Young PH Weightlifters brings home 25 medals

Young PH weightlifters capture 25 medals in Asian Championships

Story by Aric John Sy Cua
The Manila Times
25 December 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine national weightlifting team ended its campaign at the 2024 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships, taking home 25 medals, five of which were gold.

They also took home 10 silver and 10 bronze medals.

The Philippine national weightlifting team PILIPINAS WEIGHTLIFTING FB PAGE

Aldrin Colonia and Jhodie Peralta won three gold medals combined. Colonia won the country's first two gold medals in the men's 49 kilogram youth division in the snatch (84 kg) and the total lift (184 kg), while Peralta got her gold medals in the women's 55 kg youth division through the snatch (84 kg) and the total lift (184 kg).

Both of them each had a silver medal in their respective events, with Peralta at the clean and jerk and Colonia at the snatch, losing out the gold to fellow Filipino Eron Bores, who lifted at 97 kg, but did not finish the event.

Meanwhile, at the men's 55 kg youth division, Prince Keil Delos Santos captured three silver medals across all categories, lifting 110 kg in the snatch and 132 kg in the clean and jerk, with a total of 242 kg.

Delos Santos also clinched three bronze medals at the men's 55 kg youth division, lifting the same exact numbers he had in the youth division.

In the women's 40 kg youth division, Althea Bacaro won two silver and a bronze, lifting at 55 kg in the snatch to take silver and 73 kg in the clean and jerk for bronze, enough for a total lift of 128 kg to give her the silver medal.

Other medalists at the event were Rosalinda Faustino (2 bronze medals, women's 49 kg youth division), Alexsandra Ann Diaz (2 bronze medals, women's 45 kg youth division), Princess Jay Ann Diaz (bronze in snatch, women's 40 kg youth division), Rose Jean Ramos (silver in snatch, women's 45 kg junior division), and Angeline Colonia (1 bronze, 1 silver, women's 45 kg junior division).

The 2024 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships took place from December 19-25 in Doha, Qatar.

PSHS wins gold at Nuclear Science Olympiad

PSHS wins gold at Nuclear Science Olympiad

Story by The Manila Times
15 Aug 2024

MOHAMMAD Nur "Iman" Casib of Marawi City, an incoming Grade 12 student of Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Central Mindanao Campus, won not just gold at the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) but was hailed as Nuclear Ambassador for obtaining the highest points overall among 55 contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries in the theoretical and experimental exams.

Mohammad Nur Casib and Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis (3rd and 4th from right, respectively) of the Philippines are among eight gold medalists at the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad in New Clark City, Pampanga on Aug. 1 to 6, 2024. Casib is hailed as Nuclear Ambassador for obtaining the highest points overall among 55 contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries in the theoretical and experimental exams. INSO PHOTO

PSHS Central Mindanao is located in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.

A competition for junior and senior high school students ages 15 to 20, INSO was held at the New Clark City in Pampanga from August 1 to 6.

Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis of Manila Science High School also won gold for the Philippines and six others for their respective countries in the olympiad.

Besides Casib and Olaer, the other gold medalists were Caldras Tan Hong Xun, Caleb Chia, Tran Doan Duy Phuc, and Wong Kheng Hshin (Singapore); M N Ahamed Mushab (Sri Lanka); and Nopparuj Sodsri (Thailand).

Silver medalists were Nonpawit Koheng, Rawisara Chokdeepanich and Tharatep Lertpetaiy (Thailand); Isaac Toh Thiam Tek and Lim Yee Jian (Malaysia); Subhan Kashif and Suleman Nouman (Pakistan); Pabasara Kaushalya Maduwage and W. A. Akila Chamodya Bandara (Sri Lanka); Seyedabolfazl Mahdaei (Iran); Jeremiah Auza (Philippines); Galvandi Ibrahim (Qatar); and Mohammed Akrikish (Saudi Arabia).

Bronze medalists were Ayda Bina, Seyed Mohammad Sajadiyan and Shayan Rezazadeh (Iran); Arell Yazid Fazrin Bin Mohd Fauzi and Saratt Suthagar (Malaysia); Ehban Awan and Qasim Salam (Pakistan); Ganzorig Khuslen and Nyam-Ayush Tuvshin (Mongolia); Azzam Khalid Abdullah Alomari, Hala Salman Al Abbad and Hasan Alawadh (Saudi Arabia); Hasan Aman (Bahrain); Omar Amjad Yousef Shbeita (Jordan); Aditya Vivek (Qatar); and Saayuj Ion Mathew (UAE).

According to INSO, the contestants came as teams representing their respective countries but competed as individuals.

Further, they were ranked according to the points they obtained in the two exams, where Casib emerged as the topnotcher.

Topics covered in the olympiad were the structure of an atom and nucleus, radiation, fission and fusion, radioactivity in the environment, history of nuclear science, risk and safety, and applications in energy, health, industry/agriculture, and the environment.

