US ARRESTS, DEPORTS HUNDREDS OF ‘ILLEGALS’ —WHITE HOUSE
By Charles Dantes
EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Ber-
samin dismissed allegations linking Malacañang to the so-called “blank pages” in the 2025 national budget, categorically denying claims that the Executive Branch played any role in the matter.
sue “fake news” that was concocted to tarnish the administration’s reputation.
The controversy arose after former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies claimed the 2025 GAA contained blank items without specified projects or funding.
By Charles Dantes
THE Marcos administration will respond positively to requests from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for the arrest or custody of individuals under International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Friday.
“We have been very clear in our statements regarding this, if the ICC makes a move, and courses the move through the Interpol and the Interpol makes the request to us for the arrest or delivery of the custody of a person subject to ICC jurisdiction, we will respond, favorably or positively to the Interpol request,” he said in a press conference.
Bersamin explained that while the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC, it remains committed to cooperating with Interpol in line with its broader law enforcement goals and international partnerships.
He underscored the importance of maintaining strong ties with Interpol, describing the organization as a vital partner in
PH can work with ICC via Interpol
“Let’s remove from your consciousness that we have anything to do with the blank pages they are referring to,” he told reporters Friday.
Bersamin branded the is-
This immediately prompted President Marcos to say that his predecessor was “lying,” stating that it would be impossible for the budget to be passed with blank items.
PH, US closely coordinating repositioning of Typhon system
By Rex Espiritu
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that the repositioning of the Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system, also called Typhon, is being done in close coordination between the Philippine and US governments.
“The primary objective of this deployment is to strengthen Philippine military readiness, improve our familiarization and interoperability with advanced weapon systems, and support regional security.” AFP spokesperson Col. Margareth Padilla said in a statement on Friday
Her statement came a day after the AFP confirmed the relocation of Typhon launchers to an undisclosed location within the country, and five days after alleged Chinese spies were arrested for conducting “mapping” operations on local military sites. Padilla also said, “[t]here is no single
entity who can dictate how we would do our deployments in terms of our defenses,” reacting to the remarks of China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who reiterated Beijing’s opposition to the presence of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines.
WEF DIALOGUE. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (second from right) underscores the Philippines’ resolve to protect its sovereignty and national interest through its strategic approach to navigating geopolitical challenges during the “Navigating Asia’s Hotspots” Stakeholder Dialogue at the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday. Panelists include (from left to right) Tulsi Naidu, CEO of Asia-Pacific at Zurich Insurance Group; Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono; Ellana Lee, CNN International Senior Vice-President; Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta; and Michael Froman, President of the Council on Foreign Relations.
By Maricel Cruz
US AUTHORITIES arrested 538 illegal migrants and deported hundreds in a mass operation just days into President Donald Trump’s second administration, his press secretary said late Thursday.
“The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals,” Karoline Leavitt said in a post on social platform X, adding “hundreds” were deported by military aircraft.
“The largest massive deportation operation in history is well under-
way. Promises made. Promises kept,” she said.
Trump promised a crackdown on illegal immigration during the election campaign and began his second term with a flurry of executive actions aimed at overhauling entry to the United States. He has signed orders declaring a “national emergency” at the
and
‘Lack of coordination’ sparked Basilan
By Joyce Pangco Pañares
COTABATO CITY—The Moro Islamic Liberation Front said a lack of coordination by government security forces led to Wednesday’s clash in Basilan that killed two soldiers and wounded 12 others.
“The ceasefire protocol has to be respected,” MILF chief negotiator and Bangsamoro education minister Mohagher Iqbal said in an interview here in Cotabato City yesterday.
“It is an unfortunate incident and both the government and the MILF are victims. There was no coordination,” Iqbal added.
Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim called for calm as the investigation continues, expressing sadness over the incident, which coincided with the 6th founding anniversary
“That’s why we say that’s fake news because it is being attributed to the President... Even if that is not what they said, that is the impression MILF chief negotiator and Bangsamoro education minister Mohagher Iqbal Mohagher Iqbal answers questions from journalists in Cotabato City on January 24, 2025. Manman Dejeto/MindaNews
VIVA STO. NINO. Catholic devotees envelop the carriage carrying the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu at Muelle Loney in Iloilo City during the procession marking the celebration of the 2025 Dinagyang Festival. Inset shows the Coast Guard boats that joined the fluvial parade. Norman Cruz
P55/kg for rice imports on Feb. 5
By Othel V. Campos
STARTING February 5, the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice will drop to P55 per kilogram (kg), Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel announced Friday following an inspection at the Cartimar Market in Pasay City.
The price will be further reduced to P52 by February 15, and, if global prices remain stable, the government hopes to bring it down to P49/kg by March 1. The gradual reduction is contingent on a maximum landed cost of $530 to $550 per metric ton for 5% broken rice. The DA had initially set the MSRP at P58/kg for imported rice in Metro Manila, where prices had remained elevated. The price cut reflected the decline in
global rice prices and the decision by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reduce the tariff on imported rice from 35% to 15%, effective July 2024.
Exempt from the MSRP are Japanese black rice, red rice, basmati, imported malagkit, and locally produced rice.
While some stakeholders have called for a more immediate and substantial price cut, Tiu Laurel emphasized that the government’s strategy is designed
to avoid destabilizing the rice industry.
“That’s why it has to be gradual. When we set the MSRP at P58, some critics accused me of being out of touch. But the reality is we have a plan. You can’t just shock the market—it would force many out of business and create resistance, which we’re trying to avoid,” he explained.
Tiu Laurel noted that the imported rice currently sold in the market was still purchased at around $700 per metric ton (MT), according to Bureau of Customs data.
As of Wednesday, the price of 5% broken rice from Asian exporters ranged from $413 to $472/MT, with Vietnam offering the lowest price at $413. Vietnam’s 25% broken rice is priced at $387/Mt, excluding freight, tariffs, and other costs.
may consider limited cooperation with the ICC despite the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court.
they want to give to the public, which is very wrong, very malicious,” he stressed.
Bersamin further clarified that the Executive Branch “did not benefit at all from the blank spaces that are being circulated” and reiterated that any inquiries regarding the matter should be directed to Congress.
“I want the public to know that we really have nothing to do with that. Ask the congressmen, the senators. And that is all that we can say at this point,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has defended recent modifications to the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), emphasizing that the changes align with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure government resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.
The adjustments, including budget realignments affecting the Philippine National Police (PNP), aim to prioritize ready-to-implement programs while addressing funding deficiencies.
In a statement, the DBM explained that the moves were in line with President Marcos’s instructions for National Government Agencies (NGAs) to review, rationalize, and prioritize programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) ready for implementation.
Programs identified as non-essential or underperforming are being reviewed for potential reprogramming or reallocation to ensure optimal use of government funds.
“Pursuant to the President’s directive, the DBM is committed to addressing funding deficiencies for various departments for FY 2025, including the PNP, through appropriate measures such as allotment modifications, use of savings, or tapping the Contingent Fund or Unprogrammed Appropriations,” the DBM stated.
“These actions comply with the conditions and requirements prescribed under the applicable provisions of the GAA,” it added.
addressing transnational crime and ensuring reciprocity in international law enforcement efforts.
However, he also clarified that cooperating with Interpol on such requests does not signify a shift in the government’s stand on ICC membership.
“We are no longer under the jurisdiction of the ICC, but that does not necessarily mean that… the order of the ICC enforced through Interpol should be ignored,” Bersamin said.
“I’m not saying that we are disregarding the ICC; we are accommodating Interpol,” he added.
Bersamin emphasized that cooperating with Interpol ensures the Philippines retains the benefits of its relationship with the international policing body, which provides crucial assistance in other law enforcement matters.
The Executive Secretary’s remark came after Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla hinted that the government
“We will talk to them soon in a very well-defined manner, in the spirit of comity. Some people are trying to bridge the divide to bring us together, so we can sit at one table,” said Remulla.
He explained that the government’s possible cooperation with the ICC is not prohibited by law.
“I know that, as anecdotally from people I know from the human rights community, they’ve been in contact here,” he added.
However, he clarified that the country’s membership with the international tribunal is a different matter.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros stressed that Remulla’s remarks offer hope to the families of those killed under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
“Secretary Remulla’s pronouncement on the ICC’s investigation on Duterte’s war on drugs gives us hope that real justice for the thousands of victims of the former administration’s killing
celebrations of the region.
“This incident is particularly disheartening as it transpired during the weeklong celebration of the 6th Foundation Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a period that symbolizes unity, peace, and progress in our region,” he said.
Ebrahim heads the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the region’s interim government. “We urge all parties to remain calm as we work towards addressing this incident through appropriate channels,” he said.
“The Bangsamoro Government strongly believes that the established mechanisms within the peace process, such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), are the best platforms to investigate and resolve this matter,” he added.
transmission lines and other assets on national security and interest, rather than on the impact of NGCP project delays on the cost of electricity.
He said the United Kingdom has junked the Chinese equipment and software service provider in its transmission grid due to national security concerns.
The Philippines should do the same for the same reason, he added.
In the course of the hearing, the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines said NGCP project delays have cost Filipino consumers tens of billions of pesos in higher electricity rates.
The Chinese board chairman and directors of electricity transmission monopoly and their billionaire Filipino-Chinese partners were a noshow at the hearing.
Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez called the attention of the Committee on Legislative Franchises chaired by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting about the absence of members of the NGCP board invited by the hearing panel.
“We have invited the chairman of the NGCP Zhu Guangchao, nandito po ba siya ngayon (is he
here today)?” Fernandez asked.
In a letter to Iqbal dated January 23, 2025, Butch Camarinas, head of the UNDP Cotabato Field Office, explained that the government troops from the 32nd Infantry Brigade were on their way to replace UNDP escorts from the 4th Special Forces Battalion.
“I understand that the area of the incident was around 15 to 20 kilometers from Brgy. Benembengan where we were at that time. I hope this helps clarify things,” Camarinas said.
The military, for its part, immediately filed a protest against the MILF over the encounter in Sumisip.
Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said all ground commanders assigned at the Western Mindanao Command area of responsibility have filed a protest letter before the MILF.
However, Butch Malang, chairman of the MILF-CCCH (Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities), maintained their government counterpart did not give any heads up that security forces will be entering an MILF area.
Tambunting told Fernandez that Zhu and other officials of the board have sent letters explaining their absence.
NGCP Vice chairmen Henry Sy Jr. and businessman Robert Coyiuto Jr. were also absent in the hearing. Other Chinese nationals in the NGCP board namely Yao Yousheng, Wang Lyjin, and Liu Xinhua were also not present in the inquiry.
“So ano pong (what are their) reasons Mr. [Anthony] Almeda kung bakit hindi sila [mga directors] dumating (why did the directors not show up)?” Fernandez asked.
Almeda, NGCP president and CEO, said the Chinese board members of their corporation are in Beijing for the Chinese New Year. He said Sy was in the “embassy.” Tambuting said Coyiuto has submitted a medical certificate.
The two Filipino-Chinese billionaires are both vice chairmen of the transmission monopoly. Fernandez moved that all NGCP’s board members and Chinese managers be invited again to the committee’s next hearing.
Quezon City Rep. Franz Pumaren said if the Chinese board members considered the hearing important, they should have flown back to Manila since Chinese New Year is next week yet.
NEWS
Freed Pinoy seafarers now in Manila
Industry analysts are optimistic that rice prices will continue to ease as Vietnam’s harvest season begins and as demand pressures from countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, which contributed to high demand due to El Niño concerns, start to subside.
The early announcement of the planned MSRP reductions intends to give rice industry stakeholders—such as traders, retailers, wholesalers, and importers—a window for an orderly transition, the DA said. This will allow them to liquidate higher-priced stocks and renegotiate contracts with suppliers.
The DA chief also mentioned that once the rice labeling guidelines, currently being worked out with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), are finalized, the DA will implement an MSRP for each type of rice.
spree could finally come,” she said in a statement on Friday.
At the Lower Chamber, The Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives backed the government’s readiness to cooperate with the United Nations (UN)-backed body to investigate extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration.
“We, the Makabayan bloc representatives, welcome Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla’s statement expressing willingness to engage with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding its investigation into the drug war killings,” Reps. Raoul Manuel of Kabataan, France Castro of ACT Teachers and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela said in a joint statement.
In 2019, Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the ICC, a body that investigates and prosecutes genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, among others, after it turned its attention to the extra-judicial killings allegedly being perpetrated at the behest of his administration. With Pot Chavez, Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz
“Upon receiving the incident report, I called our secretariat and they confirmed they did not receive any coordination. Even a text message to alert us would have been sufficient,” Malang said.
He said his team will leave for Basilan today (Saturday) to visit the site of the incident.
Moving forward, Iqbal urged the Marcos administration to consider a proposal to revive the International Monitoring Team to serve as a neutral third party observer, especially for ceasefire breaches.
“We are now partners with the government, but we don’t understand why until not they are not allowing the return of the IMT,” Iqbal said.
The MILF official said they were told there was concern on the part of the government over the return of foreign military observers in Mindanao.
“We even created separate technical working groups to discuss the issue. In fact the MILF agreed to an all-civilian IMT,” he said.
“We have been pushing for this since 2022,” Iqbal added.
“It’s an inherent right of every state to heighten and strengthen their defenses accordingly. How we would go about it is for us to freely do,” she emphasized.
The redeployment also coincided with the visit of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. in Washington where he met with United States National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to discuss the future of their countries’ alliance amid a change in America’s leadership.
The top-level meeting took place at the White House on Thursday [Philippine time], two days after President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office.
Teodoro extended the Philippines’ congratulations to the US on a successful transition of leadership, emphasizing the shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual security interests in the region, the Department of National Defense (DND) disclosed in a statement Friday.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral defense ties in addressing emerging geopolitical challenges.
By Rachelle Tonelada
AFTER being held hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen since November 2023, seventeen Filipino seafarers have finally returned home to the Philippines.
The seafarers, crew members of M/V Galaxy Leader, arrived on Thursday evening at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City via Oman Air Flight 843, landing at 9:31 PM.
The release of the hostages was part of efforts to de-escalate tensions following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
“The immediate repatriation and provision of comprehensive assistance and support to the Filipino seafarers is a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., under a one-team approach of ensuring better protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers and their families,” the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
The DMW emphasized that the safe release of the captives was the result of collective efforts and the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Filipino seafarers.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for their successful mediation, as well as all government agencies, private partners, and international entities,” the DMW said.
