'Everyone is safe' after daring rescue of 13 in Thai cave

MAE SAI, Thailand — "Everyone is safe." With those three words posted on Facebook the daring rescue mission to extricate 12 boys and their soccer coach from the treacherous confines of a flooded cave in Thailand was complete — a grueling 18-day ordeal that claimed the life of an experienced diver and riveted people worldwide.

Thailand's Navy SEALs, who were central to the rescue effort, celebrated the feat with a post Tuesday evening that read: "All the thirteen Wild Boars are now out of the cave," — a reference to the boys' soccer team. "We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science, or what."

Eight of the boys were rescued by a team of Thai and international divers on Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday, the final four boys and their coach were guided out of the cave. Their rescue was followed a few hours later by the safe return of a medic and three SEAL divers who had stayed for days with the boys in their cramped, dry refuge.


Cheers erupted from the dozens of volunteers and journalists awaiting news of whether the intricate and high-risk rescue mission had succeeded. Helicopters transporting the boys roared overhead. People on the street cheered and clapped when ambulances ferrying them on the last leg of their journey from the cave arrived at a hospital in Chiang Rai city in far northern Thailand near the Myanmar border.

Their joy and relief was echoed around the globe by the multitude of people who had followed the long ordeal.

Payap Maiming, who helped provide food and necessities to rescue workers and journalists, noted that fact.

"I'm happy for Thais all over the country," he said. "And actually just everyone in the world because every news channel has presented this story and this is what we have been waiting for."

"It's really a miracle," Payap said. "It's hope and faith that has brought us this success."

Amporn Sriwichai, an aunt of rescued coach Ekkapol Chantawong, was ecstatic. "If I see him, I just want to hug him and tell him that I missed him very much," she said.

The plight of the boys and their coach captivated much of the world — from the heart-sinking news that they were missing, to the first flickering video of the huddle of anxious yet smiling boys when they were found by a pair of British divers 10 days later. The group had entered the sprawling Tham Luang cave to go exploring after soccer practice on June 23, but monsoon rains soon filled the tight passageways, blocking their escape.

Each of the boys, ages 11 to 16 and with no diving experience, was guided out by a pair of divers in the three-day high-stakes operation. The route, in some places just a crawl space, had oxygen canisters positioned at regular intervals to refresh each team's air supply.

Highlighting the dangers, a former Thai Navy SEAL died Friday while replenishing the canisters.

Cave-diving experts had warned diving the youngsters out was potentially too risky. But Thai officials, acutely aware the monsoon rains could trap the boys for months, seized a window of opportunity provided by relatively mild weather. A massive effort to pump out water made the winding passageways more navigable. And the confidence of the diving team, and expertise specific to the cave, grew after its first successful mission Sunday.

"We did something nobody thought possible," Chiang Rai province acting Gov. Narongsak Osatanakorn, leader of the rescue effort, said at a celebratory news conference.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, speaking Tuesday before the final rescue was completed, said the boys were given an anti-anxiety medication to help with their perilous removal from the cave.

Asked at a news conference in Bangkok if the boys had been sedated, Prayuth said: "Who would chloroform them? If they're chloroformed, how could they come out? It's called anxiolytic, something to make them not excited, not stressed."

Prayuth said the Tham Luang cave would be closed for some time to make it safe for visitors.

The first eight boys brought out were doing well and were in good spirits at the hospital. They received a treat on Tuesday: bread with chocolate spread that they had requested.

Jedsada Chokdumrongsuk, permanent secretary at the Public Health Ministry, said the boys rescued Sunday were able to eat normal food by Tuesday, though they couldn't yet take the spicy dishes favored by many Thais.

Two of the boys possibly have a lung infection but all eight are generally "healthy and smiling," he said.

"The kids are footballers, so they have high immune systems," Jedsada told a news conference. "Everyone is in high spirits and is happy to get out. But we will have a psychiatrist evaluate them."

It could be at least a week before they can be released from the hospital, he said.

For now the boys were in isolation to try to keep them safe from infections by outsiders. But family members have seen at least some of the boys from behind a glass barrier.

It was clear doctors were taking a cautious approach. Jedsada said they were uncertain what type of infections the boys could face "because we have never experienced this kind of issue from a deep cave."

If medical tests show no dangers after another two days, parents will be able to enter the isolation area dressed in sterilized clothing, staying 2 meters (yards) away from the boys, said another public health official, Tosthep Bunthong.

John Tangkitcharoenthawon, a local village chairman, was bursting with happiness over the successful rescue.