"The Olympiad is not just a competition but also building long-lasting cooperation for future activities,'' Helena Zhivistkaya, expert of the Nuclear Knowledge Management Section of the International Atomic Energy Agency Department of Nuclear Energy, reminded the contestants.

On opening day, Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Carlo Arcilla, PhD, said organizing the first-ever nuclear science olympiad was challenging.

"When we accepted the invitation to host this event, we did not know how big of a feat this would be for our country, but we are delighted to see all of you here with us today as the participants of this competition that is the first of its kind,'' he said.

Meanwhile, DoST Secretary Renato Solidum stressed that INSO aims to "increase global awareness on the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, particularly on how these are supportive to the current thrust of the science department."

56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Saudi Arabia

At the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 21-30, 2024, the Philippine team showcased their exceptional knowledge and skills, securing bronze medals and honorable mentions.

The brightest young chemists from around the globe gathered to showcase their exceptional knowledge and skills. Amid this fierce competition, the Philippine delegation shone brightly, securing bronze medals and honorable mentions, highlighting the nation's talent and determination on the world stage.

Stellar performances from the Philippine delegation were witnessed as they triumphed over challenging theoretical and practical examinations.

Securing bronze medals for the country were Gelrays Jules Fornan of PSHS Soccsksargen Region Campus and Rex Alphonse Reventar of PSHS Main Campus.

Honorable mention were Ogden Michael Javier of PSHS Main Campus and Jacob Emmanuel Sadorra of PSHS Central Luzon Campus.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to all the organizations, coaches, mentors, families, friends and individuals who supported the Philippine delegation in the International Chemistry Olympiad. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in their success," Solidum said of the students' achievement.

10th Asean+3 Junior Science Odyssey

PSHS students achieved remarkable success in competitions at the 10th Asean+3 Plus 3 Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO-10) held in Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 22-26, 2024.

The APT JSO-10 is an annual educational event to gather young and talented students ages 13 to 15 who are passionate about science and technology.

The event provides a platform for these young minds to share their scientific insights, ideas, and experiences in applying science and technology to address common issues.

Winning gold in the quiz competition were Julius Benedict Rios and Bon Matthew Singayao, who also won the Excellent Award.

Silver medalists in the quiz competition were Sean Steven Duco and Gabriel Angelo Bacani of PSHS-Southern Mindanao Campus and Celyna Ahnya Daguro for the project pitching competition.

Bronze medalists were the Soccsksargen Region Campus team of Daguro, Emmanuel Neil Manzares and Singayao for the video competition, and Sean Steven Duco for the project pitching competition.

This year's event, themed "Racing Up Against Climate Change," gathered 225 students and representatives from secondary schools across the 10 Asean member countries plus China, Japan and South Korea.

The event was organized by Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with the Asean+3 Center for the Gifted in Science to foster scientific exploration and innovation among young talents in the region.

PH retains ‘emerging Muslim-friendly destination’ title

PH retains ‘emerging Muslim-friendly destination’ title

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
Philippine News Agency
June 1, 2024

MANILA – The Philippines retained its title as an emerging Muslim-friendly destination for the second straight year, according to the latest citations released by Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024.

The citation for another Emerging Muslim-friendly non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) nation was announced at the Halal in Travel Global Summit in Singapore on May 30.

The GMTI said the Philippines focuses on “building capacity to welcome tourists through various initiatives," including Halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly amenities in major tourist spots.

“Tourism authorities have placed Halal tourism high on their priority agenda, evidenced by their action to enhance the Halal tourism portfolio and raise awareness among tourism stakeholders about the values and practices important to Muslim travelers,” the GMTI said.

Mastercard, the American multinational payment card services firm, said the Philippines recorded an increase in its communications score since 2023.

“Among non-OIC destinations, the Philippines has steadily increased its appeal to Muslim tourists by strategically developing their Halal Tourism portfolio, enhancing halal accreditation of hotels and restaurants, and conducting Halal awareness orientations,” it said. “This effort builds on their achievement of winning the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award in last year’s Halal in Travel Global Summit, based on GMTI 2023 results.”

Fazal Bahardeen, founder and chief executive officer of CrescentRating, said the improved score also demonstrates the “unwavering commitment of the Department of Tourism (DOT)” to bolstering Muslim-friendly tourism and advancing the destination's appeal.

According to the joint report of Mastercard and CrescentRating, the Muslim population is projected to increase from 2.12 billion in 2024.

GMTI analyzes data across 145 destinations using the metrics access, communication, environment and services.

Over time, the criteria evolved to keep pace with the changing needs of Muslim travelers.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Saturday welcomed the citation and called it an “affirmation of the Marcos administration’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.”

