House to probe POGO vloggers
Panel to unmask spreaders
of fake news vs. Quad Comm
THE House of Representatives will form a special committee to investigate vloggers allegedly under the payroll of illegal POGOs who have been spreading disinformation against the Quad Committee, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said Sunday.
welcome and even protected by the Constitution as long as these are “anchored on the discharge of our official duties and functions.”
THE Quad Committee will focus on alleged drug smuggling done through various ports across the country when it resumes hearings on Tuesday, panel lead chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said.
He said the super committee will propose measures to ensure those behind drug smuggling are punished, including government officials.
Barbers said former Bureau of Customs official Jimmy Guban and Customs “fixer” Mark Taguba are among the resource persons to be in-
“We are waiting for a resource person whom we expected to confirm attendance. The hearing will focus on the increase in drugs that allegedly are smuggled through ports in the past years,” Barbers told dzBB in an interview yesterday.
Barbers, lead chairman of the Quad Comm, said banned POGOs still operating in the country are believed to be bankrolling these vloggers.
“There is a need for a regulatory framework so that these vloggers do not abuse their influence,” he told dzBB in
an interview. He said a Tri Committee will be formed to conduct the probe and work on passing legislation that will prevent vloggers and influencers from spreading disinformation and misinformation.
The lawmaker said criticisms are
In November, Barbers requested the National Bureau of Investigation to identify and pursue the unnamed vloggers who he accused of being paid to “malign and spread lies” about the Quad Comm.
“The ultimate goal of the trolls is to create chaos and disorder by sowing false information, confusion, fear and slander their subjects. We must
By Pot Chavez
conduct of the rally even as he pointed out that the gathering was held even if there were no actual grievances to be redressed.
“To me, although it was well-intentioned, the peace rally was more like a
EVERY four years America’s president is sworn in on Inauguration Day, whether newly elected or returning to office, in a long-established ceremony held amid pageantry influenced by the incoming leader’s tastes.
The United States Constitution man-
dates
WASHINGTON—TikTok disconnected access to its users in the United States late Saturday shortly before a national ban on the app was to take effect, with President-elect Donald Trump unable to intervene until he takes office.
“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US,” said a message to users attempting to use the app. “Unfortunately, that means you can’t use
TikTok for now.”
“We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office,” the message added. “Please stay tuned!”
After months of legal tussles, the US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that would ban the popular video-sharing platform in the
WINNERS ALL. Team Blue, skippered by Marty Romualdez (left), receive their trophies after beating Team White, 9-7, in the high goal game on Sunday during the Manila Polo Club Chairman’s Cup. Joining Romualdez are (from left) Ignacio O’Dweyer, Gus Aguirre and Gen Gelosi. Inset photo shows Speaker Martin Romualdez with members of Manila Standard’s circulation team (from left) Elvin Clarete, Circulation Manager Edgar Valmorida, Ferdie Cubinar and Manny Bungay. Revoli Cortez
MARITIME EXERCISE. A US carrier strike group led by the USS Carl Vinson joins Filipino forces in the West Philippine Sea during the first Maritime Cooperative Activity of 2015. Inset photo shows senior leaders of Armed Forces of the Philippines aboard the USS Carl Vinson. US Embassy in the Philippines and US Pacific Fleet
HISTORIC COMEBACK. US President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump watch fireworks during a reception in his honor at the Trump National Golf Club Washington DC in Sterling, Virginia, on January 18, 2025 (Sunday, Manila time). AFP
Close to 200 Afghans leave PH
ALL Afghan nationals who transited to process their special immigrant visa (SIV) have left the Philippines and are now in the United States, the US Embassy in Manila said on Sunday.
The embassy clarified that “just under 200 Afghan nationals” actually arrived in the country to process their SIV applications as opposed to the earlier information provided that up to 300 are flying in.
Of the total, about 60 percent are minors. The number was planned at 300 but last-minute drops were made for various reasons, including medical and personal withdrawals.
It also has a fan in Trump, who has credited the app with connecting him to younger voters, contributing to his election victory in November.
name of national security, unless its Chinese owners reach a deal to sell it to non-Chinese buyers by Sunday.
From teenage dancers to grandmothers sharing cooking tips, TikTok has been embraced for its ability to transform ordinary users into global celebrities when a video goes viral.
After discussing TikTok with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump told NBC News on Saturday that he could activate a 90-day reprieve after he reclaims the Oval Office.
“I think that would be, certainly, an option that we look at. The 90-day extension is something that will be most
US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay confirmed the last batch left the Philippines on January 17 aboard a commercial flight.
“The government of the United States extends deep appreciation to the government of the Philippines for their cooperation and support for US efforts to assist Afghan Special Immigrants,” he said.
The embassy did not provide the specific numbers of flights but said the Af-
likely done, because it’s appropriate,” he said, ahead of Monday’s inauguration. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”
The law allows a 90-day delay if the White House can show progress toward a viable deal, but TikTok owner ByteDance has flatly refused any sale.
The administration of outgoing President Joe Biden has said it will leave the matter to Trump, and White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre qualified TikTok’s latest
ghan nationals departed via commercial planes between January 15 and 17.
The Philippine-US deal on the hosting of the Afghan nationals who worked for the US mission in Kabul terminates exactly on the 100th day after the arrival of the first applicant. Each Afghan national was allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 59 days.
The first applicant arrived in the Philippines on Jan. 6.
statements as a “stunt.”
After the court defeat, TikTok CEO Shou Chew appealed to Trump, thanking him for his “commitment to work with us to find a solution.”
Trump “truly understands our platform,” he added.
Chew is also set to attend Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
The law requires Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their app stores, blocking new downloads. AFP
Israel says truce with Hamas begins, after delay
not let them win. Law and order must be preserved to ensure peace and stability in society,” Barbers said in his privilege speech last month. In his letter to the NBI, Barbers complained to bureau director Jaime Santiago that the deliberate disinformation drive by the seemingly organized vloggers not only damages the integrity of public service but also fosters an environment of confusion, distrust and deception.
He asked Santiago to help Quad Comm unmask the persons or groups responsible for creating and posting damaging and misleading vlogs, and secure and preserve all digital evidence related to the vlog, including metadata, upload details, and related activity logs.
The lawmaker also submitted pieces of evidence of some malicious vlogs sourced from various social media platforms, including a derogatory vlog that originated from his province and was picked up by Manila-based mercenary vloggers, linking him and his brother, Surigao del Norte Gov. Lyndon Barbers to illegal drugs.
“It is very obvious that these are well-organized and paid vloggers who just wanted to destroy my name, my brother’s and the Quad Comm members. Some said these came from paid groups. Maybe, their POGO employers and the drug lords are getting hurt with the Quad Comm investigations,” he said.
“The weather forecast for Washington, D.C., with the wind chill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows,” he wrote.
“There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.”
The returning leader said supporters could watch a live feed from Washington’s Capital One sports arena, which holds up to 20,000—and he promised to drop in later.
The oath is traditionally administered by the Supreme Court chief justice, and it would be John Roberts’s second time officiating for Trump.
The new president then delivers an inaugural address, laying out his plans for the next four years.
Incoming vice president JD Vance will also be sworn in.
Outgoing President Joe Biden will attend the ceremony.
All living former presidents—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—will attend, as will their wives, except for Michelle Obama.
Also, Hillary Clinton, whom Trump beat in the 2016 presidential election, in addition to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he beat in November, will be there.
Heads of state are not traditionally invited, but Trump has sent invitations to a handful of foreign leaders.
Far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend, her office confirmed Saturday.
Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Argentine President Javier Milei, and China’s Xi Jinping have also been invited, but not all will attend.
Meanwhile, the Republican has invited several tech titans to attend the inauguration, joining more traditional guests such as his cabinet nominees.
Billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg will attend as will Shou Chew, the head of Chinese social media giant TikTok, according to US media.
Trump is expected to attend all three official inaugural galas on Monday night with more than a dozen others planned.
In addition, he will put on a “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” on Sunday evening at Capital One Arena.
As early as his first day in office, Trump said he would sign multiple executive orders aimed at undoing many of the Biden administration’s policies. He also called for a meeting between US officials and foreign ministers from Japan, India and Australia, the so-called “Quad,” immediately after the inauguration.
Among other promises, he has pledged to launch a mass deportation program and increase oil drilling.
On Friday, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. hosted a reception for the incoming Trump administration.
In a social media post, Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said that the embassy event was attended by representatives from “the incoming administration, US Congress, Trump campaign and transition team, donors and media.” With AFP
JERUSALEM , Undefined—Israel on Sunday said a truce with Hamas began in Gaza at 0915 GMT (5:15 pm in Manila), nearly three hours after initially scheduled, following a last-minute delay on the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During the delay, Gaza’s civil defense agency said Israeli strikes killed eight people.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office, issued less than an hour before the truce had been set to start at 8:30 am (2:30 pm in Manila), said he had “instructed the IDF (military) that the ceasefire... will not begin until Israel has received the list” of hostages to be freed.
Hamas attributed the delay to “technical reasons,” as well as the “complexities of the field situation and the continued bombing,” ultimately publishing at around 10:30 am the names of three Israeli women to be released on Sunday.
Israel confirmed it had received the list and was “checking the details,” before confirming shortly afterwards that the truce would begin at 11:15 am local time.
AFPTV live images from northeastern Gaza showed a plume of grey smoke about 30 minutes after the truce was earlier to take effect, and again around 30 minutes later.
The Israeli military confirmed it was continuing “to strike within the Gaza area” following Netanyahu’s directive.
Gaza civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal said three people were killed in the north of the territory and five in Gaza City, with 25 wounded.
AFP images showed displaced Gazans streaming northwards from areas around Gaza City where they had been sheltering, some flashing the victory sign.
But others saw their plans to return home thwarted by the delay of the ceasefire.
“I was on my way home with my family when we heard the sound of bomb
ing,” said Mohammed Baraka, 36. “We can’t reach our house; the situation is dangerous. I don’t know what to do. I feel frustrated and devastated.”
The initial exchange was to see three Israeli hostages released from captivity in return for a first group of Palestinian prisoners.
A total of 33 hostages taken by militants during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel will be returned from Gaza during an initial 42-day truce.
Under the deal, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli jails.
The truce is intended to pave the way for an end to more than 15 months of war sparked by Hamas’s attack, the deadliest in Israeli history.
It follows a deal struck by mediators Qatar, the United States and Egypt after months of negotiations, and takes effect on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president. AFP
ply with international law and consider the safety of navigation as well as the rights and interests of other nations.
Bonifacio (PS17); 2 FA50 fighter aircraft; and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) assets.
From the United States, participants included the USS Carl Vinson (CVN70) aircraft carrier strike group; the guided missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG-59); the destroyer USS Sterett (DDG-104); an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter; and V-22 Osprey helicopter; and 2 F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter bombers. The exercises included communications, division tactics, and combat training.
The US Navy said the recently concluded exercises demonstrate a “collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The US Navy said these MCAs com-
vited to the hearings.
Earlier this month, a Pulse Asia survey showed that 6 out of 10 Filipinos are in favor of the House Quad Committee’s probe into EJKs, illegal drugs, and illegal POGO activities.
The survey also highlighted what the public wanted the most to achieve from the Quad Comm investigations. For 37 percent of the respondents, they expect the Quad Comm to be able to identify the government officials responsible for EJKs, illegal drug activities, and illicit POGO operations.
Another 27 percent expressed hope the investigations will lead to the creation of new laws to address these issues,
The bilateral maritime cooperative exercise took place in the presence of China’s “monster ship” 60 to 70 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.
Earlier, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued another radio challenge on Saturday to China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5901, known as the “monster ship,” which has been operating unlawfully off the Zambales coastline.
As this developed, the government is spending an additional P3 billion to keep its infrastructure buildup in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), located in the northeastern section of the disputed Spratly archipelago, according to Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel.
