MANILA, Philippines — Two INQUIRER.net stories were chosen as finalists in the 2023 Lasallian Scholarum Awards. “Sinking Island” (titled “Living in a sinking island”), written by INQUIRER.net news anchor Neil Arwin Mercado, tells the case of Batasan Island in Bohol province, which is feared to be slowly being swallowed by the sea amid the worsening climate change. The short documentary also looks at residents’ stories and their battle for the island they call home. It also looks at the local government’s actions in response to the rising sea waters that are threatening the island and its residents. Subscribe to our daily newsletter SIGN ME UPRead Next

This philosophy of wage setting was the result of foreign advice on the minimum wage in 1951. Most countries in East Asia whose success in economic development has been historically astounding – starting with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan – emphasized investment policies and resisted minimum wage legislation. More recent success stories of development like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam have adopted minimum wages, but their minimum wage levels have been much lower than the Philippine minimum wage in dollar equivalents. Wage-setting in situations where no government mandated minimum levels are interfering are based on productivity of labor. (See: Crossroads, “Making labor policies modern and flexible,” PhilStar, April 14, 2021 and May 12, 2021).

Flat-screen TV viewers can enjoy their favorite Kapuso programs in a wider scope in terms of what can be seen on screen. Kapuso abroad can have the same viewing experience via GMA international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV. Mr. DIY PVC Warning Tape may be used to mark off floors, aisles, and other potentially hazardous areas in the home. Repair pipes with Mr. DIY PVC Pipe Glue or any damaged objects with Mr. DIY Super Glue which can bond metal, plastic, wood, ceramics, leather, rubber, or glass in seconds. Protect hands while completing the task with Mr. DIY Gloves which come in a variety of materials such as nylon, latex, and polyester.

Beauty picks for a cool summerSummer means vacation, traveling to new destinations, and trying to stay and look cool despite the sizzling heat. You can apply to be a Beauty Addict member with any purchase on this day. For you to get the most out of the event we’ve curated the must-haves from the participapting brands so you can have a cool, cool summer. Rustan’s Beauty Addict members will receive a complimentary handmade Ethnique Aurora Tote Bag for a minimum purchase of P30,000 from March 1 to April 30. To get the latest updates on all your favorite beauty brands, events, special offers, and announcements, join the Rustan's The Beauty Source Viber Community at bit.ly/RTBSonViber.

DETROIT: Damian Lillard had 31 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, securing his second triple-double of the season before the end of the third quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Detroit Pistons 110-104 on Monday (Tuesday in Manila). The dynamic guard scored 16 points in the first quarter to give the Trail Blazers a 31-18 lead, and they had little trouble keeping a comfortable margin against a banged-up and slumping team for most of the night. Cam Reddish had 13 points, Trendon Watford scored 12 and Drew Eubanks added 10 points for the Trail Blazers, who have won two straight for the first time in a month to strengthen their hopes of rallying into the playoffs. Isaiah Livers scored 17 for the Pistons, who have lost a season-high eight straight games. The Pistons were without injured starters Bojan Bogdanovic, Isaiah Stewart and rookie center Jalen Duran, along with key reserve Killian Hayes.

A landslide caused by torrential rain killed at least 11 people and left dozens of others missing on an island in Indonesia’s remote Natuna regency on Monday, disaster officials said. Tons of mud fell from surrounding hills onto houses in Serasan village in Natuna. Rescuers recovered at least 11 bodies and authorities fear that the death toll will rise, National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said. “Many people who need help have not been reached because we still have difficulty accessing the affected areas,” Muhari said, adding that authorities estimated that about 50 people were still missing. Seasonal downpours cause frequent landslides and floods in Indonesia, a chain of 17,000 islands where millions of people live in mountainous areas or in fertile flood plains.

Just like his boss, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki also starred in the latest Hello Hong Kong promotional video. Chan uploaded his "Hello Hong Kong" video - in English and Mandarin - on Facebook, saying: "Following the Chief Executive, I also stand on the stage as a salesman, promoting Hong Kong's unique attractiveness as the connection between China and the West; the past and the present." In the video, he says: "Come and enjoy an unforgettable journey with us. See you in Hong Kong!"

MANILA, Philippines — Around 27 million Filipinos are considered overweight or obese, according to a leading global health care company as World Obesity Day was observed last Saturday. Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health, according to the WHO. Novo Nordisk also noted that over one billion people worldwide are affected by the global obesity epidemic – that include 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents and 39 million children. “Obesity is not just about being overweight; it is a chronic disease that affects the whole body. “By continuously advocating for evidence-based approaches to prevent and manage obesity, medical societies can help change the narrative around this chronic disease.

