RONING out the funding gaps in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) will be crucial to shield the country from the projected global economic headwinds this year, including the impact of the Trump administration policies, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
Neda Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan made the remark amid the ongoing review of the Executive department led by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the 2025 GAA, which initially revealed P30 billion worth of unfunded initiatives from government agencies and instrumentalities.
“ Trade is an important part of the economy and we are monitoring that closely and we are using of course our budget to ensure that we can make the economy more resilient to shocks,” he said at the press conference at the DBM Budget Forum on Budget Execution for FY (Fiscal Year) 2025 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Friday. The country, he noted, will face considerable challenge to reach the 6 to 8 percent GDP this year due to global uncertainty from countries which may retaliate against higher tariffs from the US.
PHL raises $3.5B from dollar, euro bonds–BTr
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto
THE national government raised a total of $3.5 billion on Friday through the issuance of dual-tranche dollar bonds as well as euro bonds, locking in amid favorable market conditions.
The Philippines on Friday generated $2.25 billion from the 10-year tenor dollar bonds and 25-year sustainability bonds, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr). The 10-year dollar bond was priced at 90 basis points (bps) above comparable US Treasuries, reflecting a tightening of 30 bps
₱30-B FUNDING GAPS IN ’25 GAA ‘MUST BE FILLED’
US President Donald Trump earlier said he is considering imposing higher tariffs for goods coming from China, the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico to protect American interest.
“In the event that tariffs are raised in the US…that would impact on us because we are part of the supply chain, the global supply chain,” Balisacan explained.
He stressed the need for government to provide the necessary funding support to crucial sectors to put the country back on track to hit economic targets this year.
“ We do believe that the current configuration of the government budget will allow us to focus on critical services particularly for social protection, for food security and for our basic infrastructure, including our flagship projects,” Balisacan said.
Economic performance ACCORDING to Balisacan, while the country was still among the best performing economies last year, it is unlikely to reach its 6 percent economic growth for 2024 due to natural calamities, which significantly affected the productivity of some sectors like agriculture.
He said the series of typhoons that hit the country last year heav-
ily devastated the agriculture sector and other industries because offices were cancelled/suspended many times.
We expect agriculture to have contracted by 2 percent for at least, I think, in 2024 because of the heavy losses in the fourth quarter and also in the third quarter of last year, but expect to have that speedy recovery in 2025. So, that’s one—and you know agriculture is 10 percent of our GDP and almost a third of our employment—so it has a big impact,” Balisacan said.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported last November that the value of agriculture goods which were produced dropped to P397.43 billion from P412.7 billion from the same period in 2023.
The Department of Agriculture attributed the decline to the effects of the El Niño and La Niña, as well as the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in hog-producing areas.
The Neda chief said other parts of the economy performed better last year, resulting in positive economic gains—including slowing down underemployment rate to 4.4 percent and inflation rate to 3.2 percent.
He said the government should augment the budget of agencies that experienced a reduction in the
KEY INSIGHTS ON THE 2025 GAA FUNDING CHALLENGES
GLOBAL ECONOMIC HEADWINDS: Retaliatory tariffs from the US under Trump administration policies.
Impact: Potential supply chain disruptions and challenges to achieving the 6–8% GDP growth target.
2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) compared to their proposed allocations in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), as this will be critical to sustaining these gains.
Ongoing review CITING the result of their ongoing review of the 2025 GAA, DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said they learned that the national budget this year has a 13-percent variance with the 2025 NEP, causing some government agencies and instrumentalities to suffer insufficient funds for some priority projects.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the review is necessary to address the “suboptimal” national
budget this year.
FUNDING GAPS:
Amount: P30 billion worth of unfunded initiatives identified in the 2025 GAA.
Proposed solutions:
n Use of savings.
n Contingency fund augmentation (Presidential approval).
n Unprogrammed appropriations from excess revenues.
Pangandaman said the review, which is now 50-percent complete, showed they need to fill up at least P30 billion worth of funding gaps from the concerned government agencies.
We are still not finished [with the review]. We still have a few departments to go [through] next week.... So, we’ll have the final numbers once we finish the review,” she added.
The DBM chief said they plan to augment the budget of the affected agencies by tapping existing government savings, fund augmentation using the government contingency fund with the approval of the President, and using unprogrammed appropriations from excess revenues certified by the Bureau of the Treasury.
Legal challenge
PANGANDAMAN allayed some lawmakers’ concerns on the legality of the measures they will utilize
for the funding gaps.
“ There are specific budgeting rules and regulations, which we follow. Most of them are part of the General Appropriations Act,” Pangandaman said.
Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and Pangandaman also addressed the revelation of Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro T. Ungab that there were allegedly blank budget items in the Joint Bicameral Committee report on the proposed 2025 national budget.
The report is the second to the last step before Congress finalizes its version of a national budget through a General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
The Palace maintained that the 2025 GAB did not contain such blank items, when Marcos signed it into law last month.
“ The enrolled version [of the 2025 GAB], which is submitted to the Office of the President, is signed by the Speaker of the House and his officer, the Senate and their
respective Sec-Gens [secretariesgeneral]. So, that is what is sent to the Office of the President. So, they are only the ones, who can fill those blank [items],” Pangandaman said.
On Ungab’s remark that he may raise the matter before the Supreme Court, Bersamin said they are open to such development.
“It cannot stop Congressman Ungab and other similarly minded people who would want to make a … put up a challenge. Our problem there is, we will not be the ones to be held liable if there are any [deficiencies] in that bicameral report since we have nothing to do with it. The President is only concerned with the finished product, which he signed. Not the blank check,” Bersamin said.
The Palace official is also optimistic the Supreme Court will not issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the 2025 GAA even if its legality is challenged by some parties like Ungab and results in a re-enacted budget.
“I cannot understand if the Supreme Court will have that tendency to put a stop to it (2025 GAA) even if any of those challengers will ask for a TRO because the government [must] function, must be run,” Bersamin said. Now, they will say, fall back on the re-enacted budget, but the re-enacted budget can come only when there is a finding that it has been vetoed or the Supreme Court has nullified the present budget. But that is yet to be in the end of the year or maybe when this resolution of these challenges will have been delivered,” he added.
$3.5B from
Continued from A1
from initial price guidance (IPG) of 120 bps.
The 25-year sustainability bond was priced at 5.900 percent, a 20-bps tightening from IPG.
Meanwhile, the 7-year eurodenominated sustainable bond yielded €1 billion, priced at 125 basis points above mid-swap area, tighter than the 160 basis points initially discussed.
The Treasury said the transaction is expected to settle on February 4, 2025.
“Despite the volatility in markets, the success of the offering demonstrated the Republic’s ability to efficiently capture conducive market conditions and launch a jumbo dual-currency transaction,” the Treasury said.
The proceeds from the 10-year dollar bonds will be used for general budget financing while proceeds from 25-year dollar and 7-year euro bonds will also be used for general budget financing and to finance/refinance assets in line with the Republic’s Sustainable Finance Framework.
‘Potential uncertainties’
NATIONAL Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza said constructive market development over the week prompted the Philippines to reenter the capital markets ahead of “potential uncertainties” in the near future.
Our goal is to capitalize on the current market momentum to secure the most efficient cost dynamics ahead of potential uncertainties in the near future. We look forward to the continued support of our valued investors,” Almanza said.
The Philippine government’s planned global bond offerings were rated an investment grade of Baa2 by Moody’s Ratings, citing high economic growth potential and fiscal metrics in line with similarly rated peers.
S&P Global Ratings assigned a BBB+ long-term foreign currency issue rating to the US dollar senior unsecured bonds.
HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and UBS are the joint sustainability structuring banks. Meanwhile, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, HSBC (B&D), J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank and UBS are the joint lead managers and bookrunners.
The transaction follows the Philippines’ $2.5-billion tripletranche bond offering in August 2024, and the $2-billion dualtranche bond offering in May the same year.
The recent bond offerings are part of the government’s $3.5-billion offshore borrowing program. This means the government can still tap the global debt market to raise $200 million more.
A lmanza said earlier the government is also monitoring all currencies, such as the Japanese yen, and keeping its offshore borrowing options open.
The Philippines has a “Baa2” issuer rating from Moody’s Ratings, characterized by high economic growth potential and fiscal metrics in line with similarly rated peers. The issuer has sustained strong access to domestic and international funding markets, a stable banking system and ample foreign-currency reserves to weather global capital flow volatility,” Moody’s Ratings said.
The Philippines also received a CIS-4 ESG Credit Impact Score from Moody’s Ratings, for its exposure to environmental and social risks.
Set against this risk exposure, overall resilience remains low, as relatively low income levels constrain capacity to respond to environmental and social shocks,” Moody’s Ratings said.
W hile the Philippines enjoy wider access to funding, structural credit challenges—low per capita income, constraints to quality of institutions and physical climate risks—stand in contrast to strong policy effectiveness, according to the debt watcher.
“ Heightened geopolitical uncertainty amid territorial tensions with China remain a constraint for the rating,” Moody’s Ratings added.
Nevertheless, the Philippines is expected to sustain strong economic growth relative to regional and rating peers despite global uncertainties and inflationary risks from weather-related disruptions. Moody’s Ratings projects the country will grow around 6 percent per annum over the next two years, lower than pre-pandemic growth rates but within the government’s target of 6 to 8 percent.
“ We expect a gradual narrowing of the fiscal deficit, to underpin a moderation in government debt as a share of GDP, although the latter will remain structurally higher than pre-pandemic levels,” Moody’s Ratings said.
Debt affordability, measured by the ratio of general government interest payments to revenue, will also continue to weaken over the next two years, it said.
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Political ads seen to boost media revenue by 10 percent
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
WITH election season nearing its full swing, political advertisements are projected to drive slight growth in ad revenues across all platforms this 2025, according to a market research firm.
Kantar Media managing director Jay Bautista told B usiness M irror tha t the surge in spending is attributed to candidates leveraging various media channels to boost their visibility and connect with voters.
“Our fearless forecast is around 10 percent because of the political advertising. That covers all platforms—television, radio, internet and even outdoors,” Bautista revealed.
In terms of peso value, he noted that traditional media would benefit the most in terms of revenue generation, particularly television and radio.
“Regular TV networks [and] radio networks [would benefit the most], especially with local elections. Radio is ideal for local campaigns,” he said. “The outdoor advertising industry will also benefit because they’re now allowed by the Comelec [Commission on Elections] to accept, dati kasi bawal. [ it was prohibited before]”
Based on Facebook data, senatorial aspirant Wilbert Lee, former representative of AGRI party-list, is one of the top advertisers ahead of the elections, spending approximately P2.5 million from April 20 to July 18, 2024.
Nielsen Ad Intel data obtained by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism showed that from January to
September 2024, Camille Villar was the top ad spender across television, radio, print, and billboards with P1.08 billion. She was followed by Imee Marcos at P1.04 billion and Abby Binay at P580,774.
One-time surge?
WHEN asked if the election-driven boost in ad revenues could lead to sustained growth post-elections, Bautista emphasized the temporary nature of such increases.
“Because there’s a limit according to the law, hanggang May lang yun [that’s only till Ma y],” he explained. “But historically, the boom started as early as 2023...because a lot of potential candidates already started showing ads.”
“Informal activities that are linked to the elections started early. They even produce programs now. TV, radio, they write columns. All of them geared towards increasing awareness and helping them campaign,” he added.
T
he Omnibus Election Code mandates that campaigning occurs solely within the official period set by the Comelec. Engaging in campaign activities before or after this timeframe is prohibited. Violations, such as distributing campaign materials or holding campaign events, can result in penalties, including disqualification.
The poll body, however, is limited by a legal gap that enables candidates to run ads before the official campaign period, as “premature campaigning” is not recognized by law. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/12/09/early-campaigning-runsrampant-as-comelec-struggles-withlegal-loophole/)
US, Japan hail seafarers’ release, but want Yemen to release ship
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE United States and Japan welcomed the release of 25 crew members—17 of them Filipinos—who were seized by Yemeni Houthis in the Red Sea last November 2023.
However, both countries urged the Houthis to release the vehicle carrier MV Galaxy Leader and to refrain from attacking more ships in the Red Sea.
The US and Japan also thanked Oman for mediating the release of the Galaxy Leader sailors on January 22, a few days after Israel and Hamas had a ceasefire deal.
Aside from the 17 Filipinos, other seafarers on board the seized vessel came from Bulgaria, Mexico, Romania and Ukraine.
In a strongly-worded statement, the US State Department said the world should “not be distracted by [the] insufficient action by the Houthis.”
“The Houthis had unlawfully detained the crew since violently seizing their vessel over a year ago. The Houthis have still not released MV Galaxy Leader itself, which is stolen property,” the US State Department said in a statement.
Washington noted that the Houthis have also attacked and endangered the lives of other seafarers plying the Red Sea, hindered the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and harmed economies across the region.
Hundreds of local staff of the United Nations, non overnment organizations and diplomatic conditions were also allegedly being rounded up and detained “under abysmal conditions” in Yemen.
Man y of these local staff are current and
former employees of the US government who were “unlawfully held based on false accusations.”
“The Houthis must permanently cease all attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways without exception and immediately release all the hundreds of detainees,” the US State spokesman said, noting that the Houthis has previously said they will continue to attack vessels associated with Israel in the Red Sea.
