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WATCH: Niall Horan performs hit songs in Manila after 6 years

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the United States discussed expanding cooperation in using space-based technology to track vessels in Philippine waters and combat illegal fishing. 

In a joint statement on Tuesday, Manila and Washington said both governments agreed that Earth observation is a priority area for bilateral cooperation during their first bilateral space dialogue earlier this month. 

“The delegations recognized the potential for expanded cooperation on the use of space for maritime domain awareness, including through the US Department of Transportation-led SeaVision program,” the statement read. 

“Such programs can help monitor and document vessels in the Philippines’ territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone, ensure the safety of mariners at sea, monitor and help protect the env ironment, and help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing,” it added. 

The two governments also agreed to consider a possible hosting in the Philippines of a US Geological Survey (US GS) Landsat ground station, and highlighted initiatives to expand the provision of satellite internet access to remote areas in the Philippines.

The Philippines expressed interest in further cooperation through programs like the SERVIR initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that seeks to address climate change and resource management.

“Both countries agreed to work together to expand bilateral exchange and training programs on the use of Earth observation satellite data, development of space applications and technologies and other space science and skills, including fellowships, scholarships and internship programs,” the statement read. 

The Philippines and US also committed to explore avenues, such as space industry development, at the next bilateral space dialogue to be held in the Philippines at a mutually agreed-upon date. — Gaea Katreena Cabico

MANILA, Philippines — Irish singer-songwriter and former One Direction member Niall Horan received a warm welcome as he returned to the Philippines for the first time in six years.

The artist was back in Manila for the third time — his first being with the group in 2015, then his solo concert three years later — to bring his “The Show” tour to the Mall of Asia Arena, presented by Live Nation Philippines.

Promptly starting on time Horan began his concert with “Nice To Meet Ya,” “On a Night Like Tonight,” “On The Loose,” plus a mash-up of Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen” and his own “Small Talk.”

After interacting with the crowd he then performed “The Show,” “Since We’re Alone,” “If You Leave Me,” and “Black and White.”

During an acoustic set Horan positioned himself on a small catwalk for tearjerkers “Flicker,” “This Town,” and “You Could Start a Cult,” a segment made more intimate by violinist Emily Kohavi.

Ending the main concert were “Heaven,” “Everywhere,” “Meltdown,” “Still,” and “Night Changes” — the only One Direction song he performed.

Fans chanted the chorus of another One Direction song “Stockholm Syndrome” to be performed but instead Horan sang “Save My Life” and “Slow Hands” for the encore, waving a Philippine flag during the latter.

RELATED: ‘Missed you’: Niall Horan sings One Direction song, praises F ilipinos at Manila 2024 concert

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