“Congress has earmarked an additional P1.65 billion to develop the Pagasa Island airport, plus P300 million for the (Pag-asa) shelter port,” he said in a
while 11 percent wanted the investigations to result in the prosecution and conviction of those involved in these criminal networks.
The Commission on Human Rights, for its part, said in December it supports a recommendation of the Quad Comm to file crimes against humanity charges against those involved in EJKs during the Duterte administration.
Throughout the 13 Quad Comm hearings, the CHR said it has consistently monitored the testimonies, affidavits and sworn statements of all resource persons to ensure that human rights violations are actively addressed by the state and that perpetrators are held accountable.
Specifically, the committee called for the filing of charges against ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Ronald
statement on Sunday. “We have also allocated an extra P1.08 billion to construct the second phase of the Lawak Island shelter port.”
Pimentel said the three projects are fully itemized in the 2025 General Appropriations Law.
Pimentel is the author of a bill that seeks to transform Pag-asa into a recreational fishing tourism destination, and a separate bill proposing an initial P5-billion appropriation to build new naval forward operating bases in the West Philippine Sea.
The projects are primarily to secure the natural gas and oil deposits beneath the seabed of the WPS.
Pag-asa Island lies 508 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City. It has a land area of 37.2 hectares, the largest island in the KIG. Lawak Island has a land area of 7.93 hectares and is the fourth-largest island in the KIG. It lies 169 kilometers east of Pagasa. Rex Espiritu and Rio N. Araja
political pressure to hinder a separate and independent department of the government to perform a constitutional duty.
This was evident from the speeches delivered in that rally,” he said.
“So many people, especially members of the INC, were so riled and angry at me for the post I made recently about the INC peace rally. I would like to explain why I made that post,” Enrile added.
The 100-year-old lawyer also noted that only the President has the power and duty to coordinate with the two other branches of government to achieve and maintain unity and harmony in governance.
In a follow up post, which Enrile said would be his last on the matter, he told his critics: “Neither you nor I have a monopoly of the truth.”
“I represent no partisan group in this country. I do not know whether you do. As far as the personal attacks and issues you raised against me— the faults, the blames, the defects, and wrongdoings you attributed to me, as well as the ad hominem you threw against me—I am ready, and willing to face anyone before the people in any forum to discuss and debate about them,” he said.
Last week, Mr. Marcos said the timing of the impeachment moves against Vice President Sara Duterte was “very poor” given the looming campaign season.
The chief executive, however, acknowledged the legal insight of his chief legal counsel, Juan Ponce Enrile, that junking the impeachment based solely on the position of one group would be a “very detrimental precedent.”
“JPE [Enrile] is one of our best legal thinkers in the country, and he is right—there is a consequence, and there will be a precedent, and it will be very problematic,” the President said.
secure a conviction.
dela Rosa and Christopher Go, ex-Philippine National Police chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, ex-colonels Royina Garma and Edilberto Leonardo and former Malacañang official “Muking” Espino.
“The CHR views the collective action of the Philippine government and civil society towards supporting the victims of extrajudicial killings and their families as a crucial step in reshaping the Philippines’ drug policy in a way that upholds human rights, justice and accountability. No one, regardless of position or rank, should be allowed to stand above the law,” the CHR said.
The Department of Justice likewise raised the possibility of granting state witness status to resource persons who will be invited for its parallel probe into EJKs if their testimonies are needed to
Garma admitted during a Quad Comm hearing that former President Duterte and other high-ranking officials during his term operationalized the so-called “Davao model” of EJKs on a nationwide scale, rewarding cops for every drug suspect killed with incentives ranging from P20,000 to P1 million.
During the anti-drug campaign he launched shortly after taking office in 2016, Duterte ordered cops to shoot dead suspects if the police believed their lives were in danger.
“Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it or not, I did it for my country,” the 79-year-old Duterte said in a Senate hearing in October.
Duterte claims discrepancies on panel report on national budget
FORMER president
Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City 3rd
District Representative
Isidro Ungab raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in the bicameral conference committee report on the recently approved 2025 national budget.
In an interview posted on social media Saturday, Ungab said that certain
budget items for the Department of Agriculture (DA) and unprogrammed appropriations were missing amounts. He emphasized that these gaps couldn’t be attributed to typographical or printing errors.
“These are not just ordinary figures; these are billions of pesos… There are many pages like this… This means there is a discrepancy, so how did this discrepancy happen?” said Ungab, a former chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
“With all these findings, we can see that the bicam report is defective. Why did the members sign it? The House and Senate ratified a defective bicam report. In other words,
Comelec moves ballot reprinting after SC decision
By Vito Barcelo
THE Commission on Elections (Come-
lec) on Sunday said that the reprinting of ballots was moved from January 20 to January 22 after the Supreme Court (SC) allowed three more local bets to run for their respective positions.
Poll spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said that last week, the SC issued five TROs against the Comelec for the declaration of nuisance candidates and cancellation of certificates of candidacy of five political aspirants: Subair Mustapha for senator, Charles Savellano (representative of Ilocos Sur), Chito Balintay (governor of Zambales), Edgar Erice (representative of Ca-
loocan City) and Florendo Ritualo (councilor of San Juan City).
On Friday, the SC ordered to include the names of Marie Grace David for vice mayor of Limay, Bataan; Mary Dominique Oñate (mayor of Palompon, Leyte) and Aldrin Sta. Ana (mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan) in the official ballots. The move resulted in the suspension of the printing of official ballots by the Comelec. Ballot reprinting cannot happen by Monday, January 30,” Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia told reporters via Viber. Laudiangco said the postponement of reprinting the ballots was due to the creation of the new trusted build of the election management system (EMS).
the General Appropriations Act is affected because the bicam report was defective,” he added.
In response to Ungab’s claims, Duterte stated that budget items should never be left blank to be filled in later.
“If that happens, something is terribly wrong… I would say that if there are blanks that passed through, that is not valid legislation. If that’s in the law and came out with blanks, it should be filled before or after Congress… If it’s fragmented or missing, it’s not a valid budget for implementation,” Duterte said.
“It’s not just inaccurate; I think the budget as a whole is invalid,” he added.
Duterte also reminded Congress
that such practices are illegal. “I want to remind Congress, this is wrong… Please correct it, or recall the budget and demand an explanation as to why it arrived like that—blank. It’s like being given a blank check and being told, ‘Do whatever you want with it,’” he said. He warned that anyone involved in tampering with the budget could face criminal charges.
Duterte also warned government workers to uphold their integrity, or face dire consequences. “If there’s a coup d’état, you might be the first to go. Soldiers, who have already sacrificed for the country, will not tolerate this. They won’t stand for their money being stolen,” Duterte said.
MPD
AUTHORITIES said around 5,000 devotees gathered early Sunday to participate in a procession for the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo in Tondo, Manila. Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay also reported that there were no untoward incidents in Tondo or in Pandacan, which was also celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño de Pandacan. The feast is also celebrated in other regions of the country, including Kalibo, Aklan, and Cebu As of 6:55 a.m. on Sunday, the image of Sto. Niño de Tondo had returned to the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño, according to a Super Radyo dzBB report. The procession lasted nearly three hours, passing through the streets within the parish area. In Pandacan, an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 people attended the Buling-Buling Festival on Saturday, Ibay noted. Ibay said the MPD deployed sufficient personnel to maintain security in both areas of Manila. He also advised those celebrating the feast to drink in moderation to prevent accidents.
The first image of Sto. Niño (Child Jesus) arrived in the Philippines in 1564 from Natividad, Mexico. The annual procession began in 1572, featuring multiple images of Sto. Niño.
The Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo is held every third Sunday of January.
The Sinulog Festival 2025 in Cebu meanwhile has attracted over 200,000 spectators to its main venue, showcasing more than 44 dancing contingents.
Despite the intense heat, the contingents, along with floats and higantes, marched on, while thousands of spectators lined the parade route, braving the sweltering temperatures.
STO. NIÑO DE TONDO. Devotees raise the image of Sto. Niño to be blessed after a mass at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño De Tondo Parish during the feast of Sto. Niño on Sunday. Authorities said about 5,000 devotees ocked to the procession. Danny Pata
Tagaytay City candidates have no opponents
By Dennis Abrina
TAGAYTAY City—Candidates from Tagaytay City led by the influential Tolentino family are running unopposed Cavite for the May 12, 2025 national and local elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Mayor Abraham Tolentino’s son Brent and Vice Mayor Agnes Tolentino are running without challengers in the mayoralty and vice mayoralty races, respectively. Curiously, all 10 city council bets, including re-electionist Micko Tolentino, son of Senator Francis Tolentino, likewise have no rivals. The other unopposed candidates for councilor are Jojit Desingaño, Rey Espiritu, Bianca Pello, Annabelle Solis, Leo Angelo De Castro, Fatima Guadana, Jennifer Manguinao, Doroteo Marasigan Jr., and Gener Vergara. Cavite’s 1st District board member Ram Revilla is also running solo for vice governor. Similarly, no one dared challenge re-electionist Reps. Lani MercadoRevilla (1st District) and Rep. Antonio Ferrer (6th District).
In similar fashion, 10 aspirants for municipal council membership in the province have no rivals. They are Romel Enriquez and Juan Ysmael Gandia (1st District); Edwin Malvar and Alde Pagulayan (2nd District); Ony Cantimbuhan and Lloyd Jaro (3rd District); Aidel Belamide and Ivee Reyes (5th District); and Kerby Salazar and Morit Sison (6th District).
Unchallenged re-electionist mayors are Randy Salamat (Alfonso), Strike Revilla (Bacoor City), Denver Chua (Cavite City), Luis Ferrer IV (General Trias City), Francisco Mendoza (Mendez-Nu ñez), and Voltaire Ricafrente (Rosario).
IN BRIEF
PCG foils bid to smuggle Leopard cats to Manila
THE Philippine Coast Guard foiled an attempt to smuggle Visayan leopard cats aboard a van going to Manila.
The shipment was intercepted in Mabinay, Negros Oriental after a concerned citizen informed the PCG about it.
The Visayan felines consisted of two adult males, one adult female, and two young ones.
The suspected smugglers were arrested and charges of violation of Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act were being readied against them. Vince Lopez
PH, Canada enhance bilateral defense ties
THE Philippines and Canada have strengthened further bilateral defense relations, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.
According to DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong, the inaugural Defense Cooperation Working Group (DCWG) meeting hosted by the Philippines underscored mutual commitment to addressing shared security challenges and enhancing regional stability through closer collaboration.
The meeting was attended by key officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the DND, along with their Canadian counterparts.
In her opening remarks, DND Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita Yoro emphasized the significance of the first DCWG as a milestone in Philippine-Canadian relations. Rex Espiritu
Poe vows to file bill on riders’ legal rights
THE absence of legislation should not threaten the jobs of over 60,000 motorcycle riders in the Philippines, according to Senator Grace Poe.
“The deadline for whether to continue this or not really lies with the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board). They can have an extension pending the passage of the bill. They are the ones who will approve that,” Poe said.
The senator also gave assurance that she can file a senate resolution to provide legal cover for the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board regarding the extension.
“The resolution will be signed by the senators to indicate our support for the extension while we review the proposed legislation,” she said. Ram Superable
‘DHSUD to complete this year houses for Yolanda victims’
By Rio N. Araja
THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Sunday vowed to finish all the remaining permanent housing projects for victims of super typhoon “Yolanda.”
Housing czar Jose Rizalino Acuzar said the National Housing Authority (NHA), an attached
agency of the DHSUD, has committed to complete the remaining 4,702 housing units under
its Yolanda Permanent Housing Project (YPHP) by December.
“It is the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to complete the NHA housing units in Region 8, and we are sure to resolve the problem of the Yolanda housing,” Acuzar said.
The NHA has already completed 53,917 units out of the 58,619 permanent housing requirements under YPHP. Out of the completed units, a total of 45,454 units were already occupied the beneficiaries. Qualified beneficiaries of the YPHP received the housing units as grant or at no cost. They inhabited identified hazard-prone areas and were displaced by the onslaught of “Yolanda” in November 2013.
