American singer-songwriter and producer Mac Ayres performed at the Insignia Concert Series at Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier. It was his first headline show in the Philippines. A buzzing audience filled the Samsung Hall, mesmerized by Ayres' soulful music and remarkable performance with his band. For instance, the songs "I'll Be Your Home Now," "Shadows," "Devils in the Details," and "Waiting" demonstrated his range as a vocalist, while the crowd was singing and dancing to songs like"Get Away," and "Where U Going Tonight?" The musician impressively performed 15 songs and two more for the encore.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/28/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/mac-ayres-talks-about-being-comfortable-enough/1912066

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GIVING a fitting following to the action-packed season opener last July, Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines and Toyota Motor Philippines hosted another awesome racing weekend with the second leg of the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup. Held at the Clark International Speedway last September 8 and 9, race fans were able to enjoy high speed action from the circuit championship races as well as technical battles against time in the autocross challenge. The Toyota Tamaraw prototype.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/fast-times/toyota-gazoo-racing-philippines-hosts-adrenaline-filled-vios-cup-2nd-leg/1911715

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SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, held a special preview of what could be the last BMW model available with a manual gearbox — the second-generation BMW M2 Coupè. BMW M2 also gives controls at your fingertips. BMW M2 Pure's 19-inch front wheels and tires. The cockpit of the M2 Carbon Trim. The BMW M2 Pure in Zandvoort Blue. BMW M2 Carbon's 3.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/fast-times/bmw-ph-previews-the-glorious-m2-coupe/1911716

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IF the Philippines and other nations have flag carriers that represent their countries in commercial flights, then China stands out as possibly the only nation globally to have its national flag represented by an automobile brand. This distinction belongs to the brand Hongqi (pronounced hong-chee), whose name literally translates to "red banner" in Chinese. This name not only reflects the color of China's flag but also symbolizes resilience, strength, and grandeur, making a bold statement in the automotive industry both locally and globally.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/fast-times/honqi-officially-opens-in-the-philippines/1911725

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THE Chinese Honqi car brand was formally introduced to the market a couple of weeks ago and it was quite impressive. The showroom is in the high class area of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and covers some 1,000 square meters of space. The launch was pretty impressive with a marching band and uniformed people introducing the cars as it paraded along the streets of BGC. It was reminiscent of a Chinese military parade, but that is not a surprise. The Honqi brand is China's very first foray into building cars.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/26/fast-times/creating-a-paradigm-shift-for-the-automobile-lifestyle/1911713

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Paris, France : French customs said Thursday that they had seized almost 400 skulls from protected primate species in just seven months, in a sign of a rise in the lucrative trade. Agents at the Paris Charles-de-Gaulle airport had intercepted 392 posted packages between May and December last year, containing primate skulls mostly from Cameroon and destined for collectors in the United States. They also seized hundreds more packages with skulls or bones from other species. This photograph taken on Sept.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/23/world/americas-emea/france-sounds-alert-on-primates-skulls-trafficking/1911270

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Sofia, Bulgaria: Bulgaria expelled the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Sofia and two Belarusian priests for allegedly acting in Moscow's geopolitical interests, authorities said Thursday. The National Security Agency accused the three clerics of implementing Moscow's "hybrid strategy to purposefully influence the socio-political processes in Bulgaria in favor of Russian geopolitical interests". The agency, which only identified the men by their initials and nationalities, banned them from entering the country for five years.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/23/world/americas-emea/bulgaria-expels-head-of-russian-orthodox-church-in-sofia/1911271

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THE Philippines is experiencing a rapid growth in its automotive market, with a surge of car brands entering the scene over the past decade. This influx from both China and Europe has injected excitement and innovation into the industry, particularly with the introduction of full-sized electric vehicles (EVs). These EVs, hailed as cleaner and more environmentally friendly options, boast zero carbon dioxide emissions and significantly reduced sound pollution. While the debate over the environmental benefits of EVs rages on, it's crucial to consider their immediate impact on our densely populated cities.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/19/fast-times/car-brands-and-the-electric-vehicle-revolution-in-the-philippines/1910612

