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IN MET R MANILAO

VOL. XXXIX • NO. 309 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES DECEMBER 21, 2025

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CELEBRATION! Poy Erram, (right) a member of the Gilas

Pilipinas, celebrates after clinching the gold medal against host Thailand in a thrilling final in the Southeast Asian Games basketball competition. The Philippines finished its SEAG journey in sixth place with 50 gold medals, 73 silver and 153 bronze. (Top deck, from left): EJ Obiena and Elijah Cole (pole vault); the women’s 4x100M relay team, composed of Kayla Sanchez, Heather White, Cloe Isleta, and Xiandi Chua; Eumir Marcial (boxing) and Alex Eala (tennis). POC

Autopsy shows no foul play in Cabral’s death Remulla: Ex-DPWH exec’s phone to undergo forensic analysis LAST KNOWN PHOTO.

By Rex Espiritu and Vince Lopez

A selfie taken by driver Cardo Hernandez showed former DPWH Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral sitting on a concrete barrier along Kennon Road around 8 a.m. Thursday, hours before she was found dead in a ravine. Facebook page of Jesus Falcis

NITIAL autopsy results indicate that former Public Works undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral died from blunt force trauma from her fall, with no signs of foul play, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Saturday said.

“The initial reports show that with all certainty that she died of blunt force trauma. So, what we saw fractured were the right side of her face, behind her head, with her ribs entering her internal organs, and her feet were broken,” Remulla said in a mix of English and Filipino. “We didn’t see signs of struggle in the car, no

skin cells were seen underneath the fingernails, and no gunshot wounds were seen so far…So far, no signs of foul play,” he added. The Interior Secretary also confirmed that the selfie circulating on social media showing Cabral was taken from the cellphone of her driver, Cardo Hernandez. Turn on A4

Secure Cabral’s list of flood infra proponents—Ridon THE government should move to secure the list of flood control project proponents of former Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said. “We should be able to retrieve it,” Ridon said in a press forum yesterday. He said the probe into questionable flood control projects should not end with Cabral’s death. Ridon also called on Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste to make public a list that the former claimed was given to him by Cabral as early as September. “My question to him (Leviste) is —It has been several months since the supposed document had been provided to him. Why has he not disclosed it up until today?” Ridon said. He said the list supposedly details who are involved in corruption and kickbacks from flood control projects. “This cane from Rep. Leviste. The challenge to him is basically disclose that list if he actually wants to honor the memory of former Usec. Cabral,” Ridon said. Leviste, in a Facebook post, said the “list of all the proponents of DPWH insertions” is contained in Cabral’s computer.

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Successful SEAG run: Key victories and breakthroughs By Riera U. Mallari BANGKOK—Team Philippines wrapped up its campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with 50 gold, 73 silver and 153 bronze medals for a total of 276 podium finishes, settling for sixth place overall—one rung below its pre-Games’ target, but a performance that top sports officials still deemed a success. The gold-medal tally fell short of the 58 golds and fifth-place finish achieved in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia and was well below the record 149-gold haul when the Philippines hosted the Games in 2019. Still, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio stressed that the results went beyond medal counts, pointing to breakthroughs, defended titles and key victories against the host nation. “Very successful para sa amin. We broke many records, we defended, we beat their games—’yun ang importante,” said Tolentino. “We beat their games (football). We defended our games (basketball). Ganoon lang kasimple.” Turn on A4

Drug war victims want ICC to start Rody trial ASAP By Pot Chavez

FESTIVE WELCOME. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. greets returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families during the ‘Tara sa Palasyo’ Christmas festivities at the Palace’s Kalayaan Grounds Friday evening. PBBM Facebook page

Bondi shooter visited gun shop during PH stay—police ONE of the two alleged Bondi Beach shooters visited a gun store during their stay in the Philippines, police said on Saturday as they attempted to retrace the pair’s movements. An Australian counter-terrorism

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@ManilaStandardPH

team is investigating whether Sajid Akram and his son Naveed met with Islamist extremists during a nearly month-long visit to Mindanao before the mass shooting that killed 15 people in Sydney last week.

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The staff of Davao City’s GV Hotel told Agence France Presse this week that the two men had stayed holed up in their small room for most of their 28-day stay, leaving only briefly each morning. Turn on A4

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THE victims of the past administration’s deadly war on drugs expressed hope the International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber will consider former President Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial and begin proceedings immediately. In an interview with Manila Standard, ICC-accredited lawyer Gilbert Andres expressed confidence the Chamber will find Duterte fit to participate in the pre-trial proceedings. “The victims of the war on drugs considered a positive development that the public redacted versions of observations by parties and participants point to the Expert Panel considering Mr. Duterte competent for the purpose of the pre-trial proceedings,” he said. Andres, who is also the Executive Director of Center for International Law (CenterLaw), added: “We really Turn on A4

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A2 | DECEMBER 21, 2025

FAO seeks $521.6m for food production, climate-resilient agri

HE Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking to raise $521.6 million (approximately P30.5 billion) to boost food production and climate-resilient agriculture solutions in Asia and the Pacific, including the Philippines. The amount forms part of FAO’s broader $2.5 billion Global Emergency and Resilience Appeal for 2026, which aims to support more than 100 million people across 54 countries and territories, the organization said in a press statement on Saturday. The FAO said the global appeal

will fund life-saving emergency interventions, such as the distribution of seeds and tools, animal health campaigns, rapid livelihood recovery, and cash assistance. It will also support resiliencebuilding programs focused on climate- and biodiversity-positive

agrifood solutions, water infrastructure, market access, agrifood systems restoration, and strengthened monitoring systems. Of the total appeal, the $521.6 million allocation for Asia and the Pacific is intended to assist about 30.5 million people in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste. The FAO formally launched its firstever Global Emergency and Resilience Appeal on the sidelines of the 179th Session of the FAO Council at its headquarters in Rome on Dec. 3. Speaking at the event, Philippine Permanent Representative to FAO Neal

Imperial backed the agency’s call as he emphasized the need for timely emergency interventions to stabilize agricultural production, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure food availability when disasters strike. “Emergency agriculture interventions save livelihoods and accelerate recovery. They allow farmers to replant, restock, and repair assets quickly, preventing prolonged hunger, avoiding displacement, and reducing the need for extended humanitarian assistance,” he said. “By protecting productive assets early, we lay the foundation for shockresponsive food systems that support broader development goals.”

HOLIDAY EXODUS.

Passengers bound for northern provinces crowd bus terminals in Cubao and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange on Dec. 20, 2025, as travelers leave Metro Manila for the Christmas season. PITX management says provincial buses are fully booked until Dec. 24 but assures that additional buses will be deployed to accommodate demand. Edd Castro and Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF Cops seize P100m frozen food in Navotas City THE Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) seized frozen food worth P100 million in Navotas City for lacking the required permits, authorities said. In a statement released Friday, the PNP said the confiscated items included assorted meat, fish, and other agri-fishery products packed in 1,071 boxes. Authorities said the products may have been illegally

smuggled and potentially unsafe for consumption. The operation was carried out through a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013, targeting cold storage warehouses in the city. PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. said the seizure underscores the police force’s commitment to protecting public health, especially as the Christmas season approaches. Rex Espiritu

MMDA warns MMFF complimentary tickets not for sale T H E M etropolitan M anila Development Authority (MMDA) warned the public against scammers selling complimentar y tickets for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival on social media platforms. The agency said it has received numerous complaints from buyers who were misled into believing the tickets being sold online were legitimate. The MMDA stressed that

MMFF complimentary tickets are strictly not for sale and urged the public not to patronize illegal sellers. It advised the public to report incidents of selling or buying complimentary tickets to the MMDA hotline 136. Meanwhile, the MMFF successfully held its Parade of Stars on Friday in Makati, where officials promoted the eight film entries of the festival’s 51st edition. Joel E. Zurbano

PH re-elected to IDLO standing panel for 2025–2027 THE Philippines has been reelected by consensus as an ad hoc member of the Standing Committee of the International Development Law Organization for the 2025–2027 term, the Philippine Embassy in Italy said. The embassy said the reelection reaffirms the country’s active role and sustained commitment to advancing the rule of law and access to justice. Ambassador and Permanent Representative Neal

Imperial reiterated the Philippines’ strong support for IDLO’s mandate to strengthen justice systems and institutions for sustainable development. During the session, the Philippines cited the need to enhance burden- and responsibility-sharing to help IDLO deliver results amid funding constraints. The election was held on Dec. 12 in Rome during the 2025 Annual Meeting of the IDLO Assembly of Parties.

