Manila Standard - 2024 December 12 - Thursday

NBI urged: Probe high rice prices

House super panel cites possible market manipulation

By Maricel V. Cruz, Othel Campos, Miguel Gil and Darwin Amojelar

THE House of Representatives Quinta Committee, also known as the “Murang Pagkain” Super Committee, ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the alleged market manipulation that has kept rice prices high.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means, likewise asked the Bureau of Internal Revenue to look into the filings and tax payments of top rice importers, following allegations of profiteering in the domestic rice trade.

This as the National Economic and Development Authority disclosed that lowered tariff on imported rice from 35 percent to 15 percent did not lead to a reduction in rice prices.

“This is a puzzle also for us. Perhaps this deserves a more nuanced analysis,” NEDA Director Nieva Natural told the House committee Tuesday.

Sara: No regret over threats; snubs NBI anew

By Pot Chavez and Rachelle Tonelada

In a press conference, the Vice President said the threats serve as a warning

Gov’t gearing up for worst from Kanlaon

By Caloy Lozada, Rio Arajo, and Othel Campos

THE government is gearing up for a potential worst-case scenario amid the ongoing eruption of Mt. Kanlaon on Negros Island, an official from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said yesterday.

OCD Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said preparations include readying evacuation centers and resources in case volcanologists raise the alert level for the volcano from 3 to 4.

“We already have worst-case scenario planning. We are also preparing the necessary evacuation centers because if there is an elevation of the Alert Level, even just to Alert Level 4, the number of people needing to be evacuated will increase by ten thousand. From 54,000 it will rise to 64,000,” he said.

“Family food packs, water, wash facilities, and bathing areas must be ready. Proper planning is essential at the local level to maintain the sustainability of these evacuation centers,” he said.

OP biggest intel fund spender in 2023—COA

THE Office of the President (OP) spent P4.57 billion on confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in 2023, making it the top spender in this category among all government units,

sion on Audit (COA). Based on the COA Annual Financial Report, the CIF allocation of OP under President Ferdinand Marcos slightly increased last year to P4.57

COA defined CIF as “expenses related to surveillance/confidential activities in civilian government agencies that are intended to support the mandate or operations of the agency.”

to her political rivals that they too will be targeted should she be killed.

“It’s a good thing they know that if I die, I will not die in vain. I’m at peace with whatever happens to me,” she said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

By Maricel V. Cruz and Ralph Rirao

By Rio N. Araja

FILIPINO Sofronio Vasquez made history as the first Asian to win Season 26 of “The Voice USA”, a popular television singing competition. Representing Team Bublé, Vasquez, 32, claimed victory after receiving the highest number of votes from the audience. He secured the grand prize of $100,000 and a recording contract.

In an emotional speech before the announcement, Vasquez expressed gratitude to his coach, singer Michael Bublé.

“Michael… it’s so weird to say Michael, I call you Sir. Your mentorship is a blessing to me, to my family, and to all the dreamers out there. You open the doors for everyone. Thank you so much,” he said.

Bublé praised Vasquez’s achievement, calling him

“the hope of so many people,” adding, “Not just in the Philippines, but Asians everywhere truly are looking at you tonight. So proud.”

Vasquez delivered pow erful renditions of “Un stoppable” by Sia and

The motion of the super committee, forwarded by House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin, sought to identify individuals and organizations responsible for significant mark-ups in the rice supply chain.

“Allow me to put forward a motion to direct the [NBI] to investigate —from the retailers to the middleman to the wholesalers—so we can specifically identify the responsible people in terms of price manipulation,” Garin said.

Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla seconded the motion, which was approved by Salceda, lead chair of the super panel.

Garin’s motion followed a presentation by the Philippine Competition Commission outlining vulnerabilities in the rice supply chain, particularly among vertically integrated entities and middlemen.

In her interpellation, Garin pressed Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to clarify which agency is responsible for monitoring the middlemen in the rice market.

Laurel admitted that no agency is specifically tasked with monitoring middlemen, highlighting the regulatory gaps that allow manipulative practices to persist unchecked.

Despite tariff reductions intended to make rice more affordable, retail prices

remain high, ranging from P55 to P60 per kilo.

Garin said some middlemen exploited their control over access to legitimate wholesalers, inflating prices further.

Government data showed the tariff reductions have resulted in P13.3 billion in foregone revenues, which lawmakers suspect may have ended up benefiting rice importers and traders instead of lowering retail prices.

Salceda, for his part, said the BIR should step in.

“Congress cannot request tax filings. They are protected by Section 270 of the Tax Code. But the BIR can verify their own assessments and records. These top importers are importing in the billions. So, their tax payments should reflect that,” he said.

Salceda added a charge of tax evasion would then allow the Anti Money Laundering Council to look into top importers’ transactions, “as tax evasion is a predicate offense that would allow AMLC to look deeper.”

“Around the time of the President’s rice price ceiling, the gap between landed import price and domestic retail price was just 3 pesos per kilo. Now it has swelled to 20 pesos per kilo, even as farmgate price also went down.”

“This is just short of being supernatural. There is clearly pricing abuse— we just need to pinpoint at which stage,” Salceda said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said he supports the ongoing investigation of the House Quinta committee.

“The government is focused on bringing down rice prices,” Recto said. For its part, the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) urged the government to provide clearer guidance on rice importation, citing concerns that traders are importing high-cost varieties with little regard for the broader consumer base, which relies on affordable rice.

PRISM co-founder Orlando Manuntag said the expected reduction of P5 to P6 per kilogram in rice prices, following the tariff reduction, has not been realized.

Manuntag attributed the “insignificant price drop” to the type of rice being imported.

From January to December 2024, 74 percent of the 4.3 million metric tons (MT) of imported rice that arrived were premium varieties, primarily whole grain, which are significantly more expensive, he said.

Only a small fraction consisted of well-milled or broken rice—varieties intended to lower prices for consumers.

“The law mandates that at least 25 percent of imports should be well-milled or broken rice, but this regulation was not enforced. As a result, importers prioritized premium rice, keeping market prices elevated,” Manuntag explained.

To address the issue, Manuntag called on the government to enforce regulations requiring a mandatory allocation of at least 10 percent of imports for well-milled and broken rice.

“World market prices are already de-

creasing, and with proper coordination, we can make rice more affordable for Filipino families,” he said.

Currently, 80 percent of the country’s rice imports come from Vietnam, with smaller quantities sourced from Thailand, Myanmar, Pakistan, and India.

In the local market, premium rice is priced between P48.50 and P52 per kilogram, well-milled rice ranges from P42 to P45, and broken rice is sold at P38 to P40.

“We support the President’s rice initiative, but we need more retailers to offer rice at P40 to P42 per kilogram. Affordable rice should be readily available without unnecessary hassle for consumers,” Manuntag said.

As this developed, Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) on Wednesday said rice traders are to blame for the high retail prices of the staple grain despite the reduction in tariffs.

In an interview with Manila Standard, PCAFI president Danilo Fausto said the reduction of tariffs only seem to benefit “middlemen” as they do not pass the savings on to consumers.

He said possible hoarding may be exacerbating rice supply pressures arising from El Niño and La Niña, which put a strain on rice production in 2024.

“We suggest that the government import rice on a government-to-government basis, with India as the source. This would be an effective strategy for bringing down the retail price [of rice] in a hurry,” Fausto said.

age intended to help minimum wage earners keep up with inflation.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the bicam-approved 2025 national budget ensures the country’s sustained progress under President Marcos’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision.

“We increased it [soldiers’ daily subsistence allowance] from P150 to P350… that is going to be maintained and fully supported for our soldiers. That translates to almost P10,500 per month,” the Speaker told reporters in an ambush interview after the meeting.

He said the impetus to raise soldiers’ allowances came from the President himself.

“This is a big step forward in showing our full support for the men and women in uniform. It recognizes their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families who stand behind them,” Romualdez said in a separate statement.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairman and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co announced that the increase in soldiers’ subsistence allowance would be funded by a P16billion allocation in next year’s national budget.

Meanwhile, the allocation for the Marcos Administration’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) was retained as Congressmen and Senators agreed to “meet in the middle.”

The House of Representatives sought P39 billion for the program which the Senate had scrapped. A compromise was reached, resulting in a budget of P26 billion for next year.

Duterte also said she is currently thinking about engaging the services of private security personnel as she does not trust her current security detail, and will not accept replacements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“I will not accept replacements. So if they pull out, they will not replace it. They will just leave what is left,” she stressed.

However, Duterte said she sees removal from office as the “worst-case scenario” amid the series of legal challenges filed against her.

The Vice President assured that she would face the cases squarely, saying she would never flee the country.

“I do not plan to leave the country. I do not plan to hide if there will be a warrant of arrest. Mainly because my children are here. So, if I am detained, I want to be able to still see my children,” Duterte declared.

Meanwhile, the NBI Director Jaime Santiago said their investigation would have been easier if Duterte personally appeared before them to explain her side instead of simply sending a letter through her counsel.

Her appointment at the NBI on Wednesday was the second that the Vice President missed.

The NBI chief explained that his office is constrained to write a report on Duterte’s supposed culpability based on the information currently available because they do not intend to reschedule another appointment with her.

its exact path or intensity.

also affect Isabela, Aurora Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes in the coming days.

“We expect that a tropical cyclonelike vortex near the southern part of the tropical cyclone advisory domain may form and possibly move toward the direction of the Visayas and Southern Luzon area,” PAGASA said on Tuesday.

erage of 20 tropical cyclones annually, with October and November alone seeing six storms that left 171 people dead and thousands homeless this year.

Senator Grace Poe said their counterparts from the Lower Chamber explained the benefits of AKAP to financially-struggling Filipinos.

Malacañang reportedly spent P2.2 billion for confidential expenses, P2.3 billion for intelligence expenses, and over P10 million for extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses.

Trailing the OP in CIF expenditures were the Department of Justice (P683.85 million), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (P500 million), and the Office of the Vice President (P375 million).

The OVP’s confidential fund allocation surpassed those of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (P127.41 million), National Security Council (P90 million), and National Bureau of Immigration (NBI) combined, totalling P363.58 million. The CIF of the NBI was covered in the DOJ budget.

Vice President Sara Duterte, currently under scrutiny for alleged misuse of confidential funds during her leadership of the OVP and Department of Education, faces two impeachment complaints. She has denied any wrongdoing.

The OP also topped intelligence fund spending in 2023, accounting for P2.31 billion or 38.72 percent of the P6.03 billion total, the COA further reported.

PAGASA earlier said it forecasts the potential storm to enter PAR between December 16 and 22, based on its latest weather analysis. While the system currently resembles a tropical cyclonelike vortex, it is too early to determine

Aside from this, the weather bureau said rains brought by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will continue to affect the western section of Mindanao and Palawan in the coming days.

The Philippines experiences an av-

These weather events also caused significant damage to crops and livestock, highlighting the vulnerability of the country to extreme weather conditions.

Authorities advise the public to keep monitoring weather updates and prepare for possible impacts during the holiday season.

monitoring,” DA spokesperson Arnel De Mesa said.

“If not for the tariff cut from 35% to 15% signed by the President, rice prices these days would be higher because of damage to agriculture and the high dollar exchange rate,” De Mesa added.

NEDA Director Nieva Natural on Tuesday told the House “Murang Pagkain” Super Committee that the President’s Executive Order 62, which lowered the tariff on imported rice, did not lead to a reduction in prices as expected.

“This is a puzzle also for us... Perhaps this deserves a more nuanced analysis,” Natural said.

Alejandro called on LGUs to ramp up their disaster preparedness measures and ensure that basic needs of evacuees are met. The government’s focus, he said, is on minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected residents.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has warned of a possible “hazardous eruption” in the weeks ahead because the recent explosion involved magma.

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Wednesday identified 30 cities and municipalities affected by ashfall from

Kanlaon’s eruption.

In an advisory, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau said ashfall was reported in La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City, Murcia, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Hinigaran, Valladolid, Pulupandan, and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental; Iloilo City, Pavia, Oton, Tigbauan, Igbaras, Guimbal, Miag-ao, San Joaquin in Iloilo; San Jose de Buenavista, Tobias Fornier, Anini-y San Remigio, Hamtic, Belison, Sibalom and Patnongon in Antique and the island of Guimaras.

Exposure to ashfall may result in respiratory problems, eye irritation, skin irritation and injury, and advised that outdoor activities must be limited, especially for the vulnerable groups, such as children, senior

citizens and people with respiratory concerns.

The agency told affected residents to wear N95 masks, similar protection and goggles when outdoors; wear long-sleeved clothing; avoid driving if possible, touching ashcovered surfaces with bare hands, and close windows, doors and ventilation systems.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has temporarily suspended trekking, swimming, farm site visits, and day tours in areas affected by the heavy ashfall.

Specific attractions that are temporarily closed include Guintubdan Spring, Buenos Aires Resort, Mambukal Resort, Sugar Valley Coffee Farm, and other sites near or within the six-

“A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman, which made his name a trending topic on X both in the US and the Philippines. He stood alongside fellow finalist Shye, awaiting the results. When his name was announced as the winner, Vasquez dropped to his knees, overcome with emotion. HIs journey to international fame began in It’s Showtime’s “Tawag Ng Tanghalan”, where he reached the semifinals. Vasquez moved to the United States in 2022 to pursue dentistry but decided to try his luck in singing competition.

kilometer permanent danger zone. Additional closures include Kanlaon Inland Resort and Eco-Tourism, Padudusan Falls, Bao-bao Viewing Deck, and Quipot Falls in Canlaon City, as ordered by the city government.

While no injuries, fatalities, or stranded tourists have been reported, the DOT urges travelers to avoid areas within the permanent danger zone and ashfall-affected locations.

Tourists are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring advisories from local government units (LGUs), disaster response agencies, and DOT regional offices.

The DOT emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of tourists and local communities and reminded the public to remain vigilant.

FLIGHT TO SAFETY. Soldiers help residents evacuate from the six-kilometer danger zone around Kanlaon Volcano. AFP

Navy buying 2 more warships, 6 patrol vessels

THE Philippine Navy is poised to beef up its fleet with the forthcoming acquisition of two more Corvette warships and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) under the military’s modernization program.

“We have more on the pipeline, two more Corvettes and six OPVs,” Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippines Sea (WPS) Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a broadcast interview.

Trinidad disclosed that the new vessels would cost $35 billion or more than

P2 trillion earmarked for the “Re-Horizon 3” or Phase 3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

“This is not a one-shot deal. It doesn’t end there. This is a continuing program to develop our defense capability,” Trinidad said, adding that the modernization program has various aspects, including cyber, command and control, sea, air, and land capabilities.

Earlier on, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced that President Marcos has some changes in Horizon 3

of the modernization program.

In 2021, the Department of National Defense signed a P28-billion contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea for the acquisition of two brand new Corvettes for the Philippine Navy. The procurement plans of the military come amid strained relations with China which claims almost the entire South China Sea including the West Philippine Sea and other portions claimed by Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

PBBM hails 13 presidential awardees in Palace rites

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos on Wednesday honored 13 Filipino expatriates and overseas organizations as this year’s Presidential awardees for exemplary contributions to the global community.

Addressing the awards rites at Malacañang, the President commended the awardees for their grit, passion, and resilience, highlighting their accomplishments in various fields that have brought pride to the Philippines.

“The Filipino’s competence, work ethic, and genuine care for others make us a truly remarkable race,” he said.

The Presidential Awards recognize exemplary overseas Filipinos and foreign partners who have fostered relationships benefiting Filipino communities abroad.

This year’s recipients consisted of honorees under the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Pamana ng Pilipino, Banaag, and Kaanib ng Bayan categories.

“Our Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Pamana ng Pilipino, at Banaag awardees have ventured to foreign lands far away, faced challenges headon, and triumphantly managed to excel in every endeavor that they have undertaken,” the Chief Executive said.

“Your stories continue to inspire us to make a difference and to rise above whatever adversity we face,” he added.

The Kaanib ng Bayan awardees were also lauded for their compassion and

support for Filipino communities.

Mr. Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of overseas Filipinos through strengthened labor agreements, anti-trafficking campaigns, and initiatives like the One Repatriation Command Center.

He acknowledged the globalized nature of modern labor, noting that millions of Filipinos cross borders annually for work.

“Our dream is to one day make overseas work a choice rather than a necessity,” he said.

Mr, Marcos concluded by urging Filipinos worldwide to emulate the awardees’ resolve and contributions to societal progress. He also enjoined them to reconnect with their roots during the holiday season.

“I invite you to revisit the beauty of our country, the richness of our culture, and the warmth of our people,” he said.

The ceremony coincided with the celebration of Overseas Filipino Month this December. The President extended his congratulations and gratitude to the awardees, saying, their awards were well-deserved.

Pagcor says there’ll be no more POGO licenses after Dec. 15, 2024

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) on Wednesday gave assurance that all remaining licenses of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will be revoked by Dec. 15, following a directive from President Marcos to close all POGO operations nationwide,

During a press briefing at Malacañang, Pagcor chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro Tengco confirmed that no POGO licenses will remain active beyond 2024.

“On Dec. 15, four days from now, all POGO licenses will be cancelled,” Tengco said.

“There will also be no renewal of permits for 2025. By Jan. 1, 2025, no one will have a valid Pagcor license,” he added. The decision puts to rest the President’s pronouncement in his State of the Nation Address

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has welcomed President Marcos’ directive to grant P20,000 as service recognition incentive (SRI) for public school teachers and non-teaching employees.

The presidential order raised the SRI from P18,000 to P20,000, benefitting an estimated 1,011,800 DepEd personnel.

“We thank President Marcos Jr. for his unparalleled dedication to uplifting the welfare of our teachers and personnel. His genuine concern for education and his heart for our teacher have once again prioritized the needs of those shap-

(SONA) to ban POGOs due to concerns over regulatory issues and social impact. According to Tengco, Pagcor has significantly reduced the number of POGO operators and service providers from over 300 to just seven remaining license holders.

“As of today, only seven operators have active Pagcor licenses. Many have voluntarily ceased operations and requested license cancellations,” Tengco said. Tengco explained that the closure of POGO operations included coordination with the Bureau of Immigration to downgrade work visas for former POGO operators, ensuring a smooth transition. Pagcor officials reiterated that any claims by entities regarding valid POGO licenses after Dec. 15 are not valid. Charles Dantes

ing the future of our nation,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said. At the same time, Angara affirmed his commitment to work closely with Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to ensure the successful implementation of the increased SRI without losing sight of fiscal policies.

Pangandaman has said the DBM will look into the necessary funding mechanisms to finalize the implementation process and release of funds of the SRI for the DepEd personnel.

“This is a big help to teachers and non-teaching personnel for their preparation for Christmas.

OPINION

Miru-miru is no biru-biro

PARDON the Taglish, and apologies to VP Sara for paraphrasing her “no joke; no joke” in this article, but believe me, this 2025 Comelec-sponsored election system called Miru from the strife-torn but wealthy South Korea is no joke.

Firstly, the Comelec decided to ban Smartmatic, whose machines were first used in 2010 when the public elected the honest PNoy, in 2013 when they chose to elevate MTRCB head Grace Poe to the Senate, in 2016 when they chose Rodrigo Roa Duterte to preside over the country’s affairs, in 2019 to elect Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe otra vez and political newbie Bong Go to the chamber of the “august,” and in 2022 when BbM and Sara swept the elections. But for some unwarranted noises here and there, we have been ruled by three presidents and a legion of other officials whose victories Comelec promulgated via Smartmatic.

But last year, the same Comelec disqualified Smartmatic, not because of Biliran’s Glenn Chong revealing an alleged meeting between Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos with its officials prior to the 2022 elections, and neither because Eliseo Rio et al. questioned the reliability of the results that gave BbM-Sara a historic win.

It was disqualified because of accusations of having “bribed” former Comelec Chair Andres Bautista in 2016, for which conviction is still years away, if at all. Are the grounds germane to the matter of disqualifying the service provider? No, any para-legal will aver, but Comelec thinks it is enough reason to pursue the services of a lone bidder, Miru of Korea whose past record in, of all places, the Congo and Iraq, have been proven unsatisfactory.

Now, to qualify for the 60-40 Constitutionally required capital participation, Korea’s Miru partnered with a St. Timothy Construction Corporation, among others, to provide the needed financial muscle to comply for such a huge undertaking. The construction firm named after a saint is owned by the same people behind another “saintly” company named after St. Gerard, a Quad A construction company which bids for almost any of the DPWH project.

But the owners of St. Timothy withdrew from the partnership, and its owners decided to run its VP and CFO, Sarah (to differentiate from Inday Sara) Discaya against the hyper-popular Vico Sotto in the City of Pasig where both “saintly” corporations are located. With financial muscle withdrawn from the joint venture with Comelec, is the original contract to lease the machines for a few pesos below 18 billion still valid?

Any para-legal can tell you the contract is dissolved, but Comelec led by “legal beagles” says go ahead, and Miru’s Korean owners say they will get a new partner, which, as of this writing, neither parties to the contract have pub-

licly announced.

And any paralegal will tell you that a new contract will need to be drawn if indeed Miru has a new Filipino-owned corporate partner.

Now 18 billion is far too big an amount. VP Sara’s questioned CIF is a mere 625 million, very much smaller even if it used Mary Grace Piattos instead of invoking two saints in their undertaking. And 18 billion is four times bigger than the CIF of our President, mismo!

Our Supreme Court deemed the Miru-St. Timothy-Comelec contract violative of law, yet did not bar the Comelec from proceeding because time is of the essence

Further, Comelec ditched the still usable machines worth 6 billion which it purchased from American Smartmatic to lease Miru’s prototype for 18 billion, three times more!

What justifies such a quantum jump?

Miru will provide optical readers attached to the vote machine, where the voter can view his kilometric ballot in a monitor as large as a laptop screen. Such differing technology justifies a marginal cost of 12 billion pesos?

But wait! Because voters will have difficulty verifying their vote in the screen and, intentionally or not, deprive the long line of voters their turn, as they check the veracity of their recorded vote, Comelec decided to not utilize the monitors except in the 70 overseas centers, out of the 120,000 machines they ordered from Miru.

Back we will go to the small printouts which Smartmatic likewise provided in the past. This is what the neveryet-tested-elsewhere OMR and DRE machines tailor-made technology for the Philippines will provide Comelec for an 18 billion-peso lease. Lease, not sale. I can go on and on trying to explain in layman’s terms how Miru is no birubiro, both in terms of reliability and humongous cost to us taxpayers, but my space is limited.

Maybe the feisty Waray-Waray, the Honorable Ombudsman Samuel Martires would want to motu propio investigate what could be a heist bigger than Napoles, a deal which strikes at the heart of our democratic choice of leaders.

Strangely, in a decision so weird even lawyers cannot comprehend, our Supreme Court deemed the Miru-St. Timothy-Comelec contract violative of law, yet did not bar the Comelec from proceeding because time is of the essence. Weird.

