Asia's Next Top Model Runner-up

Filipina Adela-Mae Marshall finishes among top 3 in Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 6

By Gianna Llanes
Philippine Canadian Inquirer
24 October 2018

Filipino-British model Adela-Mae Marshall, representing the Philippines in Cycle 6 of Asia’s version of Tyra Bank’s popular reality show America’s Next Top Model, completes her Asia’s Next Top Model journey among the top three finalists. Adela was one of two Filipinas representing the country during the reality show, joined by 19-year-old Jach Manere.

ADELA-MAE MARSHALL. Picture: Asia's Next Top Model/Facebook

After the release of the show’s season finale last Wednesday, October 24, Adela shares with fans how she felt about her performance throughout the show. In an Instagram post, Adela says, “And then there was 1.” She also gives a message to her co-finalists, adding, “Congratulations Dana, you absolutely went #BeyondLimits and I couldn’t be happier for you. Mia, what can I say? We put up a good fight but we are too good at being runners-up. I’m proud of us regardless.”

PHILIPPINES: Adela Mae Marshall and Jachin Manere

For her mentors, Adela sends this message, “To Cindy Sirinya and Yu Tsai, thank you for guiding and molding us throughout the whole competition. Thank you for seeing something in me I couldn’t even see myself and hopefully, this won’t be the last of me you see!”

Adela ends her social media caption with a message to her Filipino fans, saying in the country’s language, “Before, I said ‘Laban Pilipinas’ and even though I didn’t win now, I will continue to try and represent the Philippines in the best way I can.” Her final statement says, “Thank you so much for your support. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring home the title for a back-to-back win,” referring to Cycle 5’s winner Filipina Maureen Wroblewitz, continuing, “I hope I was able to show you that am ‘pusong Pinoy’. I hope I was able to represent the Philippines well.”

Ultimately, the MAIN title was won by Team Thailand, this time represented by Dana Slosar, who will be receiving her own Subaru XV, a cover and spread on Harper’s Bazaar Thailand, an avatar in the show’s mobile game, and a modeling contract with Storm Model management in London.

Great expat destination

Philippines a great expat destination in Southeast Asia —HSBC survey

October 23, 2018

                                                

The Philippines is now a more prominent expat destination in Southeast Asia as an emerging economy with increasingly influential role in regional affairs and beyond, according to the HSBC 2018 Expat Explorer survey.

PHILIPPINES: an emerging economy with increasing influential role in regional affairs and beyond. Picture: KW Worldwide

Released on Tuesday by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, the survey showed that 56 percent of expats believes that the Philippines has brought them closer to their partners in which 64 percent of them have found their long-time partners in the country.

The survey covered 22,318 expats in 163 countries and territories during an online questionnaire in March and April 2018. HSBC Expat commissioned YouGov to conduct the survey.

A minimum sample of 100 expat respondents and at least 30 expat parents is required for a country to be included in the league tables, with 31 countries qualifying in 2018.

“The Philippines scored fairly in terms of being a great expat destination for families and raising children,” HSBC said.

“Meantime, 56 percent consider raising children in the Philippines less expensive, as compared to their home country; with 43 percent even saying that moving here has brought them closer to their children as well and 42 percent saying overall quality of life for their children is better in the Philippines.”

The bank noted that expats have always appreciated the Filipino culture that values community and respect, saying that 69 percent of expats were “integrating well with the local people and culture and feeling like family.”

Fifty-eight percent, on the other hand, said it was also easy to form new friendships in the Philippines.

“Expats here also say that they have been welcomed by the Filipinos regardless of faith, race, gender or sexual orientation, which is not a surprise, given the Filipinos’ warmth and hospitality, and the vibrant and friendly local culture,” the bank said.

Kris Werner, HSBC head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management for Philippines, noted that expats believe that the best thing about living in the Philippines is the Filipino people.

“I am not surprised that more and more expats find the Philippines as a great place for families, raising children and bringing them closer to one another—given the Filipinos’ strong family ties,” Werner said.

“As an expat myself, I feel that I am part of a large family in the Philippines. The way expats feel about everyday life, is what truly makes or breaks the overseas experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, Singapore topped the list of the best places in the world to live and work.

“Singapore packs everything a budding expat could want into one of the world’s smallest territories, ranking 3rd for economics, 5th for families and 6th for experience,” HSBC said.