DSWD disburses P30.8m in aid to 5,600 disaster-hit families in Sorsogon By Maricel V. Cruz THE Department of Social Welfare and Development has distributed over P30.8 million in emergency cash transfer assistance to 5,604 families affected by Typhoon Uwan in the province of Sorsogon, Bicol Region. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response and Management Group, who also serves as agency spokesperson, said the department continues to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of assistance to disaster-affected families amid the holiday season. “Our countrymen need this kind of help from the government even more at this time. As Secretary Rex Gatchalian

always says, even though many offices are resting now, we at the DSWD continue our operations,” Dumlao said over the weekend. The DSWD’s Field Office 5–Bicol Region facilitated the emergency cash transfer payout in Sorsogon City. Families whose houses were totally damaged received P10,263 each, while those with partially damaged houses received P5,287. In the municipality of Donsol, 128 families with totally damaged houses and 2,600 families with partially damaged houses received their respective cash assistance. In the municipality of Pilar, 174 families with totally damaged houses and 2,702 families with partially damaged houses also received the emergency

cash aid. The DSWD spokesperson reassured families listed by their respective Municipal Social Welfare and Development Offices but who have yet to receive their cash aid that the department will continue the distribution through succeeding payout batches. “Emergency cash transfer payouts are given per batch. In fact, today the DSWD Field Office 5 is distributing another batch in the same province. Emergency cash payouts are also continuing in other provinces,” the spokesperson said. The release of emergency cash transfer assistance eases the burden of families still recovering from the effects of past disasters.

Agencies simplify tax exemption for socialized, economic housing By Maricel V. Cruz THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) welcomed on Saturday the simplified application for tax exemption for socialized and economic housing issued by the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, describing it as a timely boost for housing stakeholders, particularly private developers and home buyers. DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Alil-

ing said the BIR’s issuance of Revenue Memorandum Order 048-2025 complies with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to streamline and simplify processes in the housing and real estate industry. “This was ordered by President Marcos Jr., who directed me to speed up and simplify processes in the housing sector for the benefit of our countrymen who continue to dream of owning their own homes,” Aliling said.

He described the BIR order as a major boost to the ongoing rollout of President Marcos Jr.’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, which covers all socialized housing projects nationwide. “This is a big development for all housing stakeholders, especially home buyers. It will further strengthen the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Program of President Marcos Jr. as it encourages and accelerates socialized housing production by private developers,” Aliling said.

TRADITIONAL CURE.

A shop attendant weighs and portions Chinese herbal ingredients at a decades-old drugstore in Binondo, Manila, where assorted medicinal roots and dried botanicals are neatly arranged for customers. Richmond Chi

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XMAS FOR ANIMALS. Malabon Zoo founder Manny Tangco joins pet lovers and their animals in celebrating the zoo’s annual Christmas party, themed ‘Christmas is for animals too,‘ at the Malabon Zoo, Aquarium and Botanical Garden. Andrew Rabulan.

Water services restored in Marikina barangay after P15m payment By Joel Zurbano

ater services in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City were finally restored on Saturday after Mayor Maan Teodoro settled a P15 million initial payment to Manila Water. Mayor Teodoro, alongside Marikina 1st District Rep. Marcy Teodoro and

members of the City Council, went to the Manila Water office in Tumana to hand over the check. “Today, we paid P15 million to Manila Water as an initial payment for the immediate reconnection of water services to about 3,000 residents of Barangay Tumana,” Teodoro said in a statement. After the payment, Teodoro and council members accompanied Maanila Water personnel as they opened the 13 valves servicing the barangay, immediately restoring water supply to residents.

President Marcos proclaims three new PEZA economic zones By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has created three new special economic zones across Metro Manila, Northern Mindanao, and Calabarzon to expand investment hubs for information technology, agro-industrial, and industrial activities. In proclamations signed on Dec. 16, President Marcos designated an information technology center in Parañaque City, an agro-industrial economic zone in Misamis Oriental, and a special economic zone in Calamba City, Laguna, upon the recommendation of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority Board of Directors. Under Proclamation No. 1111, the President declared a 10,000-squaremeter property in Aseana City, Parañaque, as a special economic zone for

information technology operations. The site was certified by the Land Registration Authority. Proclamation No. 1112 designated several parcels of land along the National Road in Barangays Cabug and Maanas, Medina, Misamis Oriental, as an agro-industrial economic zone covering about 50,000 square meters. Mr. Marcos also issued Proclamation No. 1113, creating a special economic zone spanning about 100,000 square meters in Barangays Bubuyan and Punta, Calamba City, Laguna. All three ecozones will operate under Republic Act 7916, or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, as amended, and will be subject to PEZA’s rules and regulations. PEZA-registered ecozones aim to attract investments, generate jobs, and promote regional development.

SEASON OF GIVING. Senator Camille Villar, with her son Tristan and her mother, former senator Cynthia Villar, distributes gifts to children from the Baseco community in Tondo during a Christmas outreach at the Villar Children’s Farm in Bacoor, Cavite, on Dec. 20. Norman Cruz

During his term as mayor, Rep. Teodoro paid P8.8 million to the water concessionaire to reduce Tumana’s mounting debt, which was then about P20 million but later ballooned to more than P37 million as of this month. The mayor said the local government will hold accountable officials responsible for failing to settle the P37 million debt. “We will identify and hold accountable those responsible. They will be made to answer for this, and we will ensure this will never happen again,” she said.

‘Rep. Gomez behavior at SEA Games may warrant complaint’ By Maricel V. Cruz LEYTE 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez may face an ethics complaint after he was caught on CCTV allegedly manhandling Philippine Fencing Association president Rene Gacuma during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. A viral video circulating on social media shows a man believed to be Gomez punching another man wearing an official Philippine SEA Games shirt. Gacuma later confirmed in a letter of complaint to Philippine SEA Games Chef de Mission Raul Canlas that the incident occurred on Dec. 16 at Fashion Island, the competition venue, where Gomez, a director of the fencing association, allegedly confronted him over the replacement of national athlete Alexa Larrazabal in the individual women’s epee event. Lawyer and former lawmaker Antonio Tinio Ridon said the incident warrants disciplinary action from Congress, stressing that legislators are expected to observe proper conduct at all times. Ridon said Gomez’s alleged actions could undermine the reputation and dignity of the House of Representatives. Reports said Gacuma intends to file an ethics complaint against the actor-turned-lawmaker, noting that there would be no settlement or apology from either party. Gacuma said the athlete replacement was unanimously approved by the PFA board based on coaching staff recommendations, citing unauthorized absences and failure to submit required documents. Gomez’s office has yet to comment on the incident. In a separate media report, the lawmaker said it was Gacuma who approached him and that he plans to file bullying charges against the association on behalf of Larrazabal. Gomez and his daughter Juliana both represented the Philippines at the games, with Gomez competing in shooting and his daughter in fencing.

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WORLD

A4 | DECEMBER 21, 2025

Taiwan president vows full inquiry into deadly attack TAIPEI—Taiwan’s President Lai Chingte pledged a full, public inquiry into a deadly metro attack as he visited hospitals on Saturday. A 27-year-old suspect set off smoke bombs in Taipei’s main metro station during the Friday evening rush hour before launching into a stabbing rampage, according to authorities. He killed three people in an attack that spanned the main station, an underground shopping district and another metro stop, while at least 11 others were wounded, according to a revised count from the police on Saturday. The suspect, who had been wanted for evading military service, died in an apparent suicide after the attack, Taipei’s mayor said at briefing on Friday night. Officials called it a “deliberate act” but said the motive was not immediately clear. While visiting hospitals on Saturday, Lai offered sympathy and pledged transparency. “I want to express condolences to those who tragically lost their lives in last night’s horrific, violent attack, and to extend my sympathy to their families,”Lai said at one of the hospitals. He added that he has ordered a “full and thorough investigation” and will “give the public a full account of truth.” Violent crime is rare in Taiwan. The last time a similar incident occurred was in 2014, when a man on a stabbing spree in the metro killed four people. AFP

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“There are a few who have a copy of this list. And if this comes out, the investigation can now end,” the Batangas lawmaker said. “Protect the witnesses of DPWH and preserve their files,” Leviste added.

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Before the regional meet, the POC set a goal of at least matching—or surpassing—the gold output from Cambodia, a target the delegation narrowly missed amid what officials described as restrictive eligibility rules and host-country limitations across several sports. “Bonus na nga ‘yung gold ng women’s football na talunin and Thailand,” Tolentino said. “Nandoon pa and basketball as predicted—in spite, mabigat ‘yung in spite. Applicable to all sports ‘yun. It was an uphill battle. Masakit man sabihin, this is a brutal SEA Games. Pero hindi kinaya ng iba—Pilipino pa rin ang nanaig.” Gregorio echoed the sentiment, underscoring that the Philippines prevailed in sports the host nation aimed to dominate. “We won in games that mattered most—to them. Doon natin sila tinalo,” he said. “That proves that we can excel in Olympic competitions. ‘Yun naman ang hangarin natin.” The PSC chief also highlighted the country’s 153 bronze medals—the most among all nations—as a key investment in long-term development. “’Yung bronze medals na ’yan, ‘yan and grassroots (program) natin,” Gregorio said. “Mag-i-improve ‘yan because we gave them an opportunity to participate. The next generation of Olympians dito galing. Ang ending naman nito, Olympics.”

