Pope to mayors: Don't build towers, expand piazzas

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is urging Italian mayors to redouble their efforts to welcome migrants and refugees and promote ways to integrate them into their new communities.

In a meeting yesterday with the mayors, Francis said he understood the difficulties of providing accommodation and services for the waves of migrants who have arrived in Italy in recent years. But he called for a new ethics-based model of local leadership "that doesn't leave those who arrive on our territory on the margins," and creates spaces for people to meet and get to know one another.

He said: "It's not about building higher towers, but expanding piazzas."

This week Francis launched an education campaign urging politicians and people to go out and meet migrants and hear their stories, rather than considering them faceless statistics.

source: philstar.com

Malaysians mount Web ‘blackout’ to protest law

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian NGOs, well-known bloggers and opposition politicians on Tuesday staged a one-day “Internet blackout” to protest a legal amendment that they say threatens free expression on the Web.

Participants replaced their home pages with black screens featuring messages attacking the new section of the Evidence Act, which went into effect in April despite widespread opposition.

Critics say under the amendment any web host, provider of a wi-fi network, or ordinary user of a computer or mobile device can be found liable for any defamatory or harmful Web content sent via its systems.

Activists have called it an attempt by the ruling coalition government, which has been in power for more than five decades, to clamp down on the Internet.

Prime Minister Najib Razak must call elections by next year against a formidable opposition that gets most of its message out via the Internet due to a government stranglehold on traditional media.

The government promised in the 1990s not to censor the Internet in a bid to draw in foreign high-tech investment, although authorities are accused of blocking some sites.

The effort has been spearheaded by Malaysia’s Centre for Independent Journalism, which calls the amendment “a bad law passed in haste and does not take into account public interest and participation.”

The CIJ and other critics — which also have included some figures in the ruling coalition — have called for it to be scrapped or revised.

The 24-hour blackout was to last until midnight.

Users attempting to access Paultan.org, a highly popular automotive-themed blog, were greeted with a black pop-up screen that said: “This is what the web could look like” under the legal change.

Malaysia has long been known for its authoritarian rule but Najib, who came to power in 2009, has launched a campaign to repeal some repressive laws to gain voter support.

However, the opposition and rights groups have dismissed the drive as a sham, saying that various laws introduced to replace the previous legislation have been little better than the old statutes.

source: interaksyon.com

Pacman And Technomarine Score A Knockout Punch

MANILA, Philippines — From celebrities, to politicians, to notable figures in Philippine society, Skye Lounge was a melting pot of people from all walks of life. But for one night, they would all bow down to a global icon—the one, multi talented, Manny Pacquiao.

Last March 2, TechnoMarine launched the limited edition Manny Pacquiao MP8 watch with an event attended by the likes of Pops Fernandez, Cesar Montano, Gloria Diaz and Philippine Azkal, Anton del Rosario, among others.

Set in the breezy Penthouse of W tower overlooking the Taguig skyline, Skye Lounge was tinted with a spectrum of red, blue and yellow surrounding a mini boxing ring. While waiting for Pacman’s arrival, guests were entertained by the wit and beauty of event hosts BorgyManotoc and Georgina Wilson.

But the arrival of Manny Pacquiao was really what kicked the night off.

TechnoMarine, the Swiss brand known for its bold yet distinctive timepieces, teams up with no less than the world’s pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao to bring yet another winning creation.The limited edition “Manny Pacquiao 8” or simply MP8 is a testament to TechnoMarine’s continuous innovation, dedication to style and fine craftsmanship. Designed for today’s fun and active individuals who value quality, MP8 brings to fore a “cool” take on luxury as it shows off striking details.

“We are extremely pleased to introduce the limited edition MP8 to the Philippines,” states Rex Mendoza, director of Techno Time Retailers Corp., the exclusive distributor of TechnoMarine in the Philippines. “This timepiece is very limited with only 1,000 pieces that will be produced worldwide.”

MP8 takes inspiration from the country’s very own boxing champ and his unprecedented global achievements. TechnoMarine associates with the world’s best and this partnership with the Pacman is no exception.

The features are evident right from MP8’s eye-catching dial. The number “8” prominently stands out on the face of the watch, symbolizing Pacquiao’s eight world boxing championship titles alongside a yellow sun. The additional red and blue details that accentuate the silver dial give the MP8 an unmistakable Filipino connection. It still retains the signature wave pattern alluding to the water element that has become TechnoMarine’s signature look.

Adding a stylish touch is the red strap that can be interchanged with a white one. Limited edition yellow and blue straps are sold separately to match every mood.

The TechnoMarine MP8 is more than just another bold statement in watch-making. It underlies a timely partnership between an esteemed luxury brand and one of the world’s accomplished professional athletes. This partnership amplifies the brand’s innovative spirit – one that fuses bold designs with the luxury of a fine Swiss watch.

article source: mb.com.ph