Latest news with #Cebuano
GMA Network
02-08-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PH, Japan mark 69 years of unbreakable bond
Despite being on opposing sides during World War II, the Philippines and Japan have come a long way since the normalization of diplomatic ties in 1956. Nowadays, the two countries' partnership is stronger than ever—spanning culture, trade, people-to-people ties, development, and now on security cooperation. This deepening connection was commemorated in Osaka, Japan, during the 69th anniversary of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Day. The event, organized by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Department of Tourism in coordination with the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, showcased the rich Filipino culture and the strength of bilateral ties through music, fashion, and sincere tributes. Bayang Barrios led other Filipino performers in lighting up the scene with songs and dances that celebrated the spirit of unity. Singer Bayang Barrios (rightmost) perform with dancers. IAN CRUZ/GMA Integrated News The festivities continued with a stunning fashion show featuring designs by Furne Amato, a Dubai-based Cebuano designer renowned for sophisticated craftsmanship highlighting the spirit of Filipino artistry on the global stage. Filipino artistry is shown in the designs of Pinoy designer Furne Amato. IAN CRUZ/GMA Integrated News Dubai-based Cebuano designer Furne Amato and Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles at the fashion show segment. IAN CRUZ/GMA Integrated News Ambassador Koji Haneda, commissioner general of Expo 2025, recognized the deep partnership of Japan and the Philippines. 'As we approach the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization and the 15th anniversary of our strategic partnership in 2026, moments like this remind us that Japan and the Philippines are not merely neighbors connected by the ocean but partners connected by shared values, common aspirations, and mutual respect,' said Haneda, a former ambassador of Japan to the Philippines. Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Japanese officials celebrate PH-Japan ties. IAN CRUZ/GMA Integrated News Tourism Promotions Board COO Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles shared the same view as the Japanese envoy. 'We honor a friendship that has stood for 69 years—woven not only by diplomacy and treaties but by shared experiences, mutual respect, and enduring ties between our peoples,' Montemayor Nograles declared. While the occasion was joyous, it also carried a message of empathy. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, through the COO of the Tourism Promotions Board, expressed solidarity with Filipinos affected by the recent string of typhoons and flooding enhanced by the Southwest Monsoon (Hanging Habagat). 'Tonight our hearts and thoughts are with those facing difficult times. We hold you in our hearts even as we gather here today. It is in moments like this that we are reminded of our strength found in unity and the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan.' Consul General Voltaire Mauricio in an interview with GMA Integrated News emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness as a shared priority between the two countries. 'Ito po ang ating ginagawa ngayon kapag bumibisita kami sa mga governors ng ibang probinsiya dito sa Japan, kung anong best practices na matutunan natin pagdating sa kanilang ginagawa pagdating sa tsunami, sa bagyo, sa landslides, sa lindol. Ano 'yung ginagawa natin at ano naman ang pwede nating ibahagi sa kanila pagdating sa lakas natin sa mga ganung klaseng sakuna,' the head of the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka explained. (This is what we do when we visit the governors of provinces in Japan. We find out their best practices that we can learn when it comes to response to tsunamis, storms, landslides, and earthquakes. What are we doing and what can we in turn impart to them when it comes to disaster response?) The Philippines has received numerous official development assistance (ODA) from Japan for major infrastructure projects and is one of the first countries to receive official security assistance (OSA) aimed at strengthening maritime security capabilities and improving monitoring and surveillance capabilities The Philippines and Japan established diplomatic relations on July 23, 1956. The celebration coincided with the continuous success of Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the Philippine Pavilion has become one of the important attractions. With its theme 'Nature, Culture, and Community Woven Together for a Better Future,' the pavilion features indigenous textiles, interactive installations, and daily performances. The Philippine Pavilion has welcomed about 600,000 visitors. Ambassador Haneda announced that the expo continues to welcome large crowds every day. From April to the end of July, the Expo has received over 30 million visitors. The Expo located on Yumeshima Island of Osaka will run until October 13. —KG, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
PNP Chief Torre Slams Tokhang as a Flawed Strategy, Distances PNP from Duterte's Drug War
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III openly criticized the Duterte administration's controversial anti-drug campaign, Oplan Tokhang, calling its fundamental concept flawed. Speaking at a PNP Press Corps event in Camp Crame, Torre questioned the logic behind the method, which involved knocking on suspected drug offenders' doors and pleading with them to stop illegal activities, often without concrete evidence. Torre emphasized the lack of legal grounding in the approach, pointing out that engaging suspects without solid proof undermines due process. 'Tokhang' is derived from the Cebuano words 'toktok' (knock) and 'hangyo' (plead), but the campaign has become globally controversial for its alleged links to widespread extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups estimate the death toll of Duterte's drug war to be between 12,000 and 30,000, mostly from impoverished communities. Torre also condemned efforts to minimize these numbers, particularly criticisms that the case against Duterte was weak because only 43 deaths were mentioned in the ICC arrest warrant. Calling such claims 'fake news in its cruelest form,' Torre said this kind of misinformation disrespects the families of thousands of victims. Without naming him, Torre rebuked Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, the first PNP chief under Duterte and a key figure in the drug war, who once dismissed a child's death during a drug raid with the remark, 'shit happens.' General Torre, who oversaw the execution of Duterte's ICC arrest warrant in March, has consistently tried to separate the current PNP leadership from the legacy of the bloody anti-drug campaign. Now that Duterte is detained at the ICC in The Hague and awaiting his confirmation of charges hearing in September, Torre has reiterated the police force's new direction—focusing on lawful arrests, not incentivized violence. He clarified that while performance-based arrest quotas have returned under his leadership, these are rooted strictly in legal procedure, not the controversial methods of the past.