"The Philippine Department of Tourism recognizes the significance and potential of Halal Tourism in contributing to the growth and diversity of our tourism industry,” she said.

“As a country known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural attractions, catering to the needs of Muslim travelers through the development of Halal Tourism is crucial in ensuring that we raise our competitiveness in the global tourism market," she added.

Frasco said Halal tourism presents a rapidly growing market segment and that the Philippines is committed to prioritizing it.

“[B]y prioritizing this, we not only demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity but also open up opportunities to attract more Muslim travelers from around the world, while expanding markets for our tourism stakeholders and creating more livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos,” she said.

The travel summit coincided with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Brunei, where Frasco inked a tourism cooperation agreement with her counterpart in a bid to further develop Halal tourism in the Philippines, among others.

Halal Tourism is a priority product under the recently approved National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023 to 2028.

On the sidelines of the recently held Arabian Travel Mart 2024, the DOT also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, committing all its properties to be Muslim-friendly.

The Philippines, likewise, signed an MOU with Qatar in April this year to boost cooperation in the aspects of mutual development, and growth of tourism and business events.

“Adapting to the changing needs of Muslim travelers by offering Halal-friendly accommodations, dining options, prayer facilities, and other services not only enhances the overall visitor experience but also showcases our respect for diverse cultural and religious practices,” Frasco said.

“This, in turn, fosters goodwill and strengthens our reputation as a welcoming and inclusive travel destination,” she added.

GCC states arrivals

Arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have already posted a recovery of 115 percent, the DOT said.

In 2019 before the pandemic, arrivals from the Middle East accounted for 68,562.

Visitor arrivals from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reached 43,748; United Arab Emirates (UAE), 10,192 tourists; Kuwait, 6,309; Bahrain, 3,296; Oman, 2,526; and Qatar, 2,491.

In 2023, tourist arrivals rose to a total 79,014.

The UAE led the surge of tourist arrivals with 33,769, followed by Saudi Arabia (19,311), Qatar (10,438), Kuwait (6,915), Bahrain (5,886), and Oman (2,695). (PNA)

Moonlight by SB19 making waves worldwide

SB19’s ‘Moonlight’ sets Top 10 record, tops 9 countries on global music charts

Story by Hannah Mallorca 
Inquirer.net
07 May 2024

P-pop powerhouse SB19 set a new milestone with its new single “Moonlight,” done with producers Ian Asher and Terry Zhong, as it debuted on the Top 10 of global music charts.

The track entered the 10th rank on the Worldwide iTunes Song Chart — joining global hits like “Texas Hold ‘Em” by Beyoncé, “Fortnight” by Taylor Swift and Post Malone, and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter — on Sunday, May 5.

“Moonlight” also topped the music chart under the “all genre” category in nine countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Qatar, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.

The single was brought to life in collaboration with Asher and Zhong, with SB19 earlier sharing that working with the producers allowed them to “expand [their] horizons as artists.”

“We’ve met Ian Asher during our tour in the US, and we were surprised at how talented and prolific he is at such a young age,” SB19 said in a press statement. “The collaboration really brought out the best of all worlds, and being part of the process really opened our creative realm to exciting new possibilities.”

According to the group, “Moonlight” centers around “sensual pining and romantic desires.”

A million views

SB19 also took to social media to announce the song’s music video crossed the one million view mark on its official YouTube channel.

“SLMT ng sobra for swimming, A’TIN,” the group wrote.

Justin de Dios, one-fifth of SB19, served as the creative director for the music video. He shared in a press statement that the “euphoric undertones” of the song’s lyrics allowed him to add craziness to its concept.

“The song has euphoric undertones lyrics-wise, so I wanted to play around with that concept and inject a little bit of craziness and out-of-this-world treatment… It’s a very simple but minimalist take, but the dance choreography really elevates the visuals to a different level,” said de Dios.

PBBM is one of the "Most Influential People of 2024"

Marcos among TIME’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2024’

By Darryl John Esguerra
Philippine News Agency
April 18, 2024

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been included in TIME magazine's "100 Most Influential People of 2024."

TIME recognized Marcos’ leadership, citing how his administration steadied the post-coronavirus pandemic economy and how his presidency “elevated the Philippines on the world stage.”

The President’s stance against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea was also cited.

“Bongbong has stood steadfast against Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea and bolstered his nation’s alliance with the U.S. in the face of ‘rising tensions in our region and the world,’ as he said last May,” read Marcos' short profile as written by TIME correspondent Charlie Campbell.

Marcos is listed in the Leaders category, along with Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk; Taiwan President-elect Willian Lai; Argentina President Javier Milei; Qatar Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Adbulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; World Bank Group President Ajay Banga; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang; among others.

Other Philippine leaders who were featured in the list in previous years were Marcos’ predecessors Rodrigo Duterte in 2017 and Benigno Aquino III in 2013. (PNA)