Changing the way we elect our Vice President

MAYBE it is time for us to ask ourselves whether we should be changing the way we elect our Vice President. We are perhaps the only country with a Presidential form of government where our Vice President can go against the President like what has been going on between the two of them to the extent that the VP even threatened to have the President, his wife and the Speaker of the House killed if something happens to her. Civility is already gone and it appears that all gloves are also off. This is possible because we elect our President and Vice President separately as mandated by our constitution.

Historically, we have seen many occasions wherein our Presidents and Vice Presidents do not see eye to eye politically but those differences have never gotten out of hand with threats of

EDITORIAL

Upholding human rights

THE nation joined the global community last Dec. 10 in commemorating International Human Rights Day. It’s timely and appropriate for the Philippine government to re-affirm its commitment to uphold and protect human rights that constitute a cornerstone of our democratic system of governance.

We have Article III of the 1987 Constitution that spells out the bill of rights.

At the outset, this section says that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Then it talks about the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable.

Further on, it provides that no law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Those are among the substantive rights that our fundamental law wants to be upheld at all times. But how does the State ensure that those

country’s reputation in the eyes of the international community of nations has already been tarnished.

bodily harm. Common sense will tell us that we cannot afford our two highest elected officials to be constantly bickering because this will only harm the interests of the country by diverting attention from more pressing national problems.

Civility is already gone and it appears that all gloves are also off

Just imagine what will happen to the country if VP Sarah Duterte continues attacking the administration until 2028. In fact we are already experiencing the effect of what is going on as our

Will this simmer down so the government can buckle down to attending the problems that the country is currently experiencing?

The way things are going, it is doubtful. Some groups have filed impeachment charges against the Vice President in spite of the call of PBBM that impeaching the VP will not solve anything and will only distract the country’s attention from more important issues.

Once filed, the process has to be followed and will take time before it is resolved with a verdict by the Senate. The Vice President for her part remains unbowed.

The best, however, is to find a solution so this kind of situation is permanently eliminated.

There are in fact some solutions to consider. One is changing the manner of electing our Vice President by perhaps aligning the process similar to the

rights are protected?

That’s where the constitutional body known as the Commission on Human Rights plays a key role.

It is time for the current dispensation to right the wrongs done during Rodrigo Duterte’s bloodthirsty rule and guarantee full respect for human rights

The CHR is an independent office with the power to investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and economic rights. It is also tasked to provide appropri-

way the United States is doing.

This way, we will not have a Vice President squabbling with his or her President like the way it is going on.

The United States realized the pitfalls of electing the two highest officials separately early on and, therefore, made their election in tandem beginning in 1804 with the ratification of the 12th amendment of their constitution.

For us, we have elected three Vice Presidents since 1987 from different parties. Our current President and Vice President did belong to the same party but had a very acrimonious parting that it has now gotten the country agitated. We will, of course, need to amend the Constitution which is a political minefield and difficult to do, but necessary to solve a major political problem which should no longer be allowed to continue.

This was in fact suggested before but no one followed it thru but with the present situation, now is perhaps the best time to do it. There will undoubtedly be some

ate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos living abroad, and provide preventive measures and legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection.

Apart from these, the CHR is also tasked with monitoring the government’s compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights.

But the CHR’s mandate is circumscribed by the lack of an enforcement mechanism that would allow it to prosecute human rights violators. It’s a toothless agency as all it can do for now is to recommend the filing of charges by the law enforcement agencies and the prosecution by the courts of law of human rights violators.

The protection of human rights in the country needs added impetus in light of human rights abuses particularly under the Duterte administration that waged a brutal war on illegal drugs and in the process committed thousands of extrajudicial killings.

If the previous administration trampled underfoot the Constitutional guarantees on human rights, it is time for the current dispensation to right the wrongs done during Rodrigo Duterte’s bloodthirsty rule and guarantee full respect for human rights in the years ahead.

people who would prefer not to disturb the current system because of the mistaken belief that a VP can be a counter balance to an abusive and corrupt President.

But as one writer said, that is not the job of a VP. Besides, looking at it from all angles, the benefits far outweigh the disbenefits.

To prove this, we simply have to look at all the previous administrations since 1987, most especially the current and the last administrations to compare how all the Vice Presidents performed their functions and their relationship with their Presidents.

In the last administration, the VP belonged to a different party but did not create problems for the administration even when she was thoroughly sidelined by her President. Instead, she labored quietly earning praises from various sectors.

We know all about the current situation. Originally allies but now sworn enemies. That should be lesson enough for the country. It’s time to change.

Taiwan: China expands military drills near island

TAIPEI – China has expanded military drills around Taiwan aimed at drawing “a red line” for the next US president, Taipei authorities said Wednesday, branding Beijing a “troublemaker”.

Beijing’s biggest maritime drills in years involve about 60 warships and 30 coast guard vessels deployed from near the southern islands of Japan to the South China Sea, a senior national security official told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

China has also ramped up military aircraft activity closer to Taiwan, with 100 sorties detected over the past two days, figures from the island’s defense ministry show.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the United States was monitoring China’s “latest activity” and would ensure “nobody does anything to change the status quo in the (Taiwan) Strait.”

There has been no public announcement by Beijing’s army or Chinese state media about increased military activity in the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, South China Sea or Western Pacific Ocean.

But a recent Pacific tour by Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te that included two stops in US territory drew fury from Beijing, which claims the democratic island as part of China’s territory. AFP

EXPANDED MILITARY DRILLS. A man stands before Taiwanese Navy ships anchored at the harbor in Keelung on Dec. 11. Taiwan said it had detected 53 Chinese

Cops blocked from raid on Yoon’s office

IN BRIEF

ICC to wrap up trial of feared Sudan chief

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The war crimes trial of a feared Sudanese militia chief accused of rape, murder, and torture across the Darfur region of Sudan during the country’s brutal civil war wraps up this week.

The International Criminal Court will hear three days of closing arguments from Wednesday in the case of Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, also known by the nom de guerre Ali Kushayb.

A leader of Sudan’s infamous Janjaweed militia, Abd-Al-Rahman faces 31 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Prosecutors have accused Abd-AlRahman, an ally of deposed Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir, of being an “energetic perpetrator” of murders in the Darfur war in 2003-04.

Described as the “colonel of colonels”, he is suspected of being responsible for brutal attacks on villages in the Wadi Salih area of Darfur in August 2003. AFP

NY gunman had manifesto railing

NEW YORK – The man charged with brazenly gunning down a top health insurance CEO in New York carried a handwritten manifesto of grievances against the industry, police said Tuesday, giving a possible motive for the first time.

Luigi Mangione, 26, yelled and struggled with officers as he was led into court in Pennsylvania wearing an orange jumpsuit, for a hearing on extraditing him back to New York.

He is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street last week, triggering a nationwide manhunt that ended Monday when he was recognized at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Mangione fought his extradition to New York, a complaint which Blair County prosecutor Peter Weeks described as creating “more hoops... to jump through”, and a judge denied him bail as the process continues. AFP

Ethnic armed group claims control of border region

BANGKOK – A Myanmar ethnic armed group has claimed complete control of a key region along the Bangladesh border, piling further pressure on the junta battling opponents elsewhere across the country. Fighting has rocked western Rakhine state since the Arakan Army (AA) attacked security forces in November last year, ending a ceasefire that had largely held since the junta’s 2021 coup.

AA fighters have seized swathes of territory in the state that is home to China and India-backed port projects and all but cut off state capital Sittwe.

A statement released by the AA late Tuesday said the group had “completely controlled the whole region of Maungdaw” -- a district home to more than 110,000 people according to the last census -- since Sunday. The last junta base near Maungdaw town had fallen early Sunday after almost two months of fighting, it said, adding it had arrested a number of junta soldiers including the base commander. AFP

THOUSANDS EVACUATE. An inmate firecrew walks up a hill to battle the Franklin Fire as it grows in Malibu, California, on Dec 10. The fire tore through Malibu destroying homes and forcing thousands to evacuate one of the most sought-after areas in the US. Multimillion-dollar properties, some owned by Hollywood celebrities, were in the path of the blaze, which exploded overnight, fanned by powerful winds and tinder-dry brush. AFP

SEOUL – South Korean police said Wednesday security guards were blocking a raid on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s offices to investigate his brief imposition of martial law.

Yoon is already banned from foreign travel as part of an “insurrection” probe into his inner circle over the dramatic events of Dec. 3-4 that stunned South Korea’s allies.

Police said earlier that a Special Investigation Team “has conducted a raid” on the presidential office, on different police agencies and on the National Assembly Security Service.

But later a spokesperson said that investigators had “gained access to its civil services office. However, we are currently unable to enter the main building due to access restrictions imposed by the presidential security guards.”

The president’s office was not immediately available for comment on Wednesday.

Prison authorities, meanwhile, said that former defense minister Kim Yong-hyun tried to kill himself shortly before his formal arrest late Tuesday.

Kim, who is accused of suggesting to Yoon to impose martial law, was first detained on Sunday, and later formally arrested on charges of “engaging in critical duties during an insurrection” and “abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights.”

He had said through his lawyers that his subordinates were “following my orders”.

The justice ministry and a prison official said he was in good health on Wednesday.

The former interior minister and the general in charge of the martial law operation are also barred from foreign travel. Two senior police officials were arrested early Wednesday. North Korean state media on Wednesday made its first comments.

“The shocking incident of the puppet Yoon Suk Yeol, who is facing impeachment and a governance crisis, suddenly declaring a martial law decree and unhesitatingly wielding the guns and knives of its fascist dictatorship wrought chaos across South Korea,” a commentary said.

Yoon had said his declaration of martial law was intended, in part, to safeguard South Korea “from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and eliminate anti-state elements”. Relations between the two Koreas have been at one of their lowest points in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles in violation of UN sanctions.

Former defense minister Kim had been accused by opposition lawmakers of calling for strikes on sites from which North Korea was launching trash-carrying balloons, an order reportedly refused by his subordinates. AFP

Wildfire in Malibu destroys homes, sends thousands fleeing

MALIBU, California – A ferocious fire tore through Malibu on Tuesday, destroying at least seven homes in one of California’s most desirable areas, and forcing thousands to evacuate.

Multimillion-dollar properties, some owned by Hollywood celebrities, were in the path of the blaze, which exploded late Monday, fanned by powerful winds and tinder-dry brush. Firefighters were unable to get a foot-

hold in the steep canyons that surround the tony enclave near Los Angeles, where towering flames were devouring hillsides, blanketing the air in choking smoke.

“We were completely surrounded,” resident Alec Gellis told broadcaster KTLA.

“It was like 11 pm. We hear people screaming. I walk outside -- the sky is bright red.

“It got pretty scary at one point.”

“Within 45 minutes, it’s coming down the hillside and then within an hour after that, we’re fully surrounded, houses burning down on one side. Ridge is burning on the other side, mountains all around us.

Prosecutor fights Trump bid to nix hush money conviction

NEW YORK – Manhattan prosecutors renewed their opposition Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) to Presidentelect Donald Trump’s efforts to quash his hush money conviction, but accepted pausing the case while he is president. Trump has long opposed the criminal process brought against him after he paid a porn star for her silence and then covered up the payments in an effort to boost his chances in 2016’s election. Juan Merchan, the judge in the only criminal case against Trump that has gone to trial, indefinitely postponed Trump’s sentencing at a hearing on Nov. 22, given his win in the Nov. 5 presidential election. The court “should reject defendant’s

Law enforcement officers have ordered thousands of people to leave their homes, with many more told to be ready to flee if conditions worsen.

“Fire can be extremely unpredictable, and we highly encourage residents in the fire areas to be prepared. Have a plan and heed our evacuation warnings and orders.”

Deputies had gone door-to-door urging people to get out as the flames began to spread on Monday night. AFP

“There are approximately 20,000 affected citizens under evacuation orders and evacuation warnings,” said Captain Jennifer Seeto of Los Angeles County Sheriff.

CHR backs UN call to review killings, cases against media

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday backed the urgent appeal of the United Nations to look into the cases of journalists with legal suits and incidents of media killings.

In a statement, the CHR acknowledged the call of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom and Expression Irene Khan urging the Philippine government to review those cases.

IN BRIEF

Airport execs warn vs. bringing contraband

AIRPORT authorities urged passengers not to bring firearms or other banned items to prevent flight delays and inconvenience this holiday season.

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) made the appeal as the agency continued to apprehend people carrying prohibited items at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

OTS screening officers Charline Advincula and Alvin Jacob Mendoza recently caught a passenger in possession of an empty bullet at NAIA Terminal 1. The passenger, en route to Dubai via Philippine Airlines Flight PR658, was undergoing the usual x-ray screening when the OTS agents detected a suspected prohibited item on a monitor.

OTS officers discovered an empty bullet shell, a prohibited item on a plane, which was surrendered by the passenger and handed over to the Police-Aviation Security Group for proper disposition.

red-tagging to ensure the protection of media workers ad human rights defenders and the upholding of justice and due process,” the CHR said.

“As the country’s independent national human rights institution, CHR underscores the importance of swift and impartial processes to secure justice for media workers subjected to alleged fabricated charges and arbitrary detention,” the CHR said.

“To date, these allegations remain unproven in court, leaving Cumpio and her co-detainees, Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abingunia, in a state of uncertainty and deprivation of liberty,” CHR said. Khan, who visited the Philippines earlier this year, brought attention to pressing issues related to freedom of opinion and expression.

The UN Special Rapporteur highlighted the prolonged detention of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who was arrested on Feb. 7, 2020 in Tacloban City for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives as well as for financing terrorism.

By Ratziel San Juan

THE Civil Service Commission

(CSC) has issued the Revised Dress Code for government workers when performing official duties, whether on or off government premises.

The new rules are said to address emerging social issues like gender equality, disability inclusion, and social diversity.

The Revised Dress Code prescribes that government officials and employees must wear ASEANinspired attire or clothing influenced by the traditional garments of ASEAN member states, including the Philippines. They may likewise wear Filipiniana-inspired outfits reflecting Filipino culture and agencyprescribed office uniforms.

The official attire must be in accordance with the following schedule: ASEAN-inspired clothing on the first Monday of the month; Filipiniana-inspired clothing from second to fourth Mondays of the month; agency-prescribed office uniform from Tuesday to Friday and on weekends; and smart casual attire on days without agency-prescribed uniform.

Government agencies are mandated to prescribe suitable agency uniforms.

Meanwhile, Philippine Tropical Fabrics must be used for the set of uniforms or a part thereof, not as a mere clothing embellishment or adornment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must also be provided for employees exposed to occupational hazards.

Officials and employees may opt to wear the agency-prescribed uniform that aligns with their gender preferences, identity, and expression.

The CSC likewise reminded stakeholders that the Anti-Red Tape Act Identification card must be worn during office hours or on official duty as it forms part of the agency-prescribed office uniform. As for grooming requirements like hairstyle, haircut, or hair color, these may only be mandated if they are necessary for safety, professionalism, uniformity, branding, or client preferences.

the less

Silang,

in collaboration with the Merciful Sisters of Silang.

During her engagements, she consulted with various stakeholders, including the CHR, relevant government agencies, civil society organizations, and private entities as facilitated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“Her findings highlight the necessity of addressing practices such as

“While the Commission recognizes the current administration’s steps to promote freedom of expression and defend the rights of the press, we emphasize our call to duty-bearers to ensure that Cumpio, along with all journalists and human rights defenders in similar circumstances, receive a timely and fair trial. We believe that giving due attention to the case of Cumpio not only helps restore faith in the rule of law but also provides an opportunity to strengthen the Philippines’ commitment to its human rights obligations,” it added.

P80m debt of Cordillera farmers condoned

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform has wiped out P80.17 million in agrarian debt of farmers from the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The condonation has provided relief to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who have carried financial burdens for nearly six decades.

The agency announced the issuance of 1,944 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages (CoCRoM), which erased debts for

THE Sarangani Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of Alsons Power based in Maasim, remitted over P50 million in special taxes to the Maasim Municipal Government during the first three quarters of 2024.

Maasim, Sarangani Vice Mayor

Visitacion Nambatac thanked Alsons Power Group, the power business unit of the Alcantara Group, for its pivotal role in driving the municipality’s growth and development over the years.

“These remittances empower us to implement essential projects that benefit our constituents, from infrastructure development to social services,” Nambatac said.

The vice mayor, along with Municipal Treasurer Editha Mamintas, received the check representing the

1,421 ARBs in the region.

DAR Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Castil Jr. urged the beneficiaries to maximize the potential of their lands for the benefit of their families and communities.

“The dreams of farmers are the dreams of this nation,” he said, echoing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s remarks on the vital role of farmers in national food security.

The debt condonation is part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipa-

two percent Gross Income Tax (GIT) share from SEC. SEC, a 237-megawatt state-ofthe-art fluidized bed coal-fired power plant, operates within the Kamanga Agro-Industrial Economic Zone (KAIEDC) in Maasim, Sarangani.

Its GIT remittance complies with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority law, which mandates a 2% special tax on the gross income of companies in economic zones, ensuring local communities benefit from these activities.

Nambatac emphasized how SEC’s contributions align with Maasim’s development goals, enabling the local government to fund more projects that improve residents’ quality of life.

tion Act, signed by President Marcos last year.

The law condones loans, interest, penalties, and surcharges from lands awarded under previous agrarian reform laws.

In addition to the debt relief, DAR awarded 579 land titles covering 371.9 hectares to 515 ARBs across CAR and provided PHP90 million in support services, including farm-tomarket roads and farm equipment, to improve productivity and market access.

The passenger was later allowed to board his flight after he surrendered the restricted item. Joel E. Zurbano

Immigration deports 2 high-profile fugitives

THE Bureau of Immigration intercepted two high-profile foreign fugitives who attempted to enter the country and were immediately deported back to their ports of origin.

BI chief Joel Anthony Viado said Japanese national Sasaki Yohei was deported after Tokyo authorities tagged him as a member of a Cambodia-based telecom fraud syndicate engaged in kidnapping, illegal detention, extortion, and fraud. He was not allowed to enter the country on December 10 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1. On the other hand, Australian Rodrigo Elices was intercepted at the NAIA Terminal 3 after he arrived from Abu Dhabi after BI officers learned that he is subject of a red notice from the Interpol.

Elices is a member of the notorious “Hells Angels” gang, an internationally-outlawed club of motorcycle riders allegedly involved in organized crime, including drug trafficking. Vito Barcelo

Bataan OKs subsidies for Bagac, Mariveles THE Bataan Sangguniang Panlalawigan presided by Vice Gov. Cris Garcia recently passed a resolution granting financial subsidies to the municipalities of Bagac and Mariveles. The subsidy is part of a capacity-building program aimed at enhancing the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management capabilities of local government units. The program sought to strengthen local disaster response and ensure LGUs can respond swiftly and effectively during calamities. This initiative underscored the importance of empowering local governments with the necessary resources and expertise to mitigate disaster risks and safeguard lives and property.

Butch Gunio

SKY COMES ALIVE. A colorful post sunset glow is seen in Baguio City, catching the attention of photography enthusiasts. Dave Leprozo

IS WEEK’S BEST.

to Joshua

3 to 8.

has cranked up its

the league’s premier two-way

and

Dominant PH fencers rule

SEA tourney with 6 golds

By Randy Caluag

THE Philippine fencing team made a stunning display of dominance at the recent Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Championships 2024 held recently at the Tan Sri Hamzah Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Veteran fencers Nathaniel Perez and Noelito Jose led the charge, securing gold medals in their respective events as the Philippines emerged the overall top performer with six gold medals. Perez, a seasoned campaigner, outclassed his opponents in the men’s in-

dividual foil, showcasing exceptional skill and tactical acumen. Jose, on the other hand, dominated the men’s individual epee, delivering

decisive blows to his rivals.

The Philippine women’s team also proved their mettle.

Bing Lozada clinched the gold

BRIGETTE Santos delivered a career-defining performance in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Finals, leading defending champion University of Santo Tomas to a thrilling 78-68 victory over National University to force a winner-take-all Game 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday. Santos, a third-year guard from UST High School, poured in a career-best 27 points, along with four assists and two steals.

FILIPINO FIDE Master Chris-

medal in women’s foil, defeating her compatriot Janna Catantan in an allFilipino final.

Charmaine Andres, a talented Filipino-American fencer, secured the gold in women’s saber, showcasing her superior technique and speed.

The Philippine team also topped both the men’s and women’s foil, showcasing the depth and talent of the Filipino fencing squad.

The women’s team, composed of Lozada, Catantan sisters, and Hannah Belarmino, dominated their opponents. The men’s team, led by Perez and the Felipe brothers, fought tooth and nail to secure their victory.

Philippine Fencing Association president Rene Gacuma expressed immense pride in the team’s performance and highlighted its significance for future competitions.

“This is a positive indication of our preparations for next year’s SEA Games,” he said.

PH opens ASEAN tilt bid against Myanmar

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine national men’s football team is a work in progress, going into their first game at home in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024. The changes that the squad went through will be seen as the Philippine side clashes with Myanmar at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.

“We are excited. It’s a very important game, being my first game at home,” said national coach Albert Capellas, who will debut on his first home game for the Philippines.

Veterans like Geritt Holtmann, Manny Ott, Kevin Ingreso, Kevin Mendoza, and Dylan Demuynck will be part of the 26-man lineup that Capellas recently unveiled.

Many Filipino players seeing action in overseas leagues are not around and the Philippine Football Federation was not able to secure their release from their mother clubs in time.

Myanmar, also known as the Chinthe and handled by coaching legend Myo Hlaing Win, fell in a 0-1 loss to Indonesia on home soil at the Thuwunna Stadium on Monday in Yangon. Myo, who brought a new generation of star strikers Kyaw Ko Ko and Aung Thu, said the squad will seek to bounce back from their loss to Indonesia.

“We are preparing. We will try to win tomorrow,” said Myo, who used to be a top scorer for the Myanmar side, when he last played back in 1998.

The Philippines won over the Chinthes, 3-2, in the 2021 AFF-Suzuki Cup in Singapore.

“This is very different team now. We are focused on what this team will do. They are very good and experienced,” added Myo.

caoch as NU barely won the rebounding battle against UST, 46-41.

The

tian Gian Karlo Arca drew with countryman Oscar Joseph Cantela in the ninth and final round and then edged Turkmenistan’s Serdar Bayramov via tiebreak to snare the blitz’ gold in the 18th Asian Schools Chess Championships in Bangkok, Thailand Tuesday night. Arca wound up tied with Bayramov at first place with 7.5 points each, but took the gold via the winoverthe-other-rule since the former defeated the latter in the third round.