CACHE OF RECORDS. This photo illustration taken in Washington, DC, on December 19, 2025 shows photographs, including of former US president Bill Clinton, Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson and Ghislaine Maxwell, after the US Justice Department began releasing the longawaited records from the investigation into the politically explosive case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. AFP

Epstein files opened W

Famous faces, many blacked-out pages

ASHINGTON—The US Justice Department on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) began releasing a longawaited cache of records from its investigations into the politically explosive case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – though much of the material remained heavily redacted. Among the trove are numerous photographs depicting former Democratic president Bill Clinton and other luminaries, including Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson, in Epstein’s social circle. The sweeping blackouts across many of the documents – combined with tight control over

the release by officials in President Donald Trump’s administration – stoked skepticism over whether this disclosure will silence conspiracy theories of a high-level cover-up. In one example, seven pages listing 254 masseuses have every name buried beneath thick black bars alongside the note, “redacted to protect potential victim information.” Even so, the files shed some light on the disgraced financier’s intimate ties to the rich, famous and powerful – Trump among them. At least one file contains dozens of censored images of naked or scantily clad figures. Others show Epstein and companions, their faces obscured, posing with firearms. Previously unseen photographs include Maxwell with disgraced former prince Andrew, pictured lying across the legs of five people. Another photo shows a youthful-looking Clinton lounging in a hot tub, part of the image blacked out. In another, Clinton swims alongside a dark-

haired woman who appears to be Epstein’s accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. The White House wasted no time seizing on Clinton’s appearances. “Slick Willy! @BillClinton just chillin, without a care in the world. Little did he know...” Communications Director Steven Cheung posted on X. Clinton’s deputy chief of staff Angel Urena responded to the newly released files by saying the country “expects answers, not scapegoats.” “The White House hasn’t been hiding these files for months only to dump them late on a Friday to protect Bill Clinton. This is about shielding themselves,” Urena wrote in a statement posted to X. Democrats voiced frustration that the release fell far short of what was mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The new federal law required the government’s entire case file be posted publicly by Friday, constrained only by legal and victim privacy concerns. AFP

Aussie lifeguards fall silent for Bondi victims SYDNEY—Australian surf lifesavers lined the shore of Sydney’s Bondi Beach and fell silent Saturday to honor the 15 people shot and killed when gunmen fired into crowds at a Jewish festival by the sea. Scores of rescuers stood by the water’s edge along the entire length of the beach, six days after the two alleged assailants carried out one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia’s history. The elder gunman, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot and killed by police. His 24-year-old son Naveed survived and remains in hospital under police guard facing charges including terrorism and 15 murders. Facing the ocean while wearing their red-and-yellow uniforms, the lifeguards observed three minutes of silence. Some cried or hugged each other at the morning ceremony, with a surf lifesaving helicopter hovering overhead,

television images showed. Volunteer surf lifesavers across the country, who number more than 200,000, were being asked to join the homage in solidarity with those affected by the Bondi attack before starting their morning patrols. Ocean rescuers wanted to recognize the “tragedy that has unfolded at Bondi while also reflecting on our respect and compassion for the Jewish community targeted by this attack,” Bondi’s two lifesaving clubs said in a message. “We pay respects to those who lost their lives, those who risked their lives, those who worked so hard to save lives, and all of us who will never forget.” Lifeguards at Bondi have been widely praised for their courage on the day of the December 14 attack, dragging people to safety, bandaging and resuscitating victims, and pulling

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hope that the Pre-Trial Chamber judicially finds Mr. Duterte fit to participate in the pre-trial proceedings and for the Chamber to schedule the confirmation of charges as soon as possible, in line with the victims’ rights to justice and to the truth under international law.” In a separate report, ABS-CBN News said the Office of Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) has urged the ICC to set the confirmation of charges hearing against Duterte “without further delay.” In a confidential filing to Pre-Trial Chamber I, OPCV Principal Counsel Paolina Massidda said the experts’ reports showed no medical condition that would prevent Duterte from exercising his rights during the pre-trial phase. “The relevant legal criteria for Mr. Duterte’s fitness to participate in the confirmation of charges hearings are fulfilled. There exist no obstacles that would prevent Mr. Duterte

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“What we’ve seen is one of them visiting a gun shop,” Davao regional police spokeswoman Catherine Dela Rey said on Saturday, adding later that it was 50-year-old Sajid Akram who had been seen. “Our reviewing of CCTVs is ongoing so we can see the other places they visited and the people they could have spoken with,” she said. While little has been made public at this stage of the investigation, Na-

panicked swimmers from the waves. A photo shared widely online showed lifeguard Jackson Doolan running barefoot down the road from a neighboring beach towards the Bondi shooting, carrying a defibrillator to help victims. The local mayor described his actions as “remarkable.” On Sunday, Australia will hold a national day of reflection with the theme “light over darkness” marking a week after the attack started with a minute’s silence at 6:47 pm (0747 GMT). Flags will fly at half-mast, and Australians are being asked to light a candle in their windows to honor the victims and stand by the Jewish community, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “Sixty seconds carved out from the noise of daily life, dedicated to 15 Australians who should be with us today,” he told reporters Saturday. AFP

from meaningfully exercising his procedural rights,” the OPCV said in its submission. The ICC ordered the medical evaluation after Duterte’s lawyers requested in August an indefinite adjournment of the case, citing concerns over their client’s health. The ICC Registry appointed three medical experts in September and added a fourth the following month. The panel submitted its findings on Dec. 5. The medical panel and the Detention Centre’s Medical Officer recommended limiting court attendance to four days a week with no more than two consecutive hearing days. They also suggested starting sessions after 10 a.m., holding no more than two sessions per day, and keeping each session to 90 minutes with adequate breaks in between. They recommended providing nutritious food suited to Duterte’s cultural preferences and offered guidance on how he should be questioned or provided information. The prosecution concluded its submission by urging the Chamber to schedule the resumption of the confirmation of charges hearing “immediately.”

tional Security Adviser Eduardo Ano told reporters on Friday there was “no way” the men could have left the city to conduct training. “They would go out and come back after two or three hours, the longest was eight hours, but still ... that time window (would) not suffice for them to get out of Davao,” he said. Police inquiries had also revealed that neither of the men had visited any of the city’s seven gun ranges, he said. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has criticized media reports that he said misleadingly portrayed the Philip-

pines “as a training hotspot for terrorism.” “For years, we have acted decisively to dismantle terrorist networks, to secure communities, and to sustain our hard-earned peace,” he said in a speech celebrating the 90th anniversary of the country’s armed forces on Friday. “To dismiss these gains with unfounded speculation is not acceptable.” The Philippine military has said Mindanao’s remaining jihadists now number little more than 50, from a high of 1,257 in 2016. Rex Espiritu with AFP

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Remulla said the photo was taken at around 8 a.m. on Thursday, before Cabral and her driver traveled to Baguio City and checked into a hotel. Remulla said Cabral’s spouse also agreed to turn over her mobile phone. Asked about the possibility of the phone being tampered, the Interior chief said: “There is a forensics analysis for that, so you can’t remove all (data) that.” The chief of the Tuba, Benguet Municipal Police Station, Maj. Peter Camsol, has already been relieved from his post due to lapses in the investigation into Cabral’s death, PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said. Remulla said that based on the backtracking of the CCTV footage at Ion hotel where Cabral stayed, she was alone both when she entered and exited the hotel. A search warrant was issued against Ion Hotel after its management earlier refused to give authorities access to CCTV footage and other documents related to Cabral. Remulla said based on their initial probe, Ion Hotel used to be owned by Cabral before it was sold to Benguet Rep. Eric Yap. “It is evident she and Eric Yap have a relationship, business wise,” he said in a radio interview. Remulla noted that the rock netting project in Benguet involved both Yap and Cabral as well. “It is evident the rock netting project went through the office of Usec. Cabral…It is evident the supplier and contractor of the rock netting is Eric Yap. So, somehow, there is a relationship,” Remulla added. Ion Hotel declined to release any information to the public regarding Cabral’s stay. “In strict compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, lon Hotel is unable to confirm, deny, or disclose any information relating to guest records, including whether any individual checked in or stayed at the hotel,” the hotel said in a statement. “lon Hotel is fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities and will provide any information that may be lawfully required through proper legal channels…We respectfully request understanding and ask that the privacy of all parties involved be observed as the investigation proceeds.”