According to the International Transport Federation, Houthis deployed hundreds of missiles and drones on ships transiting the Red Sea, sank two vessels, killed at least four seafarers and destabilized one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
Two of the seafarers killed in Houthi attacks were Filipinos.
Japan: A relief JAPAN , whose company operates the Galaxy Leader, was less combative in its statement.
Japanese Press Secretary Kitamura Toshihiro said it was “a relief” to learn that the crew of MV Galaxy Leader was released. He also thanked the Sultanate of Oman and all other countries which helped in the negotiations.
“Japan, in cooperation with the G7 and other like-minded countries, has been urging the Houthis and working with other countries concerned to release the crew and the vessel itself.
“Japan reiterates that the right and freedoms of navigation must be respected and will continue its diplomatic efforts toward the cessation of attacks by the Houthis and the early release of the Galaxy Leader’s vessel itself,” Kitamura said.
PHL govt won’t ‘directly’ cooperate with ICC on drug war probe–Palace
MALACAÑANG on Friday maintained that the government will not “directly” cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) when it comes to the investigation by the Haguebased international tribunal on the drug war of the Duterte administration.
DA to decide next week on reso letting NFA sell palay buffer stock
TBy Samuel P. Medenilla
HE Department of Agriculture (DA)
said Friday it may decide next week on the resolution of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) that will allow the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell the 300,000 metric tons (MT) buffer stock of palay (unhusked rice) by next week.
In a press conference in Pasay City, D A Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel, Jr. said there was a delay in the release of the resolution.
“Well, the NPCC has finalized the draft only last Tuesday, and the document is now making rounds for signature. So, there
was a delay. I was expecting it this week,” Laurel explained.
“S o, probably next week, I will get the signed document on the official recommendation for the declaration of rice emergency,” he added.
D A wants NFA to sell its current buffer stock to free its warehouse before the start of the harvest season next month, so it can store the rice it will buy from local farmers. Republic A ct No. 12708 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act allows the government to declare a food security emergency on rice in case there is supply shortage or an extraordinary increase in prices.
The declaration will enable the NFA to sell its rice buffer stocks to government agencies or instrumentalities, local government units (LGU), and through the Kadiwa outlets.
D espite the expected release of the 300,000 MT of palay from the NFA warehouses and the upcoming start of the harvest season, Laurel said he will defer recommending to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) the raising of the existing 15 tariff for
N eda is scheduled to submit by March its next report to the President
In his Executive Order No.
3 Chinese nationals nabbed for illegal mining
DBy Manuel T. Cayon
AVAO CITY—Police and government mining personnel stopped on Wednesday a fledgling mining operation in an interior municipality of Davao del Norte, arresting three Chinese nationals and a Filipino heavy machine operator.
“In a decisive move against illegal mining, a joint operation was conducted on January 22 at Purok 2, Barangay Mambing,
New Corella, Davao del Norte which led to the arrest of three Chinese nationals and a Filipino backhoe operator for their involvement in unauthorized mining activities,” the National Police command here said.
It said the apprehended foreign nationals failed to present the required permits and legal documents to justify their operations “resulting in their immediate arrest”.
The police said that the raiding team confiscated various pieces of heavy
equipment used in the illegal activities, including three backhoe units, four water pumps, and two sets of fabricated screeners.
It did not identify the arrested individuals who police said were turned over for custody at the New Corella Municipal Police Station.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI and the PNP will soon file charges against them.
It said the raid was a joint operation of Police Regional Office 11, the New
THE global ranking puts DLSU at top in 5 fields
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
DE La Salle University (DLSU) has been named the best in the country in five fields of study in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) subject rankings while the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) emerged in three subject areas.
DLSU is the country’s top-ranked among the top higher education institutions (HEIs) in five fields of study – Arts and Humanities (rank 601+), Business and Economics (801+), Education Studies (401-500), Psychology (401-500), and Social Sciences (801-1000).
DLSU is also ranked in three other subject rankings: Computer Science (1,000+), Engineering (1,251+), and Physical Sciences (1,001+).
Meanwhile, THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025 showed Ateneo among the top universities globally in Psychology (501-600); Social Sciences (8011000); and the Physical Sciences (1001+).
“Ateneo previously ranked in Education and the Social Sciences. The subject rankings use the data from the THE World
University Rankings but are evaluated based on the disciplines,” THE said.
Dr. Ador Torneo, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, acknowledges both the value and the limitations of global rankings such as Times Higher Education, and says that “focus remains on fulfilling our institutional vision-mission of bridging faith and scholarship and serving society, especially the marginalized.”
“This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students in advancing the field of psychology through groundbreaking research and impactful applications that address the needs of our communities, especially in the area of mental health,” said Torneo, who also acknowledged the Psychology program, which has been ranked for the first time.
Faculty, students cited
RAMON V. DEL ROSARIO College of Business
Dean Dr. Emilina Sarreal acknowledged the dedication and hard work of DLSU faculty, staff, and students as well as their commitment to excel and innovate.
She not ed their continuing efforts to further advance research adhering to the College’s societal impact statement of “Living the Lasallian Values for Shared Prosperity” and a curriculum that fosters “business as a force for good.”
Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics
Dean Dr. Arlene Inocencio, for her part, emphasized that the combined efforts of the DLSU community have not only secured the institution’s place among the elite in the field of Business and Economics but have also enhanced the university’s global profile. She also recognized the various stakeholders for their commitment to excellence and passion for economics.
As the leading HEI in Education in the Philippines, the Br. Andrew Gonzalez College of Education reflects a rigorous academic environment characterized by innovative teaching methodologies, impactful research outputs that contribute to the field of education, and strong collaborations with industry partners and international institutions, Dean Dr. Rochelle Lucas said.
College of Computer Studies Dean
in Davao
Corella Municipal Police Station, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO-Davao del Norte), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources/ City Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR/CENRO), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The police did not say when the mining activities of the arrested persons began and how large was the mining area.
Dr. Ethel Ong said the ranking in THE highlights the college’s contribution to providing world-class computing education and conducting research that expand human knowledge and address societal challenges.
“The commitment from academic and support staff enabled us to remain internationally competitive for the benefit of our students and alumni.” said Dr. Kathleen Aviso, dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering, adding that “while we remain included in the THE Engineering Subject Rankings, our position has declined, reflecting that other institutions are improving at a faster rate. This serves as a timely reminder to avoid complacency and to redouble our efforts toward excellence.” College of Science Dean Dr. Mary Jane Flores sees the achievement as a testament to the unwavering commitment, innovative research, and academic excellence that define DLSU.
“ The faculty of the College of Science has been a cornerstone of this success, contributing cutting-edge discoveries, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultivating an environment where curiosity thrives.
Bong Go prods PCSO to expand presence in Malasakit Centers
SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, recently led a review of the role of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in fulfilling its mandate under the Malasakit Centers Act.
The hearing that he presided over addressed critical gaps in medical assistance delivery, accessibility challenges, and proposed solutions to improve services for indigent patients. During the discussion, Go raised concerns about the reported limited presence of PCSO representatives in Malasakit Centers nationwide.
“I got a report that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has 162 representatives out of 166 Malasakit Centers, and the PCSO only has 40 representatives. What are you doing to solve this? And how how can you help the Malasakit Centers?”
adhering to its obligations under Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, noting that the law was enacted to simplify the process for patients needing medical assistance without the need to seek help from other offices. This is meant to lessen the burden on patients.
“Inst ead of buying food they badly need, they will be forced to use the money as fare to reach your regional offices. What if your regional offices are far?”
compounding their financial struggles.
“That is why I thought of the Malasakit Center, to house it all in one room, so they don’t have to leave the hospital. So we can bring medical services closer to our people.
Because that’s taxpayer’s money. Let’s return it to them by speeding up the process.”
PCSO Assistant General Manager Arnel Casas assured Go of the agency’s commitment to assist all cases submitted through Malasakit Centers.
However, he acknowledged that funding constraints posed challenges,
Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin reiterated that the government will only address the concerns of the ICC if it goes through the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
“We have been very clear in our statements regarding this, if the ICC makes a move, and courses the move through the Interpol and the Interpol makes the request to us for the arrest or delivery of the custody of a person subject to ICC jurisdiction, we
He pointed out that PCSO, with its substantial revenue, has the financial capacity to address these gaps. “Your funds are a lot. Almost every week you declare a lotto winner. So, that means you really have a lot of funds. Please give a share to the patients, our poor countrymen.That’s your mandate, and you have programs for financial assistance, medical assistance that is supposed to help them.” Go stressed the importance of PCSO fully
The senator recounted the inspiration behind the establishment of Malasakit Centers, drawing from the struggles he witnessed patients enduring two decades ago. He described a typical scenario where, by Monday, a patient would already be burdened with a hospital bill amounting to P87,000. Desperate for help, the patient or his relative would line up at City Hall to secure P20,000 in assistance. By Tuesday, they would proceed to the PCSO, where the process was equally grueling. The PCSO office, he noted, was a two-story building often surrounded by long queues of people. As early as 5 a.m., patients would already be lined up on the sidewalk, waiting for assistance.
The next days, patients would need to line up in other offices or approach other sources of help like politicians. This arduous journey required not just time but also additional expenses for transportation, further
US Embassy warns Pinoys vs visa scammers
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
HE US Embassy in Manila has warned
TFilipinos of scammers who use fraudulent emails and messages and victimize visa applicants.
“Scammers often pretend to be US government employees to trick applicants into sending them money,” the Embassy said.
Here are the red flags of visa scammers:
1. Communicating via social media or messaging platforms
2. Requesting payments through email, phone call, social media or
messaging apps
3. Asking for payment for medical exam for immigrant visas
What to do
1. Always check email address used by sender
n The only legitimate correspondence from the US State Department or US Embassy should have email address that ends with “@state.gov” or ““supportphilippines@usvisascheduling.com
2. Do not entertain communication from social media or other messaging
platforms such as Facebook Messenger, Viber or WhatsApp. The Embassy has no account for visas on these platforms.
3. Course all payments to https:// travel.state.gov for those applying for immigrant visas or https://ustraveldocs. com for non-immigrant visas. Follow the payment steps from only these two sites.
n Again, visa payments are not being requested through email, phone, social media or messaging application.
n “Payments can be made online within the portal, or with cash at any RCBC branch after you have created an account,” the Embassy said.
MMDA showcases best of Zero to Waste practices
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Friday held its Road to Zero Waste Expo at the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City, in support of a circular economy model towards a more sustainable and cleaner metropolis.
Anchored on the theme “Clean Metro Manila,” the expo aims to expand its impact by engaging a wider range of communities and fostering stronger waste management systems within Metro Manila, as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign which encourages participation among Filipinos on environmental responsibility through
will respond favorably or positively to the Interpol request, since we also benefit from Interpol in other cases,” he said in a press
proper solid waste management.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said that the agency wants to elevate its zero waste campaign through holistic approaches to cultivate a culture of sustainable waste management in the metropolis
“With the implementation of solid waste management-related interventions that the MMDA is currently pursuing in cooperation with the local government units and private sector, we will be able to achieve a Clean Metro Manila at the soonest possible time,” Artes said.
MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana said the agency has long espoused the vision of a cleaner Metro Manila by advocating
conference on Friday. He made the remark after Reuters reported that Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla had said the Philippines has softened its stance on not cooperating with the ICC. In the report updated last Thursday,
n As for medical examination fees for immigrant visa applicants, payment should also be paid directly to at St. Luke’s Medical Center-Extension Clinic on the day of medical appointment or online at account.slec.ph/signin
Visa applicants are encouraged to use the information on the US Embassy’s official website ph.usembassy.gov/visasto help them safeguard their data and avoid becoming a victim.
“We urge individuals to be vigilant against visa fraud,” the Embassy said. If any applicant suspects they have been scammed, they may report to FPMManila@ state.gov.
Strategic maneuvering by PCG ship keeps Chinese vessel at bay in Zambales
SBy Rex Anthony Naval
TRATEGIC maneuvering of the BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) has prevented China Coast Guard (CCG) ship 3103 from getting closer to the Zambales coastline, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday night.
“Through the seamanship skills of the PCG personnel aboard, CCG 3103 has been successfully pushed further away and is now located approximately 80 to 90 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales,”
the agency said.
Aside from this, the crew of BRP Cabra has consistently conducted hourly radio challenges to remind the CCG ship of its blatant violations of international law. The PCG said the vessel and its crew will continue with its mission monitoring of the illegal activities of CCG 3103.
“The PCG remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s maritime rights and ensuring the enforcement of international maritime laws while avoiding any escalation of tensions,” it stressed.
Troops wounded in Basilan clash to get full support: AFP
waste reduction practices.
“To reach our targets, we hope that all stakeholders work together to create a unified and functional system and infrastructures, create partnerships and match businesses, and strategize on mapping out waste diversion points with our waste recyclers,” said Lipana.
He added, “Ultimately, only then will we be able to decrease waste volume and increase recycling from waste to valuable resources until we reach net zero.”
The Road to Zero Waste Expo, which coincides with the celebration of the Zero Waste Month, introduced the unified Materials Recovery Systems (MRS) in Metro Manila.
Remulla said there were certain areas, where the Philippines can cooperate with the ICC.
“This is how it is. There is no definite or clear statement that we will immediately cooperate [with the ICC]. do not even know what Secretary Boying means [with
Several booths also showcased sustainable products, including compost or soil conditioner, cocopots, lilipots, ecobricks, compressed stabilized earth blocks, and other byproducts of effective solid waste management practices.
