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Monday, April 22, 2024

Scanning the Needs, Barriers, and Opportunities in Islamic Financing


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The Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) and the UP Strategic Research and Management Foundation (UPSTREAM) signed a memorandum of agreement on April 4, 2024, at the UP Mindanao Gaisano Conference Room to undertake an action research study on Islamic financing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The study, to be conducted by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) under its Escaping the Middle-Income Trap Chains-for-Change (EMIT C4C) program, will identify the needs, barriers, and opportunities related to Islamic financing, starting with PEF projects in the region.

Islamic finance or Shari’ah-compliant financing refers to instruments and services that abide by Islamic law. Its development will help promote financial inclusion and create solutions for Muslims residing in the Bangsamoro region.

“PEF would like to look at the current landscape of Islamic financing and what can be our role in helping the poor through this instrument,” PEF Executive Director Roberto Calingo said.

In the past, PEF has supported social enterprises involved in Islamic financing and partnering with other advocates such as the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development - Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI) and the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation.

Calingo signed the MOA with UPSTREAM President Dr. Sylvia Concepcion and UP EMIT C4C Senior Research Analyst Jane Lynn Capacio.

Under the agreement, PEF and the EMIT C4C team will gather data, conduct discussions and deliberations, and write the report. UPSTREAM, meanwhile, will monitor the implementation of the action research project.

UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies is a policy research unit that connects disciplines and scholars across several units of the UP System.

UP Strategic Research and Management Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization in Davao City, is one of the two accredited foundations in UP Mindanao and supports the School of Management (SOM) with its funds and resources generated through grant projects, research, consultancies, and training services conducted by the SOM faculty.

The Peace and Equity Foundation aspires to drive positive change in poor Filipino household communities by investing in social enterprises that will provide them with viable livelihood and better access to basic services. We work with partners who share this vision by developing models and best practices that will steer social enterprises to scale up. Founded in October 2001, our Foundation is the steward of an endowment fund and registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization based in Quezon City, Philippines.



www.pef.ph





Pyra’s Debut Album, ‘PYRADISE’


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'PYRADISE' is Pyra's highly anticipated debut album release. Known for her own "Dystopian Pop" genre and commitment to addressing socio-cultural issues, the album is a bold exploration of themes of liberation and freedom, presented in a rebellious, punk spirit. Set in the dystopian world of 2084, the album tells a hero's journey of sheer resilience on an island under dictatorship rule — PYRADISE.


Preview 'PYRADISE'


The lead single for the album is 'Wet' which will be released on 16 April 2024. 'Wet' is more than just a song; it's a powerful anthem of female empowerment and a defiant stand against oppression. Drawing from her personal experiences, Pyra's lyrics and delivery in 'Wet' reflect her journey of overcoming adversity within her family, the music industry, and the Thai government.


Rebellion Against Oppression: Explore how the 'Pyradise' album serves as a powerful symbol of resistance against oppressive systems, drawing parallels to real-world struggles for freedom and equality.

Feminism: Dive into the themes of female empowerment in Pyra's lead single 'Wet', and how it reflects as a larger narrative of women's strength and resilience in the face of adversity through her upcoming album ‘Pyradise’.

Challenging music industry norms: To explore Pyra's "Dystopian Pop" genre and how she is challenging the music industry's norms and expectations with her fearless approach to her artistry.

Global Impact: Pyra's international acclaim and how her music transcends cultural boundaries, resonating with audiences worldwide and sparking conversations / addressing important social issues

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Reveals 2027 World Cruise To Be Hosted On Board Seven Seas Splendor® For The First Time





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All-inclusive 140-Night Cruise to Offer Unrivalled Experiences and Amenities
with Suites Starting from US$91,499 per guest up to a Record-Breaking US$839,999 per guest



Explorer-Class Ship Allows More Luxury Travellers the Chance to Embark on a Regent World Cruise




Beckoning to curious travellers and discerning adventurers, Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading luxury ocean cruise line, has unveiled its 2027 World Cruise – World of Splendor. The voyage sailing from 11 January, 2027, will be on board one of Regent’s newest ships Seven Seas Splendor®, one of its three Explorer-Class series of vessels.

Sailing from Miami, Florida to New York, for a total of 140 nights, the all-inclusive 2027 World Cruise travels to 71 ports of call in the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Africa and Europe. Guests will travel 35,668 nautical miles across three oceans, exploring 40 countries on six continents. With over 480 included shore excursions and 14 overnight stays, luxury travellers will have the opportunity for total destination immersion and even visit 73 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The 2027 World Cruise goes on sale on April 10, 2024, and those wishing to pre-register their interest can do so now at RSSC.com/2027-World-Cruise.

