INQUIRER.net Stock Photo The world’s—or maybe even the galaxy’s—first-ever space hotel will begin construction in the near future, space construction company Orbital Assembly said. While the company, whose employees include National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) veterans, initially projected to begin construction in 2025, they had to delay said plans due to the pandemic, as per The Washington Post on March 3. “It’s going to happen fast when it starts,” Orbital Assembly chief executive John Blincow was quoted as saying, noting that it would take only a year or two to assemble the hotel. “And we believe it’s going to happen a lot, too, even before we finish the first one. We have buyers for other stations because they’re very, very lucrative,” he added. The hotel is set to be constructed in low-Earth orbit and is set to be equipped with restaurants, a cinema and entertainment centers, among others, Orbital Assembly disclosed in its “ First Assembly ” YouTube ... » Learn More about World’s first space hotel set to begin construction by 2026
70th republic day of india chief guest
4 policemen nabbed in freeport drug sting
FOUR policemen were arrested on Friday in an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas ordered restrictive custody for the arrested men, who were caught in a shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) laboratory. The Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) was instructed to initiate summary dismissal proceedings against the four policemen. Based on a report of the PDEA, the operation was conducted along Finback West Kalayaan around 1 a.m. The PDEA identified the suspects as Lt. Reynato Basa Jr., Cpl. Gino dela Cruz, Cpl. Edesyr Alipio and Cpl. Godfrey Parentela. Also arrested was a civilian named Jericho Dabu, the report added. Aside from 300 grams of shabu, seized from the four policemen were laboratory equipment for making shabu, service firearms and a car. The suspects are ... » Learn More about 4 policemen nabbed in freeport drug sting
Bridging the distance
English playwright William Shakespeare once wrote that “parting is such sweet sorrow” that it leads someone to look forward to seeing the other again. This perfectly describes seafaring couples during that small, quiet moment at the airport where one turns his back and walks away while the other looks on until a crowd of travelers close in on that speck of the luggage-loaded man. Seafaring is a lucrative profession, indeed, but it can be tough on families, more so for couples. Studies show that loneliness and homesickness are among the most debilitating and damaging psychological problems among seafarers, usually caused by long periods of being away from home. The toll is such that even Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet may struggle with the length of time apart. As for Arnel and Noemi Alvaran’s case, keeping the spark in each other’s eyes is a product of a conscious and a seemingly lifelong commitment to courting. “Constant communication plays an important role in any ... » Learn More about Bridging the distance
Hard Rock Cafe | The Best Burger and Live Music in Chiang Mai
At Hard Rock Cafe, up to 200 guests can sit on all the three floors of dining space. Each of these spaces boasts of awesome contemporary designs that include the elements of the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai people and music memorabilia from leading local and national artists. Here, you can also enjoy live music in Chiang Mai. The outside space is equally awesome, allowing you to interact with nature at one of the terraces. These terraces are a great place to take a meal with a friend when relaxing or take a loved one for a casual chat and dinner. The city looks fabulous at night and this offers a great moment to catch a glimpse of the area. When you are done with your meal, please visit the Rock Shop to preserve the great moments with a souvenir from the shop. We have a wide collection of musical gifts and cultural artifacts that you will love just next to the café. Explore the Hard Rock Gallery, and pick a gift that enchants you the most. B est Burger in Chiang ... » Learn More about Hard Rock Cafe | The Best Burger and Live Music in Chiang Mai
Govt subsidies to GOCCs bigger in 2020
The national government forwarded higher subsidies to state-run firms last year compared to what it provided for them in 2019, data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed over the weekend. Forty-three government-owned firms secured P230.41 billion in 2020, a 14.33-percent surge from the P201.52 billion in 2019. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) accounted for the bulk, or P62.39 billion, of total subsidies last year. PhilHealth is responsible for administering the country’s health insurance program, particularly the Universal Health Care program that aims to provide Filipino families equitable access to quality and affordable health care services. Under the expired Republic Act 11469, or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” (Bayanihan 1), the state-run firm is also tasked to shoulder all medical expenses of public and private health workers in case of exposure to coronavirus disease 2019, or any work-related injury or disease during the duration of the pandemic. ... » Learn More about Govt subsidies to GOCCs bigger in 2020
Accor announces the signing of Sofitel Cebu City