“To the families, we express our admiration for your unwavering strength and trust in the Philippine government. For more than a year, we were with you throughout this journey as directed by the President. Your steadfast hope strengthened our efforts to secure this momentous outcome,” it added.
The U.S. State Department also welcomed this “long overdue” development and denounced the “unlawful detention” carried out by the Houthis.
“The Houthis endangered the lives of seafarers, hindered the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, and harmed economies across the region,” the State Department said.
The department called on the Houthis to “cease all attacks” and to immediately release hundreds of other detainees.
“Within Yemen, the Houthis continue to round up and detain hundreds of local staff members of the UN, NGOs, and diplomatic missions under abysmal conditions, including dozens of current and former Yemeni staff of the United States government unlawfully held based on false accusations,” the department added.
Early on Thursday, Newark city mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents “raided a local establishment... detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant.” Earlier in the week the Republicanled US Congress green-lit a bill to expand pretrial incarceration for foreign criminal suspects.
NSA Waltz also expressed his appreciation of President Marcos’ efforts to uphold freedom of navigation and a rules-based international order, it was also stated.
Teodoro also met with Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Byers, and US National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy.
Waltz and his team underscored the need to enhance cooperation with the Philippines and looked forward to increasing mutual security activities in support of a free and global Indo-Pacific, an initiative dating back to Trump’s first presidency.
This engagement marked a significant step in further advancing the decades-long alliance between the Philippines and the United States, signaling a renewed commitment to collaboration under the Trump administration. Both sides expressed optimism about deepening defense and security cooperation in the years ahead. Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed the assurance from newly appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the United States, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, will maintain its “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines.
Survey: Half of families living in poverty
By Rachelle Tonelada
EARLY half of Filipino households (approximately 13.2 million) consider themselves poor consider themselves poor, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) nationwide survey by OCTA Research.
This represents a significant 7% increase compared to the previous quarter, with an additional 1.8 million families falling below their perceived poverty line.
The survey, conducted from November 10 to 16, 2024, through face-to-
face interviews with 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above, also revealed regional disparities in self-rated poverty.
Mindanao recorded the highest rate at 69%, a nine-percentage-point jump from 60% in the previous quarter. This was followed by Visayas at 59%, while
HONORING THE BRAVE. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. presents the Wounded Personnel Medal to the soldiers for their courage and heroism during his visit to the Western Mindanao Command. Brawner honored the soldiers for their dedication and service, assuring them and their families of access to medical care and support to facilitate their recovery.
Consumers should expect 1-peso oil rollback this week
By Alena Mae S. Flores
CONSUMERS can expect an oil price rollback of as much as P1 per liter on Tuesday after three consecutive weeks of oil price hikes due to the softening in world oil prices.
Department of Energy Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said that based on the fourday trading in Mean of Platts Singapore and relevant news in the international oil market, they are expecting a rollback in the prices of petroleum products next week.
Romero said gasoline will have a rollback from P0.70 to P1 per liter for gasoline, P0.20 to P0.55 per liter for diesel and P0.40 to P0.50 per liter for kerosene. She said the estimated adjustments can be attributed to the re-opening of refineries and ports in US Gulf Coast
on Wednesday after a winter storm; and the market’s reaction on how US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs could affect global economic growth and demand for energy.
“Final adjustments will be determined after today’s trading and the oil companies operating expenses,” Romero said. Meanwhile, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas expects a lower rollback of P0.20 to P0.30 per liter for diesel and P0.80 to P0.90 per liter for gasoline.
Bellas said uncertainty over how the tariffs proposed by US President Donald Trump would affect global economic growth and energy demand, easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East (which could possibly lighten disruptions to the shipping route along the Red Sea) and easing of diesel and gasoline price benchmarks as regional supply remains sufficient drove pump prices downward.
IN BRIEF
DSWD mobile kitchens ready for deployment
A TOTAL of 15 mobile kitchens are now ready for delivery to the different Field Offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to be used during disaster operations.
Special Assistant to the Secretary (SAS) for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) and concurrent officer-in-charge (OIC) of the National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) Leo Quintilla made the announcement, noting the “new normal” brought forth challenges, especially in terms of facing various kinds of calamities. Responding to this, the DSWD-NRLMB official said the mobile kitchen is another innovation of the DSWD to increase the capacity to respond to any disaster situation. Quintilla said the mobile kitchens procured by the Department had already been delivered and are currently being inspected according to specifications before these are officially transferred to the DSWD Field Offices. Maricel V. Cruz
Police arrest eight for selling SIM cards
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNPACG) arrested 8 individuals in separate operations for selling registered SIM cards in violation of the SIM Registration Law
In a report by the PNP-ACG on Thursday, a 41-year-old identified as Nonoy was arrested on January 13 along Pedro Gil Street, Paco, Manila for selling a registered SIM card for P800 and a verified e-wallet for P1,500. Four pieces of registered SIM cards were confiscated from the individual.
In an operation by the PNP-ACG field unit in Region 12, a 21-year-old mother was arrested for selling registered SIM cards in General Santos City on January 18. She was allegedly selling and advertising a verified e-wallet account that came with a SIM card for P2,000.
Two more suspects were arrested in Santa Cruz Manila on January 20 after one advertised a registered SIM card with a verified e-wallet account for P3,000. Two more were also arrested by the PNP-ACG Eastern and Quezon City Police Districts. Vince Lopez
Balance Luzon saw a sharp increase from 30% to 43%.
The National Capital Region (NCR) had the lowest self-rated poverty rate at 30%, a slight improvement from 35% last quarter.
The results also reflect public sentiment about the broader state of poverty in the country. About 32% of respondents said poverty has worsened, while 47% believe it has remained unchanged.
The survey also highlighted growing concerns about hunger and food poverty. Self-rated hunger rose to
16%—equivalent to 4.2 million families experiencing involuntary hunger—up from 11% or 2.9 million families in August 2024.
The report defines involuntary hunger as “not having anything to eat at least once in the last three months before the survey period.” Approximately 86% reported going hungry either once or only a few times, while 15% said they experienced hunger frequently or consistently.
Food poverty saw a similar increase, with 49% of households (around 12.9 million families) identi-
fying as food-poor, compared to 42% (11.1 million families) in the previous quarter. This means that Filipinos who “struggle to obtain a sufficient and healthful diet” increased.
With that said, the report noted that about 32% of adult Filipinos believe that the state of hunger in the country has worsened, with 47% believing it has not changed.
“Among those who consider their families poor, the median amount they need for home expenses to no longer be considered poor is P25,000 per month,” the report stated.
Non-stop aftershocks still jolt Southern Leyte
THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Friday that the magnitude-5.8 tremor in Southern Leyte was followed by at least 166 aftershocks (58 plotted), with the epicenter traced to the town of San Francisco.
In an updated bulletin as of 6:00 am, January 24, Phivolcs said the aftershocks ranged between 1.5 to 2.9 magnitudes. San Francisco alone shook more than 60 times over the last 24 hours since the major quake.
Mayor Jonna Adan of Liloan, Southern Leyte ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in public and private schools. The town is about 19.4 kilometers away from the epicenter, which remains affected by the aftershocks.
The provincial government issued an advisory on Thursday informing the public that roads in the villages of Amaga and Himay-angan, as well as other roads in Liloan, were rendered impassable due to fallen debris and severe cracks after the quake.
In a primer released Thursday evening, Phivolcs said the Southern Leyte tremor was triggered by the movement of a local active fault in the area. It noted that aftershocks could “persist for several days to months.”
“Southern Leyte and its neighboring provinces experience earthquakes as they are situated in one of the seismically active regions in the archipelago. The presence of onshore and offshore active faults, particularly the Philippine fault and its segments, generates high seismicity in the area,” Phivolcs explained.
Phivolcs said it is closely monitoring the aftermath of this seismic event. It reminded affected residents to exercise caution amid potential environmental hazards resulting from this major quake.
AFP: Drone retrieved in Bohol not in our possession
By Rex Espiritu
THE underwater drone retrieved in Bohol in 2024 was not in military custody, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes
Trinidad said the Naval Forces Central (NFC) has contacted the individual who reportedly encountered and posted the video of the unidentified underwater vehicle (UUV) on social media.
“The UUV is not currently in AFP’s possession, which limits our ability to conduct a forensic investigation at this time. We urge everyone else with knowledge of the equipment’s current location to coordinate with the nearest
military or naval unit to facilitate its recovery and proper handling.” Trinidad said.
He said the person of interest is a resident of Barangay Bunga Mar, Jagna, Bohol. He revealed that he first saw the red-and-gray, drone-like object on 27 July 2024 floating on the waters between the towns of Valencia and Garcia Hernandez in Bohol province.
That particular person posted the video online after noticing trending Facebook posts related to sea drones and alleged espionage equipment linked to China.
“We assure the public of our commitment to securing our territorial waters and addressing any potential
MMDA rolls out Road to Zero Waste
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday held its Road to Zero Waste Expo at the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City, meant to promote a circular economy model and a cleaner metropolis. The event aims to engage a wider range of communities and strengthen waste management systems within Metro Manila in line with the government’s program dubbed “Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas” Organized by the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office, the initiative involves enhancement of public awareness and significant increases in waste diversion rates through a series of activities aligned with the 10-Year Road to Zero Waste Program for Metro Manila. MMDA chairman Romando Artes said
approaches to “cultivate a culture of sustainable waste management in the metropolis.”
“With the implementation of solid waste management-related interventions that the MMDA is currently pursuing in cooperation with the local government units and private sector, we will be able to achieve a cleaner Metro Manila at the soonest possible time,” Artes said.
MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana emphasized that the agency has long espoused the vision of a cleaner Metro Manila by advocating waste reduction practices.
“To reach our targets, we hope that all stakeholders work together to create a unified and functional system and infrastructures, create partnerships and match businesses, and strategize on mapping out waste diversion points with our waste recyclers,” said Lipana. Joel E. Zurbano
threats to national security. We also remind everyone to report similar incidents or discoveries to the proper authorities, including the AFP, to ensure prompt and appropriate action.” Trinidad said.
Earlier, the AFP through appropriate units, launched an investigation into the reported sighting of the UUV that recently went viral on social media.
The Philippine National PoliceMaritime Group (PNP-MG), citing information from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), said Thursday that the recent video of an “unidentified floating object” in the waters of Bohol was not new since it was captured and reported to authorities on July 27, 2024.
P34-m vape items go up in smoke in Cavite incinerator
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE Bureau of Customs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has condemned 159,830 vape products valued at ₱34,112,500 pursuant to government efforts to protect public health and enforce national regulations.
The shipments were forfeited following the issuance of Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violating Republic Act No. 11900, as implemented by Department Administrative Order No. 22-16 of the Department of Trade and Industry (series of 2022), and Section 1113 (f) in relation to Sections 117 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Destruction of these products was carried out in Cavite in collaboration with the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division, Enforcement and Security Service, and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service.
PCG unit gets new building in Cavite
CAVITE City—A new two-storey building of the Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) was formally opened here at Brgy. 30 Bid-bid in Sitio Caridad. Mayor Denver Chua and Vice Mayor Raleigh Rusit presided at the opening ceremony, with PCG’s Commodore Christopher Meniado as guest of honor.
In his address, Meniado thanked the city government for providing the new facility for the CGSS. He also underscored the PCG’s critical role in ensuring maritime safety, enforcing maritime laws, responding to sea disasters, and protecting the country’s marine resources.
Meniado said the ceremony not only celebrated the completion of the new CGSS building, but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and collective efforts among various government agencies. Dennis Abrina
Bataan Freeport zone eyes enhanced services
THE Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), in collaboration with key partners, is exploring avenues to enhance water supply in the freeport zone. AFAB administrator and chief executive Hussein Pangandaman met on Thursday with representatives of Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc. and FB Infrastructure Corp. to find ways of improving water supply and sanitation services in the facility.
Discussions focused on upgrading vital infrastructures and execution of modern solutions to ensure reliable services for locators and residents alike.
Butch Gunio
Scarecrows take center stage in Isabela festival
ILAGAN City—Local residents here celebrated the Bambanti Festival 2025 with Senator Christopher Lawrence Go as guest of honor.
Bambanti is an Ilocano word for scarecrow. The first Bambanti Festival was launched in 1997. It was created under the leadership of Gov. Benjamin Dy to celebrate
ROAD TO CLEANER METRO MANILA. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority rolls out its Road to Zero Waste Expo, a drive geared at attaining a cleaner National Capital Region through best practices in waste management and disposal.
OPINION
US-PH proxy war vs. China trumped
IN HIS inaugural speech last Jan. 20
President Donald Trump said of America under his new watch:
“We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also by the wars that we end, and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into.
“My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. That’s what I want to be, a peacemaker and a unifier...
“America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth, inspiring the awe and admiration of the entire world... our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent and totally unpredictable.”
At the same momentous day Trump signed dozens of executive orders reversing many of the decades- long Democratic Party hegemonism and war mongering policies culminating in the Biden administration’s orders, among them the 90day suspension of foreign aid programs – which would include the $ 500-million military aid package to the Philippines. War parasite ex-USAF Col. Raymond Powell and his followers President BBM, Sec. Gibo Teodoro, NSC chief Gen. Eduardo Año, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, PCG spokesman Comm. Jay Tarriela and other prominent American gofers must be sweating bullets over the possible fate of their warmongering plans and payoffs from the US Bases and missiles deals.
Trump applied the shame-treatment on Biden’s US-proxies Zelenskyy and Netanyahu, uninviting the Ukrainian dictator who pleaded for an inauguration invite and posting on Trump’s “Truth Social” anti-War American intellectual Jeffrey Sach’s video damning the genocidal Israeli prime minister as an “SOB,” so I am naming and shaming the US war proxies here too.
The US war-proxies in the Philippines have been working overtime to raise the specter of “evil China” again after its waning the past few months as Filipinos lose interest in the “bait-andbellyache” tactics of the PCG drawing blockading tactics from the Chinese Coast Guard ships.
Lately, Powell and Tarriela have been hyping the CCG “Monster ship” while the US Vampire carrier fleet flout ASEAN neutrality in the SCS.
We’d like to show respect for our men in uniform, but when they allow themselves to be used with nary a simper of protest in undertakings that violate the Philippine Constitution, for the US Bases, troops and missiles defy our basic laws and pact with ASEAN, cripple our economy and endanger the very existence of our nation from the threat of retaliatory war and missiles, we cannot allow impunity to their reputation.