Hongkongers and tourists from the mainland and Taiwan waited in long lines underneath Canal Road Flyover in Causeway Bay for “villain hitting” today (Mon) on Jingzhe, or called Insects Awakening, – the third of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. A Sichuan tourist surnamed Qian said she came for “villain hitting” to comfort herself, hoping to resolve gossip surrounding her and a legal dispute. Another tourist surnamed Chen from Dongguan said “villain hitting” has become an annual habit for him and all he wants is inner peace. The ‘villain’ has now been taken care of,” said the wife called Miky, who recently came to Hong Kong for work. Mr. Wan, who has been in this profession for years, expected more tourists to visit him after the borders reopened.

Solo parents face a unique set of challenges as they assume the role of both mother and father, essentially becoming a ‘NayTay’ (nanay at tatay). As such, it is important that the government and private sector promote policies and programs that support and help solo parents in the country. The law aims to provide certain benefits to ensure that solo parents are given equal opportunities, as well as rights and privileges under the law. This new law, RA 11861 or the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act, significantly amended the provisions of RA 8972. Solo parents earning a minimum wage or below will receive a monthly cash subsidy of P1,000 from their respective local government units.

Atlas Mining income down 17%MANILA, Philippines — Lower production volumes and high costs weighed down the net earnings of Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. last year. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday, Atlas Mining ended 2022 with a consolidated net income of P3.22 billion, 17 percent percent lower than the P3.86 billion recorded in 2021. Copper metal produced decreased by 10 percent to 74.45 million pounds while gold produced went down by 11 percent to 22,339 ounces. Despite the higher second half production, year-on-year copper metal production decreased to 82.41 million pounds from 107.09 million pounds in 2020 mainly due to the decrease in copper grades by 19 percent to 0.247 percent. Copper metal price stood at $4.02 per pound, lower by six percent while gold price was steady at $1,804 per ounce.

Following the successful staging of the 2023 East Asia Super League Champions Week in Japan, EASL founder and chief executive officer Matt Beyer believes Filipino young talents will greatly benefit from the "diversity of the Asian domestic cage leagues." Former NCAA Most Valuable Player Rhenz Abando and young Gilas standout Carl Tamayo are just two of the latest young Filipino players, who were recruited to play in Korea and Japan, respectively. In fact, the high-leaping Abando, who just last January won the Slam Dunk contest in the Korean Basketball League All-Star Weekend, made significant contributions to help Anyang KGC capture the EASL Champions Week title Sunday night. Ryukyu though dropped to the battle for third due to lower points differential against Abando's Anyang side. The Golden Kings eventually, played fourth in the EASL Champions Week after bowing to the Bay Area Dragons, 90-70 Sunday night.

Customs seized about 2 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with a market value of about HK$1.1 million at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday. Officers inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as carrying handicrafts, arriving in Hong Kong from Africa and found the batch of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside two djembes. A 36-year-old male driver was arrested as he was suspected of being hired by the drug traffickers to collect the consignment at an air cargo terminal and intended to send it to rural areas in Yuen Long. An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail.

NEW DELHI – Back in December 2020, Dr Nikhil Datar pledged to donate his organs and hopefully save lives even after his death. He took another step recently – this time to ensure his death is as painless and dignified as possible. “One of the offshoots of advances in medical care is the possibility of prolonging someone’s death meaninglessly,” Dr Datar told The Straits Times. In India, those pushing for greater adoption of living wills are hopeful the recent relaxation will encourage a wider discussion about the need for such a document and promote its adoption in India. The court’s latest order will also create a better understanding of death and dying in India, “correctly orienting the society to the needs of the dying”, he added.

LOS ANGELES: Memphis Grizzlies NBA star Ja Morant was suspended by his team for at least two games on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) after posting a video where he appeared to display a gun in a nightclub. Ja Morant AFP PHOTOThe Grizzlies issued a statement saying that Morant "will be away from the team for at least the next two games". That will mean Morant will not play on Sunday against the LA Clippers or Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. "Ja Morant's fault is his own, and I'm proud of him for owning it. "It doesn't matter where Ja Morant is from or how he grew up, he's making truly catastrophic decisions," tweeted journalist Jemele Hill.