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Sidon, Lebanon: Palestinian fighters agreed a new ceasefire on Thursday after more than a week of deadly violence in Lebanon's largest refugee camp, two Palestinian officials told Agence France-Presse (AFP). A Palestinian protester holds a tear gas canister fired by Israeli forces during a demonstration along the border, east of Gaza City, to mark Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, on Sept. 13, 2023. AFP PHOTO At least 17 people have been killed and around 100 wounded in the fighting in Ain al-Helweh refugee camp, on the outskirts of the port city of Sidon, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent's Lebanon branch.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/16/world/americas-emea/palestinian-fighters-in-lebanon-camp-agree-new-truce/1910175

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Geneva, Switzerland: Victims of lead poisoning in UN-run camps in Kosovo have still not received adequate reparations more than 20 years after the war, rights advocates said at a UN roundtable Thursday. This file photo shows a woman walking past the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States on Sept. 14, 2020. Victims of lead poisoning in UN-run camps in Kosovo have still not received adequate reparations more than 20 years after the war, rights advocates said at a UN roundtable on Thursday, Sept.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/16/world/americas-emea/activists-call-on-un-to-act-on-kosovo-lead-poisoning/1910174

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ELECTRIFICATION is pretty much inevitable at this point. That's why every automaker has committed to the technology as we transition towards an era of purely electric vehicles (EVs). Electrified cars, which we mean hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and full EVs, are starting to become the norm these days. However, not all electrified vehicles are created equal. Especially when it comes to the two types of hybrids, thus making the two powertrain sources work seamlessly can be challenging.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/12/fast-times/bmw-showcases-electrification-can-be-fun/1909528

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AS families gear up for a new school year and plan their remaining vacation trips, Suzuki Philippines, a pioneer in compact car distribution, has elevated its iconic vehicle, the new Ertiga Hybrid, with cutting-edge technology and modern safety features that perfectly complement its form and functionality. Ertiga Hybrid is a stylish 7-seater MPV. PHOTOS FROM SUZUKI PH The Ertiga Hybrid stands as Suzuki's stylish seven-seater compact multipurpose vehicle (MPV). It proudly holds the title of being the first hybrid MPV in the market and remains one of Suzuki's most iconic models.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/12/fast-times/experience-stylish-travel-with-the-suzuki-ertiga-hybrid/1909531

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Lagos, Nigeria: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, also head of the West Africa bloc ECOWAS, on Thursday suggested a nine-month transition back to democracy for Niger's new regime as Nigeria had done in the 1990s following military rule. ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray (center) delivers a speech in the presence of Niger's Foreign Affairs Minister Hassoumi Massoudou (right) during an informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers held in Toledo on August 31, 2023, in the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/02/world/americas-emea/ecowas-chief-sees-nine-month-transition-for-niger-junta/1908058

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In a groundbreaking move, Kroma's NYMA has joined forces with EN Management, an independent management and entertainment company founded in Los Angeles by Eddie Nam, to bring back one of the day's biggest K-Pop phenomena to the Philippines, Eric Nam. K-pop star Eric Nam PHOTO COURTESY OF KIGON KWAK A man of many talents, Eric Nam juggles his roles as a singer, songwriter, actor, podcaster, and TV personality. Named "GQ Korea's Man of the Year" in 2016 and listed in "Forbes 30 Under 30" Asia in 2017, Nam has become a household name renowned for his extensive touring and remarkable success as one of Korea's top-selling artists.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/31/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/k-pop-superstar-eric-nam-enlists-ph-reps/1907717

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Sony Music Entertainment (SME) Philippines has formed a strategic partnership with indie label Offshore Music. Under the partnership, SME Philippines will distribute Offshore Music's catalogue globally and work together to build strategies in marketing, media promotion, artist development, brand partnership, and synchronization. Sony Music Entertainment Philippines will distribute Offshore Music's catalogue globally. Offshore Music, headed up by Ely Buendia, is home to carefully handpicked artists and bands, including Apartel, Ena Mori, Pinkmen, Sulo, Sansette, Eliza marie and Toni Panagu.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/31/entertainment-lifestyle/life-times/sme-philippines-partners-with-offshore-music/1907714

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To strengthen the disaster and climate resilience of its emerging tourism and agribusiness sectors, the provincial government of Davao Oriental entered into a partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the Australia-supported Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change (Shield) Program. ‘Shield' will complement existing efforts of the province in disaster risk reduction and management, as well as in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/28/expats-diplomats/davao-oriental-bats-for-resilient-australia-undp-shield-support/1907252