"If this place had a roof, the morale has gone straight through it," he said.

President Donald Trump joined those paying tribute to the rescuers.

"On behalf of the United States, congratulations to the Thai Navy SEALs and all on the successful rescue of the 12 boys and their coach from the treacherous cave in Thailand," he tweeted. "Such a beautiful moment — all freed, great job!"

One of soccer's most popular teams, Manchester United, expressed its relief over the rescue and invited the boys and their coach, as well as those who saved them, to come see the team play on their home ground this season.

A message posted on the English Premier League club's Twitter account said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. We would love to welcome the team from Wild Boars Football Club and their rescuers to Old Trafford this coming season."

The international soccer federation, FIFA, had already invited the boys to attend the World Cup final in Russia this Sunday. However, doctors treating the boys said it was too soon for them to make the trip.

source: philstar.com

Sneakers just got loud

MANILA, Philippines -There’s nothing better than a pair of well-worn sneakers that have been everywhere and back with you. Coming out of the gate running with some new styles of sneakers to “get loud” with, Converse is showcasing their new Fall 2013 collection.

The new collection introduces a new shif, making everything look “premium” and attention-grabbing. While Converse celebrates simplicity in its basic design, the new collections uses simplicity as a foundation, adding stunning and bold details. Fall is the time to throw subtlety out the window: it’s time to get loud.

First look at the Chuck Taylor All-Star line, Converse’s most popular and iconic design. The Chucks have evolved from being a functional basketball shoe into the fundamental definition of sneaker culture — the kind of attitude that turns the amp up to 10. Converse is cranking that up to 11 with studs, spikes, and zippers adorned on the classic silhouette.

Converse also mixes it up with materials and textures, from the sheeny-shiny to the sparkly to the rugged — there’s definitely more variety to mix and match outfits with. Inspiration came from 2012s Converse X John Varvatos Collaboration. Much like the 2012 version, it is made of leather. What’s new is the focus on more solid rugged colors, for that well-worn look, and an all-new designer sole.

The Jack Purcell line reached a new level of popularity in Southeast Asia, specifically Hong Kong and Singapore. Named after the eponymous badminton legend, they’re distinguished by a preppier look and trademark “smile” on the toe.

The Cons line has always been an excellent choice for performance and aesthetics. The new Cons signature skateshoes are now equipped with sister-company Nike’s popular Lunarlon soles for better cushioning. Couple that with awesomely vibrant new colorways and you’ve got every reason to go Con.

New designs will be released periodically until October. Check out the Converse Philippines’s Website (www.converse.com.ph), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ConversePhilippines), and Twitter (@ConversePH) for release announcements.

source: philstar.com

Kobe and Andre: Rookies of the year

MANILA, Philippines - Both smart, good looking, and star athletes, one would think it would be the perfect recipe for silent competition. But the Paras brothers give off no such vibe or tension as they joke and laugh all over each other on set. These are boys who genuinely look out for each other, even as the limelight starts to seep in.

At a time when it’s hard to come by the total package, Andre and Kobe Paras prove that athleticism, intelligence, and pleasant features still do fall into one, or two, people. Already towering at 6’3 at only 17 and 15 respectively, the brothers undoubtedly get their build and court talent from their dad Benjie Paras. Their features, on the other hand, are to be credited to their estranged mom (although considering current issues, we’re not so sure they appreciate this being pointed out).

It’s been said many times that Andre and Kobe are following in their dad’s footsteps. On top of playing for their respective basketball teams in school — Andre for the UP Fighting Maroons, and Kobe for La Salle Greenhills — and recently dunking for none other than Lebron James, they have also signed with Viva, to be co-managed by Benjie himself.  And as formidable as it is to have the genes and the lineage going for them, we at Supreme believe the boys have it in them to surpass even that. In this interview, we tap into Andre and Kobe as individuals, the kind of men they see themselves growing into, and how they intend to make their own mark.


Andre Paras, 17

Is there any rivalry between the two of you? No rivalry because we play different positions. I play center while Kobe plays guard.

Everyone knows your dad’s a PBA star, but what drew you to basketball, personally? I play simply because it’s fun. Dad didn’t tell me to get into the sport, but when I started playing with my friends (street basketball), I realized that I enjoy it and that I am skilled in basketball. Being tall is of course an advantage, too.

What’s your take in joining showbiz? For me, showbiz is just a means to make money and save up at this early age, while I am still in school. I am able to buy the things I like (with this income) because it was never my habit to ask my parents for money. I also like making people happy whenever I do TV guestings, but I definitely won’t join the business just to become famous.

