The Manila Times | News | Opinion | Philippines | Asia | World

Sunday, December 22, 2024
Today's Paper

Follow us Watch Now

Romina

Signal No. 1 up over Kalayaan Island as tropical depression threatens to enter PH

By Arlie O. Calalo

HEADLINES: Comelec exec survives Zamboanga ambush | December 22, 2024

HEADLINES: Comelec exec survives Zamboanga ambush | December 22, 2024

Comelec exec survives Zamboanga ambush

By William B. Depasupil

Alice Guo. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Alice Guo bail petition denied

By Franco Jose C. Baroña and Francis Earl Cueto

Former president Rodrigo Duterte. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

DOJ to study cases vs Duterte – Marcos

By Catherine S. Valente , Aric John Sy Cua and Red Mendoza

Comelec exec survives Zamboanga ambush

Alice Guo bail petition denied

DOJ to study cases vs Duterte – Marcos

[2023]-TODAYS-WEATHER-NEW

Today's Weather, 4 A.M. | Dec. 22, 2024

Eric Jed Olivarez (right) celebrates another Open victory alongside JB Aguilar (left) and Jose Canete, executive assistant for the City of Naga courts. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

In-form Olivarez extends win run, masters Aguilar

pagasa_20241222

Tropical depression near Palawan may enter PAR, to be named 'Romina'

gary

Singer Gary Valenciano to hold day 2 of concert amid health scare

Jepen Klathale and his wife Boomkoyoung Klathale sit on their house in Moken village at Surin Islands in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The water was their livelihood. Now Thailand's sea nomads work to preserve a vanishing way of life

FILE - A fighter jet maneuvers on the deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea, June 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

Two US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, US military says

Britain's Tyson Fury (red) and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk (blue) compete during their heavyweight world championship rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on December 22, 2024. AFP PHOTO

Beaten Fury says Usyk got 'Christmas gift' from judges

Filipino players celebrate a goal against Vietnam during the the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 at the Rizal Memorial Collisium in Manila on Dec. 18, 2024. AFP PHOTO

PH booters reach Asean Cup semis

Tiger Woods and his son Charlie Woods wait to hit their approach shots on the 18th hole during the first round of the PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on Dec. 21, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. AFP PHOTO

Tiger Woods, son Charlie share halfway lead in PNC

Jordan Clarkson TMT FILE PHOTO

NBA fines Jordan Clarkson, 2 others for on-court altercation

Ricardo Ratliffe PBA PHOTO

Ratliffe eager to play first Christmas Day game vs Ginebra

Marlen Ronquillo

Sunday Stories

Pigs at the trough, Philippine edition

By Marlen Ronquillo

The Word on the World

From Cardinal Tagle to Mary Jane Veloso, God calls

By Ricardo Saludo

Fr. Shay Cullen

Reflections

Born in poverty in Bethlehem

By Fr. Shay Cullen

Lloyd C. Bautista

Securitatem Populi

Fact-checking tourism in the Philippines

By Lloyd C. Bautista

Today's Front Page

OUT OF CURRENCY

Two isn't always better than one

The Registered Owner Rule

By Persida Acosta

Rough Trade

How not to do a BRT

Edgard A. Arevalo

Crow's Nest

Driving the last nail into the insurgent's coffin

By Edgard A. Arevalo

Lalay Ramos-Jimenez

View from the South

Empowering tomorrow: How the Ranaw Youth Parliament shapes Lanao del Sur's young leaders

By Lalay Ramos-Jimenez

Ariane Macalinga Borlongan

Language Speaks

Some linguistics notes on/for Christmas

By Ariane Macalinga Borlongan

KC after hours!

By Alvin Santos

BUSINESS

By Leah C. Salterio

Eric Jed Olivarez (right) celebrates another Open victory alongside JB Aguilar (left) and Jose Canete, executive assistant for the City of Naga courts. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SPORTS

In-form Olivarez extends win run, masters Aguilar

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 20: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during a news conference in James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on December 20, 2024 in Washington, DC. During the briefing Jean-Pierre was asked a range of questions about the congressional negotiations to avoid a government shutdown and U.S. President Joe Biden's upcoming schedule through the rest of his term. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

WORLD

China says it 'firmly opposes' US military aid to Taiwan

By Agence France-Presse

Singer Gary Valenciano to hold day 2 of concert amid health scare

By Aric John Sy Cua

LIFESTYLE

Target Pro by Watsons delivers revolutionary Japanese skincare

Celebrities of the 10 entries to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 wave to fans from atop colorful floats parading around Manila on Dec. 21, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

