Kathryn Bernardo is Snow Leopard Rising Star Awardee

Kathryn Bernardo bags Snow Leopard Rising Star Award at Asian World Film Festival

Story by GMA Integrated News 
23 November 2024

Kathryn Bernardo was named Snow Leopard Rising Star at this year’s Asian World Film Festival (AWFF)!

Photo: Sthanlee Mirador/IG

In a press release, AWFF said that the “Hello, Love, Again” actress has established herself as one of the Philippines’ “most bankable and beloved performers.”

Kathryn received the award during the Closing Night Awards Gala held at the Culver Theater in California.

Alden Richards was also present at the festival for “Hello, Love, Again” screening. The movie served as the closing film for the event.

The sequel film is now the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time, earning P930 million in worldwide box office just 10 days after its release.

“Hello, Love, Again” debuted in Philippine cinemas on November 13. It is showing in 1,100 cinemas in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News

PH elected at UNICITRAL for six-year term

PH wins seat at UN trade panel

Bernadette E. Tamayo 
Manila Times
 22 November 2024

The Philippines won a seat at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), which underscored the country's dedication to contributing to the development of international trade law.

The Philippines' six-year term will begin on July 7, 2025, along with 30 other elected members of UNCITRAL.

The UNCITRAL is the core legal body of the UN system in the field of international trade law, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

"Our election to the UNCitral manifests our commitment to the rules-based international economic order," said Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, the Philippine permanent representative to the UN in New York.

The DFA, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) said the election of the Philippines showed its "dedication to fostering inclusion and collaboration among Member States, while articulating the distinct views of developing countries."

The body is mandated to "remove legal obstacles to international trade by progressively modernizing and harmonizing trade law," the DFA said.

It prepares legal texts in a number of key areas such as international commercial dispute settlement, electronic commerce, insolvency, international payments, sale of goods, transport law, procurement and infrastructure development.

As an observer in the current term, including in the 57th UNCITRAL Annual Session held in New York from June 24 to July 12 this year, the Philippines demonstrated its commitment to advancing the mandate of UNCITRAL through its active engagement in the session meetings, the DFA said.

Government agency named one of the world's best employers

Philippines SEC named among world’s best employers

Richmond Mercurio
Philstar Global
22 November 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been named one of the world’s best employers by international standard-setting organization Investors in People (IiP).

The SEC was given the Overseas Employer of the Year Award by the London-based IiP in recognition of the commission’s commitment to the growth and well-being of its employees through capacity-building programs, effective employee communication, and advancements in human resource management practices.

“We are honored to be named the Overseas Employer of the Year in the IiP Awards 2024, as this recognition serves as another testament to the steadfast commitment of the commission in upholding the highest standards in ensuring the welfare of our employees,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said.

Aquino said that under the commission’s SuperVision 2028, the regulator seeks to transform the Philippine corporate sector and capital market into one of the best in Southeast Asia.

“However, we cannot achieve this without investing in our most valuable asset – our people – to make sure that they have the right skills and mindset and a positive and nurturing environment where they can thrive and best provide our stakeholders with top-notch services,” he said.

The IiP Awards recognize global enterprises and small businesses for their commitment to improving workplace well-being, promoting growth and nurturing an environment for employees to thrive.

It also recognizes best practices in specific categories such as apprenticeship programs, culture, use of technology, diversity, and inclusion, as well as leadership and management, among others.

“Winning this award encourages us to strive for even greater heights and continue to invest in our people,” SEC commissioner Javey Paul Francisco said.

“As the only Philippine national government agency recognized in this year’s awards, it is our hope that other agencies will follow our lead in putting their people first,” he said.

Last February, the SEC secured accreditation from IiP after demonstrating high-standard practices in promoting employees’ welfare, making the commission the first in the government financial sector and the third national government agency to receive such accreditation for people management.

IiP Philippines likewise conferred the People Investor of the Year-Special Citation Award to the SEC last September for fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for its employees.

The SEC has recognized its workforce as a key contributor to the transformation of its services, making the transactions with the commission more efficient.

In the next three years, the commission said it is committed to continuously hiring the best and the brightest, as well as improving its HR management practices through digitalization, sustainability, communication, and learning development initiatives.

