The Philippine Star - December 22, 2024

In this issue

December 22, 2024

Christmas chill begins in Baguio, Benguet

Residents and tourists in this city and across Benguet have begun bracing for the highland chill with Christmas just around the corner.

1 min

Senator seeks probe on new ‘wildlife’ banknotes

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III is pushing for an investigation on the issuance of new polymer banknotes that feature the country's flora and fauna, doing away with the original paper notes with images of heroes and martyrs.

2 mins

More cops off to CamSur to help ease traffic chaos

Police have been deployed for traffic duties along Rolando Andaya Highway in Camarines Sur where hundreds of vehicles – mostly trucks and buses – got stalled for hours due to ongoing repairs on a long stretch of the highway that threatens to collapse after being battered by heavy rains and floods weeks ago.

3 mins

'PCG, BFAR left Panatag Shoal on their own'

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disputed China's claim that the China Coast Guard (CCG) \"drove away\" its patrol vessel, as well as an aircraft of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which were carrying out a humanitarian mission for Filipino fisherfolk.

1 min

Group hits 'glaring anomalies in 2025 budget'

The proposed P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget approved by the bicameral conference committee violated the Constitution for not giving the \"highest budgetary priority\" to the Department of Education (DepEd), the 1Sambayan coalition said yesterday.

1 min

DA: Prices of Noche Buena items up 5%

Prices of Noche Buena grocery items have increased by about five percent, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA)'s latest inspections.

1 min

Ratings of top gov't execs drop - Pulse

The performance and trust ratings of the country's highest officials have declined in the latest Pulse Asia survey, with Vice President Sara Duterte suffering double-digit drops.

2 mins

4Ps beneficiaries pass Bar, engineering exams

Two beneficiaries of the government's conditional cash transfer program have passed this year's Bar and agricultural and biosystems engineering licensure examinations.

1 min

Comelec dismisses nuisance petition against Quiboloy

The Commission on Elections has ruled in favor of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy after the poll body dismissed a petition by a political party asking that the religious leader be declared a nuisance candidate and his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the May 2025 elections be canceled.

2 mins

Returning OFWs get cash gifts from BBM, Go Negosyo

Over 400 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families have more reasons to celebrate OFW Month and the holiday season as they share the P2 million in cash given by President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos during Go Negosyo's Balik-Bayan 2024 event.

2 mins

POGOs a 'national menace' - think tank

International think tank Stratbase ADR Institute has welcomed the government's efforts to ban Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which it described as a \"national menace\" that threatens the country's sovereignty.

1 min

More jobs for Pinoys in Saudi ahead of World Cup

More jobs await skilled Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia as the Middle Eastern nation prepares for its hosting of the World Cup in 2034, according to outgoing Saudi Arabia Ambassador Hisham Sultan Abdullah Alqahtani.

2 mins

First Lady thanks Marcos 'loyalists'

Amid political controversies, First Lady Liza Marcos thanked the \"loyalists\" who never left her husband, President Marcos during \"his lowest.\"

1 min

GAWAD KALASAG 2024 AWARDEE #1 DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

BEST HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY

2 mins

Congratulations! CITY OF CALOOCAN 8th CONSECUTIVE Seal of Good Local Governance

The City Government of Caloocan officially received its eighth consecutive Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in recognition of its consistent excellent performance in multiple areas including financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness, business competitiveness, social protection, and public safety.

1 min

Safe sea travels

As in previous years except during the pandemic lockdowns, EDSA and the expressways leading out of Metro Manila again became scenes of \"carmageddon\" last Friday night, at the start of the Christmas break for schools and certain offices.

1 min

Department of Migrant Workers plays a crucial role

The demand for overseas Filipino workers continues to grow, with foreign employers preferring Filipinos because of their admirable work ethic.

4 mins

Glory and gore

EYES WIDE OPEN

4 mins

Twenty years after FPJ

Twenty years since FPJ's passing, it's been so heartwarming to witness Filipinos, from all walks of life, keeping Da King's works, values and aspirations alive.

4 mins

Christmas in Rizal's El Fili

The book El Filibusterismo by Jose Rizal is a sequel to the novel Noli Me Tangere.

3 mins

A secure step forward for Japan-Philippines relations: Strategic overview of the RAA and OSA

Almost seven decades of friendship and dialogue have made Japan and the Philippines the firmest of partners.

3 mins

Follow park etiquette - group

As the holiday season approaches, environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has urged the public to observe park etiquette to prevent and reduce waste.

1 min

DSWD calls for food donations, volunteers for Walang Gutom Kitchen

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) yesterday called on restaurants and fast food outlets for donations for the agency's newly-opened Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGP).

1 min

PNP skips gun muzzling

Stressing that police officers are disciplined, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will again skip the sealing of the muzzles of the service firearms of its personnel during the Yuletide season this year.

1 min

Public warned vs 4PH scams

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has warned the public, especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), of unscrupulous individuals and groups using the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) to solicit cash.