The key partners of MMDA which expressed robust support to the Road to Zero Waste campaign are DENR-NCR, DILG-NCR, Philippine Plastics Industry Association (PPIA), and Ecowaste Coalition.
Organized by the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office, this initiative involves enhancement of public awareness and significant increases in waste diversion rates through a series of impactful activities aligned with the 10-Year Road to Zero Waste Program for Metro Manila. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
his statement]. But as far as experience has given to the government shows, the request of Interpol should always be respected because the Interpol is also doing us service in other areas similar to this. So, that’s the meaning of comity,” Bersamin said. Previously, some officials in the justice
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday assured the families of the troops wounded in the January 22 clash with lawless elements in Basilan that all possible support will be extended to their loved ones to ensure the full recovery of these brave personnel.
This was stressed by AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. as he visited the wounded troopers of the 32nd Infantry Battalion at Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City on January 23.
At least two soldiers were killed while 12 others were wounded following clash with lawless elements and “peace spoiler members” of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front members at Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip town, Basilan last Jan. 22.
sector had said that even if the Philippines keeps its distance from the investigation per se, the Interpol, should it be tasked with making arrests, merits cooperating with. Bersamin reiterated the country’s decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute, which removed it from ICC
This includes the best medical care and aid possible, the AFP chief stressed. And to honor their bravery, Brawner also presented the Wounded Personnel Medal to these soldiers for their courage and heroism.
“Our soldiers are the backbone of our national defense, and the bravery demonstrated by these personnel exemplifies the true meaning of selflessness and sacrifice,” he added.
Earlier, the AFP reiterated its commitment to advancing the normalization program in the region, aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict while ensuring that all actions remain within the bounds of law and peace mechanisms. Rex Anthony Naval
“The AFP stands firmly behind them, and we will ensure they are provided with the necessary resources for a full recovery,” he added.
jurisdiction in 2019, remains in effect. The ICC is looking into the possible liability of the former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his other officials on the reported deaths of at least 6,000 people in their anti-illegal campaign.
Samuel P. Medenilla
Time BusinessMirror Our
DSWD-Calabarzon releases P4-B for 330K indigent seniors in 2024
CBy Zen Trinidad
ALAMBA CITY, Laguna—At
least 330,000 indigent senior citizens in the Calabarzon Region received a total of P4 billion in social pensions in 2024 under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program.
Joseph Constantine Arceo, DSWD regional public information officer, said the social pension has increased from P500 to P1,000 as mandated by Republic Act 11916. Calabarzon covers the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.
Qualified beneficiaries are elderly citizens who are frail, sickly, have minimal or no support from family members, and do not receive
pensions from the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Veterans Affairs of fice, Social Security System and other insurance providers.
“ou r office facilitated the payouts, while some funds were transferred to local government units (LGUs), with DSWD personnel present during distribution,” Arceo said in a phone interview on Friday.
Also on Thursday, the DSWD awarded P300,000 in capital assistance to 28 members of the Bucaowin Sustainable Livelihood Program Association in Bucao, Polillo, Quezon, for their fish-buy-and-sell business.
“This investment aims to help association members, in partnership with the LGU, start and expand alternative income sources,” Arceo said. PNA
Harry Chandler, Navy medic who survived Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, dies at 103
By Audrey Mcavoy The Associated Press
HoNoLULU—Harry Chandler, a Navy medic who helped pull injured sailors from the oily waters of Pearl Harbor after the 1941 Japanese attack on the naval base, has died. He was 103. Chandler died Monday last week at a senior living center in Tequesta, Florida, according to Ron Mahaffee, the husband of his granddaughter Kelli Fahey. Chandler had congestive heart failure, but Mahaffee said doctors and nurses noted his advanced age when giving a cause of death.
The third Pearl Harbor survivor to die in the past few weeks, Chandler was a hospital corpsman 3rd class on Dec. 7, 1941, when waves of Japanese fighter planes dropped bombs and fired machine guns on battleships in the harbor and plunged the US into World War II. He told The Associated Press in 2023 that he saw the planes approach as he was raising the flag that morning at a mobile hospital in Aiea Heights, which is in the hills overlooking the base. “I thought they were planes coming in from the states until I saw the bombs dropping,” Chandler said. His first instinct was to take cover and “get the hell out of here.” “I was afraid that they’d start strafing,” he said.
His unit rode trucks down to attend the injured. He said in a Pacific Historic Parks oral history interview that he boarded a boat to help pluck wounded sailors from the water. The harbor was covered in oil from exploding ships, so Chandler washed the sailors off after lifting them out. He said he was too focused on his work to be afraid.
“It got so busy you weren’t scared. Weren’t scared at all. We were busy. It was after that you got scared,” Chandler said.
He realized later that he could have been killed, “But you didn’t think about that while you were busy taking care of people.” The attack killed more than 2,300 US servicemen. Nearly half, or 1,177, were sailors and Marines on board the USS Arizona, which sank nine minutes after it was bombed.
Chandler’s memories came flowing back when he visited Pearl Harbor for a 2023 ceremony commemorating the
Senior citizens urge senators to pass universal pension bill
By Wilnard Bacelonia
Some 6,000 senior citizens, led by the United Senior Citizens party-list, gathered outside the Senate in Pasay City on monday to press for the passage of House Bill No. 10423, which seeks to grant universal social pension to all senior citizens.
“There is still time if our dear senators want to pass it because the elders have been patient and waited for the senators to willingly approve it. But it seems that the 19th Congress will just end, without them touching it,” United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Magsaysay said in an ambush interview.
The bill’s author noted that the House of Representatives approved the measure on May 21, 2024 and
was received by the Senate the following day.
“The measure is already eight months in the Senate,” Magsaysay lamented.
If passed into law, the bill will amend Republic Act 7432 or the Senior Citizens Act, which grants over four million “indigent senior citizens” a P1,000 monthly pension from the government.
HB 10423 shall provide around seven million senior citizens, who are
not considered indigents, a monthly pension of P500.
With gradual increase of P100 in five years, all senior citizens will eventually be entitled to a universal social pension equivalent to at least P1,000, regardless of any other pension benefits they
receive.
The bill also seeks the transfer of the management of universal pension for senior citizens from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the National Commission of Senior Citizens within three years. PNA
peArl Harbor survivor Harry Chandler, 102, of Tequesta, fla., speaks to the media during the 82nd pearl Harbor remembrance Day ceremony on Dec. 7, 2023, at pearl Harbor in Honolulu. AP PhOtO/MeNGsh N lIN
82nd anniversary of the bombing.
“I look out there, and I can still see what’s going on. I can still see what was happening,” Chandler told The Associated Press. Asked what he wanted Americans to know about Pearl Harbor, he said: “Be prepared.” “We should have known that was going to happen. The intelligence has to be better,” he said. After the war Chandler worked as a painter and wallpaper hanger and bought an upholstery business with his brother. He also joined the Navy reserves, retiring as a senior chief in 1981. Chandler was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and lived for most of his adult life in nearby South Hadley, Mahaffee said. In recent decades he split his time between Massachusetts and Florida. An avid golfer, he shot five hole-inones during his lifetime, his grandsonin-law added. Chandler had one biological daughter and adopted two daughters from his second marriage, to Anna Chandler, who died in 2004. He is survived by one daughter, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five greatgreat-grandchildren.
Military historian J. Michael Wenger has estimated that there were some 87,000 military personnel on the island of oa hu the day of the attack. With Chandler’s death only 15 are still living, according to a tally maintained by Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors.
Bob Fernandez, who served on the USS Curtiss, also died this month, at age 100, and Warren Upton, 105, who served on the USS Utah, died last week.
By Nick Tayag
Discards, like beauty, are in the eye of the beholder my sixty-zen’s WORtH
To the sharp eye of seasoned art or antique collector, an old rug or toy that is about to be thrown away can fetch a hundred thousand pounds or even a million dollars.
So, before you throw away that old pen or cane of your great grandfather, or sell his non-functioning watch for peanuts, hold on to it first. For all you know, it could be sold for a lot of money in a future auction.
Like securities, equities or shares in the stock market, some of your mementos, heirloom pieces and other objects that are gathering dust in some corner of your house, can grow in value as time passes.
These are some of the lessons and insights I culled from reading a book on the auctions held at Christie’s, the famous auction house in London.
Titled “Going once” the book chronicles 250 years of culture, taste and collecting at Christie’s. Founded by James Christie in 1766 in London, Christie’s is the heart and pulse of the collector world, reflecting taste and trends.
I have once seen an auction in a documentary film and I was enthralled by the auctioneer who, like a frenzied music conductor, was giving the whole proceedings an urgent rhythm that builds up to a climax: “Twenty three... forty three... sixty four hundred.” Bang! And the gavel is brought down.
So many paintings, sculptures and objects of memorabilia have passed through Christie’s. How they were acquired, discovered, and how much they were sold are in themselves fascinating mini stories. Auctions held there have been serving as a barometer of connoisseurship, desire, fashion expertise and value. one annotation describes them as “relics of thwarted ambitions and dreams of grandeur.” An art critic by the name of Herbert Furst astutely noted: “Christie’s is a measure of what men and women have coveted in different periods. Things which in themselves are of no practical use but without which man ceases to be
civilized animal.”
I bought the hard cover book about Christie’s simply out of curiosity. And I have been fully rewarded. Well annotated, it’s suffused with unknown facts and a lot of trivia
in society. If you want intriguing trivia about famous people in history through their possessions, there’s plenty to feast on.
one such story is the Van Gogh portrait of Dr. Gachet, the physician who cared for him in the last few days of his life. It is a poignant picture of melancholy. The story goes that the Nazis classified it as degenerate art but then it was seized by Hermann Goering for his vast personal collection. Thankfully it was saved from destruction and shipped to the US during the last days of World War II.
that can provide you interesting points of conversation for a hundred social functions and cocktail parties or to enliven the dead air while waiting for the big kahuna to start the meeting or to catch the attention of someone you want to impress.
The annotations about the items uncover and reveal insights about human nature.
It’s all about obsessions about appetite for seeking out works of art and objects of the highest and sometimes dubious quality and interest. one will be amused by how much money have been paid for oddities and curiosities such as skeletons, dresses, typewriters and so on.
Speaking of obsessions, inside is a tale of romantic obsession in which in the middle of an auction, a certain English nobleman stepped in to buy a portrait of his mistress lady so that no other man could own her likeness.
Pride is a prime motivation why wealthy individuals buy paintings then and now. More often than not, it is not because of their great appreciation for art but more of a way to show off or a badge of rank
In May 1990, it sold for more than $82 million, the most expensive painting ever sold at auction for any work by Van Gogh. The winner of the bid was a Japanese by the name of Ryoei Saito, a paper manufacturer. And since then, it has never been seen again. It makes me wonder: why spend that much and then prevent the greater public from seeing it?
The mind-boggling prices fetched by paintings are tales of indulgence and extravagance.
Here’s one for the books: Jackson Pollock painted number 191948 without the brush touching the canvas not even once. The canvas lay on the floor as the painter danced over it, a blend of ballet dancer and boxer. He moved around the canvas, flinging paint and letting it drip, performing not just with his hands but with his entire body. I was looking at the image of the painting and I was underwhelmed. I saw it as similar to a graffiti on a wall made by a street artist or an enlarged version of a 3-year-old child’s crayon drawings. Is this the painting that critics say justified the claim as one of the
major painters of modern times? What is overwhelming is the staggering amount that one collector paid for at the auction: $58 million! Even toys and dolls can fetch money at auctions. A blue teddy bear sold for £90,000 or $130,000 with 800 collectors trying to outbid each other. Even objects associated with royalty whether in cinema or kingdom continue to be sought after, such as slippers and costumes. I cannot for the life of me pay millions for ordinary items that do not add an iota to humankind in a meaningful kind of way.
But some objects have a lot to tell us about history. one of the most revolting is the auctioning of a rare flask, a Mughal masterpiece, just part of the treasures looted by the colonialist Robert Clive in his conquest of Indian nawabs. The annotation reveals that he even bragged about not getting more even if he could: “I walked through vaults opened on either hand with gold and jewels. I stand astonished at my moderation.” When a minister from Qatar was able to acquire it at an auction, UK issued an export ban to prevent it from being taken out of the country. It appears that colonial master mentality still rules. It is a sad reflection on the impact of colonization.
Which reminds me how many objects are still in Spain that we have not been able to bring home to our country. This is also true of African nations who used to be under colonial empires. The other day I was talking with my painter-friend Del who has been gifting us with his landscape paintings. By way of a left-handed compliment, I told him they may have little value now but hey, Van Gogh never sold a painting when he was still alive. o ne never knows considering how many ugly paintings have commanded millions at auctions.
But in the end, you cannot take your private collection of vanity objects with you. You are fated to leave them all behind. As an aside, there is a rumor that the purchaser of the $82 million Van Gogh painting mentioned previously gave instructions to have the painting cremated with him at his funeral.
At Christie’s, the prevailing question in every bidder’s mind is: how much is it worth?
To me, the better question should be: is it worth it?
DepEd, OceanX venture into science exploration
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco
THE Department of Education
(DepEd) has formalized a strategic partnership with OceanX Education Inc.—a United States-based ocean exploration initiative.