The SEC said that receiving the Overseas Employer of the Year Award further inspires the agency to strengthen its commitment to workplace well-being.

PH placed third at Miss CosmoWorld in Malaysia

Philippines posts 3rd straight podium finish at Miss CosmoWorld pageant

Story by Armin P. Adina
22 November 2024

Filipino bet Samantha Acosta was proclaimed as second runner-up in the 2024 Miss CosmoWorld pageant’s finale show held in Malaysia on Wednesday evening, Nov. 20.

She posted the Philippines’ third straight podium finish in just the third time that the country has participated in the Kuala Lumpur-based international competition.

The Philippines’ Meiji Cruz won the title as the country’s first-ever delegate in the competition at the fifth edition of the international pageant held in 2022.

Cruz mounted the first-ever national search for the Philippines’ Miss CosmoWorld delegate the following year, crowning Elda Aznar who eventually finished second in the global tilt.

Acosto won the national crown in just the second staging of the Miss CosmoWorld Philippines pageant, that culminated only three days before she flew to Kuala Lumpur for the international competition earlier this month.

Australia’s Valeria Sizova was proclaimed Miss CosmoWorld at the culmination of the seventh edition of the international pageant held at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. Iceland’s Disa Dungal settled for the first runner-up spot.

All the three Filipino delegates to the Miss CosmoWorld pageant were products of the Binibining Pilipinas competition. Cruz was second runner-up in 2021, while Aznar took part in the national competiton the succeeding year.

Acosta has just come from the recent staging of the 60th Bb. Pilipinas pageant in July, where she amassed the highest votes as Playtime Binibini, that earned for her a spot in the Top 15.

The Kuala Lumpur-based Miss CosmoWorld pageant is different from the Miss Cosmo contest where Ahtisa Manalo took part in, a competition based in Vietnam that just held its first edition this year.

Nueva Ecija home to world's largest solar battery storage facility

BBM breaks ground for world's largest solar, battery storage facility

Catherine S. Valente

Manila Times

21 November 2024

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the groundbreaking of the Meralco Terra (MTerra) Solar Project, considered as the largest integrated solar and battery storage facility in the world.

In his speech in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, Marcos said the landmark project would "put our country on the map as a leader in renewable energy."

"With an investment of over P200 billion, this demonstrates confidence in the stakeholders in our nation's potential and our commitment to securing a stable, steady, reliable, and sustainable power supply," Marcos said.

The President highlighted the importance of the solar project expected to power over two million households and reduce carbon emissions significantly once fully operationalized in three years.

He said it would also address the growing demand for electricity and the Philippines' urgent need to transition to sustainable energy.

"Once fully operational by 2027, this facility will deliver 3,500 megawatts peak of solar power to the Luzon grid, with 4,500 megawatt-hour battery energy storage," Marcos said.

"This project will energize over 2 million households and reduce carbon emissions by more than 4.3 million metric tons annually. To put that into perspective, it is equivalent to removing 3 million gasoline-powered cars from our roads—decisive action towards helping address global warming and climate change," he added.

The project spans 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. Initially, it will be connected to the existing 500-kiloVolt (kV) Nagsaag-San Jose Transmission Line and later linked to the upcoming 500-kV Nagsaag-Marilao Transmission Line.

Filipinos lead in generative AI adoption at work - Jobstreet

Filipinos lead in generative AI adoption at work, report shows

Alden Monzon
Cebu Daily News
21 November 2024

Nearly half (46%) of surveyed Filipinos use generative AI at work monthly, slightly above the global average, according to a Wednesday report by Jobstreet.

The data comes from the Decoding Global Talent Report 2024 by SEEK, which surveyed 150,000 people worldwide, including over 6,400 Filipinos.

“Through proper reskilling and upskilling with proper training, AI can serve as a reliable tool in bettering the way companies and organizations process their output, as well as improving efficiency among talent,” said Jobstreet Philippines managing director Dannah Majarocon.

The poll, conducted in the fourth quarter, covered employees from various industry backgrounds, educational attainment and age groups.

Jobstreet said that the global average was 39 percent, adding that Filipino employees aged 18 to 24 years old were twice as likely to use generative AI compared with other age groups.

