Latest news with #boldly
GMA Network
26-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Romualdez to ASEAN solons: Protect our seas
KUALA LUMPUR — Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday called on ASEAN lawmakers to uphold the rules-based international order and protect the region's seas. Speaking before heads of state and parliamentary leaders at the 14th ASEAN Leaders Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Romualdez stressed the legislative's critical role in securing peace, prosperity, and regional sovereignty. 'We must move as one — translating ASEAN's collective aspirations into concrete policies that empower our workers, farmers, and fisherfolks, protect our seas, connect our digital economies, and defend the rules-based international order,' the House Speaker said. 'This includes upholding the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, which guarantees peace, security, and sovereignty for all,'' he added. The regional peace and prosperity hinge on the steadfast observance of international law amid growing global polarization and external threats to maritime integrity. according to the House Speaker. As the leader of Congress' lower chamber, Romualdez said he has ensured that Philippine legislation should not just be responsive, but visionary. It must be catalytic, not just reactive, Romualdez emphasized. The House Speaker reaffirmed the Philippine Congress' full commitment to championing regional priorities through laws that will strengthen food security, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, cyber defense, and green, inclusive growth. 'We believe the role of AIPA is not only to support ASEAN's vision — but to shape it — boldly and bravely,' he said. The solon from Leyte further urged ASEAN lawmakers to embrace their role not only as policymakers but also as bridge-builders across cultures and generations. —RF, GMA Integrated News
Elle
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Gucci's Cruise Collection Teases Demna's Vision for the House
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Last night in Florence, within the storied walls of the 15th-century Palazzo Settimanni—home to the Gucci archive—the house's cruise 2026 collection unfolded in a luxurious display of expert color pairings, retro tailoring, and extravagant accessories. The styling was impeccable, delivering look after look destined for the red carpet. Though officially credited to the in-house studio team behind the fall/winter 2025 season, the collection bore unmistakable traces of Demna's aesthetic. From neon pink satin bags to boldly structured shoulders and fuzzy coats worn as minidresses, his influence was both nuanced and undeniable—subtle enough to pass under the radar, yet instantly recognizable to the trained eye. Overall, the collection was wearable and fun, featuring playful yet luxurious pieces like rhinestone stockings adorned with Gucci's classic interlocking Gs—a nod to last season's logo catsuit. A candy-striped bag paired with a matching coat and oversized sunglasses added a dose of drama. Handbags remained a focal point throughout, with models casually clutching chain-strapped styles from the side, adding an air of effortless cool. Making its debut on the runway—and available to shop now—was the Giglio bag: an oversized tote cleverly styled as a fold-over clutch. Jewelry lovers were treated to a landmark debut: the first-ever Monili high jewelry collection co-created by Pomellato and Gucci, unveiled on the runway alongside the Demna-esque looks. These one-of-a-kind pieces combined Gucci's leather craftsmanship with the jeweler's signature Iconica link, culminating in a design entirely encrusted in diamonds and centered around a nearly 20-carat green tourmaline. As the show came to a close, models made their way out to the Piazza, where trattoria diners looked on over their aperitivi, momentarily blurring the line between runway and real life. In reflection, the jewelry felt like the perfect finishing touch to the collection's delicate silk chiffons, intricate lace, and sequin-strewn eveningwear. While hinting at what may lie ahead in Demna's highly anticipated fall debut, this collection served as a thoughtful homage to Gucci's rich design legacy. Spanning decades of house codes—from the provocative glamour of Tom Ford to the eclectic maximalism of Alessandro Michele—it showcased the brand's rare ability to draw from a lineage of visionary creative directors while charting a new course forward. As the echoes of the past mingled with hints of the future, one question lingered in the air: what comes next?