Missing out on a bronze was fellow Filipino Cantela, who wound up tied for third with Mongolian FM Khishigbat Ulziikhishig but lost via tiebreak and finished at No. 4. The Philippines’ Lemmuel Jay Adena barged into the top 10 after scoring six points.

Arca’s feat came a few days after he plucked a pair of silver medals in the individual and team standard event alongside Cantela and Adena. Also delivering a medal were Arleah Cassandra Sapuan, Kate Nicole Ordizo and Beatrice Ann Bombales, who took the team bronze in the rapid event.

Rookie Karylle Sierba also rose to the occasion, showcasing her poise under pressure and scoring 15 of her 18 points in the fourth quarter, where the Growling Tigresses thwarted every rally attempt by the Lady Bulldogs and forced a rubber match on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UST aims for back-to-back crowns while NU seeks to regain the throne it lost last year.

“I’m very proud because it’s a team effort talaga from offense to defense. Regardless sa Game 3, sabi ko nga sa mga bata, sobrang proud ako sa kanila even in the first game kahit na talo kami. Nalungkot lang kami though walang regrets talaga,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.

“Even though we’re undersized, undermanned,

BAGUIO—Eastridge Primehomes bounced back in a big way, behind Jhondie Quibol’s exceptional 45 points as it pooled a superb second round 158 points to wrest a five-shot advantage in Fil Championship of the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational held at Camp John Hay here on Wednesday. Quibol’s score, which includes an eagle on No. 9 with eight birdies and a lone bogey, and the team’s output are now the best scores in a single round in Fil-Am history. With its 139 on the first day, Eastridge now holds a two-day haul of 297. Manila Southwoods is close by with 292 and erstwhile leader Januarius Private Equity slid to third with 289.

no foreign student-athlete, pinakita ng mga bata na kaya namin,” added the former national team head

“Thankful that we’re on top but there are two more playing days so it is far from over,” said Eastridge team captain Gimo Asuncion.

“It would be even tougher since we are going to Baguio Country Club,” he said, noting how difficult it is to play the shorter but tricky BCC layout. The Davao-bor Quibol was really on fire, draining six birdies on the back nine where he began. He added three birdies at the front and that eagle on the ninth where he holed in a 120-yard second shot that negated his one bogey on the seventh.

“The boys were motivated as they wanted to make up for the opening round performance and they truly did.” Asuncion also said. Jet Hernandez made 40 to lead the

Southwoods’ charge. Shin Suzuki, despite an aching back, contributed 39, while Fil-Briton Enrique Dimayuga and Miko Granada added 38 and 36 for 153 and 292.

“It is good thing we have two days to catch up. I am happy that my boys are scoring progressively,” said Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escaño.

Januarius assembled 140 on Terence Macatangay’s 37, Ayon Sanchez’s 36, Masa Otake’s 34 and Kirby Lachica’s 30. “The guys are eager to come back and score better at BCC,” Januarius team manager Paolo Cagalingan said. Batangas Barakos (112-234) still holds sway in the AM Championship which was played at BCC, while Manila Southwoods is second with 120-233.

Growling Tigresses came out firing in the first half, building a commanding 24-9 lead. However, the Lady Bulldogs, led by Rookie of the Year Cielo Pagdulagan, clawed their way back and cut the deficit to seven at halftime, 32-25. NU seized the lead at the end of the third quarter, 49-48, but Santos and Sierba refused to back down. With UST clinging to a slim 66-62 lead with 3:53 remaining, the duo combined for nine points in a 12-6 run that sealed the win and extended the series.

“Gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa teammates ko at especially sa coaches namin na hindi sila nagsawang gabayan kami sa araw-araw na pagsasama namin sa training. Alam namin na binigay nila ‘yung best nila so nasa amin na ‘yung gawa. Kami ang gagawa para manalo kami,” said an emotional Santos.

MUNZON

NorthPort

defensive game en route to posting its best-ever start of 4-0 in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup, thanks

Munzon, one of

players

recipient of the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week citation for the period Dec.

Munzon, a member of the All-Defensive Team last season, served as a strong anchor as the Batang Pier outdueled contenders Magnolia and TNT to keep their unbeaten run in the mid-season conference going.

The victorious national team fencers display the Philippine ag.

Jhondie Quibol of Eastridge

Myanmar coach Myo Hlaing Win

UST’s Brigette Santos

FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca

6.0% 6.2% 5.8%

2024 ADB growth forecast for PH

2025 ADB growth forecast for PH

Average growth in 3 quarters of 2024

BSP assures public of enough banknotes, coins during holidays

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday assured the public of sufficient supply of fresh banknotes and coins to meet the anticipated surge in demand during the Christmas season.

Holidays usually usher in an increased demand for new and clean banknotes and coins, as Filipinos traditionally give cash gifts or aguinaldo to their godchildren, families and friends.

The BSP reminded the public that exchanging banknotes and coins, including unfit currencies, for crisp ones with their depository banks is free of charge.

It also encourages the public to consider sending e-aguinaldo instead of physical cash.

Sending cash gifts electronically is convenient and efficient, and it promotes a more digital and inclusive Philippine economy, the BSP said.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) developed Paleng-QR Ph program to build the digital payments ecosystem in the country by promoting cashless payments in public markets and local transportation. Darwin G. Amojelar

ADB maintains economic growth forecasts for PH

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday kept its economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year and next, as household consumption and investment continue to drive the economy.

The Manila-based lender, in its December 2024 Asian Development Outlook, said the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), is expected grow by 6 percent in 2024 and 6.2 percent in 2025. GDP growth averaged 5.8 percent in the first three quarters of 2024 and 5.5 percent in 2023. The government targets a GDP growth of 6 percent to 6.5 percent this

year and 6 percent to 8 percent next year. The ADB expects inflation to settle at 3.3 percent this year and 3.2 percent in 2025. It also said Asia and the Pacific’s economic growth would remain steady this year and next, but the US policy changes under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump are likely to affect the

region’s longer-term outlook.

The report said changes to US trade, fiscal and immigration policies could dent growth and add to inflation in developing Asia and the Pacific.

Because these significant policy changes are expected to take time and be rolled out gradually, the effects on the region would most likely materialize from 2026. Impacts could be seen sooner if the policies are implemented earlier and more rapidly than expected, or if US-based companies front-load imports to avoid potential tariffs, it said.

Developing Asia and the Pacific’s economies are projected to grow by 4.9 percent in 2024, slightly below ADB’s September forecast of 5 percent, according to the report.

GRAB Philippines said Wednesday it will enforce stricter policies by the first quarter of 2025 to minimize cancellations and enhance the platform experience.

“Grab is taking decisive steps to further reduce cancellations and improve the overall platform experience,” Grab said in a statement.

“Current policies already penalize drivers and passengers for excessive cancellations, with repeat-

ed violations leading to account suspensions,” it said.

It said that by the first quarter of 2025, it would implement a revamped cancellation policy developed in consultation with driver communities and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LFRB.)

“The new guidelines will limit cancellations to specific circumstances, such as traffic or emer-

400 firms seen listing in PSE with shorter process

By Jenniffer B. Austria

AROUND 400 companies, including state-owned enterprises, could list in the local bourse if the corporate regulators strengthen measures that would make the process more attractive.

An assessment by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the Philippine capital market said one of the barriers to listing is the perception that public equity offerings involve a lengthy process both by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

To address this perception, the OECD said SEC and PSE could pursue a joint initiative to shorten the process. Regulators may also commit to a shorter approval period for initial public offerings (IPOs), providing companies greater certainty and predictability and encouraging more to go public.

Grab vows to enforce stricter policies in early 2025 BAI confirms bird flu case in Camarines Norte

By Othel V. Campos

THE Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) confirmed that it detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Type A Subtype H5N2 at a duck farm in Talisay, Camarines Norte.

The case reported on Dec. 6, 2024 by the Animal Disease Diagnosis and Reference Laboratory (ADDRL) underwent routine surveillance by the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional field office V (RFO V).

This marks the first recorded avian influenza case in the province.

BAI recommended stringent quarantine and biosecurity measures to contain the virus.

gencies, within a defined timeframe,” Grab said.

“Stricter penalties will also be enforced for drivers who abuse the system by canceling excessively or asking passengers to cancel rides on their behalf,” it said.

These changes underscore Grab’s commitment to balancing the needs of passengers and drivers while ensuring a seamless and fair experience for all. Darwin

G. Amojelar

It said the affected farm had initiated culling operations, with all remaining birds set for disposal. Surveillance within the 1-kilometer zone around the farm was expected to conclude on Dec. 11.

A comprehensive investigation is underway to trace bird movements and assess additional risks, BAI said. The DA-RFO V Command Center was activated to coordinate containment efforts, while the Regional Quick Response Team for Animal Disease and Emergencies (RQRTADE) reviewed protocols under the Avian Influenza Protection Program (AIPP).

The local bourse has relatively fewer number of listed firms compared to other Southeast Asian countries. It also lags behind other countries in terms of frequency and size of initial public offerings. Meanwhile, the OECD noted that the bond market could serve as another vital source of financing for corporations through streamlined registration processes and improved transparency by local credit ratings agencies.

“I am optimistic that there is a clear momentum in the Philippine economy, that many important reforms already in the works will also support capital markets and that there is a genuine will to address perceived areas for improvement,” said Carmine Di Noia, OECD director for financial and enterprise affairs in his presentation of the report.

The SEC requested OECD in 2023 to make an in-depth study and provide an objective, third-party and globally-informed perspective of the Philippine capital market to ensure sustainable economic growth.

“The SEC welcomes the assessment by the OECD of the market conditions and issues that have shaped our financial system over the years,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said.

“The report serves as a helpful guide for the SEC and affirms some of the priority areas that we have identified in order to bring us at par with our Asian peers. We remain committed to fostering a robust and dynamic capital market, consistent with our goal of becoming one of the best in Southeast Asia,” he said.

in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

TAMARAW CONSERVATION. Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF), the social and humanitarian arm of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP), signs a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to support the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP). Signing the agreement are (from left) TMP Foundation president Jose Maria Aligada, TMP president Masando Hashimoto, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga and DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna.

Stocks retreat, peso drops to 58.28 a dollar

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks declined Wednesday as investors turned cautious ahead of the release of US inflation report which will be a key indicator for possible US Federal Reserve policy decision.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index plunged 82.11 points, or 1.22 percent, to close at 6,642.71, while the broader all-shares index declined by 27.25 points, or 0.72 percent, to settle at 3,758.55.

The peso also retreated to 58.28 against the US dollar Wednesday from 58.01 Tuesday.

“Local shares fell back below the 6,700 level once more as traders evaluated the year-end rally and awaited Wednesday’s consumer price index report, expected to show a 0.3 percent monthly and 2.7 percent annual rise. The data could influence the Fed’s Dec. 17 to 18 policy decisions,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said stocks also ended lower after the World Bank reduced its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth outlook to 5.9 percent from 6 percent on possible trade disruption and geopolitical conflict risks next year. Among the sectors, only the financial index ended in the green, rising by 0.21 percent. Services declined by 2.37 percent, followed by property by 1.45 percent, holding firms by 1.42 percent and mining and oil by 0.58 percent.

Value of trading was moderate at P4.7 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, with net outflows reaching P497.83 million.

Century Pacific Food Inc. led index members, rising 2.02 percent to P42.85, while Wilcon Depot Inc. was the worst index performer, declining by 4.96 percent to P13.02. Meanwhile, Asian markets diverged

on Wednesday ahead of US inflation data that could play a key role in the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision next week, while traders were also keeping tabs on Beijing, hoping for more economic support measures.

Seoul extended Tuesday’s rebound rally, though political uncertainty after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law kept the won under pressure around two-year lows against the dollar.

Investors were taking a breather after a run of volatility in recent weeks fueled by a range of issues including Donald Trump’s re-election, the crisis in South Korea, upheaval in the Middle East and ongoing worries about China’s economy.

All three main Wall Street indexes ended in the red Tuesday, with analysts pointing to profit-taking from a string of records, with the focus now on the consumer price index release due later in the day.

While the reading is expected to show a slight pick-up, there is still a strong expectation the US central bank will cut rates for a third straight meeting next week.

“The holiday season is in full swing, and like countless children around the world wishing for something special from jolly old Saint Nick, equity markets are hoping the US Federal Reserve will bring them a comfy-cosy interest rate cut,” said Saira Malik, chief investment officer at asset manager Nuveen.

However, there is speculation that monetary policymakers will not make as many reductions next year as previously expected amid fears that Trump’s planned tax cuts, deregulation and tariff hikes will reignite inflation.

Beijing’s attempts to kickstart growth are also in view, with leaders expected to gather Wednesday for a two-day Central Economic Work Conference aimed at hammering out the agenda for next year. With AFP

Kultura marks 20 years of enabling MSMEs

KULTURA, which started out as the Philippine crafts section at the SM Store in Makati City in 2004, has grown into 45 branches across the country over the past 20 years.

It is-home to traditional and modern Filipiniana and Barong, authentic South Sea and freshwater pearls, souvenirs, local delicacies, sustainable home décor and natural wellness es

sentials. Kultura’s expansion also led to the growth of its suppliers.

“Aligned with the SM group, we work with micro, small and medium enterprises, bridging them to our customers. Many of our partners have been with us from the start,” said Kultura senior assistant vice president for operations Sheila Tan.

These partners, in turn, provide sustainable livelihood and opportunities that consequently improve the lives of their workers. “We aspire to be the home of social enterprises,” Tan said.

Among Kultura’s long-time partners is Joy Soriano, founder of Zyrrah’s Arts and Crafts, who began her passion with local handicraft in the 1970s.

“I started trading various handcrafted Philippine products such as bags and shoes using fabrics from

the north, designing my own shoes and bags and offering them to various foreign friends. However, my first buyer was SM in the Quiapo office,” Soriano said.

Fast forward to 2013, Soriano participated at a famous trade show.

“That was the start of our collaboration. After the first order, we were asked to present samples on a monthly basis. We strived to consistently come up with products for Kultura.”

Initially supplying to five Kultura branches, Zyrrah’s Arts and Crafts products are now available in 26 branches.

Soriano shares the same vision and values as Kultura. “We work to contribute to the economy by generating employment to the housewives and at-home mothers,” she said.

Zyrrah’s Arts and Crafts has a pool of 29 regular in-house capiz makers, a team of quality controllers, and office staff.

Soriano’s passion for capiz is palpable. “I love capiz and the products that we can make and develop out of it. Our country is endowed with bountiful materials from the sea; the versatility of capiz makes for very elegant houseware masterpieces,” she said.

Soriano said her capiz products

MARKET forces, whether we like it or not, are driving taxi fares higher—especially during rush hours.

Transport network vehicle services (TNVS) companies like Grab allow their drivers to charge the higher fare as an incentive. The increased charges compensate for the higher fuel consumption of Grab drivers in snail-like traffic.

But the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) does not see the merit of surcharges in cab fares. It is proposing to cut the surge fees by 50 percent to alleviate the plight of taxi commuters.

Grab drivers naturally will not agree to the idea of the LTFRB. To put it in proper context, the surge fees do not go to TNVS companies.

Drivers receive the bulk of them. Reducing surge rates does not hurt big corporations. Instead, it cripples the ability of drivers to earn a decent living.

Grab Philippines’ head of public affairs

also help in promoting the Philippines as a premium source of fine handcrafted products. She is working on the dream of “getting more orders and employing more people especially in the barangays.” Soriano said while she doesn’t earn much, “I am so happy to see that I give to the grass roots.”

Soriano sees that the “local market has increased its potential with various high-end chain of department stores wanting to carry our product line, especially the world-class capiz product range.”

Kultura echoes this sentiment, reflecting a growing movement to support local. “The attention now is on locally made. Different segments of the market have recognized the artistry of the Filipino craftsman, and their products are becoming more appreciated by locals. Maybe it’s also because millennials and Gen Zs are conscious about sustainability and are more likely to choose eco-friendly products,” said Tan.

Another partner, Cebu-based Hannah’s Handicraft, found a ready market in Kultura through bazaars and trade fairs under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

drivers during peak hours or the Christmas rush.

Tingson noted that the government allows surge pricing as long as Grab follows the parameters set by the LTFRB. The regulator knows fully well that the mechanism helps ensure there are enough drivers to meet the high demand for rides.

The ill-advised LTFRB proposal will hurt the industry and the commuters. Surge pricing aims to balance supply and demand during heavy traffic. It encourages more drivers to come out during the high-demand period.

If drivers pull out because of lower earnings, passengers will find fewer available rides and face longer waiting times and potentially higher stress levels in trying to secure transportation.

Surge pricing aims to balance supply and demand during heavy traffic.

Gio Tingson explains that over 80 percent of the surge income goes to the driver. The arrangement encourages Grab drivers to ply their trade even if traffic is at a standstill.

Rising fuel costs, increased vehicle maintenance expenses and the heavy traffic congestion in Metro Manila amid the holiday rush are the bane of taxi drivers. The surge fees ensure drivers are fairly compensated for the additional challenges they face. Removing or drastically cutting these fees would result in lower driver incomes and outright losses as well.

Paying surge rates, or increased road toll for that matter, is a consumer choice. Commuters have the option to forego Grab or any TNVS alternative and settle for the ordinary taxi. TNVS companies, though, offer better services and more convenience than the ordinary taxi.

A group calling itself TNVS Community Philippines (TCP) has warned that capping or reducing the surge fees could drive many TNVS operators off the road altogether. The surge fees actually offset the additional expenses borne by

The LTFRB proposal, instead of helping commuters, will ultimately leave passengers stranded when they need rides the most.

The LTFRB believes that adding TNVS slots can mitigate these problems. The regulator again is misjudging the situation.

Even if more TNVS drivers are accredited to ply the roads, they won’t accommodate the request of passengers if they receive little to no pay for their hard work.

Surge rate cuts hurt everyone. Drivers lose income and commuters lose their access to rides. The public transportation system loses a viable option.

Grab is an anomaly spawned by the pandemic in 2020, when people were cooped up in their homes and unable to leave their house. Now, its services have become the new normal―providing jobs and livelihood and creating a multiplier effect on the Philippine economy.

Grab, according the Asian Development Bank, is a key driving force in the Philippine economy. Its innovative service model provides flexible and substantial livelihood opportunities, offsetting a rise in unemployment, and helping thousands of Filipinos weather economic adversity. Thus, instead of pursuing rushed and shortsighted policies, the LTFRB should engage in an open dialogue with TNVS drivers and other stakeholders to find balanced solutions. We need a system that supports fair earnings for drivers while keeping transportation accessible to commuters. If the LTFRB pushes its agenda, we will all be left stranded—waiting for rides that will never come.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Colorful buri fans, made by housewives and at-home mothers, are available in Kultura, which now has 45 branches nationwide.

BUSINESS

ERC clears P2.58-b Capas substation project

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission

(ERC) approved transmission operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ P2.585-billion Capas 230 kV Substation Project.

“After due deliberation, the commission resolved to approve NGCP’s s proposed Capas 230 kV Substation Project in the instant application amounting to P2,585,715,560.39, subject to optimization during the reset process for the subsequent regulatory period, based on its actual use and usefulness and verified expenses for the optimized assets,

Shopee

bullish on next year’s e-commerce sales

By Othel V. Campos

SHOPEE Philippines said it expects strong growth in 2025, driven by a strategic shift from focusing solely on monthly sales to prioritizing user experience for both buyers and sellers.

The e-commerce platform continues to dominate the local market, holding the largest share among ecommerce platforms.

“Our recent 11.11 sale broke records compared to last year, highlighting the success of brands on our platform, even outperforming their brick-and-mortar counterparts,” Shopee corporate affairs head Erin Tagudin.

The upcoming 12.12 sale, Shopee’s last major sale event before Christmas, is expected to maintain the platform’s momentum, with up to 70-percent discounts offered on various products.

Tagudin said events like 12.12 have become key drivers of e-commerce growth in the country.

E-commerce remains a lucrative space in the Philippines, with brands increasingly allocating 15–16 percent of their budgets to online platforms, she said.

“Brands are choosing to leverage Shopee rather than setting up their own e-commerce operations because of the growth opportunities they see here,” Tagudin said.

According to Google Temasek projections, Southeast Asia’s ecommerce gross merchandise value (GMV) is expected to hit $159 billion by 2024, with existing customers driving 70 percent of the expansion.

following the procedures stated in the rules in setting the transmission wheeling rates and other relevant issuances of the Commission,” the ERC said.

The ERC said the load growth in Capas, Tarlac is expected to reach unprecedented levels due to the connection of Shin Clark Power Corp. (SCPC), the distribution utility for New Clark City (NCC), along with Tarlac Electric Cooperative I and II and Tarlac Electric Inc. (TEI).

“The proposed Capas 230 kV Substation Project aims to manage this growth and facilitate NCC’s connection to the Luzon Grid,” it said.

NGCP said it filed the application as part of its responsibility to construct, install, improve, expand and rehabilitate the nationwide transmis

sion system and the grid.

NGCP also ensures a reliable and high-performance operation of the transmission system.

“Thus, to avoid disruption of operation and ensure continuous compliance with NGCP’s mandate under the EPIRA [Electric Power Industry Reform Act] as the transmission operator, it is imperative that the implementation of the proposed capex projects be immediately approved,” it said.

ADB approves $500-m loan to augment budget

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday it approved a $500-million policybased loan to help the Philippines pursue its public financial management (PFM) reform agenda and ensure quality public services for the Filipino people.

The Public Financial Management Reform Program (Subprogram 1) will improve national budget frameworks, empower local governments and establish a PFM system in the country’s Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“This new program signifies the Philippine government’s commitment to building an open government founded on the principles of efficiency, transparency, accountability, and good governance,” said ADB Philippines country director Pavit Ramachandran.

“The program not only strengthens the efficiency and transparency of public funds, but also promotes private sector roles in public services, as well as climate resilience and preparedness for Filipinos,” he said.

The program is anchored in the government’s PFM Reforms Roadmap 2024‒2028, developed in partnership with ADB and endorsed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Its features include the digital transformation of PFM systems and creating an enabling regulatory framework

for public–private partnerships.

The program promotes the fair and effective devolution of public services under the Mandanas ruling and fosters local investments in climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

The Mandanas ruling mandates that all national taxes and other taxes and fees collected by the national government be considered in computing revenue allotments to local government units.

The program fosters peacebuilding in BARMM, recognizing that fiscal autonomy and accountability underpin trust between the Bangsamoro government and its citizens. It supports the Bangsamoro government’s own PFM systems, including local governance, budgeting and revenue frameworks.

The ADB, together with the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Secretariat and other development partners, will conduct the PEFA Assessment to guide the country’s PFM reform pathway.

Steel, shipbuilding, cement sectors to benefit from offshore wind projects

THE Philippine steel, shipbuilding and cement industries are expected to benefit from the development phase of offshore wind (OSW) power projects.