BUSINESS

DECEMBER 21, 2025

OTHEL V. CAMPOS, Issue Editor email: extrastory2000@gmail.com

Culinary center introduces masterclass for professionals Ryan Cruz of Nippon Hasha Group with CCA Manila communications director Ana Beatrice Trinidad facilitating the discussion.

S THE Philippine food and hospitality industry grapples with rising costs, talent shortages and shifting consumer expectations, one institution is quietly expanding its role outside the classroom. Culinary Center of Asia (CCA) Manila, long regarded as the country’s top culinary school, recently marked its 29th year with a strategic shift, launching the first-ever CCA Connect Bootcamp - a one-day intensive designed not for students, but for working professionals navigating the realities of today’s restaurant and hospitality business. Held at Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, the bootcamp brought together restaurant owners, chefs, managers, and emerging leaders for a full day of discussions on leadership, service design, and operational discipline, underscoring how hospitality today is shaped by systems, culture, and consistency as much as by craft. The program forms part of CCA Connect, a new initiative designed to strengthen community ties and encourage k nowledge -sharing across the industry. After nearly three decades focused on culinary education, CCA Manila is positioning itself as a collaboration hub for hospitality professionals seeking practical tools and peer support. “ This bootcamp came from re p e a t e d c o nve r s a t i o n s w i t h

restaurant owners. They told us they needed people, they needed training, and they needed support. CCA Connect brings everyone together not just to learn from speakers, but from one another. It’s about breaking the culture of gatekeeping and raising standards collectively,” said CCA Manila communications director Ana Beatrice Trinidad. Practical learning Unlike traditional conferences heavy on inspirational speeches, the CCA Connect Bootcamp was intentionally hands-on, where participants were encouraged to challenge ideas, share operational pain points, and develop action plans they could immediately apply back at work. Trinidad said the initiative reflects CCA Manila’s evolving identity. Once defined primarily as a culinary school, the institution is now responding to an industry that demands deeper, mo re sustain ed en gagement. Through CCA Connect, CCA Manila is expanding its role into leadership development, operational thinking, and meaningful peer collaboration. One session featured a candid conversation with R yan Cruz,

president and CEO of Nippon Hasha Group, the company behind Mendokoro Ramenba, Ramen Yushoken, and other popular concepts. Renowned for his focus on experiential dining, Cruz spoke openly about the pressures of leadership, the trade-offs that come with growth, and the role of “guest obsession” in sustaining a business, urging operators to value criticism more than praise. “We read the one-star reviews more than the five-star ones. The five stars tell you what you already know. The one stars show you where the opportunities are,” Cruz said. Growth via feedback Another highlight came from the leadership team behind acclaimed restaurants Hapag and Ayà - Chef Thirdy Dolatre, Chef John Kevin Navoa, and service director Erin Recto. Fresh from Hapag’s first Michelin star and Recto’s Michelin Service Award, the trio made it clear that recognition was never the starting point.

Their success, they said, rests on a culture-first philosophy that prioritizes team well-being, accountability, and a distinctly personal form of Filipino hospitality. “We didn’t build a restaurant that chases stars. We built one where people actually want to work - where they eat together and look out for each other,” they said. Recto described front-of-house service as being the “best picture frame to a chef’s work of art,” where every detail supports the overall dining experience. Behind the scenes Throughout the training, participants learned that hospitality is not defined by food, ambiance, or awards alone. It is shaped by the invisible work of rigorous training, strong systems, humility, and daily discipline that sustains consistency and excellence. “Great dining experiences are created long before the guest sits down.

Our goal is to give professionals both inspiration and operational tools to build sustainable hospitality,” Trinidad said. The inaugural bootcamp underscored CCA Manila’s deeper, more deliberate role in the hospitality ecosystem, as the pioneer in culinary education expands its support for operators, teams, and future leaders far beyond the kitchen. “This is just the beginning. What we saw today is an industry that wants community over competition, systems over guesswork, and conversations that genuinely move us forward,”Trinidad said, adding that CCA Manila plans to roll out more CCA Connect programs in 2026, including additional bootcamps, workshops, and industry meetups. Othel V. Campos

‘Salamat, DOLE’: OccMin local entreps thank DOLE for livelihood boost

DOLE’S 92ND FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY. (Left photo) Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma affirmed during the DOLE’s 92nd Anniversary celebration that the Department will continue to deliver prompt, efficient, and reliable services for Filipino workers. (Photos by Ali Creo/DOLE-IPS)

DOLE vows prompt, efficient service in 92nd anniv celebration THE Department of Labor and Employment renewed its commitment to reliable, prompt, honest, and efficient service delivery as it celebrated its 92nd anniversary at the Occupational Safety and Health Center Complex in Quezon City on December 8, 2025. DOLE S ecretar y Bienvenido E. Laguesma, along with the Department’s senior officials, led the simple gathering held adhering to the administration’s call for judicious and prudent use of government funds during year-end celebrations. In his speech, Secretary Laguesma reiterated DOLE’s commitment to continuously level up its programs and service delivery and provide seamless

service to Filipino workers, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to bring government services closer to the people. “...nitong mga nakaraang linggo, lahat po ng ating mga regional offices ay nagsagawa ng mga activities (job fairs, payouts, etc.). Ini-scale down po natin ang ating celebration, pero ni-ramp up po natin, ni-level up po natin ang mga services para po sa ating mga constituencies, partikular po sa mga manggagawa,” Secretary Laguesma said. (This week, our regional offices have facilitated several initiatives [job fairs, payouts, etc.]. While we have scaled down our ceremonial festivities, we have

intensified and enhanced the delivery of services to our constituents, especially the labor sector.) “Meron din po tayo talagang pagsisikap, na ang atin pong mandato para po sa ating mga kababayan na atin pong maipagkaloob… dapat po matapat, mabilis, maayos, walang bahid, at inklusibo. Iyan po sana ang ating maging panuntunan, pamantayan ng ating ginagawa,” Secretary Laguesma added. (We also really have the effort, that our mandate for our fellow citizens is something we can provide… it should be honest, fast, proper, spotless, and inclusive. That should be our guideline and standard in what we do.)

IN line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth, informal workers in Occidental Mindoro received livelihood support through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) livelihood program. This initiative marks a significant step in empowering local entrepreneurs in the community. “Kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa DOLE sa ipinagkaloob po ninyong livelihood starter kits sa amin. Malaking tulong po ito para makapagpatuloy kami ng aming kabuhayan at matulungan pa ang pangangailangan ng aming pamilya. Maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta at pagtitiwala,” said DILP beneficiary Rosemelie E. Picarzo, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the livelihood package from the Department

during a ceremonial turnover held recently at the DOLE Occidental Mindoro Provincial Office in San Jose. A total of P140,120.00 was awarded to five individual beneficiaries under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). The beneficiaries included Picarzo, who was granted a package for her burger stand; Ulysses Panes, who received beauty salon equipment to augment current business; and Goodwin Baliguat, a fisherman from Barangay San Roque, who was provided with fishing equipment to improve his livelihood. Meanwhile, Mr. Ernan Declito of Barangay Bagong Sikat received a package to boost his polvoron production enterprise, while Ms. Nonabel Gallego was awarded a carinderia package to help improve her food service operations.

SUPPORTING LOCAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributes livelihood starter kits to local entrepreneurs through its DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) recently, at the DOLE Occidental Mindoro Provincial Office in San Jose. (Photos from DOLE Occidental Mindoro)

PH joins ASEAN push to invest in skills for inclusive growth

New minimum wage rates set for Mimaropa region MINIMUM wage workers in the MIMAROPA region will receive higher wages, following the approval of Wage Order No. RB-MIMAROPA-13. Effective January 1, 2026, the region’s daily minimum wage will be raised to P455 across the region. In a separate directive, Wage Order No. RB-MIMAROPA-DW-06 sets the new monthly minimum wage for kasambahays (domestic workers) at P7,000 across the region. The increase follows the 2025 State of the Nation Address pronouncement by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., calling on regional wage boards to ensure a timely wage review 60 days before the anniversary of the previous hike.