Accor is expanding its presence in the Philippines with the signing of Sofitel Cebu City, a 195-room luxury hotel which will debut in 2025. The hotel joins a pipeline of 17 committed projects across the country which will see an extensive array of internationally renowned hospitality brands arrive for the first time. Sofitel Cebu City will encourage guests to ‘Live the French Way’ with its ‘magnifique’ array of experiences which embrace local culture, showcase the best of gastronomy and celebrate wellbeing. The hotel’s entertainment amenities will include two restaurants, a lobby lounge, executive floor lounge and rooftop bar. Business travellers can benefit from a business centre, fitness centre, swimming pool and spa, while events come to life in the hotel’s meeting rooms and ballrooms. Situated in the Cebu Business Park, the hotel will become part of the landmark mixed-use tower designed by SOM, one of the world’s leading architecture, interior design, engineering, and urban ... » Learn More about Accor announces the signing of Sofitel Cebu City
China says it is ready to engage with relevant parties to ease Myanmar situation
The Chinese government's top diplomat, Wang Yi, said on Sunday that Beijing is ready to engage with relevant parties to ease the situation in Myanmar, where the military seized power last month. China's friendship is with all of Myanmar, State Councillor Wang told a news conference on the sidelines of China's annual gathering of parliament. Meanwhile, authorities in Myanmar have asked India to return several police officers who have sought refuge to avoid taking orders from a military junta that seized power in the Southeast Asian country last month, an official in northeast India said on Saturday. Around 30 Myanmar police and their family members came across the border seeking refuge in recent days, as the junta's suppression of protesters turned increasingly violent, with dozens killed since the Feb. 1 coup. The senior-most official in Champhai, a district in the Indian state of Mizoram, told Reuters that she had received a letter from her counterpart in Myanmar's Falam ... » Learn More about China says it is ready to engage with relevant parties to ease Myanmar situation
Duterte cites women’s role in nation’s progress
President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to recognize the role of women in bringing progress to the country as the Philippines marked National Women’s Day on Monday. In his message on Monday, Duterte said while there is still much to be done to bring about full gender equality, the government can proudly say that it has created “an environment where women’s rights are respected and their contributions to society are recognized.” “I therefore encourage every Filipino to join us in celebrating the indispensable role of women in our nation’s progress by participating in this month-long celebration and supporting advocacies that seek to fight for and acknowledge the inalienable rights of women as equal partners of men,” the President said. He also urged Filipinos to empower women “to break not only the barriers that have long hindered them from reaching their full potential, but also the backward mindset that fueled a culture of gender oppression and inequality.” Duterte has ... » Learn More about Duterte cites women’s role in nation’s progress
ICTSI Pakistan welcomes CWX maiden call
Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) welcomed the inaugural call of China India West Coast X-PRESS (CWX) service at the Port of Karachi, the country’s busiest maritime gateway. PICT CEO Khurram Khan welcomed CWX service first call at PICT, which is a strategic port that would benefit customers and various markets. PICT’s customers will gain from improved port coverage for their cargo. “We are pleased to receive the inaugural call of the CWX service. Considering the existing market demand, the service will provide our customers with efficient ease of access to various markets in the associated regions of ports of calls. With this service, we expect to seek an overwhelming response from the market,” Khan said. KMTC and T.S. Lines operate the Xpress Feeders which have fixed-day weekly service. The 5,470-TEU MV Barbara, one of the six vessels deployed to the service made its first call at PICT, on ... » Learn More about ICTSI Pakistan welcomes CWX maiden call
GameStop Restocks PS5, Xbox Series: What You Need To Know
Getting your hands on a PS5 or Xbox Series X remains a crapshoot even now a good long while after pre-orders first opened, but restocks are starting to come more regularly, and resale prices are at least coming down off of their astronomical December highs. I’m seeing more and more people on my timeline celebrating getting their hands on a new console, so that means that at least some of these machines are filtering out into the general public. And there’s a restock coming to GameStop today, January 21: here’s what you need to know. GameStop’s Twitter account posted that it will have availability on PS5, Xbox Series X and Switch sometime today at its website, though we don’t have an exact time. Retailers do this pretty frequently to avoid swamping websites and possibly to gain a slight edge on resellers, but that unfortunately means you need to pay extra close attention if you want to get one. One place the announcement will definitely come through is on the GameStop Twitter ... » Learn More about GameStop Restocks PS5, Xbox Series: What You Need To Know