Maniolas

Most Filipinos strongly support the Philippine government’s handling of its territorial row with China, including its decision to elevate its dispute before an international tribunal, amid Beijing’s expanding presence in the South China Sea, a national survey said Monday. Independent pollster Social Weather Stations also reported that Filipinos have a high distrust of China. The SWS survey, commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs, was the first attempt to measure public sentiment over the varying approaches to dealing with long-unresolved territorial conflicts. With 1,550 respondents 18 years old and above from all over the country, the SWS found that many Filipinos have a strong awareness of the Philippines’ conflict with China. According to the survey: 81 percent (62 percent strongly agree and 20 somewhat agree) agree with the government’s filing of case against China through the United Nations; 80 percent (56 percent strongly agree and 24 percent somewhat agree) think that the Philippines should ask the help of other nations regarding China’s continuous strengthening of military forces in the South China Sea; 93 percent believe that the Philippines should defend its territory and natural resources in the West Philippine Sea through lawful means (Manila calls parts of the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone the West Philippine Sea); and 77 percent recognize international law as a great equalizer against countries that are stronger militarily and economically.  “The overwhelming support of the Filipino people for the arbitration case and our rules-based approach to the West Philippine Sea Read More …

HIS penchant for arts has led him into making functional pieces of furniture with some touches of Mindanao designs for a decade now. Jon Traya, homegrown artist and owner of Raya Arts and Furniture, said what makes his creation distinct is that in every artwork, one can glean through it a brimming Mindanaoan culture. But more than just a furniture maker and designer, Jon is also advocating the promotion of different tribes in Mindanao that he plans to come up with one piece that is infused with the cultures of IPs and Moro combined. “Nag visit kami sa Teduray (South Upi, Maguindanao), may weaving sila, gusto ko i-combine sa design, in that context pwede ang muslim at IP magkasama sa isang design,” he said, adding that even through his creations — an expression of peace — the moros and the IPs can live in harmony. There, he learned that most of the Tedurays are weaving crafts that can be integrated into his furniture. “I-integrate lang naman sa existing design, kunyari sa sultan chair ko, pwedeng ibi-built in nalang as accent sa chair,” he said. Traya had also seen the woven products of the Tedurays with great potential if developed further into other forms other than crafts, which can add value to their products. Traya added he is also hoping that more budding artists will engage in furniture making following Mindanao designs, and encouraging even those in the industry to go a notch higher in furniture designs. He said Mindanao has Read More …