NHA rolls out Cavite caravan to address housing concerns
THE National Housing Authority (NHA) has launched its first housing caravan in 2025 in Cavite to foster connections with beneficiaries and provide a path to address housing-related concerns and queries.
NHA assistant general manager Alvin Feliciano spearheaded the conduct of the caravan attended by over 500 beneficiaries.
The forum provided an opportunity to raise concerns regarding housing amortizations of the residents from Dorothea Homes 1 and 2, Harbour Homes, Barangay Calubcob Parkstone Estate and Naic View, and to resolve
their problems through the supervision of the technical unit, community support services, finance services and estate management of the NHA Cavite district office. The NHA earlier conducted two housing caravans participated by over 1,500 beneficiaries in Baras, Rizal and Cabuyao, Laguna. A total of 109 fire victimfamilies from Davao City, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Pasay City received aid under the NHA’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program to provide financial aid to families affected by calamities. Rio N. Araja
Kanlaon continues ash emissions, earthquakes
By Rio N. Araja
THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has reported the continued ash emissions and occurrences of volcanic earthquakes at Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island over the past 24 hours from Saturday midnight to Sunday midnight.
Two ash emission events were recorded, lasting 12 to 13 minutes each. At least 12 volcanic tremors were also monitored, one of them lasting five minutes.
The volcano released 2,302 tons of sulfur dioxide a day and a moderate 150-meter tall plume that drifted southwest, Phivolcs said. Kanlaon’s edifice also stayed inflated.
Alert Level 3 remained hoisted over the volcano.
SHOPPING FOR LUCKY CHARMS. Shoppers are on the look-out for lucky charms on sale along Ongpin St. in Binondo, Manila ahead of the celebration of the Chinese New Year on Jan. 29. Danny Pata
POETRY IN MOTION, Sailboats juxtaposed against the setting sun viewed from the world-famous Boracay Island provide a poetic post card image for all nature lovers to behold. Dave Leprozo
SECURITY CHECK. Elements of the Manila Police District conduct a checkpoint on Moriones St. in Tondo, Manila. Norman Cruz
OPINION
MANY songs have been written about money. From a Motown hit, to an ABBA song, to that duet in the musical Cabaret whose lyrics went “Money, money, money makes the world go round…,” and even if the Beatles song says (money) “Can’t buy me love,” something our politicians and billionaires would sneer at because, the truth is, they keep buying “love.”
Reacting to my column last Jan. 13 about polymer banknotes and their being “anay-proof,” a friend called me to recount somebody’s experience with money. As both its amount and provenance would raise eyebrows in the banking system, especially with strict Bangko Sentral and the Anti-Money Laundering Council, someone he knows who has bought several condominium units as investment, had a “wa-is” solution. He does not rent out his condo units because he does not need to recover his investments, all financed by questionable transactions. Instead, this friend of his filled his condominium units with chest freezers, and that is where he stores neatly bundled stacks of money. He locks up the freezers, and then locks up the condo, which is after all heavily secured as they are in posh locations in Makati and BGC. And, no, the freezers are not plugged into the electric outlets. Neat? Termiteproof as well. ***
I wonder how much it costs us taxpayers to print money, as much of it does not circulate in the banking system and the economy, but is hidden in vaults, concrete bunkers (remember the story about Ampatuan money which was raided by law enforcers after the Maguindanao massacre?), basements, and. yes, freezers in condo units.
Probably because of this, the Bangko Sentral decided to shift to polymer, as it is supposed to last longer than paper money. Or as I mischievously wrote last Monday, so graft proceeds will be both BIR- and termite-proof.
Maybe the COA should investigate just how much the BSP has been spending to print money, whether paper or polymer, and even how often they have to re-print because most of the money is out of general circulation.
Remember what our economics teachers taught us about Money Supply and its Velocity being equal to Price and Transactions? What happens when money supply is constricted because it lies in vaults, freezers and basements, and, like Mona Lisa, “they just lie there, and they die there?”
***
Have you seen how a local political kingpin whose family has lorded it over in his province for six decades and more has been showering his constituents with banknotes fired from a gold-plated toy
gun?
So much money, and his grateful provincianos keep him and his brood in power. Oh well, he might get mad at me, for writing about a gold-plated toy gun. He might say it is pure gold, because, from what I heard, he has plenty of gold bars stacked up in his fortress.
Or this boxing champ who ran for high office while distributing thousand peso paper banknotes wherever he went prior to the official campaign period? Money may have bought him love, lots of it, but not the high office he aspired to.
Then there is this other political bigwig from a southern province who lost the elections after more than two decades of the dynasty he founded, because his opponent was a rich contractor who bought votes at 7,000 pesos apiece?
That contractor is now in the HoR, obviously milking the treasury through pork and other perks, to recoup his political investment.
No money, no honey, a wag once said. In the Philippines, no money means no food
And the dynast who lost? Well, he has fallen into bad times. He became the victim of an investment scam masterminded by wise financial crooks from Malaysia. But the money he supposedly lost is still mind-boggling, running into hundreds of millions of pesos. ***
Meanwhile, SWS reports that more than a quarter of Filipino families, 25.9 percent of some 24 million households, equivalent to some 30 million men, women and children, went hungry in the last quarter of 2024.
In the third quarter, it was 22.9 percent, and the 3 percent increase approximates the highest recorded since the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020. Year-on-year, we have had 5 consecutive quarters of rising hunger rates.
No money, no honey, a wag once said.
In the Philippines, no money means no food.
Still, our rich politicians charge 20,000 per plate meals in BGC’s swankiest restaurants, or hie off to Tokyo for Peter Luger’s famous steaks, New York even, while many of our urban poor eat “pagpag” and those in the countryside subsist on “balinghoy.”
What was it F. Scott Fitzgerald said about the “rich (being) different from you and me”?
His setting was the US of A, when the robber barons controlled most wealth.
If he were in the Philippines, circa 2024, he would have been speechless.
Site blocking bill in limbo while piracy profits, industries suffer
THE huge economic potential of the Philippine entertainment industry is being strangled by the relentless grip of online piracy.
The long-delayed Site Blocking Bill, currently stalled in the Senate, holds the key to unleashing the regulatory power that can rescue this vital sector from economic ruin and safeguarding millions of Filipino consumers from the hidden dangers of cybercrime. Yet, despite the loud and unified calls from industry leaders, consumer advocates, and stakeholders, the legislation remains in limbo. This inaction is not just a legislative oversight—it is a self-inflicted blow to our economic interests, and digital security. Intellectual property theft is not a petty crime. It is driven by sophisticated cybercriminals who exploit technological loopholes to siphon billions from the creative sector. In 2022 alone, the Philippine entertainment industry lost P781 million due to rampant online video piracy—a staggering figure reflecting lost profits, jobs, shuttered studios, and stifled creativity. From directors and writers to lighting crews and makeup artists, thousands of livelihoods suffer due to unchecked piracy and weak enforcement mechanisms.
The 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, despite surpassing its P800 million box office target, faced relentless piracy.
Illegal download links for films like “And The Breadwinner Is...” and “Hello, Love, Again” circulated freely on social media, undermining months of hard work and significant investments.
Let us stand together to protect Filipino creativity, secure thousands of livelihoods, and build a safer digital future for all
Piracy syndicates brazenly advertise lifetime access to pirated movies for as little as ₱249, offering consumers an illegal and dangerous alternative. These syndicates also exploit cloud storage platforms to distribute stolen content, crippling the industry’s y to generate rightful revenue. Piracy sites are not harmless alterna-
Media challenges in Trump 2.0
THE 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, will again be inaugurated as its 47th this week, prompting concerns of what his second administration is going to look like for several sectors.
Mr. Trump’s personality has always been polarizing, even before his first presidency. His inflammatory statements and attitudes about women, immigrants, the global order, and his relationship with the truth – highlighted at the height of the COVID pandemic and his reaction to his defeat in his 2020 reelection bid – have cemented his reputation as a controversial figure.
While some US news organizations have been extremely critical of Trump, reporting on his personal, political, legal, and even financial problems, the former President has made known he was not backing down. At first, his instinct was to call every critical report “fake news.” Lately, however, there have been instances showing media taking an “initially conciliatory approach.”
A major broadcaster, Disney-owned ABC News, gave $15 million to the Trump presidential library as settlement for a defamation suit. Jeff Bezos-owned
The Washington Post killed a cartoon depicting media and tech moguls pay-
tives—they are conduits for cybercrime.
Research shows Filipino consumers are nearly 30 times more likely to encounter malware on piracy sites, exposing them to phishing scams, identity theft, and financial fraud. This is not just an economic issue but a severe cybersecurity threat, leaving millions vulnerable.
Globally, site blocking has proven effective against piracy.
The UK, France, and Italy have seen piracy rates drop by up to 95 percent after implementing site-blocking laws.
South Korea and Indonesia reported reductions of 98 percent and 95 percent, respectively. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of decisive legislative action in protecting industries and consumers. Meanwhile, cybercriminals continue to exploit the Philippines’ weak cybersecurity.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines has made progress through voluntary administrative site blocking, targeting notorious sites like YTS, Sflix, and MyFlixer.
However, without stronger legal author-
ing homage to a giant Trump statue. It also declined to endorse a presidential candidate last November. Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is ending its fact-checking program, initially in the US. And, of course, X’s Elon Musk is one of Trump’s most visible supporters and advisers.
Journalists know that they signed up for a career that is neither smooth nor easy, and that essentially entails tangling with powers determined to maintain a certain version of the truth for their own benefit.
But a journalism professor from New York University believes that US news media organizations have to cooperate to resist Trump’s tendency for revenge. Interviewed by Agence France Presse, Adam Penenberg posed the questions: Can the media resist bending under the weight of those attacks?
The New York Times also ran an editorial warning that “for smaller, less financially secure news organizations, the expense of defending themselves in lawsuits from Mr Trump and his allies
ity, these efforts remain limited. The Site Blocking Bill would empower authorities to swiftly cut off access to illegal sites, especially during critical periods when new content is most vulnerable.
Many of these piracy websites are operated by cybercriminals based abroad, beyond the reach of local law enforcement, making it even more challenging to hold them accountable.
These operators can collect sensitive personal information, such as mobile phone numbers, which can then be exploited for fraudulent schemes or sold on the dark web. Site blocking does not infringe on internet freedom, it targets illegal operations— criminal enterprises that profit from intellectual property theft and endanger users.
It does not threaten legitimate online activity but redirects consumers to safe, legal alternatives, fostering a healthier digital ecosystem where creators are fairly compensated, and consumers are protected. The urgency to pass the Site Blocking
may be enough to encourage self-censorship.”
Antics and controversies notwithstanding, any political victory is a testament that democracy is working. To wish for another election result would be to deny the power of the vote, held sacrosanct by the Constitution. Other outcomes would have been realized by changing the people’s minds and the way they arrive at their political decisions, but that is an issue for the next round of voting.
For now, Americans – and the rest of those economically, politically, or culturally linked to the US – have to resort to greater vigilance and fortitude. They must try to tell their truth in an unwavering fashion in the face of suppression, gaslighting, and the prospect of retaliation. It is, of course, easier declared than practiced, especially when the viability of the news organization and the reputation/safety of journalists are concerned.
But journalists in the US and elsewhere already know, from the start, that they signed up for a career that is neither smooth nor easy, and that essentially entails tangling with powers determined to maintain a certain version of the truth for their own benefit. It is up to the press and the people, to exert efforts to get the true and full picture and form their own opinions based on the evidence at hand.
The next few years will be as exciting as they will be instructive. Let us watch and learn, and then do better, ourselves.
Bill cannot be overstated. Every day of delay deepens the wounds inflicted on the entertainment industry and heightens risks to Filipino consumers. The Senate must act decisively to protect cultural industries and safeguard the public from escalating cyber threats linked to piracy.