The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) on Wednesday launched the Philippine Offshore Wind Supply Chain report that showed key opportunities for growth in existing supply chain for OSW in the county.

It dives deep into the Philippines’ wind energy supply chain, identifying strengths and opportunities across three key sectors: shipbuilding, skilled labor and critical minerals, with a focus on transmission cables

and steel production.

Findings from the study show great business opportunities for the Philippines to tap on its strengths by scaling up or pivoting these sectors to support OSW development both domestically and across the region.

The report said Filipino companies have a significant opportunity to capture much of the market share in the development phase of OSW projects.

The Department of Energy approved 92 OSW contracts with an aggregate total potential capacity of 68 gigawatts.

“Steel and cement will be essential not only for offshore wind construc-

tion but also for port infrastructure. Vessels for surveys and site preparation are needed by 2025, while vessels for foundation installation, turbine installation, and cable laying will be required during the construction phase, which developers aim to begin by 2027/2028. This timeline highlights the need for the industry to start upgrading capabilities as early as 2025,” GWEC said.

It said the Philippines has strong steel manufacturing capabilities which could be transitioned into producing secondary steel components, with investment into the relevant equipment and training programs.

GWEC said being the fourth largest ship producer, the Philippines has 124 shipyards and around 48,000 employees at the end of 2022.

The industry produces small vessels for the domestic market and large vessels for international trade. Foreign-owned shipyards focus on vessel production while domestic ones specialize in repairs and maintenance.

“With sustained investment and training, the Philippines’ shipbuilding industry has the potential to broaden its capabilities and play a pivotal role in supporting offshore wind projects,” the report said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Las Piñas property taxpayers to get 10%

discount until March

LAS Piñas City real property tax payers will get a 10-percent discount on their 2025 annual real property tax (RPT) when they pay their taxes from Dec. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

Property owners can opt to pay for their real property taxes in full or through quarterly installments, the city government said.

It encourages taxpayers to take advantage of the discount by paying via Las Piñas Smart City mobile app where they can input the tax declaration number and property identification number or PIN and select the quarters that they want to pay.

The city government launched the web app to reduce the movement of taxpayers, ensuring their safety, and allowing payments to be made in the comfort of their homes.

THE Philippine Orthopaedic Association (POA) marked a milestone with its 75th Annual Congress held from Nov. 13 to 16, 2024 at the Edsa Shangri-La Manila.

Themed ‘Cutting Diamond: Looking Back and Moving Forward’, the diamond anniversary gathered the country’s leading orthopedic specialists, together with experts from other countries to share best practices and celebrate recent advancements and developments in orthopedic care.

The congress highlighted both the accomplishments and innovations shaping the field in the Philippines, reaffirming the POA’s commitment to excellence in patient care and professional development. POA past president Dr. Frederic Joseph Diyco highlighted one of the notable developments in the country’s thrust for better orthopedic care: the growth of sub-specialty organizations.

“With 75 years of history, we can look back and see how much local Orthopedics has evolved and changed for the better. Today, we see an increase in sub-specialization, as evidenced by the 10 sub-specialty societies within the Philippine Orthopaedic Association—with more emerging. Affiliate societies have also been formed, each focusing on distinct interests within orthopedics. The field is continuously advancing toward greater specialization,” Diyco said.

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar also appealed to the new real property owners in the city to put their records with city hall in order, “so that they will be able to receive official notices and pay the correct taxes on time.”

The taxpayers’ lounge at the city hall now looks more like a hotel lobby than a business office and is a mixture of efficiency and comfort.

Taxpayers can also enjoy free flowing coffee, juice and free WiFi access while the elderly has an express priority lane.

FINTECH PARTNERSHIP. The Australian Embassy supports the pioneering partnership between GCash, Xendit and Ezypay, an award-winning Australian financial technology (fintech) company. The collaboration enables GCash to support recurring payments for the first time, enhancing digital payment solutions for businesses across the Philippines. Signing the agreement are (from left) GCash enterprise cluster head Michael Baldos, Ezypay chief executive, James Foster, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu, Xendit country general manager Christian Reyes and ANZCHAM president Benjamin Romualdez.

NOISE CONTROL. International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) in Rijeka, Croatia takes a big step towards more community-friendly

Manila Divisoria Lions Club celebrates 51 years of service

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Manila Divisoria Lions Club marked its 51st founding anniversary and inducted its 52nd set of officers on Nov. 22, 2024 at the Royale Sharksfin Seafood Restaurant in Binondo, Manila.

Founded in 1972 by Filipino-Chinese businessmen, the club has continued to make meaningful contributions to society, with second and third generation family members now actively involved in its operations.

The club’s initiatives include charitable activities like the annual “Mano Po, Ninong” donation drive, which provides essential items to the less fortunate in Divisoria, as well as eye exams, free eyewear, and medical and dental missions for public school students and the community. It also

supports orphanages, hospitals, and elderly care facilities, ensuring that the underprivileged feel loved and valued.

Lion Nelson Wong, who was inducted as the club’s 52nd president, vowed to continue the organization’s mission to serve society’s most vulnerable.

The event also featured a ceremonial meeting, including prayers led by club director Lion Lucy Yu, singing of the Philippine national anthem and the Philippine Lions hymn led by past

cabinet treasurer Lion Edward Hong, the pledge to the flag led by club director Lion Harry Dy Dela Cruz and the pledge of rededication delivered by club director Mat Dennis Po.

Past district governor Lion Herny Junior Tiu announced the roll call and acknowledged the guests while past district governor Lion Daniel Ching delivered the welcome address. President Lion Nelson Wong gave his first message.

Several individuals and institutions were honored, including the Filipino-Chinese Dental Foundation Inc., Chiang Kai Shek College and Fe Del Mundo Medical Center for their support in the club’s humanitarian efforts. Medical doctors who volunteered during the medical mission were also recognized for their selfless service.

Outgoing president Lion Ramon

Wong was awarded the Lion of the Year for his leadership during the 2023-2024 term. Club director Gregorio Lagamayo was presented with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow award, receiving a plaque and signed letter of commendation from Lions Club International president Ed Sheehan.

Other special awards were given to past president Ricardo Ching Velez, club director Gregorio Lagamayo and deputy club treasurer Alan Chua Chiong.

Past district governor Valeriano Po delivered closing remarks. Lion Jared Go served as the master of ceremonies for the event. The club reaffirmed its commitment to its mission of service, encapsulated in the motto “We Serve,” and looks forward to continuing its work for years to come.

Amity Club in Butuan City inducts officers

By Michael Wong Ho

THE Philippine Amity Club

Butuan Chapter held its 43rd and 44th board of directors’ induction ceremony at the Grand Palace Hotel on Nov. 30, 2024.

Lin Fang Ting was sworn in as the new president of the chapter.

More than 400 guests attended the event including members from the club’s various chapters and the local Filipino-Chinese community.

Cai Ming Feng, president of the Philippine Amity Club head office, led the oath-taking ceremony, while honorary president Cai Chang Yu served as the guest speaker.

In the afternoon, the club visited and donated 50 wheelchairs to the Butuan Medical Center to assist patients and enhance medical services at the hospital.

The donation was part of the organization’s broader effort to support marginalized groups and contribute to the welfare of local communities.

Founded 50 years ago, the Philippine Amity Club plays a key role in promoting national diplomacy and strengthening ties between the Philippines and China.

The induction ceremony highlighted the club’s dedication to social responsibility and charitable initiatives, underscoring its ongoing commitment to the welfare of less fortunate communities and its goal of fostering Philippine-China relations.

St. Jude alumni association holds fundraiser with Christmas musical SJCSAA celebrates excellence

THE Saint Jude Catholic School

Alumni Association (SJCSAA) held its first Outstanding Saint Jude Catholic School Alumni Awards on Nov. 10, 2024 at the Benjamin G. Chua Jr. Audio Visual Room of the school.

The event recognized the achievements of alumni who have excelled in their respective fields and made significant contributions to their professions and communities.

The awards were presented in four categories: good governance; professionals; sports, entertainment, lifestyle, culture and the arts and entrepreneurship and innovation.

The categories aimed to honor alumni who have demonstrated leadership, expertise and impact in their areas.

The awards were preceded by a rigorous nomination and vetting process, conducted by a distinguished panel of judges from various sectors, including business, education and government.

The panel included Dr. George Barcelon, president of Integrated Computer Systems Inc. and Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Josiah Go, chairman of Mansmith and Fielders Inc. and independent director of UnionBank; Fr. Roland Aquino, chairman of Saint Jude Catholic School and secretary of its board of trustees; Betty Aw, [resident of Business Innovations Gateway Inc. and advisor of SJCSAA; and David Chua, president of Cathay Pacific Steel Corp. and vice chairman of the University of the East.

Julie Ann Lope

THE St. Jude Catholic School Alumni Association (SJCSAA) held a fundraiser on Dec. 7, 2024, with a special block performance of Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium (RCBC Theater) in Makati City.

The musical featured the beloved holiday songs of Filipino-Chinese singer, songwriter and businessman Jose Mari Chan, performed by the renowned Repertory Philippines theater company.

It was set in a busy airport during the Christmas travel season, weaves together stories of families, OFWs and airline workers, all facing the typical travel challenges of baggage, delays and surprises.

Iconic Jose Mari Chan songs such as “Christmas in Our Hearts” and “Love at 30,000 Feet” added to the festive and heartwarming atmosphere.

The leadership of St. Jude Catholic School, represented by Fr. Rolando Aquino, Bro. Yosep Undung, Fr. An-

THE Batangas Kipsi Elementary School held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrated the completion of its campus renovation, the unveiling of the Anti-Japanese martyr Cai Kipsi monument and the opening of its new sports stadium on Dec. 1, 2024.

Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) vice president Edwin Fabro attended the event on behalf of president Dr. Cecilio Pedro. Fabro lauded the school for

tonio Wang, Fr. Crispin Cordero and Fr. Paulion Belamide were present to support the initiative.

SJCSAA president Charles Ko-

its commitment to promoting traditional Chinese culture and providing quality education for the Filipino-Chinese community.

He emphasized the school’s key role in shaping future leaders and contributing to national development.

Fabro also highlighted the importance of a well-rounded education that balances academics with physical, moral, and social growth.

He said the new sports stadium would promote physical activity and

hchet-Chua welcomed attendees and thanked them for their support of the association’s fundraising efforts. Chua also thanked several associa-

healthy lifestyles among students.

The ceremony also paid tribute to anti-Japanese martyr Cai Kipsi, the school’s namesake, who sacrificed his life during World War II in defense of his comrades and the Filipino people.

Fabro urged attendees to honor his legacy of courage and selflessness.

The event marked a significant milestone for both the school and the local community and highlighted the values of education, heritage and national pride.

Michael Wong Ho

tion officers, including past presidents Gerry Lim, Liza Yao-Bate, Glenn Yu and Stephen Yu as well as other key members including Jocelyn Tiu, Valencia Keh-Wong, Johann Tan, Stephen Sy, Victor Cua, Philip Te, Jonathan Chu, Alexander Yu and Grant Cheng for their support and efforts in making the event a success.

He acknowledged the SJCSAA board of trustees’ core group including immediate past president Stella Maleen Chua-Sia, board members Nanette Ongcarranceja, Jehan Li, Joan Lim-Chung and Millie Ko-Lim for their dedication and hard work in organizing and promoting the fundraising activity.

Several junior and senior high school students also took time off from their academic and co-curricular activities to enjoy the show.

Repertory Philippines producer Pat Gregorio announced that the musical would run until Dec. 15, 2024 for the general public. Julie Ann Lope

Batangas elementary school completes renovation, opens Kipsi monument Taipei-backed program trains over 200 residents of Aurora

THE Phi-Chi Love & Care Foundation, in partnership with the Aurora provincial government and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), held a graduation ceremony on Dec. 7 , 2024 for more than 200 graduates of intensive basic computer training courses in Aurora province.

Guests from various sectors including government officials, business leaders and members of the overseas Filipino community attended the ceremony which marked the successful conclusion of the latest batch of training sessions held by the Love & Care Foundation’s Mobile Computer Classroom project.

The initiative, which started in 2012, utilizes converted 40-foot containers outfitted with computers, printers and other essential technology to provide free computer education in remote communities across the Philippines. Each course lasts three weeks and equips partici-

pants with basic skills in internet use, word processing, and computer operations. Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines and his wife, Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) member Chiang Fulong and his wife, Overseas Community Affairs Senior Adviser Allen Lin, Dingalan Mayor Shierwin Taay and his wife Aurora, councilor Abi Galvez, TESDA Aurora Office director Nomer Pascual, Section Chief of TECO Emily Shao and Cultural Center of TECO director Eric Chuang and deputy director Benjamin Liang attended the ceremony. Officials of Love & Care Foundation, including founder and honorary president Billy Huang, chairman Jean Chou, executive director Nelson Ong and deputy secretary-general Alice Chou were also present. Julie Ann Lope

The Manila Divisoria Lions Club marks its 51st anniversary and the induction of its 52nd set of officers on Nov. 22, 2024 at the Royale Sharksfin Seafood Restaurant in Binondo, Manila.

The St. Jude Catholic School Alumni Association (SJCSAA) holds a fundraiser with a special block performance of Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium (RCBC Theater) in Makati City.

Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) vice president Edwin Fabro joins the unveiling of the Anti-Japanese martyr Cai Kipsi monument in Batangas province.

It’s

GETTING BUSIER and busier as days go by with Christmas just right around the

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OPPO FIND X8

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Do you want your loved ones to experience the power of AI through their smartphones at a great value? Look no further because the OPPO Reno12 F 5G is here. The more accessible AI Phone from OPPO also carries the intuitive AI features of the OPPO Reno12 Series 5G and is boosted by an All-Round Armor feature that provides unmatched protection against everyday challenges. Sleek, stylish and strong, the OPPO Reno12 F 5G is priced at PHP 18,999 and comes in two colorsAmber Orange and Olive Green.

You can give your friends the ideal partner for their indoor and outdoor battles with the OPPO A3. OPPO’s latest A Series smartphone offers durability and reliability with its Multiple Liquid Resistance and US Military-Grade Shock Resistance, ensuring that it will work perfectly fine even when it gets accidentally wet from different types of liquid or any bumps along the road. The OPPO A3 comes in Starlight White, Starry Purple and Sparkle Black for as low as PHP 8,999.

OPPO A3

Encourage your family to tap into their AI era with the OPPO Reno12 5G. Packed with an impressive camera system bannered by a 50MP

main camera and 32MP main camera, the OPPO Reno12 5G also features creativity tools powered by AI such as the AI Eraser 2.0 which can give your loved ones the power to easily remove photobombers in their pictures with just a few taps. The OPPO Reno12 5G comes in three stylish colorways - Astro Silver, Sunset Pink and Matte Brown for just PHP 24,999.

If you are travelling this Christmas for a well-deserved vacation, make sure that you

Get your loved ones in their jolly and creative moods with the OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G! The OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G is powered by a 50MP telephoto camera and a 50MP selfie camera plus AI-powered creativity and connectivity tools such as the AI Eraser 2.0, AI Studio and AI LinkBoost to empower you to share Instaworthy photos while staying connected amidst the busy season. The OPPO Reno12 Pro 5G is available in Nebula Silver or Space Brown for just PHP 34,999!

Take holiday portraits with DSLR quality and more with the OPPO Reno11 Pro 5G. Equipped with a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera with OIS, a 32MP Telephoto Camera, and an 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera, the OPPO Reno11 Pro 5G can capture photos and videos of all your Christmas gatherings in the highest quality possible. The OPPO Reno11 Pro 5G can be yours for just PHP 31,999. You can choose from two colorwaysthe sophisticated Rock Grey and a distinctive Pearl White.

take the OPPO Reno11 F 5G with you Among its many awesome features, the OPPO Reno11 F 5G’s 64MP main camera can help you capture the nuances of natural light, so you can take photos that stand out and shine. With its nature-inspired design, robust performance, and exceptional imaging capabilities, it’s a no-brainer that the OPPO Reno11 F 5G is one of the perfect travel companions for all seasons. Add the OPPO Reno11 F 5G in your holiday getaway essentials. It comes in Coral Purple, Palm Green and Ocean Blue colors for just PHP 18,999.

You can harness the power of AI to boost your productivity without breaking the bank, the Christmas season is the perfect time to get the OPPO Reno12 F 4G. Similar to its predecessors, the OPPO Reno12 F 4G is packed with intuitive AI features that you can explore - from the AI Eraser and AI LinkBoost. You don’t have to spend that much to experience AI because the OPPO Reno12 F 4G is made for you. You can get the OPPO Reno12 F 4G in three colors - Amber Orange, Olive Green and Matte Grey for just PHP 15,999.

OPPO RENO11 5G

It’s never too late to get your hands on one of OPPO’s best releases this year - the OPPO Reno11 5G. A cool addition to its renowned Portrait Experts, the OPPO Reno11 5G empowers users to take visually-stunning portraits by bringing out the most natural beauty of their subjects. Combining innovation, style, and functionality, the OPPO Reno11 5G has a powerful camera system, highlighted by a 50MP UltraClear Main Camera along with its 2x professional composition and Portrait Mode, making you feel like a professional photographer. Make sure to get the OPPO Reno11 5G in Wave Green or Rock Grey for just PHP 24,999!

The Christmas season can also be the start of your journey to overall wellness and you can get the perfect companion for this goal with the OPPO Watch X. The OPPO Watch X is made for those who strive for balance, seek to optimize their performance, and value both style and functionality. Combining flash and purpose in Platinum Black and Mars Brown colors, the OPPO Watch X will fit with whatever activity you are doing for only PHP 18,999.

OPPO RENO 12F 4G

Gadgets galore: Christmas must-haves for tech lovers

By Peter Paul Duran

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the tech enthusiast in your life, 2024 offers a dazzling array of options.

From smart home gadgets to sleek personal devices, there’s something for everyone to unwrap this holiday season. Here are some must-have gadgets that will surely bring joy and excitement to your loved ones.

Smart Home Devices

Smart home gadgets continue to dominate the tech world, and for good reason. Smart speakers with voice assistants can turn any home into a futuristic hub, allowing users to control lights, appliances, and even thermostats with just their voice. Pair this with a smart plug or a home security camera, and you’ve got a thoughtful gift for someone who loves convenience and peace of mind.

Wearable Technology

Fitness trackers and smartwatches are perfect for the health-conscious individual. These wearables not only track steps and calories but also monitor heart rates, sleep patterns, and more. Some models even

feature GPS capabilities, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, running, or cycling.

Portable Entertainment Devices

For music lovers and binge-watchers, portable entertainment gadgets like wireless earbuds or compact projectors are excellent gifts. Wireless earbuds offer high-quality sound and noise cancellation, making them great for both workouts and commutes. Portable projectors, on the other hand, can turn any wall into a movie screen, perfect for cozy nights in with family and friends.

Tablets and E-Readers

Tablets and e-readers are versatile gifts for avid readers, students, or creatives. Tablets combine portability with functionality, making them great for drawing, watching videos, or even light work tasks. E-readers,

Elevate Your Sleep Experience with

ELEVATE your slumber experience with the Philippines’ leading mattress provider, Uratex. After 56 years in the industry, Uratex is further expanding its impressive product range to include bed linens.

Uratex’s bed linens are soft and smooth, and it features trendy designs, appealing patterns, and eye-catching colors.

As a proudly Filipino-owned company, Multiflex RNC Philippines, Inc. (Uratex Philippines), not only promises to produce high-quality mattresses Filipinos can afford but it also ensures that all its products provide comfort and create meaningful memories.

The Uratex Legacy Continues with the Bed Linens

When Robert and Natividad Cheng established the Polyfoam Chemical Corporation, they invested in world-class research and development to produce high-grade foams. The brand has since grown to become the most recognized household name in the bedding industry.

It is the same commitment to quality that Uratex is applying to making the bed linens.

“We deliberately wanted to follow the culture of Uratex, with the same format that we really want to cater to all target markets. Our founder, Mr. Cheng, had the vision to give every Filipino a comfortable and affordable mattress to lie on,” expressed Christian Cheng, the brand marketing manager for bed linens.

“It is also the same way with our bed linens. We also want to provide and give access to all Filipinos. Our range is really big, from the affordable to the upscale products,” added Christian Cheng.

Here are their product offerings:

SLEEP BASIC BED LINENS

Photo: Sleep Basic Bed Linens in Assorted Garden. This is made with 100% Polyester/Microfiber and starts at Php 239.75. Other designs available. (Taken by: Michael Perfecto) “We have a polyester, which is a material that is durable. It’s wrinkle resistant. So, no matter how much you scratch it, you won’t see any crease marks. And it doesn’t shrink. The shrinkage is only 0.26% after the first wash. But it’s affordable because it’s manmade. And it was really intended to be affordable,” Cheng explained. PRIME COMFORT BED LINENS

“We have the polyester cotton blend---50% polyester, 50% cotton. It’s called Prime Comfort. That’s the 180 Thread Count. The difference with polyester is that it’s soft, shrink-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant. But it has a breathable feature because we know that when we use cotton, it’s cool and comfortable,” Cheng continued.

URATEX BED LINENS

Photo: Uratex Bed Linens in Artsy Leaves. This is made with 100% Cotton at 200 Thread Count, and it starts at Php 549.75. Other designs available. (Taken by: Michael Perfecto)

WINK BED LINENS

Photo: Wink Bed Linens in Daring Green. This is made with 100% Cotton at 300 Thread Count, and it starts at Php 899.75. Other designs available. (Taken by: Michael Perfecto) PREMIUM TOUCH BED LINENS

with their glare-free screens and long battery life, are a dream come true for bookworms who want to carry an entire library wherever they go.

Gaming Accessories

For the gamer in your life, consider upgrading their experience with highperformance gaming peripherals like mechanical keyboards, ergonomic gaming mice, or wireless gaming headsets. These accessories can enhance gameplay and provide an edge in competitive settings.

Charging Solutions

With so many gadgets in use today, fast chargers and power banks are practical yet thoughtful gifts. Look for models with fastcharging capabilities or multiple ports to

Uratex

Bed Linens

Bed Linen. There’s also Premium Touch Bed Linen at 500 thread count. When the thread count is higher, since more yarns are used, the surface is softer. So, it feels more luxurious when you touch it,” Cheng explained.

ECO DELUXE BED LINENS

Photo: Eco Deluxe Bed Linens in Planet Grey. This is made 100% Bamboo at 300 Thread Count, and it starts Php 1,149.75. Other designs available. (Taken by: Michael Perfecto)

“Then we also have 300 thread count bamboo. That’s the Eco Deluxe Bed Linen. The difference between bamboo and cotton is that bamboo is thinner. Bamboo is softer. Bamboo is very soft and cold. And it’s very comfortable to use. The difference with cotton is that the fabric is thinner and the bamboo is silky,” said Cheng. Ambassadors of Good Quality

The Uratex group of companies is globally competitive. With a younger generation at the helm, it understands that the world now revolves around persuasive people—the influencers—who can sway the market into patronizing Uratex products.