ASEAN HUMAN CAPITAL DEV’T INVESTMENT SYMPOSIUM. Government representatives, employers’ organizations, workers’ unions, international and regional organizations, nongovernmental organizations, regional development banks, and international and regional financial institutions, as well as academic and research institutions, attended the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium in Kuala Lumpur. (Bottom photo) Also in the photo is DOLE Region VI Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Arlyn E. Siaotong during her presentation at the event. (Top photo courtesy of HRD Corp via https://aseanyearofskills.org/)

TO ensure that Filipino workers remain competitive and ready for the future, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) participated in the ASEAN Human Capital Development Investment Symposium (AHCDIS) held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The event, themed “Empowering ASEAN’s Future: Investing in Skills for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development,” brought together labor and workforce leaders from across the region to strengthen partnerships, share best practices, and attract greater investments in skills development. Representing the country, the Philippine delegation was led by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), an attached agency of DOLE, to demonstrate the country’s strong push to establish a highly skilled, resilient, and inclusive workforce. TESDA highlighted how the Philippines is equipping Filipinos with future-ready skills through programs such as the National

Technical Education and Skills Development Plan, the newly enacted Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, and its pioneering micro-credentialing system that allows more flexible, modular learning for Filipino workers. TESDA also showed the country’s robust public-private partnerships through mechanisms like Industry TVET Boards and the ASEAN TVET Council. The agency likewise shared innovative financing models like the Adopt-a-School Act, TESDA-LGUNGO co-financing schemes, the Digital Skills Passport, and targeted scholarships to urge ASEAN neighbors to explore shared funding and training incentives to reach more marginalized communities. DOLE’s commitment to upskilling Filipino workers was further amplified by Dr. Arlyn E. Siaotong, Chief Administrative Officer of DOLE Region VI, who joined fellow ASEAN speakers in tackling the theme “Train Smarter, Not Harder: The Future Workforce Investment in ASEAN.”

MILO RIVERA, Issue Editor email: medarlo.e.rivera@gmail.com

The GR Yaris gets its bigger, 5-door brother over to the PH

Reservations now open for All-new GR Corolla, retail sales start December 23

OYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) is ending the year with the highly anticipated launch of the all-new GR Corolla, with retail sales commencing on December 23. This robust, 5-door hot hatch is the latest high-performance addition to TMP’s Gazoo Racing (GR) performance lineup, joining the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86. Engineered with a strong rally heritage and experience gained in motorsports like Formula D, the 24 Hours of Fuji, and the British Touring Car Championship, the GR Corolla is designed for exceptional performance and enhanced handling across various conditions, from circuit racing, rally racing, to everyday commutes. TMP Chairman Alfred Ty stated,“The all-new GR Corolla is designed to bring thrills to everyday drives,” emphasizing its adaptability to both track days and city trips. This all-wheel drive (AWD) ‘pocket rocket’ is powered by a potent 1.6-liter turbocharged G16E-GTS: 3-Cylinder,

In-line, DOHC 4-Valve Roller-Rocker engine, delivering a maximum output of 300 PS and peak torque of 400 Nm between 3,250 and 4,600 rpm. Performance is visually complemented by an aerodynamic silhouette, 18-inch aluminum wheels, Bi-LED headlights, and a triple exhaust system. The GR Corolla distinguishes itself by offering a comfortable, functional five-seater interior, ensuring that passengers can “hop in and out of the vehicle” easily, with a spacious second row for comfort during group drives. The driver-focused cabin features a 12.3-inch Multi Info Display, a Head-Up Display, and a 7-inch Display Audio

system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers can tailor their experience using various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Gravel, and Track. This off-the -shelf track weapon does not compromise on safety, equipped with the

latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) package, which includes PreCollision System (PCS), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). The A/T variant is equipped with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, while the M/T variant features Adaptive Cruise Control.

ON THE ROAD

B2 | DECEMBER 21, 2025

The all-new GR Corolla is available either in a 6-Speed 1.6L Turbo M/T (P3,811,000) or an 8-Speed 1.6L Turbo A/T (P3,955,000), with premium color options available for an additional P20,000. Reservations are now open at Toyota GR dealerships nationwide.

Changan automobile group reaches 30 million production milestone With a roadmap worth looking forward to as early as now

CHONGQING, China — China Changan Au to m o b i l e G ro u p ce l e b rate d a momentous corporate milestone this December, officially rolling its 30 millionth vehicle off the production line. This achievement not only highlights the company’s long-term growth but also signifies its major evolution into a global intelligent mobility technology company. The company’s commitment to safety remains paramount, a focus that began with China’s first minivan crash test in 1999. Today, Changan is redefining vehicle protection in the smart era with its newly launched“SDA Intelligence,”a holistic safety ecosystem that moves beyond passive structures to secure both passengers and their data, ensuring a “Safe Journey Home” in every dimension. This is supported by the industry’s only State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vehicle Safety Technology, which utilizes the proprietary CA-ITVS verification system to subject vehicles to over five million kilometers of testing, guaranteeing a lifespan of 10 years or 260,000 kilometers.

IN BRIEF Baguio’s Camp John Hay to open charging stations for more sustainable tourism ACMobility, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) have formalized a joint initiative to accelerate the electrified mobility infrastructure in Baguio city - with Camp John Hay being a focal area under BCDA’s management. The partnership introduces eight new charge points spread across three strategic locations inside Camp John Hay—the Garden Wing, the Public Parking Area, and the Golf Club. Notably, the installation includes Baguio City’s only DC Fast Charger to date, which is situated at the Garden Wing hub. This 60kW DC Fast Charger is capable of recharging vehicles in as little as 30 minutes, supported by two additional 22kW AC chargers at the same location. The Public Parking Area hosts two 22kW chargers, while the Golf Club hub provides two 7kW chargers. These modern facilities are designed to offer convenient recharging options for travelers heading to Baguio, particularly during peak periods like the holiday break. All chargers are supported by the Evro app, which allows users to easily locate stations, check availability, initiate charging, and make payments. This expansion builds

Driven by its overarching Green and Intelligent strategies, Changan is bringing tangible innovations to market. The Green Plan focuses on electrification, battery safety, and new energy vehicle ecosystems, highlighted by the Golden Shield Battery system and high-frequency pulse heating for improved cold-weather efficiency.

Simultaneously, the Intelligent Plan advances vehicle intelligence, autonomous systems, and connectivity. Furthermore, the BlueCore 3.0 powertrain ensures that internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid solutions balance high performance with exceptional fuel economy, guaranteeing efficient and reliable journeys.

Lexus initiates QC dealership construction: To be located along Sgt. Esguerra St., the future gallery is set to be the luxury automaker’s next hub for craftsmanship, innovation, and hospitality that fully resonate the spirit of ‘Omotenashi’ (anticipatory hospitality). Once operational, the 12,700sq-m, four-storey facility will offer a comprehensive range of aftersales services, including Lexus One, Periodic Maintenance, General Services, and Body & Paint to bring elevated ownership care to a larger customer base in the area. The opening of the Lexus Quezon City Gallery is tentatively set for 2027. (L-R: Vice Chairman of LEXUS Philippines Dr. David Go, President of LEXUS Philippines Mr. Masando Hashimoto, Chairman of LEXUS Philippines Mr. Alfred Ty, District Representative of Quezon City – 4th District Hon. Jesus Manuel “Bong” Suntay, Mayor of Quezon City Hon. Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, President of LEXUS Quezon City Atty. Reginaldo Oben, City Councilor of Quezon City Ms. Eden Delilah “Candy” Medina, and Executive Vice President of LEXUS Quezon City Mr. Don Juan Miguel Oben)

upon an existing EVCS at the Camp John Hay Technohub, with further AC and DC chargers slated for operation in the coming months. Hyundai returns to Bohol with new dealership HYUNDAI Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) has officially made its return to Bohol with the opening of a new dealership in the island in partnership with SmAc Motors, Inc. Located along CPG North Avenue, Booy District, Tagbilaran City, Hyundai Bohol is poised to become a trusted mobility partner for the local community. The facility features a modern showroom dedicated to showcasing Hyundai’s latest lineup of vehicles, a fully equipped service center, and an inventory of genuine spare parts to ensure a worry-free ownership experience. making innovative and sustainable mobility solutions accessible to a wider Filipino audience. The showroom welcomes customers from Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM while the service center operates on the same days, with hours set from 8:30 AM – 12:00 NN and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Suzuki Bataan soft opening ESTABLISHED with Greensun Automotive Enterprises, Inc., the new facility is located along the Bataan Provincial Highway in Barangay Culis, Hermosa City. During this soft opening phase, the dealership is already welcoming customers through its temporary display area to offer an

early opportunity to view the brand’s latest models and request test drives. Once fully completed, the facility will feature a spacious showroom capable of displaying up to five vehicle units and will be equipped with seven service bays to ensure dependable and comprehensive aftersales support for vehicle owners in the area. Suzuki Auto Bataan is working towards its official grand opening in the first quarter of 2026. During the current soft opening period, the display area operates from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed on Sundays.) Toyota’s year-end deals on its final week SIGNIFICANT savings, flexible payment schemes, and zero-interest financing options on popular Toyota models to celebrate the close of 2025 are still up for grabs. The ATIV 1.5 HEV CVT 2T is available for a downpayment of only P179,700, requiring just a 15% downpayment and includes free first-year insurance, free three-year LTO registration, and zero chattel mortgage fees, with a payment term of up to 60 months. For those preferring low monthly amortization, the Pay Light Option makes the Veloz 1.5 V CVT available for a monthly payment of P11,248. This option involves a 50% downpayment and a 60-month amortization period. Additionally, cash buyers of the RAV4 2.5 XLE HEV CVT can still purchase the unit with a P300,000 discount.