The creative sector is not just entertainment; it is a cornerstone of our national identity and a significant economic contributor.
As a consumer advocate, I urge lawmakers to prioritize passing the Site Blocking Bill. It is a critical step toward a future where Filipino creativity thrives, and consumers safely enjoy the productions of a vibrant entertainment industry. Let us stand together to protect Filipino creativity, secure thousands of livelihoods, and build a safer digital future for all. If the Site Blocking Bill dies in this Congress, the piracy syndicates will enjoy more lucrative years of digital thievery –and every internet and social media user in the country will be targeted.
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon in landscape format of a sea of upstretched hands with the label “cultist culture” and above the sea of hands is a boat labeled “politicians” with a menacing figure with a fishing rod.
Yoon supporters storm S. Korea court
of
SEOUL – Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed a Seoul court Sunday after a judge extended the impeached leader’s detention over his ill-fated attempt to impose martial law.
Tens of thousands of people had gathered outside the Seoul Western District Court on Saturday in a show of support for Yoon, who became South Korea’s first sitting head of state to be arrested in a dawn raid this week. After the court extended his detention around 3:00 am (2 am, Sunday, Manila time), the president’s supporters smashed windows and doors as they rushed inside the building.
AFP journalists saw hundreds of police officers charge into the court, with the force arresting dozens and denouncing an “intolerable illegal and violent incident”. The incident is the latest episode in South Korea’s spiraling political crisis since Dec. 3, when Yoon declared martial law and dispatched troops to parliament. His attempt to suspend civilian
announcing investigators could hold Yoon for a further 20 days, the Seoul court told AFP there were concerns he could destroy evidence if released.
The president thanked his supporters -- including evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTubers -- for their “passionate patriotism” in a message through his lawyers Friday.
His backers have claimed Yoon was justified in imposing martial law due to election fraud in legislative polls won last year by the opposition, for which they present no evidence.
They frequently wave American flags and have adopted the “stop the steal” rhetoric associated with US presidentelect Donald Trump, whose supporters stormed Washington’s Capitol to try to overturn his earlier election defeat. After the Seoul court incident, acting police chief Lee Ho-young said the force would “thoroughly investigate right-wing YouTubers if they were involved in this violent break-in,” AFP
Strikes on Gaza after Israel says truce delayed
JERUSALEMS Gaza’s civil defence rescuers said Israeli strikes killed eight people on Sunday after Israel said a ceasefire in its war with Hamas was delayed at the last minute on orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A statement from Netanyahu’s office, issued less than an hour before the truce was set to start at 8:30 am (2.30 pm Sunday Manila time), said he had “instructed the IDF (military) that the ceasefire... will not begin until Israel has received the list” of hostages to be freed. Hamas, while “affirming its commitment” to the terms of the ceasefire, said: “The delay in providing the names of those to be released in the first batch is due to technical rea-
sons,” later adding that the list would be given “at any moment.”
The Israeli military confirmed shortly after 8:30 am that it was continuing “to strike within the Gaza area at this time” following Netanyahu’s directive.
AFPTV live images from northeastern Gaza showed a plume of grey smoke about 30 minutes after the truce was to take effect, and again around 30 minutes later.
Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal said three people were killed in northern Gaza and five in Gaza City, with 25 wounded.
The initial exchange was to see three Israeli hostages released from captivity in return for a first group of Palestinian prisoners.
If the ceasefire goes ahead, a total of 33 hostages taken by militants during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel will be returned from Gaza during an initial 42-day truce. Under the deal, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli jails.
The truce is intended to pave the way for an end to more than 15 months of war sparked by Hamas’s 7 attack, the deadliest in Israeli history. It follows a deal struck by mediators Qatar, the United States and Egypt after months of negotiations, and takes effect on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president.
In a televised address on Saturday, Netanyahu said Israel had US support to return to war if necessary. AFP
Iran-backed Huthis warn of ‘consequences’
SANAA, Yemen – Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed an attack on an American aircraft carrier on Sunday and warned of “consequences” for any retaliation during the coming Gaza ceasefire.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces warn the enemy forces in the Red Sea of the consequences of any aggression against our country during the ceasefire period in Gaza,” the rebels said in a statement.
“They will confront any aggression with specific military operations against those forces without a ceiling or red lines.”
An initial 42-day truce in the Israel-Hamas war was scheduled to begin at 0630 GMT Sunday but was delayed after Israel said it had not received the list of hostages to be released.
preparing to marry her boyfriend, thus, she obtained a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics
Mexican authorities to seal secret tunnel
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – A clandestine tunnel discovered on the US-Mexico border allowing entry from Ciudad Juarez into the Texan city of El Paso will be sealed by Mexican authorities, an army official said Saturday (Sunday Manila time) , adding that its construction was under investigation. Discovered on Jan. 10 by US and Mexican security agencies, the tunnel measures approximately 300 meters in length on the Mexican side and is equipped with lighting, ventilation and is reinforced to prevent collapses. Hidden in a storm sewer system
operating between both cities, its access is about 1.8 meters high and 1.2 meters wide, making for easy passage of people or contraband, said General Jose Lemus, commander of Ciudad Juarez’s military garrison, which is guarding the tunnel. The tunnel’s construction “must have taken a long time... it could have been one or two years,” Lemus told reporters, declining to give details about how long it had been operating as well as its possible builders and operators. He said the Mexican Attorney General’s Office was responsible for
the investigation and would be in charge of determining if there was complicity by the authorities due to the fact that it was built without them noticing. Lemus also said clues about the tunnel’s existence and location were discussed by human traffickers on social media platforms like TikTok. Ahead of the US presidential inauguration of Donald Trump on Monday, both sides of the US-Mexico border have reinforced security measures, as the returning Republican has vowed a massive deportation of migrants soon after he takes office. AFP
The Huthis, who have attacked shipping in the Red Sea throughout the war in Gaza, said they targeted the USS Harry S. Truman and other “warships” with drones and cruise missiles.
“The American aircraft carrier was forced to leave the theater of operations,” the rebels’ statement said. AFP
More Kenyan police in Haiti for security
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – An additional 217 Kenyan police officers landed in Haiti on Saturday to bolster a multinational force seeking to restore order to the violence-ridden Caribbean island. Criminal gangs still control some 85 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince, the United Nations estimates, despite the deployment last June of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission under UN auspices.
The Kenyan forces, who were greeted at the airport in Port-au-Prince by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, will reinforce the first batch of 400 officers deployed to Haiti last year.
“The arrival of these reinforcements marks a crucial step in freeing our country from the grip of criminal networks and restoring peace,” the prime minister said. A government advisor who was also at the airport, Fritz Alphonse Jean, said Haiti was “at a turning point.” AFP
Russian attacks kill 6 across Ukraine
KYIV – A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian capital killed three people on Saturday, Ukrainian leaders said, branding it a “heinous” attack, while Moscow described it as “retaliation.” Ukrainian officials said another three people were killed in Russian strikes elsewhere in the country, and Moscow claimed fresh advances on the ground. Russia frequently targets Kyiv with aerial attacks, but deadly strikes there are rare as the capital is heavily protected by air defences and better able to fend off attacks than elsewhere in the country. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr
AGAINST EXTENSION. Police stand guard on a street near the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, early Sunday, after hundreds
proYoon protesters smashed windows and broke down doors to enter the court following the extension of the detention of impeached South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol. A South Korean court extended the detention of Yoon over concerns he could destroy evidence linked to
martial law declaration, enraging his supporters who attacked the court building. AFP
TRUCE DEAL DELAYED. A Palestinian man brandishing a gun flashes a victory sign as displaced Palestinians return to Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday, hours after a ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas was expected to be implemented. The long-awaited ceasefire in
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
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Alcaraz makes Aussie Open quarters after Draper retires
MELBOURNE — Carlos Alcaraz stayed on course for a blockbuster Australian Open quarterfinal with Novak Djokovic when marathon man Jack Draper retired during their last-16 clash on Sunday.
The Spanish third seed was well on top when the Briton threw in the towel when down 7-5, 6-1 on a sweltering Rod Laver Arena.
The 15th-seeded Draper needed five sets to win his first three Melbourne matches, rallying from behind in all of them to stay in the tournament.
He had spent nearly 13 hours on court to Alcaraz’s six and it finally caught up with him.
“It’s not the way I wanted to win. But obviously I’m happy to play another quarter-final here in Australia,” said Alcaraz, who is bidding to win the title for the first time.
“But a little bit sad, you know, for Jack. He’s really a nice person, he doesn’t deserve to get injured.” Draper pulled out of the United Cup in the lead-up to Melbourne with a hip injury.
Alcaraz is into the last eight at Melbourne Park for the second successive year.
He has never gone further -- beaten in 2024 by Alexander Zverev -- and will have to beat either Djokovic or Czech Jiri Lehecka, who play later, to do so.
The Australian Open is the only major missing from four-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz’s collection.
Should he go all the way, he will become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam -- winning all four majors -- in the Open Era and the youngest to win in Australia since Djokovic in 2008.
“I’m happy with the level I’m playing. On the court and off the court
I’m feeling really comfortable here,” he said.
“Physically, I’m feeling great. So
Pasig City teenage chesser places 2nd in Prague Open
PRODIGIOUS Nika Juris Nicolas dod the country proud by placing second in the Prague Open 2025 23rd International Chess Festival in the Czech Republic over the weekend.
Just 12 years old, the Pasig City-based chesser added another hardware to her growing list of trophies after finishing second in the event for players with 2000 FIDE rating and below.
Juris was actually tied for No. 2 with German Adreas Schindele, Czech Frantisek Korenek and Petr Hrebicek and Georgian Giorgi Bekauri with seven points apiece but took second after emerging with the highest tiebreaker.
Greek Spyridon Ilandzis claimed the crown with 7.5 points.
Nicolas, who had six wins and two draws against a lone defeat, also came
coming into the second week of a Grand Slam it is important to feel well physically because right now the matches are even tougher.
“But I am ready.”
Alcaraz was beaten by Draper when they last met, on the grass of Queen’s Club in 2024, but with the hot sun pounding down in Melbourne his booming groundstrokes caused instant problems for the Briton.
out as the best female player and No. 1
I the 1600-1699 rating category.
It was another international trophy for Nicolas after bringing home two in Chinese Taipei in June and in Krakow, Poland last year.
Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, one of Nicolas’ trainers that also included GM Jayson Gonzales, said she’s proud of what her student had achieved.
“Nika is the most hardworking, and determined student I ever handled, she truly deserves these awards,” said Frayna, who also saluted Nicolas’ proud parents and lawyers Nikki and Carlo.
Nicolas is hoping to continue to reap honors when she suits up for another meet in Marienbad also in Prague next week.
The opening set went on serve until the Spaniard seized an opportunity in the sixth game to break on the back of two net winners.
Draper kept plugging away and his persistence paid off with a break to haul back to 5-4 before Alcaraz broke once more to take control again.
The Briton slumped 3-0 behind in the second set and was clearly struggling, finally pulling the pin when he
Masters in perfect championship shape for PH Open
CARMONA, Cavite—The Masters layout of the posh Manila Southwoods complex here is coming close to achieving the tough character that will challenge some of the best in the Asian Tour when the $500,000 (around P29 million) Smart Infinity Philippine Open gets off the ground on Thursday. The roughs have grown to its desired height of at least three inches, the greens are rolling a lot faster because of the weather, and with the pins to be placed on tricky spots, the demands are real for whoever wants to win the revival of Asia’s oldest national championship. Miguel Tabuena, Angelo Que and Japan Tour regular Justin delos Santos will be spearheading the local charge in the 72-hole championship, the kickoff leg of the new Asian Tour season, with the
trio expressing utmost determination to win.
