Latest news with #Garrido
South China Morning Post
18-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Surge in Chinese visitors in Bogotá, says Colombian tourism official in Hong Kong
Bogotá has seen a 20-fold surge in the number of Chinese tourists, highlighting a growing connection between countries fuelled by expanding commercial relationships, the Colombian capital's tourism chief has said at a Hong Kong industry summit. Advertisement Speaking to the Post on the sidelines of the Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit in the city earlier this week, Bogotá's Director of Tourism Andrés Santamaría Garrido said the capital had seen substantial growth in Chinese visitor numbers, and he was actively promoting it to Hong Kong travellers as an emerging South American destination. 'I think we got more than 20,000 [Chinese visitors] last year, but three to five years ago, no more than 1,000 [annually],' he said. Garrido attributed the increase partly to the deepening commercial ties between Colombia and China. 'Because we now have a lot of projects with Chinese companies so I think [this] helps,' he explained, citing the involvement of Chinese firms in major infrastructure projects such as the Bogotá metro. Advertisement For travellers from Hong Kong, visa-free entry to Colombia already exists, a factor Garrido considered advantageous.
Filipino Times
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Philippine Pavilion to make historic debut at World Art Dubai 2025
The Philippines will make history as it unveils its first-ever national pavilion at World Art Dubai 2025, set to take place from April 17 to 20, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This momentous event will bring together Filipino galleries and artists from across the globe, showcasing the country's rich and diverse artistic talent on an international stage. The Philippine Pavilion will feature 11 Filipino-owned galleries and companies, representing over 45 Filipino artists from the Philippines, UAE, Italy, Switzerland, Canada, and the United States. The curated collection will highlight contemporary Filipino art, celebrating both local and diaspora creativity. Carlo Garrido, a Filipino artist and gallerist, is leading the initiative alongside TRIBE, a collective of Filipino creatives and communicators based in the UAE. TRIBE is a subcommittee of the Philippine Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates (PBC DNE), aiming to provide a platform for Filipino artistry to shine globally. Carlo Garrido, a Filipino artist and gallerist Carlo Garrido, a Filipino artist and gallerist 'Having our own pavilion at World Art Dubai—one of the region's biggest art platforms—is a milestone for the Philippines,' said Garrido. 'It's not just about showcasing talent; it's about making space for Filipino creativity in the global art scene.' The World Art Dubai event is renowned for uniting creatives, galleries, and collectors from around the world. With the Philippine Pavilion's debut, Filipino art will gain greater visibility and recognition, solidifying its place on the international art scene. 'It's time we give Filipino artistry the stage it deserves,' Garrido said. 'This may be our first national art pavilion abroad—but it certainly won't be the last,' he added. The exhibition is a significant cultural moment for Filipinos worldwide, marking not only a celebration of art but a powerful statement of Filipino pride and presence in the global cultural community.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Yahoo
60-year-old man charged after 2 killed in Hall County crash
A Gainesville man faces multiple charges including vehicular homicide after allegedly causing a crash that killed two people. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Saturday, just after 11 a.m., Hall County authorities said Rafael Garrido was driving a 2024 Nissan Titan in the right lane of Browns Bridge Road westbound near Cherry Circle. Then Kegan Thomas, 24, of Cumming, in a 2015 Kia Optima sped passed Garrido in the left lane. Deputies said Thomas moved to the right lane while Garrido got into the left and overtook Thomas' car. According to officials, when Garrido edged past Thomas's car, he tried to move into the right lane on S. Smith Road. At that point, Garrido's truck clipped the front of the Kia, which left the road, hit a utility pole, and flipped, HCSO said. The Kia came to a stop when it hit a concrete retaining wall. TRENDING STORIES: Tucker man says his truck was stolen while he was just feet away at a restaurant After 39 years, GBI identifies remains from Gilmer County homicide case Former Yankees star Brett Gardner's 14-year-old son Miller dies after falling ill on vacation Thomas and his passenger, Ariyana Richards, 22, of Cumming both died in the crash. Thomas and Richards's bodies were taken to the DeKalb Medical Examiner's Office for autopsies. On Saturday evening, HCSO arrested Garrido and charged him with two counts of first-degree vehicular homicide, and two counts of aggressive driving, racing, and reckless driving. He remains behind bars at the Hall County Jail. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brooklyn Museum, union reach agreement to prevent layoffs for now
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — After weeks of protests and negotiations, the Brooklyn Museum and District Council 37 have reached a breakthrough agreement to prevent layoffs for nearly 50 workers. The deal, finalized late Sunday night, introduces a voluntary separation package designed to offer alternatives to layoffs while addressing the museum's financial challenges. More Local News The voluntary separation package includes several benefits for employees who choose to participate: Three weeks' pay for every year of service A reference letter from museum leadership to assist in finding new employment COBRA health insurance paid by the museum for up to four months Retirement incentives for eligible employees This agreement comes as the museum faces a $10 million budget deficit, which had initially led to plans for widespread layoffs. The voluntary separation plan aims to reduce costs while minimizing the impact on staff. District Council 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido praised the agreement as a victory for union advocacy. 'We secured an agreement that is fair and results in no layoffs for our members. The outcome of these negotiations is a testament to the power of union representation. When we fight together, we win,' Garrido said. He also emphasized the need for sustainable funding for New York City's cultural institutions moving forward. The Brooklyn Museum expressed its satisfaction with the resolution, stating, 'We are pleased to reach a mutual agreement on a voluntary separation program with our unions.' However, the museum noted that depending on participation in the program and additional funding from the city, further workforce reductions might still be necessary. The agreement follows weeks of protests by union members and a special oversight hearing at City Hall. Union leaders had criticized the museum's initial layoff plans, citing insufficient notice and a lack of exploration into alternative cost-saving measures such as furloughs. The delay in layoffs provided additional time for negotiations and discussions about potential city funding. While this deal provides temporary relief, the museum's financial challenges remain significant. New York City Council members are still considering allocating additional funds to help close the institution's budget gap. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bella Vita reopens amid questions of controversial past, new owner explains