Tatler Asia
04-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
Asia's deep-fried dough traditions for donut lovers
2. Binangkal (Philippines) Small, round and covered in sesame seeds, binangkal is the tough-love aunt of the donut family. It traces its roots from the Visayas and Mindanao regions, and it is named after the Cebuano word for the bangkal tree, whose round fruits resemble these dense balls of dough. Traditionally sold by street vendors or local bakeries, binangkal is the ultimate budget snack. It's affordable, filling and perfect with a cup of instant coffee thanks to its not-too-sweet profile. In fact, the sesame seed crust makes it more earthy and toasty. Don't expect that soft and fluffy donut vibe, though; binangkal has a chewy texture that makes your jaw work for its treat. It's for people who like their pastries with a little backbone. Binangkal is very similar to buchi, which is another sesame seed-coated, deep-fried Filipino treat influenced by the country's Chinese migrants. 3. Khanom wong (Thailand) Originally from the northern hill regions, Thailand's entry into the donut conversation is sweet, ring-shaped and glazed with molasses or palm sugar syrup. Thanks to its slightly chewy texture and syrup drizzle, khanom wong feels like a cross between a donut and a sticky bun. Traditionally served during local festivals or temple events, it's less commercial and more community-centred, often made in big batches for sharing. 4. Sata andagi (Okinawa, Japan) Above Sata andagi (Photo: Ocdp / Wikimedia Commons) Okinawan immigrants brought sata andagi to Hawaii, where they became a mainstay at local festivals. The Okinawan word 'sata' means sugar, and 'andagi' roughly translates to deep-fried. Golden and crunchy on the outside and cake-like on the inside, sata andagi are Okinawa's answer to the donut hole. The main difference? They are considerably bigger and far more filling. Texture-wise, they're less fluffy, more compact. Imagine a muffin and a donut with a hearty child. It sounds delicious. 5. Panaderia-style sugar-raised donuts (Philippines) For those who grew up in the Philippines pre-Krispy Kreme invasion, this is the donut of nostalgia. These puffy, yeasted, sugar-dusted and often unevenly shaped tori emerged in the post-war era, when American GIs brought their love for sweets. Local bakeries, however, interpreted the recipe with Filipino sensibilities. The result led to something airier, less oily and more generous with the sugar—the flavour of childhood in a brown paper bag. Messy and sticky, these are typically available in panaderias and roadside bakeries, which sling them for a few pesos apiece, usually stacked on trays alongside Spanish bread and pandesal. See more: Where to get the best doughnuts in Metro Manila 6. Shakoy (Philippines) Also known as the Filipino twisted donut, shakoy takes the donut in a new direction—literally. Hand-twisted, deep-fried and tossed in white sugar, it's crunchy on the outside and chewy inside. It is an ever-present treat in Visayan provinces and is usually sold alongside binangkal, often by sidewalk vendors during school dismissal time. These days, with sugar cravings at an all-time high, some food stalls drizzle them with chocolate or condensed milk. 7. Banh tieu (Vietnam) Light, hollow and sesame-speckled, banh tieu is Vietnam's beloved deep-fried bun. Traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a snack, these golden puffs are slightly sweet and delightfully airy, often paired with banh bo (steamed rice cakes) or filled with mung bean paste. A legacy of Chinese culinary influence, banh tieu has taken on local character with its chewy-crisp shell and mild sweetness. Today, street vendors and modern cafés alike riff on it with fillings like chocolate or coconut cream, but the nostalgic version—plain and warm from the fryer—remains undefeated. 8. Kuih keria (Malaysia) What happens when a donut falls in love with a caramelised palm sugar glaze? Well, that's like every donut happy ending. Kuih keria is made from mashed sweet potatoes, shaped into rings, deep-fried and coated in a syrup of gula Melaka (palm sugar). Unlike Western donut, it's less fluffy and more tender, with an earthy sweetness that's unmistakably Malaysian. Originating as a humble kampung treat, kuih keria has seen a revival in street food stalls and viral videos, with gourmet versions topping menus from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur. It's grandma-approved, Instagram-ready and culturally rich. Don't miss: 11 popular doughnut stores in Singapore to satisfy your sugar cravings
