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Sunday, December 22, 2024
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ATONG ANG-SUNSHINE CRUZ front

Businessman Atong Ang confirms romance with actress Sunshine Cruz after videos of their kissing goes viral

By Iza Iglesias

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

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

PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO

Comelec mulls placing Sulu under its control or as area of concern

By William B. Depasupil

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

Comelec mulls placing Sulu under its control or as area of concern

Comelec exec survives Zamboanga ambush

Alice Guo bail petition denied

lotto_results20241222

PCSO Lotto Results | December 22, 2024

Deon Thompson (right) PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

ROS stays hot, overcomes tough Terrafirma

Pope Francis takes part in an audience to the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on December 19, 2024. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)

Pope Francis will celebrate Mass online after catching cold

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 21: A cardboard cutout of President-elect Donald Trump stands next to a backdrop that reads "make America healthy again" during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 20, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The annual four day conference geared toward energizing and connecting conservative youth hosts some of the country's leading conservative politicians and activists. Rebecca Noble/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Rebecca Noble / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Trump taps 'Apprentice' producer as special envoy to UK

(FILES) This handout picture released by the Panama Canal Authority on August 30, 2024, shows the container ship MSC Marie, of 366 meters long and 51 meters wide, transiting the Panama Canal in Panama. - Incoming US president Donald Trump on December 21, 2024 slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand control of the waterway be returned to Washington. (Photo by Handout / Panama Canal Authority / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / PANAMA CANAL AUTHORITHY " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Trump threatens to take back control of Panama Canal

Amani Abu Zarada, fourth from left, feeds one of her children with fried zucchini made over a fire made of paper and cardboard scraps outside their tent in a camp in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Winter is hitting Gaza and many Palestinians have little protection from the cold

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

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

San Miguel’s CJ Perez shoots against Rain or Shine’s Gian Mamuyac during the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila, on Sept. 19, 2024. TMT FILE PHOTO

SMB battles HKE, ROS faces Terrafirma

Alec Stockton (right) PBA PHOTO

Stockton sparks Converge comeback in big win over 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

Pope Francis takes part in an audience to the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on December 19, 2024. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)

WORLD

Pope Francis will celebrate Mass online after catching cold

By Agence France-Presse

Julie Anne San Jose is 'Entertainer of the Year'

By Iza Iglesias

LIFESTYLE

Target Pro by Watsons delivers revolutionary Japanese skincare

Commuters line up at a bus terminal in Quezon City and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on Dec. 22, 2024 for their trip to the provinces to spend the holidays with their loved ones. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN AND J. GERARD SEGUIA

CHRISTMAS EXODUS

December 22, 2024

Families go on a Christmas shopping rush for discounted and on sale toys on the last day of the 5-day Toy Fair at the SMX Convention Center, MOA Complex in Pasay City, on Dec. 22, 2024, three days before Christmas. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

December 22, 2024

Families and friends take advantage of the holiday break as they flock to amusement parks in Quezon City and Manila for a fun-filled day of games and rides on Dec. 22, 2024. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

December 22, 2024

The Bugaan Bridge in Laurel, Batangas, which was damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine last October, remains impassable, as viewed from Tagaytay City, on Dec. 22, 2024. The bridge connects Laurel to Agoncillo town. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

STILL IMPASSABLE

December 22, 2024

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters win against the Terrafirma Dyip, 124-112, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Dec. 22, 2024. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO

December 22, 2024

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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

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 21: A cardboard cutout of President-elect Donald Trump stands next to a backdrop that reads "make America healthy again" during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on December 20, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The annual four day conference geared toward energizing and connecting conservative youth hosts some of the country's leading conservative politicians and activists. Rebecca Noble/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Rebecca Noble / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Trump taps 'Apprentice' producer as special envoy to UK

By Agence France-Presse

(FILES) This handout picture released by the Panama Canal Authority on August 30, 2024, shows the container ship MSC Marie, of 366 meters long and 51 meters wide, transiting the Panama Canal in Panama. - Incoming US president Donald Trump on December 21, 2024 slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to demand control of the waterway be returned to Washington. (Photo by Handout / Panama Canal Authority / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / PANAMA CANAL AUTHORITHY " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Trump threatens to take back control of Panama Canal

Amani Abu Zarada, fourth from left, feeds one of her children with fried zucchini made over a fire made of paper and cardboard scraps outside their tent in a camp in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Winter is hitting Gaza and many Palestinians have little protection from the cold

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)

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

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

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

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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

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

Sports

Tiger Woods, son Charlie share halfway lead in PNC

MIAMI — Tiger Woods and his 15-year-old son Charlie combined for a 13-under par 59 to share the lead after Saturday's (Sunday in Manila) first round of the PNC Championship parent-child golf event. Charlie Woods tapped in for birdie at the par-5 18th hole, the 13th birdie of the day for Team Woods in the 36-hole matchup between 20 duos at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. "We picked each other up, which was great, and Charlie made pretty much most of the putts," Tiger Woods said. Sharing the halfway lead were Fijian Vijay Singh and son Qass and Germany's Bernhard Langer and

Cavs cruise past Bucks, Sixers win

Cousins to reinforce SGA for Dubai Intl tourney

PH junior lifters capture 3 golds in Asian tilt

SMB battles HKE, ROS faces Terrafirma

Russians to compete as neutrals in 2026 Winter Olympics

POC braces for busy 2025 schedule

Bayern routs Leipzig, keeps Bundesliga lead

Simona revs up for Australian Open qualifying

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of December 20, 2024

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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

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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

Alfy Yan follows footsteps of late uncle Rico

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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