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Las Vegas couples streamed in for their Valentine's Day dinner at an Italian restaurant with a controversial past, but the new owner wants the chance to explain why customers should have no reservations—about making a reservation. On Oct. 26, 2015, Bella Vita opened its first location in the Green Valley neighborhood in Henderson. The restaurant received acclaim, review awards, and the key to the city during its over a decade of serving the community. However, following an 8 News Now investigation into threats against employees by Sergio Montegrande, Bella Vita's founder, the restaurant closed all three of his locations and became the target of over a million dollars in claims by unpaid workers, vendors and landlords. Following a two-and-a-half-hour interview with Montegrande last year, 8 News Now received a statement from a spokesperson for the former restaurant owner. 'As we all navigate through the challenges and successes of our lives, I want to take this moment to offer an apology to anyone I have disappointed or hurt in any way,' Montegrande wrote, 'I acknowledge and accept full responsibility for my actions and decisions that have fallen short of the mark, causing frustration and confusion.' On Oct. 2024, Bella Vita's Blue Diamond location reopened and former employees and customers reached out to 8 News Now to find out more. Flavio Garrido, Bella Vita's head chef and new owner, said he wanted the chance to explain what happened at the beloved restaurant, which he reopened four months ago under the same name. 'What we went through [was] difficult, putting the team back,' he said. 'But I'm focused, and I'm glad that we did reopen, because a lot of people are asking, 'What happened to Bella Vita?'' Regular customers from the restaurant's past have started to return and offered support during the reopening, according to Garrido. 'This was and is and will be a community restaurant,' he said. 'That's what we want… where they can feel like they're part of the family.' Garrido took over the ownership of Bella Vita's Blue Diamond location in Apr. 2024, according to state documents. Montegrande is not named in the active business license for Bella Vita Blue Diamond's location. However, he is named in documents associated with the name, according to the Nevada Secretary of State's records. Nationwide Strong LLC, which is owned by Montegrande, owns the branding 'Bella Vita.' Montegrande is only associated with the use of the name in menus, signage, social media and advertisements. The renewal date for the service mark is Aug. 2025. 8 News Now asked Garrido if he intends to change over the name of the restaurant from Montegrande's ownership. Garrido referred the question to Bella Vita's marketing manager, Betsey Bell. 'That's in the process,' she said. 'As all things take time. We're all in the process of everything kind of evolving.' Bell said she doesn't believe the name registration or recognition has anything to do with Bella Vita at Blue Diamond, which Garrido owns. 'There's a brand-new owner, and there's a brand-new restaurant,' Bell said. 'Basically, we just maintain the ambiance, the feel, the entertainment and the family feeling that you get with the restaurant.' Garrido said if Montegrande called him on the phone, he would pick up, but it doesn't mean the former owner is still involved in day-to-day operations. 'No, no, no, we worked together for 10 years,' he said. 'We went up to the third location… we split ways, and I wish the best for him.' Former employees responded to 8 News Now regarding the new ownership, and claimed Garrido was aware of Montegrande's actions, including a lack of paying employees. Garrido said he was just the head chef and never in charge of payroll. 'I was the guy, you know, putting orders, making schedules for the kitchen,' Garrido said. 'Besides that, I don't know what to say. It was not my department.' Garrido referred his answer back to Bell who added more context to Garrido's former position under the former owner. 'He doesn't have anything to do with the former owner only because he was an employee, just as the other employees were employees of the restaurant. He was as well,' Bell said. Bell added Garrido's responsibilities were that of the original chef which included creating menus, food, and the atmosphere for the restaurant. 'It is completely new except for the fact that we maintain the brand, we maintain the menu,' she said. 'And we want to create that Bella Vita feel for all of our customers, new and old.' 8 News Now spoke to several workers in a variety of positions around the restaurant and asked if they were being paid, and if their paychecks had cleared. All said yes. The question spurs from concerns and Labor Board findings under the previous owner. 'Piccolo' Iclodean, a Bella Vita sommelier and sever, said he worked under the former owner and wanted to return because Garrido was in charge. 'I actually came back to support because I love this place—I love him,' Iclodean said. 'I love the atmosphere everything that happening. I like our guests, so we have great ambiance here.' Iclodean said he has seen the customer base grow little by little as word has spread that Bella Vita was reopening, and added he has appreciated a chance to come back to work. 'I'm very, very happy that I chose to come back here,' he said. Iclodean added he is being paid by Bella Vita under the new owner. Montegrande responded to a spokesperson who was reached out to by 8 News Now in Oct. 2024 regarding the Bella Vita Blue Diamond reopening. 'Nothing absolutely nothing to do with me, I told the gentlemen who has it to change the name,' Montegrande wrote in a text. 'NEVER AGAIN FOOD AND BEVERAGES EVER !!!' Four of the five district court cases against Montegrande have closed from former landlords and food vendors, resulting in around $695,000 in monetary judgments. Several former employees allege they still have not been paid. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