Toyota is also offering 0% interest financing for select Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models and variants of the Next Generation Tamaraw. The Corolla Cross, Yaris Cross, and Zenix HEV variants are available with 0% interest for financing options with downpayments ranging from 15% to 50%. Payment periods vary, with the longest term reaching 36 months for specific variants under the 50% downpayment scheme. On the other hand, select variants of the Next Generation Tamaraw are also offered with 0% interest, providing flexible downpayment options (15% to 50%) and payment periods extending up to 48 months for the Dropside and Aluminum Cargo variants. Other incentives include: Service Vouchers – Customers purchasing the Tamaraw, Rush, Corolla Altis, and Wigo are eligible for a P1,200 Service Discount Voucher. This voucher is applicable to multiple Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS) intervals, with the redemption period lasting up to 48 months (Tamaraw) or 36 months (Rush, Altis, Wigo) from the vehicle’s release date; Free Insurance – Select variants of the Vios, Wigo, Avanza, Veloz, Innova, Fortuner, and Hilux come with free one-year comprehensive insurance provided by Toyota Insure. This coverage includes Own Damage, Acts of Nature, 24/7 personal accident coverage, and emergency roadside assistance; Warranty – New Toyota vehicles come with the standard 3-year or 100,000-kilometer Manufacturer Warranty. Vehicles sold from January 1, 2025, onwards may also be

eligible for an Additional 2-Year Service Loyalty Warranty, extending coverage up to 40,000 kilometers beyond the standard period. Interested customers may check the full mechanics on the TMP website, with the promotion running until December 31, 2025 only. HARI makes ‘Pasok sa Pasko’ promo final call HYUNDAI Trucks & Buses PH distributor Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) is closing the holiday season with the last 10 days of their “Pasok sa Pasko” promo with exclusive year-end deals on its commercial vehicle lineup. The Hyundai County New Breeze, HARI’s best-selling minibus, is now available with discounts of up to P300,000 while the Hyundai Solati light commercial executive van can be acquired with discounts of up to P250,000. The promo’s final call runs until December 31, 2025, and is available at all Hyundai Trucks & Buses dealerships nationwide. Customers are encouraged to visit their nearest showroom to take advantage of these exclusive year-end offers. Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI Vice Chairman, President, and CEO: “The Pasok sa Pasko Promo is our way of sharing the holiday spirit with the Filipino people. By making Hyundai Trucks and Buses vehicles more accessible this Christmas season, we continue to empower our customers with reliable mobility solutions and help them drive their businesses and journeys forward.”

PETS

DESIREE CARLOS, Editor / email: daycarlos28@yahoo.com

A dog looks out the window for his furparent to see if she will come home during the holidays. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

By Mariana Burgos

HE holiday season, especially Christmas Eve, is a time filled with warmth, family gatherings, and joyful celebrations. However, for many pet owners, this festive period can also bring a bittersweet challenge: having to leave their beloved pets in a different place while they celebrate. Whether due to travel, hosting restrictions, or other circumstances, separating from pets during such a meaningful time can be emotionally taxing. Yet, with thoughtful preparation and care, it is possible to ensure pets remain happy, safe, and stress-free even when apart from their owners.

Understanding the Emotional Impact on Both Pets and Owners

Leaving pets behind during Christmas Eve is not just a logistical issue; it touches deeply on the emotional bond between humans and their animals. Pets are often considered family members, and the thought of spending the holiday without them can evoke feelings of guilt and anxiety. As highlighted in the article "How to Keep Your Pets Happy and Safe Over the Festive Season" by EarthPet, pets can sense changes in their environment and routines, which can lead to stress and behavioral changes. Owners must recognize that their absence might be confusing or upsetting to pets, especially if the separation is sudden or prolonged.

Preparing Pets for Temporary Separation

Preparation is the key to minimizing the stress pets experience when they are left in another place. According to the comprehensive guide "Stress-Free Pets During Christmas: A Comprehensive Guide" by Vetnique, establishing a familiar and comfortable environment for pets in the temporary location is crucial. This includes bringing along their favorite toys, bedding, and even clothing that carries the owner's scent. These familiar items can provide comfort and a sense of security, helping pets adjust more easily to the new surroundings. Moreover, maintaining a consistent routine as much as possible—feeding times, walks, playtime—can help pets feel more stable despite the change in location. Vetnique emphasizes that pets thrive on routine, and disruptions can heighten anxiety, especially during a busy and noisy holiday season.

Choosing the Right Caregiver or Facility

One of the most important decisions when leaving pets behind is selecting who will care for them. This could be a trusted friend,

By Mariana Burgos Species in the Spotlight

While research is ongoing, several species have garnered particular attention in the context of animal autism: Dogs: Dogs, being highly social animals, have been a subject of research. Some dogs display behaviors like social withdrawal, repetitive behaviors, and sensitivity to stimuli. Cats: Cats, too, have shown behaviors that some researchers believe align with autism. These include unusual social interactions, repetitive actions, and specific sensory sensitivities. Horses: Horses, known for their social structures, have been studied for potential autistic traits, such as social difficulties and repetitive behaviors. Birds: Certain bird species, particularly parrots, have been observed exhibiting repetitive behaviors, such as feather plucking, which may be linked to autism.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Diagnosing autism in animals presents unique challenges. Unlike humans, animals cannot communicate their internal experiences or feelings.

The emotional challenge of leaving pets on Christmas eve Staying Connected and Reassuring Pets

While physical presence is impossible, owners can still maintain a connection with

A cat waits anxiously beside the window for his furparent to come home for Christmas. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

Reflecting on the Bigger Picture: Why Sometimes Separation is Necessary

It is important to acknowledge that sometimes leaving pets behind is unavoidable. Travel restrictions, health concerns, or the nature of the celebration may make it impractical or unsafe to bring pets along. The key is to approach this situation with empathy and responsibility. As the WagWalking article advises, planning ahead and communicating openly with caregivers about the pet’s needs can transform a potentially stressful experience into a manageable one. This proactive approach not only benefits the pet but also helps owners enjoy their holiday with peace of mind.

Tips for a Smooth Reunion

family member, or a professional pet boarding facility. The article from WagWalking, "Preparing Your Pets for a Festive Christmas Eve and Morning," stresses the importance of choosing caregivers who understand the pet’s needs and temperament. A caregiver familiar with the pet’s habits and personality can provide better emotional support and reduce stress. If opting for a boarding facility, it is advisable to visit beforehand to ensure it is clean, safe, and staffed by compassionate professionals. Some facilities offer special holiday care packages that include extra playtime and socialization, which can be beneficial for pets missing their owners during the festivities. Managing Stress and Anxiety in Pets Holiday environments can be overwhelming for pets due to increased noise, visitors, and decorations. The EarthPet article points out that fireworks, loud music, and unfamiliar guests can exacerbate anxiety, especially if pets are already feeling unsettled by the absence of their owners. To mitigate this, creating a quiet, secure space where pets can retreat is essential. Vetnique also recommends using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or natural supplements, but always under veterinary guidance. These tools can help soothe pets and make the separation less traumatic.

Exploring Autism in the Animal Kingdom Last of two parts.

DECEMBER 21, 2025 |

Therefore, researchers and veterinarians must rely on careful observation of behavior and other indirect measures. As discussed in The Treetop's article, "Can Animals Have Autism," there is no definitive diagnostic test for autism in animals. Diagnosis relies on a combination of behavioral assessments, ruling out other medical conditions, and considering the animal's history and environment.

Differential Diagnosis:

It is essential to distinguish between autism-like behaviors and other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, anxiety, fear, stress, or other neurological disorders can also lead to repetitive

their pets. Technology offers ways to interact remotely, such as video calls or pet cameras that allow owners to see and talk to their pets. Although this cannot replace human touch, it can provide reassurance to both parties. Additionally, leaving detailed care instructions and emergency contacts with the caregiver ensures that pets receive consistent care and that any health issues are promptly addressed.