We cannot tell how long the “pacifist Trump” will last before the neocons, the
Deep State, the war lobbies, bend his will, or if they will ever succeed in thwarting Trump’s apparently genuine crusade towards the path to peace.
Let’s hope Trump’s optimism survives through all the pressures, and maybe another assassination attempt, that are likely to come. Holding indoor events is no guarantee of complete safety.
Filipinos themselves must work doubly hard now to oust the unconstitutional presence of the US military bases and troops in the country, and take out the Typhon missile launchers now installed at Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte, and this is why I am calling attention to the praise-worthy efforts of the Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, patriots launching their “Anti-War, Anti-US Bases, Anti-US Missiles” congress and forum this day, Jan. 25, 2025 at the Philippine Town Hotel.
“Filipinos themselves must work doubly hard now to oust the unconstitutional presence of the US military bases and troops in the country”
An anti-War, Anti-US Bases, antiMissiles motorcade of cars, vans and motorcycles will be caravaning to PHIVIDEC Economic Zone being converted to a Naval Base after passing Lumbia Air Base where the Americans are taking over, to show the rising protest against the foreign militarization of these facilities that is inviting danger to Mindanao and its people.
We salute the Cagayanons for these heroic efforts.
We salute the organizers, Madame Tess Padla, Mindanao Daily columnist Benjamin Tiu Contreras, workhorses Dadat and Kai, Davaoeño Peter Tiu Laviña, youth leaders Adel, Ismael, Kierby, Jannah, Eugene, and many others we do not have space to name all here.
Speakers at the congress include Mike Billington of the Schiller institute of Leesburg, Virginia, USA; Anna Malindog-Uy; senatorial candidate Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Benjamin Tiu Contreras, Peter Tiu Laviña, Herman Tiu Laurel, and others.
The ”Anti-War, Anti-US Bases, AntiMissiles” movement is spiritedly promoted and organized by the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute and its volunteers.
After Cagayan de Oro, the movement aims to caravan from Manila to Laoag, Ilocos Norte, to stage a congress and rally in February against the Typhon missiles at Laoag International Airport.
Feet of clay
Literature, whose tales provide great insight into the dilemmas and conflicts in the minds of women, and then finding out months after her death that she had committed something reprehensible? Imagine, too, looking up to yet another famous writer whose work has been turned into TV shows and whose imagination has delighted readers, and then discovering that he had used his stature and influence to coerce several women into engaging in acts against their will?
I refer to writers Alice Munro and Neil Gaiman. Canadian Munro, who died in May last year, became controversial after her death after it was revealed she had done nothing and in fact stayed with a man who had abused her own daughter. Munro’s daughter, Andrea, wrote an op-ed piece in the Toronto Star where she said her stepfather, Gerry Fremlin, got into her bed and assaulted her when she was nine years old. She told her mother
about this in succeeding years, but Munro did not do anything to make her husband accountable for the damage he had caused her daughter.
A Dec. 2024 piece by Rachel Aviv in the New Yorker called “Alice Munro’s Passive Voice” pieces together the timeline of the revelations against the stories Munro had written at different periods that might have coincided with what she knew and how she felt.
Andrea said her mother “reacted exactly as I had feared she would, as if she had learned of an infidelity.” Fremlin admitted to the abuse but said Andrea seduced him, like a Lolita. And while Munro temporarily left Fremlin, she eventually took him back. She stayed with him until his death.
Later on in her life, Munro developed Alzheimer’s and, in some moments, appeared to acknowledge what had happened to her daughter. According to the article, in 2019, during a lucid conversation with her other daughter Jenny, Munro was supposed to have exhaled loudly and said under her
Addressing critical security concerns
THE voice from Washington, from the top diplomat of the Trump administration, underlining the watertight alliance between the United States and the Philippines, raises confidence, given the incessant sorties into the West Philippine Sea by foreign vessels.
We heard the voice of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio when he discussed with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo China’s “dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea” when the former underlined the “ironclad” US defense commitment to the Philippines, an ally under the Mutual Defense Pact signed in 1951 in Washington, DC.
We also heard China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning when he said China’s activities in the waters were “reasonable, lawful and beyond reproach.”
The spokesperson said the United States was “not a party” to the South China Sea dispute, and had “no right to intervene” in maritime issues between China and the Philippines.
“Military cooperation between the US and the Philippines should not un-
breath, “How awful....it was beastly of me not to get rid of him.’”
dermine China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, nor should it be used to endorse the illegal claims of the Philippines,” Mao said. We find that fatuous, and that is a euphemism. Is it illegal to have Philippine vessels within Manila’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone? On the port side, is it legal for foreign vessels without Manila’s clearance and permission to be in Philippine waters and harass local vessels?
Was it legal to declare on Aug 28,
We hold the hope that security engagements between the Philippines and the United States will continue to be guaranteed
2023 a 10-dash line, an upgrade from the nine-dash line, which suggests island attribution to its existing claims concerning what it calls historical rights to the maritime area of the South China Sea?
Was it legal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS for China to have its ves-
in non-consensual activity with anyone. Ever.”) ***
sels, repeatedly, blocking, using a green, military grade laser against BRP Malapascua in 2023, and harassing Philppine vessels on humanitarian missions within Manila’s sovereign territory?
Is not China a signatory to UNCLOS, the treaty that establishes rules for the oceans and seas which it signed in 1982 and ratified in 1996, which boosted its conclusion and entry-into-force?
The UNCLOS is an international treaty that governs the rights and duties of states in the ocean and defines the geographic jurisdictions of coastal states.
Observers have seen China’s incremental expansion and bold territorial claims in the South China Sea over the past 20 years have raised global concerns.
Each year, 3.4 trillion dollars of trade goods are shipped through the strategic international sea lane SCS, and over 80 percent of crude oil destined for Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea transit this area. The US has enforced international law under provisions of the UNCLOS through routine operations in the SCS by US Navy/Coast Guard ships and US Navy/Air Force aircraft Freedom of Navigation operations.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz earlier met at the White House to reaffirm the long-lasting alliance between Manila and Washington.
We hold the hope that security engagements between the Philippines and the United States will continue to be guaranteed.
How many more of our idols have committed some sort of transgression, or have been weak or passive or cowardly?
Earlier this month, an article titled “There is No Safe Word” written by Lila Shapiro appeared in New York Post and its website Vulture. It details how British author Neil Gaiman was accused of sexual assault by at least eight women. One of them, Scarlet Pavlovich, was babysitting Gaiman’s son when she was assaulted. There was also a podcast, aired last year, where four of the women narrate their experience of violence with Gaiman.
(In his blog, Gaiman responded: “I’m far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged
There are many others in different fields whose work have been celebrated but who were later on shown to be fallible at best and criminal at worst. A sense of betrayal on the part of fans is reasonable. It could be difficult to separate the creation from the all-too-human creator. If one grew up reading the stories of either of these two authors, or following the work of any celebrated artist, for that matter, discoveries such as this could lead them to negate all the good things they gathered from the work, diminish its value, be disillusioned, or lose interest in the field altogether.
But such feelings arise from putting idols in a pedestal. In our eyes, especially in the eyes of younger, impressionable followers, idols could do no wrong, and their brilliance in their work necessarily translates to perfection in everything else.
It prompts us to wonder: How many more of those we look up to have com-
mitted some sort of transgression, or have been weak or passive or cowardly, or have lived a life that is so different or even contrary to the impression they give or the persona they exude? What would we do if we found out that yet another idol turns out to have feet of clay? Different people could react differently to such revelations, depending on the gravity of the offense, the impact of the work on their personal lives, or their previous interaction, if any, with the creator. We could always acknowledge good work and learn from it, but also to remember that people are frail and flawed, and it would not do any good to assume they are otherwise. Art, after all, is essentially about navigating the brokenness and imperfection of the world and of the human condition. We could be disgusted enough to stop looking at their work, or if we could compartmemtalize. It’s our call. It’s setting expectations low, sure, but it will save us from heartache, disillusion, or worse, apathy. adellechua@gmail.com
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Here is the generated political cartoon featuring a swarm of mobile phones peeking from behind furniture.
2. I have caused the preparation of the foregoing complaint pursuant to the authority granted by plaintiff BANKCOM under its Secretary’s Certificate and Special Power of
3. Plaintiff BANKCOM is the mortgagee of the personal property subject of this suit, particularly described under Certificate of Registration as follows: Unit Nissan Sentra Model 2013 Serial No. CDGALUAN16C63586 Motor No. QG16005519 Plate No.
4. The above-described personal property is wrongfully detained by defendants who defaulted in complying with the terms and conditions of the Promissory Note and Chattel Mortgage issued in favor of plaintiff BANKCOM that would defeat its mortgage lien thereon;
5. The actual value of subject personal property is THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P300,000.00).
6. Plaintiff BANKCOM is ready, able and willing to file a bond double value of said personal property for the prosecution of this action, the return thereof to defendants if it is so adjudged, and for the payment to them of such sum as may be recovered against plaintiff in this case, and the cost of the action.
I am executing this affidavit alleging the foregoing to be true and correct of my own personal knowledge and/or based on authentic records. (Sgd.) MARK FRANCIS ANGELO M. YUHMO SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on NOV 28 2016 at PASIG CITY, affiant being personally present and exhibiting to me his SSS 34-0331380-9 as valid proof of identity.
Doc. No. 27 Page No. 7 Book No. XL Series of 2016 VERIFICATION / CERTIFICATION We, JOSEPH C. JUSTINIANO and ADRIAN MANUEL P. SISON, both of legal age, both of legal age, Filipino citizen and with postal address at the San Miguel Properties Centre, No. 7 St. Francis Street, Mandaluyong City, depose and state under oath:
1. The we are the Head of Consumer Group and Legal Officer, Consumer Group, respectively, of BANK OF COMMERCE;
2. That we are authorized and have caused the preparation of the foregoing complaint pursuant to the authority granted by plaintiff BANKCOM under its Secretary’s Certificate and Special Power of Attorney and all the allegations contained therein are true and correct of my personal knowledge and/or based on authentic records;
3. Plaintiff BANKCOM has not commenced any other action or proceeding, involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; to the best of our knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; and should we hereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, I undertake to report that fact within five (5) days therefrom to the court or agency wherein the original pleading and sworn certification contemplated herein have been filed. (Sgd.) JOSEPH C. JUSTINIANO (Sgd.) ADRIAN MANUEL P. SISON SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me on NOV 28 2016 at PASIG CITY, affiants being personally present and exhibiting to me their Passport No. EB 7946692 and Driver’s License No. N04-00-461920.
Doc. No. 28 Page No. 7 Book No. XL Series of 2016.
Mexico troops set up migrant shelters for Trump deportees
MATAMOROS, Mexico—Mexican soldiers rushed Thursday to set up emergency shelters near the border with the United States ahead of President Donald Trump’s threatened mass deportations.
The Mexican government said it planned to open nine shelters for its citizens and three more for deported foreigners, without clarifying the total capacity, under a scheme called “Mexico embraces you.”
President Claudia Sheinbaum said this week that Mexico would provide humanitarian assistance to deported migrants from other countries before repatriating them.
On Thursday, she said that two of the reception centers were expected to be ready by the end of the day and the others by the weekend.
They will be equipped with kitchens and bathrooms and will offer food, health ser-
vices and counseling.
In the northeastern city of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas, navy personnel were seen erecting a shelter on a large sports field, according to an AFP correspondent.
The facilities included olive-green tents for military personnel who will be in charge of security, as well as a metal structure that will house tents for the deportees.
The Matamoros shelter—one of three being built in Tamaulipas state—will be able to accommodate around 3,000 people, according to municipal authorities.
“We expect to receive 200 to 250 people
Federal judge blocks Trump bid to restrict
birthright citizenship; DOJ to defend order
LOS ANGELES— A federal judge blocked Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States on Thursday (Friday in Manila) as liberal states scored their first victory against the new president’s hardline agenda.
The ruling imposes a 14-day stay on the enforcement of one of the most controversial executive orders Trump signed in the hours after he was sworn into office for a second term.
“This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” US District Judge John Coughenour was reported as saying during the hearing in Washington state.
“I’ve been on the bench for over four decades, I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is,” said Coughenour, who was appointed by a Republican president, Ronald Reagan.
Trump told reporters his administration would “obviously” appeal the ruling, while the Department of Justice said it would defend the executive order, which a spokesman said “correctly interprets” the US Constitution.
“We look forward to presenting a full merits argument to the court and to the American people, who are desperate to see our nation’s laws enforced,” the spokesman said.
Birthright citizenship is enshrined in the US Constitution under the 14th Amendment which decrees that anyone born on US soil is a citizen.
It says, in part: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Trump’s order was premised on the idea that anyone in the United States illegally, or on a visa, was not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the country, and therefore excluded from this category.
An incredulous Coughenour chided Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate over his assertion that Trump’s order was Constitutional.
“Frankly, I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a Constitutional order,” Coughenour said. AFP
Japan PM stresses US role in Asia-Pacific
TOKYO—Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed on Friday the importance of close ties with the United States for regional stability, as he seeks to arrange a meeting with President Donald Trump.
“As the balance of power in the region undergoes a historic change, we must deepen Japan-US cooperation further, in a concrete manner,” Ishiba told parliament.
Tokyo must also “continue to secure the US commitment to the region, to avoid a power vacuum leading to regional instability”, he added in a policy speech.
His comments underscored jitters over China’s military build-up in the Asia-Pacific and Trump’s “America First” policies, which may include demanding that allies such as Japan shoulder a larger proportion of defense costs.
“Japan-US leadership is essential to strengthen the free and open Indo-Pacific by establishing multi-layered security networks including Japan-US-Australia-India,
Japan-US-South Korea, and Japan-US-Philippines,” Ishiba added.
“At a forthcoming Japan-US summit, I want to share understanding with President Trump on these security and economic issues,” he said.
Japanese media said a meeting between Ishiba and Trump could take place as early as next month, likely in the United States.
Ishiba held a brief telephone call in November with then-president-elect Trump, and reportedly sought to meet with him in January before his inauguration, but this did not happen.
However, Trump hosted Akie Abe, the widow of Japan’s assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe, for a private dinner with his wife Melania Trump at their Florida residence in December.