FILM FEST PARADE

December 21, 2024

Shoppers, especially children, get a special treat as they meet their favorite fairytale characters live during the SM Grand Christmas Parade at its Manila branch on Dec. 21, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

CHRISTMAS TREAT

December 21, 2024

Shoppers rummage through bags that are on sale inside a mall in Manila on Dec. 21, 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

BARGAIN HUNTERS

December 21, 2024

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa leads the inspection of the emergency room of the East Avenue Medical Center on Dec. 21, 2024 for patients who will be confined during the holidays, including those who will be injured by firecrackers during the New Year's eve celebration. Dr. Alfonso Nunez, EAMC chief, said the ER was prepared to serve 150 patients at any given time, but it may also be extended to include the hospital's lobby should more space be needed. PHOTO BY RED MENDOZA

December 21, 2024

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends the Command Conference of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and visits the museum at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City during its 89th anniversary on Dec. 20, 2024. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN AND PPA POOL

December 20, 2024

No Image

Nation

Star-studded parade ushers in 50th MMFF

THE Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) opened its 50th edition with the grand Parade of Stars on Saturday in Manila, the host city for this year's event. At least 3,000 personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Manila city government, the Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other agencies were deployed along the 12-kilometer route that ended at the Manila Central Post Office. One of the most anticipated events leading up to the MMFF's official opening on Christmas Day, the Parade of Stars featured

By Iza Iglesias - December 22, 2024

Chavit's voter preference skyrockets in latest survey

400 OFWs given cash gifts by Marcoses, Go Negosyo

Army gets high ratings in survey

Marcos eyes stronger PH-Saudi Arabia ties

DSWD feeds hungry, calls for volunteers

Group urges public to have clean, safe holidays

DTI monitors illegal firecrackers ahead of revelry

New Zealand provides P17M aid to Red Cross

Congress to monitor PhilHealth – lawmaker

House of Representatives

Group slams town officials' no-show in Congress

LAND TITLES DISTRIBUTION Negros Occidental farmers wave the land titles they received from the Department of Agrarian Reform during the distribution of land titles and Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (CoCRoM) to 3,500 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) at the Cadiz City Arena on Dec. 19, 2024. PHOTO COURTESY OF CADIZ CITY PIO

DAR distributes land titles, condonations to 3,500 ARBs

FIRECRACKERS INSPECTION Philippine National Police chief Rommel Francisco Marbil (right) presents the samples of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices to Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando (center) and Vice Governor Alexis Castro during an inspection of stores and stalls conducted by the Bulacan Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board on Dec. 18, 2024, in Santiago Compound in Barangay Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan. PHOTO BY FREDERICK SILVERIO

Fernando asks BBM to review memorandum on firecrackers

Jepen Klathale and his wife Boomkoyoung Klathale sit on their house in Moken village at Surin Islands in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The water was their livelihood. Now Thailand's sea nomads work to preserve a vanishing way of life

By Associated Press

FILE - A fighter jet maneuvers on the deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea, June 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

Two US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident, US military says

DEFENSE POSTURE Artists perform during the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the All-People Defense Festival at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Dec. 20, 2024. EPA PHOTO

US envoy: Arms firm could help Vietnam

no-image

Indonesians mark 2 decades after tsunami

RESCUERS ARRIVE. A handout photo taken on Dec. 21, 2024 and received from the Australian Department Foreign Affairs and Trade shows Australian Defense Force personnel assisting Australians off a C-130J Hercules at Brisbane Airport, following an earthquake which struck Port Vila, Vanuatu. Rescuers say they have expanded a search for trapped survivors in quake-rocked Vanuatu to 'numerous places of collapse' beyond the capital, after the death toll climbed to at least 10. AFP PHOTO.

Vanuatu reopens commercial flights after quake

PLUNDERED TREASURE This photo taken on Oct. 15, 2024, shows a general view of the repatriated statue of Ganesha, at the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta, on the first day it reopened to the public after a yearlong renovation. In the mid-19th century, Dutch colonial officials climbing an Indonesian volcano spotted an ancient statue meant to serve as protection against misfortune, looted it, and took it to the Netherlands. AFP PHOTO

Indonesians embrace plundered treasure's return

CHRISTMAS MARKET TRAGEDY A damaged car at the scene after a car was driven into a crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, early Dec. 21, 2024. According to statements by the Magdeburg police on social media, two people were dead, several people were injured, and a suspect was taken into custody. EPA PHOTO

2 dead, 60 hurt in German car attack

no-image

Top Business

US consumer spending solid in Nov

WASHINGTON — US consumer spending increased in November amid strong demand for a range of goods and services, underscoring the economy's resilience, which saw the Federal Reserve this week projecting fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than it had in September. There was also good news on inflation last month after a series of warmer readings. The report from the Commerce Department on Friday showed moderate monthly rises in prices, with a measure of underlying inflation posting its smallest gain in six months. Nonetheless, the annual increase in core inflation, excluding food and energy,