Now, Filipinos can embark on an immersive multi-day experience onboard the OceanXplorer: the world’s most advanced research and media vessel. Education secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who had a chance to board the craft for a tour at the Manila South Port last year, said that the partnership aims to develop immersive ocean education offerings and ocean leadership for Filipino learners. Under the memorandum of agreement (MOA), OceanX and DepEd aim to explore opportunities focused on science expeditions utilizing the OceanXplorer research vessel, as well as related film and media projects. The initiative will likewise conduct in-port activations that will
FedEx upskills local businesses on intl growth avenues through masterclasses
ONE of the world’s largest express transportation firms Federal Express Corp. successfully hosted a series of masterclasses in Laguna and Cavite aimed at empowering local businesses, small-and-medium enterprises or SMEs and individual shippers in the Philippines seeking to seize overseas growth opportunities.
Designed to equip Filipino businesses with essential skills and knowledge to unlock cross-border trade opportunities, the masterclasses covered a wide range of topics that included the latest updates on import and export shipment protocols and regulations for sensitive and hazardous goods. FedEx senior executives and field experts led these interactive sessions as they provided practical insights that could help businesses thrive in the competitive global landscape.
“FedEx has always supported Filipino businesses to grow on an international scale,” said Maribeth Espinosa who is FedEx Philippines’ managing director. “Through these masterclasses, we are providing the tools and guidance necessary for entrepreneurs to expand their reach, connect with new markets and ultimately drive growth. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where local businesses can flourish and compete globally.”
The masterclasses not only focus on imparting essential knowledge, but also create a collaborative platform for business networking. Participants have the opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share experiences and build partnerships that can enhance their competitiveness in the international arena.
Participants’ feedback was positive, with many noting that the masterclasses have provided them with actionable strategies and increased confidence in pursuing overseas markets.
offer learners hands-on learning experience and key insights into the work of marine scientists in ocean conservation and research as part of its 2025 science research expedition.
In addition, OceanX offers Filipino youth with unique learning opportunities through its “Young Explorers Program [YEP]” and the “Early Careers Explorers Program” that will provide immersive, multi-day experiences featuring expert-led sessions in the marinescience industry. The YEP is designed for learners aged 18 to 24 offering workshops, hands-on activities, and independent study to gain foundational knowledge and skills in ocean science, marine operations and digital-media storytelling.
Meanwhile, the latter targets early career professionals over 25 years old with less than five years of professional experience.
This program enables them to collaborate with peers and renowned faculty to deepen their knowledge about ocean exploration and strengthen their career’s impact on ocean advocacy.
Applications for both initiatives are now open and can be submitted through
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/ form/fbdd036191ce498ab6d2e00a65e5fadf for YEP; while for the Early Career Explorers Program, it is via https://app. smartsheet.com/b/form/6b8a15 59e0524f00b897c5bcfb275d66. Interested applicants must have a passport valid until March 2026 and will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Travel expenses—including airfare, accommodations, and travel allowances—will be covered by OceanX.
ZAMBO CITY’S NEW CLASSROOMS Sta. Barbara Central School recently received a new school building from SM Foundation Inc.. As pilot school of the special Madrassah Educational Program by the Department of Education, the two-story, four-classroom building will house, among others, DepEd’s “Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education” or “ALIVE.” The school has 3,000 enrollees—99 percent of which are Muslims. The school has 72 regular teachers, with 18 under contract from the Madrassah program. The foundation described each classroom as having toilets with wash basins, electric fans, teacher’s table and chair, plus students’ chairs with special provision for left-handed students. There is a curved whiteboard for easy access to students seated at the back of the classroom. At the ground floor is a special toilet for students classified as persons with disabilities, a clinic, mini-library and a room for music and arts. Outside the building is a handwashing facility. Officials of SMFI and SM Mall officially turned over the facility to DepEd, the school’s leaders and Sta. Barbara’s barangay captain.
US Embassy to host bootcamp for SE Asian content creators
THE United States Embassy and Out of The Box Media Literacy Initiative invite emerging Southeast Asian digital content creators to participate in a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) media literacy and c ontent creation workshop. From April to June 2025, the “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” will e quip young content creators with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s dynamic media environment. Interested participants can submit their applications by January 3 1 via https://bit.ly/creatorsco-lab. Through virtual sessions on April
5 and 6, followed by an in-person workshop in Manila from May 28 to June 1, experts in media, technology and the academe will train partici -
pants on using their platforms to promote media and information literacy, creating engaging online content, and tapping the latest tools in brand development, audience engagement and analytics.
D uring this program, participants will have the opportunity t o exchange ideas on pressing issues such as disinformation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, while they collaborate w ith fellow emerging content creators from across Southeast Asia to foster regional cooperation and innovation.
T he Creators Co-Lab is open to citizens of Asean membercountries and Timor-Leste aged between 18 and 35 years old.
Applicants should have at least 1,000 followers on any socialmedia platform, and should have
been actively creating online content for the past three months.
A fter the bootcamp, participants will be eligible to apply for g rants amounting to P224,000 ($4,000) and mentoring support to implement new digital content projects. Participants will a lso become members of the US international exchange-alumni network that will open them to unique opportunities, including grants and networking.
YSEALI is a US-government program that strengthens leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. Since its l aunch in 2013, the initiative has been developing the capabilities of the region’s youth to promote civic engagement, environmental and natural-resource management, education, economic development, and good governance t hrough a variety of programs that include US educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges and seed funding. For m ore information, visit h ttps:// yseali.state.gov.
Editor: Mike Policarpio
OFW father and daughter graduate together in CSB
GRADUATING together from the same school, on the very same day, is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for a parent and a child.
This rare feat was recently accomplished by Diosdado Babar III and his daughter Felisha Danna, who both completed their degrees from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).
Felisha graduated cum laude from the Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and International Affairs (AB-DIA) program, while Diosdado obtained a degree in Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management through the “Expanded Tertiary Education, Equivalency and Accreditation Program [ETEEAP].”
“Marching together symbolized not just our academic attainment, but the culmination of our shared perseverance and dedication,” the elder Babar reminisced. “Celebrating this milestone highlighted the strength of our bond and commitment to lifelong learning.”
“It’s a core memory I’ll treasure forever,” the daughter added. “Seeing my entire family proud of not only my dad’s achievement, but also mine, made the moment even more profound.”
Her father wanted to formalize his professional expertise in hospitality and fulfill his long-standing personal goal of obtaining a diploma. ETEEAP enabled him to pursue distance learning as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the United Kingdom. He is currently an assistant food and beverage manager at the Merton Hotel: the largest resort property in the island of Jersey, which is a finance-industry favorite.
Felisha’s career choice was spurred by her passion for international relations, global politics and diverse cultures. In 2023, the student-leader represented Benilde at the Harvard World Model United Nations in Paris, France.
Even the time zone difference did not hinder the dad-and-daughter duo from supporting one another’s endeavors. Though they had different methods of studying, Diosdado and Felisha preferred structured learning and set clear timelines for their assigned tasks.
“[She] liked collaboration and frequently engaged with her peers, while I leaned on independent study due to my distance learning setup,” Babar III stated. “My professional experience also influenced my approach to problemsolving, making it more practical and results-driven compared to Felisha’s theoretical orientation.”
The two Benildeans’ friendly competition drove them to be at their best dur -
ing their college years. Diosdado noted that “whether it was comparing grades, the quality of projects, or even faculty members we knew, this healthy rivalry motivated both of us to perform better.”
“Whenever I felt overwhelmed by my studies, my dad was my source of positivity. His affirmations lifted my spirits, and I always mentioned to him my achievements, knowing he’d be proud,” the youngster noted. “He also recounted his successes and struggles to me, especially when he passed final validations or needed guidance with subjects. We became each other’s pillar of support.”
“Despite being continents apart, we motivated each other by sharing experiences and challenges,” the father claimed. “Encouraging words during tough assignments or exams became a norm; exchanging tips on time management, research and study strategies helped us stay on track.”
In a role reversal of sorts, her father would sometimes ask for her help in completing a project, and they’d consult each other about their work. Their professors often asked if they were related, and shared with their classes stories about their accomplishments.
“There’s a special pride in seeing your family thrive in the same community,” Felisha said.
From late-night video calls in Manila to early-morning chats in Jersey, regular virtual catch-ups kept Diosdado and Felisha connected despite the geographical distance between them. Their mutual sojourn in Benilde was instrumental in narrowing that gap and making them feel at home.
“It gave us a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths and dreams,” Felisha confirmed. “Benilde wasn’t just a school: It became a place where we grew closer, and our journey there made our family ties even stronger.”
PLDT and UP hike bourse know-how based on ESG
O boost awareness on the coun -
Ttry’s stock market, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) recently participated in the “UPIC Investor Insights: PSE Listed Company Showcase:” a knowledge-sharing session hosted by mobile-trading platform and stock brokerage firm Luna Securities and the University of the Philippines Investment Club (UPIC).
It addressed a group of university students eager to explore the stock market. Moreover, the Manuel Pangilinan-led company discussed an emerging practice in the financial community where investors included the sustainability agenda in addition to traditional metrics in their investment decision making. This, as a growing number of fund managers are building their portfolios to include companies that have recognized the importance of sustainability.
In her presentation, First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer
Melissa V. Vergel de Dios of PLDT discussed fundamentals of corporate value propositions, investment strategies, and the growing importance of sustainability in the global business and investment landscape. She also expounded on the company’s approach toward embedding sustainability in business operations, as she cited several initiatives that incorpo -
rated considerations on environmental, social and governance (ESG).
“Sustainability is not just a supplementary component of our strategy; it is a business imperative and an opportunity to create shared value. By embedding environmental and social considerations into our business decisions, we are not only future-proofing our operations but also driving long-term growth and meaningful impact,” explained Vergel de Dios. She said the telco firm’s sustainable business roadmap includes implementation of energy-efficiency projects that simultaneously reduce costs and carbon emissions, as well as the adoption of artificial intelligence applications that enhance network management and customer service while also upskilling the workforce, among others.
The executive said PLDT continues to participate actively in knowledgeexchange sessions to share best practices and engage with its stakeholders on ESG issues and solutions. The company, she said, also leverages its leading technology and pursues strategic collaborations with like-minded entities to continuously enhance its ESG performance and scale up impact of initiatives that support a digital, inclusive and resilient future. Rizal Raoul S. Reyes
SEC. Sonny Angara (center) boarded the OceanXplorer for a tour at the Manila South Port last year.
DIOSDADO Babar III and Felisha Dana Babar
Tourism Editor: Edwin P. Sallan
PREMIER COASTAL DESTINATIONS
Southern California’s Long Beach and Huntington Beach continue to make waves
The whole of Los Angeles is “on fire.” Not true. While we sympathize and pray for those affected by the recent devastating wild fires, Southern California is so vast, not all cities are affected. It is a blessing that the coastal towns from Santa Monica down to the beaches of Orange County are far away and not affected at all.
Because of some misleading news, tourism has slightly declined. It should not be the case, and I would like to share my experiences at two of my favorite beach and coastal towns I frequent in SoCal; Huntington Beach, and Long Beach. Only a few miles apart by car, the drive itself is picturesque cruising on the famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Huntington Beach
Hunt I ng t O n Beach, California is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and sunny weather. It is an excellent destination for both locals and tourists alike. If you are a “Baywatch” fan, this is the place to be.
One of the highlights of Huntington Beach is its famous pier, which stretches out into the Pacific Ocean. t h is iconic landmark offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a great spot for fishing or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll. t he pier is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a hub of activity and a must-visit destination.
t h e beach itself is clean, well-maintained, and spacious, offering plenty of room for sunbathing,
picnicking, or playing beach volleyball. t h e waves at Huntington Beach are ideal for surfing, attracting surfers from all over the world. t h ere are also various surf schools and rental shops along the beach, making it accessible for beginners as well.
Huntington Beach is also known for its vibrant downtown area, packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Main Street is the heart of the downtown area, offering a mix of boutique stores, art galleries, and trendy eateries. t h e area has a lively atmosphere, especially during the summer months when various events and festivals take place.
t h e community in Huntington Beach is welcoming and friendly, creating a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. t h ere is a strong sense of community pride, evident in the various local events and initiatives that take place throughout the year. t h e city also boasts excellent schools, making it a popular choice for families. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. Whether you are looking for a day at the beach, a lively night out, or simply a place to call home, Huntington Beach has something for everyone.
Huntington Beach, California, is often referred to as “Surf City u S A” due to its rich surfing culture and world-class waves. t h e city has a deep connection to the sport and has played a significant role in popularizing it.
With its miles of sandy beaches and consistent ocean swells, Huntington Beach offers ideal conditions for surfers of all skill levels. t h e city’s iconic pier is a gathering place for surfers and spectators alike, providing a front-row seat to watch the action in the water. Many professional and amateur surfing competitions are held here, further cementing Huntington Beach’s reputation as a surfing mecca.
Aside from surfing, Huntington Beach offers a range of other water-oriented activities, such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. t h e city’s harbor provides a picturesque setting for these recreational pursuits and is home to a marina and various water sports rental shops.
Apart from its water activities, Huntington Beach has a lively beach town atmosphere. t h e city’s downtown area, located near the pier, is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals to explore, especially during the summer months when street performers and outdoor concerts add to the festive atmosphere.
t he Huntington Beach community takes pride in its surf heritage and organizes events and festivals to celebrate the sport. t h e Annual Vans u S O pen of Surfing, for example, attracts surfers and enthusiasts from all over the world. t h e event features not only surfing competitions but also live music, skateboarding exhibitions, and art installations.