That same month, Masayoshi Son, head of Japanese tech investment behemoth SoftBank, stood beside Trump to announce a $100 billion investment in the United States. AFP
a day,” said Alberto Granados, mayor of the city on the banks of the Rio Grande river which snakes along the border.
Last week another Mexican border city, Tijuana, just south of California, declared an emergency to free up funds to deal with the potential arrival of deportees.
Carlos Pena, the mayor of Reynosa, across the border from Texas, warned this week that “there is not enough space” in shelters and the situation could become “critical.”
Mexico’s government announced in December that it would launch a mobile app with an alert button for migrants facing imminent detention in the United States, where there are several million undocumented Mexicans. AFP
IN BRIEF
Myanmar rebel group admits to beheadings
YANGON—A Myanmar rebel group said on Friday its members beheaded two prisoners in a rare admission of deadly violence as it fights the ruling junta to maintain control of the country’s western borderlands.
The incident, which “violated military discipline”, occurred in February last year during an Arakan Army (AA) offensive on Kyauktaw township in Rakhine state, according to the militant group’s spokesman Khaing Thu Kha.
“Our local (AA) militias were unable to control their anger and committed crimes... in retaliation for the terrorist Myanmar army soldiers who had unjustly arrested, tortured, and killed their families,” he told AFP.
In a two-minute clip that circulated on social media, around seven men—some wearing AA uniforms and holding firearms—kicked and beat two shirtless men on the ground. AFP
Trump orders release of assassination files
WASHINGTON, DC—US President Donald Trump ordered the declassification Thursday of the last secret files on the assassination of president John F. Kennedy, a case that still fuels conspiracy theories more than 60 years after his death.
Trump signed an executive order that will also release documents on the 1960s assassinations of JFK’s younger brother Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
“That’s big one, huh? A lot of people have been waiting for this for years, for decades,” Trump told reporters as he signed the order in the Oval Office of the White House.
“Everything will be revealed.” After signing the order, Trump passed the pen he used to an aide, saying “Give that to RFK Jr.,” JFK’s nephew and the current president’s nominee to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. AFP
THE HEAT IS ON. A woman sits at the El Chaparral crossing port, which a few days ago was crowded with asylum seekers that lost their CPB One app—an online lottery system to give appointments to 1,450 a day at eight border crossings in
Strong winds wreak havoc before Torrey Pines halted
LOS ANGELES—Strong winds wreaked havoc during the second round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in California on Thursday, forcing a lengthy suspension before play was halted due to darkness.
Play at the picturesque venue overlooking the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla was interrupted for just under two hours after powerful gusts made the course virtually unplayable.
Lanto Griffin grabbed a share of the lead at six under after completing a level-par 72 for his second round on Torrey Pines south course.
Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg, the first round leader, was also on six under with after struggling to a three-over-par 75.
Aberg, who had shot a blistering nine-under-par 63 in Wednesday’s opening round, found the going a lot harder on Wednesday.
Danny Walker completed a demanding 18 holes on Torrey Pines’ north course with a two-over-par 74 and is on five under, one off the lead.
“Just a crazy day, for sure,” Walker
Djokovic retires hurt to send Zverev into Aussie Open final
MELBOURNE—Novak
Djokovic said Friday there was a chance he may have played his last Australian Open after retiring with a muscle tear in the semifinals to leave his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam crown in tatters.
The 37-year-old’s upper left leg was again heavily taped after hurting it in the quarter-finals and the Serb called it quits after losing the first set 7-6 (7/5) to Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic left the court to a mixture of boos and applause as the German reached his first Melbourne final.
“There is a chance. Who knows,” Djokovic said when asked if he may have graced the Melbourne Park courts for a last time.
“I’ll just have to see how the season goes. I want to keep going. But whether I’m going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I’m not sure.
“I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here. So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come,” he added.
“But there’s always a chance, yeah.”
Djokovic has now gone five Grand Slams without winning the title he needs to surpass Margaret Court’s 24 and become the all-time leader.
He failed to collect one for the first time in seven years in 2024, with his last coming at the 2023 US Open, casting further doubt on whether he will ever get past Court.
His semi-final agony also deprived him of a 100th career title.
“I actually thought I played really well, as well as I played the last 12 months, to be honest,” he said of his tournament run.
“I liked my chances if I was physically fit and ready
to battle. I think I was striking the ball very well. A lot of positives to take in terms of how I played.
“I wish Sascha (Zverev) all the best. You know, he deserves his first Slam. I’ll be cheering for him.”
- Boos for DjokovicZverev’s reward is a clash in Sunday’s showdown with either world number one Jannik Sinner or American 21st seed Ben Shelton.
While the German has been a Grand Slam runnerup twice before, at last year’s French Open and the 2020 US Open, he has never before been to the final in Melbourne.
Last year at the same semi-final stage he crashed to Daniil Medvedev in five sets after holding a 2-0 lead.
But he came into the season with renewed vigour after ending 2024 as world number two, winning more matches than anyone bar Sinner and back to his best after a horrific ankle injury.
Zverev said it was poor form for some of the crowd to boo Djokovic off court. AFP
DigiPlus, BingoPlus advocate responsible gaming
THREE ‘Pusta de Peligro’ short films were launched today by DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation as part of a campaign promoting ‘responsible gaming.’
The premiere of the short films was held at the Gateway Cinema, in Quezon City, where DigiPlus emphasized their strong dedication to responsible gaming, ensuring that e-games remain safe and fun only.
The theme of the shows is “When it comes to gambling, pause first because gaming should just be fun.”
The short films are based on real-life scenarios, showing a player’s transition from a recreational level to a ‘risky’ level.
In this regard, Responsible Gaming Features have also been introduced on DigiPlus Platforms, including selfexclusion features. This gives players the ability to control their gaming habits.
This includes daily gaming duration, customizing the daily gaming schedule to limit gaming addiction.
With this, gamers can still enjoy themselves without feeling any financial stress.
“We want players to feel empowered to make wise choices, families to feel reassured, and communities to see gaming as a safe form of entertainment. The Pusta de Peligro campaign is a crucial step toward that vision,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco.
said of the conditions.
“One of those days where you can’t even think about what you’re shooting, just got to do your best to hit every shot and just accept whatever happens.
“So much of where the ball’s going to go is just out of your control. Did my best to just keep a level head and just take it one shot at a time. It’s all you could do.”
Eric Cole battled to a one-under-par 71 to finish the second round on three under, three shots off the lead.
“It’s an unbelievably challenging course to begin with in normal conditions,” Cole said.
“It was tough, but it was also tricky. It was just an overall combination that made scoring really, really difficult.” Those teeing off early on Thursday found the going a struggle.
Zac Blair and Zach Johnson, who were three shots off the lead after carding six-under-par 66s in Wednesday’s opening round, tumbled down the leaderboard.
Blair shot a six-over-par 78, while Johnson carded a five-over-par 77. AFP
THREE of the four teams currently reeling from tough losses and stuck in the lower half of the 12-team standings aim to bounce back with crucial victories in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig today (Saturday). Chery Tiggo (4-3) faces Farm Fresh (33) in the 4 p.m. opener of another twinbill. Fans can expect the unexpected as the tournament continues to unfold as a wild and unpredictable affair. With no team emerging as a dominant force so far, every match is vital as the preliminaries approach their final four weeks.
Although no team will be eliminated after the single-round phase, their respective records will significantly impact playoff seeding in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons with support from Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, Watsons, iColor & Argan Beauty, Tapa King, Sport Radar, and Mikasa.
The top teams will be matched against the lower-ranked squads in six knockout pairings, including No. 1 vs No. 12, No. 2 vs No. 11, and so forth. Despite the unpredictable nature of the conference, Creamline remains the benchmark. The recent Grand Slam champions have swept their first five matches but currently sit third in the standings with 14 points, behind Petro Gazz (17 points, 6-1) and Cignal (15 points, 5-1). Choco Mucho (5-3) shares fourth place with PLDT (4-3) and Akari (4-4), all at 12 points, following Choco Mucho’s recent win over PLDT. Focus, however, shifts to the struggling teams eager to recover from recent losses. Chery Tiggo, coming off a heartbreaking five-set defeat after squandering a two-set lead to the Angels, looks to rebound strongly. Its showdown with Farm Fresh, fresh from a shutout
Taekwondo star Hamidi sacri ces her freedom to battle the Taliban
PARIS—Afghan taekwondo star
Marzieh Hamidi told AFP the death threats she has received, forcing her to live under French police protection, show how effective her stinging criticism of the Taliban has been.
The 22-year-old’s defiance of Afghanistan’s governing Taliban fits well with her coming from “a family of freedom fighters.”
Her father fought in the Afghanistan army and then alongside the late mujahideen leader Ahmed Shah Massoud before moving to Iran.
Hamidi’s weapon has been her voice, since coming to France in December 2021 after living for a few months under Taliban rule when they seized power again in August that year.
However, her no-holds-barred criticisms of the Taliban had serious repercussions.
Last September she was granted
police protection after receiving 5,000 calls, including 500 threatening to either murder or rape her.
French prosecutors opened an investigation in September after her lawyer Ines Davau lodged a legal complaint for cyber-harassment and death threats, as well as threats of rape.
Remarkably, the erudite and passionate Hamidi -- formerly Afghanistan’s national champion at -57 kilos and with a ranking in the top 100 in the world -- sees the positive side.
“It means that I have more power than them, because I always talk about the situation,” she told AFP at Davau’s office in Paris.
“This time I talk about more details, because it’s not to boycott Taliban, it’s also to boycott who are normalising them.
“It can be an athlete, an artist, activist.”
She believes in particular that the
men’s Afghan cricket federation has close links to the Taliban and should be boycotted by their opponents.
Hamidi, whose sporting aim is to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, has an Afghan passport and a 10-year French residency permit.
She said it was her duty to harangue the Taliban and their supporters.
The Taliban has imposed an austere version of Islamic law that the United Nations has labelled “gender apartheid” and Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are banned from secondary school and university. The Taliban authorities claim Islamic law “guarantees” the rights of all Afghans.
“I have to fight, because I was stuck there three months,” said Hamidi.
“I saw that the system is against women, how they are making it a bad place for everyone. AFP
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (left) shakes hands with Germany’s Alexander Zverev as he retires during their men’s singles semifinal match on Day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. AFP
DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco leads the launch of ‘Pusta de Peligro’.
Afghan taekwondo athlete in the women’s -57kg category and an IOC Refugee
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Eala falls to Slovenian in Indian tilt
THE Philippines’ Alex Eala fell to lower-ranked Dalila Jakupovic of Slovenia, 4-6, 4-6, on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the W100 Bengaluru tennis tournament in India.
The game ended in one hour and 21 minutes as Eala missed the semifinals. Jakupovic made it to the semis against Czech netter Linda Fruhvirtova, while Eala picked up the needed points to move higher in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings.
Now ranked no. 133 in the WTA’s live rankings, Eala has the potential to climb to another career-high next week with the 12 points that she earned.
Despite the loss, Eala is fast emerging as one the circuit’s top money earners this season.
After previously winning four professional titles, but none above the entry level W25 tournament grade, Eala has climbed up in the list of top money earners in WTA Tour.
In the reaching the quarterfinals, the 19-year old Eala earned $1559.
From no. 156 last year, Eala climbed to no. 79 on the money list, when she collected $9,995 for her stint in the $200,000 Workday Canberra International early this month.
She now has a total career earnings of $468,376.
Coco Gauff is the WTA’s no. 1 money earning pro at $907,000, followed by Iga Swiatek with $600,900, Elena Rybakina with $421,350, Karolina Muchova with $373,000 and Jasmine Paolini with $326,800. Peter Atencio
PAL golf senior tussle balanced in Bacolod
SENIORS play in the Philippine Airlines Interclub will be a very interesting one this year, with players either sitting it out for their old clubs or playing for other teams because of previous commitments.
Luisita and Canlubang, the usual powerhouses in the PAL Interclub event for players 55 years old and above, are seeing this year’s competition, set to start Feb. 10 in Bacolod, as wide open as it can be, with ace Sugar Baron Abe Rosal even describing it as “the winner is the one who makes the least mistakes.”
“With the lineups being so evenly matched from where I see it, it will all boil down to playing as consistent as you can,” Rosal said while overseeing action in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open at Manila Southwoods.
Rosal is still the best player that Canlubang has, but the Sugar Barons will come into action at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club and Bacolod Golf and Country Club without JP Reyes, and Pem Rosal, who formed part of their core the past years.
“We will need to get their usual productions from someone else,” Abe Rosal said. “So that will be crucial to us.” Luisita, meanwhile, has also lost Benjie Sumulong, who will be very busy with Alabang’s Mango Tee on Interclub week, and the veteran Rodel Mangulabnan, and non-playing team skipper Jeric Hechanova is now looking at replacements who should count well as the Nos. 3 and 4 guys.
“In my experience, the Interclub has almost always been won by the last two guys,” Hechanova said. “Because the stars (who spearhead teams each day), usually cancel each other out.
“So you need your Nos. 3 and 4 guys to turn in decent scores and count well for your team,” he said.
Vacation, rest over for Yulo heading into 3-nation camp
By Peter Atencio
IT’S back to serious training this month for Carlos Yulo, who took a long break, rest and vacation after winning two gold medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics last August.
After enjoying the perks and privileges that went with his good fortunes last year, Yulo is set to go into a series of training camps to prepare him for several competitions this year.
Camps in Malaysia, Japan and Korea are being scheduled for Yulo as he gets ready for his first international tournament next month since his historic Paris campaign.
“These camps are for tournaments that he will be preparing for this year,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines chief Cynthia Carrion, who is now in Doha, Qatar for an Asian Gymnastics Union meeting.
The GAP is in the process of forming of a competitive national squad in the men’s and women’s and junior categories for competition at the highest level this year.
Yulo plunges into action first in the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Apparatus World Cup from Feb. 20 to 23 in Cottbus, Germany.
After this, Yulo will head to the 12th Asian Gymnastics Champion-
ships in Jecheon, South Korea, on June 5 to 8.
Next, Yulo will compete for medals in the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta from Oct. 19 to 25.
In Jakarta, Yulo will again seek a title in the world tournament, where he has been successful in the past, after having claimed crowns in the floor exercise in 2019 Stuttgart, Germany, and the vault in the 2021 Kita-
kyushu, Japan event. So far, Yulo has won a total of 10 gold medals in the continental or world level over the last three years from the floor exercise, vault and parallel bars.
