The impact of the APEC 'family photo'

The 'family photo' of leaders participating during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is more than just a souvenir shot.

What seems to be just a normal photo opportunity, the "family photo" can actually help solve key issues in the region, such as reducing the level of tension over border issues, an economics professor said.

University of the Philippines Professor Cayetano Paderanga Jr. interpreted that the "family photo" of the leaders of the 21 APEC member economies symbolize the impact of the meeting.

“Just like the usual family photos that end up family reunions, we can’t underestimate the impact, the impact actually can be quite subtle but very important, this is when the new cousins get to meet the other cousins,” he said.

Paderanga said one of the inconcrete impacts may be a reduced level of tension, which has been quite high over the last two to three years, over territorial disputes.

“Let’s take a very good example, President Noy and Xi Jinping of China, everybody is watching what the chemistry is, because if the chemistry is good then that will be a signal that the tension in the border issues will go down,” he added.

But the economics professor said Xi's presence in the meeting alone already sends a message of a reduced tension between the Philippines and China.

“Just the fact that they are meeting, that in fact premier Xi Jinping came over is already a big [positive] message… and we also gave a very strong concession ‘look border issue is not on the agenda,’ and so he came, that’s already a very big reduction on the level of tension,” Paderanga said.

“And this [impact] will become multiplied when the government officials meet at the lower levels and then you start thinking about businessman much more comfortable talking to businessman coming from a country whose leader their leader doesn’t like,” he added.

WATCH: Paderanga speaks on reaping the gains of APEC meetings

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: APEC Ministers' spouses get a taste of PH food, culture

MANILA - The spouses of ministers who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meetings (AMM) were treated to a day of Philippine food and culture.

They participated in the AMM Spouses' Program hosted by Gretchen del Rosario, the wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, and Rowena Domingo, wife of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo.

The group toured the Ayala Museum and visited the Diorama Experience. The exhibition, featuring 60 dioramas, tells a comprehensive visual story of Philippine history.

Mrs. del Rosario and Mrs. Domingo also treated the group to a luncheon where local dishes such as chicken binakol, buko pandan, and sampaguita ice cream were served to the guests.

The luncheon was complemented by a cultural presentation with Triple Fret and Kontri Gapi providing music, and a fashion show featuring four collections: tribal, floral, black and white, and traditional.

The spouses and guests then went to visit the Kultura Filipino store at the SM Aura where they were welcomed by staff members with a dance called maglalatik.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: Photos of 'APEC hotties' Pena Nieto, Trudeau

MANILA – Two leaders who arrived in Manila for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on Tuesday set Twitter on fire, with Filipino netizens gushing over their good looks.

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have been dubbed by Filipino Internet users as “APEC hotties,” which became a top trending topic on the microblogging site.

Mobile users can view the desktop version of the slideshow here.

 

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

 source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Obama hails Pinay scientist's saltwater lamp

MANILA – US President Barack Obama hailed a Filipina scientist's invention, a lamp that runs on saltwater, as the US leader made a push for the use of renewable energy ahead of a crucial meeting in Paris that will weigh heavily on the future of the earth.

During a light moment at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, Obama admired De La Salle University faculty member Aisa Mijeno for making the aspirations of ordinary people as her inspiration in coming up with an invention that provides a very basic necessity that is also environmentally sustainable.

''One of the most important things you said, in my mind at least, is that this starts from the bottom,'' Obama told Mjieno.

''If we're working at the grassroots level, seeing what folks need and figuring out efficient way how to deliver an improved quality of life while being environmentally sustainable, that's an enormous opportunity. But it starts at looking at the aspiration and hopes of ordinary people."

Mijeno's multi-awarded SALt (Sustainable Alternative Lighting) lamp runs on saltwater and can last for up to 8 hours before the saline solution inside it requires replacement.

''The main science behind the lamp is it’s a chemical reaction. You try to convert chemical reaction into energy. There's something inside the lamp and you have to change it, but you only have to change every 6 months if you are using the lamp 8 hours a day,'' Mijeno explained to Obama.

Mijeno said the idea of the SALt lamp was conceived when she visited mountain communities in Kalinga, where people had to walk for hours a day just to get kerosene to power their lamps.

Obama, in turn, said Mijeno is a ''perfect example of what we're seeing in a lot of countries – young entrepreneurs coming up with leapfrog technologies."

''They did not have to make some of the massive infra investments. This is part of the reason why the old idea of development and environmental sustainability is outdated. It does raise the issue though of what we can do support young entrepreneurs like Aisa,'' he said.

Obama said governments should provide tax incentives for those producing renewable and alternative sources of energy and help and provide support for research and development.

Mijeno said the SALt lamp project is now on its critical phase as she and her team attempt to mass produce the lamp.

''What we need is support from the private sector and the government to mentor us how we can scale up the project, [give] support in terms of funding,'' she said.

CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT

In his speech during the summit, Obama said renewable technology is the way to go with traditional sources of energy threatening the earth's climate.

Obama will attend a climate change conference in Paris, France by the end of the month where world leaders will craft a legally binding agreement on lowering carbon emissions.

Obama said the climate change conference would provide ''opportunities'' for businesses because the agreement will usher in ''new jobs and opportunities and an investment in technology that frankly needs a boost right now.''

''The urgent and growing threat of climate change is a challenge but also, I would argue, an opportunity,'' he said.

''An ambitious agreement in Paris will prompt investors to invest in clean energy technologies because they will understand the world is committed to a low-carbon future.''

The Philippines has already submitted its climate change mitigation and adaptation plan to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Obama said more than 160 countries, representing 90 percent of global emissions, have put forward climate targets for post-2020.

The Philippines had earlier said it would cut the archipelago nation's carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030 but only if it receives support from developed nations.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Prime Minister Key: More opportunities for Pinoys in NZ

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said they are increasing opportunities for Filipino students to study in New Zealand.

Key, who is in the Philippines for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, said New Zealand's demand for Filipino workers particularly in the construction and health care industry also continues.


As flights from the Philippines to New Zealand to start next month, Key believes this will bolster tourism between both countries.

Meanwhile, Key is hoping other member-economies of APEC, including the Philippines, would join Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP).

A champion of free trade, Key said joining the TPP produced good results for their country and the nations they signed the agreement with.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

APEC ministers welcome progress in creating new trade zone

Ministers of 21 Asia-Pacific economies on Tuesday welcomed progress in efforts to establish a region-wide free trade zone as they wrapped up a two-day meeting in Manila.

In their joint statement released after the meeting, the ministers also vowed to take actions "to safeguard the region's infrastructure, travel, supply chains and financial systems from terrorism and other illicit activities" in the wake of Friday's terror attacks in Paris.

At last year's forum in Beijing, the 21 member economies including the Philippines -- the host of this year's forum -- agreed to launch a joint study to look at the viability of a new free trade framework, called the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and pledged to implement it "as early as possible."

"We commend the progress of the implementation of the Beijing Roadmap for APEC's Contribution to the Realization of the FTAAP," said the statement. The study will be completed by the end of next year.

During the meeting in Manila, the ministers confirmed the importance of pursuing the new trade bloc based on multilateral trade schemes such as the recently sealed Trans-Pacific Partnership pact.

The TPP and other trade deals are encouraging "because by having more of these regional or bilateral, plurilateral type of agreements we actually advance the position of the free-trade regimes," Philippines Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo said at a press conference after the meeting.

On the Paris massacre which left 129 people dead and hundreds wounded, Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said at the press conference, "Everyone has expressed their condolences to the families of the victims over the terrorist acts."

"There was a call for the unity of nations and people, and there was additionally a call for bringing to justice those who perpetuated the horrific developments in Paris last Friday," he said.

The 21 economies are considering expressing their joint response to the attacks in a declaration to be issued by the leaders later this week, an APEC source said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'APEC hotties' Trudeau, Nieto set Twitter on fire

MANILA - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has arrived in Manila for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting, joining 20 other leaders and representatives from the member-economies of the APEC bloc.

Trudeau, who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 5:39 p.m. Tuesday, was welcomed by Canadian and Philippine officials including Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

Upon his arrival, the 43-year-old Trudeau immediately took Twitter by storm, with many Filipino netizens gushing over his good looks.

The name of Trudeau, who is the second youngest Canadian to assume the position of Prime Minister, is second on Twitter's trending topics in the Philippines, as of posting.


Aside from Trudeau, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto also caught the attention of several Filipinos, with social media users using the hashtag #APEChottie to describe the two leaders.


Nieto, who arrived in Manila past noon, served as governor of the State of Mexico from 2005 to 2011 before he was elected president in 2012.


Here are some of the reactions of netizens on Trudeau and Nieto:

The Canadian Bae or The Mexican Papi #APEChottie 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/FnlawKbtJH

— jerome vidallon (@iamjedvidallon) November 17, 2015

Who cares about traffic jam when u have Canadian PM Trudeau & Mexican President Nieto for #APEChottie #APECbae https://t.co/tPBHmKVcL9

— Kim (@kimchi_926) November 17, 2015

Omg Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is a certified #APEChottie #APEC2015

— Cecilia Pantua (@axlpantua) November 17, 2015

Pagdating ni Trudeau sa airport hindi bala ang nalaglag. #APEChottie

— Teddy Casiño (@teddycasino) November 17, 2015

Thank you for gracing our land with your presence. @JustinTrudeau #APEChottie pic.twitter.com/d0EJgAZSPn

— Betina Gueco (@betinaguecooo) November 17, 2015

That mexican president reminds me of ian veneracion tho #apechottie #baerrito

— Princess Palma (@princessspalma) November 17, 2015

One order of tacos, burrito and unli nachos! With Mexican President Nieto on the side #APEChottie #APECbae https://t.co/DB6KiS6p8H

— J K (@kayiishh) November 17, 2015

This is just so funny. haha Pinoys always look on a bright side #APEChottie

— E S T E M AJ 26 (@majjestyanne) November 17, 2015

 source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Asia-Pacific leaders gather in Philippines under security shadow

MANILA - US President Barack Obama and other Asia-Pacific leaders will arrive in the Philippines Tuesday for a summit meant to foster trade unity but with terrorism and territorial rows in focus.

