The following is the full text of the interview. Reporter: How do you evaluate the relations between Vietnam and Italy since the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic ties 50 years ago, especially since the upgrading of the relationship to a strategic partnership in January 2013? Ambassador Antonio Alessandro: I would use the words of the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, who has just released a warm message of congratulations on the 50th anniversary of Italy - Vietnam diplomatic relations. President Mattarella congratulated the two countries for their relationship, “strongly rooted in history” and at the same time “directed with confidence towards the future.” These words express very well the idea that the 50th anniversary is not only a great achievement, considering the long journey that both countries have made since the seventies, but also a platform to let our friendship grow further and face together the great global challenges, like climate … [Read more...] about Italy – Vietnam relationship “strongly rooted in history”: Ambassador
Second Prima Party legal win exposes KPU’s shortcomings
Yerica Lai (The Jakarta Post) PREMIUM Jakarta ● Fri, March 24 2023 A second legal victory for the Prima Party, which says it has been unfairly denied the opportunity to field candidates for the 2024 general election, has highlighted the shortcomings of the General Elections Commission (KPU) in carrying out administrative procedures and defending its policies, politicians and activists have said. The Election Oversight Agency (Bawaslu) ruled on Monday that the KPU had committed an “administrative violation” in denying the Prima Party’s electoral application and that the party would be allowed to resubmit its application to the poll body within 10 days. Bawaslu’s decision came after the Central Jakarta District Court sided with the Prima Party in a lawsuit claiming that the KPU had improperly denied it the chance to take part in the 2024 general election. The court ordered the KPU to restart all election processes from scratch, and it set a specific timeframe that … [Read more...] about Second Prima Party legal win exposes KPU’s shortcomings
Life and travel hacks from Kira Balinger and LA Santos
(LEFT) Kira Balinger and LA Santos Start packing two weeks before the trip,” said actress Kira Balinger when Inquirer Entertainment asked her to share some travel/work hacks with onscreen partner LA Santos, who will experience working abroad for the first time later this year. The two will fly to Ontario, Canada, to shoot the romantic drama film “Maple Leaf Dreams,” along with director Benedict Mique. “I expect it to be cold in Canada when we get there, so make sure to bring warm clothes. That was actually a challenge for me when I shot a previous film abroad—how to act while feeling extremely cold. You just have to be focused and know the script well. Hide your cell phone while on the set because you have to be consistent with your character’s world,” Kira told LA. Greener pastures In “Maple Leaf Dreams,” they play Molly and Macky, who have been dating for years already when they decide to migrate to Canada in order to seek greener pastures, especially after experiencing … [Read more...] about Life and travel hacks from Kira Balinger and LA Santos
Discovery+ to cease operations in PH on April 27
Warner Bros. Discovery will cease to operate the discovery+ service in the Philippines beginning April 27. Following a review of content and strategy in the Philippines, the company will direct full efforts to grow the HBO Go service in the Philippines, offering users unrivaled quality content, including groundbreaking Original series like “Euphoria,” “Succession,” “House of the Dragon,” “The Last of Us,” “The White Lotus” and the critically acclaimed local drama “On The Job: The Missing 8.” Streaming hours The closure of the discovery+ service in the Philippines will not affect the service in other markets and is not a reflection of Warner Bros. Discovery’s interest in ensuring meaningful presence in the Philippines. HBO Go continues to grow in the Philippines. In the past year, viewers increased 37 percent, with total streaming hours increasing 2.5 times in 2022. “House of the Dragon,” “The Last of Us” and “Drag Race Philippines” were three of the country’s most popular shows … [Read more...] about Discovery+ to cease operations in PH on April 27
MMDA task force chief dumbfounded by ‘most unique’ wedding invitation
MMDA Task Force Special Operations chief Edison “Bong” Nebrija got surprised after receiving a wedding invitation that looked like a disconnection notice from Meralco. Image: Courtesy of Edison Bong Nebrija/Facebook Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Task Force Special Operations chief Edison “Bong” Nebrija was caught off guard by a one-of-a-kind wedding invitation which he mistook for a disconnection notice from the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). On March 14, Nebrija posted on Facebook a photo of the cleverly designed wedding invitation he received. The invitation came in a white envelope that ingeniously resembled the monthly electricity bill. The wedding invitation had a logo that imitated the official logo of the power firm, but the word beneath it read “Mahalco” (my love) instead of “Meralco.” Aside from the logo, the “notice of invitation” closely mirrored a real billing statement since the wedding information was formatted similarly to how a mailing … [Read more...] about MMDA task force chief dumbfounded by ‘most unique’ wedding invitation
Daughters of veteran actresses release statement on fraud claims
(LEFT) Gloria Romero and Caridad Sanchez The daughters of veteran actresses Caridad Sanchez and Gloria Romero released a statement this week after learning that their mothers are being used to peddle a type of essential oil that claims to benefit the mental and physical well-being of the elderly. The brand’s online site features “testimonials” of the two actresses, as well as those of a supposed neurologist, a physician, a housewife, a college student and a high school student. Maritess Gutierrez, daughter of movie queen Gloria Romero, said that her mother had never issued any statements in support of the brand. “It’s terrible how these alleged companies are using the names and faces of two highly respected actresses. What’s worse is that my mom and Tita Caridad are super seniors already!” Shocked Caridad Sanchez’s daughter, Cathy Babao, learned about the ad from a friend. “I knew right away it was a fraud because my mom doesn’t even know about that product, and the … [Read more...] about Daughters of veteran actresses release statement on fraud claims