The 30-year-old Tabuena has been at Southwoods everyday since last week and playing the Jack Nicklaus masterpiece with a new caddy in Kenneth Quillinan even as Que, the 2008 champion at Wack Wack, believes that it will all boil down to a putting battle on Open week.
Delos Santos, meanwhile, planed in on Saturday and sampled the layout for the first time Sunday. “Just happy to be here. This is certainly a special tournament.”
It’s important that your putting is at its sharpest next week,” Que said. “Because if the winds blow, it will be difficult to put your approaches where you want them. So putting will be key, especially if you putt from the wrong spots.”
The greens will be made
to roll at a speed of around 12 on the Stimpmeter, according to Southwoods assistant general manager Jerome Delariarte, who is working closely with the Asian Tour in setting up the course that will play as a par-70 for the first time.
“It would make for a very difficult putting day,” added Delariarte, a champion ex-pro who pointed out to the heat and the winds as elements that will help dry out the greens from the mid-morning flights on.
Incidentally, Southwoods has also announced that it will open its doors to the watching public free of charge as the club is hoping for the Filipino fans to come out and see topnotch action while at the same time cheer on home bets.
“That’s the least that the club can do for the local golfing community,” Delariarte said.
TOKYO—Sumo will stage a tournament in Paris for the first time in over three decades next year in a push to expand the ancient sport beyond Japan, organisers said Sunday.
Accor Arena, which hosted basketball and gymnastics events at last year’s Paris Olympics, will stage a twoday competition featuring top wrestlers in the French capital in June 2026.
Japan Sumo Association (JSA) officials announced last month that they will also stage a tournament later this year at London’s Royal Albert Hall -the first overseas sumo competition in 20 years.
“It’s important for us to show our sport to the world,” JSA chairman Hakkaku told reporters at Tokyo’s Kokugikan, where the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament is currently taking place.
“And for the wrestlers, they’re the best in the world, they should be proud of that and see that they’re admired all over the world.” Paris hosted sumo tournaments in 1986 and 1995 at the invitation of former French president Jacques Chirac, who was known to be a huge fan of the centuries-old sport.
Hakkaku, who competed at the 1986 Paris event, said he was “grateful for the long and deep relations between sumo and France”.
“We feel renewed joy and great responsibility as we prepare for our third performance in Paris in 2026,” he said.
“We are committed to fully sharing the charm of sumo... with the French people.” French organisers said they would pull out all the stops to recreate the atmosphere of a sumo tournament in Japan.
David Rothschild, promoter and executive producer for events organisers AEG, said the Paris tournament would be part of a “festival” celebrating Japanese culture.
“When you say the word sumo, everyone in France knows it represents traditional Japanese culture,” he said.
“There was a time when it was shown on TV and there are people in France who are very knowledgeable about it,” Rothschild added.
“But time flies and we want to introduce the beauty of sumo to a new generation.”
Sumo has staged events in several countries around the world, including the Soviet Union, Mexico and the United States. AFP
Sumo to stage event in Paris as part of global push Commanders stun Lions in NFL thriller, Chiefs prevail
LOS ANGELES—ROOKIE quarterback Jayden Daniels led the Washington Commanders to a 45-31 victory over the top-seeded Detroit Lions on Saturday in a stunning NFL postseason upset. The ice-cool Daniels threw two touchdowns and finished with 299 passing yards and no interceptions as the sixthseeded Commanders punished an errorstrewn Lions performance to leave Detroit’s Ford Field in shellshocked silence. The Lions were one of the most formidable teams
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz signs autographs after Britain’s Jack Draper retired from their men’s singles match on Day 8 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP
Nika Juris Nicolas
Justin delos Santos (right) and Rianne Malixi chat while
walking the first fairway of the Masters on Sunday.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Baby Tams welcome new coach Miranda with victory
CABS Cabonilas and Far Eastern UniversityDiliman gave head coach Denok Miranda a winning debut, overcoming a late rally from defending champion Adamson University to secure a 75-71 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Boys Basketball Tournament opener on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. Cabonilas, a member of the Gilas Youth team, showcased his national team experience by delivering an impressive double-double performance of 25 points and 17 rebounds, along with four assists and four steals.
“Nag-stick lang kami sa game plan. Kung ano ‘yung game plan namin sa practice, adjust lang ng konti kasi may kumpyansa naman ako dito sa mga bata ko na mao-overcome nila. ‘Yung mga na-experience namin over the past seasons and session sa ensayo, nakatulong ‘yun para sa pagbawi namin ngayong season,” said Miranda, the former head coach of the FEU Tamaraws. Meanwhile, reigning MVP Colins
Akowe put on a dominant display for National University-Nazareth School, registering a monstrous doubledouble of 21 points, 26 rebounds, and four blocks to power the Bullpups to a 71-60 wire-to-wire win over University of Santo Tomas.
Adamson staged a 16-5 run to close the third quarter with a 46-43 lead.
However, FEU-D countered with a decisive 19-4 surge in the final period, building a commanding 62-50 cushion with 5:52 left.
The Baby Falcons clawed back behind Mark Esperanza, Henry Penafiel, Earl Medina, and CJ Umali, cutting a 12-point deficit to just one, 70-69, with 1:37 remaining.
Cabonilas, however, delivered in the clutch, scoring four of the Baby Tamaraws’ final five points, highlighted by a crucial three-pointer and a free throw that sealed their opening-day win.
PSC finding best ‘25 schedule for Palaro, Batang Pinoy, PNG
By Peter Atencio
WITH the national elections set in May and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games 2025 happening in December, the Philippine Sports Commission is faced with the daunting task of synchronizing the schedule of the three biggest multi-sport competitions it supports.
Philippine Sports Commission
chairman Richard Bachmann said that with a busy year ahead, the calendars of the Palarong Pambansa, the Batang Pinoy and the Philippine National Games won’t have to stand in the way of the schedules of the national polls and the biennial meet. Bachmann said there should be no conflicts when the Palarong Pambansa is staged in May in Ilocos Norte and the SEA Games is slated to to be held in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla from December 9 to 20 in Thailand.
The national elections are held in May, while Batang Pinoy and the PNG are usually staged late in the year.
“Medyo mahirap for the schedule. We will discuss this with the technical working group,” said Bachmann.
The SEA Games will feature 44 sports of 567 events.
Among the sports included are aquatic sports, athletics, archery, badminton, basketball, rowing, canoeing, cycling, fencing, football, futsal, golf, gymnastics, judo, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, weightlifting, boxing, esports, karate, and chess .
Meanwhile, the Batang Pinoy had 12,000 delegates from 177 local government units competing in 30 different sports for young athletes aged
12 to 17 years when it was held in Puerto Princesa City last November.
The Philippine National Games will be held separately this time around, unlike in 2023 when it was jointly held with the Batang Pinoy and a lot of scheduling conflicts took place.
The PNG could be held earlier, around May, but Bachmann said they will have to consider the calendar of events of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, which will take place in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
“We’re figuring out and finding the best possible schedule for the program,” added Bachmann.
Olympians, Paralympians to be feted at PSA Awards Night
A TOUCH of nostalgia will fill the air in the San Miguel CorporationPhilippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night as Filipinos who represented flag and country in the Olympics will be given tribute in one of the special highlights of the Jan. 27 presentation at the grand ballroom of the Manila Hotel.
Members of the Philippine contingent to both the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games are going to be recognized for flying the country’s red, white, and blue proud and mighty during the 2024 edition of the Olympiad in the French capital. And in observance of the country’s century of participation in the quadrennial showcase, beloved members of Philippine teams to the Olympics in the last 60 years will join their Paris counterparts in what is the biggest Awards Night ever by the nation’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star. Previous Olympic teams will have
their respective representatives per batch as distinguished by the Philippine Olympians Association.
First-ever Filipino double gold medal winner Carlos Yulo and fellow Paris
Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas are going to be honored with the highest awards in the formal affair co-presented by ArenaPlus, Cignal, and MediaQuest.
Yulo of course, is the recipient of the Athlete of the Year, while major awards will be handed out to both Petecio and Villegas during the star-studded gathering supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, Senator Bong Go, and Januarius Holdings, with backing from the PBA, PVL, 1-Pacman Party List, Rain or Shine, Akari, and AcroCity. The country’s breakthrough gold medalist in the Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz, is to be recognized separately as she is set to be enshrined in the PSA Hall of Fame.
Comprising the Philippine team to the Paris Games are EJ Obiena, Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang Tolentino, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Hergie Bacyadan, Samantha Catantan, Bianca Pagdanganan, Dottie Ardina, Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Kiyomi Watanabe, Joanie Delgaco, Kayla Sanchez, Jarold Hatch, Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno.
Van der Valk eyes redemption, glory at TCC Invitational
FOILED on his three-peat bid last year, Guido van der Valk is determined to redeem himself – not only at The Country Club Invitational in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, beginning Jan. 28, but throughout the entire 2025 Philippine Golf Tour season.
Van der Valk’s 2024 campaign began promisingly, with a playoff loss and two runnerup finishes in the first two legs of the 10-leg circuit. However, his form faltered as the season progressed, leaving the Manilabased Dutchman winless. Now, van der Valk is focused on building strength, refining his game, and, most importantly, regaining the steadiness that propelled him to past successes.
His journey begins with the much-awaited P6 million TCC Invitational.
Known for its grueling layout, the tournament features a select field of former champions and the Top 30 players from the previous season’s Order of Merit rankings.
Van der Valk previously claimed the TCC title in 2020 with a one-stroke victory over Clyde Mondilla and dominated LJ Go by five strokes in 2023 after the tournament’s two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This year, van der Valk anticipates fierce competition from an elite field, including record-chaser Angelo Que, who is eyeing a fourth TCC title, and Tony Lascuña, the 2004 champion, aiming
for back-to-back victories and a third crown. While no player managed multiple wins in last year’s PGT, van der Valk displayed consistent performance, making the cut in all but one leg. He fell to Jhonnel Ababa in sudden death at Apo and finished runner up at Palos Verdes before retiring from the Splendido Taal leg. Ahead of the tournament, put up by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon to honor the memory of his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo, a select group of professionals will warm up with the traditional pro-am on Jan. 27, partnering with TCC members and amateur guests of sponsor ICTSI.
PSC chairman Richard Bachmann
As for the Palarong Pambansa, Bachmann recently met with officials of the Department of Education, which is handling the meet. The date has not yet been finalized, but if the Palaro is done before the national polls, the PNG will be after the elections.
The Paris Olympians, led by double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo
The FEU Baby Tamaraws celebrate after beating the Adamson Baby Falcons, 75-71.
Guido van der Valk
Megaworld set to launch more townships
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. announced over the weekend its plan to launch new mixed-use communities outside Metro Manila this year.
It said in a statement it would develop these new townships, covering more than 300 hectares of land, in key growth areas in Luzon and Visayas.
“As we work towards helping cities grow their local economies and provide job opportunities, we are focused on further expanding our township portfolio in the regions. These two townships have expansive land areas which will further boost our land bank,” said Megaworld president Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso. The company launched four townships in 2024 with a total land area of more than 300 hectares, almost similar to what would be launched this year.
The townships announced last year include the 150-hectare Lialto Golf and Beach Estates in Lian, Batangas; the 25-hectare San Benito Private Estate in Lipa, Batangas; the 84-hectare Ilocandia Coastown in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and the 117-hectare The Upper Central in Cagayan de Oro City.
Megaworld budgeted P25 billion to develop these projects. These developments offer various components including residential, office, commercial cent and hotels.
300 hectares
Size of Megaworld’s new projects in 2025
35 69%
Megaworld’s townships as of end-2024
Megaworld’s townships outside NCR
This brought Megaworld’s total number of townships to 35 across the country as of end-December 2024. About 69 percent of them are in the provinces, with 16 in Luzon, six in the Visayas and two in Mindanao. Only 31 percent are in Metro Manila.