Of the total AI users, 50 percent said they employed generative AI for writing tasks, while 58 percent cited skill development and learning as the main use of this emerging technology.

Among industries, those who work in digitalization and data sciences used it most frequently, at 71 percent, followed by those in information technology at 65 percent.

The report also found that 82 percent of Filipinos believe that AI would change some aspects of their work, with 35 percent anticipating a major impact that could eliminate or significantly transform their career.

Filipino talents in craft or physical work roles are the most concerned with the impact of AI, with 56 percent expecting significant changes to their roles, according to Jobstreet.

Those working in technical or engineering fields are the least concerned, with 28 percent to 30 percent of the respondents believing that their jobs will remain unaffected.

Despite the concerns, Jobstreet said that over 70 percent of talents are willing to reskill to stay relevant in the age of AI, with 24 percent considering reskilling only when absolutely necessary. This is in contrast with global trends, where employees are less inclined to reskill when facing significant job challenges. INQ

Baguio wins SDG award in Asia-Pacific

Baguio wins SDG award in Asia-Pacific

The Manila Times
21 November 2024

BAGUIO CITY — This city has just created a big name in the Asia-Pacific, thanks to its continuing pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Summer Capital placed second in the 3rd CityNet Unescap SDG City Awards program behind its innovative urban program entitled "Mapping Urban Resilience: a Digital Twin to Baguio's Livability Index."

The city was cited for pioneering the use of digital technology to enhance urban planning and resilience.

City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Photo from Baguio City Public Information Office

Mayor Benjamin Magalong welcomed the recognition, saying it is a testament to the city's commitment to creating a sustainable, inclusive and resilient city. It also affirmed the city's status as a model for other cities striving to achieve the SDGs.

The city was second to Busan, South Korea, which took the top position with its Children's Cultural Complex project. Bandung, Malaysia, placed third with its entry "Transforming the Springs Conservation Area into a Public Space."

Aside from the major award, the city also copped the top prize in the thematic category Smart City Award again for the "Mapping Urban Resilience" case study. It shared the distinction with Subang Jaya, Malaysia, for its "WhatsApp Business for City Services."

There were 350 submissions from different countries in the Asia-Pacific region and 70 were prequalified. The entries were trimmed to 10 finalists and from the pool, the top three were selected.

City planning and development coordinator Donna Tabangin received the award on behalf of the city government during the awarding ceremony held on Tuesday in Iloilo City.

The CityNet Escap SDG City Awards gives recognition to innovative urban practices of local governments to address urban challenges and advance the SDGs across Asia-Pacific.

These projects must align with the thematic categories of Inclusive City, Smart City, Circular City and Resilient City, and were evaluated based on their innovation, leadership, implementation clarity, positive outcomes, long-term sustainability and replicability.

The panel of judges came from leading international organizations, including the CityNet Secretariat, the United Nations-Habitat, the United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and the Habitat for Humanity.

Established in 1987, CityNet is an association of urban stakeholders committed to sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. It is supported by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap), UNDP and UN-Habitat. The network now has 150 municipalities, nongovernment organizations, private companies and research centers as members. GABY KEITH

Pinoy students win medals in Math and Science Olympiad in Indonesia

Filipino students bag 12 medals in Asian Math, Science Olympiad

Story by Jason Sigales
Inquirer.net
21 November 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino students bagged 12 medals at the international round of the 14th Asian Science and Mathematics Olympiad for Primary Schools (ASMOPSS) held in Indonesia from November 10 to 16.

In the individual category, Johann Audric Chan of the MGC New Life Christian Academy won silver for primary science.

Meanwhile, the following students individually won bronze:

David Gerard Sy – MGC New Life Christian Academy (Primary Math)

Evan Michael Gaw – MGC New Life Christian Academy (Primary Science)

Ethan Manalo – De La Salle Lipa Integrated School (Primary Science)

Kristofer Caleb Casupang – Community of Learners Foundation (Secondary Science)

READ: 4 Filipino high school students win science international awards

Additionally, these students won in the team categories:

Primary Level: First Runner-Up

Julia Ysabel Arellano – Colegio San Agustin – Makati

Ethan Manalo – De La Salle Lipa Integrated School

Daniela Kyel Vasquez – Lipa City Science Integrated National High School

Secondary Level: Second Runner-Up

Kristofer Caleb Casupang – Community of Learners Foundation

Leiff Nathanael Guntiñas – MGC New Life Christian Academy

Kirk Anzhelo Gusi – Lipa City Science Integrated National High School

Madeleine Christina Sy – MGC New Life Christian Academy

The Asian MathSci League, Inc. (AMSLI) led the delegation at the competition organized by the Surya Institute since 2011.

