected to create a climate that propels economic growth, boosts investments, and promotes ease of doing business," it added.

Siargao tops list of best places to visit in Southeast Asia

Siargao tops list of best places to visit in Southeast Asia

Story by Moises Cruz
Manila Times
29 July 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Siargao topped the list of the seven best places to visit in Southeast Asia, according to Lonely Planet's July article.

Siargao, which is in Surigao del Norte, is famous for its top-notch surfing, including the Cloud 9 break, which is recognized as one of the greatest waves in the world.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco thanked Lonely Planet for the recognition, as well as all visitors and locals who contributed to Siargao's status as an exceptional destination.

"This achievement motivates us to continue our efforts in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the natural wonders of our beautiful archipelago," Frasco said in a statement on Monday.

Also in the Lonely Planet's list are Amed, Bali; Cao Bang, Vietnam; Khao Sok National Park, Thailand; Luang Prabang, Laos; Penang, Malaysia; and Gili Air, Indonesia.

Audio walking tours project by Filipino anthropologist wins UNESCO award

Audio walking tours project by Filipino anthropologist wins UNESCO award

Rowegie Abanto
ABS-CBN News
Jul 29, 2024 

MANILA — A Filipino anthropologist's audio walking tours project that featured famous tourist spots in the country received a prestigious award from the United Nation's heritage agency UNESCO. 

Raizel Pauline Albano’s "Anthro on Foot" — a collection of 57 audio walking tours from 17 regions across the country — was honored at the 2024 Global Awards for World Heritage Education Innovative Cases (AWHEIC) at the 46th session of the UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India last week.

Out of some 300 entries, Albano's work was selected as one of the ten heritage education projects in the "Star of Outstanding" category. 

The awards category included heritage projects from Hong Kong, China, Spain, Abu Dhabi, Hungary, and Britain.

She said she is the first Filipino to receive an award from the AWHEIC, launched in 2022 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention.

The heritage award body is organized by the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region (WHITRAP) with the help and support of UNESCO.

Albano's audio walking tours were featured by Philippine news outlets early this year, which she said "brought us to places I never would have imagined finding myself in."

"We are incredibly grateful for WHITRAP’s support and confidence in our abilities to amplify the powerful and colorful stories of the Philippines and (...coming soon) the Asia-Pacific region!" she wrote on Facebook on Sunday as she announced her award.

The Global Awards for World Heritage Education Innovative Cases honors heritage education projects "with contemporary exemplary significance." 

It also provides an international exchange platform for global heritage education practitioners.

Bini's coming age in global stage

Philippine girl group Bini bursts onto the global stage

Members grow from local reality show sensation to worldwide hitmakers

YUKI FUJITA
Nikkei staff 
July 29, 2024

MANILA -- First there was J-pop. Then South Korea stole the spotlight with K-pop. Now, breakout Philippine idol group Bini is on the verge of elevating "P-pop" to a worldwide commercial and cultural sensation.

The girl group is riding high after their first solo concert billed as Biniverse, which was held over three days through June 30. The concert was initially supposed to be a one-day affair, but after tickets sold out in less than two hours, more days were added.

"It was great to see them in person," said a 26-year-old fan, JP Chua. "Having watched three K-pop concerts before Bini's concert, I think they did it best."

"The whole vibe was less formal compared to K-pop concerts," said Chua said, noting the chance to take photos with Bini members afterward. "I greatly appreciated the entire experience."

All eight members are from the Philippines. The name Bini is derived from the Tagalog word binibini meaning "young lady."

Bini was formed in 2019 after members passed auditions that were the basis of a reality show. The group made its official debut in 2021 after members completed vocal and dance training.

Aside from concerts, members of Bini have participated in quirky events, including hosting a 5-kilometer Bini Run last month that was open to fans wishing to jog along with the idols.

The cost to join the 5K was 999 pesos ($17) for fan club members. The actual run started at 6 a.m., with the venue open to participants at 4 a.m. Despite those hours, throngs of fans -- who call themselves "Blooms" -- showed up for the run.

Last year's release of the single "Pantropiko" became an overnight sensation. The music video has received more than 54 million views on the group's official YouTube channel and is also popular on TikTok and other social media platforms.

The dance moves featured in the video have also become a phenomenon. K-pop girl group UNIS released a cover of the song.

The song was also featured in a cheeseburger commercial for Jollibee, one of the Philippines' most popular fast-food chains. Samsung Electronics, Unilever and other multinational companies are working with the group on marketing campaigns as well.

Bini in June became the first artist from the Philippines to make the global Spotify Top Artists chart. The group has its sights set on the global market, releasing an all-English single in July and planning concerts in Canada and the U.S. in August.

Passionate Filipino nurse in Northern Ireland

Philippines nurse on how she loves her job after 23 years working in Northern Ireland

"Coming from the Philippines, initially it took a while to get used to the new ways of working"

By Lauren harte
Belfast Live (Northern Ireland)
28 July 2024

International nurses play a vital role in Northern Ireland's healthcare family and their dedication and expertise help ensure that patients and service users receive the best possible care.

Bringing a range of diverse skills and experiences, these international nurses enrich our healthcare services. They are committed to providing excellent and compassionate care to meet the complex needs of the community they serve.

One such nurse is Edtess Landa, who has been a committed member of the South Eastern Trust's nursing family for the past 23 years.

Deputy Ward Sister, Edtess Landa (Image: South Eastern HSC Trust)

Originally from the Philippines, Edtess's journey is a testament to the hard work and resilience that international nurses demonstrate, often overcoming numerous challenges to pursue their passion for nursing and to make a difference to the lives of others.

Edtess explained her journey to date: “My nursing career started in a surgical ward in the Philippines, so when an opportunity came up to apply for a position in Northern Ireland, I decided I would go for it and was successful.

“I arrived in Northern Ireland in February 2001 to take up a staff nurse post in the Plastics and Maxillo Facial Ward where I have been working ever since.

Edtess with her husband, Christopher and son, Noah (Image: South Eastern HSC Trust)

“I also met my husband Christopher here in Northern Ireland and we have a son called Noah. I have really developed my nursing skills during my time here. I began my role as a Band 5 Staff Nurse and I have now progressed to a Band 6 Deputy Ward Sister. I just love my job.“

She added: “For anyone considering a move to Northern Ireland to nurse, I would say take the opportunity as it will give you so much experience. Coming from the Philippines, initially it took a while to get used to the new ways of working.

“I love it here in the Ulster Hospital taking care of patients. The team in Maxillo Facial and Plastics are just amazing - they are so supportive of me. I am part of their family.

Edtess Landa with Staff Nurse Leanne Calgo (Image: South Eastern HSC Trust)

Assistant Director of Nursing and Workforce, Roisin Devlin says their international colleagues make up a vital part of the Trust’s nursing staff.

"Many of these staff have come here at a huge personal sacrifice to their families. International nurses like Edtess are the backbone of our healthcare team. Their diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to patient care are invaluable, our wards and departments could not do without them," she said.

"Edtess’s dedication to her patients and her colleagues exemplifies the spirit of international nursing and the positive impact these nurses have on our healthcare system in Northern Ireland."