Panda Pavilion closed for first-time mating

The Giant Panda Pavilion will be closed from tomorrow until July 11. Leong Kun Fond, administration committee member of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM), stated that during the closure period IACM will collect data related to the pandas’ physical condition. Following this, IACM will then prepare for the first breeding of panda cubs in the city. The IACM is cooperating with experts from Chengdu in order to overcome any difficulties that may arise during the first ever panda breeding in Macau. If the pandas, named Kai Kai and Xin Xin, successfully mate, the pavilion is likely to reopen before July 11, according to a TDM report.

Hundreds celebrate Philippine independence

Hundreds of Filipinos gathered yesterday in downtown Macau to celebrate 118 years since the independence of the Philippines was declared, when revolutionary forces in the country seized sovereignty over the islands from the colonial rule of Spain. The declaration however, was not recognized by the United States nor Spain, which were embroiled in a war against each other during the period. At the ceasefire, later in 1898, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States in the Treaty of Paris. Full independence would not be granted to the country until 1946 via the Treaty of Manila. Yesterday hundreds gathered at Praca da Amizade to celebrate the national day, despite the threat of rain in Macau.