Windows26: Weekend Roundup: West Philippine Sea resupply convoy aborted, SMNI shutdown, Asia Artist Awards 2023

Weekend Roundup
December 16, 2023

Hi, reader! Welcome to another #WeekendRoundup, where we gather everything you need to read for a quick catch-up.

At a glance:

Highlights: Biggest stories this week include the aborted resupply convoy to the West Philippine Sea, House resolution on SMNI shutdown, and the 2023 Asia Artist Awards.
Check this out: Philippine contemporary art exhibitions in QC, and the story of a youth orchestra in Makati.

RETREAT | This photo taken from a Philippine Coast Guard ship shows Kapitan Oca, the main vessel of the "Atin Ito" Coalition's convoy, making a turnaround in the distance while being watched by a China Coast Guard ship at South of Kayumanggi Bank in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

West Philippine Sea dispute

Tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) escalated over the last weekend after a Chinese ship fired water cannons on two resupply vessels and a Philippine Coast Guard patrol boat, ramming and causing "serious engine damage" to one of them.

A civilian convoy journeying to bring Christmas gifts to Filipino troops stationed in remote outposts in the WPS cut short its trip and headed back to El Nido in Palawan province on Sunday after being "shadowed" by at least four Chinese vessels.
According to Rafaela David, head of the pro-WPS coalition Atin Ito, they are planning to do another resupply mission next year. With their encounter with the Chinese Coast Guard, she said that they will apply all the lessons from their first-ever convoy.

Following the recent tensions, the United States (US) once again upheld its commitment to its defense treaty with the Philippines following China's reckless maneuvers against Philippine vessels in the WPS on Sunday.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called out China for its "roguish behavior" — specifically, using water cannons twice in a row on Philippine vessels in the WPS. He also said that the East Asian country is attempting to convert the entire China sea into its own lake.

These recent aggressions on the West Philippine Sea prompted the Philippines to file a diplomatic protest against China, said Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza.

SMNI shutdown?

The House committee on legislative franchises has adopted a House resolution that urges the National Telecommunications Commission to suspend the operations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

Rep. Faustino Dy moved to adopt the amended version of HR No. 1499, originally authored by Rep. Margarita Nograles, calling for the suspension of operations of Swara Sug Media Corporation — the business name of SMNI.

SMNI found itself in hot waters after a TV host's claims, eventually leading to the panel scrutinizing the network's franchise. Some lawmakers believe SMNI breached rules stated in its franchise, which can be grounds for revocation.
The host, Jeffrey Celiz, was cited in contempt after refusing to reveal the source of his allegation against House Speaker Martin Romualdez, saying the latter had incurred a P1.8 billion travel expense for just one year.
Lorraine Badoy was also cited in contempt and detained along with Celiz after conflicting statements on the advertising revenues of their TV program 'Laban Kasama ng Bayan.'

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros intends to conduct a probe into "Appointed Son of God" Apollo Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in January 2024.

Asia Artist Awards 2023

Organized by South Korean business newspaper Money Today and its partner outlets Star News and MTN, the 2023 AAA awarded several artists and featured a number of performances at the Philippine Arena — the first time for a Korea-based awards show to be held in the country.

Melai Cantiveros won the Best Actor award and caught the attention of Kim Seon-ho, Stray Kids' Bang Chan, NewJeans, among others.

SB19 won as one of the winners of the Hot Trend award as well, sending its fandom called A'TIN into a frenzy at the venue.

Ex-couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla also received the Fabulous award at the awards program. This was the second time the pair was seen in public after the ABS-CBN Christmas special.

PH contemporary art exhibitions

Artists Bjorn Calleja, Jigger Cruz, Kaloy Sanchez, and Pablo Bermudez mount solo exhibitions at the West Gallery in Quezon City, encapsulating each artist's distinct style while presenting diverse artistic landscapes and practices.

Since opening last Nov. 23, 2023, the exhibitions have made a striking impact — from the newest kaleidoscope of multi-colored pieces by Calleja, to the fresh political statements of Bermudez.

The gallery rooms are also balanced by the imposing monochrome portraits of Kaloy Sanchez, as well as the fastidious pen and ink works of Jigger Cruz.

Exhibitions will run at the West Gallery from Nov. 23 to Dec. 29, 2023 at 1104 West Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding Sundays.

Music of hope

Under white tinsel and blue Christmas lights, children bustle through the marbled halls of the Makati City Hall. Few are on their cell phones. Instead, they're playing a mini-game of tag-you're-it. A couple of kids are looking off into corners. They are singing—practicing melodies through their vocal cords.

Through music, the Makati City Youth Orchestra plays towards hope and harmony, resonating with the feelings of young life through the strings of violins, cellos, and violas.
In the complex tapestry of the bustling city, the youth orchestra represents not just a symbol of musical excellence, but a catalyst of change.
Beyond melodies, the children show that regardless of circumstance, the power of art and community can crescendo life into a better reality.