PSA to honor MVP Group of Companies at awards rites
ONE of the fervent supporters of Philippine sports through the years won’t be missed out in the coming celebration of the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.The MVP Group of Companies is going to be recognized with a special award in the Jan. 27 formal proceedings for its unending assistance to Filipino athletes, best magnified no less by the historic two gold medals the country won in the Paris Olympics through gymnast Carlos Yulo.
Under the stewardship of businessman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan, the corporation had been at the forefront of backing the training and participation of almost majority of the Filipino contingent in the French capital, including Yulo and the two other Filipino medal winners in boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.
Along with the MVP Group, the 100-yearold National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will also be handed out with a special award by the oldest media organization in the country under the leadership of Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, during the traditional awards night co-presented by ArenaPlus, Cignal, and MediaQuest.
Similarly, Pilipinas Live is set for a recognition in the event that counts the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and Senator Bong
Go as among its major backers together with the PBA, PVL, 1-Pacman Party List, Rain or Shine,
and
The top sports streaming platform by Cignal
will be cited for its digital innovation of providing Filipinos in the country and around the world an entirely new experience seeing live and on-demand Filipino sports contents in their social network. That brings to a total of 19 personalities and entities who are in the list of citations during the award proper.
Through the MVP Sports Foundation, the MVP Group has been backing various athletes and Nationals Sports Associations (NSAs) as part of its commitment to uplift Philippine sports such as basketball, boxing, gymnastics, badminton, taekwondo, esports, rugby, among others.
But its support isn’t constrained to just funding athletes and sports federations, it also provides unmatched live coverage as it did in the Paris Olympics through its multiple platforms through Cignal TV, with PLDT and Smart as official broadcast partners and MPIC and Meralco as official broadcast sponsors. Aside from Pilipinas Live, citations will also be extended to the Philippine dragon boat team, Philippine Volcanoes, Creamline volleyball team, weightlifters Angeline Colonia and Lovely Inan, jiu-jitsu’s Isabella Joseline Butler, powerlifters Reggie Ramirez and Jessa Mae Tabuan, pool players Johann Chua and Albert James ‘AJ’ Manas, gymnast Carl Eldrew Yulo, chess player Ruelle Canino, table tennis bet Kheith Rhynne Cruz, bowler Marc Dylan Custodio, cyclist Mark John Galedo, the Philippine baseball team, Centennial 7, and Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara.
Junior Altas seek first NCAA junior basketball crown
By Dennis Abrina
LAST year’s runner-up, the Perpetual Junior Altas begin their quest for a first title as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 100 Juniors’ Basketball Tournament
unwraps on February 18, 2025. Head coach Joph Cleopas will lean on his holdovers from last year’s squad, twin towers Lebron Jhames Daep and Aries Borja, along with Kelsey
JD
Jericho Cristino, Jan Ro-
luna, TJ Tabbuan and Lance Nitura. Six rookies, Kurt Velasquez and Louie Rosales from the Batang Gilas, Felix Corpuz and Hanz Llupar from Cebu, Kurt Patalinghug from Lapu Lapu City and Renzo Zanoria from Cebu City, are also expected to show their skills.
The Las Piñas City-based school will carry its pre-season achievements and titles that served as tests and the school’s preparations heading into the league.
The Junior Altas captured the NGBL Championship against the NU Bullpups in a winner-take-all finals, 96-93, before the Antonio Tamayo-owned squad defeated the Mapua Red Robins with a score of 86-59, a week later in the Under Armour Invitational Championship. They also took home the Junior MPBL crown in the Under 18 Division by defeating Rizal Province (Arellano Braves) in the National Finals, 88-84.
“The three titles we got during the off-season, the NGBL, the Under
Armor Invitational Championship and Junior MPBL are just batteries of our team, to correct our mistakes whether it’s losing or winning,” Cleopas said.
“In every game, we learned.
The wins proved to be a test of our character. I told them, ‘don’t be overwhelmed by our victories, be happy but don’t give your full emotions here, remember we are doing this for the main tournament, the NCAA. Don’t lose your hunger in each game, focus on the goal and stay hungry’,” Cleopas said.
He added during their practice at the Home of the Altas gym in Pamplona III, to be always ready, physically and mentally, “to keep our system fluid, for the bigger task.”
Daep, Borja, Roluna, Pagulayan, Callangan, Baldoria, Nitura, Cristino along with graduates, Season 99 MVP Amiel Acido and Rookie of the Year Mark Gojo Cruz were instrumental in getting the team’s first finals appearance since it joined the tournament in 1985.
Baldoria, Icee Callangan,
Pagulayan,
Double-gold Olympic medalist Carlos Yulo is set to go into a series of training camps in Malaysia, Japan and Korea to prepare him for several competitions this year.
Alex Eala
Manny V. Pangilinan
Akari,
AcroCity.
Coach Joph Cleofas gives his Junior Altas instructions during a practice session. Dennis Abrina
L I M I T L 3 5 S
A CELEBRATION OF 35 YEARS OF SERVICE FOR THE FILIPINO ATHLETE
By Randy M. Caluag
PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann and commissioners Olivia “Bong” Coo, Walter Torres, Edward Hayco, and Matthew “Fritz” Gaston knew they were facing a gargantuan task in the year that passed.
The good thing was that they have started laying the groundwork a year ahead.
“One thing that immediately captured my attention was the vast amount of work that needed to be done right away—even before I sat in my office. The numerous convening, requests for assistance, and support seemed endless,” chairman Bachmann admitted in an earlier interview in his first few days at work a year earlier.
Though the journey was not without its struggles, with hits and misses along the way, the current PSC board eventually found its rhythm.
The PSC worked hand in hand with major stake stakeholders such as the Philippine Olympic Committee and various national sports associations in taking care of the elite athletes and the results of their combined efforts became evident in their exceptional achievements on the global stage.
And what a year it was for Philippine sports.
The Philippines celebrated a historic milestone with its best finish in the history of the Olympics at the Paris 2024 Games. This achievement cements the nation’s growing reputation on the international sports stage and signals a bright future for Filipino athletes.
The Philippines bagged two golds and two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking the country’s finest performance in a century of Olympic participation.
Big thanks to Carlos Yulom who emerged as a national hero, clinching gold in both the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise and the Men’s Vault for the Philippines in the most prestigious sporting events on the planet.
Meanwhile, boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio added bronze medals to the country’s tally, underscoring the enduring strength of Filipino athletes in combat sports.
This historic haul placed the Philippines 37th in the overall medal tally, a remarkable feat that reflected not only the athletes’ hard work, but also the robust support system provided by the Philippine Sports Commission.
The Paralympic Games also saw inspiring performances from Filipino athletes. While no medals were secured, four out of six Paralympians
advanced to the final rounds of their events, demonstrating resilience and determination.
MAJOR EVENTS
The PSC provided robust support to international competitions, including the preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games and participation in the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, featuring athletes from Mindanao, BARMM, Palawan, and Puerto Princesa City.
It helped host the 22nd Asian Cadet Junior & U21 Championship and the 46th Southeast Asian Shooting Association Championships and supported the Volleyball Nations League 2024 and eFIBA Season 3 World Finals.
The PSC also supported the Filipino athletes’ participation in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, Asian Volleyball Confederation Challenge Cup, and other international competitions.
GRASSROOTS
The PSC’s flagship grassroots programs—Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games co-hosted more than 11,000 athletes with the City government of Puerto Princesa City during the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in December.
Then there was the Laro’t Saya sa Parke: A community-based initiative promoting recreational sports across the country; Indigenous Peoples Games, a program celebrating traditional Filipino sports in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and the Philippine National Para Games, highlighting the achievements of paraathletes, with Pasig City crowned as overall champions in 2024.
The PSC also collaborated with other stakeholders in the hosting of the Philippine ROTC Games, engaging ROTC cadets in sports across the country and putting a premium on Women in Sports, highlighted by the first-ever awards and recognition for women sports personalities.
From grassroots programs to elite international competitions, the PSC’s initiatives ensure that Philippine sports remain a continuous source of inspiration for generations to come.
INFRASTRUCTURE
To further support the growth and success of Filipino athletes, the PSC is prioritizing the development and
Building for the future: PSC’s commitment to Filipino athletes and sports development
enhancement of sports facilities.
This includes the construction of a seven-story athletes’ dormitory and a 12-story Multi-Sport Training Center.
The PSC is also undertaking the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, the PSC Administration Building, the Philippine Sports Museum, and the Gymnastics Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) to meet international standards.
LOOKING FORWARD
As 2025 unfolds, the Philippine Sports Commission is gearing up for another dynamic year, committed to supporting stakeholders such as the Philippine Olympic Committee and various national sports associations.
This initiative is part of its unwavering dedication to elite sports programs and international competitions.
The PSC is focused on ensuring
athletes’ successful preparation, training, and participation in key international tournaments.
These include the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, and The World Games in Chengdu, China.
In addition, the PSC is set to host several prestigious events such as the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships, the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, the 2025 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship, and the 2025 World Beach SAMBO Championship.
Beyond elite sports, the PSC aims to expand its grassroots programs this year to nurture young and aspiring
athletes through its key programs like the Laro’t Saya Program, Batang Pinoy, Indigenous Peoples Games, and the Philippine National Games. These initiatives reflect the PSC’s dedication to fostering a robust sports culture at the community level.
GREATER HEIGHTS
“It has been a challenging experience so far, but amidst it all, the beauty of greatness I continuously find in our athletes and Philippine sports exceeds all the hardship and complexities that come with the tasks,” Bachmann said. With an aggressive push for both elite and grassroots sports development, alongside significant investments in infrastructure, the PSC is poised to elevate Philippine sports to greater heights in 2025 and in the years to come.
(The Philippine Sports Association is celebrating its 35th anniversary on January 24, 2025.)
PSC envisions more triumphs in world stage for PH athletes
By Peter Atencio
THE year 2024 has been a great one for Philippine sports, highlighted by the outstanding feats of doublegold winner Carlos Yulo and bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas in the Paris Olympic Games.
Philippine Sports Commission
chairman Richard Bachmann is hoping the Philippines’ winning streak continues in 2025, with the government sports agency backing the campaigns of numerous athletes at the international level.
“The year 2024 has been triumphant for the country, inspiring Filipinos and igniting a renewed passion for sports. The collaboration across various sectors resulted in historic achievements, highlighted by the double gold medals by Carlos Yulo and bronze medals of Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas at the Paris 2024 Olympics, alongside the promising performances of our Paralympians,” said Bachmann.
“This 2025 we envision more victories and the realization of a sustainable success for Philippine
sports,” Bachmann added.
The agency also organized local meets like the Batang Pinoy 2024 and saw numerous young talents emerge with exceptional performances.
When it was held in Puerto Princesa City, young swimmers like Arvin Taguinota, and the City of Pasig led the way with their strong showing.
“We also successfully channeled the energy of the youth into sports. Our flagship Batang Pinoy 2024 proved to be a success, discovering new talents and sparking fresh aspirations for Philippine sports,” added Bachmann.
The PSC chief believes that the country can further excel globally with the support it provides to the country’s grassroots development program and to elite level competitions as well.
“Our ability to compete internationally further underscores the nation’s potential to become a global sports hub. The Philippines hosted multiple international events, showcasing every Filipino’s passion for excellence on the global stage,”
said Bachmann.
With last year’s success, the agency will remain committed in its efforts to support the national athletes reach their world-class potentials in their next journeys towards excellence.
“Despite these successes, we remain committed to further enhancing the welfare of our athletes. Significant improvements to their training facilities are underway to better meet their needs, on and off the field. This year’s packed calendar includes numerous international tournaments, reflecting our readiness to sustain our achievements and strive for even greater goals,” said Bachmann.
With better financial assistance and a stronger program, Bachmann feels that the agency can do more for the athletes, the national sports associations and the promising young athletes.
“We will also continue to expand platforms for youth development by strengthening our linkages with stakeholders nationwide, deepening our collaboration at every level. ” said Bachmann.
BUSINESS Trade deficit widened to $54.2b in 2024
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Philippines’ trade deficit with the rest of the world widened to $54.2 billion in 2024 from $52.6 billion in 2023 because of the shrinking exports, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed Friday.
Merchandise exports fell 0.5 percent to $73.21 billion in 2024 from $73.62 billion in 2023, while merchandise imports rose 1 percent to $127.43 billion from $126.21 billion.
The PSA said trade deficit in December 2024 reached $4.14 billion, lower than the $4.85-billion shortfall in November.
Export sales in December amounted to $5.66 billion, down by 2.2 percent from $5.78 billion a year ago. By commodity group, electronic products continued to be the country’s top exports in December with total earnings of $2.80 billion or 49.6 percent of the country’s total exports during the period.
This was followed by other manufactured goods with an export value of $355.36 million (6.3 percent) and coconut oil with $283.56 million (5 percent).
Exports to the United States comprised the highest export value, amounting to $947.77 million; followed by Japan, with $762.19 million; China, $725.76 million; Hong Kong, $614.17 million; and Singapore, $284.53 million.
Meanwhile, the total imported goods in December 2024 amounted to $9.79 billion, representing an annual decrease of 1.7 percent from $9.96 billion in the same month of the previous year.
The highest import value in December 2024 was electronic products, which amounted to $2.11 billion, followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials at $1.37 billion and transport equipment at $956.16 million.
China was the country’s largest supplier of imported goods valued at 2.62 billion; followed by Japan, $881.48 million; Korea, $777.12 million; Indonesia, $727.84 million; and the United States, $644.48 million.
Market closes below 6,300 on interest rate concerns
By Jenniffer B. Austria
THE Philippine stock market closed below the 6,300 level Friday despite the regional upswing on concerns over interest rates.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plummeted by 82.66 points, or 1.3 percent, to close at 6,296.20, while the broader all-shares index declined by 24 points, or 0.65 percent, to settle at 3,681.34.
“Philippine stocks succumbed to profit-taking ahead of the weekend as investors assessed pronouncements made by the administration regarding tariffs, OPEC+, and interest rates among others,” Regina Capital De-
velopment Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said, Only the mining and oil index ended in the positive territory, rising 0.26 percent. Financials went down 1.72 percent, followed by property which declined 10.5 percent.
Value turnover amounted to P3.931 billion, with 86 advancers, 95 decliners and 59 unchanged stocks.