Looking for more money and a wider social circle? Singapore is the place for you, according to thousands of people living overseas who answered the HSBC Expat Explorer survey.

Marking its 11th year, more than 22,000 people who have made the move to live abroad were questioned about their new life. Singapore is rated the best destination for the fourth year in a row, followed closely by New Zealand, Germany, Canada, and Bahrain. —Anna Felicia Bajo/VDS, GMA News

The Asia Trophy Series Silver winner

Rugby: Philippines wins silver in Asia Trophy Series

By: Mark Giongco‎ - @inquirerdotnet

INQUIRER.net

October 22, 2018

The Philippine women’s rugby team after winning the silver medal in the 2018 Asia Trophy Series in Brunei. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Philippine women’s rugby team settled for the silver medal after bowing to Malaysia, 10-7, on Sunday in the 2018 Asia Trophy Series in Brunei.

The Lady Volcanoes went undefeated, winning their first five games of the two-day competition before running into the Malaysians in the gold medal match.

“I couldn’t be more proud of how the team performed overall. Not only is it the best result the team has ever had in a single tournament, the entire team was composed of Philippine homegrown players.

The program is on track for a competitive rematch against Malaysia in the Southeast Asian Games next year,” said Philippine team head coach Ada Milby.

The Philippines beat Uzbekistan, 12-10, to open its campaign then, crushed Pakistan, 38-0, and topped India, 17-10, in the first day of the tournament.

The Filipinos picked up where they left off with a 43-0 romp of Nepal before edging Guam, 10-7, in the semifinals.

The Asia River Prize winner 2018

Manila's Pasig River wins International River Prize

Gilbert P. Felongco, Correspondent

Gulfnews.com

21 October 2018

Rehabilitation efforts pay off to bring back to life the once-dying water artery

PASIG RIVER. Picture: Spot.ph

Manila: A key river in the Philippines has won the inaugural 2018 Asia Riverprize.
Once the object of criticism for being an eyesore, the Pasig River — Metro Manila and Laguna’s arterial waterway — has redeemed its reputation after years of rehabilitation.

The 27-kilometre-long Pasig River emerged winner over another finalist, China’s Yangtze River.

“The Riverprize is not a competition of which river is more beautiful or cleaner,” the award giving body, the International River Foundation (IRF) said.

Rehabilitation

“This is the reason why the IRF, comprised of river management experts and professionals from around the world, has given importance and consideration to the rehabilitation efforts of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Committee (PRRC) to bring back the Pasig River system to life.”



A view of Manila's Pasig River. The International River Foundation (IRF), comprised of river management experts and professionals from around the world, has recognised the job of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Committee (PRRC) to bring back the Pasig River system to life. IRF advocates the “integrated river basin management for the restoration, protection and sustainable management of the world’s rivers". Screengrab

The award was handed over on October 16, at the 21st International River Symposium held in Sydney, Australia.


It was the first time that the prize was given by the IRF.
According to its website, the IRF advocates “integrated river basin management for the restoration, protection and sustainable management of the world’s rivers.”


A barge used in cleaning up and dredging silt from Pasig River in Manila.  YouTube Screengrab

“Water is crucial for all life — and we need healthy rivers, lakes and wetlands for sustainable development. We promote and support effective management of these resources by facilitating knowledge sharing, education and best practice river basin management, and by recognising and rewarding those making a difference,” it said.

According to PRRC executive director, Jose Antonio E. Goitia, “the consecutive entries of the Pasig River as a finalist in the 2017 and Thiess International and Asia Riverprize, respectively, is a testament that the world recognises the efforts of the Philippine government to restore the Pasig River and its environs since PRRC was established in 1999.” 

“Initially, the competition was called the Asia-Pacific Riverprize Awards which was opened to entrants from New Zealand, Australia, and 45 other countries.

"However, according to the IRF, due the to the high number and quality of entries received, they have made the decision to split the promoted Asia-Pacific Riverprize into two: Asia Riverprize and another category for the Australasia Riverprize,” Goitia said in a blog.

Due to the efforts of the present and past administrations, the once-dying Pasig River had sprung back to life and offers hope that it will regain the splendour it once had when it was the subject of prose and poetry from old times.

“Compared to the 1990s when it was declared ‘biologically dead,’ the Pasig River’s condition now has significantly improved. Although the Pasig River development is a work in progress, many areas along the historic river have already shown signs of aquatic life and it has already become conducive for transport, recreation, and tourism,” Goitia said.