1 min

TB prevalent in Tondo - Garin

House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin warned yesterday that 1,280 people are inflicted with turberculosis (TB) in Tondo, Manila.

1 min

Go, local leaders empower students in Binangonan

An adopted son of Calabarzon, Sen. Bong Go led efforts to support college students in Binangonan in Rizal, reaffirmed his dedication to uplifting the youth and ensuring their access to opportunities for a brighter future.

1 min

Marcos allots P130 M for Kanlaon relief efforts

President Marcos has allocated P130 million in additional funds for the relief operations following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Dec. 9.

1 min

Missing Taiwanese businessman confirmed dead

Police have confirmed that the cadaver found along a riverside in Santo Rosa City earlier this month belonged to Taiwanese businessman Kuo-Wen Hung who was reported missing on Oct. 10.

1 min

Baby Jesus figurine stolen from nativity scene returned - with apology

A baby Jesus figurine snatched from a nativity scene in Colorado has been returned in time for Christmas with an apology.

1 min

Car rams into German Christmas market; 5 killed, 200 injured

At least five people were killed while over 200 others were injured when a car ploughed into a large crowd of visitors at a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg in Germany on Friday, according to authorities.

1 min

King Charles quips he's 'still alive' amid cancer fight

King Charles III on Friday joked that he was \"still alive\" as he met East London community members at the end of a year in which the British monarch has been battling cancer.

1 min

Pope slams 'cruelty' of strike killing Gaza children

Pope Francis yesterday condemned the bombing in Gaza as \"cruelty,\" a day after the territory's rescue agency said an Israeli air strike killed seven children from one family.

1 min

Sigourney Weaver makes West End debut in 'The Tempest'

Oscar-nominated Hollywood star Sigourney Weaver has made her West End debut as the magician Prospero in William Shakespeare's \"The Tempest\" and said she was glad she had taken on the role.

1 min

Thousands greet winter solstice at ancient Stonehenge monument

Thousands of tourists, pagans, druids and people simply yearning for the promise of spring marked the dawn of the shortest day and longest night of the year at the ancient Stonehenge monument yesterday.

1 min

1st drug treatment for sleep apnea OK'd

US regulators on Friday approved the first drug treatment for sleep apnea, permitting the use of a weight-loss medication for the condition that affects millions of Americans.

1 min

US Congress passes bill to avert shutdown

The US Congress averted a Christmastime government shutdown early yesterday after weeks of tense negotiations that went down to the wire, passing a bill to fund federal agencies through mid-March.

1 min

Tiger teams up with son Charlie in Orlando

Tiger Woods will play alongside his 15-year-old son Charlie in this week's PNC Championship, but the 15-time major winner said Friday his PGA Tour return remains distant.

1 min

Belangel, Alvano join KBL All-Stars

Two Filipino standouts made it to the 2024-2025 Korean Basketball League (KBL) All-Star Games.

1 min

Phl to host Jr world artistic meet

After winning a pair of gold medals in the Paris Olympics courtesy of Carlos Yulo last August, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines once again delivered the good news by gaining the right to host the 2025 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

1 min

No rest for weary

PBA guest team Eastern has a loaded schedule in the Commissioner's Cup, EASL and the Hong Kong D1 league with coach Mensur Bajramovic walking a tightrope in making sure his team is ready to play whichever game is on the calendar.

2 mins

EMBIID GAME FACE ON

Joel Embiid had 34 points and nine assists after missing a game because of a sinus fracture, helping the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Charlotte Hornets 108-98 on Friday night.

2 mins

Fury weighs in at 281 lbs for Usyk

Tyson Fury checked in at a career-high 281 pounds during the weigh-in Friday, a day before his rematch with heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

1 min

Diouf dons Surabaya jersey

Another UAAP standout in ex-UP center Malick Diouf is set to ply his trade abroad after signing with the Pacific Caesar Surabaya in the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL).

1 min

AMORES LICENSE REVOKED

Erring cager John Amores can no longer play professional basketball in the aftermath of his involvement in a shooting incident in Laguna.

1 min

Converge gets out of hole vs Ginebra

Converge showcased its own version of the never-say-die spirit to steal one from Barangay Ginebra on the road.

1 min

Pinoys find ways to cope with rising prices - study

Sari-sari stores in the country saw double-digit increases in sales of seasoning and recipe mixes this year, highlighting the resourcefulness of Filipinos as they navigate rising prices.

2 mins

DA, OceanX partner for marine research, sustainability

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with global ocean exploration non-profit OceanX to advance exploration and assessment of the health of the country's fisheries resources.