Meanwhile, the PSE said Friday AREIT Inc. and China Banking Corp. would join the 30-company PSEi starting Feb. 3 as a result of the biannual index review.
AREIT and CBC will replace Nickel Asia Corp. and Wilcon Depot Inc.
“It is notable that our very first
Gov’t, private sector vow to address growing plastic pollution problem
THE government and the private sector on Thursday launched the Philippine National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) at Marco Polo Manila Ortigas to address the growing pollution problem.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo Loyzaga underscored the importance of the partnership to address the problem.
“This meeting embodies the collective will and the need to address one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution,” said Loyzaga.
Loyzaga said the NPAP is a dynamic and inclusive mechanism designed to unify and amplify collective efforts.
PSALM to rebid three properties worth over P470m
By Alena Mae S. Flores
STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.
(PSALM) set the second round of bidding for the sale of three lots in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas and Calamba City, Laguna with minimum price of P473.168 million this month.
PSALM president Dennis dela Serna said one bidder submitted an offer during the first bid round for the real estate properties totaling 58,911 square meters.
“Section IB-20 provides that there shall be failure of bidding if less than two entities have paid the participation fee until two business days prior to the bid submission deadline, which is on 18 November 2024. At the end of business hours on 18 November 2024, only one bidder, namely Maibarara Geothermal Inc.,” dela Serna said.
He said one bidder also expressed interest in the second round with the bid submission deadline scheduled on Jan. 30, 2025.
PSALM held the first bid submission deadline and opening on Nov. 20, 2024 where only MGI submitted an offer.
MGI is the joint venture of PetroGreen Energy Corp. (65 percent), PHINMA Energy (25 percent) and PNOC Renewable Corp. (10 percent).
MGI is the developer and operator of the 20-megawatt Maibarara-1 and 12-MW Maibarara-2 Geothermal Power Project (MGPP) in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.
“The NPAP aligns with our country’s national development priorities, specifically our broader goals of environmental integrity, economic resilience and inclusive growth,” she said.
“This platform will really catalyze a transition to a circular economy, one that views plastic waste not as an insurmountable burden but as an opportunity for science, engineering, technology and innovation to address this particular crisis. By adopting circularity, we can transform waste into resources, reduce environmental pressures, and enhance economic and social well-being of all,” she said.
The event was attended by Selva Ramachandra, the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme; Laure Beaufils,
ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Philippines; David Hartman, ambassador of Canada to the Philippines; Clemence Schmid, director of the Global Plastic Action Partnership; and Trin Custodio, director of World Wildlife Fund.
“The challenge before us is immense, to say the least. The Philippines generates approximately 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste each year,” said Loyzaga.
She said a significant portion of this waste finds its way into the oceans, placing the Philippines among the top reported contributors to marine plastic pollution globally.
“The crisis extends far beyond environmental degradation; it’s a multifaceted crisis that threatens our bio-
diversity, our ecosystems’ integrity, sustainable livelihoods, and our own public health,” she said.
Loyzaga said the cost of inaction is staggering, with vulnerable coastal communities bearing the brunt of plastic pollution and the ecosystems — which are integral to the country’s natural wealth —suffering irreversible damage.
“The socioeconomic implications of this problem must be addressed. Our behaviors, our cultures, the way we regard our consumption and production. These are all part of the solution. No sector is spared. Disaster risk reduction and the climate change community as well need to be involved in the way we address waste management and the growing burden of plastics on our society,” said Loyzaga.
NAC completes inventory of carbon emissions based on land use change
NATURAL resources development company Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) said it completed the inventory of its carbon emissions related to land use change, making it the first company with mining assets in the Philippines to do so.
The milestone would allow NAC to set proper targets and align its programs toward achieving its net zero carbon objective by 2050 and submit these targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – a global body that promotes best practices in reducing emissions anchored on climate science.
The study, conducted in partnership with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), was commis-
sioned by NAC to determine the carbon emissions from land use change in its nickel mining sites, specifically the following: Cagdianao Mining in Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands; Hinatuan Mining in Surigao del Norte; Rio Tuba Nickel Mining in Bataraza, Palawan; and Taganito Mining in Claver, Surigao del Norte.
Led by Dr. Florencia Pulhin, the research, titled ‘Carbon Emissions from Land Use Change in Nickel Mining,’ calculated the amount of carbon stored in different carbon pools, estimated the total amount of carbon stored in the forests and soils, as well as the carbon emissions of the forests and soil due to mining operations.
COMPETENCY
TRAINING. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) holds a competency training on employment and job coaching for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) students in Calamba, Laguna to boost their employability last Jan. 17, 2025. The DTI Laguna Provincial Office, in collaboration with the Center for Competencies Enhancement and Development (CCED), hosted the ‘Employment/Job Coaching Seminar’.
listed REIT has also become the first REIT to make it to the PSEi. This shows the immense potential REITs have as an investment product, and serves as a good example for REIT issuers that aspire to maximize this particular type of listing vehicle,” PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon said.
PSE’s dividend yield index will also see the addition of Robinsons Land Corp., replacing International Container Terminal Services Inc.
Philippine Seven Corp. will be part the 20-member midcap benchmark following the exit of DDMP REIT Inc.
PH firm IMI shuts down China facility
INTEGRATED Micro-Electronics
Inc. (IMI) of the Ayala Group said it continues to streamline its operations with the closure of a manufacturing facility in China.
It said the decision came several months after it closed its prototyping and manufacturing activities in IMI USA, dissolved its offices in Japan and Malaysia and downsized its office in Singapore due to continued slowdown in demand for electronics.
IMI said the closure of China facility is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs and to consolidate its footprint into strategically located facilities.
It said production at IMI Chengdu ended in December 2024, after fulfilling all customer commitments. The remaining customer projects were also transferred to other IMI sites.
IMI said it would complete the transfer of assets and equipment by the end of January 2025 as part of the closure process.
The facility is scheduled to be formally turned over to the landlord by February 2025.
It is now is working to comply with local government regulations, initiating a six-month winding up period starting in February 2025.
This strategic move is expected to enhance operational efficiency and bolster IMI’s capability to deliver high-quality products and services to its global portfolio of customers from its other strategically positioned manufacturing sites. Jenniffer B. Austria
GREEN LOGISTICS. Nestlé Philippines head of supply chain and procurement Anderson Martins (left) and Mober founder and chief executive Dennis Ng (right)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
GSIS offers borrower-friendly approach to overdue penalties
THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Friday announced a more borrower-friendly approach to the computation of penalties on delinquent loan accounts designed to provide greater flexibility for members.
The policy shift aims to ease the financial burden on GSIS borrowers while encouraging prompt payments and the resolution of outstanding balances.
Under the revised policy, penalties will now be computed using simple interest based on the unpaid amortizations, making it easier for members to understand and manage their payment obligations.
“We want to help our members maintain good standing on their
loans, particularly during financial hardships,” said GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso.
“This simpler calculation method gives them a clearer path forward,” he said.
Under the new policy, borrowers can reinstate their accounts to good standing by settling all unpaid amortizations, including the corresponding penalty charges.
For members unable to pay the full amount immediately, the GSIS will accept partial payments on accounts with arrears up to six months.
The relaxation of penalty rules will help borrowers improve their credit standing while also giving them the opportunity to regain eligibility for GSIS loan programs.
DTI asks Shein to put up PH facility
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) asked Shein, the world’s largest fashion retailer, to establish manufacturing operations in the Philippines under the CREATE More regime.
CREATE More refers to the recently-enacted Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque met with Shein
executives to discuss potential business opportunities in the Philippines at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland.
Roque highlighted the Philippines as a prime investment destination, with CREATE More policy offering a range of incentives such as tax breaks and financial assistance.
The DTI said Shein could take advantage of a growing, skilled workforce while contributing to local job creation.
Roque said the Philippines’ strategic location could also significantly enhance the company’s supply chain, while creating deeper economic ties with the Southeast Asian market.
She also underscored the Philippines’ commitment to building a more inclusive economy, pointing out
BOI to release 2025-2028 strategic investment promotion plan in Q1
THE Board of Investments (BOI) said it is set to unveil the 2025-2028 Strategic Investment Promotion Plan (SIPP), a comprehensive roadmap aimed at identifying high-impact projects to boost job creation, drive innovation and advance industrial development.
BOI managing director Ceferino Rodolfo announced the latest update on Thursday at the launch of the Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 2025, a publication by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
Rodolfo said the BOI, in collaboration with other investment promotion agencies, government entities and stakeholders, is in the final stages of drafting the updated SIPP.
“We expect to release this in the first quarter of 2025, but to be conservative, I’ll say the first half of this year,”
Rodolfo said.
He encouraged businesses to take advantage of the current SIPP while waiting for the updated version.
“For those unsure whether their sectors or projects will be included, I suggest working hard and fast to apply now,” he said.
The SIPP is expected to serve as a key driver in positioning the Philippines as a competitive hub for globally competitive, innovative and sustainability-driven industries.
Rodolfo also highlighted the CREATE More initiative, designed to simplify processes and accelerate investment registrations.
He said the final implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for CREATE More would be released by the end of January 2025, following public consultations. Othel V. Campos
that such investments will push the administration’s focus on creating opportunities for Filipino talent and boosting the country’s role in global trade.
Roque also showcased the Philippines’ progressive approach to trade and financial systems during the WEF meeting.
She highlighted the country’s strides in digital transformation, including efforts to modernize trade financing to better support small businesses, improve global competitiveness, and the use of AI and digital tools to spur technological advancement.
The DTI noted that with the government’s ongoing initiatives to boost investment and innovation, including its exit from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list, the Philippines is expected to continue its momentum in attracting foreign investments.
15 days of national rice
up from the previous 9-day requirement. With national consumption averaging 37,000 metric tons of rice daily, the additional six days of reserve will require the NFA to procure about 300,000 metric tons of palay from local farmers at an estimated price of P23 per kilogram.
Camp John Hay Golf Club honors SC ruling, complies with turnover process
CAMP John Hay Golf Club Inc.
(CJHGCI) said it respects the Supreme Court’s decision and the corresponding notice to vacate.
It said that upon its execution on Jan. 6, 2025, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), together with its appointed interim management, John Hay Golf (JHG) Management, assumed control of the club and its facilities. The enforcement of the ruling was implemented, and CJHGCI said it fully complied with the turnover process.
GLOBE Business said it is amplifying its commitment to empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by bringing its Saludo SME Roadshow to more communities, with events held in CAMANAVA and Iloilo.
The roadshows aimed to address the unique challenges faced by MSMEs in these areas while equipping them with digital tools to thrive in an evolving business landscape.
Expanding its reach, Globe Business engaged MSMEs from key sectors such as retail, manufacturing and logistics. The initiative served as a platform to explore tailored digital solutions and foster meaningful conversations on local business needs.
As MSMEs represent 99 percent of Philippine enterprises, Globe Business underscores the importance
“However, it is critical to clarify that all movable assets of the golf club were explicitly not part of the turnover. CJHGCI, operating in good faith, initially anticipated that BCDA would honor the rights and privileges of the club’s members as enshrined in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-approved membership certificates and bylaws,”
CJHGCI said.
It said this was based on BCDA’s earlier statements of commitment to ensuring fairness and continuity.
It said, however, that BCDA took the position that the rights of the golf club and its members have been rescinded, as stated in their public advisory which reads: “Memberships and other contracts with the previous management of the Camp John Hay golf estates were effectively rescinded by legal resolution.”
CJHGCI said with this development and BCDA’s refusal to acknowledge their vested rights, it implemented a plan to protect its assets and inventory.
“Movable assets such as turf
community. In CAMANAVA, Globe Business emphasized the urgent need for MSMEs to embrace digital tools.
included
maintenance equipment, golf carts and furnishings, are owned by the club and its members and were secured in compliance with the court directive. While these assets were not included in the turnover, CJHGCI remains open to including them in a formal turnover agreement—provided that BCDA acknowledges and respects the rights and privileges of the Club’s members as outlined in the bylaws and SECapproved membership certificates, which remain valid until 2047,” it said.
compliance processes like payroll management, improving internet access, and providing affordable technology upgrades for better efficiency.
It said that in Iloilo, with its thriving tourism, BPO and agriculture sectors, Globe Business focused on how technology can boost connectivity in rural areas, expand access to digital tools and help MSMEs scale their operations to contribute to regional economic development.
“By meeting MSMEs where they operate, we ensure our solutions are rooted in the real-world challenges they face. This hands-on approach allows us to act as a true partner in innovation, helping businesses navigate today’s competitive environment,” said KD Dizon, head of Globe Business.
IN BRIEF
GCash pushes AI to address social issues
GCASH said it aims to achieve inclusivity by using technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit society and work closely with other businesses and the government.
“GCash has worked toward using tech, data and customer-centricity to address societal issues,” Martha Sazon, president and chief executive of Mynt, the parent company of GCash, who represented the Philippines’ fintech industry at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in DavosKlosters, Switzerland. Sazon highlighted the goal of GCash in ensuring the benefits of harnessed technologies can be felt by all. “At the heart of what we do, really, is financial inclusion,” she said.
GCash has adopted AI to accelerate financial progress for every Filipino. The country’s leading finance super app utilized AI, through GScore, to determine a user’s creditworthiness based on their in-app activity. Sazon said this has been groundbreaking in allowing underserved users to overcome traditional documentary requirements and even collateral to access much-needed funds.
Darwin G. Amojelar
PEZA, TESDA sign skills training tie-up
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed Wednesday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to equip the Philippine workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy. PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said the collaboration would align skills training with industry needs, enhancing the global competitiveness of Filipino workers and driving economic growth while attracting more investments.
“Our workers, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), are highly sought after worldwide. This partnership with TESDA ensures their skills align with the evolving needs of industries locally and abroad,” he said.
A key focus of the partnership is on skills development, job matching and integrating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) into the local labor market. TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez stressed the critical role of skills training in sustaining economic growth, particularly within sectors vital to the country’s economic zones.
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque
Mara Manahan, business solutions consultant at Globe Business, speaks at the Saludo SME Roadshow in Iloilo.
CUTTING EDGE DURABILITY, PERFORMANCE
realme’s latest C Series: Waterproof, worry-proof
THE highly anticipated realme C75 has finally arrived in the Philippines, starting at P8,999 (SRP).
This latest addition to the C Series brings unprecedented durability and peace of mind, featuring three industry-standard Ingress Protection (IP) ratings: IP69, IP68, and IP66.
