News in Pictures: November 10, 2024
ELON’S PH FOOTPRINT
Automobile and sustainable energy company Tesla on Friday introduces to the Philippines its electric-powered Model Y and Model 3 vehicles during a grand launching at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Tesla’s regional director for Asia, Isabel Fan, said in her speech that “I picked the Philippines because it’s the newest market in the world.”
Among Tesla’s country markets worldwide, the Philippines already has a link on the company’s website. Its high-tech vehicles are expected to attract the aspirational class, with Model Y priced at a fairly reasonable P2,369,000, and Model 3, at P2,109,000.
The launching may well be Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s footprint or tire tracks, so to speak, in the Philippines’ car market—amid other ongoing efforts to entice the tycoon to invest in the country. Last month, for instance, Sen. Grace Poe filed a bill seeking to grant a franchise to Musk’s Starlink Internet Services—an entry expected to expand the country’s broadband capability.
But apart from business, Musk has also been vocal in politics, particularly in his support for the equally voluble Donald Trump, whose Nov. 5 election victory may be seen as a boon for Musk while their alliance or merger of interests lasts. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
—NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER
IF CHINA WERE HERE
(From left) Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke share a light moment during a photo opportunity following a forum diplomatically titled “Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea,” held at Bonifacio Global City on Friday.
The diplomats reaffirmed the collective commitment of their countries to keep the seas claimed by China free and open to navigation, with Carlson warning that Beijing is targeting not only the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its waters but also the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of other Indo-Pacific countries. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez also joined the forum from his office in Washington. —RICHARD A. REYES
—RICHARD A. REYES/INQUIRER
DISASTER RESILIENCE
Residents of Barangay Bugaan East in Laurel town, Batangas, cross a row of pontoons installed by the Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday so they could reach the neighboring village of Poblacion 3.
A bridge connecting these villages was destroyed by torrential rains on Oct. 24 amid the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami) before the typhoon left the Philippine area of responsibility the next day. Pontoons are typically used to set up a temporary bridge or landing platform. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
—NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER
SM GETS DEEPLY CREATIVE
Diners at Cebu Ocean Park in SM’s Seaside Complex, Cebu City, behold a spectacle on Saturday completely different from the typical mall experience—a Christmas-themed giant aquarium, with divers feeding the fish. —MARK ALVIC ESPLANA
STARS FOR THE SEASON
A resident of Barangay Elias Aldana in Las Piñas City on Saturday sells “parol” that he made, a skill developed through past Christmases. Last week environmental group EcoWaste warned consumers against buying decorations that may contain toxic materials.
As for that star-shaped, uniquely Filipino decor for Christmas, the group advises the public to buy parol made of bamboo, coconut husk, palm leaves and other plant-based materials instead of plastic. —RICHARD A. REYES
—RICHARD A. REYES/INQUIRER
