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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

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

Alec Stockton (right) PBA PHOTO

Stockton sparks Converge comeback in big win over Ginebra

DISASTER READY THUMBNAIL 2024

WATCH: Herbosa inspects East Avenue Medical Center emergency room

PUBLIC CONCERN THUMBNAIL 2024

WATCH: DOH launches campaign for 'safe' Christmas

SHOOTING STARS THUMBNAIL 2024

WATCH: Fireworks cap UST's 'Paskuhan 2024'

JOHNSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 07: A woman sleeps on an Amtrak train on November 7, 2024 outside of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After a divisive election, America voted to return Donald Trump to the White House. The Democratic stronghold states in the upper Midwest, sometimes referred to as the "Blue Wall, " all voted to re-elect the former president and reflected a general dissatisfaction with the current political status quo. Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by SPENCER PLATT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

US approves first drug treatment for sleep apnea

Taliban security personnel are pictured during the funeral ceremony of Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani, the Minister for Refugees and Repatriation, in Sarana of Paktia province, south of Kabul, on December 12, 2024. - Thousands of Afghans on December 12 attended the funeral of the refugees minister, Haqqani, after he was killed in a suicide bombing in Kabul the day before in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. (Photo by Wakil Kohsar / AFP)

Pakistan Taliban claim raid killing 16 soldiers

Ambulances and rescuers are seen after a car crashed into a crowd at a Christmas market injuring more than 60 people on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, eastern Germany. - The death toll of the Magdeburg market attack rose to two according to the State Premier. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Saudi man arrested after deadly car attack on German Christmas market

The US Capitol is seen in Washington, DC, on December 20, 2024. - The US House of Representatives voted on December 20 to avert a government shutdown with just hours to spare, with Democrats joining Republicans to advance a funding bill keeping the lights on through mid-March. Lawmakers sent a package to the Senate that would keep federal agencies running through mid-March -- but the upper chamber only has until midnight (0500 GMT) to follow suit or federal agencies will begin shutting. (Photo by Richard PIERRIN / AFP)

US Congress passes bill to avert shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Co-Chair of the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), arrives on Capitol Hill on December 05, 2024 in Washington, DC. Musk and his Co-Chair, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy are meeting with lawmakers today about DOGE, a planned presidential advisory commission with the goal of cutting government spending and increasing efficiency in the federal workforce. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Anger after Musk backs German far right

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau leaves Parliament Hill after attending a cabinet meeting in Ottawa, Canada on December 20, 2024. - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on December 20, 2024 shook up his cabinet, changing one-third of his team as political turmoil threatens his leadership and tensions erupt with incoming US president Donald Trump. The reshuffle came at the end of a chaotic week in Ottawa spurred by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who clashed with her boss over Trump's threats to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports. (Photo by Dave Chan / AFP)

Major reshuffle as Trudeau faces party pressure, Trump taunts

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

DOMINANT WIN Georges Niang of the Cleveland Cavaliers dives for a loose ball against Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Dec. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP PHOTO

SPORTS

Cavs cruise past Bucks, Sixers win

By Agence France-Presse

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

WORLD

US envoy: Arms firm could help Vietnam

By Associated Press

Julie Anne San Jose is 'Entertainer of the Year'

By Iza Iglesias

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

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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

Indonesians mark 2 decades after tsunami

By Agence France-Presse

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

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16 Israelis wounded by Yemen missile

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Funding difficulties spell gloom for workers

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Russia says Kursk missile strike kills 5

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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

DeMarcus-Cousins

Sports

Cousins to reinforce SGA for Dubai Intl tourney

FORMER NBA star and Olympic gold medalist DeMarcus Cousins is set to reinforce the Strong Group Athletics club, which will represent the Philippines at the Dubai International Basketball Tournament slated from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2 next year. Boogie (Cousins) himself announced the development in a post on his official Facebook page on Saturday. "I'm excited to announce that I'll be teaming up with Coach Charles Tiu, Jacob Lao and Strong Group Athletics to represent the Philippines in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament," wrote Cousins. "Can't wait to help bring home

By Niel Victor C. Masoy - December 22, 2024

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

Bulked-up Fury promises 'war' in Usyk rematch

Tiger Woods has 'long way' before PGA return

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