“We have seen continued interest and demand to venture further afield and for longer durations and so we are thrilled to announce that our 2027 World Cruise will take place on board Seven Seas Splendor, offering more luxury travellers the opportunity to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Andrea DeMarco, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “This will be the first time a World Cruise will sail on board one of our magnificent Explorer-Class ships, Seven Seas Splendor, which was launched in 2020 and offers the highest standards of unrivalled luxury, and featuring the one-of-a-kind, 4,443 square foot Regent Suite.”

Seven Seas Splendor will for the first-time host Regent’s World Cruise, increasing the number of suites available for sale in comparison to Regent’s 2026 World Cruise, demonstrating the growing popularity of longer sailings to exotic destinations.

In addition, for the first time ever, guests can sail a World Cruise in the most exclusive address residence at sea - the Regent Suite. The epitome of luxury on the high seas, the Regent Suite experience on board the 2027 World Cruise is priced at US$1.7 million dollars for two guests.

Fares for the 140-night voyage start from US$91,499 per guest for a luxurious Veranda Suite up to US$839,999 per guest for the opulent Regent Suite. Travellers who prefer a slightly shorter journey can sail a 126-night Miami, Florida to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, voyage with fares ranging from US$84,999 per guest up to US$755,999 per guest.


The World of Splendor

Regent’s 2027 World Cruise - The World of Splendor - will be a truly unforgettable, around-the-world voyage. Before boarding Seven Seas Splendor, guests will begin their worldly adventures with a one-night pre-cruise stay in a luxury hotel in vibrant Miami, Florida, and an exclusive pre-cruise gala. In addition to the 486 free shore excursions, a further three exclusive and unique shore-side events will dazzle guests in Panama City, Panama; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Málaga, Spain.

Regent’s exclusive World Cruises are complete with a range of bespoke amenities including exclusive pre-cruise gala event and one-night hotel stay at a luxury hotel in Miami, exclusive shoreside experiences, US$350 shipboard credit per person*, and unlimited valet laundry - including dry cleaning and pressing. Allowing guests to travel with complete peace of mind to focus on the journey, additional amenities include phone time per suite, onboard medical consultations, and a commemorative gift.

The 2027 World Cruise will be the first of these incredible journeys to sail on one of Regent’s Explorer-Class ships. Seven Seas Splendor, sister ship to Seven Seas Explorer® and Seven Seas Grandeur®, holds no more than 746 guests - meaning that more luxury travellers will have the chance to experience a Regent World Cruise without sacrificing unrivalled space at sea. With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios in the industry, discerning adventurers are promised an intimate exploration of the globe while enjoying the most luxurious on-board amenities and experiences found in the cruise industry.

On board, the 55,498 gross tons and 735 feet in length Seven Seas Splendor, the highest benchmarks of personalised service will be delivered by 548 professional crew members, caring for guests in beautiful all-suite, all-balcony accommodation.

While exploring the far reaches of the world, as part of the all-inclusive, unrivalled Regent experience, guests will enjoy exquisite speciality dining, premium beverages including fine wines and spirits, unlimited WiFi, and more.

The ship features unparallelled comfort across 15 sumptuous suite categories, and her 373 suites include nearly 52,000 square-feet of balcony space – among the largest balconies at sea. The beautifully appointed suites range from the 307 square-foot Veranda Suite to the lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite.

Perched on the fourteenth deck on board Seven Seas Splendor, the Regent Suite features unobstructed 270-degree views over the ship’s bow from the 1,300 square-foot wraparound veranda and a glass-enclosed solarium - offering a ‘Captain’s view’ as the ship arrives in each port. With 4,443 total square feet of pure elegance, the Regent Suite on board Seven Seas Splendor is one of the largest suites ever constructed on a luxury cruise ship. The most luxurious address at sea is home to an in-suite spa retreat with a personal sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. Regent Suite guests will also have access to a dedicated butler, full bar set up, personal car and driver in every port, original work by Picasso adorning the walls, a custom Steinway Grand Maroque Piano by Dakota Jackson, choice of Guerlain, Acqua di Parma, and L'Occitane® jasmine & bergamot soaps, shampoos and lotions, and will rest their head each night on the comfort of a hand-crafted Hästens Vividus mattress and bed set-up, worth over US$200,000, plus a choice of the finest bed linens and pillow styles.

With 9 dining choices including five complimentary speciality restaurants and 24-hour in-suite dining, guests will have a vast array of options to enjoy Regent’s signature Epicurean Perfection. Seven Seas Splendor’s exquisite speciality restaurants include Compass Rose, the largest speciality restaurant at sea where guests can customise their own meal every single night of the cruise; Pacific Rim, a dramatic Pan-Asian restaurant with a mythical dragon greeting guests; Prime 7, an intimate and elegant steakhouse; Chartreuse, featuring classic French fare with a modern twist; and Sette Mari at La Veranda, serving guests authentic Italian specialities and featuring stunning, over-water alcove seating that juts out over the ocean for an even closer connection to the sea, surrounded on three sides by inspiring, magnificent views.