Robina Gokongwei-Pe: Newly minted chair of RRH
By Jimmy Montejo
“HE’S been made into bags and shoes,” Robina Gokongwei-Pe answered in jest to a question about her supposed twin brother who was half human-half python rumored to lurk in a family-owned shopping center. It was even unclear whether the monster inhabited the Robinsons outlet in Mandaluyong City or in Cebu City.
The legend had it that this serpent fed on beautiful women and laid golden eggs that made the Gokongweis super rich.
Robina, born to John Gokongwei Jr. and Elizabeth Yu in July 15, 1962, attended the University of the Philippines and finished journalism at the New York University.
Until Jan. 1, 2025, she was president and chief executive of the Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. which has at least 151 branches across the country. She was replaced by Stanley Co, and Robina takes over as chairwoman of the enterprise.
Meanwhile, she also sits in the board of various companies including JG Summit Holdings which was recognized in 2012 and 2013 as one of the 50 best publicly-traded companies in Asia, and Cebu Air Inc., operator of Cebu Pacific. She is a trustee of Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Inc., Immaculate Conception Academy Scholarship Fund and Xavier School.
She is also part of the management teams for Robinsons Land Corp. and the Robinsons Bank Corp. She is vice chair of the ICA (Immaculate Conception Academy) Greenhills Scholarship Foundation Inc. and the Xavier School.
She was a member of the University of the Philippines Centennial Commission and a former trustee of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation.
Robina is patron of the UP Fighting Maroons basketball team. In one of her lighter moments with the squad, she said; “Win or lose, you get a buffet and a raffle because I love you. But you have to win by at least one point, otherwise, my twin snake will bite you.”
Despite being born rich, the Gokongwei children were raised in a Spartan way of life. They were taught early the value of labor. Robina even recalls her father telling them; “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.”
She joined the family enterprise as a receiving clerk at a warehouse, and had to time in and time out like the rest of the employees.
Robina has a storied life. In 1981, a kidnap-for-ransom gang snatched her in Cebu. Then Col. Panfilo Lacson, head of the Philippine Constabulary’s Metropolitan Command, instructed Robina’s father not to sound intimidated while negotiating with the kidnappers who were demanding a P10-million ransom.
“Do you know how long it would take to count that much money? You can have my daughter,” the old man told the abductors.
Lacson feared though that Gokongwei was acting too bold and arrogant as a ransom negotiator.
Cutting to the chase, Robina was rescued without any money changing hands.
Gokongwei offered P400,000 as reward money, but Lacson declined. Gokongwei ended up donating 10 brand new mobile cars to the Metrocom.
In the not too distant past, Robina reunited with fellow
POWER PROFILE
journalists at The Manila Times which she used to run.
“I don’t know if ‘celebrate’ is the right word to describe this reunion, but 25 years after the Manila Times of the 90s was forced to close, we decided to get together and relive the old times,” she said of the event.
“We just wanted to write for a paper not run one. But we were obedient daughters and we did. We ran the paper for 13 years and unfortunately, ran away from it 13 years after,” she said.
Laguna Lakeshore gets $905-m Korean loan
THE government secured an official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Republic of Korea through Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project’s phase 1 stage 1, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said over the weekend. It said the loan, valued at $905.26 million, would support civil works of the flagship project under the Build Better More program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. which aims to enhance the country’s infrastructure, improve connectivity and support economic growth.
KEXIM executive director Um Sung-Yong, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF) first vice minister Kim Beom-Seok and DOF Undersecretary Joven Balbosa attended a ceremonial exchange of the loan agreement on Jan. 17, 2025 at the Department of Finance (DOF) press briefing room in Manila.
Other key officials in attendance included DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, MOEF director Park Junghyun, project director Teresita Bauzon of DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral), DPWH stakeholders relations service director Randy Del Rosario, UPMO project manager Zenaida Mauhay, DOF director John Adrian Narag of the International Finance Group and other officials from KEXIM Manila Representative Office and Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines. Bonoan expressed gratitude to KEXIM for supporting the Philippines’ infrastructure development goals. He highlighted the importance of the LLRN Project in enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities, particularly in the Luzon economic corridor, a vital region for national growth and regional integration.
Trump’s policy to affect BPOs, remittances
By Othel V. Campos
REAL estate agency KMC Savills Inc. said over the weekend the reelection of Donald Trump as the 47th US president could influence the Philippines in terms of immigration, foreign policy and trade.
“The 45th and now 47th president of the United States is poised to have a more significant impact on the world during this administration compared to his previous one,” said KMC Savills chairman Michael McCullough in his latest Instagram post.
He said the tighter US immigration measures could reduce remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United States, considered a lifeline for countless Filipino families.
Lower remittance flows may impact household spending, dampen real estate investments and challenge the country’s economic stability, he said.
The real estate advisor said the Trump administration’s stance on China could be pivotal for the Philippines, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea.
“A confrontational US approach could embolden the Philippines to assert its territorial claims, but an unpredictable or diminished US presence might embolden China, potentially destabilizing regional trade and security,” McCullough said.
“Trump’s antiwar attitude and focus on Greenland and the Panama Canal might reduce or stop some of the defense budget spending towards building new bases in the Philippines,” he said.
He said Trump’s “America First” strategy, focused on job reshoring and reduced dependence on foreign labor, could disrupt the Philippines’ business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.
With nearly $40 billion in annual revenue and millions of Filipino jobs tied to US clients, any decline in outsourcing demand would pose a serious economic challenge, the firm said.
Low US unemployment rates and limited AI-driven job losses may mitigate some of the risks, it said.
HEALTH FUNDS. Phillipine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) president and chief executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. on Jan. 16, 2025 testifies before the Senate committee on health and demography chaired by Sen. Christopher Go of the transfer of PhilHealth’s excess funds to the unprogramme fund and the Universal Health Care funding. Joseph Muego
Robina Gokongwei-Pe
PH stock market expected to move sideways
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE stocks are expect-
ed to sustain their sideways movement this week as investors anticipate possible policy decisions by the US Federal Reserve and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Analysts said investors were still cautious due to uncertainties in the macroeconomy, particularly about inflation and interest rates
“We still expect the cautious atmosphere to remain in the local bourse amid the lack of fresh leads. Investors are expected to wait for new catalysts.
Till then, cues are expected to come from other financial markets,” Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco said.
Tantiangco said the continued rise of long-term treasury yields may pull the equities market lower, while a drop in rates may lead to the opposite.
“Investors may also watch the movements of the local currency against the US dollar, with an appreciation expected to help, while a depreciation is seen to weigh on the bourse,” he said. With the recent decline in share prices, traders are also seeing opportunities for bargain-hunting as
IN BRIEF
NGCP: Gov’t uses dark fiber network for free
By Alena Mae S. Flores
NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said over the weekend no third party is using and benefiting from its dark fiber network except the government.
NGCP, the operator of the country’s transmission network, runs a network of dark fiber cables inherent to its transmission grid communication system.
The fiber optic network covers 6,154 kilometers or 160,779 fiber kilometers, running along its power transmission backbone which stretches all over the country’s main islands.
“Does NGCP have fiber optic? Yes. Do we use it to have our own
DA body files rap vs. trading firm for food safety lapses
By Othel V. Campos
THE Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
said it filed a complaint against Betron Consumer Goods Trading for alleged smuggling of fresh carrots and yellow onions through the Port of Subic and alleged violations of the Food Safety Act and the 1978 Plant Quarantine Law.
The complaint, submitted to the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office, alleged that five shipping containers originally declared as containing frozen fish egg balls were found to have 56,998 kilograms of carrots and 85,626 kg. of yellow onions in August 2024, valued at about P20.8 million.
Subic Port’s National Plant Quarantine Services Division area manager Carmela Rivera said the misdeclared agricultural goods were immediately confiscated to safeguard public health.
Subsequent analysis revealed the presence of E. coli and unregistered pesticide residues on the seized produce and lacked the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.
The DA-BPI said despite a showcause order being issued to Betron and Manalang, they failed to respond, prompting the agency to escalate the matter.
The DA-BPI filed a formal complaint on Dec. 9, 2024, revoking Betron’s importation license. The trading company was blacklisted and barred from future operations in the agricultural sector.
telco? No. That is a program started by TransCo [National Transmission Corp.] because we need it to communicate with the substations throughout the Philippines because our network is isolated. Our substation is not dependent on Globe or PLDT or Converge or any third party provider for communications of our technical equipment,” NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Perez-Alabanza said.
Alabanza said NGCP is allowed under its concession agreement with the government to use the fiber optic network for commercial purpose.
“But the caveat in the law is that half of that income, if any, must be used to reduce transmission rates,” Alabanza said.
She said, however, NGCP does not allow the use of its fiber optic network to any third party except for the government.
She said the Department of Information and Communications Technology, TransCo and NGCP allowed the use of the dark fiber optic several years ago for the national broadband project.
“So, are there any third party users? Yes, government. Does the government pay NGCP for that? No. NGCP
NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Perez-Alabanza gave our broadband, dark fiber equipment to the government for free and freely. In fact, currently, the government, the DICT is building its connection assets at the NGCP facility,” Alabanza said.
NGCP signed an agreement with DICT in 2017 allowing the use of its fiber optic network for the national broadband program to help bring the country’s average internet speed close to first-world countries.
DIGITAL OFFICIALS.
Communications
the Philippines’
the country’s delegation at the 5th ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM) held from Jan. 13 to 15, 2025 at the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The ADGSOM convenes officials from ASEAN member states, strengthening collaboration aimed at enabling a connected, inclusive and resilient digital economy in the region.
Offshore wind frontrunners
THE Department of Energy (DOE) said over the weekend it is helping 16 offshore wind frontrunners with total potential capacity of 16.652 gigawatts (GW), some of which could be delivered as early as 2028.
DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara expressed optimism about the start of commercial operations of the country’s first OSW by 2028.
“You know the crucial parts are transmission and port. So our move
GREEN LIGHT
Jonna C. Baquillas and Ivan V. Gue
HAVE you ever taken Grab, Angkas, or other ride-hailing services to go somewhere? How about renting an Airbnb-listed property for a staycation or travel accommodation? If you have, then you’ve taken part in the sharing economy! It’s a way of creating mutual value for owners and consumers, facilitated using technology.
But what is it exactly, and why is it part of sustainability initiatives? How can “sharing” be a business model?
Circular business model
The sharing economy is an economic perspective where we promote businesses to translate unused assets into an asset with commercial value. Simply put, in a sharing economy, we share our resources with one another. In this economic model, we can lease our unused assets (e.g., car, apartment unit, etc.) to others who are willing to temporarily use them which will maximize our “returns” from purchasing that asset. Of course, this has been reflected in the current landscape of the Philippines where ride-hailing apps have become a norm of daily life.
The sharing economy model offers a lot of advantages for both the asset owners and the customers. From the owners’ perspective, they can profit from the assets they seldom use. From the customers’ perspective, there’s no need to buy an asset that might not be within their means (e.g., having to apply for a loan to purchase a car). The “bigger picture” advantage is that our society will not need to produce new products for everyone since we will be
on that is really coordinated. We work with NGCP, we also work with the local government unit in the right of way. Then at the port, we also team coordinate with PPA. The move is really coordinated because we want to succeed,” Guevara said.
DOE data showed that the biggest single OSW project being developed is the 3.1-GW Bulalacao offshore wind farm of Domhain Earth Corp. in Oriental Mindoro and Antique. This is followed by the 2-GW North Luzon offshore wind project being built by Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp. in Ilocos Norte. Domain Earth’s 1.83-GW Calatagan offshore wind farm in Oriental Mindoro, the 1.6-GW Claveria offshore wind farm in Ilocos Norte and Cagayan and the 1.5-MW Mariveles offshore wind farm covering Bataan, Cavite and Batangas are also among the OSW front runners.
sharing them. In effect, our society will no longer extract additional natural resources. This is where the sharing economy and the circular economy converges: both promote efficient use of resources.