Visitors check out the Pasig River. Thanks to the efforts of the present and past administrations, the once-dying Pasig River had sprung back to life and offers hope that it will regain the splendour it once had when it was the subject of prose and poetry from old times. Screengrab

The IRF, for its part, said: “Critical to the success of the story was bringing the community, around 18,000 people, to decent housing and transforming these communities and their lives into environmentally responsible citizens.”

Aside from global recognition, the winner of the 2018 Asia Riverprize can build new partnerships, provide opportunities for exchange of knowledge and best practices, and open doors for international support.

The winner will automatically qualify for Stage Two of the Thiess International Riverprize in 2019.

Top Globalization Destination

Philippines is world's second top globalization destination: index

Arianne Merez

Abs-CBN News
20 Oct 2018

Business process outsourcing is an economic lifeline in the Philippines with over 1.15 million Filipinos working in the industry. File photo

MANILA - The Philippines is the second top globalization destination in the world this year, according to global strategic advisory firm Tholons.

The 2018 Services Globalization Index saw the Philippines rising to the second spot of the "Top 50 Digital Nations" after placing third last year.

India continues to dominate the list while Brazil follows the Philippines at third place.

Other countries in the top 10 are the United States, Mexico, Canada, Russia, Vietnam, Colombia, and South Africa.

"Most of the services will get commoditized for the biggest leaders in services globalization like US, UK, Canada, Europe, India, Philippines, East Europe, and Latin America," the index report stated.

Business process outsourcing is an economic lifeline in the Philippines with over 1.15 million Filipinos working in the industry.

The industry, along with remittances from overseas workers, remains one of the top 2 earners of foreign exchange for the Philippines.

SUPER CITIES

Six cities from the Philippines, meanwhile, made it to the "Top 100 Super Cities," with Manila placing second to Bengaluru in India.

The Philippine capital, which ranked fourth in 2017, is followed by the Indian city of Mumbai, which ranked third.

The rest of the Philippine cities included in the list all saw an improvement in their respective rankings.

Close to the top 10 is Cebu City, which ranked 11th from 12th last year, while President Rodrigo Duterte's hometown Davao City went 10 notches higher to the 75th spot from 85th last year.

Santa Rosa City in Laguna rose to the 87th spot from 100th last year while Bacolod City climbed to the 89th spot from 97th in 2017.

The Visayan city of Iloilo, meanwhile, is a newcomer to the list, landing at the 92nd spot.

The index evaluates and ranks countries and cities based on availability and quality of talent in the area, business catalyst or the level of industry-related activity and organizational support, cost of doing business, infrastructure, innovation, and risk and quality of life among others.

Asia's Top Goalscorers

Asia’s Top 5 active goalscorers for flag and country

Earl Averilla
Foxsports.ph
19 October 2018

Scoring for ones national team is an achievement, even for strikers, considering the less frequency of international football matches taking place and the chances of getting called up. But scoring goals for the flag on a relatively regular basis is definitely remarkable.

Without further delay, here are the Top Five active goalscorers in Asia.

5. Chan Siu  Ki (Hong Kong – Striker, 37 goals)

The towering forward was able to translate his club form onto the international stage, amassing a total of 37 goals in 67 competitive appearances for an average of 0.55 goals per game and making him the current top scorer for The Dragons.

Recently experiencing a drop in his goal hauls, if he can regain back a bit of his old lethal self with his current club Hong Kong Pegasus FC, the 33 year old could still have a slight chance of getting a call-up and increase that tally of his national squad.

4. Ismail Abdul-Latif (Bahrain – Striker, 39 goals)

The Bahraini finisher currently plays for Al Muharraq Sports Club. At 32 years old, he can still technically very much increase his tally if ever he can earn himself a national team call-up and break to the starting eleven.

But call-up or not, he has already achieved a notable number of goals scored for Bahrain at 39 goals in 112 caps at a respectable rate of 0.35 goals per game taking into consideration the very competitive West Asian zone.

As an individual player, he is notable with coming up with the occasional “special goals” worthy of making the highlight reel, as evidenced by an overhead strike that he was able to successfully convert for his former club, Al Salmiya SC sometime in 2004.

3. Sebastian Soria (Qatar – Striker, 40 goals)

Sebastian Soria is currently Qatar’s top goalscorer with 40 goals in 119 appearances (also a national record). He is currently playing for Qatari club Al-Rayyan.