Seven Seas Splendor features the Culinary Arts Kitchen with 18 stations for hands-on gourmet cooking classes presented by master chef instructors, and Serene Spa & WellnessTM, a globally inspired spa brand created for Seven Seas Splendor® offering exclusive treatments that integrate techniques and ingredients from destinations around the world to soothe both the body and mind.

Seven Seas Splendor will carry 5,897kg of lobster, 6,350kg of filet mignon, 1,633kg of smoked salmon, and 68kg of caviar. To complement every meal there will be 58,000 bottles of wine on board in 200 varieties - including 14,000 bottles of champagne. A five-million-dollar art collection, over 500 crystal chandeliers, hundreds of impeccable flower arrangements and over an acre of stunning Italian marble emphasise the ship’s sophistication.

The 2027 World Cruise opens for reservations on April 10, 2024, but guests can pre-register from March 27, 2024, by calling 1.844.4.REGENT, or by visiting RSSC.com/2027-World-Cruise.



2027 World Cruise by Numbers:

35,668 Nautical miles
486 Included shore excursions
71 Ports of call
40 Countries
14 Overnight stays
16 Seas, straits, gulfs, bays, and channels
6 Continents
3 Oceans
5,897kg of lobster
68kg of caviar
6,350kg of filet mignon
1633kg of smoked salmon
1905kg of chocolates
58,000 bottles across 200 varieties of wine
14,000 bottles of champagne



Shoreside Event Experiences:



Panama City, Panama

25 January, 2027

Journey into the world of Carnival with this exclusive shoreside experience in Panama City. Indulge in the finest selection of Panamanian cuisine while you immerse yourself in the extravagant ambiance as live entertainment captivates your senses with mesmerising performances and infectious rhythms. Join us for an evening of luxury, splendour and unparallelled experiences as we celebrate in true Panamanian style.



Colombo, Sri Lanka

9 April, 2027

Step into the bustling atmosphere of a Sri Lankan Street Festival on this exclusive shoreside event in Colombo. Savour an array of local delicacies as you witness a captivating cultural show featuring traditional and fusion dance acts, each telling a unique story of the island’s history and traditions. Revel in the beauty and diversity of the country with local experts as you partake in hands-on experiences that will provide a glimpse into the authentic essence of Sri Lankan life.



Málaga, Spain

22 May, 2027

Immerse yourself in the glamour of the Roaring Twenties at our exclusive event in Málaga, where you will be transported back in time to an era of elegance and sophistication. Marvel at a display of haute couture fashion from the 1920s, showcasing the epitome of style and luxury. Admire immaculately restored vintage and classic cars from the golden age of automotive excellence. Watch the allure of the 1920s come to life with an enthralling show inspired by the era, drawing you into a world of glitz and glamour amidst the enchanting backdrop of Málaga, Spain.


Overnight Port Stays:Miami, Florida
Panama City, Panama
Los Angeles, California
Papeete (Tahiti), French Polynesia
Sydney, Australia
Cairns, Australia
Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
Singapore
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Malé, Maldives
Mumbai, India
Luxor (Safaga), Egypt
Aqaba, Jordan
Jerusalem (Haifa), Jordan

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Include:Coiba National Park from Panama City, Panama
Kakadu National Park from Darwin, Australia
Singapore Botanic Gardens from Singapore
Elephanta Caves from Mumbai, India
Palmeral of Elche from Alicante, Spain


For more information, please visit RSSC.com, call Singapore +65 31 651 679/ Hong Kong and Rest of Asia +852 800-930222, or contact a professional travel advisor.


About Regent Seven Seas Cruises® 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is the leading luxury cruise line, delivering An Unrivalled Experience™ for over 30 years. Carrying no more than 746 guests, the line’s spacious and stylish ships - Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Mariner®, Seven Seas Navigator®, Seven Seas Splendor®, Seven Seas Voyager® and from 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur™ - form The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™ and explore more than 500 immersive destinations globally. Offering Unrivalled Space at Sea™, guests enjoy sumptuous all-suite accommodations, nearly all with private balconies, which are among the largest at sea, as well as highly personalised service throughout lavish public areas and expansive outdoor spaces. Unique to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, unlimited complimentary shore excursions are available in every port, making it the only truly all-inclusive cruise line. Voyage fares also include gourmet cuisine in a range of speciality restaurants and al-fresco dining venues, fine wines and spirits, entertainment, unlimited internet access, valet laundry service, pre-paid gratuities, and one-night, pre-cruise hotel package for guests staying in Concierge-level suites and higher. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.


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