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Brasília, Brazil: Police in Brazil raided the home of embattled ex-president Jair Bolsonaro's youngest son Thursday in a money-laundering investigation, his lawyer said. Officers searched 25-year-old Jair Renan Bolsonaro's residence in Balneario Camboriu, in the southern state of Santa Catarina, and seized a cell phone, hard drive and notebooks, his lawyer, Admar Gonzaga, said in a statement. Jair Renan Bolsonaro, one of the sons of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, was targeted on August 24, 2023, in a police operation mainly for money laundering, his lawyer confirmed to Agence france-Presse.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/26/world/americas-emea/brazil-police-raid-home-of-bolsonaros-youngest-son/1906952

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WELL, it is a question worth asking and one I did ask during the AC Motors roundtable that introduced Jaime Alfonso E. Zobel de Ayala as its new head. Of course, it mildly ruffled a few feathers since it was the first outing of the scion into the motoring community. The question was, how does AC Motors intend to improve its performance considering most of its badges have been in a slump since being acquired by the mega-conglomerate? Because at the roundtable, AC Motors also announced their acquisition of electric car company BYD for exclusive distribution in the Philippines.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/22/fast-times/quo-vadis-ayala-motors/1906112

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ORIGINALLY conceived in 2014 as a response to the challenge of initiating the harmonization of testing laboratories in the country, the Department of Science and Technology (DoST)'s One-Stop Laboratory for Global Competitiveness or OneLab Network has gone a long way from being a network of laboratories in the country to expanding its network abroad. Eurofins Scientific Sac Ky Hai Dang executives welcome the Department of Science and Technology's One-Stop Laboratory for Global Competitiveness project management team.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/20/public-square/dost-onelab-expands-abroad-visits-testing-lab-in-vietnam/1906130

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JAPAN-affiliated telecommunications company (telco) InfiniVAN Inc. participated in the turnover ceremony of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 11. Present at the turnover ceremony are (from left) Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 11 Director Evamay dela Rosa, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, InfiniVAN Inc. Director Shigeki Nakahara and InfiniVAN Chief Operating Officer Edgardo Opulencia. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The ceremonial turnover of computers to Paquibato district barangay (villages), along with the handover of free Wi-Fi contracts, was held at Apo View Hotel on Aug.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/20/public-square/infinivan-supports-dict-davaos-digital-inclusivity-project/1906131

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TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) has expanded its range of electrified vehicles by introducing the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross. This latest model was unveiled on Aug. 4, 2023, at both BGC and Toyota's 72 dealerships across the country. The Yaris Cross comes at an appealing price, serving as Toyota's most budget-friendly electrified vehicle, aiming to encourage more customers to pursue carbon neutrality. Based on the DNGA, the Yaris Cross uses the same platform as the all-new Wigo, the next-generation Vios, the Raize, Avanza, and Veloz.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/15/fast-times/the-yaris-cross-could-bring-hevs-to-the-mainstream/1905320

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THE Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippines page recently teased its followers with a post bearing the phrase, "Morizo is coming." If you have zero idea what that was about, you probably searched Google and came up with a special variant of the US-market Toyota GR Corolla Morizo Edition. Though not entirely wrong, that Corolla was actually named after a person. Morizo is none other than Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda. Morizo is a moniker the former Toyota chief executive officer (CEO) uses whenever he is behind the wheel of a race car.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/15/fast-times/biggest-car-guy-to-visit-ph-for-tmps-35th-anniversary/1905312

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Rabat, Morocco: A Moroccan parliamentarian and a journalist have been sentenced for embezzlement over tickets earmarked for the country's supporters in last year's World Cup in Qatar, a judicial source said Saturday. This photo taken on May 12, 2023 shows a street view in Tangier, Morocco. A Moroccan parliamentarian and a journalist have been sentenced for embezzlement over tickets earmarked for the country's supporters in last year's World Cup in Qatar, a judicial source said Saturday, August 12.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/14/world/americas-emea/morocco-mp-and-journalist-sentenced-over-world-cup-scam/1905190

