Opinion 11/11/15

Inquirer’s take on APEC

One of the more striking theses that the three Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation business leaders made in Monday’s Meet Inquirer Multimedia forum was the argument from, or rather for, maturity. […] But Zobel de Ayala’s remarks—and those of Ho and Luz—suggest that another kind of growth is also in focus here. Ho called it “a new mindset,” a better understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities open to Filipinos in a world where they can set the pace, where they have the power to lead and persuade and convene. […] But it might be worth thinking about: What does it matter to the Philippines to host the leaders and other officials of the world’s biggest economies (and, no coincidence, some of the world’s strongest militaries), if it were simply an event, something filed in the memory as soon as Barack Obama and Xi Jinping and other leaders shed their barong? [full page]

Sun.Star Cebu on a convention center

Five years ago, three of Cebu’s business associations hosted a memorable debate in the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). […] These days, a different kind of debate is unfolding in the CICC. More accurately, outside it, with the display of two banners that say, “Never again. P840,202,438.05 million of people’s money wasted!!!” […] Once the second line came up, marked with the cost of building the CICC, it bolstered speculations that the yellow banner was essentially a campaign message. [full page]

Manila Bulletin about hospitality for APEC

When the APEC presidents and prime ministers meet on Wednesday next week, they will join arms for the traditional “family photo” and each one will be wearing the Filipino “barong Tagalog.” These are specially made of piña with traditional embroidery, all done by hand. […] Various aspects of Filipino culture will be seen during the entire conference – concerts featuring music ranging from hip-hop to chamber music, historical tours, specially designed chairs for APEC leaders made of organic local materials at the gala dinner. The guests will be treated to “the entire experience of Filipino hospitality,” in the words of Malacañang. […] [full page]

Philippine Star on APEC and the homeless and poverty

As in the visit in January of Pope Francis, the homeless have disappeared from Roxas Boulevard and neighboring streets....as part of preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Manila next week. […] With an estimated 40 percent of the population living below the poverty line and a significant percentage classified as extremely poor, street dwellers are ubiquitous in many parts of Metro Manila. […] Without the preparations for APEC, they can be seen along stretches of Roxas Boulevard at night, sleeping on the seawall or behind bushes. The children sell small items or rap on car windows for alms even late in the night. [full page]