While the sharing economy envisions the sharing of resources, the circular economy encompasses maintaining the resources within the economy and minimizing the extraction and waste. They converge on the thought of better resource management (which is an oftenoverlooked environmental solution). Managing our resources is important as the Philippines is an import-dependent country. As we move towards sustainable development, better resource management can make our economy more resilient amidst shifts in geo-politics and the global economy. It adheres to sustainable development as we avoid virgin material processing that impacts the environment.
The two economic models are also complementary. To an extent, they are vital to each other. In a sharing economy, assets must be maintained and repaired to ensure consistent delivery of product and/or service. Since the circular economy encourages lifecycle management, this economic model will promote maintenance and repair as a thriving business sector. A circular-service economy has different facets that enable sharing of assets while ensuring their optimal lifetime. Challenges in sharing economy
The sharing economy, however, has its share of challenges and issues on the social,
Regulations and strict implementation of policies can help take advantage of innovative business models such as the
economic, and environmental fronts. Drivers in ride-hailing services do not enjoy employee benefits, because they are considered as third-party service providers. No employeremployee relationship exists, and their livelihood is highly dependent on consumer demand, ratings, and prices determined by the application algorithm. Disruptions such as weather disturbances can severely affect their income.
In real estate, offering short-term property rentals to tourists has driven the prices up, so much so that locals can no longer afford to live in the cities where they work. They are forced to stay in neighboring towns, which means longer commute to work. Some locals also complain of disruptions in their daily lives (e.g., noise, traffic jams, and security concerns) due to tourists’ presence. To counter this, some cities have regulated or totally banned offering short-term rentals. Barcelona, a popular tourist destination, recently announced that this practice will be banned by 2029, while Paris limits property owners to offering their space
Other projects are the 600-megawatt Guimaras Strait wind project of Triconti Southward Corp. in Negros Occidental; the 600-MW Guimaras Strait II wind project of Jet Stream Windkraft Corp. in offshore Negros Occidental and Iloilo provinces; and the 450-MW Frontera Bay wind project of Ibizan Windkraft Corp. in Bataan and Cavite. Alena Mae S.
for 120 days per year. While rental services have been around for a long time, the “sharing” mindset is rooted on maximizing an underutilized asset, while “renting” mindset is anchored on acquiring assets to primarily sell it as a service. With the ongoing popularity of ride-haling services and the absence of reliable transportation infrastructure in most developing countries, car ownership has increased to be used for this purpose. This still results in an increase in material resource use. It is important to recognize the opportunities and challenges that come along with initiatives like this. Regulations and strict implementation of policies can help take advantage of innovative business models such as the sharing economy. We can only say that the sharing economy is truly “caring”, when it does not compromise the benefits to society.
Dr. Jonna C. Baquillas is an Associate Professor at the Department of Marketing and Advertising, Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University. Dr. Ivan Gue is the Chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering in the same university. They are engaged in research and projects focused on circular economy, sustainability transitions, and sustainable consumption and production. The views expressed above are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
Championing
digital transformation efforts, Department of Information and
Technology (DICT) Undersecretary for Special Concerns and chief of staff Paul Joseph Mercado leads
REAL ESTATE
Villar City to host world-class golf course
VILLAR City, a vast 3,500-hectare urban project in Metro Manila, is set to feature a worldclass golf course in partnership with Curley-Wagner Golf Design.
This marks a major milestone in the development of the city, positioning it as a future global destination for business, lifestyle and recreation.
The 18-hole golf course will be thae first tournament-grade course within Villar City, and both Curley and Wagner are excited about the potential of the project.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity, because not only is it a great team and a great vision for what’s going to happen around the golf course, but the golf course property itself is also extremely unique and offers a tremendous opportunity for us to create a world-class golfing experience that can hold tournaments, hold corporate events, and really be a shining diamond in the Villar City development,” said Curley-Wagner manager Jim Wagner.
Villar City’s vision Villar Group chairman Manuel Villar said the golf course is more than just an addition to the city’s amenities;
it is a vital component Villar City as a premier urban destination.
“I’m thrilled to see this partnership bring our vision for Villar City to life. This golf course will elevate Villar City to a new level,” he said. “This is a significant step in turning Villar City into a global city that stands out
Discovery World breaks ground for hospitality concept in Siargao
HOTELS and resorts developer Discovery World Corp. of the Tiu family, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Lucky Cloud 9 Resort, Inc. (LC9), and its property management company, Discovery Hospitality Corp. (DHC), are making their mark in the surfing capital of the Philippines as they recently broke ground for the soon-to-rise Kip&Kin Siargao . Under DHC’s dynamic brand portfolio, Kip&Kin exemplifies the philosophy of “Live Unbound,” a brand that celebrates kinship, community, and connection. Designed for the younger generations of millennials and Gen Zs, it provides areas that encourage both solo and group activities while allowing visitors to easily connect with the places they are visiting. With its dual concept of hotel rooms and hostel stays, Kip&Kin appeals to this new generation of tourists looking for lively, meaningful stays while also providing the ideal getaway for
families and mature travelers looking to make lifelong memories.
Choosing Siargao, the surfing capital of the Philippines, is the perfect spot for Kip&Kin. The teardrop-shaped island, known for its top-notch waves, vibrant culture, and close-knit community, epitomizes everything Kip&Kin stands for. This location also offers the ideal setting for meaningful adventures, a community of kindred spirits, a sustainable and engaging environment, and appreciating the charms of free-spirited life.
Partners from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Sterling Struktures Inc., H1 Architecture, Design HQ, and AVAC Project and Construction Managers Corp. graced the ceremonial breaking of the ground, marking the beginning of construction works for the latest addition to DHC’s renowned managed properties in the Philippines.
on the world stage.” Villar City is designed to be Metro Manila’s newest core, seamlessly connecting 13 cities and towns in both Metro Manila and Cavite province. It’s a forward-thinking megalopolis that will feature high-end business districts, lifestyle centers,
aims to create an urban golf course that integrates well into city life.
“The property offers the unique opportunity to develop a golf course within the heart of the city,” said Curley-Wagner president Brian Curley
The course will be designed to cater to both professional golfers and casual enthusiasts. Wagner said that while it will be tournament-capable, with enough length to challenge even the best players in the world, it will also offer wide, generous fairways for everyday golfers to enjoy.
Beyond accessibility, the course will also offer a variety of ways to approach each shot into the green, giving players a mentally stimulating experience.
“We want to do something different that stands out,” Wagner said. Curley-Wagner Golf Design is well regarded for its innovative approach, having designed globally-recognized courses across 25 countries including the 22-course complex at Mission Hills Golf Club in China.
As Villar City continues to evolve, the golf course will help define its status as a premier destination for both local and international visitors.
entertainment hubs and upscale residential communities, all carefully planned to offer a sustainable, highquality urban environment. Golf course like no other What makes this golf course stand out is not just its location but its design. Curley-Wagner Golf Design
The project is a bold step toward transforming the area into a modern urban hub that offers both a high standard of living and cutting-edge business and recreational amenities. With the golf course, Villar City is poised to become a standout global metropolis. Jenniffer B. Austria
Multinational tenants driving Filinvest REIT’s new lease growth
FILINVEST REIT Corp. (FILRT), the real estate investment trust company of Gotianun group, is seeing continues demand for office leasing space from multinational companies.
FILRT recorded a 13.3 percent increase in new leases in the first nine months of 2024 compared to a year ago level This is largely driven by the new lease accounts and expansions of multinational companies within Northgate Cyberzone.
“The proactive efforts of FILRT’s management to swiftly address pre termination challenges have spurred the arrival of new tenants, reinforcing the area’s status as a prime business hub in the South. This strategic approach continues to attract global enterprises seeking to expand within a master-planned, strategically located environment,” FILRT said.
NASDAQ-listed EXLService Holdings, Inc., a New York-based leader in data and artificial intelligence, recently
has strengthened its partnership with FILRT by expanding its lease with an additional 1,750 square meters. New Zealand-based Building Engineering and Design Co. (BEDC), a top engineering and architectural solutions firm, has expanded its offices in Filinvest Two by securing an additional 1,724 square meters on another floor.
One of FILRT’s longest tenantpartners, GENPACT SERVICES LLC (Philippine Branch), a global professional services firm, also leased additional space in the iHub 1 Building, marking the company’s sixth expansion with FILRT. Genpact’s growing presence in Northgate Cyberzone—with over 24,400 square meters of
Manny Villar with Brian Curley and Jim Wagner of Curley-Wagner Golf Design
From left: Engineer Michael Ching of Sterling Struktures Inc.; Grace Limboc of Land Bank of the Philippines; Charlie Ledesma of Discovery World Corp. and Lucky Cloud 9 Resort Inc.; John Y. Tiu, chairman of Discovery World Corp.; Melito Cruz of Discovery World Corp.; Kathleen Nuestro of H1 Architecture; Lynette Ermac of Discovery Hospitality
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,
Writer
Animation Studios is set to launch its first-ever original series, Win or Lose , on Disney+ on Feb. 19. The show delves into the intertwined stories of eight characters as they prepare for their big championship softball game, highlighting the insecurities of kids, their overprotective parents, and even a lovesick umpire.
Carrie Hobson , who wrote, directed, and executive produced the series with Michael Yates , drew inspiration from her own experience playing softball.
“Softball was the perfect backdrop for the show,” Hobson said. “The game can bring out the best and worst in people. The calmest person can lose their temper, and when it comes to winning and losing, the consequences are nothing, and yet, they’re everything.”
The concept of exploring different perspectives was born out of everyday life at Pixar. Yates explained, “Carrie and I were officemates on Toy Story 4 different reactions to the same situation. We realized that our own experiences shape how we perceive events, and we wanted to tell a story that illustrated that.”
The series features an all-star cast, including Will Forte, Rosie Foss, Josh Thomson, Milan Elizabeth Ray, Rosa Salazar, Dorien Watson , and many more.
Win or Lose is produced by with music by composer Ramin Djawadi original songs by CAMPFIRE and Djawadi.
SHOWBIZ
Regine in ‘Reset’
Asia’s Songbird stages Valentine concert series at Samsung Performing Arts Theater
ASIA’S Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid will be working this Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, as she kicks off her four-night concert series. Like many OPM artists, Regine is taking advantage of the Valentine season, which is also a peak time for concerts in the country.
The upcoming concert series titled Reset will take place on Feb. 14 and 15, as well as Feb. 21 and 22, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit, Makati.
During a media conference on Tuesday, the Songbird shared the concert format. She explained that Feb. 14, the first night of the concert, would feature all original songs, marking part 1 of the show. Part 2, on Feb. 15, would showcase covers, including songs from R2K and retros.
Regine is in full preparation for the event and joked, “Now that I’m a bit older, of course, there’s more preparation needed. Our bodies have changed. Your voice has changed too.”
She mentioned that part of her exercise routine includes daily walks, encouraged by her husband, Ogie Alcasid.
“He (Ogie) really urges me to exercise every day, to walk every day, in preparation for the concert. Because, I shouldn’t be out of breath. Even if I’m not dancing, I can still get winded,” she said. Part of her preparation also includes studying her repertoire and following dietary restrictions, especially avoiding sour foods. Vinegar is strictly off-limits. “Because I have acid reflux,” she explained.
On a personal note, also reflecting the concert title, Regine shared that she wouldn’t change anything in her life. She said that in the long run, avoiding change isn’t always a good idea. “We make mistakes, and we’re supposed to learn from them. If you keep making the same mistake, that’s a whole different story. But I think it’s okay to make mistakes because we’re supposed to learn. How would we know if we’re happy if we haven’t experienced being sad? So I wouldn’t change anything because all those experiences made me who I am,” she said.
When asked if she reviews her performances afterward to check for any mistakes, she shared, “Constantly, yes. Even if it’s just three songs. I think most artists, especially singers, do that. We’re all perfectionists. When I perform, I rewind in my head what I did. And when I watch the video, sometimes I don’t want to see it, but I force myself to watch it just to see what went wrong. You’re being critical of yourself. It’s because we want to give our audience a near-perfect performance every time. But we’re human beings; we’re not robots. Every concert can’t be perfect.”