You won’t mind being publicly subjected to intriga? Especially since you’ve been getting a good taste of it even before jumping in. Intrigues are unavoidable when you’re in the limelight. But I really prefer to not be talked about. Since I can’t avoid it, I just answer the questions as honestly as I could and hope that whoever wants to know will be satisfied with my truthful response.

Showbiz writers keep saying that you’re following in the footsteps of your dad, but how do you plan to do things differently and make your own mark? I did not intend to follow in his footsteps, it just happened. I will probably be different in the sense that our playing styles are not the same and I am more focused on becoming a filmmaker or director than just being in front of the camera.

People like to make a lot of jokes about the UP Fighting Maroons, of which you are a member. If you were to come up with a comeback, what would you say? Antay lang kayo. But to the UP fans, to the alumni, your undying support has been overwhelming. Salamat dahil manalo, matalo, nandyan pa rin kayo.

You’re currently taking up film. Interesting choice. Why’d you pick it? Just to clarify, I entered UP via the varsity program and when I got in, there were no more freshmen slots for film so I am currently housed in the College of Human Kinetics instead of the College of Mass Communications. I plan to shift to film, given the chance. That is the goal. I chose that course because I realized that I have a talent for these things. As early as my grade school years, my parents already saw that the home videos I made with my brother were creative and quite good so I decided, why not pursue making movies as a profession?

In a recent interview, you said you don’t pay attention to aggressive girls ’cause you don’t have the time. Are you aware that this is exactly the kind of attitude that lures them in? Really? I am not exactly aware of that because I am always just in UP and, thankfully, no girl has behaved that way around me in my campus.

If ever you join showbiz, what kind of roles/image would you like to project? Parang medyo bagay sa ’yo ang mga edgy, medyo bad boy types of roles.

Oh I like that — edgy, medyo bad boy. That is so different from my real-life character so that will probably be fun to portray. I want to do in front of the camera things that I don’t normally do in my everyday life. Haha.

Aside from basketball and acting, what other interests would you like to pursue? I hear you also rap. I am aware that I am not as good a rapper as those who are doing it professionally. It’s something that I coincidentally can do, more for entertainment, thus I was given the opportunity to do it on TV. Actually, it is really filmmaking that I am interested in doing in the long haul.

What’s next for Andre Paras? Not yet thinking about that now. I’d like to finish college first and then we’ll see from there. Hopefully, bigger doors and better opportunities will come my way in the next few years.





Kobe Paras, 15

Is there any rivalry between the two of you? No, we play different positions. We even used to play together (NCAA Juniors varsity), so it’s not like we compete for playing time

Everyone knows your dad’s a PBA star, but what drew you to basketball, personally? Dad didn’t force us to play basketball. It just happened when we started playing in the park with our friends when I was about nine years old and we discovered that both Andre and I can become good at this sport.

What’s your take in joining showbiz? It’s just a means to have an income while I’m in school. It’s also nice to see happy faces and hear positive feedback whenever I come out on TV.

You won’t mind being publicly subjected to intriga? Especially since you’ve been getting a good taste of it even before jumping in. No choice, I had to get used to it early on. But as Icona Pop says, “I don’t care....” ;-)

Showbiz writers keep saying that you’re following in the footsteps of your dad, but how do you plan to do things differently and make your own mark? Not intentional, we just happen to have the same talent, although our games are very different. Dad played center, while I play guard.

Do you mind or do you like the fact that you were named after an NBA star? Haha! Actually, it’s not like I can do anything about it because Dad chose that name for me, so I just embrace it. Nothing wrong since Kobe Bryant is a really good NBA player anyway.

How’d it feel dunking in front of Lebron James? No jelly knees, jelly fingers? Jelly everything! I couldn’t sleep the night before, nerves just at the thought of meeting him. And when I got to dunk with him in front of me, it was so surreal. I had another sleepless night that evening.

Do you see yourself eventually playing basketball professionally? Yes.

What do you do when you’re not studying or on the court? I play the guitar and I cook, too.

In showbiz, what kind of roles would you like to play? Comedy, perhaps?

College is not too far away for you. Have you thought about what you’d like to take up? I’m usually in the kitchen when I know I don’t have anything scheduled for the day, so I will probably take up Culinary Arts or HRM.

What’s next for Kobe Paras? No idea. Just living it a day at a time and leaving it up to God.

source: philstar.com