Huntington Beach lives up to its title of “Surf City u S A.” It offers not only world-class waves but also a vibrant beach town atmosphere and a strong sense of surf culture. It is a must-visit destination for surfers and beach lovers looking for an authentic coastal experience.
Forging Asean unity through tourism
Story &
r OM J anuary 15 to 20, 2025, all roads in the ASEA n tourism highway led to the Persada Johor International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, where the ASEA n to urism Forum (At F ) 2025 was held. A dynamic business-to-business (B2B) matching platform, through the ASEA n tr avel Exchange ( t r AVEX), it connected 221 seller organizations, from the ASEA n region and Bangladesh, with 329 potential buyers (from 41 countries), to explore a diverse range of destination products and services. Founded in 1981, the At F s an annual event that showcases Southeast Asia as a unified travel destination. At F 2 025 is the first forum to take place since the implementation of the ASEA n to urism Strategic Plan 2025-2035, which outlines a roadmap to enhance regional cooperation in tourism.
t h e forum, attended by more than 1,000 delegates from across the world, seeks to overcome current obstacles and clear the path for a prosperous future by utilizing the combined abilities and common goals of its 10 ASEA n member states (Brunei, Cambodia, East t mor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, t hai land and Vietnam).
Wi th the theme “ u n ity in Motion: Shaping ASEA n ’s to urism to morrow,” At F 2 025, organized by the Ministry of to urism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia and to urism Malaysia, is committed to building an ASEA n tourism industry that is robust and sustainable. Working together to develop a vibrant and successful tourism industry for the future of ASEA n
they hope to create a future where people all over the world are captivated and inspired by Southeast Asia’s breathtaking natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and inspirational stories.
Bringing together ministers of tourism, government representatives, corporations, and media from the ten nations, it includes meetings held at the g r and Ballroom of the Doubletr ee by Hilton Johor Bahru Hotel, the 3-day (January 15 to 17) t r AVEX trade show, and various conferences, focusing on themes like sustainable tourism and digital transformation. t h e January 15 opening of the tr AVEX trade show was led by Datuk Seri t i ong King Sing, the Malaysian Minister of to urism, Culture and Arts, along with to urism Ministers from across ASEA n t hat s ame day as well as the next day, n at ional to urism Organization media briefings were also held.
It was the perfect avenue to forge new business partnerships and networking, through pre-scheduled appointments, that are essential to strengthen partnerships and explore new business avenues within the ASEA n tourism sector, as well as an unmatched and unique opportunity to meet, promote and showcase related tourism products, services and offerings to a captive audience of potential buyers from around the world.
t he Philippine delegation, showcasing the country’s unique and exceptional offerings and sustainable initiatives, was led by Miss Maria Margarita “Marga” Montemayor- n o grales, the tou rism Promotions Board Chief Operating Officer. According to n ograles, “We are excited to present the Philippines as a leading
travel destination within ASEA n and the broader international market at At F 2025.” She added, “ t h is forum is an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with ASEA n neighbors and highlight the unique, world-class offerings of the Philippines in a global tourism landscape.”
t h e delegation was composed of 17 private sector representatives including Fili Hotel n u star Cebu and Philippine International Convention Center, both representing the MICE venues; Philippine Airlines (the country’s flag carrier), representing the airline sector; travel and tour agencies such as Salton tr avel and to urs Corporation, Luxure Holidays Inc., Quasar tr avel and to urs, MICE Managers tr avel and to urs, and u n i-Orient tr avel, Inc. and, in the hotel and resort category, renowned properties such as n ovotel Ma
i
Long Beach
L O n g Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors.
One of the highlights of Long Beach is its beautiful waterfront. t h e city boasts miles of sandy beaches, where visitors can relax, sunbathe, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore. t h e waterfront is also home to attractions like the iconic Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner that now serves as a hotel and museum, and the Aquarium of the Pacific, which showcases a variety of marine life from around the world.
In addition to its waterfront, Long Beach is known for its lively downtown area. Pine Avenue is the main street in downtown and is lined with a multitude of shops, restaurants, and bars. t h e area has a trendy and energetic atmosphere, with plenty of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Long Beach is also a hub for arts and culture. t h e city is home to the Museum of Latin American Art, which features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Latin American art. t h e Long Beach Museum of Art, located on a bluff overlooking the ocean, displays a diverse range of artwork and offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline.
For nature enthusiasts, Long Beach has several parks and outdoor spaces to explore. El Dorado n at ure Center offers walking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and educational programs. Likewise, the n a ples Island Canals provide a scenic setting for kayaking or taking a leisurely gondola ride.
Another notable attraction in Long Beach is the Long Beach g r and Prix, an annual IndyCar race that takes place through the streets of downtown. t h e event draws racing enthusiasts from around the world and adds excitement to the city with its high-speed action and festive atmosphere.
t h e Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, is a historic ocean liner that has been transformed into a
hotel and museum. Visiting the Queen Mary feels like stepping back in time, as you get to explore the stunning Art Deco interior and learn about its rich history.
One of the highlights of the Queen Mary is the guided tour, which takes you through the various decks and areas of the ship. t h e knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the ship’s construction, its role during World War II, and its glamorous past as a luxurious passenger liner. You can visit the staterooms, where famous celebrities and royalty once stayed, and even see the original engine room, which is still intact. t h e ship is also home to several exhibits that provide further historical context. t h e “Diana: Legacy of a Princess” exhibit showcases the life and legacy of Princess Diana, while the “ t tanic: Artifacts and Images from a Legendary t me” exhibit displays artifacts from the ill-fated t i tanic. t h ese exhibits add extra layers of interest to the Queen Mary experience.
One of the standout features of the Queen Mary is its exceptional dining options. t he ship boasts several restaurants and bars, each with its own unique ambiance and menu. Whether you’re craving a fine dining experience or a casual meal with an ocean view, the Queen Mary has something to offer.
In terms of accommodations, the ship offers a range of comfortable and stylish rooms. You have the option to stay in the original staterooms, which have been restored to their former glory, or in the more modern hotel rooms that have been added to the ship. Waking up on the Queen Mary and looking out at the Long Beach skyline is an unforgettable experience. Visiting the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, offers a unique opportunity to step aboard a grand ocean liner with a fascinating past. Its historical significance, informative tours, and diverse dining options make it a must-visit attraction for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing a taste of the golden age of travel.
r e
and Megaworld Hotels & r e sorts. On January 16, the t P B also hosted Philippines n i ght, a special dinner reception, at the r e naissance Johor Bahru Hotel, with tourism officials and international
Story & photos by Arabelle Jimenez
photos by Benjamin Locsin Layug
BusinessMirror
Big�er is not always better:
ONE of the most awaited moments at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked was the reveal of the new Galaxy S25 phones. In 2024, Samsung took the AI lead by introducing the Galaxy S24 as an AI smartphone.
Users got to experience Circle to Search, the most used Galaxy AI feature; Photo Assist (includes Sketch to Image, Portrait Studio, and Generative Image); and Samsung Keyboard. I will save the details of the improved AI for another column. This time, I will just talk about the new Galaxy handsets, which I got the chance to look at recently, a week or so ahead of Galaxy Unpacked.
In 2025, Samsung promises “next-level performance customized for Galaxy” with stronger and more accurate AI experiences, ultimate power efficiency, and visual performance enhancements, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is also already great for gaming and other arduous tasks but the Galaxy S25 promises to be even better with an enlarged vapor chamber. The S25 Ultra’s is 40 percent bigger than the S24 Ultra’s while the S25’s and the S25+’s vapor chambers are 15 percent bigger than their predecessors’.
The S25 Ultra has an improved titanium build and Corning Gorilla Armor 2 for impressive drop protection and scratch resistance. It is 29 percent more resistant to fractures than the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The new Samsung Galaxy S25 phones now have rounded edges. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly smaller than the S24 Ultra. The S25 Ultra comes in Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Gray, and Titanium Black. The online exclusive
The Samsung S25 Ultra is slightly smaller but more powerful than its predecessor
Local SMEs need to invest in social media, cybersecurity
BY RIZAL RAOUL S. REYES
IN a developing market like the Philippines, it is very important for small, medium enterprises (SMES) to harness the powers of digital technology to ensure the competitiveness of Filipino entrepreneurs.
Edmark Estavillo, a cybersecurity consultant for Innovative Business Solutions (IBS) , emphasized the crucial role of social media and cybersecurity in the growth and sustainability of businesses, especially in the Philippines.
According to Estavillo, the rapid digital transformation of the Philippine market demands that businesses invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect themselves from online threats which are expected to grow larger in 2025. He further highlighted the growing importance of leveraging social media platforms not only to engage with customers but also to create brand awareness and foster business relationships.
Ultra’s 10MP Telephoto) for ultra sharp shots at all ranges. Thanks to Galaxy AI, the S25 Ultra can remove noise from videos you’ve taken. This includes voices, crowds, wind, music, nature, and noise.
Own iPhone 16 with Globe’s unbeatable offers
TELECOM giant Globe continues
accessibility by
iPhone 16 within reach of every Filipino via unbeatable deals, flexible payment options, and an array of exclusive benefits. As part of the Apple Carrier Shop Program, Globe offers a one-stop shop experience for customers raring to get their hands on the latest iPhone device
NINTENDO SAYS ITS NEW SWITCH 2 CONSOLE WILL BE RELEASED IN 2025
LOS ANGELES—Gaming giant Nintendo revealed its newest console on Thursday in a highly anticipated announcement gamers had been waiting for since rumors of its release first spread years ago.
But the initial reaction to the Nintendo Switch 2 was lackluster, and the company’s Tokyo-traded shares slumped 4.3 percent on Friday. Nintendo’s shares had surged to a record ahead of the announcement. The successor to the Nintendo Switch system will be released this year, the promotional video says.
In the video, Nintendo showcases a larger version of the Switch that looks similar to its predecessor. It also shows the system’s controllers, or Joy-Cons, will attach to the side of Switch 2’s main unit rather than slide in. The Nintendo Switch 2 will play Switch 2 exclusive games, as well as both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, the company said.
The announcement did not provide many details on the console. Nintendo says more information about the system will be available during the company’s April Nintendo Direct event. The Kyoto-based game developer said it will also host “Nintendo Switch 2 Experience” events in several countries, where players can get a hands-on experience with the new system.
Those events are planned for cities such as Los Angeles, New York, London and Paris beginning in April. Ticket registration for those events begins Friday, Nintendo said. AP
at the Globe ICONIC in BGC, and Globe stores in SM Megamall and SM North Edsa. More Globe Stores are set to offer this seamless Apple experience in December.
Owning the iPhone 16 has never been easier for Globe Prepaid customers. They can get this sought-after device for only P2,465 per month on a zero-percent installment plan for 24 months. Globe Rewards+ members will enjoy exclusive voucher discounts, making it simpler than ever to upgrade to Apple’s newest release.
Globe Postpaid customers are not left out. The all-new GPlan PLUS 999 offers the iPhone 16 at an affordable cashout of just P1,414 monthly for 36 months. Available in Globe Stores nationwide, the plan is the best iPhone 16 deal in the market. Similarly, GPlan 1999 subscribers can get their iPhone 16 with a monthly cashout of only P1,100 over 24 months without any interest.
GPlan and the all-new GPlan Plus provides convenient payment options, including zero-percent installment for up to 36 months with select credit cards (BPI, UnionBank, Metrobank, RCBC and HSBC) and a 24-month zero-percent installment offer via GGives. Eligible customers may also take advantage of the CTB Payment facility. Each plan comes with a complimentary onemonth subscription to the Gadget XChange device protection program, providing easy options for device replacement and added peace of mind.
For those seeking premium experience, Globe’s all-new Platinum GPlan 3799 offers the iPhone 16 Pro Max at an attractive device cash-out of P1,863 per month for 24 months, either charged to bill for select plan renewal customers or with a 0% installment option for select credit cards. Plus, customers get to enjoy priority stocks and delivery as part of your Platinum advantage.
Meanwhile, the Visual Aperture gives AI-powered adjustment of depth and brightness for DSLR-like
Prices start at P84,990 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, P67,990 for the Galaxy S25+, and P51,990 for the Galaxy S25. All these prices are for the 256GB phones. There are many good offers for the pre-order period from January 23-February 13. These offers include double up storage from 256GB to 512GB only and 50 percent off one-year Samsung Care.
■ For more information, check out www.samsung.com.
(via PAGSS and Plaza Premium), Platinum exclusive perks and privileges and round-the-clock access to Thea of Globe Platinum via Facebook Messenger to provide assistance with any Globe or lifestyle needs anytime, anywhere. Customers can pick up their iPhone 16 from any Globe Store nationwide, where a dedicated team
In his presentation, Vasquez showed the correct way on how sales representatives should approach answering calls that can either enhance or hinder a company’s relationship with its customers. “A poorly handled call can lead to lost opportunities and damage to the brand’s reputation, while a well-executed call can foster trust, build rapport, and ultimately close more sales,” he said.
“The demonstration provided attendees with valuable insights into the small but significant details that often make the difference in sales conversion rates and customer loyalty,” he added.
In an interview, IBS CEO Khelvin Cruz told reporters they want to address the gaps in the business operations confronting the local SMEs.