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bold bet ends in painful reality: Paul Pierce walks 20 miles barefoot to work after Boston Celtics' shocking Game 2 loss vs. New York Knicks
The Boston Celtics aren't the only ones feeling the heat after a disastrous Game 2 collapse at home. Former Celtics star Paul Pierce, now an FS1 analyst, found himself literally walking the walk—barefoot, in a robe, and on a long 15-mile trek—after boldly guaranteeing a Boston win. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His confidence turned into commitment when the Celtics blew a 20-point lead and lost to the New York Knicks, leaving Pierce with no choice but to follow through on his on-air promise. 'I'm cooked!': Paul Pierce walks 20 miles barefoot in bathrobe after bold Boston Celtics bet backfires It all unfolded on Wednesday, May 7, during an episode of Speak on FS1. With all the swagger of a former NBA champion, looked into the camera and said, 'If the Celtics lose Game 2 at home, I promise you I'm walking here tomorrow, 15 miles. I'm walking here in my robe, no shoes on, bare feet… Put the house on this game!' Unfortunately for Pierce and anyone who actually followed that betting advice, the did lose 91-90 at TD Garden in Boston after a shocking late-game collapse. The ended Game 2 on a 23-6 run, flipping what looked like a comfortable Celtics win into a gut-wrenching defeat. By Thursday morning, Pierce began making good on his words. He posted a video to Instagram saying, 'I'm really walking out here like this. I can't believe it. I got a long walk to go.' Donning his bathrobe and no footwear, he was already several miles into what would become an all-day journey. Pierce continued updating his fans as the walk dragged on. 'This is crazy, dog. I can't believe this,' he said in another Instagram video. 'C's got me out here like this. I'm sweating. So I'm about 4 miles in right now. So I think I got another 16 miles?' He later shared a screenshot of his walking route, showing a projected time of eight hours and a total of 20 miles, captioning it with just three words: 'I'm cooked.' Though Pierce's extreme commitment earned him a wave of social media reactions ranging from amusement to disbelief, he at least proved he was willing to back up his talk, even if it meant sore feet and public embarrassment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Also Read: With Boston heading to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Saturday, May 10, trailing 0-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the pressure is now squarely on the Celtics to respond. As for Pierce, he's already taken his lumps step by painful step. But after a loss like that, both the Celtics and their former Finals MVP might be wishing they'd kept things a little more low-key.
Khaleej Times
13-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: How Chalhoub Group went from a Syrian family business to luxury empire
"The customer is empowered now. They know what they want and want to express their individuality," says Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of Chalhoub Group. In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, he shares his family journey from Syria to Dubai, and describes how the Middle East's luxury market has developed from a niche industry into one of the most advanced local sectors. A journey across borders The Chalhoub family story began in Syria in the 1950s. Patrick Chalhoub's parents, Michel and Widad Chalhoub were determined to introduce French luxury to Damascus and founded the Chalhoub Group in 1955. "My father and mother were absolutely fascinated by the French culture," says Patrick Chalhoub. However, political instability in the region compelled the family to relocate several times. In 1965, they moved from Syria to Lebanon due to political unrest. In 1975, the family moved to Kuwait following Lebanon's civil war, and in 1990, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait once again changed their life's trajectory when they moved to the UAE. "We were uncertain, but we boldly decided to relocate our headquarters to Dubai. With a clear vision, we saw its potential as a regional hub for luxury retail," says Patrick. This move would shape their destiny. Building a luxury powerhouse When Patrick joined the business in 1979, Chalhoub Group was a relatively small operation with around 200 employees and a handful of brand partnerships. Today, it is a key regional player home to 300 global luxury brands and over 16,000 employees. One of the early milestones was the introduction of franchise luxury stores in the Middle East. In 1982, the Chalhoub Group brought Louis Vuitton and Chanel to Kuwait when these brands were still gaining international traction. According to Patrick, most customers seeking luxury in the Middle East were tourists from Japan, where the appetite for luxury began much earlier. However, it wouldn't be long before local clientele would soon catch up and help transform the market into one of the strongest globally. By the 2000s, the Middle East's luxury retail sector grew dramatically. New shopping centres like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates revolutionised the retail experience, allowing shopping and entertainment to flourish. At the same time, global brands saw the region's immense potential, and customers who would previously travel for high-end fashion were now demanding a local luxury market. "What was once a niche audience has become one of the world's most sophisticated, knowledgeable, and demanding luxury consumer bases," Patrick explains. The Chalhoub Group worked closely with mall developers to create shopping experiences to meet these new demands. The art of knowing the consumer Patrick explains that luxury retail is not just about selling expensive goods but about understanding people. It's an industry that allows customers to dream. In that respect, consumer behaviour in the luxury sector has evolved significantly. Modern shoppers look for brands that align with their values, whether cultural, political, or environmental. Chalhoub Group is constantly looking for brands that reflect these evolving priorities and introducing them to the Middle East market. "Scouting brands is something we love to do. We constantly look for new opportunities, whether in Japan, Korea, New York, or Paris, to bring something fresh to the Middle East," Says Patrick. The future of luxury in the Middle East With consumer expectations shifting rapidly, Chalhoub Group is responding by investing in homegron labels such as Level Shoes and Faces while continuing to introduce new international brands that align with the market's changing preferences. The Group has embraced digital transformation to stay ahead, developing AI-driven personalisation strategies for online and in-store shopping experiences. As Chalhoub Group marks its 70th anniversary this year, the company is expanding its expertise into new categories, such as skincare, luxury watches, jewellery, and eyewear, reflecting its ambition to broaden its global footprint. "We want to create a legacy that lasts—not just for our family, but for the young talent in our team who will drive the company forward," says Patrick.