Demonstrating prowess and agility in navigating the local and international markets and competition, Cheng and his team enlisted dynamic individuals who can help drive the sales of the bed linens— Internet personality Bigboy Cheng and celebrity mom Pauleen Luna-Sotto.

“Bigboy Cheng is someone who has convincing power. He can convince people with what he says. And that’s the most unique selling point of Bigboy Cheng---he can really sell. He can sell even if he’s just vlogging. He can lead to sales. So, we want to capitalize on that with the linens,” Christian Cheng explained.

Bigboy said, “56 years na ang Uratex. Sikat tayo sa mga kutson, and never in my life nagkaroon ng bed linens. So, history ito para sa atin and gusto ko maging part nito.”

He added, “Grabe, ang sarap ng feel tapos yung mga designs, ang ganda rin tingnan as in. Na-try ko yung cotton and yung bamboo sa shoot namin, ang lambot sobra.”

Pauleen Luna-Sotto Bigboy Cheng

As for Pauleen Luna-Sotto, Christian Cheng said of his choice as endorser: “She’s a great mom. On social media, we saw the sentiments about her are very positive. She’s a very hands-on mom. And, of course, because she’s the one who buys for the household, we target the Linen Purchasers. And those are the moms.”

Christian Cheng further added: “So, we needed to get a mom who does that. And Pauleen is the perfect example for that. And she also uses Uratex. So, what’s very common between Bigboy Cheng and Pauleen is that they’re very relevant to people.”

Pauleen, for her part, enthused: “My family loves buying and experiencing new bed sheets. That’s why I’m so glad that as a Uratex user, they finally have a bed linen line to complete their collection. I really got excited as a bed linen buyer and user.

“Actually, during the shoot, inantok ako when I tried them, specifically the cotton and the bamboo bed linens. It was so smooth and cool that I was about to sleep during the shoot. Ganun siya kasarap. It’s ideal for bedrooms because of the comfort it brings, and the designs are aesthetically pleasing.

“As a mom, I hope that I am able to use my platform to tell my co-mothers any tips and tricks when it comes to buying and using bed linens, since we are the ones who really purchase these items for our families.”

Uratex Bed Linens are available in all Uratex showrooms across the Philippines and authorized Uratex dealers. You may also check other Uratex products and brand updates on their official website and Facebook Page.

keep all devices powered up during holiday travels.

No matter who you’re shopping for, these must-have gadgets are guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer.

Whether you’re upgrading someone’s tech arsenal or helping them explore the latest innovations, these gifts are sure to make Christmas 2024 unforgettable.

Samsung kicks off a merry holiday season with super big TVs

THIS holiday season, Samsung Super Big TVs are bringing families like never before, delivering a cinematic experience right in the heart of the home. With breathtaking visuals and an immersive sound experience, enhancing the magic of the season and creating unforgettable memories with loved ones.

In celebration of the holiday season, Samsung brought the magic of Disney to life with an exclusive screening of Moana 2: The Ocean’s Call at Uptown Mall Tempur Cinema in BGC. The event served as a thank-you to media partners, highlighting the continued success and collaboration between Samsung and its valued partners.

“With Samsung Super Big TVs, we’re making the holidays even more special by bringing families closer together with an unparalleled entertainment experience,” said Chris Almazan, Head of AV Business at Samsung Philippines. “It’s not just about the movie—it’s about creating lasting memories. As the year wraps up, we thank our partners for their role in the success of Samsung TV/AV. And in the year ahead, we’ll continue to push the boundaries of home entertainment and deliver exceptional experiences.”

Bringing the Magic Home with Samsung TVs

During the media screening, Samsung reflected on its commitment to delivering extraordinary entertainment, showcasing its new lineup of Super Big TVs. By replicating the immersive experience of Tempur Cinema, Samsung’s supersized TVs bring the cinematic magic directly into your home, allowing families to experience the wonder and excitement of their favorite movies like never before.

For those seeking the ultimate home viewing experience, Samsung’s 98” Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV offers an unparalleled cinematic experience. With its massive screen and advanced picture technologies, including noise reduction, sharpness enhancement, and intelligent black adjustment, this supersized TV immerses you in every moment, bringing the magic of the movies to life right in your living room.

The Crystal UHD TV offers stunning 4K resolution for exceptional clarity and detail, while PurColor technology delivers sharp, lifelike images—four times the resolution of Full HD. Additionally, with Motion Xcelerator, the TV ensures smooth motion and reduces blur and judder during fast-paced scenes. These features combine to create a spectacular viewing experience, whether you’re hosting a movie night or enjoying your favorite films solo.

As Samsung wraps up an exceptional year, there’s even more to look forward to with exciting TV/AV innovations coming in 2025 and beyond.

This holiday season, bring home your own supersized Crystal UHD TV with exclusive deals. Each purchase includes a Disney+ Annual Premium Plan*

By Guray Ozturk, Head of BFSI and Digital, APAC, Infobip

TRADITIONALLY, shopping assistants are associated with luxury brands, a perk of buying expensive clothes, bags, shoes, or even furniture. But with the rise of online shopping, personal shopping assistants aren’t so exclusive anymore.

What is an AI Shopping Assistant?

AI shopping assistants use artificial intelligence to help customers with their shopping activities. A shopping assistant is available around the clock, capable of simultaneously handling a wide range of customer queries and providing tailored, personalized recommendations. What’s more, this AI assistant continually learns from each interaction, constantly refining its performance to deliver even better outcomes. Infobip has identified two types of AI shopping assistants. The first one is Rule-based chatbots that are fantastic for fast deployment and simple use cases. They are trained on specific information and can navigate the user based on key words. Then there are the Conversational AI chatbots that offer human-like conversations and are designed to carry out more complicated use cases. They don’t follow specific rules or restrictions and can naturally analyze the user’s input to provide the best response. The goal of an AI shopping assistant is to elevate the overall shopping experience of a customer, not just help them pick the perfect outfit. AI assistants can provide personalized recommendations, answer FAQs, send back-instock messages and cart abandonment reminders, notify customers on order confirmations, special offers and discounts and delivery updates, and process returns among others. Carrying out these tasks with an AI shopping assistant makes the

Are AI shopping assistants the next trend in AI?

entire shopping experience faster, smoother, with no need to switch between apps or waiting on a call for an agent to pick up a customer query.

Benefits of an AI Shopping Assistant

Infobip sees integrating AI shopping assistants as a transformative strategy for businesses looking to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Companies can leverage these assistants for strategic purposes like optimizing inventory, cross-selling and upselling, and reducing costs.

Reduce costs and save time

Automating routine tasks with AI shopping assistants can significantly reduce operational costs and save time. Businesses can optimize resources and allocate human staff to more strategic and complex tasks.

Greater engagement

By understanding customer preferences and behavior, AI assistants can engage users in meaningful conversations, provide a more interactive and personalized experience, and make shopping more enjoyable and memorable.

Cross-selling

An AI shopping assistant can easily suggest complementary products or upgrades based on customer selections. This can help businesses increase average transaction value by promoting additional items that align with the customer’s needs and wants.

Inventory management

AI can help a business optimize inventory levels by analyzing historical data, predicting demand, and identifying trends. This helps ensure that companies maintain optimal stock levels and reduces the likelihood of overstocking or stockouts.

This combination of personalized interactions and data-driven insights creates a more competitive and customer-centric environment for any business.

Harnessing the Power of an AI shopping assistant

Zalora, Southeast Asia’s fashion leader, uses generative AI in their business to help them streamline processes and enhance customer experience by automating responses and

ensuring customers have a more personalized experience.

These innovations are not merely reshaping customer experiences but are also driving business performance to new heights. Engaging customers through the proper digital channels is crucial to thrive in the shifting retail landscape.

Imagine being an online shopper looking for an item from the comfort of your home computer or smartphone. You discover an eCommerce website that leverages an AI-powered shopping assistant on their live chat service. This chatbot delivers immediate responses while remembering all your preferences, predicting your needs, and offering personalized product recommendations. By integrating an AI Shopping Assistant with Infobip’s marketing automation tool, Moments, businesses can choose any channel –Viber, WhatsApp, other social media platforms and more – to personally communicate with customers at any stage of the customer journey. This showcases how a business can embrace a seamless and personalized experience via an AI and omnichannel strategy, fostering customer loyalty and anticipation for re-engagement and targeted future offerings.

The journey ahead: Navigating the future of retail

The future of retail is not about replacing human interaction with AI or going fully digital but rather using technology to enhance human connections and create a customer-centric shopping experience through conversational engagements. AI-powered shopping assistants, acting as brand ambassadors, can improve customer experience by providing personalized recommendations, prompt responses to inquiries, and valuable guidance throughout the customer journey. This not only enhances the customer experience but also transforms business models, maximizes marketing ROI, and simplifies processes for businesses and consumers.

Celebrate local: Support inspiring Shopee sellers for a heartfelt Filipino holiday season

In today’s fast-evolving digital world, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) continue to redefine success, leveraging e-commerce platforms to thrive. Shopee stands as a beacon of opportunity, empowering small Filipino businesses to unlock their potential. By championing local entrepreneurs this holiday season, you’re not just buying gifts - you’re also sharing their stories, dreams, and the communities they uplift.

Here are three inspiring Shopee sellers transforming lives, one purchase at a time.

FOR THE LITTLE ONES: SAMARA BABY & KIDS

Samara Baby & Kids began as a pandemic project, but owner Jennalyn Indigado turned it into a powerhouse. With Shopee’s Free Shipping Program, Affiliate Marketing Solutions, and interactive tools like Shopee Live and Shopee Video, her store has attracted over 1.5 million followers and achieved a 6.60% year-on-year growth in daily orders.

What makes Samara Baby & Kids special isn’t just its adorable children’s clothing—it’s the lives it transforms. The business now employs over 300 workers, including seamstresses and working students. Jennalyn’s advice for budding MSMEs? “Success isn’t about the product you sell, but the story you tell. Trust the process because opportunities are always around the corner.”

FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY JUNKIES: HEALTHYORGANIC PH

After a pandemic setback forced them to close their initial business, young entrepreneurs Nico and Audine Escalon found a lifeline in Shopee. Pivoting to health and beauty

products, they overcame challenges by investing in ads and utilizing Shopee Live. Today, their shop boasts a stunning 33% year-on-year growth and operates from a 500-squaremeter warehouse alongside a physical store in Isabela. HealthyOrganic PH isn’t just a business—it’s a testament to resilience. The couple employs a dedicated team and dreams of becoming a household name. As Nico puts it, “Shopee has been a lifeline, helping us overcome financial challenges and create opportunities for our team.”

FOR MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS: ROADKIDZ MOTORPARTS

What started in a spare room during the pandemic is now a thriving venture for Ellaine Olimberio, owner of ROADKIDZ MOTORPARTS. She expanded her offerings by tapping into Shopee’s reach and engaging tools like live streaming and built a loyal customer base.

Today, the business encompasses diverse product categories, employs a growing team, and even has a physical store. ROADKIDZ MOTORPARTS proves that with determination and the right platform, small beginnings can lead to big achievements.

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS MEANINGFUL

Shopee isn’t just an e-commerce platform—it’s a catalyst for local business growth. Each purchase from these local sellers supports a bigger vision: empowering Filipino entrepreneurs, uplifting communities, and building dreams. Celebrate Filipino businesses this season by shopping from these inspiring local MSMEs. Don’t miss Shopee’s 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale with amazing deals up for grabs, 70% off Holiday Specials, and SPayLater 0% interest on all items at the Mega Salubong Sale as early as 8PM on December 11. Let your gifts carry the spirit of resilience, hope, and community this holiday season.

Infinix presents largest gaming festival: Your VIP pass to PMGC grand finals in London

Infinix, the trendy tech brand designed for young consumers, is making waves as a key sponsor of the 2024 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC). As mobile esports continues to expand rapidly, Infinix is seizing the opportunity to strengthen its presence in the burgeoning sector. Partnering with PUBG MOBILE, the brand is highlighting the superior performance of its devices, which are known for their fast operation, seamless control, and reliable network connectivity – all crucial features for esports players and gamers. This strategic collaboration not only boosts Infinix’s footprint in the esports space but also enhances its visibility among young, tech-savvy consumers and passionate gaming communities.

Tony Zhao, General Manager at Infinix, commented, “The growing social dimension of mobile esports is transforming it from a mere competition into a dynamic, game-changing platform for player interaction and community engagement. Seizing this powerful trend, Infinix has partnered with PMGC to create a seamless bridge of communication between players and the brand. At the 2024 PMGC tournament, we’re set to deliver an extraordinary series of online and offline fan events, crafting the largest Gaming Master Festival and player gathering exclusively for Infinix users. This initiative will not only energize the players but also solidify an unshakable bond of brand loyalty. By leveraging the power of social media, Infinix is paving the way to amplify its brand presence and technological leadership, with the 2024 PMGC sponsorship serving as a key platform to strengthen its reputation among the global esports community.”

The Largest Gaming Master Festival for Infinix Users

The Infinix Gaming Master Festival emerges as a remarkable and highly anticipated international community gala. It is painstakingly and precisely orchestrated by Infinix, whose

ambition is to organize Xfans from every corner of the world with nothing short of electrifying, awe-inspiring, and truly spellbinding gaming and esports experiences. In this current and significant annum, we have embarked upon a truly momentous and far-reaching strategic alliance with the renowned PUBG MOBILE, assuming the crucial and prestigious mantle of a sponsor for the 2024 PMGC. To amplify the excitement and build an unrivaled momentum, a captivating and variegated activities has been meticulously conceptualized and is primed to be unfurled across a diverse range of more than ten nations, including Africa, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia. The ultimate goal is to kindle an intense, fervent, and almost palpable enthusiasm and a profound sense of anticipation among the global community for the inaugural Infinix Gaming Master Festival, which is set to redefine the boundaries of fan engagement and esports celebration.

Amidst this magnificent Fanfest extravaganza, Infinix has concurrently contrived a multitude of astonishing surprises for our avid followers. Enthusiastic fans are cordially invited to journey to the locales where

the event unfolds to partake in the Watch Party and prognosticate the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and championship contingent of the 2024 PMGC. Simultaneously, our aficionados can subscribe to “2024 PMGC: Outplay The Rest” on the XClub app and disclose a remarkable and indelible anecdote involving themselves and PUBGM. By doing so, they stand a fortuitous chance to emerge as fortunate beneficiaries and lay claim to peripherals co-branded with PUBG MOBILE as well as bespoke game skins. Should these rewards prove insufficiently thrilling, Infinix will furthermore extend invitations to the serendipitous among them to attend the 2024 PMGC Grand Final hosted in London, embarking on an impromptu e-sports odyssey to the British capital. Participants in this activity can engage in the speculative endeavor on the official media in strict accordance with their respective regional demarcations and elaborate regulations. Infinix pledges that this will be the most colossal and

memorable Fanfest event of the year.

We earnestly anticipate being able to jointly proclaim “stand as one” in unison with our devoted fans.

Infinix’s Grand Final Watch Party with 2024 PMGC in London

The realm of esports continues to surge in popularity, drawing in a global audience keen on the competitive and thrilling nature of gaming tournaments. Among the pioneers in this space, Infinix has orchestrated a groundbreaking event, the Infinix Global Gaming Master Festival in partnership with 2024 PMGC, poised to redefine fan engagement and community building in the esports sphere.

Infinix is set to arrange an allexpenses paid 3-day and 2-night London Grand Final spectating journey of the 2024 PMGC for the fortunate aficionados. At the London Grand Final site, Infinix, in conjunction with PUBGM, has meticulously curated a showcase zone where enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the GT 20 Pro

yourself to brand-new tech and delightful rewards during the holiday months with Season’s Great Things with Canon!

From now until December 31, 2024, customers can receive freebies, an extended warranty, and up to 1,000 Canon Delightful points on select Canon cameras and printers.

Additionally, Canon customers can enjoy free 1 set of GI-71s inks worth P1,365 for the G2730 and G3730 printers also until December 31, 2024. Get your hands on Canon’s flagship PIXMA printer, the PIXMA G3770 MegaTank, now available for online purchase. The black color is available on

tournament-exclusive mobile device utilized by professional gamers this season, thereby savoring the zenith of gaming experiences proffered by professional tournament-oriented handsets.

Furthermore, the Nigerian representative squad, handpicked via the 2024 PUBG MOBILE Campus Championship (PMCC)—presented by Infinix, which provided them a national platform to showcase their skills, will engage in a pulsating amateur-player encounter with professional athletes on site. Additionally, spectators will be treated to a riveting display of African traditional dances and contemporary street dances presented by the Nigerian team, catapulting this Fanfest to an unprecedented crescendo.

Infinix as a consummate participant in the realm of professional game e-sports competitions, Infinix champions the pursuit of dreams by every devotee, facilitating a sense of belonging among a greater cohort of like-minded youths.

Canon is a multibillion-dollar company with one of the most extensive product lines of digital imaging devices. 2020 marks the company’s 35th consecutive year it has been ranked among the top five U.S. patent holders and the 16th consecutive year it has been ranked first among Japanese companies for the number of U.S. patents gran. It continues to enrich lives through technological innovation.

Guided by its commitment to its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon provides total imaging solutions to improve personal and professional lives. The brand ranks as one of the top 20 brands

both Shopee and Lazada, while the white model is exclusively on Lazada, and the red model on Shopee.

Earn reward points by purchasing from authorized Canon dealers nationwide and registering the item via the Canon PH Delightful App. The points, which are equivalent to cash, can be collected and redeemed for e-gift certificates from over 450 Giftaway partner merchants! Download and register on the Canon PH Delightful app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to redeem reward points! Canon Flagship stores are also available online via Shopee and Lazada.

To learn more about Canon’s holiday promos, follow Canon Marketing Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, and visit the Canon Marketing Philippines website.

in the region according to a 2018 study conducted by Campaign Asia-Pacific and Nielsen thanks to its strong reputation on performance and good corporate citizenship.

Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. has offices spread across the Philippine archipelago supported by its vast network of authorized service centers. Recognitions and awards received include the Corporate Award and Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence for providing distinctive service to customers. Canon Marketing Philippines reaffirms its dedication to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices across all its operations and product lifecycle, striving for a greener future for generations to come.

Canon G3730

By Paola Navarette

THERE’S no need to choose between style and function when it comes to tech purchases. Whether you’re shopping for a beauty enthusiast, a music lover, or a tech-savvy friend, streamline your holiday shopping with these superadvanced gadgets that are as cool as they look.

Everyone on your list will be pleased—no regifting here!

For the chronically online friend

If you’ve got a tech-obsessed friend, it doesn’t get more impressive than the OPPO Pad 2 tablet. It comes in a classic silver color, with the MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor. That means 12.4 hours of battery life, and a clear full HD screen with plenty of vibrant colors. Plus, it weighs as much as a snack—552g—so it’s perfect for digital reading and carrying around to lectures.

The coolest tech gadgets for modern gift-giving

For the audiophile who loves to groove in style

JBL, a trailblazer in audio technology, has launched the new JBL Tour PRO 3, the most advanced True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds yet. With the introduction of dual drivers, JBL Spatial 360 with Head Tracking, True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0, and a Smart Charging CaseTM packing truly unique features, JBL Tour PRO 3 redefines the TWS listening and user experience.

For the beauty enthusiast

For your female giftee who loves a bouncy salon blowout, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. is the gift that’ll fully unleash her styling potential—and replace a drawer full of hair-tool clutter. Recently re-engineered with updated styling attachments for different hair types and lengths, it does so much: dries, curls, smooths, shapes. She’ll definitely look best not just during the party time, but all year round.

For the health fanatic

Got someone on your list who loves tracking their stats? Take their findings a step further with a mWell Prestige Watch. This stylish smartwatch,

“

This holiday season, surprise your loved ones with tech gifts that they’ll actually use and enjoy for the long haul.

priced affordably at P2999, is loaded with health features like 100+ sports modes, step counter, and blood pressure monitoring. It holds a sevenday charge and is dust and water resistant

For the remote worker If your loved-one has a home office or enjoys streaming games in the

Your Ultimate Holiday Companion:

Why Grab is the Perfect Gift and Partner for the Season

THE holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the inevitable hustle and bustle of doing last-minute gift shopping, attending family gatherings, and managing travel plans. But what if we told you all these tasks could be made stressfree through the convenience of one app? Grab is here to save the day, providing a reliable, efficient, and convenient way to navigate through the holiday season.

Grab can help you check off your holiday to-do list - whether it’s getting food to share with your loved ones, booking transportation to your Christmas parties, or even delivering gifts to friends and family - making your holiday hassle-free.

See how Grab lets you be fully present with your loved ones this Christmas:

Holiday Catch-ups with Friends

Some people take time to plan and organize office celebrations and get-togethers. But there are also instances where you just suddenly agree for last-minute

to enjoy delicious meals while saving money on delivery fees. If you decide to celebrate elsewhere, you and your friends can take advantage of Group Ride which lets you book one car for multiple pick-up points and a single dropoff, making travel more efficient and cost-effective.

Yearly Family Traditions

Do you have yearly traditions you just can’t miss such as cooking heirloom dishes but just lack time to buy ingredients or keep forgetting some important components you just can’t simply dismiss? Worry no more! With GrabMart, you can have all your ingredients needed right at your doorstep. With just a few taps, you can instantly order or schedule delivery from a wide selection of

GrabMart merchants spanning from convenience stores, groceries and even specialty marts.

Spend the Holidays out of the Metro If you’re planning to spend the holidays in your hometown or overseas, Advance Booking will let you secure your ride to the airport with ease. Available for passengers going to Metro Manila airports, Advance Booking removes the stress of looking for a ride on the day of your flight since you get ride confirmation up to seven days in advance, perfect for catching early flights.

Still can’t get enough of Grab? With all the holiday plans underway, take advantage of GrabUnlimited. Whether you’re a foodie, frequent traveler, or gift-giver on the go, GrabUnlimited lets you enjoy exclusive perks and savings across Grab’s extensive range of services such as 8% GrabCar discounts, and free delivery vouchers on GrabFood and GrabMart for only P48 per month if you subscribe via annual plan.

Grab’s features and services are designed to help you focus on what truly matters— spending quality time with your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast, hopping from one gathering to another, or sending gifts to friends and family, Grab ensures your holidays are smoother and more meaningful.

Make this season the best one yet. Use the Grab app now and experience how it can transform your holidays into a stress-free, joy-filled celebration.

Dyson Airwrap i.d.

OPPO Find X8: Powerful camera, powerful AI

Fresh from its global launch and the announcement of local pre-order, OPPO’s newest and finest flagship device, the OPPO Find X8 is now available nationwide in the Philippines.