Formed in 2024, Cruz said IBS seeks to help local SMEs to develop world-class standards in the office processes such as corporate structure, accounting, auditing, and financial management
“One of the pain points of SMEs is only that a lone individual handles all the office processes which shouldn’t be the case. The risks become bigger if you will assign all the tasks to an individual,” Cruz said in an interview on the sidelines during the company’s recent launch held in Ortigas, Pasig City.
“We do develop the processes of SMEs that would be tailor-made for their specific needs,” Cruz added.
Before an applicant gets onboard in their program, Cruz said IDS would interview the applicant’s business units to determine how they are currently performing. “For instance, we can provide a manufacturing company with the proper techniques and methods to eliminate if not minimize waste,” he said.
He said the evaluation process for a client that wants to get onboard would span six months to one year for onboarding. The second phase involves the development of the solutions that specific needs of the client.
Cruz said artificial intelligence will also be an integral part in developing their clients’ capabilities.
He said IBS hopes to be the catalyst for business transformation, guiding SMEs through their expansion journey with the right strategies for sustained success.
A8 Saturday, January 25, 2025 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos
www.businessmirror.com.ph
BusinessMirror
GAMING enthusiasts, it’s time to gear up. To start the year with a bang, Lenovo Philippines has announced an exciting pre-order promo for the highly anticipated Legion Go S. From January 22 to 31, the first 30 customers to reserve their units at participating Legion Exclusive Stores will receive a free Legion Go USB-C Dock worth P3,699.
The Legion Go S, powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processors, is built to deliver a powerful gaming experience in a sleek and portable design. Its 8-inch WUXGA touchscreen display offers crystal-clear visuals with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a 48-120Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth gameplay, redefining the handheld gaming experience for the modern gamer.
To join, consumers can pre-order their Legion Go S 8ARP1- 83L3000NPH at any of the following Legion Stores in SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Makati, SM City Bacoor, and SM City Clark between January 22 and 31. Settle a 30 percent downpayment to qualify for the promo. Upon claiming their pre-ordered Legion Go S 8ARP183L3000NPH, they will receive a free Legion Go USB-C Dock at the participating store. The Legion Go S combines performance and portability, making it the perfect companion for gamers on the go. And, with an improved 55.5WHr battery, it’s designed for uninterrupted gaming anywhere. Plus, its Windows 11 integration ensures compatibility with your favorite games and productivity tools.
More information can be found at www.lenovo.com.
Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G: Beauty and brawn
WHEN it comes to smartphone
“families,” few can rival the consistent success of Xiaomi’s Redmi Note lineup. Over the past decade, the series has achieved an incredible milestone, surpassing 420 million units shipped and cementing its position as one of the bestselling smartphone lines globally. Known for delivering exceptional value, Redmi has built a loyal community by offering features typically reserved for flagship devices at a price accessible to midrange buyers.
First launched in China in September 2024, the Redmi Note 14 series has finally made its global debut, bringing several upgrades to a wider audience. With four models to choose from—the Redmi Note 14 4G, Redmi Note 14 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, and Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G—the lineup caters to a variety of user needs and budgets.
Level-up your gaming with Lenovo Legion Go S models to choose from—the retaining engine,
HP UNVEILS AI-POWERED INNOVATIONS AT CES 2025
The Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, in particular, continues its tradition of delivering exceptional value, retaining a 200MP main camera and adding AI-enhanced imaging engine, a new processor for that flagship-level user experience, and enhanced durability. And being a 2025 smartphone, it can also take a dive in the pool, and as those drop-test videos show, it can even survive accidental falls onto rough surfaces.
But does “stronger” necessarily mean “better”?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to put the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G to the test, exploring its features, strengths, and the areas where it might fall short of being truly “iconic.”
TOUGH YET STYLISH
THE Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G makes significant changes in both design and build quality, successfully blending aesthetic refinement with practical durability. In contrast to the flat edge design of its predecessor, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G adopts gracefully curved edges, offering a more ergonomic and flagship look.
what’s the point of a waterproof phone if you can’t use it when it’s wet?
of combines Multi-Layer Shock Absorption: a layered areas minimize surfaces, to 7i, materials. as the USB-C port, camera housing, buttons,
The Redmi Note 14 series is probably Xiaomi’s toughest phone yet thanks to its “All-Star Durability upgrades.” At the core of the All-Star Durability concept is the All-Star Armor Structure, which combines Multi-Layer Shock Absorption: a layered design strengthens the phone’s internal structure, providing better protection against impact. The edges and corners—typically the most vulnerable areas in a fall—are particularly reinforced to minimize damage. The display is covered by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering 200 percent better drop resistance compared to Gorilla Glass 5. This ensures the screen can withstand drops onto hard surfaces, such as concrete, from heights up to 1 meter, and onto softer surfaces like asphalt from up to 2 meters. The back panel features Gorilla Glass 7i, providing 100 percent better resistance against scratches and cracks compared to previous materials. Key areas such as the USB-C port, camera housing, buttons, and battery cover are sealed with precisionengineered components to prevent water and dust ingress.
AI
CRAFTED ICONIC SHOTS
THE Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G’s headline feature is its 200MP main camera with Samsung’s HP3 sensor. This flagship-grade sensor is paired with an f/1.65 aperture for improved lowlight performance, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to minimize blur, and advanced AI enhancements. The result? Sharp, detailed and vibrant images across a range of shooting scenarios.
AI enhancements. The you’re taking portraits,
Xiaomi’s AI Imaging Engine is a major contributor to the camera’s performance. It uses an End-toEnd (E2E) AI Remosaic algorithm to reorganize pixels for maximum clarity and Smart-ISO to dynamically adjust exposure. Whether you’re taking portraits, landscapes, or night shots, the main camera consistently delivers impressive results.
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra chipset, a capable processor built on TSMC’s 4nm process technology. This chipset strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from everyday multitasking to intense gaming sessions.
However, the secondary cameras leave room for improvement. The 8MP ultra-wide lens performs adequately for capturing group shots and landscapes, but the 2MP macro camera remains a filler—a missed opportunity to enhance the ultra-wide sensor instead. On the front, the 20MP selfie camera captures detailed selfies with good edge detection in portrait mode.
The processor features a combination of four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.5GHz for highperformance tasks and four Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz for power efficiency. Paired with the Arm Mali-G615 GPU, the device handles graphics-intensive applications with ease.
Unlike last year, it only comes with 256GB of internal storage and is not expandable via an SD card slot.
The phone is available in three color options: the Midnight Black and Coral Green models feature a matte finish with a silky texture that resists fingerprints and smudges. There’s also a Lavender Purple version that comes with an eco-leather finish that adds a unique tactile feel. For fans of coordinated tech and K-pop enthusiasts, this purple edition pairs well with similarly colored accessories like the Redmi Buds 6 and Redmi Watch 5, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate colorthemed gadgets. The real upgrade, however, lies in its durability enhancements. The phone introduces IP68 certification (even IP69K in some markets as compared to its predecessors IP54 rating), meaning it is waterproof and can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. A practical addition is Wet Touch 2.0, which ensures the screen remains fully responsive even in damp conditions—after all,
Speaking of editing, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G offers a robust selection of AI-powered editing tools. For videos, the main sensor supports video recording at 4K resolution at 30fps, ensuring sharp and detailed footage in good lighting conditions. Videos captured during the day feature vibrant colors, wide dynamic range, and accurate contrast, making them visually appealing for casual recording or professional content creation. The 20MP selfie camera supports video recording at 1080p resolution at 60fps, offering smooth footage with decent detail. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is available across all cameras and it performs well for stationary or slow-moving shots.
VIVID VISUALS, RELIABLE PERFORMANCE
THE Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G features a 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display, delivering a vibrant and crisp visual experience. With a 1.5K resolution of 2712 x 1220 pixels, the display ensures sharp details and rich colors, enhanced by AMOLED’s deep blacks for exceptional contrast. Its 3000 nits peak brightness should make it easy to view even under direct sunlight.
On the software side, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G runs on the Xiaomi HyperOS 1.0.2, based on Android 14. HyperOS is a streamlined global ROM, delivering a clean and responsive user interface with a focus on AI-powered features like Circle to Search and Google Gemini. Xiaomi guarantees three years of OS updates and four years of security patches, but it’s a bit disappointing that we still have to wait for the HyperOS 2 update.
Finally, the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G has a slightly higher battery capacity of 5,110 mAh, and during our tests it was able to last us a day of moderate use, which included mostly web browsing, social media posting, photo editing and using the camera for test shots. It supports 45W Turbo Charging which charges to 60 percent in about 30 minutes and fully charges in under an hour.
FINAL WORD: What truly sets the Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G apart from its predecessors is its focus on durability. With the introduction of IP68 water and dust resistance and a reinforced “All-Star” Armor Structure, the Redmi Note 14 Pro
Trump offers Davos elite tax breaks, tariff threats to lure manufacturing back to US
By Zeke Miller, Josh Boak & Jamey Keaten The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—President
Donald Trump used an address Thursday to the World Economic Forum to promise global elites lower taxes if they bring manufacturing to the US and threatened to impose tariffs if they don’t.
Speaking by video from the White House to the annual summit in Davos, Switzerland, on his third full day in office, Trump ran through his flurry of executive actions since his swearing-in and claimed that he had a “massive mandate” from the American people to bring change. He laid out a carrot-and-stick approach for private investment in the US.
“Come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes as any nation on earth,” Trump said. “But if you don’t make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply, you will have to pay a tariff—differing amounts—but a tariff, which will direct hundreds of billions of dol -
lars and even trillions of dollars into our treasury to strengthen our economy and pay down debt under the Trump administration.”
Trump, who spoke Wednesday to Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, also said Thursday that the kingdom wants to invest $600 billion in the US but that he would ask Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to increase it to $1 trillion. The remark drew some laughter from the crowd in the hall in Davos.
Introducing Trump, Davos founder Klaus Schwab told the new president that his return and his agenda have “been at the focus of our discussions this week.” He invited Trump to speak at the summit in person next year. Trump, who promised to end the
Russia-Ukraine war before taking office, said it remained a top priority, but he offered few clues for how he would do so.
“One thing very important: I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon and get that war ended,” Trump told the Davos audience. “We really have to stop that war. That war is horrible”
Earlier in his address to the forum, Trump laid blame on the Opec+ alliance of oil exporting countries for keeping the price of oil too high for much of the nearly three-year war. Oil sales are the economic engine driving Moscow’s economy.
“If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately,” Trump said. He added about Opec+, “They are very responsible to a certain extent for what’s taking place.”
Oil prices have more recently slumped due to weaker-thanexpected demand from China as well as increased production from countries such as Brazil and Argentina that aren’t in Opec+.
In the largest hall in the Davos Congress Center—seating capacity 850—Trump’s appearance drew nearly standing-room-only turnout. The crowd included diplomats, human rights advocates, academics and business leaders. His return to the White House and his barrage of executive orders have been the talk of the town this week in the snowy Swiss town.
At times, Trump drew a few groans, like when he derided “inept” members of the outgoing Biden administration. The loudest laughter came when WEF President Borge Brende said Trump had called Chinese President Xi Jinping over the weekend, and the US leader quickly corrected him: “He called me.”
The reaction from the audience was mixed. Some attendees enjoyed the attention from Trump.
Trump tariffs on Canada could hike prices for American consumers, Trudeau warns
TBy Rob Gillies The Associated Press
ORONTO—Outgoing Ca -
nadian Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau said Thursday American consumers will pay more whenever President Donald Trump decides to apply sweeping tariffs on Canadian products.
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Thursday that he still plans to tariff Canada and Mexico at 25% rates starting as soon as Feb. 1. Trump previously threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he took office but the tariffs weren’t applied on day one.
Trudeau said if Trump does go forward “whether it be back on Jan. 20th, on Feb. 1st or Feb. 15th as a Valentine’s Day present, or on April 1st or whenever” Canada will respond with retaliatory tariffs and “prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up.”
“We don’t think he wants that,” Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. By targeting America’s second largest trading partner after Mexico, Trump risks upending the markets for autos, lumber and oil—all of which could carry over quickly to consumers.
The premier of oil-rich Alberta, Danielle Smith, said Americans in some states could pay more than a dollar per gallon more for gas if Trump puts the tariff on Canadian oil.
Despite Trump’s repeated claim that the US doesn’t need Canada, nearly a quarter of the oil America consumes per day comes from Canada.
America’s northern neighbor also has 34 critical minerals and metals that the US is eager for and
is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium.
“The US should be working even more with Canada on our energy, on our critical minerals, on the goods they need to deliver the economic growth that Donald Trump has promised,” Trudeau said.
“That is our first choice. If they do move forward on tariffs we are ready to respond in a strong way but in a way...to figure out how to get them removed as soon as possible.”
Canada is looking at putting retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel products if Trump follows through with his threat. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, Canada announced billions of dollars in new duties in 2018 against the US in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum.
“Everything is on the table,” Trudeau said. “It would be bad for Canada, but it would also be bad for American consumers.”
Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states.
Trudeau said Trump remains preoccupied with the border. The US president told reporters at the White House earlier this week that, in his opinion, the amount of fentanyl coming through Canada and Mexico is “massive.”
“We have highlighted that less than one percent of illegal drugs coming into the United States, less than one percent of migrants going into the United States come from Canada but we’re still investing over a billion dollars and strengthening our border,” Trudeau said.
Trump continues to erroneously cast the US trade deficit with Canada—a natural resource-rich nation that provides the US with commodities like oil—as a subsidy. Trump incorrectly claims the US has a “$200 billion” trade deficit.