In a statement on Wednesday, AMSLI said, “This impressive achievement highlights the Philippines’ dedication to academic excellence in the fields of science and mathematics.”

Palawan among Wanderlust Travel Magazine's awardee

Palawan among Wanderlust Travel Magazine’s most desirable islands in the world for 2024

GMA Integrated News

19 November 2024

Palawan has been voted again as one of the world’s most desirable islands!

Palawan ranked 10th on the "Most Desirable Island" in the world list by Wanderlust Travel Magazine, based on the UK-based publication’s 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

Teneguiban, El Nido, Palawan. Courtesy: Jules Bassoleil via Unsplash

Sri Lanka topped the list, bagging the gold award for Most Desirable Island in the world. It was followed by Taiwan and Puerto Rico with silver and bronze awards, respectively.

Here is the complete list of the Most Desirable Islands in the world:

1. Sri Lanka (Gold)
2. Taiwan (Silver)
3. Puerto Rico (Bronze)
4. Tobago
5. Tasmania
6. Bermuda
7. Cuba
8. Barbados
9. Madagascar
10. Palawan

According to Wanderlust, over three million votes were cast by their 168,000 readers for the annual travel awards.

This isn’t the first time the travel magazine recognized Palawan. In 2022, the island topped its “Most Desirable Island" in the world list.

Palawan, an archipelagic province in Southern Luzon, is known for its clear waters, tropical landscapes, and white-sand beaches. It has long been hailed for its responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

It takes pride in its majestic Puerto Princesa Underground River, which was included in the New 7 Wonders of Nature alongside the Amazon Rainforest in South America in 2012.

In January, it ranked fourth in most trending destinations for 2024 in Tripadvisor's annual Traveler's Choice Award Best of the Best. It also ranked sixth in Condé Nast Traveler's “Best Islands” in Asia in October.

— Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News

PH bet is the First Miss Universe Asia

Chelsea Manalo named first Miss Universe Asia

Story by Yoniel Acebuche 
Philstar.com
17 November 2024

The Philippines' Chelsea Manalo added to her impressive Miss Universe journey by claiming the title of Miss Universe Asia, one of the pageant's continental crowns.

On Instagram, Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) creative director Jonas Gaffud shared the good news on social media where Manalo, who finished in the top 30 of the pageant on Sunday, Nov. 17, was announced as Miss Universe Asia and was awarded by Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip.

"Yes Thank you, Lord! Chelsea has an award! Miss Universe Asia!" Gaffud wrote in the caption.

Meanwhile, MUPH shared a video of Manalo thanking her Filipino pageant fans for the feat.

"Hello, Maraming Salamat. Mabuhay [ang] Pilipinas, we are making history as Miss Universe Asia," she said.

Joining Manalo are Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina, Finland's Matilda Wirtavuori, and Peru's Tati Calmell who were named continental queens for Africa & Oceania, Europe, and the Americas, respectively.

In case you didn't know, the selection of continental queen is among the new rules set for the 73rd Miss Universe, where four girls from their respective continents will receive this award.

As continental queens, they will accompany Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, the newly crowned Miss Universe, on some trips, who is expected to visit 35 countries.

According to a report by ABS-CBN News, Manalo will travel to Asian countries, including Thailand and Palawan in the Philippines.

Manalo ended her Miss Universe 2024 journey in the Top 30 during the coronation night in Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 17 (PH Time). If she won, she would be the fifth Pinay to win the coveted Miss Universe crown, following the wins of Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).

Meanwhile, Denmark's Theilvig has been crowned the 73rd Miss Universe, making her the first Danish woman to win the prestigious crown. This is also the first time since 1957 that Denmark has landed in the top five of the competition.