These IP ratings are recognized as the global standard for measuring a device’s resistance to dust, water, and other environmental elements. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, the realme C75 ensures a “Waterproof, Worryproof” experience for users.
All-around Waterproof
The IP69 Dust and Water Resistance rating is the highest level of protection, which means the realme C75 is completely dustproof and can handle exposure to high-pressure water and high-temperature environments. During testing, the realme C75 endured hot steam and even near-boiling water, proving its ability to hold up in unusual situations.
The realme C75 can also be submerged at a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, thanks to its IP68 Dustproof and Waterproof rating. This means less worrying about damage when the device acciden tally falls into a pool or tub. Plus, the IP68 rating makes it possible to take photos and videos underwater. Lastly, the IP66 Dust and Water Resistance rating ensures resistance to powerful water pressure, such as from water guns or water jets, from any direction. Be it accidental spills or extreme outdoor adventures, the realme C75 won’t be easily damaged.
LG Electronics (LG) will unveil an enhanced version of LG Business Cloud, an online platform that streamlines the management and operation of LG commercial displays and hotel TVs, at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, from February 4 to 7. Designed to meet the evolving demands of B2B clients, the platform now offers the LG DOOH Ads advertising solution for digital signage products, as well as the LG Pro:Centric Stay solution for short-term rental businesses. LG DOOH Ads provides customers with a comprehensive, customizable and easy-to-use solution for commercial display advertising. Users can set key parameters, such as region, price and ad types, and LG DOOH Ads will automatically select suitable advertisements for display. This reduces the need for businesses to find and secure advertisers themselves. In addition, LG’s advertising solution gives users the flexibility to display ads that they have sourced independently. What’s more, LG DOOH Ads uses advanced AI cam-
Powerful Performance and Durability
Beyond its waterproof capabilities, the realme C75 boasts performance, long-lasting battery life, massive storage, and exclusive features to enhance the Squad’s overall experience.
The realme C75 is powered by a massive 6000mAh battery that delivers up to 12 hours of video playback and 5 hours of mobile gaming without recharging all the time. This is backed by 45W SUPERVOOC Charge that restores full battery capacity in just 90 minutes. Since the device is designed for long-term reliability, the battery retains 80% health even after years of use.
Under the hood, it has 8GB of base RAM that can be expanded up to 24GB using Dynamic RAM Expansion technology, allowing seamless multitask-
ing and lag-free use. In terms of storage, the Squad can choose 128GB or 256GB, giving plenty of room for apps, photos, videos, and games.
The realme C75 is priced at PHP 8,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant and PHP 10,999 for the 8GB+2056GB variant. It is available in two stunning color options: Lightning Gold and Storm Black. Exclusive First Selling Promo
The Squad better get ready because from January 24 to February 2, 2025, every purchase of the realme C75 comes with an exclusive freebie of TechLife Wireless Earbuds Neo worth P799. For flexible payment options, credit card holders and Home Credit patrons can avail of zero-interest installment plans from January 23 to 31. Credit card holders can avail of a 6-month plan for the 8GB+128GB
Business Cloud welcomes LG DOOH Ads and LG Pro: Centric Stay, providing more tailored options for diverse B2B environments era technology to analyze viewers’ data such as gender, age and behavior, delivering customized advertisements based on viewer behavior. It also provides analysis reports on the expected effectiveness of these ads. LG Business Cloud also introduces LG Pro:Centric Stay, a new solution created specifically for
THE start of another year marks a new beginning for many, making it the ideal time to foster habits and manage set goals. Alongside prioritizing health and wellness, spending time with family, and trying out new hobbies, one of the most common new year’s resolutions by people across the globe is to be more financially responsible.
short-term rental businesses. LG Pro:Centric Stay complements the existing lineup of software solutions available on the platform, including the LG SuperSign Cloud digital signage content management system, LG Pro:Centric Cloud for hotel TVs, and LG ConnectedCare. Tailored for diverse B2B environ-
variant or an 18-month plan for the 8GB+256GB variant, while Home Credit is offering up to a 9-month installment plan for the lower variant and up to 18 months for the higher variant. For those who prefer online shopping, the C75 is also available through realme’s official stores on TikTok and Shopee.
To stay updated on the latest promos and announcements for the realme C75, visit the realme official website and follow realme on Facebook.
Google boosts businesses with AI integration in Google Workspace
TO help boost workflows in businesses, Google announces the inclusion of the best of Google AI within Google Workspace Business and Enterprise plans, bringing the latest generative AI capabilities to businesses without the need for further add-ons.
This move empowers businesses of all sizes to unlock the transformative potential of AI, boosting employee productivity, creativity, and innovation.
Here’s what’s unlocked by the integration of gen AI in Google Workspace:
● AI-Powered Workflows: Experience AI assistance across Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat, Vids, and more. Gemini streamlines workflows by assisting with tasks like summarizing emails, drafting documents, and generating creative content.
● Gemini Advanced: Access Google’s next-gen AI model, Gemini Advanced, through the Gemini app. Gemini Advanced is better-suited for complex projects such as coding, research, and data analysis.
● NotebookLM Plus: Enhance research and learning with revolutionary AI research assistant NotebookLM. Analyze complex topics, generate insights, and share knowledge based on your data and information seamlessly within teams.
ments, these innovative tools help to ensure greater efficiency and flexibility in signage management. Worldwide, LG continues to support major B2B clients with its seamlessly integrated signage software solutions. Mexico-based hospitality company, Grand Velas, employs LG Pro:Centric Cloud, a solution designed expressly for LG Hotel TVs. LG Pro:Centric Cloud simplifies content management and enhances the guest experience, allowing operators to provide personalized information – such as targeted discount offers for honeymooners or shuttle departure times for tour groups – to each room. A prominent Spanish telecommunications provider and a well-known U.S. fast-food franchise have embraced LG ConnectedCare, a solution that delivers convenient and intuitive remote display management. Significantly improving operational efficiency, LG’s solution reduces the need to individually adjust each display and enables proactive issue resolution, providing timely email alerts to system managers in the event that a screen error is detected.
within budget. Start building an emergency fund Unexpected and urgent situations like health emergencies, unemployment, and natural disasters can take a toll on your finances and derail you from achieving your goals. One way to prevent this is by building an emergency fund that can cover at least three months of expenses or depending on your household’s financial situation. Start small and gradually increase your savings so as not to overwhelm yourself. It’s also better to set up a separate account for your emergency fund to avoid being
● Simplified Pricing: The inclusion of AI capabilities within existing plans simplifies pricing, making AI-powered work solutions more accessible to businesses of all sizes.
● Data Security and Privacy: Google prioritizes data security and privacy with robust controls to ensure customer data remains protected and compliant.
AI capabilities will start rolling out to Workspace Business customers today and to Enterprise customers later this month, with updated pricing effective tomorrow for new customers. For existing customers, monthly subscription pricing will be updated starting March 17, 2025. To learn more about Google Workspace plans, head to Google Workspace: Secure Online Productivity & Collaboration Tools.
Guaranteed worry-proof: The realme C75 is now available starting at P8,999.
DELFT, Netherlands—Dutch university researcher Holger Caesar heads out into the afternoon traffic on a bicycle like no other, equipped to collect data he believes may one day save lives.
His blue electric bike, kitted out with an array of laser sensors and scanners, speeds off among thousands of students pedalling home through the campus of the Delft University of Technology.
The campus of TU Delft is a warren of cycle paths—a perfect encapsulation of life in a country where bicycles outnumber people.
As Caesar cycles through Delft’s busy streets, his bicycle sweeps up data on range, direction and elevation of both moving and stationary objects—including cyclists, pedestrians and cars.
The aim is to build a three-dimensional picture of its surroundings and a better understanding of the way road users behave.
“We hope these datasets will have lots of applications in future,” he said, suggesting they could help cyclists avoid obstacles, build self-stabilising bicycles or teach autonomous vehicles how to avoid hitting twowheeled travellers.
“For cars it’s relatively simple... They go left. They go right. They go straight on. But it’s very hard to predict how cyclists are going to behave,” Caesar told AFP.
“You could, for instance, use the
Researchers invent unique e-bike to make cycling safer
data to develop an application that alerts car drivers when a cyclist makes an unexpected move.” Laser sensors The “Delft SenseBike” itself would be at home in a science fiction film, equipped as it is with LiDAR sensors
at the front and back.
LiDAR—“Light Detection And Ranging” technology—is commonly used in autonomous vehicles, which use the laser detection to create a three-dimensional image of their surroundings.
SenseBike travels, including detecting moving objects like cyclists. The data is processed using a la-
HP unveils AI-powered innovations for work and play
AT CES 2025, HP Inc. unveiled a wideranging portfolio of groundbreaking innovations designed to supercharge the future of work and play. These new AIpowered solutions enable professionals, gamers, and creatives to achieve uncompromising performance, productivity, and personalization.
AI-Powered Experiences to Supercharge Productivity and Shape the Future of Work
As the work landscape evolves, so do expectations for technology. That’s why HP meticulously designed its latest lineup of commercial next-gen AI PCs to give professionals the right tools for their unique work experiences.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i
• Modern leaders will make a powerful impression with a new class of PCs that unlock their full potential including the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i – the world’s most immersive AI business notebook
• Be the company superhero, managing high-performance workflows simultaneously with the world’s most powerful 14inch mobile workstation, the HP ZBook Ultra G1a 14 and the world’s most powerful mini workstation, the HP Z2 Mini G1a
• Freelancers and creators can enhance productivity, creativity, and multi-tasking with the HP OmniStudio X and HP OmniDesk PCs, featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors and built-in AI.
HP’s OMEN AI Casts a Spell on Gaming, Optimizing Performance with a Single Click OMEN Max 16
PC gamers demand the best when it comes to powerful and personalized gaming technology. Three-quarters of them are purchasing new devices for better performance and features, while more than half want customization options to represent their individuality. With the newest OMEN Max 16 Laptop paired with OMEN AI technology, gamers can play with confidence knowing that their device is designed to automatically and continually adjust performance and thermals for the best in uninterrupted gameplay.
• OMEN AI introduces the world’s first AI-driven 1-click performance optimization tool.
• OMEN MAX 16, HP’s most powerful gaming laptop
Shaping the Future of Play
“Today’s gamers are not just players; we are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow’s workforce. As someone who recognizes the incredible potential within our gaming community, I’m committed to supporting
belling technique that associates everything visible in the images to a description of what it is—such as “tree”, “cyclist” and “traffic light”. This technique should allow a car driver to recognise a “cyclist” when they see one and avoid a collision.
“The first step will be to make this data publicly available, so that academics and entrepreneurs can benefit from it,” said Caesar.
Then artificial intelligence algorithms can be developed to detect, track and predict cyclists’ behaviour so drivers can “plan a route around them”, he said. ‘Lack of data’ At the moment there is a dearth of data on bikes and cycling in the Netherlands, despite their popularity.
For example, there are few statistics on bicycle accidents in a country that boasts around 37,000 kilometres (23,000 miles) of cycle paths and 22 million bikes.
“It’s a difficult question to answer,” the Dutch Cyclists’ Federation says on its website, noting that “not all accidents are registered”.
The Dutch Central Statistics Bureau registered around 270 people as dying in bicycle accidents in 2023. Almost half the deaths were caused by collisions between cyclists and cars, lorries or buses.
“Cars are becoming safer for their passengers but not for other road users,” said the cycling federation’s director Esther van Garderen.
Asked whether the Delft University data could one day be used to develop an autonomous “selfriding” bicycle, Caesar laughed and shook his head.
“I think that would kind of take away the fun of cycling,” he grinned. “We probably don’t want to do that, but we still think we can make cycling safer.” AFP
Lenovo launches ThinkShield Firmware Assurance
LENOVO announced the introduction of ThinkShield Firmware Assurance as part of its portfolio of enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions.
ThinkShield Firmware Assurance is one of the only computer OEM solutions to enable deep visibility and protection below the operating system (OS) by embracing Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) component-level visibility to generate more accurate and actionable risk management insights. As a security paradigm, ZTA explicitly identifies users and devices to grant appropriate levels of access so a business can operate with less risk and minimal friction. ZTA is a critical framework to reduce risk as organizations endeavor to complete Zero-Trust implementations.
AI, cybersecurity strategies tackled at GRC PH Conclave
DELEGATES of various tech-adjacent industries gathered at the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Conclave on January 17 to tackle the issue of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strategies to combat AI-driven threats. The event, first-ever held in the Philippines at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, brought together 150 organizations across Information Technology (IT), Banking, Finance Services and Insurance (BFSI), Business Processing Outsource (BPO), and E-commerce sectors.
Salil Sankaran, President of Ampcus Group addressed tech leaders and regulators in his opening remarks saying, “It is not only our responsibility to grow our magnitude, but we will make sure that we do it ethically, we do it with utmost integrity, and sustainability is the goal of it.” Keynote speakers included Robert Sanchez Paguia of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), who spoke on his division’s role in cybersecurity and shared practical tips on staying safe online. As the main implementing agency in enforcing laws on cybercrimes, the CICC created the Inter-Agency Response Center to receive complaints from the public.
Paguia shared a few tips on being protected online: 1) keep software up-to-date, 2) use an antivirus, 3) use strong alphanumeric passwords, 4) avoid opening attachments, or 5) links in spam emails. 6) avoid giving out personal information unless secure, 7) contact companies directly about suspicious requests, 8) be mindful on the URLs that you visit, and 9) keep an eye on bank statements.
“Most companies that suffer from at-
tacks or data breaches, most often than not, they cannot recover anymore, they go bankrupt,” Paguia warned.
Department of Information and Communications (DICT) Undersecretary of Infostructure management, cybersecurity and upskilling Jeffrey Ian Dy warned that, “the barrier of entry for cyber-attacks has decreased because of AI.” He mentioned that the agency monitors up to 1.7 to 2 million threats a month.
Fintech
Banking and Fintech leaders John Patrick Lita (ING), Carlos Tengkiat (RCBC), Lawrence Ferrer (CIS Bayad Center), Marlon Sorongon (Maybank Philippines) discussed concerns in the sector, particularly scams and phishing schemes prevalent in the Philippines.
Ferrer pointed out that malicious actors continue to innovate, citing scam links in SMS messages as an example. This, he said, was why companies must adhere to the GRC guidelines. Meanwhile, Sorongon emphasized the need to “continuously tell, inform, advocate, and share” about these types of schemes, “not just for employees but also for clients.”