“We’re not going to have that anymore. We can’t do that,” Trump said in a virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum. “You can always become a state, and if you’re a state, we don’t have a deficit. We won’t have to tariff you.”
“I was impressed (by) the force of his convictions and by what he said. I don’t share his opinion on many topics, but I thought he was well prepared and knew who he was talking to,” said Benedict Fontanet, a Swiss lawyer.
Others cringed at the “America First” ambitions of Trump yet again.
“It’s absolute determination to ‘make America great again’ at the expense of the rest of the world,” said Agnes Callamard, secretary general of Amnesty International. “It’s favoring American workers at the expense of workers everywhere...There’s nothing, nothing about the rest of the world.”
Keaten reported from Davos, Switzerland. Associated Press writers David Keyton in Davos and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report.
Meeting Trump’s military spending target could be tough for NATO’s lowest spender
By Suman Naishadham The Associated Press
MADRID—While Europe’s military heavyweights have already said that meeting President Donald Trump’s potential challenge to spend up to 5 percent of their economic output on security won’t be easy, it would be an especially tall order for Spain.
The eurozone’s fourth-largest economy, Spain ranked last in the 32-nation military alliance last year for the share of its GDP that it contributed to the military, estimated to be 1.28 percent. That’s after NATO members pledged in 2014 to spend at least 2 percent of GDP on defense—a target that 23 countries were belatedly expected to meet last year amid concerns about the war in Ukraine.
When pressed, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and others in his government have emphasized Spain’s commitment to European security and to NATO. Since 2018, Spain has increased its defense spending by about 50 percent from 8.5 billion euros ($8.9 billion) to 12.8 billion euros ($13.3 billion) in 2023. Following years of underinvestment, the Sánchez government says the spending increase is proof of the commitment Spain made to hit NATO’s 2 percent target by 2029.
But for Spain to spend even more—and faster—would be tough, defense analysts and former officials say, largely because of the unpopular politics of militarism in the Southern European nation. The country’s history of dictatorship and its distance from Europe’s eastern flank also play a role.
“The truth is defense spending is not popular in European countries, whether it’s Spain or another European country,” said Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, a former Spanish ambassador to NATO who is currently a member of European Parliament from Spain’s conservative Popular Party. “We grew accustomed after the Second World War to delegate our ultimate defense to the United States of America through its military umbrella, and specifically its nuclear umbrella.”
“It’s true that we need to spend more,” Pascual de la Parte said of Spain.
The politics of military spending SPAIN joined NATO in 1982, a year after
the young, isolated democracy survived a coup attempt by its armed forces and seven years after the end of the 40-year military dictatorship led by Gen. Francisco Franco. Under a 1986 referendum, a narrow majority of Spaniards voted to stay in the alliance, but it wasn’t until 1999 that the country that is now Europe’s fourth-largest by population joined NATO’s military structure. In that sense, “we are a very young member of NATO,” said Carlota Encina, a defense and security analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute think tank in Madrid.
Opinion polls generally show military engagement as unpopular among Spanish voters. An overwhelming majority of Spaniards were opposed to their country’s involvement in the 2003 Iraq war, polls showed at the time, but support for NATO in recent years has grown.
About 70 percent of Spaniards were in favor of NATO sending military equipment, weapons and ammunition to Ukraine soon after Russia began its full-scale invasion of the country, according to a March 2022 poll conducted by the state-owned Centre for Sociological Studies, or CIS. But only about half were in favor of Spain increasing its own defense budget, according to another survey CIS conducted that month.
Across the spectrum, political analysts and former Spanish politicians say militarism just isn’t great politics. Madrid is nearly 3,000 kilometers (roughly 1,800 miles) west of Kiev, unlike the capitals of Poland, Estonia or Latvia, which are closer and have exceeded the alliance’s 2 percent target based on last year’s estimates.
Ignasi Guardans, a Spanish former member of the European Union’s parliament, said many Spaniards value their army for humanitarian efforts and aid work, like the help thousands of soldiers provided after the destructive Valencia flash floods last year.
“Now the army has returned to have some respect,” Guardans said, “but that’s not NATO.” Encina said Spanish politicians generally feel much more pressure to spend publicly on other issues.
“This is something that politicians here always feel and fear,” she said. The thinking goes, “why do we need to invest in defense and not in social issues?”
US President Donald J. Trump is displayed on screen as he addresses a plenary session in the Congress Hall via remote connection during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, January 23, 2025. MICHAEL BUHOLZER/KEYSTONE VIA AP
CANADIAN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau answers questions from reporters as he makes his way to a meeting of the Liberal caucus in the West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, January 23, 2025. JUSTIN TANG/THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP
Freed Palestinian detainees share harrowing experiences and uncertainty in Israeli prisons
By Sam Mednick The Associated Press
RAMALLAH, West Bank—When
Dania Hanatsheh was released from an Israeli jail this week and dropped off by bus into a sea of jubilant Palestinians in Ramallah, it was an uncomfortable déjà vu.
After nearly five months of detention, it was the second time the 22-year-old woman had been freed as part of a deal between Israel and Hamas to pause the war in Gaza.
Hanatsheh’s elation at being free again is tinged with sadness about the devastation in Gaza, she said, as well as uncertainty about whether she could be detained in the future—a common feeling in her community.
“Palestinian families are prepared to be arrested at any moment,” said Hanatsheh, one of 90 women and teenagers released by Israel during the first phase of the ceasefire deal. “You feel helpless like you can’t do anything to protect yourself.”
Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are to be released as part of a deal to halt the fighting for six weeks, free 33 hostages from Gaza, and increase fuel and aid deliveries to the territory. Many of the prisoners to be released have been detained for infractions such as throwing stones or Molotov cocktails, while others are convicted of killing Israelis.
Hanatsheh was first arrested in November 2023, just weeks into the war triggered by Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel. She was
freed days later during a weeklong ceasefire in which hundreds of Palestinians were released in exchange for nearly half of the roughly 250 hostages Hamas and others dragged into Gaza.
She was detained again in August, when Israeli troops burst through her door, using an explosive, she said.
On neither occasion was she told why she’d been arrested, she said. A list maintained by Israel’s justice ministry says Hanatsheh was detained for “supporting terror,” although she was never charged or given a trial and doesn’t belong to any militant group.
Her story resonates across Palestinian society, where nearly every family—in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem—has a relative who has spent time in an Israeli jail. This has left scars on generations of families, leaving fewer breadwinners and forcing children to grow up without one or both parents for long stretches. Since the start of the war 15 months ago, the number of Palestinians in Israeli jails has doubled to more than 10,000, a figure that includes detainees from Gaza, and several thousand arrested in the West Bank and east Jerusalem,
according to Hamoked, an Israeli legal group.
Many prisoners are never told why they were detained. Israel’s “administrative detention” policy allows it to jail people—as it did with Hanatsheh—based on secret evidence, without publicly charging them or ever holding a trial. Only intelligence officers or judges know the charges, said Amjad Abu Asab, head of the Detainees’ Parents Committee in Jerusalem.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, the Palestinian prisoners released by Israel cannot be later rearrested on the same charges, or returned to jail to finish serving time for past offenses. Prisoners are not required to sign any document upon their release.
The conditions for Palestinian prisoners deteriorated greatly after the war in Gaza began. The country’s then-national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, boasted last year that prisons will no longer be “summer camps” under his watch.
Several of the prisoners released this week said they lacked adequate food and medical care and that they were forced to sleep in cramped cells.
Men and women prisoners in Israel are routinely beaten and sprayed with pepper gas, and they are deprived of family visits or a change of clothes, said Khalida Jarrar, the most prominent detainee freed.
For years, Jarrar, 62, has been in and out of prison as a leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a leftist faction with an armed wing that has carried out attacks on Israelis.
Human Rights Watch has decried Jarrar’s repeated arrests— she was last detained late in 2023—as part of an unjust Israeli
crackdown on non-violent political opposition.
At an event in Ramallah to welcome home the newly released prisoners, Jarrar greeted a long line of well- wishers. But not everyone was celebrating. Some families worried the ceasefire wouldn’t last long enough for their relatives to be freed.
During the ceasefire’s first phase, Israel and Hamas and mediators from Qatar, the US and Egypt will try to agree upon a second phase, in which all remaining hostages in Gaza would be released in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a “sustainable calm.” Negotiations on the second phase begin on the sixteenth day of the ceasefire.
For Yassar Saadat, the first release of prisoners was a particularly bittersweet moment. His mother, Abla Abdelrasoul, was freed after being under “admin -
istrative detention” since September, according to the justice ministry, which said her crime was “security to the state - other.”
But his father—one of the most high-profile prisoners in Israel— remains behind bars.
“We don’t know if he’ll be released, but we don’t lose hope,” he said. His father, Ahmad Saadat, is a leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine who was convicted of killing an Israeli Cabinet minister in 2001 and has been serving a 30-year sentence.
It’s unclear if he’ll be released and, even if he is, whether he’ll be able to see his family. The ceasefire agreement says all Palestinian prisoners convicted of deadly attacks who are released will be exiled, either to Gaza or abroad, and barred from ever returning to Israel or the West Bank.
The release of some convicted murderers is a sore spot for many Israelis, and particularly those
whose relatives were killed.
Micah Avni’s father, Richard Lakin, was shot and stabbed to death by a member of Hamas on a public bus in 2015 and his killer’s name is on the list of prisoners to be freed in phase one. While Avni is grateful that more hostages in Gaza are beginning to come home, he doesn’t believe it’ll lead to long-term peace between Israel and Hamas.
“These deals come with a huge, huge cost of life and there are going to be many, many, many more people murdered in the future by the people who were released,” he said.
Israel has a history of agreeing to lopsided exchanges. In 2011, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single Israeli soldier, Gilad Schalit, taken hostage by Hamas.
One of the prisoners released during that deal was Hamas’ former top leader, Yahya Sinwar, a mastermind of the Oct. 7 attack who was killed by Israeli troops in Gaza last year.
Some Palestinians said the lopsided exchanges of prisoners for hostages is justified by Israel’s seemingly arbitrary detention policies. Others said, for now, all they want to focus on is lost time with their families.
Amal Shujaeiah said she spent more than seven months in prison, accused by Israel of partaking in pro-Palestinian events at her university and hosting a podcast that talked about the war in Gaza. Back home, the 21-year-old beamed as she embraced friends and relatives.
“Today I am among my family and loved ones, indescribable joy ... a moment of freedom that makes you forget the sorrow.”
Holocaust survivor recounts harrowing Auschwitz camp experience as world marks 80th liberation anniversary
By Melanie Lidman The Associated Press
AIFA, Israel—Naftali
HFürst will never forget his first view of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, on November 3, 1944. He was 12 years old. SS soldiers threw open the doors of the cattle car, where he was crammed in with his mother, father, brother, and more than 80 others. He remembers the tall chimneys of the crematoria, flames roaring from the top. There were dogs and officers yelling in German “get out, get out!” forcing people to jump onto the infamous ramp where Nazi doctor Josef Mengele separated children from parents.
Fürst, now 92, is one of a dwindling number of Holocaust survivors able to share first-person accounts of the horrors they endured, as the world marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazis’ most notorious death camp. Fürst is returning to Auschwitz for the annual occasion, his fourth trip to the camp. Each time he returns, he thinks of those first moments there.
“We knew we were going to certain death,” he said from his home in Haifa, northern Israel, earlier this month. “In Slovakia, we knew that people who went to Poland didn’t return.”
Strokes of luck
FÜRST and his family arrived at the entrance to Auschwitz
on November 3, 1943 – one day after Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler ordered the cessation of the use of the gas chambers ahead of their demolition, as the Soviet troops neared. The order meant that his family wasn’t immediately killed. It was one of many small bits of luck and coincidences that allowed Fürst to survive.
“For 60 years, I didn’t talk about the Holocaust, for 60 years I didn’t speak a word of German even though it’s my mother tongue,” said Fürst. In 2005, he was invited to attend the ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Buchenwald, where he was liberated on April 11, 1944, after being moved there from Auschwitz. He realized there were fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors who could give first-person accounts, and decided to throw himself into memorial work. This will be his fourth trip to a ceremony at Auschwitz, having also met Pope Francis there in 2016.
Some 6 million European Jews were killed by the Nazis during the Holocaust—the mass murder of Jews and other groups before and during World War II. Soviet Red Army troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and the day has become known as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. An estimated 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were killed in Auschwitz-Birkenau. Just 220,000 Holocaust survi -
vors are still alive, according to the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, and more than 20 percent are over 90.
A meeting place after the war FÜRST, originally from Bratislava, then part of Czechoslovakia, was just 6 when the Nazis first started implementing measures against the country’s Jews.
He spent ages 9 to 12 in four different concentration camps, including Auschwitz. His parents had planned to jump off of the cattle car on the way to the camp, but people were packed so tightly they couldn’t reach the doors.
His father instructed the entire family, no matter what, to meet at 11 Šulekova Street in Bratislava after the war. Fürst and his brother were separated from their mother. After numbers were tattooed on their arms, they also were taken from their father. They lived in Block 29, without many other children. As the Soviet army closed in on the area, so close they could hear the booms from the tanks, Fürst and his brother, Shmuel, were forced to join a dangerous journey toward Buchenwald, marching for three days in the cold and snow. Anyone who lagged behind was shot.