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Niamey, Niger: Nigerian religious leaders arrived in Niger on Saturday to meet members of the military who seized power last month, a source close to the regime told Agence France-Presse (AFP). Supporters of Niger's National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) gather for a demonstration in Niamey on August 11, 2023 near a French airbase in Niger. AFP PHOTO Newly appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine received the delegation in the capital Niamey as West African leaders seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis without ruling out using force.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/14/world/americas-emea/nigeria-religious-chiefs-in-niamey-to-meet-niger-military-leaders-regime-source/1905189

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Beirut, Lebanon: An attack by Islamic State group jihadists on Syrian government forces in the war-torn country's east has killed 33 soldiers, a monitor said Saturday, revising an earlier toll of 26 deaths. The attack late Thursday on an army bus was the extremist group's deadliest targeting on government forces this year, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Syria's President Bashar al-Assad speaks during a press conference with Iraq's Prime Minister in Damascus on July 16, 2023.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/14/world/americas-emea/death-toll-in-is-attack-on-syria-army-bus-rises-to-33-monitor/1905191

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TO mark its 27 years in the country, HCG Philippines welcomed partners and media to the grand ribbon-cutting ceremony of its newest office space in Park West, BGC before transferring to Grand Hyatt Hotel for the day's main festivities. Hocheng Group or HCG Philippines executives are (from left) Elden Wu, manager; Paul Wu, manager; Mornaliza Belardo, assistant vice president; Eugene Lin, officer in charge; Li-Hwa Wu Chan, director; Yueh Long Wu, director; Chitran Chiu, director; Patrick Chiu, chairman; Hong You Chiu, director; Scott Chiu, chairman, HCG China; Kent Chiu, chairman; Casey Chiu, director; Michael Chiu, director; David Chang, vice president; Irene Calubiran, assistant vice president for Customer Relationship Management; and Romuald Ponce, assistant vice president for Projects.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/13/public-square/hcg-celebrates-new-colorful-chapter/1905067

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ADM Philippines was recently awarded the Excellent Performance recognition in Commercial Feed Mill for Swine by the Livestock Philippines 2023 organizers at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. ADM has been one of the leading animal feed manufacturers in the Philippines. It has been doing business in the country for over 20 years, assisting and supporting the country's livestock and poultry producers. At the awarding are (from left) Rungphech Chitanuwat, regional portfolio director, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Informa Markets; Domingo Panganiban, senior undersecretary, Department of Agriculture (DA); Lorenzo Mapua, managing director, ADM Philippines; Aileen Guerrero, manager for Marketing Communications and Brand Experience, ADM Philippines; Bob Musngi, manager for District Sales, ADM Philippines; and Arnel de Mesa, assistant secretary for Operations, DA.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/13/public-square/adm-receives-award-from-livestock-ph-2023/1905065

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To aid the current plastic pollution situation, South Korea grants $9 million assistance to the Philippines and Timor-Leste to combat marine plastics pollution in their respective countries. The six-year initiative called "Reducing Marine Plastics in the East Asian Seas Region" aims to improve the management of marine plastics in two countries through science-based governance, innovative solutions to promote circular economy, regular beach monitoring on marine plastics, relevant training, and community awareness drive.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/07/expats-diplomats/korea-helps-ph-combat-marine-plastic-pollution/1904153

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In honor of the 200th birth anniversary of one of the greatest Hungarian poets, Sándor Petőfi, and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Hungary and the Philippines, the Embassy of Hungary in Manila held a book launch for "Hindi Pagsisiil Ang Pagsibol - At Iba Pang Tula Mula Hungaria." Ambassador of Hungary to the Philippines Titanilla Tóth PHOTOS BY ORVEN VERDOTE The book is a collection of classic Hungarian poems translated into five other Philippine languages.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/07/expats-diplomats/book-on-hungary-ph-relations-launched/1904150

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The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program welcomed 65 Filipino JETs — 64 Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and one Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) – to participate in its annual program for the year 2023. The number of JET participants has been increasing since it started inviting Filipino applicants in 2014, and the current batch overcame pre-pandemic numbers at 65 (previous 54 in 2019) and has cumulatively over 300 Filipino participants. The first batch of selected Filipino JETs flew to Japan on July 30, while the second batch is scheduled to fly this August.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/07/expats-diplomats/jet-program-welcomes-65-filipinos-to-japan/1904151

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