The two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit will begin Wednesday under the global shadow cast by last week's murderous rampage in Paris that killed at least 129 people.

While the 21-member APEC group's mission is to promote trade, the leaders will undoubtedly discuss the tragic events in the French capital and efforts to counter the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the carnage.

Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Manila from Turkey, where they attended a summit of the Group of 20 top economies that also focused heavily on IS and bringing peace to Syria, where IS controls a vast swathe of territory.

Philippine authorities, which had already deployed more than 20,000 security forces for the summit, said security had been ratcheted up even higher because of the Paris attacks.

Another sensitive issue this week will be China's recent efforts to assert control over the South China Sea, which is home to some of the world's most important shipping lanes.

The other claimants are APEC members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The Philippines, one of China's most vocal critics in the row, had promised to be a "perfect host" to Xi, who is also due to arrive in Manila on Tuesday.

But, while keeping the dispute off the official agenda, Philippine President Benigno Aquino appears to be taking the opportunity of the APEC summit to firm up alliances aimed at countering China.

On Tuesday, Obama will tour the Philippine Navy's flagship vessel, the US-made Gregorio del Pilar, which is providing APEC security in Manila Bay.

Obama's aides had previously said Obama would tour the boat to showcase American commitment to providing maritime security in the region.

China's building of artificial islands in parts of the South China Sea close to the Philippines had already prompted the US military to deploy a missile destroyer and B-52 bomber planes to the area.

The Philippines, which has one of the weakest militaries in Asia, has in recent years sought to draw longtime ally the United States into the dispute as a protector against China.

Aquino and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang are also set to oversee the signing on Tuesday of a bilateral strategic partnership that will deepen defence ties.

The Philippines and Vietnam have been brought closer in recent years by their shared concerns over China, with the imminent strategic partnership the most significant development.

Any focus on the South China Sea in the Philippines will irk China, which has insisted the APEC forum should stick solely to trade issues.

It has also repeatedly said the United States has no role to play in the dispute.US President Barack Obama and other Asia-Pacific leaders will arrive in the Philippines Tuesday for a summit meant to foster trade unity but with terrorism and territorial rows in focus.

The two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit will begin Wednesday under the global shadow cast by last week's murderous rampage in Paris that killed at least 129 people.

While the 21-member APEC group's mission is to promote trade, the leaders will undoubtedly discuss the tragic events in the French capital and efforts to counter the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the carnage.

Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to Manila from Turkey, where they attended a summit of the Group of 20 top economies that also focused heavily on IS and bringing peace to Syria, where IS controls a vast swathe of territory.

Philippine authorities, which had already deployed more than 20,000 security forces for the summit, said security had been ratcheted up even higher because of the Paris attacks.

Another sensitive issue this week will be China's recent efforts to assert control over the South China Sea, which is home to some of the world's most important shipping lanes.

The other claimants are APEC members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The Philippines, one of China's most vocal critics in the row, had promised to be a "perfect host" to Xi, who is also due to arrive in Manila on Tuesday.

But, while keeping the dispute off the official agenda, Philippine President Benigno Aquino appears to be taking the opportunity of the APEC summit to firm up alliances aimed at countering China.

On Tuesday, Obama will tour the Philippine Navy's flagship vessel, the US-made Gregorio del Pilar, which is providing APEC security in Manila Bay.

Obama's aides had previously said Obama would tour the boat to showcase American commitment to providing maritime security in the region.

China's building of artificial islands in parts of the South China Sea close to the Philippines had already prompted the US military to deploy a missile destroyer and B-52 bomber planes to the area.

The Philippines, which has one of the weakest militaries in Asia, has in recent years sought to draw longtime ally the United States into the dispute as a protector against China.

Aquino and Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang are also set to oversee the signing on Tuesday of a bilateral strategic partnership that will deepen defence ties.

The Philippines and Vietnam have been brought closer in recent years by their shared concerns over China, with the imminent strategic partnership the most significant development.

Any focus on the South China Sea in the Philippines will irk China, which has insisted the APEC forum should stick solely to trade issues.

It has also repeatedly said the United States has no role to play in the dispute.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com