Designed for ambitious go-getters who demand the best things in life, the OPPO Find X8 redefines what a smartphone can do with its next-level photography capabilities and groundbreaking AI features.

From achieving your career goals, capturing your best adventures, or simply enjoying your weekends, the OPPO Find X8 has you covered in every way.

Capture Life in Stunning and Awe-Inspiring Details

At the heart of the OPPO Find X8 is the Hasselblad Master Camera System—three 50MP lenses (ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto) that make every shot exceptional in quality and clarity.

This powerful system is the result of OPPO’s collaboration with Hasselblad, a legendary name in professional photography known for its precision and innovation. Leveraging

Hasselblad’s decades of expertise, the OPPO Find X8’s camera system brings authentic color accuracy, enhanced depth, and refined portrait capabilities straight to your pocket.

Whether you’re capturing action shots at a weekend tennis match or snapping latte art at a trendy café, Hasselblad’s influence shines through in the OPPO Find X8’s image quality, offering natural tones and lifelike details.

The AI Telescope Zoom lets you zoom up to 60x for crystal-clear photos even from afar, while Lightning Snap ensures you never miss a moment, freezing fast-moving subjects with DSLR-like precision. Additionally, the HyperTone Image Engine merges multiple frames to produce vibrant, dynamic shots, perfect for highlighting the best moments of your café hops, outdoor adventures, or weekend getaways.

With the Hasselblad Portrait Mode, you can recreate the signature look of Hasselblad’s iconic lenses, adding a layer of sophistication and depth to your portraits, giving your photos a distinct, professional touch that sets them apart.

Take your photographs a notch higher with a powerful AI

The OPPO Find X8’s AI Photo Remaster tools are every content creator’s dream, sharpening low-resolution shots, restoring lifelike textures, and removing pesky reflections. Whether you’re capturing a scenic sunset from your favorite rooftop café or taking candid snaps during a hiking trip, these tools ensure your shots look flawless.

Elevating the OPPO Find X8 as a best-in-class smartphone are features like LivePhoto which captures the energy of fleeting moments and 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording for vibrant, cinematic footage—perfect for sharing your latest travel adventure or documenting a high-energy tennis match.

With everything you need to create scroll-stopping content, the OPPO Find X8 lets you showcase your passion and share your story.

Sleek Design Meets Durability

The OPPO Find X8 isn’t just a statement piece—it’s a reliable companion for your everyday adventures. With its ultra-slim 7.85mm profile and Cosmos Ring camera housing, it blends style with

substance, perfect for professionals balancing boardroom meetings with creative hobbies. Whenever you go out to experience the finest things in

the OPPO Find X8’s IP69 water resistance, military-grade drop certifications, and OPPO Armour Shield construction ensure it can handle whatever your day throws at it. Combined Style and Substance From marathon Zoom meetings to late-night Netflix binges, the OPPO Find X8’s 5630mAh silicon-carbon battery can keep up with your life. When you need a quick boost, OPPO’s 80W SUPERVOOC™ wired charging and 50W AIRVOOC™ wireless charging features will get you back to full power in minutes—ideal for quick recharges between morning workouts and evening plans.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset ensures that the Find X8 delivers seamless multitasking, with a 35% faster CPU and 44% improved GPU efficiency. If you’re editing presentations, running multiple apps, or gaming, the phone’s performance will never miss a beat, letting you switch from work to play effortlessly. Complementing its power is a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with razor-thin bezels, vibrant HDR visuals, and the fluidity of ColorOS 15. From watching your favorite series to scrolling through photos, every moment feels immersive, ensuring both productivity and entertainment look better than ever.

Harness the combination of Powerful Camera and Power AI with the OPPO Find X8

Ready to experience the ultimate device in style and performance? The OPPO Find X8 is now widely available nationwide for PHP 54,999 nationwide in Space Black and Star Grey colorways.

HONOR Magic V3 is thinner and stronger than its competitors.

HONOR Magic V3: The perfect Christmas gift for yourself

LOOKING for that well-deserved gift for yourself this Christmas? Look no further, leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines just released its thinnest and strongest foldable HONOR Magic V3, and just for the month of December, you can get P15,000 worth of exclusive freebies for every purchase at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/ HONOR_ShopeeHoliDeals), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONOR_LazadaHoliDeals) or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONOR_TikTokHoliDeals).

Enhanced Durability, Battery, Display, and AI Experience

With a sleek folded thickness of 9.2mm and featherlight body weighing just 226g, the HONOR Magic V3 rivals the slimness and weight of a flagship bar phone, ensuring utmost portability for users. Featuring a dome-shaped octagonal camera module, the HONOR Magic V3 seamlessly combines the architectural beauty of dome structures with technological innovations. This camera module showcases a diamond cut, adding an element of elegance and sleekness to the device’s overall appearance. Adding to its durability, the HONOR Magic V3 incorporates a Special Fiber into its body material, enhancing impact resistance by 40 times compared to other flagship bar phones while reducing the back cover’s thickness by over 30%. Moreover, featuring the proprietary HONOR Super Steel Hinge, the device can withstand up to 500,000 folding cycles and has attained the prestigious SGS Durability Certification. Fortified with the HONOR Super Armored Inner Screen and HONOR Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield, the HONOR Magic V3 is crafted to endure the rigors of daily use. Treat yourself after a fruitful year that passed with HONOR

Finding your perfect digital laptop companion

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

IN today’s digital age, a reliable laptop is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It’s a handy device that can boost your productivity wherever you go or keep you entertained with applications that align with your interests. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, having a powerful and stylish device can significantly enhance your daily life. With many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

Choosing the right laptop can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to consider your specific needs. First, determine your primary use. Are you a student, a professional, or a gamer? It will help you narrow down your options.

Next, consider the processor. Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors are popular choices. An Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 will suffice for basic browsing and word-processing tasks. Opt for an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 for more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming RAM is crucial for multitasking. A good starting point is 8GB for most users, but if you’re a heavy multitasker or a gamer, 16GB or more is recommended. Storage is another essential factor. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more reliable than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). A 256GB SSD is a good balance of speed and storage capacity. Display size and resolution are also important. A 13-inch or 14-inch laptop is ideal for portability, while a 15-inch or 17-inch notebook offers more screen real estate. Full HD (1920x1080) is a good resolution for most users, but if you’re a creative professional, consider a higher resolution like 2K or 4K.

Finally, consider the battery life. If you’re often on the go, a laptop with a long battery life is essential. Look for models with at least 8 hours of battery life. Brands like Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, and HP are popular because their laptops offer many options, depending on the user’s preferences.

Acer is a brand that always has a device for every budget. Renowned for its affordability and performance balance, Acer provides a wide range of laptops suitable for students and professionals.

Their Acer Aspire 5 is a sleek, stylish laptop with outstanding performance and portability. Powered by the latest Intel Core processors, it can easily handle everyday tasks. The vibrant Full HD display and long-lasting battery life make it perfect for work and play. Meanwhile, the Acer Nitro 5 is decisive for gamers and content creators. It has highperformance NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards and can handle demanding games and video editing tasks. The immersive display, customizable RGB keyboard, and robust cooling system ensure an optimal gaming experience.

If you’re looking for a perfect blend of innovation and style, look no further than ASUS. ASUS is celebrated for its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology. Its Zenbook series epitomizes elegance and performance, making it a professional favorite.

For gamers, the ROG series offers high-performance gaming laptops with impressive specs and customizable features.

The ASUS Zenbook 14 is a premium ultrabook that combines elegance with performance. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around, while the powerful Intel Core processor and ample RAM ensure smooth multitasking. The stunning OLED display delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making it a joy to use Turn to D4

Here’s Your Ultimate Gift Guide on HONOR Gadgets this 2024

THE year 2024 has been very colorful for the returning smartphone brand HONOR Philippines. After its back-to-back phone launches, one can only catch up on which model is perfect for their requirements. If you have been eyeing an HONOR gadget for some time now, here’s your guide.

For the daring

Without a doubt, HONOR X9b 5G, HONOR X7c or HONOR X6b is perfect for you. With its highly durable hardware, you can drop, splash, smash it and still sleep tight at night.

Unleashing your photography skills

Viral HONOR 200 series is a value-for-money choice or if you are working on a budget, the HONOR X8b is a perfect choice.

Something to reward yourself

If you want to treat yourself after a very challenging year, it’s time to get the HONOR Magic6 Pro, HONOR Magic V2 or the latest HONOR Magic V3! These will instantly give you that feeling of fulfilment after all your hard work!

HONOR 12.12 Mega Pamasko Sale

“Our offers this holiday season are far from over! If you’re looking for something to buy this 12.12 Sale, head on to HONOR Philippines and you can get a chance to buy your dream smartphones for up to 80% off! Yes, you heard that right, up to 80% discount with exclusive freebies among other exciting deals,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Don’t miss out on PayDay Sale and head on to Shopee (https://bit.ly/ HONORxShopee1212MegaPamaskoSale) Lazada (https://bit.ly/ HONORxLazada1212AllOutPaskoSale) , and Tiktok Shop (https://bit.ly/ HONORxTiktok1212PaskongPanaloSale)

Stay tuned on the latest updates and make sure to follow through HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook. com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram. com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@ honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https:// www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Get TECNO’s latest AI-powered PHANTOM V Flip 2 5G on its first sale for only P27,999

With sleek, ultra-flat, iconic stylish giant screen

INNOVATIVE technology brand TECNO today unveiled its new AI-enhanced, second-generation flip smartphone, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G in the Philippines with Pia Wurtzbach as brand ambassador A remarkable fusion of on-trend aesthetic design and powerful technologies, the iconic phone will bring a fun, fashionable and functional flip phone experience to stylish individuals. Bringing pocket-sized ease and elegance to daily life, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is freshly equipped with TECNO’s brand-new TECNO AI suite of AI functions. The suite features an upgraded Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant, AI Artboard, AI Writing and much more. It also upgrades the flip experience with a stunning infinity pool-inspired ThruPool cover screen, a flagship imaging system, an ultraflat flagship main screen and a long-lasting 4720mAh Super Battery with 70W Ultra Charge.

TECNO AI is a Masterpiece of Creativity

Despite its tiny size, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G is packed with innovative AI functions that deliver a massive creativity boost to content creators and fashion-forward individuals. TECNO AI is a new suite of AI functions that boost creativity, convenience and fun, helping every user stand out on socials with their creativity unlocked.

Whether scrolling social media, managing work projects, or organizing a party with friends, TECNO AI’s Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant is always on hand to help. Ella offers online search capabilities and Smart Q&A to give intelligent answers based on real-time information, responding to questions fluently. In addition, users can interact more intelligently with over 400 system functions with Ella, from setting wallpapers to switching the system language. PHANTOM V Flip2 5G also features AI Text Summary and face-to-face AI Translation. Meanwhile, AI Writing functions, such as text summary, text generation, proofreading and rewriting capabilities also save users’ valuable time.

Combining the limitless human imagination with the power of AI for mind-blowing results, TECNO AI’s creative tools allow users new ways to express themselves. With AI Artboard and AI WallPaper, anyone can create an artistic masterpiece, as AI turns users’ simple scribbled sketches into incredible works of art, while Magic AI Eraser allows users to rescue their photos by removing clutter or passersby, and One Click Cutout lets users automatically recognize and extract subjects with a long press, enabling quick and effortless image sharing.

Picture-perfect ThruPool Cover Screen

An icon of sleek and flowing design, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G’s ThruPool Cover Screen is a stylish creation inspired by infinity pools. The cover features a 3.64” screen that is perfectly integrated with the slightly curved main body, while the suspended camera lens is immersed in the pixels that beautifully flow across the display.

PHANTOM V Flip2 5G reimagines everyday uses of the cover screen, supporting over 2,000 apps to make life easy for users who often won’t even need to open up the main screen. The screen is larger and more regular in shape to make it natural to use, while it’s 413PPI display is delicate and dynamic. Users can set up shortcut icons for instant access to useful features like step count and weather. The screen also supports a full keyboard display for easy dialing and typing, including quick replies.

Users can also bring more character to their smartphone interactions with customizable displays and adorable interactive pets. The cover screen can be personalized with a range of styles, from magazine to graffiti or contrast. There are also five new animal additions to Outer Screen Cute Pet 2.0, bringing even more cuteness to the display. Users can stroke their pet to engage in cute interactions. For game lovers, the screen offers a host of mini-games such as Cute Pet Jump, 2048 Landmark Edition, Cute Pet Elimination Music, Sudoku, and more, so users can have fun without even opening the main screen. Flagship Imaging Elevated by FreeCam

Despite being perfectly pocket-sized, PHANTOM V Flip2 5G delivers a flagship candy bar smartphone level camera system, with a 50MP main camera, 50MP ultra-wide angle camera, and front 32MP camera, while its flip form unfolds new shooting perspectives.

The powerful rear cameras offer amazing optical grade lossless zoom results, with 2x extended focal length and 2x-10x zoom. Image quality is maintained even when zoomed in. For photos of friends or unforgettable party moments in low light, a 1/1.57” large main camera sensor and 1µm pixels produce clear, detailed photos with improved clarity, brightness, and tone. The main camera also supports 4K@30fps Ultra Steady video stabilizer for clear, stable videos, even on the move.

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ASUS also has an option that gamers will appreciate: the ROG Strix G15, a gaming powerhouse that delivers exceptional performance. With the latest AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards, it can handle the most demanding games at high settings. The immersive display, customizable RGB lighting, and advanced cooling system make it a top choice for serious gamers.

In the meantime, HP can provide viable solutions when looking for the ideal combination of performance and reliability.

HP, a trusted name in the industry, offers a diverse range of laptops. The Spectre series combines sleek design with powerful performance, making it ideal for creative professionals.

For gamers, the Omen series delivers high-performance gaming laptops with immersive displays and robust cooling systems.

HP’s commitment to reliability and customer support further solidifies its position in the market.

HP has consistently offered reliable and powerful laptops. One of their standout models in 2024 is the HP Spectre x360. This 2-in-1 convertible laptop boasts a stunning OLED display, powerful Intel Core processors, and a sleek design. Its versatility makes it suitable for work and play, whether taking notes, editing videos, or enjoying your favorite shows.

Meanwhile, the HP Omen 17 is a formidable choice. This gaming laptop delivers immersive gaming experiences. It has the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards and high-refresh-rate displays. Its robust cooling system and customizable RGB lighting enhance the gaming experience.

Those who enjoy the versatility of their devices would appreciate Lenovo. Lenovo, known for its durability and versatility, provides laptops that suit various needs.

The ThinkPad series is popular among business professionals, offering robust build quality and excellent performance.

For gamers, the Legion series delivers powerful gaming laptops with impressive specifications and customizable features. Lenovo’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a leading brand in the Philippine market.

Lenovo has made significant strides in the laptop market, offering various devices.

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a popular choice among professionals. Its lightweight design, long battery life, and durable build make it ideal for those always on the go. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon also boasts a vibrant display and powerful Intel Core processors.

Another noteworthy Lenovo laptop is the Legion 5 Pro. This gaming laptop packs a punch with its powerful AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards. Its high-refresh-rate display, customizable RGB keyboard, and efficient cooling system make it a top choice for gamers who demand the best.

Shop #LikeABosch: Enjoy freebies and discounts with biggest 12.12 sale

Bosch, a global leader in technology and services, is set to make this holiday season unforgettable with its biggest 12.12 sale yet—offering up to 20% off select power tools and automotive aftermarket parts, on top of exciting freebies with minimum purchases.

Build #LikeABosch: Professional power tools that help get the job done

Bosch power tools are the ideal choice for quality, durability, and performance – allowing you to tackle projects with confidence on consistency and reliable results. Designed to meet the demands of professional tradespeople, Bosch tools seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with precision engineering and advanced safety features.

Cordless impact drills: Powerful, reliable, and easy to use for drilling into wood, metal, or concrete. Its lightweight, ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use, with adjustable speed settings for precision.

Cordless screwdrivers: Taking away the pain of manual screwdriving work, Bosch cordless screwdrivers are compact, powerful, and easy to use with adjustable speed, strong torque, and an ergonomic design.

Drill bits and accessories: Equip your tools with the right accessories for maximum performance. Get precise and effortless drilling on various materials such as wood, metal, or concrete.

Laser measure: Provides fast, accurate distance calculations with just a press of a button - perfect for on-the-go indoor and outdoor use.

Detectors: Helps locate hidden objects like pipes and studs behind walls, ensuring safety and precision in doing electrical works.

High-pressure washers: Delivers powerful cleaning with adjustable settings for various tasks. Compact, durable, and easy to use, Bosch high pressure washers efficiently remove dirt and stains from surfaces, making them perfect for home and professional use.

Drive #LikeABosch: Reliable automotive parts keeping you safe on the road

Trusted worldwide for over a century for its reliability, performance, and innovation, Bosch mobility aftermarket products ensure that every part—from brakes to wipers—deliver exceptional durability and safety that will keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.

Wiper blades: Provides clear, streak-free visibility in all weather conditions. Designed for durability and reliable performance, Bosch wipers ensure a smooth wipe for a safer driving experience.

Batteries: Enhances your car’s performance through providing reliable power, improved efficiency, and long-lasting durability. Bosch batteries ensure consistent engine starts, better fuel efficiency, and Horns: Deliver powerful, clear sound to ensure you are heard on the road. Designed for durability and reliability, Bosch horns provide high- quality performance in all weather conditions.

Spark plugs: Ensures reliable ignition, improved engine efficiency, and better fuel economy. Built with advanced materials, they provide long-lasting performance and smooth starts, keeping your engine running smoothly.

Bulbs: Provide bright, clear illumination for enhanced visibility and safety on the road. Designed for durability and long-lasting performance, Bosch automotive bulbs offer reliable lighting in various driving conditions.

Brake pads: Bosch brake pads deliver reliable stopping power with smooth, consistent performance. Made from high-quality materials, they ensure durability and safety in all driving conditions.

Filters: Enhances your vehicle’s performance through filtration of dirt, debris, and contaminants, which promotes engine efficiency and longevity with clean air, fuel, and oil flow.

Renowned for its power tools and mobility solutions, Bosch also offers a wide range of home appliances and security systems - from dishwashers to advanced fire alarm systems, enhancing Filipinos’ quality of life.

This holiday season, do not miss out on exclusive deals and check out Bosch products through the following eCommerce stores and social media pages. For more information about Bosch products and services, visit https://www.bosch.com.ph/ or follow Bosch Philippines on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/BoschPhilippines/.

Lazada: Bosch Power Tools

• Bosch Official Store by BGE https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.MuBFv Gigatools https://s.lazada.com.ph/s. MuBrO

• Bosch by TMDI https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.MuBCL Blue Power by ECL https://s.lazada.com.ph/s. Muzbc Smart Options https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.MuzcB

Shopee: Bosch Power Tools

• Bosch Official Store by BGE https://ph.shp.ee/J8fXjMz Gigatools https://ph.shp.ee/LHrpLW7

• Bosch by TMDI https://ph.shp.ee/NemWTYM Blue Power by ECL https://ph.shp.ee/M5LADAV

HP Spectre x360

Spread pocketfuls of joy by gifting smartphones this Christmas

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

THERE are only a few more days before Christmas! Everybody’s busy preparing for the holiday season, including decorating and planning what to serve for Noche Buena. Still, one of the preparations that take most of everyone’s time is finding the right gift for their friends, family, and loved ones. While traditional presents like toys, clothes, and gadgets remain popular, smartphones have emerged as the ultimate gift, offering a world of possibilities within a compact device.

However, with countless models flooding the market, choosing the right one can take time and effort.

When choosing a smartphone as a gift, the first step is understanding the recipient’s needs and preferences. This thoughtful approach ensures that the gift is not just a device but a companion that enhances the recipient’s lifestyle and daily activities.

A smartphone’s performance and battery life are also crucial, especially for those who rely heavily on their devices. Opt for a device with a powerful processor and ample RAM to

ensure smooth multitasking and seamless app performance. A long-lasting battery is also essential, as it eliminates the constant worry of running out of juice. Look for smartphones with advanced battery technologies and fastcharging capabilities to keep up with demanding schedules.

While splurging on the latest flagship models is tempting, setting a realistic budget is essential. Consider your financial constraints and the recipient’s needs. There are plenty of affordable smartphones that offer impressive features and performance. Don’t compromise on quality, but be mindful of your budget and choose a device that provides the best value for money. Beyond the core functionalities, consider additional features that enhance the user experience. For example, a large and vibrant display can elevate entertainment experiences, while water resistance can provide peace of mind in various situations. Consider the specific features that add value to the recipient’s life and choose accordingly.

Fortunately, brands like OPPO, HONOR, realme, vivo, Xiaomi, Infinix, Nubia and TECNO have unveiled a range of devices that cater to diverse needs and budgets, making them ideal Christmas gifts. However, it’s important to note that the availability of these devices may vary in the Philippine market.

OPPO Find X8

The OPPO Find X8 Pro is a cutting-edge smartphone that pushes the boundaries of mobile technology. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, it delivers exceptional performance for seamless multitasking and demanding applications. Its stunning 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and adaptive refresh rates for smooth scrolling and energy efficiency. The device’s versatile camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and two 50MP periscope telephoto lenses, captures stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions. With a 5910mAh battery and 80W SuperVOOC charging, the Find X8 Pro ensures long-lasting battery life and rapid charging. Its sleek design, IP68 water and dust resistance, and advanced features like AI-powered photography and video capabilities make it a truly impressive flagship device.

If it’s a more affordable OPPO phone you want, you may consider OPPO A3, a budgetfriendly smartphone with a large 6.67-inch display and a powerful processor. It offers a long-lasting battery and supports fast charging. Its sleek design and multiple color options make it an attractive choice for young users.

HONOR Magic V3

The Honor Magic V3 is a cutting-edge foldable smartphone that offers a premium

experience. Its innovative design features a large 7.92-inch inner display for immersive viewing and a compact 6.43-inch outer screen for everyday tasks. Powered by the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it delivers exceptional performance and smooth multitasking. The device’s versatile camera system, equipped with a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 40MP periscope telephoto lens, captures stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions. With its sleek design, durable build, and advanced features, the Honor Magic V3 sets a new standard for foldable smartphones.

Budget Meanwhile, the tough and water resistant HONOR X7c is a budget-friendly smartphone with a large 6.77-inch IPS LCD display and a 120Hz refresh rate. 1 It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. 2 The device features a 108MP main camera and a 6000mAh battery with 35W fast charging.

Acer Philippines celebrates the holidays with festive activities and treats

A new song collaboration from SB19 and G22, a holiday promo, and a beauty launch from Acer Philippines make the season brighter.