By Reuters - December 22, 2024

Rediscovering Christmas' joys without breaking the bank

Sunday Business & It

PMI: The future is smoke-free

Sunday Business & It

B2B payments is the emerging battleground for Asian banks

Sunday Business & It

NEC completes new Asia-Pac submarine cable

Sunday Business & It

vivo X200 Series: An impressive flagship smartphone

Sunday Business & It

Gemini, Google searches reflect Filipino interests

Sunday Business & It

In focus: A cyber-resilient Philippines

Sunday Business & It

Winning the tariff battle: Cross-border e-commerce strategies

Foreign Business

Google counters bid by US to force sale of Chrome

Consumers less gloomy; business sentiment rises

Rate cut caution could cause Fed-Trump friction

IMF sees moderate PH economic growth

Britain's Tyson Fury (red) and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk (blue) compete during their heavyweight world championship rematch at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on December 22, 2024. AFP PHOTO

Sports

Beaten Fury says Usyk got 'Christmas gift' from judges

RIYADH — Tyson Fury insisted Oleksandr Usyk got an early Christmas gift from the judges after the Ukrainian won their heavyweight championship rematch overnight on Saturday. The "Gypsy King", who was non-committal about his future, insisted he had won the fight that was scored 116-112 by all three officials in a unanimous decision. The 36-year-old Fury, unbeaten until he first met Usyk in their four-belt unification fight in May, departs Riyadh's Kingdom Arena with two defeats on his record. "Listen, it is what it is. I'm not going to cry over spilt milk, it's happened

PH booters reach Asean Cup semis

Tiger Woods, son Charlie share halfway lead in PNC

NBA fines Jordan Clarkson, 2 others for on-court altercation

Ratliffe eager to play first Christmas Day game vs Ginebra

Peralta pockets PH's 4th gold in Asian Youth Weightlifting

Cavs cruise past Bucks, Sixers win

Cousins to reinforce SGA for Dubai Intl tourney

PH junior lifters capture 3 golds in Asian tilt

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of December 20, 2024

No Image

Stock indices as of December 19, 2024

PORTRAIT-BRW-GERARD-CEDRIC-REYES

Leading a new generation toward change

PUBLIC SERVICE EXCELLENCE Muntinlupa receives its 3rd consecutive Seal of Good Local Governance. PHOTO FROM THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF MUNTINLUPA

Muntinlupa celebrates the true heart of its people

THE PERFECT MIX Absolut Vodka and Sprite ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail is perfect for the holiday season. PHOTO FROM COCA-COLA PHILIPPINES

Absolut Vodka and Sprite ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail makes its exciting PH debut

Neky and her family (pictured), along with the rest of Barangay Bairan, put up electric-powered Christmas decorations for the first time. PHOTO FROM ABOITIZ POWER

Families in Bairan, Cebu celebrate Christmas with electricity for the first time

LEGACY ALIGNED Top Outstanding Filipino Laureates (Tofil) Chairman Glenn Banaguas (rightmost) presents the certificates of recognition to the speakers at the 2nd Tofil Laureates Conference. PHOTO BY KHRYSTYN ANDAYA

Tofil laureates cite sustainability, resilience among key factors for PH growth

WARM FILIPINO CARE Experience the culture of care and heartfelt service that define Philippine Airlines. PHOTO FROM PAL

Tmt Newswire

Experience the warmth of Filipino care in Philippine Airlines' new film

THIS holiday season, Philippine Airlines (PAL) takes travelers on an emotional journey through its "Care That Comes From The Heart" campaign, breathing life into its iconic tagline, "The Heart of the Filipino." At the center of the campaign is the film "Alaga" (Care), which offers a heartfelt look into the everyday lives of PAL's crew and staff. The film highlights genuine moments of Filipino hospitality, where care goes beyond service to become deeply personal. These small but meaningful acts reflect the warmth and compassion Filipinos are known for. Set to the timeless OPM hit

International Workplace Group to upsize PH hybrid workspace network

Global marketing leaders convene in Manila for a four-day summit

PH Cup 2024 Football Tournament

300 members and pensioners win P5,000 each in GSIS Touch and Win Raffle

Ideal Visa Consultancy earns accolade

Key agreements for 5 PPP transport projects: A Christmas gift to Filipinos

Zoomanity Group hosts annual gift-giving 2024: Sharing joy and kindness

Last-minute vivo smartphone gift guide for every personality

Sen. Padilla, global experts push medical cannabis for cancer pain management

Must-try Cebu delicacies for first-time visitors

Okada Foundation expands nutrition program to more young learners

Deli Tools concept store now open in San Pablo

Middle and elementary school student participants take the spotlight in the VEX IQ Robotics Challenge. SEAMEO INNOTECH PHOTO

Campus Press

Pampanga HEI wins robotics contest

By The Manila Times

Judges for the Pagbigkas ng Tula category of the ‘Diwang: Sagisag Kultura ng Filipinas’ competition finals with National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (second from left) among them.