GMA Network
04-07-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Cebu's ‘Pasigarbo, Suroy Suroy 2025' cannot be terminated yet
Funds for district and provincial hospitals run by the Cebu Provincial Government will be sourced from the budget allocation of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy Suroy Sugbo programs of the previous administration. However, Governor Pamela Baricuatro pointed out she cannot terminate yet the staging of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy Suroy Sugbo in 2025 as funds have 'already been appropriated" and that the "programs are even covered by an ordinance." 'We will cut the cost for the Pasigarbo and Suroy Suroy and we will redesign it, and realign the funds into the healthcare program,' Baricuatro said. "Realignment of the funds for healthcare programs represents a stark difference in priority as Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said that the move is part of her legislative agenda of putting first the delivery of important services over grand display and wasteful spending,' said a post on Cebu Province, an official social media page of the Cebu Provincial Government. The post further said that Baricuatro is hopeful the Provincial Board would be willing to work with her to 'amend or repeal the ordinance altogether.' 'Next year, it's going to be our budget, so, of course, we will proceed with our plan nga dili na ipadayon ang Pasigarbo ug Suroy Suroy Sugbo,' the governor added. It was learned that the previous administration's Pasigarbo sa Sugbo is a festival of festivals staged in August during the Province's founding anniversary celebration, while Suroy Suroy Sugbo is a tourism initiative. "Garbo" in Cebuano means pride, while "suroy' means taking a leisurely trip. (Courtesy: Capitol PIO/Cebu Province; Sugbo News)
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Legacy of Cebuano painter revisited on Int'l Museum Day
The National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu has put the spotlight on Cebuano painter Martino Abellana on International Museum Day 2025. His life and works were remembered through a lecture series and expert talk by University of the Philippines - Cebu Asst. Prof. Jay Nathan Jore. In 'Dagway sa Hulagway, Laraw sa Larawan,' which tackled the pre-Abellana stage to the Abellana stage, Jore talked about the genius and enduring legacy of 'Maestro Tinong.' Jore talked about Abellana's beginnings to formalize art education and academic fine arts, his technique and artistry (mastery of nature and its colors to his modernist experimental theory), his pedagogical contribution, and his desire and enthusiasm to teach art and being very proud of his students. It was reportedly important for Abellana to share his knowledge and art to aspiring Cebuano artists at that time. What was important for him, Jore emphasized, was the 'desire and enthusiasm to become an artist and then to follow it up with hard work.' Jore also emphasized how Abellana's works endeavored to capture the diversity of human emotions and human conditions - from the beautiful to the ugly, to the young and old age, as well as the realities of human life. According to the National Museum of the Philippines - Cebu, the Martino Abellana Lecture Series (Ang Mga Sugilanon ni Maestro Tinong) was born from its landmark 2023 exhibition, 'Ang Kamamugnaon ug Kinaadman ni Maestro Tinong,' and stands as a continuing tribute to the enduring legacy of the Dean of Cebuano Painters. 'This series is part of our deepening commitment to honor and share the life and work of Noy Tinong, while supporting the growing movement for his national recognition and nomination to the Order of National Artists for Visual Arts,' the museum said. This campaign was launched officially on February 7, 2025, in partnership with CIT University and University of the Philippines - Cebu - institutions where Abellana mentored his earliest students, many of whom have gone on to become prominent figures in the contemporary art scene. 'Through this lecture series, we continue to bring his artistry closer to the public and carry forward the momentum of his story as a pillar of Cebuano and Philippine art,' the museum said. Guided by the ICOM theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,' the 2025 International Museum Day challenges museums to reflect on their role not just as guardians of the past but as active participants in shaping resilient, responsive, and inclusive futures.