She continued, “That’s why we constantly think about each performance and nitpick. So for those who think they’re so good at nitpicking, trust me, before we even do it, we’ve already nitpicked a performance 100 times. And the thing is, while performing, you already know you made a mistake. I can predict when I’ll make a mistake, but I still make it because we’re human.”
Reset will be directed by Paolo Valenciano. Tickets are available for purchase at Ticketworld.
CONCLAVE and Emilia Perez on Wednesday led the shortlist of films unveiled vying for recognition at Britain’s BAFTA awards, as the race for Oscars glory gathers pace.
Conclave, a fictionalized account of high-stakes horse-trading in the Vatican after the death of a pope, earned 12 nominations, while surreal narco-thriller musical Emilia Perez followed with 11. Both will compete for the coveted best film award at next month’s ceremony.
Epic immigrant drama The Brutalist , which received nine nominations including for best film, Wicked (seven) and Dune: Part Two (seven) were the other leading contenders.
Unexpected hit Kneecap , a docufiction about three Belfast upstarts who rap in the Irish
language, racked up six awards, including for original screenplay and outstanding British film.
French director Jacques Audiard ’s Mexico-set Emilia Perez and The Brutalist were the big winners at the Golden Globes earlier this month, and both appear strong contenders for top gongs at
the Oscars on March 2. However, this year’s awards season is seen as highly unpredictable.
An international crop of movies is considered potential big winners in Hollywood and at the BAFTAs, the highlight of the annual British film calendar held two weeks earlier.
PIXAR
‘Win or Lose’ follows the Pickles, a middle school softball team, in the week before their championship game, exploring different perspectives from players, parents, and the umpire
Very Wang Nickie Wang
Regine Velasquez captivates in a black see-through dress photographed by Dookie Ducay for her
Hidden gems await Filipino travelers in Japan and South Korea
By Nickie Wang
JAPAN and South Korea remain popular travel destinations for Filipinos for several reasons, including their modern attractions, cultural appeal, and easy accessibility.
Both Japan and South Korea have done a great job of preserving their historic sites, which now sit side by side with modern buildings. In Japan, the lively festivals and high-tech cities like Tokyo and Osaka are big draws for Filipino tourists. Meanwhile, South Korea offers a mix of historic palaces and trendy shopping districts in cities like Seoul and Busan.
The influence of Korean and Japanese pop culture also plays a significant role. With the widespread popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, anime, and manga, many Filipinos are drawn to experience the culture firsthand. Cities in both countries are known for their entertainment, shopping, and culinary scenes that attract visitors with diverse interests.
The proximity of Japan and South Korea to the Philippines makes them easily accessible with frequent, affordable flights, not to mention that flying to Tokyo or Seoul takes just 4 to 5 hours.
According to an Agoda survey, 84 percent of travelers are eager to explore new destinations. This interest in discovering off-the-beaten-path locations in Japan and South Korea presents
fresh opportunities to experience these popular countries in a new light, especially for those who have visited before. For those seeking unique experiences away
BORACAY is rolling out the red carpet for travelers with The Great Boracay Getaway, a month-long event designed to entice local and international tourists. Running from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15, the initiative offers exclusive travel bundles, special perks, and curated experiences across the island.
Organized by the Boracay MICE Alliance (BMA), the campaign gathers hotels, restaurants, wellness providers, and other merchants in a collective effort to position Boracay as an irresistible destination. With door-to-door travel packages, beachfront stays, island-hopping adventures, and spa vouchers among the highlights, the event promises to showcase a revitalized and more vibrant Boracay.
“This is the most beautiful Boracay has ever been,” said Cleofe Albiso Chairman of BMA. “The island has undergone significant rejuvenation since its rehabilitation and temporary closure during the pandemic. Now, travelers can enjoy pristine beaches, endless water activities, and vibrant culinary offerings.” Discover unbeatable
the
to 75 percent
Sanchi, Aomori and Akita Prefectures (Japan)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakami Sanchi is a forest with ancient beech trees, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The forest is around 8,000 years old and inspired the movie Princess Mononoke. It’s a peaceful place where you can enjoy nature, with beautiful views from the top of Mount Shirakami.
Hahoe Folk Village, Andong (South Korea)
Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO site, preserves traditional Korean houses. In Andong, this living museum lets you step back into Korea’s past, with cultural performances like mask dances. Try the local dish, Andong jjimdak, a flavorful braised chicken.
Oedo Botania, Geoje Island (South Korea)
Oedo Botania is a marine botanical garden on Geoje Island. With its beautiful European-style gardens and stunning sea views, it’s a peaceful place to relax. You can take a ferry to get there, making it a perfect escape from the crowds.
Damyang Bamboo Forest, Damyang (South Korea) The Damyang Bamboo Forest, or Juknokwon, is a quiet spot with walking paths through tall bamboo. It’s also known for its bamboo-inspired dishes like bamboo rice and bamboo ice cream, which are must-tries for food lovers. For those who want a unique experience, these hidden gems offer a chance to enjoy peaceful, less crowded places. Traveling in off-peak seasons is a good way to experience these spots in a more relaxed setting. Whether it’s hiking in Shirakami Sanchi or exploring Oedo Botania’s gardens, these places promise memorable adventures.
from the crowds, these hidden gems in Japan and South Korea offer the chance to uncover something new and extraordinary: Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori Prefecture (Japan)
Located by the Sea of Japan, the Tottori Sand Dunes stretch for 16 kilometers and offer a desertlike experience. You can try sandboarding, take a camel ride, or just enjoy the stunning landscape. These dunes have formed over thousands of years, and nearby, the Sand Museum displays amazing sand sculptures by artists from around the world.
Getting to these destinations can be part of the fun, with scenic ferry rides and winding bus routes. Researching transportation ahead of time will help you plan better, and regional travel passes can save you both time and money. As you plan your trip, remember that hidden destinations often come with their own set of challenges, such as remote locations or limited facilities. This is where comprehensive travel insurance becomes essential. Developed in collaboration with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master ensures you’re covered for personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and even COVID-19 protection. Securing this coverage is effortless—simply head to the GInsure page in your GCash app, choose Travel Master, and fill in your travel details. Within moments, you’ll have a policy that keeps you protected no matter where your journey takes you.
A boat rests on the shores of Boracay, offering a peaceful view of the island’s turquoise waters
trees sway under the bright
Shirakami
Walk through the serene paths of Damyang Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo creates a peaceful retreat in South Korea’s lush green landscapes
Discover the untouched beauty of Shirakami Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Aomori and Akita Prefectures
Experience the stunning Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture – Japan’s desert wonder
Discover the serene beauty of Oedo Botania on Geoje Island – a lush paradise filled with vibrant flowers and stunning coastal views
Step back in time at Hahoe Folk Village in Andong, where traditional Korean houses and cultural performances bring the Joseon Dynasty to life
I’M sure most of you have either been to this city or have already heard so much about it from friends and relatives who have had the opportunity to visit. Although my siblings and I have been to Las Vegas many times before, we decided to hold our family reunion there because our Cebu-based younger sister flew in to celebrate her 70th birthday with her daughter, who resides there.
Las Vegas used to be part of a vast desert with many oases concentrated in the area where the city is now. In the early 1700s, many Spanish traders traveled to that location, and one of them, Rafael Rivera, gave it the name “Las Vegas,” meaning “The Meadows,” as there was an abundance of wild grass in the oases.
Of course, these days, the city is far from being a desert, as it is now an internationally renowned major resort city, known by its many monikers—The Gambling Capital of the World, The Entertainment Capital of the World, America’s Playground, Sin City, The Marriage Capital of the World, and many others. Its casinos and entertainment venues are the reasons the city receives an average of approximately 45 million visitors annually.
Apart from the casinos, visitors flock to Las Vegas because of the internationally acclaimed shows presented by the different hotels. During this visit, I would have wanted to watch David Copperfield at the MGM Grand, but tickets were all sold out on the evening that my siblings and I were available. So we settled for the Carpenters Tribute at Planet Hollywood. I should have taken a bow at the end of this 1.5-hour show because I was singing the whole time. They were all my favorite songs, all top hits of the famous sibling duo.
Reveling in the colors and energy vibe of Las Vegas
found, such as Golden Nugget, Binion’s Horseshoe, El Dorado Club, Fremont Hotel and Casino, the longest-running casino in the city—Golden Gate Hotel and Casino—and many others. This street has now been converted into a canopy-covered pedestrian tourist area, still with these casinos in operation, but peppered with many restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers. A zip line traversing over the entire length of the street is also available for adventurous tourists.
Somewhere outside the downtown area is the High Roller, the tallest ferris wheel in the entire USA. It is 550 feet tall and has 32 capsules or cabins, each accommodating a maximum of 40 passengers. A complete turn of the wheel takes approximately 30 minutes, and an admission ticket costs US$67 each. Once inside the capsule, one has a breathtaking panoramic and dazzling view of the city.
really an amazing visual experience, as the mammoth stage was transformed into a real pool in a matter of seconds and brought back to being a dry stage also in the blink of an eye. The circus acts and acrobatics were out of this world! No wonder the
is still popular now.
There were many other Cirque du Soleil shows running in the other hotels, plus tributes to Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Tina Turner by performers who sound and look like them. I would have wanted to watch these, but my siblings and I were busy with other family bonding moments, which was the reason for our Las Vegas visit.
We did have the time to enjoy Fremont Street, a famous thoroughfare in downtown Las Vegas, as it was the original “Las Vegas Strip,” where the big and famous casinos in the 1950s were
Philippines with Japan. Sapporo is now CEB’s fifth Japanese destination, joining existing routes to Tokyo (Narita), Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. The new service offers Filipino travelers more affordable options to explore Japan, thanks to CEB’s low-cost model and frequent seat sales.
On Jan. 16, CEB started operating direct flights three times a week— every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Flights depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
The latest attraction in Las Vegas is the very colorful The Sphere, located off downtown and connected via bridgeway to the Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Inside, it has venues for concerts or large gatherings, including a theater showing a 1.5hour 4D presentation, Postcard From Earth This is projected on the highest-resolution LED screen, which also allows attendees to experience the sensations of the on-screen action, like a bumpy ride, changes in the weather, moisture of a rain forest, a cool breeze, etc.
At the Atrium, there are also interactive exhibits and five individual robots you can converse with. Looking at The Sphere from the outside is also entertaining as its dome is continuously lit up with all kinds of colors and other interesting visuals. These many attractive and interesting sites compel me to share with you the details of my visit. There’s no way I could follow the popular mantra, “What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas,” because the city’s mesmerizing colors have to be appreciated and its supercharged energy vibe has to be experienced. Viva Las Vegas!
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
at 11:15 a.m., arriving at New Chitose International Airport in Sapporo at 5:25 p.m. (local time). Return flights leave Sapporo at 6:25 p.m., landing in Manila at 11:20 p.m. (local time).
This direct service reduces travel time by up to five hours and offers savings of up to 63 percent on airfare.
“Sapporo is a gem in Japan’s tourism landscape, famous for its winter charm, natural parks, and rich cultural heritage. We are excited to bring it closer to our Filipino travelers, continuing our mission to make air travel more
The former Hokkaido Government Office in Sapporo, built in 1888, stands as a beautiful example of historical architecture
Susukino, the vibrant entertainment district of Sapporo, comes alive with neon lights, bustling nightlife, and a wide array of dining and entertainment options
CEBU Pacific (CEB) launched its firstever direct flight from Manila to Sapporo on Thursday, becoming the only airline
non-stop service
The author (2nd from left) and his siblings at Fremont Street, with its colorful LED canopy showing
variety of designs every minute
The High Roller is the tallest ferris wheel in the USA. It has 32 cabins, each accommodating a maximum of 40 passengers
The Excalibur Hotel and Casino features medieval architecture, all lit up