Carlos Tengkiat, expressed his thoughts on AI, saying that it may help in the detection of fraud and could help users in where to invest. Since adoption of AI is similarly on the rise, Tengkiat shared that “[companies] should temper AI with human knowledge.”
Banks are also looking into utilizing AI to facilitate repetitive tasks, John Patrick Lita of ING shared.
“We need to identify the specific requirements…needed that can [be] solved by the AI, like repetitive work.” Lita said.
Visibility and Protection Gartner predicts that by 2026, only 10% of large enterprises will have a mature and measurable ZeroTrust program in place, up from less than 1% in 2023[i]. Due to a lack of visibility of device components that can become an even bigger problem in a hybrid work environment, organizations often struggle to determine the level of risk originating from their hardware and firmware. The inclusion of ThinkShield Firmware Assurance makes enterprise PCs and the networks they serve more secure by design and helps fulfill ZTA goals.
ThinkShield Firmware Assurance provides governance of critical components with detailed attestation measurements that can be analyzed and risk-scored so that every device is set with its assigned trust level. Different from third-party software-based endpoint security approaches, ThinkShield Firmware Assurance uses a dedicated embedded controller (EC) that attests critical components and configuration during boot time to provide platform root of trust.
ThinkShield Firmware Assurance can be deployed quickly so IT teams can have better visibility of their PC fleets and networks more quickly and efficiently. With this new security solution, organizations can help prevent software and firmware components from being installed unless signed with recognized and approved certificates. In addition, unauthorized changes in BIOS policies can be prevented while providing automatic recovery of BIOS policies.
The infrared light rays emitted by the sensors bounce off surfaces and relay back information to “map” the area through which the
Students from the Delft faculty have developed the TU Delft SenseBike, which can capture its environment and detect objects, such as cars and pedestrians. Using an array of sensors consisting of lidars, cameras, IMU and RTK navigation systems, the SenseBike performs simultaneous localization and mapping. The data produced will help TU Delft researchers to design safer cities for cyclists. AFP
OMEN Max 16
SHOWBIZ
A banner year for Andrea Brillantes
EVery Wang Nickie Wang
ACH month, Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent management arm, puts the spotlight on its roster of artists to celebrate their recent accomplishments. This January, all eyes were on Andrea Brillantes, who recently earned the top spot in TC Candler’s “100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2024.”
The list, compiled annually by The Independent Critics since 1990, evaluates a mix of beauty and influence across social media platforms. Despite its roots as a college project, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with its annual results reaching nearly a quarter of a billion viewers worldwide.
Promoting diversity and inclusion, the list features celebrities from over 40 countries and is regarded as one of the most prestigious compilations of its kind.
For Andrea, the recognition is deeply meaningful. “Full of gratitude, very honored that out of so many beautiful women, I was chosen to be number one. I have nothing else to say but thank you,” she shared during the Star Magic Spotlight event.
However, the actress was quick to point out that beauty doesn’t equate to perfection.
“It doesn’t mean that if you’re considered beautiful, you don’t have insecurities. I’m not perfect—no one is. There are days when I don’t feel pretty, days when I break out—like right now, I’ve got a ‘sister’ here,” she said with a laugh, gesturing to her pimple. “It’s all about perspective and mindset.”
Andrea stressed the importance of keeping insecurities in check.
TC Candler’s “100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2024.” a one honored when day?
“Is it worth it to let my insecurities ruin my day? Or should I focus on things that really matter? It’s normal to feel insecure; it’s normal to have good and bad days,” she said.
When asked who she believes is the most beautiful celebrity, Andrea didn’t hesitate to name her idol, Anne Curtis
“For me, the most beautiful is Ate Anne Curtis. Ever since I was a child, she’s been my idol. What I admire most about her is her heart—how she treats people. She’s authentic and doesn’t put on any facade,” said the 21-year-old star..
Andrea also shared a fond memory from her time on Goin’ Bulilit. “Our studio was close to It’s Showtime, so I would always ask her for photos, and she never got tired of me asking for selfies. Since then, I’ve never stopped idolizing her,” she added.
Apart from the global recognition, 2024 has been a banner year for Andrea. Her makeup brand, launched in 2023, gained significant traction last year, solidifying her position as the youngest celebrity CEO in the industry.
“I’m happy, but there’s also pressure because I’m the youngest. It’s tough, to be honest, being young and a CEO. You want to be a boss, but everyone in the office is older. So I have to command respect while standing my ground. Thankfully, I’m blessed with great business partners,” she said.
As for her personal life, Andrea said she isn’t focused on dating for now.
Curtis since It’s then, has be boss, but great I
“There are suitors, but I haven’t been able to focus on that, especially last year. Honestly, I don’t really date or look for that kind of thing,”
Not a heart of gold, but in a world of hurt
By Chong Ardivilla
IF YOU recall the final scene of Pretty Woman (1990, directed by Garry Marshall), Richard Gere and Julia Roberts are locked in an embrace to an operatic crescendo at a fire escape. The camera pans right and focuses on an African-American man vibing in the streets, waxing Homeric about how Hollywood is where dreams come true.
Andrea Brillantes leads TC Candler’s ‘Most Beautiful Faces of 2024’
‘Emilia Perez’ tops Oscar nominations in fire-hit
TRANSGENDER cartel musical Emilia Perez topped this year’s Oscar nominations, earning 13 nods in an announcement on Thursday postponed by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
French director Jacques Audiard’s Mexico-set movie, released by Netflix, shattered the record for the most Academy Award nominations for a non-Englishlanguage film (previously held by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Roma, each with 10). It was followed by epic immigrant saga The Brutalist, and show-stopping Broadway adaptation Wicked, which each picked up 10 nominations.
Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown and Vatican thriller Conclave bagged eight nods apiece.
‘Emilia Perez’
Hollywood
Voting deadlines had to be extended this month, as Los Angeles—the US entertainment capital and home city of the Academy Awards—was devastated by multiple blazes that have killed more than two dozen people and forced tens of thousands to flee. Nominees were unveiled in subdued circumstances, as a town that typically fixates on the Oscars race was instead fixated on yet more new fires burning north of the city. Even so, the glitzy Oscars ceremony is still set for March 2, capping months and millions of dollars of campaigning for golden statuettes.
For best actor, firm favorite Adrien Brody was nominated for The Brutalist along with Timothee Chalamet (A Complete Unknown),
Ralph Fiennes (Conclave) and Colman Domingo (Sing Sing). Meanwhile, in an intense race for best actress, A-listers Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman — who went all-out with their performances in Maria and Babygirl, respectively – missed the cut. Instead, comeback queen Demi Moore, who charmed the industry with her Golden Globes acceptance speech for satirical bodyhorror The Substance, was nominated and is seen as the favorite. Her rivals include Gascon, Anora star Mikey Madison, and Brazil’s Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here Wicked lead Cynthia Erivo was also nominated for best actress, alongside her co-star and pop music sensation Ariana Grande, in the supporting category. AFP
Pretty Woman is a classic movie about an escort with a heart of gold. The film earned millions as a comedy. Well, there is another whirlwind romance between a sex worker and a rich “man” (he is a spoiled brat) in the movie Anora (2024, written and directed by Sean Baker ). But I argue that Anora is incredibly funny and tense because it does not rely on a fairy tale trope. Anora is part caper chasing after somebody, part portrayal of youth in wanton abandon. It is part Cinderella doused in alcohol and the bright lights of a strip club.
Anora won the 2024 Palme d’Or at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The American Film Institute (AFI) declared Anora among the best films of 2024. The accolades are aplenty and deserved. This movie easily twits between nervous laughter and gasps.
Mikey Madison stars as Anora, who meets a Russian billionaire’s son (portrayed convincingly with rakish, boyish impishness by Mark Eydelshteyn), and things get hairier from there. In movies with lead characters as sex workers (women usually), there is often a metamorphosis upon meeting a man who acts as a catalyst for what promises to be an adventure. That sounds archaic, but if you look at cinema history, you see this trope—Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, yearning for a fresh break after her dalliances with George Peppard’s gigolo, Paul Varjak.
As the courtesan Satine in Moulin Rouge , Nicole Kidman becomes enchanted by a young, poor writer portrayed by Ewan McGregor, and there is a certain expectation of a shift. You can see this shift in tiny details alongside the grand acting chops of the cast. I mainly take note of Anora’s hair, laced with glittery pink strands that are luminous and sparkling at the start. The wealthy Russian boy marries the poor American girl, and all hell ensues.
Anora tosses the Cinderella story into a blender of hedonism and the strict Russian oligarchic family code. As the movie progresses, the glistening strands run amok with the frayed look of Anora in distress and frustration. The dizzying shots amidst young bodies and bacchanal excesses visually capture the recklessness.
The script is snappish and shocking, as the plot leads to one unexpected turn after another. Mikey Madison ’s choreography, ensnared by this toxic comedy of errors, manners, and elitism, makes it a joy and a sustained bout of hypnosis watching her. Mikey Madison will become known for this movie. She has a number of films under her belt, but she is a notorious scene stealer. If you saw Quentin Tarantino ’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Mikey Madison was one of the crazed followers of Charles Manson In Scream (2022), she was a devilish high school slasher film nerd. Both films featured her in moments of unhinged anger. However, Anora gives Mikey Madison a chance to get those crazed eyes going and then some. There are quick takes of Anora looking directly at the camera, where the actress demonstrates her range. One second, her eyes look at us with hurt, like pools of exhaustion. Then, a few minutes later, she looks at us with a glint of mischief but still holds a world of hurt in her eyes.
Anora is showing at Ayala Cinemas.
You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail. com or chonggo.bsky.social
‘Anora’ lead stars Mark Eydelshteyn (left) and Mikey Madison
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
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By Nickie Wang
WIDE-FITTED jeans have quietly reclaimed their place in fashion, becoming a staple for style enthusiasts worldwide. Comfortable yet chic, these jeans offer a refreshing alternative to slim fits, and Uniqlo is leading the charge with its range of stylish
options.
Why wide-fitted jeans are here to stay
What makes Uniqlo’s wide-fitted jeans stand out is their sheer versatility. Dress them up with a blazer and heels for a polished look, or keep them casual with a t-shirt and sneakers. Available in an array of colors and cuts, from classic denim blue to modern, lighter shades, they cater to every wardrobe and occasion. Designed with durability in mind, Uniqlo’s jeans feature sturdy stitching, deep pockets, and highquality denim built to last.
In the heart of Makati City, Uniqlo recently hosted a fitting event at Xception, giving media members and online personalities a firsthand experience of its denim offerings. The event highlighted the growing denim movement, blending global trends with local flair. Stylist Bea Constantino explored how Uniqlo jeans achieve a perfect mix of trendiness and comfort, while Kiichiro Sibue of Amekaji Philippines delved into the rise of the Japanese-inspired American classic style, known for its rugged yet refined aesthetic.
Amekaji, with its mix of selvedge denim and workwear, captures a vintage-modern vibe that resonates with timeless fashion. Constantino and Sibue emphasized that Uniqlo’s widefitted jeans transcend age and gender, making them a universal wardrobe essential. Attendees gained practical styling tips from Sibue, who also heads the Masterpiece Edition Philippines fashion community.
Uniqlo’s tech-savvy approach was also on display during the event, with the Uniqlo App’s features—MySize Assist and StyleHint—helping attendees find their ideal fit and experiment with styling. Guests paired their jeans with a variety of tops and
Ternocon 2025 wraps up with fashion show, awards
TERNOCON 2025, a celebration of the timeless Filipino Terno, will conclude Sunday with an awarding ceremony and fashion show at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in collaboration with Bench, the event highlights innovative designs that reinterpret traditional attire, including the Terno with pañuelo, the Balintawak with alampay and tapis, and the kimona—a casual blouse made of embroidered fabric.
“Ternocon showcases the fusion of art, fashion, and Filipino identity. It underscores the CCP’s role in promoting Philippine arts and sustaining our collective identity through clothing,” CCP president Kaye C. Tinga said.
Twelve finalists, including Bryan Peralta, Patrick Lazol, and Nina Gatan, will compete for the Pacita Longos Award, presenting capsule collections inspired by works of 20th-century Filipino artists. Each collection features three pieces: a formal Terno, a Balintawak, and a kimona paired with a patadyong
Under the mentorship of Inno Sotto, Rhett Eala, Lulu Tan Gan, and Ezra Santos, the finalists drew inspiration from artists such as National Artist Jose Joya, whose brushstrokes influenced Peralta and Lazol. Others, like Lexter Badana, channeled Ramon Orlina’s sculptural works, while Peach Garde found inspiration in Leandro Locsin’s architectural designs.
The competition, now in its fourth edition, reinforces the CCP and Bench’s shared goal of preserving the Terno as a living cultural icon.
“What began in 2018 as a thrust to preserve and promote the Terno has grown into a national movement, making it an integral symbol of our history and identity,” Suyen Corporation chairman and CEO Ben Chan said.
Ternocon’s continued success ensures that Terno remains a dynamic representation of Filipino creativity while honoring traditional craftsmanship.
For event details, visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.
accessories, showcasing the adaptability of Uniqlo’s denim. The retailer’s wide-fitted offerings include standout pieces like the Women’s Wide Trouser Jeans, Women’s Drapey Wide Flared Jeans, and Men’s Wide Tapered Jeans. These silhouettes strike a balance between classic and contemporary, appealing to shoppers who appreciate simplicity with a modern twist.
At the heart of Uniqlo’s denim innovation is its Jeans Innovation Center (JIC) in Los Angeles, California. Established in 2016, the JIC focuses on crafting premium denim using advanced technology such as lasers, bio-washing, and nano-bubbles. This process not only enhances design and comfort but also reduces water consumption by up to 99 percent, a significant step toward sustainability. Collaborating with Kaihara Denim, a benchmark for high-grade Japanese fabrics, Uniqlo ensures that each pair combines craftsmanship with cuttingedge technology. The result is jeans that age beautifully and fit seamlessly into any wardrobe, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand. Wide-fitted jeans have become more than a trend—they’re a statement of comfort, functionality, and timeless style. And with brands like Uniqlo at the forefront, this denim revolution is one worth embracing.
Motorcycling community The Litas Manila
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boasts wide-fitted jeans known
their sheer versatility
Amekaji Philippines stylist Kiichiro Sibue
Discover your new essential with the UNIQLO Jeans Collection