MANILA, Philippines – The men's and women's bowling teams are hoping to end a long gold medal drought for the Philippines when they compete in the 30th Southeast Asian Games later this year. Philippine team candidates Lara Posadas-Wong and Merwin Tan said the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF) is doing everything to form the best squad possible to give the country its first bowling gold since the 2005 edition of the biennial meet. The Filipinos emerged overall champion in the sport when it last hosted the SEA Games 14 years ago after winning four gold and six silver medals. "We'll do our best to win gold medals for the Philippines this coming SEA Games. We cannot assure anything right now, but we're really practicing very hard. So hopefully, maipakita namin ito sa SEA Games," said Posadas-Wong. "The target is of course, manalo ng medal," said Tan. READ: Coo, Rivas to receive PSA Lifetime Achievement honors The two bowlers appeared Tuesday in the Philippine Sportswriters … [Read more...] about SEA Games: PH bowlers out to end gold medal drought
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Poverty rate falls but disparity remains high
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported on Monday that the disparity of poverty levels between urban and rural areas remained very high as the national poverty rate decreased to 9.41 percent as of March. BPS head Suhariyanto said BPS recorded Indonesia’s poverty rate at 9.41 percent as of March, down by a 0.25 percentage point from 9.66 as of last September or down by a 0.41 percentage point from 9.82 percent as of March 2018. “However, it’s important to note that the poverty disparity between urban and rural areas remained very high with the rate in rural areas almost two times of the rate in urban areas,” he said in a press conference. As of March, the poverty rate was recorded at 6.69 percent in urban areas and at 12.85 percent in rural areas. The poverty disparity among provinces in the country also remained very high, Suhariyanto said. Jakarta, for example, recorded the lowest rate, 3.47 percent, and Papua the highest, 27.53 percent, far above the national … [Read more...] about Poverty rate falls but disparity remains high
Gold heads for longest stretch of gains in 8 years
SINGAPORE: Gold is headed for the longest stretch of weekly gains since 2011 as investors count down to the release of a highly-anticipated US jobs report that could provide clues on the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path.Bullion’s higher for the seventh week as investors bet on looser policy from the central bank after signs of a slowdown. The non-farm payrolls data later Friday is projected to show a rise of 160,000 in June, and while that would up from 75,000 a month earlier, it’d be lower than the rise a year earlier. It would take an "absolute blockbuster" result to change the view that the Fed will cut rates at its next meeting, said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone Group Ltd. in Melbourne. Lower rates tend to benefit bullion. Gold is trading near a six-year high as central bankers in top economies turn more dovish, with geopolitical and trade tensions also spurring demand. Veteran investor Mark Mobius said prices could top $1,500 an ounce, citing … [Read more...] about Gold heads for longest stretch of gains in 8 years
Gold sprints to over 5-year peak
Gold sprints to over 5-year peak Fed holds rates steady, signals potential cuts this year Gold prices surged as much as 1.8% to their highest in more than five years on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve signalled possible interest rate cuts later this year, sending the dollar and US Treasury yields lower. Spot gold was up 1.4% at $1,378.45 per ounce as of 11.47am Bangkok time, after hitting its highest since March 17, 2014 at $1,383.81. US gold futures surged 2.5% to $1,382.60 an ounce. In Bangkok, gold prices were adjusted four times since the market opened on Thursday, recording a net gain of 300 baht per baht-weight. They jumped by 350 baht at the opening and then by another 50 baht an hour later before easing by 100 baht in total at 1pm. Bullion was traded in Bangkok at 20,200 baht per baht-weight while ornamental gold was sold at 20,700 baht at 1.57pm, according to the Thai Gold Traders Association. The Fed on Wednesday said it was ready to battle … [Read more...] about Gold sprints to over 5-year peak
New ERP rates for June 2019
I have a love-hate relationship with the electronic road pricing (ERP) system in Singapore. On one hand, I understand its purpose in easing rush hour traffic jams. On the other… I really, really hate paying for it. So much so my husband likes to tell people that when he hears the IU beep, it's like listening to the sound of (my) heart breaking. For the $0.50 kind - never mind, sua. But during super peak hours, some ERPs (for cars) can be as expensive as $6, which drives me nuts! As most drivers would know, the ERP rates and charges are reviewed every quarter, and usually adjusted during the June and December school holidays. The ERP prices were recently updated in May 2019, seeing 2 gantries with increased tolls, and about 20 gantries having their tolls reduced or removed. INTRODUCTION TO THE ERP SYSTEM Before we get into the ERP rates, this section is for those who don't know what ERP is. ERP is actually a toll that was implemented to ease congestion. The logic is simple: By … [Read more...] about New ERP rates for June 2019