Best young poets hailed by NCCA

Filipino Ed O. with his Coursera Fundamentals of Graphic Design course certificate from the California Institute of the Arts. FACEBOOK PHOTO/COURSERA

PH Generative AI course enrollment surges 9x

Daram, Samar. PHOTO FROM OCEANA

Green Industries

Samar project aims to reduce 40% postharvest fish loss

The critically endangered Bubalus mindorensis, commonly known as the Tamaraw, is found only on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. PHOTO FROM TMPF AND BY THE WWF PHILIPPINES

Toyota pledges P3-M fund to protect the Tamaraw

Photo shows the participants during the event where the Nueva Vizcaya Mango Industry Development Council was created. DTI PHOTO

Vizcaya mango council created

1200x630

Julie Anne San Jose is 'Entertainer of the Year'

By Iza Iglesias - December 21, 2024

Piolo Pascual embraces the essence of timeless denim

Bong Revilla's holiday gift

Father-son action duo on balancing stardom and public service

Nostalgia, star power shine at Konsyerto sa Palasyo

MTRCB ratings for Metro Manila Film Fest entries

The princess, the sword master and the empress

1200x630

Breaking down barriers on women's perimenopausal and menopausal journeys

Rupert Jacinto's photo exhibit celebrates glamour, advocacy at gala night

Smart brings Max to subscribers

Wellness meets school pride in special edition watches

'#Type1Story' puts spotlight on Type 1 Diabetes

Grand neighbor day

Home finds for the holidays

The Sunday Times Magazine

A great, golden celebration of Filipino film artistry

December 22, 2024

For this festive season, chef Pepa Escalante (inset) prepares her version of teardrop shaped leavened bread accompanied by harissa — a North African spicy chili paste. PHOTOS FROM DLS-CSB

Naan — something new for Noche Buena

The centerpiece of the culinary spread are AlBarakah’s premium shredded corned beef and minced hash corned beef. PHOTOS FROM ALBARAKAH

AlBarakah's Arabian Nights Feast dazzles with authentic halal flavors

Banoffee Jelly Pie

Noche Buena desserts with the unassuming gulaman

Seafood paella PHOTOS FROM CENTURY TUNA

Tuna dishes to keep holiday season fit and festive

The Manila Times CSI

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian addresses the 13th Manila Forum for Philippine-China Relations and Annual Christmas Media Party Understanding China at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel Rizal Ballroom on Dec. 11, 2024. CHINESE EMBASSY PHOTOS

Expats & Diplomats

Chinese Embassy hosts 13th Manila Forum, Media Night

By Arlo Custodio - December 18, 2024

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of December 20, 2024

The sporty Hyundai IONIQ 5N.
HYUNDAI PHOTO

Fast Times

By Anjo Perez - December 17, 2024

ICTSI subsidiary TecPlata Port Terminal in Argentinahas achieves a milestone by securing certification to handle Neo-Panamax vessels.
PHOTO from ICTSI

Maritime

TecPlata to handle Neo-Panamax ships

By Genivi Verdejo - December 18, 2024

Roy Golez, director of research and consultancy of real estate firm Leechiu Property Consultants, Inc. (LPC). PHOTOS FROM LPC

Build & Design

'Sluggish' NCR residential condo market makes open lots an option

By Cora Llamas - December 17, 2024

Daram, Samar. PHOTO FROM OCEANA

Green Industries

Samar project aims to reduce 40% postharvest fish loss

By Cora Llamas - December 21, 2024

Students in Plaridel, Bulacan receive their print copies of 'Rhapsody of Realities' from representatives of Christ Embassy coming from various areas. REACH OUT WORLD PH PHOTO

Campus Press

Students called to have 'faith in action' for Reach Out World

By The Manila Times - December 19, 2024

PORTRAIT-BRW-GERARD-CEDRIC-REYES

Boardroom Watch

Leading a new generation toward change

By Khrystyn Andaya - December 20, 2024

Photo shows the participants during the event where the Nueva Vizcaya Mango Industry Development Council was created. DTI PHOTO

Agribusiness

Vizcaya mango council created

By Leander C. Domingo - December 19, 2024