1 min

DTI, DOF release interim rules on CREATE MORE

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Finance have issued interim rules to enable investment promotion agencies (IPAs) to register projects and offer incentives under the CREATE MORE Act, while waiting for the law's implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

2 mins

Masungi honored as Best Practice Project for World Expo 2025 in Japan

The Masungi Georeserve Foundation has been honored as a Best Practice Awardee by Team Expo 2025 Osaka for its project, \"Restoring Forgotten Watersheds Through Youth-Led Movements.\"

1 min

DOTr eyes Phl as Asian leader on sustainable transport

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) hopes to turn the Philippines into the Asian standard for sustainable mobility through several big-ticket projects currently being pursued by the government.

1 min

Hasmadai barred from soliciting investments

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered the Hasmadai Group to permanently stop from conducting unauthorized investment solicitation activities.

2 mins

The real Christmas story

Here is an old material I have kept for some time credited to anonymity. I guess this is the best time for me to share this with you.

2 mins

Cebu Pacific boosts fleet with new aircraft

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has welcomed its 16th aircraft for the year, raising its wide-body fleet for long haul routes, such as Australia and Dubai, to 10.

1 min

Security Bank manages 3 more FWD products

Security Bank Corp. has taken over the management of three additional variable life (VL) insurance funds of FWD Life Insurance, which enhances its investment offerings to customers.

2 mins

The dangers of imported cement

Unless our government does something fast, then we might as well say goodbye to our local cement industry.

3 mins

ICCP arranges P1.25-B loan for Pueblo de Oro

Independent investment house Investment & Capital Corp. of the Philippines (ICCP) has arranged a P1.25-billion loan facilities for Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. (PDO), the residential development arm of the ICCP Group.

1 min

Okada Manila to eliminate single-use plastic bottles

Okada Manila partnered with Swedish firm Nordaq to elevate its sustainability initiatives by getting rid of single-use plastic bottles.

1 min

Ayala Group teams up with DepEd, Khan Academy

The Ayala Group is teaming up with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Khan Academy to boost the key competencies of learners in the country.

1 min

Maynilad to advance water pollutant research

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. said it has partnered with the University of the Philippines (UP) to advance research on emerging pollutants in Metro Manila's water sources and wastewater systems.

1 min

'SQUID GAME' CONQUERS THE WORLD AGAIN, WITH SEOUL AS THE CENTER OF ITS UNIVERSE

The promotions for Season 2 of Squid Game came in strong. Global activities that delighted fans of the hit Netflix series were all over, and I mean everywhere.

3 mins

LEE BYUNG-HUN ON 'SQUID GAME': 'IT BECAME UNIVERSAL WHEN WE BEGAN TO DOUBT WHETHER THERE IS TRULY HUMANITY LEFT IN THIS WORLD.'

The universal appeal of Squid Game is explained by Korean superstar Lee Byung-hun, whom I got to interview in Seoul one-on-one, during the world premiere of Season 2 of the mega Netflix hit.

4 mins

The Hands That Crafted the History of Philippine Sculpture

Isabelo Tampinco y Lakandola (1850-1933) can be regarded as \"the greatest Filipino sculptor of the colonial period\" known for his ecclesiastical works, architectural ornamentation, funeral and decorative arts.

3 mins

Christmas Tree

There's something undeniably magical about the moment when the Christmas tree is finally decorated. Whether it's the twinkling lights, the scent of pine (if one is so inclined to forgo faux in our tropical climate), or the sound of spirited seasonal sounds in the background, the act of decking out the tree has become a beloved holiday tradition that brings families together year after year.

4 mins

Living Innovations reaffirms its commitment to customers and long-time brand partner Minotti with a newly renovated Minotti Manila

Living Innovations proudly opens the doors to an expanded Minotti showroom in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, unveiling new and redesigned spaces within the flagship location.

3 mins

I DID IT MY WAY – WITH FRANK SINATRA!

Last Christmas I had a Pinoy tree adorned with Filipino Santas, capiz stars (parol), woven leaves of organic material like sinamay, buri, pandan, abaca bags (bayong) and cut-out cards of Filipino heroes and legends, Komiks characters, and folk riddles.

3 mins

It's all about work and self-love for Ai-Ai delas Alas in 2025

Ai-Ai delas Alas has just wrapped up her regular stint as a judge and mentor to aspiring singers in the singing and reality search \"The Clash.\" This role, as one may call it, will carry on in the new year, aside from her being an actress and a performer.

2 mins

NATIONAL ARTIST NORA AUNOR HAS 'SPECIAL PARTICIPATION' IN MMFF FILM 'ISANG HIMALA'

The lead actress of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) official entry \"Isang Himala,\" Aicelle Santos, had the pleasure of meeting National Artist Nora Aunor long before filming the movie musical.

2 mins

ABS-CBN thanks GMA for continued broadcast of 'It's Showtime'

ABS-CBN recently confirmed that its long-running noontime show, \"It's Showtime,\" will retain its current timeslot on GMA Network.

1 min

Jung Hae-in wants fans to see him beyond rom-com roles

For Jung Hae-in, taking on roles across diverse genres would always be a challenging yet rewarding feeling as an actor striving for versatility in his career.

2 mins

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