THERE is so much to celebrate this holiday season with Acer Philippines! Acer is bringing joy with a song featuring Acer ambassadors SB19 and G22, an amazing promo with discounts and free fits, and the launch of a new product line that promises to give you beautiful hair. All these good tidings were celebrated during the #AcerAtingPasko event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. “All these activities and promos are Acer’s gifts to our valued customers who continue to make us the top consumer and gaming notebook brand in the Philippines,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director at Acer Philippines.

Sing along to #AcerAtingPasko by SB19 and G22 From Acer to the Acer family comes “Ating Pasko,” a heartwarming song by

Acer ambassadors SB19 and G22. The music video, filmed in Taiwan during SB19 and G22’s visit to Acer headquarters, captures the spirit of gratitude and togetherness during the holidays. The song was composed by Brenan C. Espartinez and produced by Brenan C. Espartinez and Paolo Miguel O. Rañeses. Watch the music video here.

Spread the holiday cheer with the #AcerMaligayangPasko promo

Get up to P5,000 off on Acer products and up to P10,000 worth of appliance center e-gifts with every purchase of a qualifying Acer and Predator laptop. Customers must register their purchased product warranty within one week of purchase by visiting https://warranty.acer.com.ph. After completing the registration requirements, Acer will validate the customer’s credentials within five business days. Upon successful validation, a certificate of warranty registration will be sent to the customer’s provided email address.

If the registered product is eligible for the promotion, an e-gift will be sent to the customer’s provided email address and

mobile number within five (5) days from warranty registration. The e-gift may be redeemed at any SM Appliance or Abenson Appliance Store nationwide.

Have a sparkling holiday season with Acerpure Beauty Finally, Acerpure launches its muchawaited hair drying and styling tools!

The Acerpure Beauty HD1 is an ionic hair dryer with a 22 million anion technology that helps to reduce frizz and add shine to your hair. It has a unique ProDry Nozzle that evenly distributes heat to dry your hair quickly while preventing damage.   It also has a five-minute ultra-quick dry function, perfect for busy days.

The Acerpure Beauty HD2 is a 2-in1 ionic hair dryer and styler that comes with 7 styler attachments for versatile hair styling. It features a high-speed brushless DC motor, 2.2 hundred million anion technology, and a 3-minute ultra-quick dry function. It also has a hair care AI mode, a smart clean function, and a portable, ultralightweight design.

“We are very excited to bring Acerpure Beauty to the Philippines. Like other Acerpure products, these will help make people’s lives easier,” said Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager at Acer Philippines. Acerpure Beauty products are currently at a special price through the Acerpure Sparkling Holiday Promo. The Hair Dryer is priced at P1,299 from P1,999, while the Hair Styler is priced at P4,999 from P5,999. Only purchases made from Acerpure Authorized Resellers, Acer Concept Stores, and Acer Philippines Online Stores are qualified for the promo. The promotion runs until December 31, 2024.

For more information about the Acer, follow Acer Philippines on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, or visit www.acer.com.

Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines managing director; Stanley Kao, Acerpure president and Princess Laosantos, Acer Philippines senior marketing manager

OPPO Find X8

HONOR Magic V3

DECEMBER 12, 2024

LG Electronics, will.i.am transforms LG Boom’s sound, design

LG Electronics (LG) has announced a partnership with creative artist, multiplatinum musician, and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am, to launch a new line of audio products under the brand “xboom by will.i.am.” The partnership aims to transform xboom into a culture-forward brand with an urban aesthetic, providing an allnew audio experience.

In this partnership, LG has appointed will.i.am as LG xboom’s “Experiential Architect.” He will play a pivotal role in carving out a new space for xboom in the audio industry. Drawing inspiration from his pop culture and technological know-how, will.i.am will provide strategic counsel for LG xboom’s product development, design, and brand marketing. By combining LG’s advanced technologies with will.i.am’s unique insights as a world-renowned music artist and tech entrepreneur, this partnership will infuse LG xboom products with fresh creative aspirations.

listening: one mode provides stimulating sounds that gets you moving with powerful bass while a second mode offers a soothing sound with harmonious tones. The overarching design for LG xboom aims to elevate music enjoyment. Speakers incorporate clever embellishments such as easy-to-hold straps and colorfully interactive lighting that is in sync with the beat of the music being played. Earbuds are designed ergonomically with ear tips and ear hooks for a comfortable fit that also delivers the best sound experience.

“This launch marks the integration of our wireless earbuds and Bluetooth speakers into one audio brand, LG xboom,” said Lee Jeong-seok, head of LG Media Entertainment Solution Company’s audio business

“Working with renowned tech and lifestyle innovator, LG, opens the door to groundbreaking and dynamic experiences that speak to a broader community of music enthusiasts,” said will.i.am. “By bringing our cutting-edge technology and distinctive creative visions together with LG xboom, we want to foster an iconic culture where people can explore their passion for music with others on a whole new level.”

The 2025 line of “xboom by will.i.am” products, including Bluetooth speakers and wireless earbuds will be unveiled at CES 2025. The xboom Buds will be the first product available in the market.

All “xboom by will.i.am” products bear the mark of will.i.am, who took part in creating LG xboom’s signature sound that boasts a rich bass with balanced and warm tones. It comes in two distinct modes for

division. “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with will.i.am that will play a critical role in solidifying LG xboom’s new identity.”

All “xboom by will.i.am” products will be integrated with will.i.am’s RAiDiO.FYI, an AI-powered interactive audio experience, to introduce a new generation of listeners to infotainment. RAiDiO.FYI empowers listeners with unique abilities to immerse, personalize, and have a two-way real-time conversation with their favorite topic-based STAiTiONS. This conversational media platform transforms radio as we know it into a new dimension, connecting consumers deeper with the music, talk radio, and cultural content they love.

LG and will.i.am will celebrate this new partnership with product showcases and tech demonstrations at CES 2025 (January 6-10). To know more about “xboom by will.i.am”, please visit www.lg.com/global/xboom/ xboombywilliam.

Shop Smart This Christmas: Why Maya is Your Ultimate Holiday Companion

DECEMBER is here— the final stretch to Christmas and the most exciting (and hectic) time for gift shopping! While finding the perfect presents is a thrill, there’s always that quiet tug of practicality: How much is too much? Can I make my spending go further? That’s where Maya comes in. As the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, Maya isn’t just about payments— it’s about turning your holiday gastos into something smarter. From exclusive cashback perks to seamless transactions and even savings that grow as you spend, Maya transforms holiday shopping into a win-win. Splurge thoughtfully, spread joy generously, and step into the new year without that dreaded post-holiday wallet hangover. Score Unique Finds and Maybe Even a P1 Million Jackpot Holiday shopping should feel magical, and the World Bazaar Festival from Dec 13–22 at the World Trade Center delivers just that. Explore aisles brimming with artisanal crafts, gourmet treats, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes that add a personal touch to your gift-giving. And here’s the ultimate twist: every P1,000 you spend using Maya doesn’t just check off your gift list—it also earns you cashback perks and a shot at the ultimate holiday prize: a  P1 million grand jackpot. Suddenly, your gastos become an investment in joy (and maybe a little luck). From Gastos to Goals: Turn Shopping Into Savings December is known for emptying wallets, but Maya flips the script. With Maya Savings, you can earn up to 15% interest per annum while shopping. Imagine this: as you shop for heartfelt presents, your money

is quietly growing in the background, helping fund your next big goal—whether it’s a dream getaway or something closer to home. With Maya, every peso works harder, making your spending feel as good as your giving. Not Just Another Payment App —It’s Your Secret Weapon

Here’s the tea: Maya isn’t just about making payments seamless and convenient; it’s about making every scan or tap work harder for you. Whether you’re tapping your sleek Maya Card for rewards at global merchants, scanning QRPh codes at local bazaars for seamless transactions, or stacking up to 5% cashback perks with the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, every transaction feels smarter, smoother, and undeniably more rewarding. Even unexpected gastos can feel stress-free with Maya Easy Credit (approval subject to credit evaluation), a backup plan that keeps you from dipping into your hard-earned savings. Because, let’s face it, emergencies don’t take holiday breaks.

This year, let Maya redefine what holiday shopping can mean. It’s not just about buying gifts—it’s about thoughtful spending that comes full circle knowing that every spend with Maya is giving back to you in cashback, savings, and even life-changing prizes. Visit maya.ph and mayabank.ph to know more, and stay updated by following @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (www.bsp. gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to P500,000 per depositor.

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realme 13+ 5G

The realme 13+ 5G is a mid-range smartphone that offers impressive performance and features.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, it delivers smooth multitasking and gaming experiences. Its large 6.72-inch IPS LCD display offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The device’s triple-camera setup, featuring a 64MP main sensor, captures detailed photos and videos. With a 5000mAh battery and 67W fast charging, the realme 13+ 5G ensures longlasting battery life and quick charging. Its sleek design, IP65 water and dust resistance, and affordable price make it a compelling option for budget-conscious users.

Xiaomi 14T Pro

The Xiaomi 14T Pro is a powerful smartphone with a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display featuring a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, it delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Its versatile camera system, led by a high-resolution main sensor, captures impressive photos and videos in various lighting conditions. The device boasts a large battery with fast charging support, ensuring long-lasting battery life. With its sleek design, IP68 water and dust resistance, and advanced features, the Xiaomi 14T Pro offers a premium smartphone experience.

Infinix HOT 50 Pro+

The Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ is also a budgetfriendly smartphone with a stunning 6.78inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 processor, it delivers decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Its dual-camera setup, led by a 50MP main sensor, captures decent photos and videos. The device boasts of a large 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, ensuring long-lasting battery life and quick charging. With its sleek design, vibrant display, and affordable price, the Infinix HOT 50 Pro+ is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with impressive features. vivo X200

In time for the holidays with a December 15 launch, the vivo X200 is a powerful smartphone with a stunning 6.67-inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, it delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks and gaming. Its versatile camera system, led

by a high-resolution main sensor, captures impressive photos and videos in various lighting conditions. The device boasts of a large battery with fast charging support, ensuring long-lasting battery life. With its sleek design, advanced features, and impressive camera capabilities, the vivo X200 offers a premium smartphone experience.

nubia V70 Design

The nubia V70 Design is likewise a budget-friendly smartphone with a sleek and modern design. It features a large 6.7inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The device has a triple rear camera setup led by a

50MP main sensor, offering decent photo and video capabilities. The nubia V70 Design comes in a stylish vegan leather back, adding a touch of premium feel to the device. Its lightweight and slim profile make it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

TECNO PHANTOM V Flip 2 5G

The TECNO PHANTOM V Flip 2 5G is a stylish foldable smartphone with a large 6.9-inch inner display and a convenient 3.64-inch cover display. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor, it offers smooth performance and efficient multitasking. Its versatile dual-camera system, featuring two 50MP sensors, captures stunning photos and videos. The device boasts of a 4720mAh battery with 70W fast charging for quick topups. With its sleek design, premium build quality, and innovative features, the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip 2 5G offers a compelling foldable smartphone experience at an affordable price.

A smartphone empowers individuals to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of distance. With features like messaging apps, video calling, and social media platforms, loved ones can share moments, express emotions, and strengthen bonds, even when physically apart. This connectivity is especially valuable for those living far from their loved ones, as it allows them to stay in touch and feel less isolated.

In today’s fast-paced world, a smartphone is an indispensable tool for productivity and efficiency. Calendar apps, email clients, and productivity tools help individuals manage tasks, set reminders, and prioritize commitments.

Moreover, smartphones offer many entertainment options, providing muchneeded relaxation and enjoyment. A smartphone can transform downtime into quality leisure time, from streaming movies and TV shows to playing games and listening to music.

In conclusion, gifting a smartphone is not just about giving a device; it’s about empowering individuals to connect, learn, grow, and enjoy life to the fullest.

The 2024 holiday season offers many smartphone options to suit every budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for a stylish device, a gaming powerhouse, or a rugged and reliable companion, there’s a smartphone out there that’s perfect for you. Ultimately, your best smartphone will depend on your needs and budget. However, with so many excellent options in the Philippine market, you will find a device that will bring joy and excitement to your loved ones this Christmas. You can purchase these smartphones through online stores, physical stores, or authorized dealers.

Embracing...

a sense of anticipation and togetherness even before the actual gathering.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have also become integral to the Filipino Christmas experience. These platforms are flooded with festive content, from heartwarming family photos to creative Christmas decorations. Filipinos use social media to share their holiday traditions, connect with friends and family, and spread the season’s joy.

Hashtags like #PaskongPinoy, #ChristmasInThePhilippines, and #MerryChristmas have become popular ways to share Christmas experiences online. These hashtags help people connect with others who share their love for the holidays and contribute to the global conversation about Christmas.

Genuine connections

However, despite technology’s benefits and developments to society, it’s essential to balance the digital and the traditional. While technology can bring people together, it’s vital to prioritize face-to-face interactions and genuine connections. Spending quality time with loved ones, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories should remain at the heart of Christmas. It’s important to be mindful of the potential downsides of technology, such as the risk of overspending on online shopping or the temptation to constantly be connected, and to take steps to mitigate these risks.

Additionally, the convenience of online shopping can sometimes lead to impulse purchases and overspending. To avoid this, it’s essential to set a budget, stick to it, and avoid falling victim to online scams and fraudulent activities. Always shop from reputable websites, use secure payment methods, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

Using tech wisely

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting innovations to shape the way we celebrate Christmas in the years to come. The possibilities are endless, from augmented reality Christmas cards to AIpowered personal assistants.

However, it’s important to remember that technology is a tool, and we must use it wisely. By embracing technology’s positive aspects while minimizing its negative impacts, we can ensure that Christmas remains a time of joy, love, and togetherness for generations to come. It’s crucial to remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the love and connection we share with our loved ones, and technology should only serve to enhance these experiences, not replace them.

Home Credit’s top holiday gift picks this Christmas 2024

CHRISTMAS is just around the corner, and for Filipinos, it’s a season brimming with joy, love, and, of course, gift-giving. While it’s tradition to shower loved ones with presents, it’s also the perfect time to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve done this year. After all, who deserves a gift more than you?

If you’re wondering what would make the perfect gift, Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, curated a list of must-have items that are practical, exciting, and worth it!

Whether you’re looking for tech upgrades or home essentials, these picks will have you feeling like a winner this holiday season.

Smartphone. A new smartphone is always a good idea, especially as technology evolves at a rapid pace. Whether you’re into photography, gaming, or simply staying connected with family and friends, the latest smartphone models offer the perfect combination of performance and style. Plus, with sharper cameras and enhanced battery life, you’ll be ready to capture every unforgettable Christmas moment and beyond.

Laptop. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your work or study-from-home setup or indulging in some online gaming during the holiday break, a new laptop might just be the best gift you can give yourself. Look for one with great processing power, sleek design, and ample storage, so whether you’re creating content, working on projects, or simply binge-watching your favorite shows, you’re set for success.

Tablet. This device has become the ultimate go-to for multitaskers. Perfect for both productivity and entertainment, it’s a fantastic

in-between device that combines portability with versatility. Whether you’re using it for digital notetaking, streaming movies, or sketching your next big idea, a tablet is a great companion to keep you on the go during the holidays.

Refrigerator. For homemakers, you can consider upgrading your kitchen this season with a new refrigerator, because nothing says “Christmas ready” like a fridge stocked with delicious holiday treats! Modern refrigerators come with energy-efficient features, larger storage capacity, and sleek designs that will elevate your kitchen space. Plus, with all those Christmas leftovers, a roomy fridge will definitely come in handy!

Smart TV. Get the best seat in the house this holiday season with a brand-new Smart TV. Ideal for family movie marathons or simply watching the latest Christmas specials, a Smart TV with ultra-clear resolution and intuitive apps can transform your living room into an entertainment hub. It’s the perfect gift for those who love immersive viewing experiences.

Washing Machine. Who says practical gifts can’t be exciting? Investing in a new washing machine this Christmas can make life so much easier. With advanced washing cycles, watersaving technologies, and faster drying times, doing laundry becomes less of a chore, leaving

you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities. Plus, it’s an investment that will pay off all year long.

Karaoke Set. What’s a Filipino Christmas without karaoke? Bring the fun to your holiday parties with a new karaoke set. It’s the perfect gift for yourself and for everyone in the family who loves belting out their favorite Christmas songs and tunes. With top-notch audio quality and fun features like wireless microphones and built-in song libraries, your home will be the center of every Christmas gathering. This year, you don’t have to settle for “pwede na” when it comes to rewarding yourself. With Home Credit’s upcoming Installment Festival, you can get 0% interest deals on a wide range of must-have items—from the latest gadgets to home appliances. It’s the perfect way to get what you truly want without the stress of paying for it all at once.

Ready to TODO your holiday shopping? Keep an eye out for our exclusive offers and make this holiday season one to remember! Whether you’re looking to upgrade your tech or refresh your home, Home Credit has the perfect deals to make this Christmas extra special for you and your loved ones.

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. Customers are also encouraged to download the Home Credit App on Google Play or App Store to learn more about the latest promos or browse through Shoppingmall.ph.

Embracing technology during the holidays

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

CHRISTMAS in the Philippines is a season of joy, family, and festivities.

Filipinos have celebrated Christmas for centuries with a unique blend of religious

devotion, cultural heritage, and festive cheer. The season kicks off as early as September, with the “ber” months marking the beginning of the countdown.

Homes are adorned with colorful parols or Christmas lanterns,

symbolizing hope and peace. The aroma of freshly baked bibingka and puto bumbong fills the air, inviting family and friends to gather around the Noche Buena feast.

Win a Mirage G4 at the realme With You Grand Sale

Join the holiday celebration of realme Philippines with an incredible grand sale packed with amazing prizes, exclusive promotions, and exciting giveaways

realme Philippines recently kicked off of its annual holiday campaign: realme With You. The multifaceted holiday campaign has over P1.8 Million worth of incredible deals and promos in store for realme fans, making the gift-giving season better and more memorable.

Seize the opportunity to win BIG in the realme With You Grand Raffle

The realme Squad can revel in exciting promos as part of the Grand Raffle. Every single purchase valued at P1,000 or more from any realme online or offline store is valid for an entry to the Grand Raffle.

A lucky winner will take home a brand new Mitsubishi Mirage G4, a stylish and reliable car perfect for both city drives and weekend adventures. In addition to this, six (6) lucky winners will enjoy a dream getaway to the breathtaking shores of Boracay for two (2). This includes a free accommodation at a luxurious resort and airfare arranged by Sunlight Air, ensuring a hassle-free and unforgettable vacation.

Fans can submit as many entries as they wish. Customers must fill out the Grand Raffle form to officially submit their entries. Promo runs until January 12, 2025 and the winner will be picked via draw on January 15, 2025.

Aside from this, realme Philippines will also be showering the Squad with more prizes in the realme With You Grand Raffle, including the realme 13 Pro+ 5G, realme Pad X, and realme Watch S2. Stay tuned for the raffle draw dates and number of prizes on the realme official Facebook page.

The realme With You Grand Raffle is powered by Mitsubishi Motors and Sunlight Air.

Snag amazing deals with exclusive price drops on select realme devices realme extends the festive spirit by introducing limited-time price drops on a selection of its smartphones and AIoT, making holiday shopping easier for shoppers. Don’t miss out on big discounts.

• realme 13 5G (12GB+256GB): P16,999 to P15,999 until December 27, 2024

• realme 13+ 5G (12GB+256GB): P19,999 to P17,999 until December 27, 2024

• realme Note 60 (4GB+128GB): From P5,999 to P5,499 until January 5, 2025

• realme C61 (8GB+256GB): From P7,999 to P7,499 until January 5, 2025

• realme C63 (8GB+256GB): P8,999 to P7,999 until January 5, 2025

Aside from scoring discounts, don’t miss out on freebies when shopping at the offline realme stores:

The Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses, is a beloved tradition, with devotees seeking divine blessings. Carols, or “awit ng Pasko,” are sung with gusto, spreading joy and goodwill. The exchange of gifts, often wrapped in colorful paper and adorned with ribbons, is a highlight of the season. However, technology has woven itself into the fabric of Filipino Christmas celebrations in recent years. The internet has become a virtual town square, connecting families and friends across the globe. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are buzzing with Christmas greetings, photos, and videos. Online shopping

• realme C65: Get a FREE TechLife Power Bank 2 10000mAh (worth P849) until December 31, 2024

• Any variant of realme Pad Mini, realme Pad and realme Pad X: Take home a FREE TechLife Power Bank 10000mAh (worth P799) or TechLife Bluetooth Sensor Speaker (worth P999) until December 31, 2024

• realme Pad 2 (8GB+256GB LTE): Get a FREE realme Buds T310 (worth P1,999) until December 31, 2024

• Any realme Number Pro or GT Series smartphone: Get a FREE TechLife Portable Bluetooth Speaker (worth P999) from November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025

Win more prizes by playing Spin

The Wheel at select realme offline stores

Prepare to Spin The Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes when at select realme stores nationwide. To join, fans must purchase any realme smartphone and bundle it with either a realme or TechLife AIoT product. Upon completing the purchase, fans will receive instructions on what activity requirements to fulfill before obtaining a lucky number and having the chance to spin the wheel up to five (5) times. Lucky customers can win prizes such as realme Pad X (6GB+128GB WiFi), realme M2 Sonic Electric Toothbrush, or a TechLife Rotating Phone Stand 2. Depending on stock availability at participating stores, this thrilling promo will run until January 12, 2025. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and get ready for a chance to snag these fantastic rewards!

Incredible rewards and thrilling promotions are ready for the Squad at the realme With You Grand Sale to honor the holiday season and create lasting memories for Filipinos. For more information and announcements on realme With You, head to the official realme Facebook page and website

Online shopping has revolutionized the holiday gift shopping experience, relieving us from the stress of braving crowded malls and bustling markets.

E-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and Amazon have become our convenient go-to destinations for everything from toys and gadgets to fashion and home decor. This convenience allows us to focus on the joy of giving rather than the hassle of shopping.

With just a few clicks, we can browse a vast array of products, compare prices, and read reviews from other shoppers. Plus, many online retailers offer exclusive deals and discounts during the holiday season, making finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones a rewarding and budget-friendly experience. The joy of finding that perfect gift online is truly satisfying. Video conferencing

One of the many ways that technology fosters the spirit of Christmas is by keeping people connected even if they’re apart. Distance can sometimes hinder our ability to celebrate with loved ones, especially for Filipinos

working or studying abroad. But thanks to video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype, we can now bridge the gap and connect with our families and friends in real time.

Virtual Christmas parties have become increasingly popular, allowing us to share laughter, stories, and holiday cheer, even if we’re miles apart. These virtual gatherings, made possible by technology, have brought families closer together, fostering a sense of community and togetherness despite the physical distance. Gadgets galore Meanwhile, when it comes to gift-giving, technology has opened up a world of possibilities. From the latest smartphones and tablets to smart home devices and gaming consoles, there’s a gadget for everyone on your Christmas list. For tech-savvy individuals, a pair of noisecancelling headphones or a wireless charger can be a thoughtful and practical gift. For kids, a gaming console or a virtual reality headset can provide hours of entertainment. And for homebodies, a smart speaker or a smart thermostat can add a touch of convenience and luxury to their lives.