The end of separation is as crucial as preparation. Pets may show excitement, anxiety, or confusion upon reunion. EarthPet advises allowing time for gradual readjustment and routine re-establishment. Positive reinforcement, gentle affection, and patience rebuild bonds and reduce stress. Owners should watch for distress or behavioral changes needing veterinary care. Love and care extend to pets, ensuring joyful, peaceful holidays together despite temporary apartness. About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 18 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.

A cat and a dog wait patiently together for their furparent to come home for Christmas. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

behaviors, social withdrawal, or sensory sensitivities. A thorough veterinary examination and behavioral assessment are crucial to rule out other potential causes.

Environmental Influences

The environment plays a significant role in shaping an animal's behavior. Factors such as early experiences, social interactions, and environmental enrichment can influence the presentation of autism-like behaviors. Providing a supportive and stimulating environment can help animals with suspected autism cope with their challenges and thrive.

A furdad seems to have some difficulty in making his dog understand anything he says. (Photo from iStock royalty-free images.)

The Path Forward

The study of autism in animals is an evolving field. Further research is needed ensuring the following: Develop standardized diagnostic criteria: Create consistent and reliable methods for identifying autism-like behaviors in different species. Investigate genetic and neurological factors: Identify specific genes and brain structures associated with autism in animals. Explore effective interventions: Develop therapies and support strategies to improve the wellbeing of animals with suspected autism. The question of whether animals can have autism is complex, and the answer is still evolving. While a definitive diagnosis remains elusive, mounting evidence suggests that some animals exhibit behaviors that align with the core features of autism in humans. Continued research, careful observation, and a compassionate approach are essential to understanding, caring for, and supporting animals who may be navigating the world with unique neurological differences. About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 18 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.

OPINION B4 | DECEMBER 21, 2025

Gymnast Ramilo

SPORTS RANDY M. CALUAG, Issue Editor

honors Italian coach who shaped her dream By Alona Cochon WHEN Jasmine Althea Ramilo finally stood atop the podium at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, the gold medal resting against her chest carried more than the weight of victory. It carried years of early mornings, quiet sacrifices, and a bond forged far from home—between a Filipina gymnast and her Italian coach who believed in her long before the medals came. Ramilo captured the women’s rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around gold with a commanding cumulative score of 102.180, a triumph that crowned her as one of the Philippines’ brightest stars in Thailand. But as the applause faded and the cameras clicked, her thoughts turned immediately to Claudia Mancinelli, the coach who has guided her journey since she was just seven years old in Rome. “Coach Claudia, we can never thank you enough,” Ramilo said in an emotional message, reflecting on the years they spent together. “The early mornings, the difficult days, the countless routines—this gold medal is a beautiful reward for everything we worked for side by side.” Their story is one of patience and persistence. Under Mancinelli’s watchful eye, Ramilo learned not only the elegance and discipline of rhythmic gymnastics, but also resilience—how to rise after mistakes, how to endure exhaustion, and how to believe in herself even on the hardest days. What began as a young child’s training in Italy grew into a shared dream that now glitters in gold. “This medal belongs to both of us,” Ramilo added, expressing her deep gratitude for her coach’s passion and dedication. “We are so proud and thankful—grazie di cuore.”

Jasmine Althea Ramilo shares the limelight with her coach Claudia Mancinneli. (POC Media)

Thousands of kilometers away, the joy echoed beyond the competition floor. Ramilo’s family, speaking during a video call interview while rushing to the airport for their return to the Philippines, shared their overwhelming happiness over her victory. They looked forward to celebrating Christmas together, a simple but precious reward after an extraordinary year. Ramilo, meanwhile, was set to fly later in the evening with the national team— another small sacrifice in a journey full of them. Her achievement also resonated within the Filipino community in Italy. Officials of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, led by Ambassador Nathaniel Imperial, joined in celebrating Ramilo’s golden moment, offering congratulations and heartfelt cheers. The Embassy later posted a message honoring her victory, recognizing not only her talent but the story of dedication behind it. For Ramilo, the SEA Games gold is a milestone—but not an ending. It is a testament to a partnership built on trust, hard work, and unwavering belief. In honoring her coach, she reminded everyone that behind every champion stands someone who never stopped teaching, guiding, and believing.

MEDAL TALLY AS OF 5 P.M., DECEMBER 20, 2025

CHEERING LOUD AND PROUD. Filipino OFWs powered Team Philippines with unstoppable energy at the SEA Games in Thailand!

Standing tall at 6th

PH athletes keep flag afloat despite formidable odds By POC Editorial

O some, finishing sixth might seem like a failed campaign, a pathetic attempt to celebrate a lowertier ranking.

But that is the wrong. We aimed for fifth not to settle, but it is because you climb a mountain one step at a time. We tried to rally the delegation to take that next step. It simply didn’t happen. But let’s be honest. From officiating to organization, the hurdles were immense. We don’t need to point fingers, the fans saw it. In boxing, tennis, gymnastics, floorball, taekwondo, and basketball, everything was obvious—enough to make you want to smash your TV screen, right? However, the resilience shown by our athletes was incredible. After bagging three golds in the relays, the triathlon team was struck by food poisoning that same night. Kira Ellis, herself hospitalized the night before, displayed incredible heart by returning to the course. With her teammate still in the hospital and unable to race, Ellis competed solo and still managed to salvage a silver medal to add to her two previous golds and double silvers. The boxing campaign yielded one of our lowest medal outputs in recent memory, securing just a single gold in Thailand. The difficulty of the tournament was underscored by the early exits of decorated veterans Nesthy Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan, whose

The Gilas women turn emotional with their golden triumph

Zyra kisses her gold

POC President Bambol Tolentino and PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio rallied behind our Filipino athletes, cheering them on and ensuring they had everything they needed to succeed!

world-class pedigree was unfortunately not enough to overcome the challenges faced in this year’s draw. One can only wonder : what if all those strokes of ‘bad luck’ had

GOLD THAT MATTER MOST. Gilas men celebrate and Gilas women coach Pat Aquino after the emotional win.

turned into gold? It is unfair to read articles mocking our officials during this time. They have been on the ground, fighting for the athletes and addressing these issues in real-time. It is a bitter irony that a nation celebrated for its world-class hospitality is also burdened by a persistent ‘crab mentality’—a habit of tearing our own people down, whether they are soaring high or already struggling on the ground. Regardless of the final Open Water Swimming results, we remain sixth. However, the total medal count tells a different story. With a collection of

276 medals, we stand third in overall output. Our delegation produced the most bronze medals and a significant number of silvers. In the final standings, we were statistically very close—trailing the number 5 rank by only two golds and the number 4 spot by just six. That isn’t a lack of skill; that is a delegation fighting tooth and nail against a competition landscape that simply did not favor us this year. Salamat po sa mga sumusuporta at nagmamahal sa ating mga atleta... mas makakatulong ito para mas lumaban sila. Dapat BAYANIHAN--- hindi ang sisihan!

Eumir Marcial saves PH boxing with his gold medal

Agatha Wong shines in wushu

Tennis queen Alex Eala

Kyla Sanchez with her third gold in swimming

COUNTRY

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

TOTAL

THAILAND

233

154

112

499

SIBOL returns home with gold, silver—and bigger dreams

INDONESIA

111

131

333

By Caezar Julius Cortez

VIETNAM

110

278

MALAYSIA

117

231

SINGAPORE

202

PHILIPPINES

154

277

MYANMAR

LAOS

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

TIMOR LESTE

IT was a glorious homecoming for the SIBOL national team last Thursday as they returned from the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games with a gold and a silver medal, respectively, for the men’s and women’s ML:BB representatives. The SIBOL national team fielded representatives in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Magic Chess: Go Go, and Arena of Valor game titles of the esports category of the SEA Games. Finishing twice at the podium, SIBOL general manager Leo ‘Jab’ Escutin commended the efforts of all athletes and coaches who participated.

The SIBOL ML:BB National Team

“Generally, the results were better than we expected. Coming into this, I think we had realistic

Marlon Marcelo/Facebook

expectations. To be honest, I think we’re really getting good at predicting the results of the

teams that we are fielding. That also means that we have a better understanding of what we can improve on, what more we can prepare, and, of course, what more we can sustain so we can continue improving the results,” Escutin said. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino likewise expressed his awe of SIBOL’s finesse and competitiveness at the SEA Games: “It’s an inspiration to our Filipino youth. Pare-parehas nag-rerepresent ng bansa yan, kaya pare-parehas lang ang treatment natin. We’re on the map. Di basta-basta ang pinapakita ng Pinoy sa esports.”