At club level, Sebastian holds an Asian footballing record, particularly in the AFC Champions League, for the fastest goal scored in the tournament’s history as he was able to convert within nine seconds of the match when playing for Lekwhiya SC in 2013

At this moment, at 34 years of age, earning call-ups for his country could be at an end for the target man but even if he is not able to increase his tally, it would still take some time for it to be overtaken as the closest number of goals from an active player is only at 22 by Hassan Al Haydos of Al-Sadd.

2. Phil Younghusband (Philippines – Forward/Attacking Midfielder, 51 goals)

The only active player from Southeast Asia who made the list, Phil Younghusband (currently of Filipino club Davao Aguilas Bellmare) is one of the instrumental players who put the Philippines, then considered a minnow, back on the footballing map after decades of being one of the cellar-dwellers of the world.

His upbringing in England as part of Chelsea Youth (along with his brother James, who also plays as midfielder for the Philippines), his addition to the national team in 2005 provided the quality that significantly boosted an already improving squad.

Initially playing mainly as a striker, Phil was able to reinvent himself by adding the ability to play as an attacking midfielder and as a set-piece specialist. And with his current form, it seems that he’s still on-track for further call-ups to represent the Philippines and increase his goal tally of 51 goals and record 99 caps (just one short of another milestone).

Now talk about a player who was discovered eligible to play for the Philippines through a video game.

1. Sunil Chhetri (India – Striker, 65 goals)

Captain Fantastic! Need we say more?

Of course, just to further cement his LIVING LEGEND status. Whether club or country, Sunil Chhetri is a proven goal scorer with an average of a goal every other game for club football and an even more impressive 0.63 goals per game for The Blue Tigers.

In his home country, he is one of the most recognizable personalities and definitely the biggest ambassador for the growth of local football in a nation where cricket is still the dominant team sport.

But with India making waves and continuing to rise as a footballing power in Asia with Sunil at the forefront, capped by the 2019 Asian Cup qualification and the nation’s highest ever FIFA ranking – cracking the top 100, we definitely are witnessing someone who is very much worthy to be considered one of the greats in Asian football.

Global Food Security Index gainer

Philippines moves up on Global Food Security Index

Philstar.com

17 October 2018 

MANILA, Philippines — As the country suffers from rising food prices due to tight supply of basic goods, a global metrics on food security believes the Philippines has improved its capacity to feed its people. 

According to the Global Food Security Index this year, the country ranked 70th out of 130 countries, with a score of 51.5 over 100, with 100 being most favorable and food secure.

This was an improvement from last year's 79th placing with a score of 47.3.

The report, released on Wednesday, comes as the economy battles a near decade-high inflation propelled by supply constraints from rice, meat, vegetables and even fish.

The index, compiled by think tank Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), measures each territory's capacity to ensure food supply among its populace. The index captures food affordability, availability, and quality and safety.

It also covers as criterion natural resources and resilience, showing why "climate risk mitigation" needs to be "developed and implemented around the globe to ensure food security amid the rising prevalence of climate risks."

City-state Singapore tops this year's report, while Burundi was at the bottom.

The Philippines ranked 70th out of 130 countries, with a score of 51.5 over 100. Philstar.com, file

Climate change could reverse Gain

While the report did not explain what accounts for the Philippines' improvement, it noted how lower-middle and low-income countries "experienced the most substantial gains over the past year."

However, the report also pointed out that recent gains are under threat to be reversed due to environmental and socioeconomic risks.

Among the criteria used in the index, the Philippines' score on natural resources and resilience inched down 1 point to 51 this year.

"Climate change will affect food production for all physical systems—marine and terrestrial—as basic environmental conditions shift," EIU said in the report.

"Understanding these risks and how to address them are essential to building food systems resilience and thereby ensuring food security for future generations," it added.

The Philippines is visited by an average of 20 typhoons each year, causing billions in damage to crops and livelihood that lessen harvests and food supply.

Just last month, typhoon Ompong, the strongest to hit land this year, damaged nearly P25 billion in crops in north Luzon, mostly rice. This, in turn, has tightened supply of the the main staple further, pushing prices up.

Among other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines is ahead of Myanmar and Cambodia, which ranked 82nd and 85th, respectively.

Aside from top-placer Singapore, the country fell behind Indonesia (65th), Vietnam (62nd), Thailand (54th) and Malaysia (40th). Other countries in the region were not included in the report.