Digital entertainment Technology has also transformed the way we experience Christmas. From streaming classic Christmas movies like ‘Home Alone’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ to playing holiday-themed video games like ‘Santa’s Workshop’ or ‘Christmas Trivia ‘, there are many digital entertainment options that keep us entertained throughout the season.

Smart home devices like Google Home and Amazon Echo can create a festive atmosphere by playing Christmas carols, controlling smart lights, and even telling holiday jokes. And with the rise of virtual reality, we can immerse ourselves in immersive Christmas experiences, from visiting virtual Christmas markets to attending virtual Christmas parties. Social media

The digital age has not replaced traditional Christmas customs, but has enhanced them. While families still gather around the Noche Buena table, they may also scroll through social media or share photos online. While the Simbang Gabi remains a cherished tradition, many Filipinos now tune in to online masses or watch live streams of church services. For instance, families can now share their Noche Buena preparations on social media, creating

FINDING a gift that truly feels personal and meaningful is a challenge, but it’s also what makes the gesture so special. It’s not about ticking off boxes or buying something just because it’s easy. Gifting should reflect the person you’re giving it to — their tastes, needs, and values.

Here’s where we come in, Cutting Edge has a well-curated collection of items that go beyond the ordinary. Our selections are practical, stylish, and designed to make a lasting impression. This holiday season (or any occasion!), let’s move beyond the generic and really think about what the person receiving the gift would truly enjoy. Gifting should be thoughtful, purposeful, and something that speaks to who the person is. With our carefully curated collection, you’re bound to find the perfect gift that’ll leave a lasting impression.

Cutting Edge for something truly remarkable

Available colors: red, myrtle green and black; SRP: P2, 129.00 Journals are no longer just for school notes or writing out your to-do list. They’re a canvas for your thoughts, ideas, dreams, and everything in between. The Moleskine® Hard Cover Holiday Notebooks is the perfect gift for anyone passionate about the festive season. This notebook is just the thing for people who love the holidays, with ruled pages to record memories and to plan all the moments that fill this special time of each year. The paperband is made for gifting with space to write both the name of the giver and the receiver. Shop it here: https://cuttingedge.com. ph/collections/moleskine 2.

adding a little extra personality to someone’s favorite notebook. These pins, designed specifically for Moleskine notebooks and available in Gold and Silver. Allow your friend or loved one to infuse their journal or plan-

ner with a touch of festive flair. Whether you choose the elegant Gold or the chic Silver, these pins bring a touch of sophistication and subtle holiday cheer.

The pins are simple yet stylish, giving any notebook an instant upgrade. They’re ideal for those who love customizing their accessories with small details. These pins are perfect for the friend who’s all about tiny but impactful touches. Plus, they’ll think of you every time they pull out their notebook.

Get them here: https://cuttingedge. com.ph/collections/moleskine

3. Black Shark T11 True Wireless Earphones

Available colors: white,

With incredibly

or

and crisp sound, these headphones elevate any experience—from listening to their favorite music to gaming to the newest podcast—to a whole new level.

The meticulous attention to detail is what really distinguishes the T11s from the competition, not the excellent sound quality. An example of such a detail? The

satisfying “shing”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

ABS-CBN stars light up ‘Bida Kapamilya’ celebration in Bataan

THOUSANDS of fans gathered in Bataan on Nov. 22 for ABS-CBN’s “Bida Kapamilya” event, showcasing gratitude and entertainment from the PBB Gen 11 Big 4 and former housemates.

The event featured performances by Big Winner Fyang and fellow finalists Rain, Kolette, and Kai

Joining the festivities were former housemates JM, Jas, Jarren, Binsoy, Dylan, Dingdong, Patrick, JP, and Marc, alongside hosts DJ JhaiHo, Ralph Malibunas, Eris Aragoza, and Criza Taa of Zoomers

Fans displayed their bayanihan spirit,

organizing free transportation to support their favorite stars.

The Bida Kapamilya tour, which aims to connect Kapamilya artists with fans nationwide, will continue in Taguig City on Dec. 7. The next event will feature stars from the hit series Lavender Fields, and more.

Catch ABS-CBN programs including FPJ’s Batang Quiapo , Lavender Fields , and Pamilya Sagrado on weekdays, with weekend shows ASAP and Rainbow Rumble airing on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5. Follow ABS-CBN’s social media pages for updates.

Why is Alex Gonzaga taking a break from showbiz

ACTRESS and content creator Alex Gonzaga shared that her main priority at the moment is supporting her husband, Mikee Morada, in his political journey. Gonzaga revealed this at the Christmas party of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED) on Dec. 2, held at Rampa Drag Club in Quezon City.

Accompanied by her husband, who is currently a councilor in Lipa City, Batangas, Alex expressed her pride in his candidacy for Vice Mayor of the city. “This is my first time to introduce my husband to SPEED, editors, press people. We got married during the pandemic,” she said.

Currently taking a break from showbiz to focus on her husband’s campaign, Gonzaga shared that she has been turning down offers in order to be more present in Mikee’s political pursuits. “Of course I’m thankful,” Mikee acknowledged, expressing his gratitude for his wife’s support.

The couple is also focusing on starting a family. “My wife and I are trying to have a baby. I don’t want to lose focus either... Family is our priority,” Mikee added. Alex, too, recognized the challenges of building a family. “Starting a family, building a family is tough,” she said. Reflecting on her growth, Alex admitted she has mellowed down and is more behaved than in her younger years. “I’m done with my antics during my younger years,” she shared. Mikee humorously added, “Alex will always be Alex... But she’s more careful now.”

Despite her lighter approach to life, Alex jokingly revealed, “It’s only to him that I’ve been naughty.” Mikee also took a moment to express pride in his wife’s success in vlogging. “Alex has consistently been one of the most followed and subscribed to vloggers, and still gaining more subscriptions,” he noted. “I was there courting her when she started vlogging... She still edits and sits through them all by herself. Seeing her do that makes me proud of her.”

While Alex enjoys her vlogging career and supporting Mikee’s campaign, she remains open to the possibility of entering politics in the future. However, Mikee prefers her to remain in showbiz. “I’m not saying it with finality... As of the moment, I enjoy supporting Mikee in his bid,” Alex reiterated.

As for past controversies, Alex has learned to rise above detractors. “It’s part of the consequence of my being childish and immature then. What’s important, my husband and family remind me — ‘you know your mistakes and you’re trying to improve, trying your best not to repeat them. And we see that you’ve changed for the better...’”

Alex concluded, “I feel I’ve matured… I can’t forever be a teener, forever a jerk.”

SHOWBIZ

California’s CineLibre showcases diverse Filipino short f ilms

Touchbass Yugel Losorata

San Diego, CA – A premium set of short films, appropriately described as unique and diverse, was showcased in last week’s CineLibre, thanks to the empowering San Diego Filipino Cinema (SDFC), which celebrated its sixth anniversary by exhibiting the shorts for free in cooperation with the Chula Vista Public Library Civic Center Branch, where the screening was held.

Chula Vista is a relatively populous and impressively scenic city in San Diego County that apparently has a strong artist community, with CineLibre made possible by the Chula Vista Performing and Visual Arts Grant.

Seven shorts were shown last Dec. 5, highlighted by one directed by Grace Simbulan called Bonifacio, which stars veteran character actor Lito Pimentel. The short film features the latter in the role of a humble father with a pure heart, making him the hero figure of his academically bright son despite being hardly educated and poor. The film stands out ironically because of its showcase of a setting that projects the serious struggle of everyday Pinoy in the Philippines.

“I think it’s safe to say that we need to support our artists so that our stories and our humanity can endure,” said SDFC executive director and co-founder Benito Bautista

I recently met this no-nonsense gentleman, and I could say he made me further understand Filipino artistry and ingenuity by how he speaks about them. Here is a true-blue artist who unapologetically blends the art of filmmaking and being a Filipino. You can feel that by letting him talk and hearing him, which he does with utmost sincerity, he can make you reassess your love of country by going deep into your Filipino roots wherever you are

in the world.

The docudrama Dear Watsonville by director Sandra Lucille is both informative and reflective as it presents an emphatic picture of how earlier Filipino immigrants withstood the challenges of relocating.

“It was amazing and brilliant. I’m really surprised by the high quality of the films,” expressed Erwin Magbanua, principal librarian and cultural arts manager of the Chula Vista Public Library Civic Center Branch. “The storytelling is (generally) incredible, and I like the variety of formats and the themes.”

Director John Paul Corton’s My Father Drowned In Soup displays some visual innovation that made it a delightful watch, while San Diego filmmaker Marissa Roxas mirrors the visceral force reminiscent of what was revealed in the now-classic Brokeback Mountain as her film You + Me Will Always Be Back Then features two young ladies bonded by intense romance and tricky complexity.

The rest of the shorts are as strong as the aforementioned; it’s difficult to single out the strongest among them. Each has stamped its own identity one way or another, with Lola (Grace Hanna), Back To Normal (Cecilia de Jesus), and Fidel (Luke Lace) in the fold.

Bautista explained, “CineLibre is an ongoing outreach to experience cinema culture and to promote understanding, empathy, cultural representation, and critical awareness through cinema. These films are love letters to all of us from the filmmakers.” SDFC programming director and co-founder Emma Francisco is credited for “meaningfully curating the films and licensing them” for CineLibre.

SDFC is the presenter of the San Diego Filipino Film Festival (SDFFF), which is the largest curation and exhibition of global Filipino films in all of North America.

Magbanua noted, “These CineLibre films are like a nice tapestry of our experiences, showing the diversity of our experiences as Filipinos here in America and back home.”

Bautista reiterated the deep collaboration and specialization involved in the process of producing a film. He looked back at how healthcare professionals were valued as heroes at the height of the COVID pandemic and connected that to the equally important role of filmmakers who keep creating to help heal and save us from such a global catastrophe.

He urged that for the film and art community to further grow, those with creative inclinations should participate, while the plea for funding must not fall on deaf ears. He asked those who can afford to give: “Release those five dollars. If you can, 100 dollars,” he said. “That is of value to the art that we are making.”

‘PBB Gen 11’ Big 4 and former housemates grace the ‘Bida Kapamilya’ event

Actress and media personality Alex Gonzaga (left) with her husband politician Mikee Morada

San Diego Filipino Cinema co-founders executive director Benito Bautista (left) and programming director Emma Francisco

Chula Vista Public Library Civic Center Branch principal librarian and cultural arts manager Erwin Magbanua

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

AS 2024 nears its end, Google has unveiled its annual Year in Search report, highlighting the topics that captivated Filipinos throughout the year. From global events to local personalities, the list underscores the nation’s reliance on Google Search to stay informed and engaged. News dominated the overall top searches, with six out

By Abigail Adriatico

TWhat Filipinos Googled in 2024

hit songs ‘Salamin, Salamin’ and ‘Pantropiko’ are part of the top ten in the songs and lyrics category

Late actress Jaclyn Jose takes the second spot in celebrity searches for 2024

categories, reflecting widespread concern about extreme weather and its links to climate change, which ranked sixth overall and fifth in news.

Meanwhile, BINI, dubbed the Nation’s Girl Group, led the female personalities category after a breakout year. Two of their

of the top ten terms reflecting Filipinos’ curiosity about current events and global developments. The Philippines also demonstrated a keen interest in technology, with three AI-related terms making it to the top ten—a sign of the country’s tech-savvy population, as noted in the e-Conomy SEA Report for 2024.

The term “heat wave” topped both the overall and news

YPE 1 Diabetes is a lifelong autoimmune condition that prevents a person’s pancreas from producing insulin, the hormone responsible for turning food into energy and regulating a person’s blood sugar level. Common symptoms of this condition include increased thirst and frequent urination, constant hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and fatigue.

With their body’s lack of insulin, people with Type 1 Diabetes require four insulin injections a day and must adapt a certain lifestyle to regulate their blood sugar levels, as failing to do so would cause sugar to build up in their bloodstream and lead to complications. This alarming condition is commonly diagnosed in childhood, where individuals are usually taught ways of managing it for the rest of their lives.

However, with Type 1 Diabetes rarely being discussed, most

people are often unaware of important details such as its cause, symptoms, and how to care for someone with the condition.

The Philippine Pediatrics Society’s Dr. Maria Cristina Ignacio-Alberto noted that this lack of awareness leads to many misconceptions surrounding people’s understanding of what Type 1 Diabetes is and what it means for those affected.

“Many people believe that the cause of Type 1 Diabetes involves a child being given too much sugar.

BUILDING on over 50 years of excellence in Neurosciences, Makati Medical Center announced the establishment of the Makati Medical Center Institute of Neurological, Neurosurgical, and Behavioral Sciences (M.I.N.D.S.) with the unveiling of a commemorative marker at the hospital’s auditorium on Nov. 19, 2024.

Dedicated to delivering unparalleled services and achieving transformative patient outcomes, the Institute aims to redefine the landscape of neuroscience care in the Philippines.

Rooted in the pioneering work of the Department of Neurosciences, founded in 1973 by neurosurgeon Dr. Romeo H. Gustilo†, M.I.N.D.S. brings together the expertise of three clinical departments: Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. While each department operates independently, they collaborate under the shared discipline of neuroscience to provide comprehensive and specialized care.

The 2024 Paris Olympics was another major topic, ranking third overall and in news. Filipino Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo emerged as a standout figure, appearing in four categories: overall top trending, news, sports, and male personalities. Celebrity searches also featured prominently. Jaclyn Jose, the award-winning actress who passed away in 2024, ranked second overall, while former One Direction member Liam Payne came in at eighth.

searches for both series and Korean titles. The show, which aired on Netflix, highlighted the growing influence of streaming platforms, with online media seeing a 12 percent rise in gross merchandise value this year, according to the e-Conomy SEA report.

Raising awareness about Type 1 Diabetes among children

That’s not the case. There is some genetic disposition, but usually, it’s sporadic—it just happens,” said Ignacio-Alberto. She added that, like other autoimmune diseases, Type 1 Diabetes can be triggered by viral diseases such as mumps and measles or any other infection. While the condition is rare, it can still affect anyone, with those most at risk being children between the ages of 4 and 7, which Ignacio-Alberto assured can still be manageable.

The Institute envisions itself as the country’s most trusted neuroscience institution, championing masterful care, a nurturing environment, superior competence, and cuttingedge technology. Guided by its core values of Mindfulness, Integrity, Nurturance, Dedication, and Service Excellence, it promises a holistic approach to healthcare for both mind and body.

Dr. Edgardo Juan L. Tolentino, Director of M.I.N.D.S., emphasized the Institute’s mission, stating, “It reflects our commitment to integrating holistic and compassionate care into every patient interaction based on our Malasakit culture. It also underscores our drive to stay at the forefront of advancements in medical knowledge, technologies, and practices.”

Through ongoing professional development and pioneering research, M.I.N.D.S. ensures it remains at the forefront of medical excellence. By upholding the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and competence, it continues to

“There are no limitations to the physical activities that [children with Type 1 Diabetes] can do, but they have to check their blood sugar first because if it is down, it will cause hypoglycemia, which is dangerous,” she said.

Recognizing the need to raise more awareness about the condition, health, wellness, and beauty retailer Watsons launched a campaign on Dec. 4 at the Craft Academy in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. The campaign highlights the stories of several

children living with Type 1 Diabetes and aims to showcase the importance of early diabetes detection and screenings.

The campaign featured three children with Type 1 Diabetes: Neo Eliseo Linga, Ana Sophia Valencia, and Liam James Lebron It also shared how their parents discovered their condition and how they managed it. The campaign’s launch included a discussion about Type 1 Diabetes facilitated by IgnacioAlberto, attended by children and their parents from Type 1 Diabetes Society PH and T1 Diabetes Parents PH.

“Diabetes, especially in children, calls for unwavering dedication, love, and resilience. The journey truly takes a village, but a diagnosis is not a limitation,” said Watsons Philippines customer director Jared De Guzman

“At Watsons, we stand firmly with families on this journey. Through accessible diabetes management products, free health services, and awareness campaigns like #Type1Story, we are dedicated to empowering every child to live their best life and helping families create brighter, healthier futures,” he added.

Watsons offers a wide range of diabetes care products in all its stores nationwide and through the Watsons App. There are also free clinic checkups conducted in selected Watsons stores.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo appears in the categories of overall top trending, news, sports, and male personalities

P-pop girl group BINI’s

Dr. Maria Cristina Ignacio-Alberto and the three children with Type 1 Diabetes together with the Watsons team

Dr. Maria Cristina Ignacio-Alberto from the Philippine Pediatrics Society

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

Writer

Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO,

By Nickie Wang

TV HOST and fitness enthusiast Kuya Kim

Atienza underscores the importance of staying active as men age, saying it is key to maintaining health and vitality. His philosophy now: “The older you get, the more you should exercise, but smarter.”

“Exercise is non-negotiable as we get older. There’s no secret to looking younger but to have an active lifestyle and do a lot of exercise,” Kuya Kim said during his contract renewal with premier health and wellness brand Santé. “Good nutrition and controlled eating. I also control my sugar.”

“As far as exercising is concerned, it’s old thinking to say that when you get old, you can slow down exercising. That’s not true. As we get old, the more we should exercise to slow down aging. And we have to be smart about exercising. In your late 50s, you should focus on strength and mobility training. We should also work on our core,” he went on, discussing the importance of preserving muscle and improving balance.

F4 LIFE

Kuya Kim’s midlife mantra on smarter exercise and longer life

Kuya Kim, 57, has long championed an active lifestyle, sharing his fitness journey on social media and encouraging others to follow suit. His routine includes a mix of cycling, swimming, and weight training. He also emphasizes the importance of variety in keeping workouts engaging and effective.

“Ageing naturally comes with muscle loss and slower metabolism, but exercise can counter these effects,” he said. “It’s about adding life to your years.”

Kuya Kim’s advocacy aligns with expert recommendations for older adults to engage in regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health, bone density, and overall well-being.

The television personality has been an integral part of the Santé family for over a decade. He’s been embodying the brand’s mission of helping people live better lives for 13 years now.

The foundation of their collaboration has been Kuya Kim’s commitment to the brand. His advocacy for an active and healthy lifestyle is consistent with Santé’s mission and basic

beliefs. He has been instrumental in promoting Santé’s high-end health products over the years, encouraging many people and families to choose better lifestyles. As part of this renewed partnership, Kuya Kim will also be one of the artists who will be at the forefront of Santé’s exciting new campaign, “Live For More.” Building on the success of the “Live More. Do More.” initiative, this new campaign takes the message to greater heights, inspiring individuals to embrace life’s endless possibilities and live each day with purpose and vitality.

As a brand, Santé is dedicated to providing world-class health and wellness products that empower individuals to live healthier, happier lives. With a strong commitment to quality and innovation, Santé remains a trusted name in the health and wellness industry.

Experience the balance of beauty with Japanese skincare revolution

THE phrase “a state of zen” conjures images of balance, harmony, and tranquility. The claims made in each bottle of Watsons’ Target Pro idealize healthy skin.

Influencers and skincare fans were invited to the immersive event “Revolutionary Japanese Skincare by Target Pro by Watsons,” which featured the serum collection from the Philippines’ top personal care brand. The event provided a deeper understanding of the Japanese invention that pioneered the science underlying Target Pro by Watsons and highlighted the harmony found in pure beauty.

Held at Yawaragi, Hotel Okura, guests were transported to an afternoon focusing on the art of Japanese zen. The program, hosted by Kyla Kingsu introduced guests to the ethos that empowers Target Pro by Watsons.

Skincare experts/ representatives of Watsons Carrie San, president (Cosmetec Japan LTD), Katrine Salvado, senior brand manager, were also present to discuss the products. Together, they presented how Target Pro by Watsons was created by a team of Japanese dermatologists using highly potent ingredients that improve overall skin health while targeting specific areas created by a team in collaboration with Dr. Kawashima Makoto MD, PhD, professor and chairman of Dermatology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University..

With a collection of five serums, Target Pro by Watsons promises results in as early as three days of consistent use.

“Target Pro by Watsons is the perfect fusion of advanced Japanese skincare science and the philosophy of balance and harmony. Our goal is to offer consumers not just products, but solutions that deliver visible, lasting results—because true beauty starts from within, and our skincare is designed to help you achieve that equilibrium in your skin’s health, day after day, “ said Salvador.

Target Pro’s range is expertly

crafted to address diverse skincare needs, offering targeted solutions

Senior brand manager Katrine Salvador

for specific concerns. Each serum is designed with precision and efficacy to deliver visible results.

The Boosting Serum, featuring a 10 percent Vitamin C concentrate, corrects skin complexion by lightening dark spots and hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even and radiant glow. For those dealing with texture issues, the Pore Care Intensive Serum combines MINIPORYL and salicylic acid to refine the skin, reduce blackheads, and minimize pore visibility, visibly improving blemishes within four weeks.

The Whitening Intensive Serum blends Diamond Sirt, three types of Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3 to even out skin tone, enhance natural radiance, and improve firmness for a luminous complexion. Meanwhile, the Age Defense Serum, enriched with Diamond Sirt and a New Capsule Wrinkle Solution, targets fine lines and wrinkles, boosting skin resilience, firmness, and elasticity for a revitalized appearance.

Finally, the Hydration Serum, powered by hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, deeply hydrates the skin, enhancing moisture levels for a plump, refreshed, and supple feel.

Target Pro by Watsons provides a holistic skincare experience, delivering advanced, scientifically backed solutions that harmonize with your skin’s natural rhythm. Each serum is a testament to the belief that true beauty shines from within, helping you achieve balanced, healthy skin that glows with vitality.

Beyond the product showcase, the event also held unique ikebana and furoshiki workshops, demonstrating the Japanese art of flower arrangement and gift wrapping.

Target Pro by Watsons is yet another proof of Watsons’ dedication to delivering premium quality personal care and skincare products to each individual. As with all Watsons products, Target Pro by Watsons was made with the skin-savvy consumer in mind who values scientifically-backed products for lasting results.

Target Pro by Watsons is available at Watsons branches, watsons.com. ph, and via the Watsons app. With over 8,000 stores and 1,500 pharmacies in 15 Asian, European, and Middle Eastern markets, Watsons is the No.1 Personal Care and Beauty retailer in Asia.

Do More.” initiative, this new campaign

Cosmetec Japan LTD president Carrie San Kyla Kingsu serves as the program’s host

TV host and fitness enthusiast

Kuya Kim Atienza

Kim Atienza (third from left) with the Sante International board of directors

Various online personalities who make content about skincare grace the event