“We had to prove our desire to live, to do another step and another step and keep going,” he said. Many people gave up, longing to end the hunger and thirst and cold, and just sat
down, where they were shot by the guards.
“We had this command from my father: ‘You must adapt and survive, and even if you’re suffering, you must come back,’” Fürst recalled.
Fürst and his brother survived the march, and an opencar train ride in the snow, but they were separated at the next camp. When Fürst was liberated from Buchenwald, captured in a famous photo that included Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel in the bunkbeds, he was sure he was alone in the world.
But within months, just as Fürst’s father had instructed, the four family members reunited at the address they memorized, the home of family friends. The rest of their family – grandparents, aunts, uncles, were all killed. His family later moved to Israel, where he married, had a daughter, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
‘We couldn’t imagine this tragedy’
ON October 7, 2023, Fürst awoke to the Hamas attack on southern Israel, and immediately thought of his granddaughter, Mika Peleg, and her husband, and their 2-year-old son, who live in Kfar Aza, a kibbutz on the border with Gaza where scores of people were killed or kidnapped.
No one in the family could get in touch with the family.
“It just kept getting worse all day, we couldn’t get any information what was happening with them,” said Fürst. “We saw the horrors, that we couldn’t imagine this type of horror is happening in 2023, 80 years after the Holocaust.”
Toward midnight on October 7, Peleg’s neighbors sent word that the family had survived. They spent almost 20 hours locked inside their safe room with no food or ability to communicate. Her husband’s parents, who both lived on Kfar Aza, were killed.
Despite his close connection, comparisons between October 7 and the Holocaust make Fürst uncomfortable.
“It’s awful and terrible and a catastrophe, and hard to describe, but it’s not a Holocaust,” he said. As awful as the Hamas attack was for his granddaughter and others, the Holocaust was a multi-year “death industry” with massive infrastructure and camps that could kill 10,000 peo -
ple a day for months at a time, he said. Fürst, who was previously involved in coexistence work between Jews and Arabs, said his heart also goes out to Palestinians in Gaza, although he believes Israel needed to respond militarily. “I feel the pain of everyone who is suffering, everywhere in the world, because I think I know what suffering is,” he said.
Fürst knows that he is one of very few Holocaust survivors still able to travel to Auschwitz, so it’s important for him to be present there to mark the 80th anniversary.
These days, he is telling his story as many times as he can, taking part in documentaries and movies, serving as the president of the Buchenwald Prisoner’s Association and working to create a memorial statue at the Sered’ concentration camp in Slovakia. He feels a responsibility to be the mouthpiece for the millions who were killed, and people can relate to the story of a single person more than the hard numbers of 6 million deaths, he said.
“Whenever I finish, I tell the youth, the fact that you were able to see living testimony (from a Holocaust survivor) puts a requirement on you more than someone who did not: you take it on your shoulders the obligation to continue to tell this.”
DANIA HANATSHEH, right, a former Palestinian prisoner who was released from an Israeli prison as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, poses for a photo at a reception for released prisoners, West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, January 20, 2025. AP/MAHMOUD ILLEAN
HOLOCAUST survivor Naftali Fürst pauses during an interview at home in Haifa, Israel, Tuesday, January 14, 2025. AP/MAYA ALLERUZZO
BusinessMirror
Technical Consultant
Brief
requirements.
S-W TRADING CORP. Unit 101, #393 Mindanao Ave. 6, Talipapa, Quezon City
40. JASVIR KAUR Hindi Marketing Analyst
Brief Job Description: Gathers data from sales, consumers, and competitors. Analyze, visualize, and communicate the interpretation in an interesting and logically connected method.
41. KARAN KUMAR Hindi Marketing Analyst
Brief Job Description: Gathers data from sales, consumers, and competitors. Analyze, visualize, and communicate the interpretation in an interesting and logically connected method.
42. GUO, YONGZHONG Mandarin Account Manager
Brief Job Description: Stay on top of accounts, making sure they receive services that are within their budget and meet their needs.
43. ZHOU, XIANHUA Mandarin Account Manager
Brief Job Description: Stay on top of accounts, making sure they receive services that are within their budget and meet their needs.
Brief Job Description: Plan, execute, and oversee product inspection and testing for quality and conformance to specifications and deliveries.
45. KAO, HSIU-YI Translator (Mandarin)
Brief Job Description: Translate written documents, audio recordings, or spoken conversations accurately and efficiently from one language to another.
Basic Qualification: Any nationality with excellent verbal
Thai extends lead to 3; Quiban fires sizzling 64
Tabuena remains in the hunt
By Aldrin Quinto
CARMONA, Cavite
—Sadom
Kaewkanjana’s smooth stroll at the Masters Course of the Manila Southwoods finally hit a few bumps, but the Thai pro quickly bounced back with birdies in two of the last three holes for a 66 to extend his lead to three strokes after the second round of the Smart Infinity Philippine Open on Friday. The 26-year-old Thai got to nineunder 131 as Korean-American Micah Shin, who honed his talents in Davao, stood in second at 134 after a 65 on seven birdies and two bogeys.
Quiban makes move with 64 JUSTIN QUIBAN found his groove after a frustrating opener and led the Philippine charge with an eagle-spiked bogey-free 64, the week’s best round so far. Q uiban rebooted mentally after a disappointing first-round 73, taking advantage of benign conditions in the morning to move to three-under 137 for a share of 10th spot.
“ I don’t know how many fairways I hit yesterday but today I only missed one,” Quiban said. A monster drive on the 554-yard No. 8 left Quiban with a 219-yard approach and masterfully gauged the tailwind to strike 6-iron to three feet, pushing him ahead of the home bets in the $500,000 (P29 million) tournament.
Q uiban struck it so good that on that one missed fairway—the par-five No. 18—he still found the green on his
Tomoyo Ikemura of Japan carded a 66 for a 135, which was matched by Aaron Wilkin of Australia after a 69. K aewkanjana started the day at five under and was nine-under through nine holes on Friday before making his first bogey of the tournament when he failed to recover from a missed fairway on the par-4 No. 11. From the right-side rough, Kaewkanjana overshot the green and although he managed to chip to five feet, he missed the putt for the first blemish on his card after 28 holes. He also missed the fairway and green on the dreaded No. 15— converted from par-5 to a par-4 for this season-opening tournament of the Asian Tour—but kept his cool for that birdie-par-birdie finish. I got stuck a little bit on the back nine but everything’s good,” said Kaewkanjana, who is eyeing his third Asian Tour title.
second shot and made birdie. “ Luckily my putts were going in so 64 happened.… It just happened, it was comfortable, swung really well, putted well,” Quiban said, adding that it wasn’t his plan to give chase after starting the day three shots over par and eight strokes off the pace.
Ramos’s brief stay at the top
AFTER a disappointing bogey on his start at No. 10, Sean Ramos briefly sat among the leaders with four birdies in five holes, his tap-in on No. 18 bringing his total to five-under.
But things unraveled from that point, suffering back-to-back bogeys from No. 1 and a missed-green bogey on No. 7 and winding up with an even-par-70 to remain two-under for the tournament at 138.
Japan-based Fil-Am Justin de los Santos had a rollercoaster round with six birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey to card a one-under 69 to add to his opening 70 for a 139 total.
A idric Chan also ended up with a two-day total of 139 after a 71 on three birdies and four bogeys.
A mateur golfer Shinichi Suzuki hit two birdies against a bogey to also submit a 69 after a first-round 73. Eric Gallardo was also at 139 after going 71-68.
SOME adjustments on the practice range with coach J3 Altea did the trick for Miguel Tabuena after a tough opening round as he fired a two-under 68 to stay in the hunt.
The two-time Philippine Open, who left himself a tough climb with a firstround 74, had three birdies and a bogey and got to 142 right on the cut line at +2.
“I was much happier with the way I was striking it was flying through the right windows in my visual and that’s key for me. My driving was so much better today,” Tabuena, who had to replace a cracked driver head just days ago, said. 2008 Philippine Open champion Angelo Que and Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner Tony Lascuña are out of the weekend play, along with a bunch of local pros. L ascuña had rounds of 73-74 for a seven-over total.
Q ue was not able to recover from an opening five-over
Torn muscle forces Djokovic out of Australian Open semis
MELBOURNE, Australia—An injured Novak Djokovic quit because of a torn muscle in his left leg after dropping the first set of his Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev on Friday.
A14 | SAturdAy, JAnu mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao
OSeniors action gets interesting in PAL Interclub
SENIORS play in the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub will be a very interesting one this year with players either sitting it out for their old clubs or playing for other teams because of previous commitments. Luisita and Canlubang, the usual powerhouses in the PAL Interclub event for players 55 years old and above, are seeing this year’s competition set to start February 10 in Bacolod City as wide open as it can be—with ace Sugar Baron Abe Rosal even describing it as “the winner is the one who makes the least mistakes.” With the lineups being so evenly matched from where I see it, it will all boil down to playing as consistent as you can,” said Rosal while overseeing action in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open at Manila Southwoods. R osal is still the best player that Canlubang has, but the Sugar Barons will come into action at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club and Bacolod Golf and Country Club without JP Reyes and Pem Rosal, who formed part of their core the past years.
in Bacolod City
“ We will need to get their usual productions from someone else,” Rosal said. “So that will be crucial to us.” Luisita, meanwhile, also lost Benjie Sumulong, who will be very busy with Alabang’s Mango Tee on Interclub week, and veteran Rodel Mangulabnan, and non-playing team skipper Jeric Hechanova is now looking for replacements who should count well as the Nos. 3 and 4 guys. In my experience, the Interclub has almost always been won by the last two guys,” Hechanova said. “Because the stars [who spearhead teams each day], usually cancel each other out.”
So you need your Nos. 3 and 4 guys to turn in decent scores and count well for your team,” he said. Del Monte will be defending the Senior championship for the first time in a long history of participation with Yoyong Velez again bannering the Bukidnon-based squad. Velez and Co. won last year when action was held at Pueblo de Oro and Bukidnon and the challenge now for the team is to be able to play well outside the comforts of their home courses. Manila Southwoods, which last year was in the running, will reportedly miss Jorge Gallent, the ex-San Miguel Beer coach in the Philippine Basketball Association who led the Carmonabased squad in scoring last year. He has reportedly transferred to play for Alabang in Bacolod.
Djokovic lost the opener 7-6 (5) and immediately walked around the net to concede the match to Zverev and shake hands. Spectators booed as the 37-year-old Djokovic walked off toward the locker room, and he stopped, turned around and responded by giving two thumbs-up.
A t his news conference, Djokovic said the pain in his left leg was “getting worse and worse.” He hurt it during his quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday night and wore white tape around his upper leg against Zverev.
“I knew,” Djokovic said, “even if I won the first set, it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me.”
He was bidding for an 11th championship at the Australian Open and record 25th Grand Slam title overall. But this is the second time in the past four major tournaments he was unable to finish because of an injury: He withdrew from last year’s French Open before the quarterfinals after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during a match.
Djokovic had surgery a couple of days later and immediately reached the final at the following major, Wimbledon, then won a gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics.
On Friday, he was asked
whether this might have been his last appearance at Melbourne Park.
“ There is a chance. Who knows?” Djokovic said. “I’ll just have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going.”
T he No. 2-seeded Zverev reached his first title match at Melbourne Park and on Sunday will face the winner of Friday’s second semifinal between No. 1 Jannik Sinner of Italy, the defending champion, and No. 21 Ben Shelton of the United States.
Zverev is a two-time runner-up at other major tournaments, losing finals in five sets at the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open.
“The very first thing I want to say is: Please, guys, don’t boo a player when he goes out
with injury,” Zverev told the Rod Laver Arena crowd during his on-court interview. “I know that everybody paid for tickets and everybody wants to see hopefully a great five-set match.
But you’ve got to understand— Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given this sport, for the past 20 years, absolutely everything of his life.”
The only set of Djokovic vs. Zverev lasted one hour and 20 minutes and included 19 points that lasted nine strokes or more apiece. The first four games alone lasted 31 minutes.
It was grueling—and would have been even without dealing with a problem with one’s body. But everything was too much for Djokovic with the thigh, which first became an issue late in the first set against Alcaraz. AP
NE of the most fervent supporters of Philippine sports through the years won’t be missed in Monday’s San Miguel Corp.Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel. T he MVP Group will be honored with a special award in the awards for its unparalleled assistance to Filipino athletes that’s best magnified no less by the historic two gold medals Carlos Yulo won in the Paris 2024 Olympics. U nder the stewardship of tycoon and sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, the MVP Group has always been at the forefront in supporting the training and participation of majority of the Filipino athletes who competed in Paris, including Yulo and boxing bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. Along with the MVP Group, the 100-yearold National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will also receive a special award from the oldest media organization in the country under the leadership of Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, during the traditional awards night co-presented by ArenaPlus, Cignal and MediaQuest. Similarly, Pilipinas Live
THAILAND ace Sadom Kaewkanjana is 36 holes away from his third Asian Tour title. ROY DOMINGO
PSC celebrates 35th anniversary Chairman Richard Bachmann (second from left) leads the Philippine Sports Commission in awarding Paris 2024 Olympics double gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo the Medal of Valor and Plaque of Excellence during the sports agendy’s 35th anniversary celebration on Friday at the Philippine International Convention Center. With them are PSC commissioners (from left) Olivia “Bong” Coo, Walter Torres and Matthew “Fritz” Gaston.