Sarap ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods

Purefoods provides a wide range of products to make every holiday meal more memorable

DECEMBER 21, 2025 |

foods provides a wide range of products to IN A country of more than 7,600 islands, make every holiday meal more memorable. Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated As a legacy brand with generations-long in many ways, varying across the regions Seizing this landmark moment, the “Sarap trusted consistency in quality and taste, Purethrough traditions that have remained ng Pasko, Sarap ng Purefoods” installation at foods products have long been a part of octhrough generations, along with new itthe Arrival area and a dazzling LED display at casions that matter most to Filipino families. erations that reflect the growing diversity the new Mezzanine Food Hall transformed The different Purefoods products help make among Filipino families. the terminal into a festive gateway home, fillhome-cooked Noche Buena feasts easier and Today’s Christmas celebrations in Filipino ing arrivals with warmth, joy, and inspiration more enjoyable. households range from grand gatherings to create new Christmas memories with their As part of its mission to spread Christmas among extended families, along with OFW loved ones through food. cheer, Purefoods also turned the homecomhouseholds, dual-income no kids (DINKs) Food that is lovingly prepared and joyfully couples, single parents, and same-gender ing of OFWs into a full-blown holiday celshared is at the core of every Christmas celpartners who are marking the season in their ebration this December, taking center stage ebration. No matter how Filipino families celown meaningful way. at the newly refreshed Ninoy Aquino Internaebrate, Purefoods helps bring the joy of the Through it all, the desire to gather, to share, tional Airport Terminal 3 just as its new faciliseason to every table. ties officially opened. and to connect remains at the heart of each celebration. This holiday season, Purefoods recognizes both the traditions that have been passed down through generations, along with the new meaningful ones that we create along the way. Whether its recipes that have been handed down through many generations, or new dishes to celebrate the joy of togetherness, Pure- JOYCE PANGCO PAÑARES, Issue Editor / email: joyce.panares@gmail.com

CRAVINGS

A revitalized, wellness-focused supermarket experience By Joyce Babe Pañares

hotdogs), among others. The store likewise highlights trusted exclusive brands such as Healthy You and Meadows, offering quality alternatives at competitive prices. Shoppers can maximize value with Robinsons Supermarket’s Everyday Low Price selections, P50-pack vegetables, and the bimonthly Red Super Savers promotions, featured prominently at the store highlighting products with at least 10% discounts on a rotating lineup of items. “This relaunch represents more than a renovated store—it reflects our commitment to making better choices more accessible to every Filipino family,” said Kerwin Legarde, Group General Manager of Robinsons Supermarket. “Through a modern store environment and a stronger focus on wellness, we are delivering on our promise to bring goodness home in a more meaningful and practical way for our customers,” he added.

F YOU ask Robina Gokongwei Pe where her first stop would be whenever she goes to any Robinsons Supermarket, her answer would be the fruits section. After all, for the chairperson of Robinsons Retails Holdings Inc., health is wealth, and true wellness starts with what you eat. But her guilty pleasure? Jack ‘n Jill Potato Chips Barbecue Flavor. Robinsons Galleria Supermarket offers a dedicated wellness section that make it easier for shoppers to make informed, better-for-you choices

Robina Gokongwei Pe’s guilty pleasure? Jack ‘n Jill Potato Chips Barbecue Flavor

“I like going to supermarkets. When I was younger, I would do the grocery myself. Wala pang Robinsons noon,” she recalled. “So, I know how important it is for shoppers to have a good experience while doing the grocery. Here are Robinsons, everything you need is here,” she added. The relaunch of Robinsons Galleria branch supermarket showcased a revitalized and modernized store designed to elevate the everyday grocery experience through thoughtful design, improved navigation, and an expanded wellness-focused assortment. “All our new stores will have the same design and feel,” said Stanley Co, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) President & CEO. Co said there will be about three or four more renovated stores to be relaunched next year, including that of Robinsons Magnolia in January. The relaunched store at Robinsons Galleria features matcha-colored tiled columns that introduce a fresh visual identity throughout the space. A sleek, cool gray back wall anchors the meat and poultry section, creating

a clean, premium backdrop that enhances product visibility and overall ambiance. A dedicated wellness section is also reintroduced, featuring new, clearly defined categories that make it easier for shoppers to make informed, better-for-you choices. From Keto-friendly, Low-Sugar No Sugar, Gluten-Free, Organic, Fiber, Low Sodium to Beauty and Health Supplement categories – this new categorization of products was thoughtfully organized to support customers’ evolving health and lifestyle needs. A more comprehensive pet care zone, carrying an enriched assortment of pet food, treats, grooming products, and essential supplies for both dog and cat owners, addressing the increasing demand for highquality pet nutrition and wellness products. Customers can also enjoy more choices for quick, satisfying meals through the upgraded Food-to-Go section, which includes favorites from Uncle John’s and its newest offering Hearty Chicken Meal or the emerging crowd-favorite, the Hotdog Duo (two 8-inch

Robinsons Retails Holdings Inc. chairperson Robina Gokongwei Pe and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) President & CEO Stanley Co

Inside BGC’s newest food hall:

One place, endless combos TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — Sundry Food Hall officially opened its newest branch in Bonifacio Global City—one where barkadas and families can share a table while ordering from multiple crowd-favorite brands in one destination. Designed to feel like a cozy place to linger and not just a quick stop, Sundry Food Hall BGC puts the spotlight on what the brand calls its “mix and match” experience: a lineup of well-loved food and dessert concepts gathered under one roof. Located at GSC Corporate Tower, founders and husband-and-wife team Jai Reyes and Josephine Kamiyama shared their excitement for the latest branch to open. “Sundry Food Hall was built around how people eat today—especially in groups. With our BGC branch, we wanted to create a place where friends and families can sit together,

mix and match their favorite brands, and enjoy the experience without compromise,” Reyes said. “From starting as a cloud kitchen to opening more dine-in food halls, our goal has always been to make great food more accessible and enjoyable. The BGC branch reflects how we’re elevating that experience—bringing comfort, convenience, and variety together in one space,” Kamiyama added. Guests can enjoy a wide range of offerings, from a boneless rice meal at 24 Chicken and a comforting bowl of beef noodle soup from Wann Mann, to a decadent chocolate cake from Big Al’s or a refreshing Panda Milk Tea from Coco, among many other options. The concept also carries over to delivery, where customers can order across different brands with a single delivery fee—a core convenience feature of Sundry Food Hall.

Pad Kra Pao, Mango Sticky Rice and Thai Lychee Iced Tea

Sundry Food Hall began as a cloud kitchen during the pandemic and has since expanded its footprint across Metro Manila. Today, it has seven operational locations including that in BGC—España, Taft, Pasig, Commonwealth, Makati, and Parañaque—as it continues to grow its presence and bring more branches into dine-in. At the heart of Sundry’s model is an experience built for modern eating habits: dine-in, take-out, and delivery—in one place. For merchant partners, Sundry Food Hall presents a smarter, more

accessible path to expansion. Its plugand-play concept dramatically lowers operating costs by removing the need for heavy capital investments, with fully equipped units ready for immediate use. This allows restaurants to enter new locations quickly and efficiently with minimal upfront expense. Some merchants even report saving up to 90 percent in capital costs when opening a new branch within Sundry Food Hall. The BGC branch’s merchant lineup includes CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice, 24 Chicken, Wann Mann, Bangkok Station,

Potato Corner, Big Al’s Cookie Jar, Hearts & Bells, Merry Moo and Louie’s Buko. Sundry Food Hall also plans to widen its dine-in footprint further, with intended expansion in Alabang and Sta. Rosa, Laguna, responding to the growing demand for its popular partner brands. “Sundry Food Hall focuses on creating spaces where people can come together over their favorite food. As we expand, we’re excited to bring that same Sundry experience to more neighborhoods, both in and beyond Metro Manila” Kamiyama said.

Hollywood hits meet premium Asian entertainment

C2 | DECEMBER 21, 2025

SHOWBIZ

HBO Max titles including ‘Game of Thrones’ anchor the new streaming bundle launched across five Southeast Asian markets

THE HBO Max and Viu streaming bundle has been launched in five Southeast Asian markets, offering subscribers access to Hollywood and Asian entertainment under a single discounted package. The bundle is available in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, marking the first such partnership of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. Under the offer, subscribers receive the HBO Max Standard plan alongside the Viu Premium plan. Access to each service remains separate, with users logging in individually to HBO Max and Viu after activation. Subscriptions can be purchased directly through the platforms’ official websites. HBO Max brings content from Warner Bros. Discovery brands, including HBO, DC, Harry Potter and the Game of Thrones franchise. Titles available on the platform include Emmy-winning series The Last of Us, upcoming HBO Original IT: Welcome

NICKIE WANG, Editor, ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer email: lifeandshow. manilastandard@gmail.com

to Derry, Max Original Peacemaker, long-running shows such as Friends and The Big Bang Theory, the full Harry Potter film collection, and Hollywood releases including The Conjuring: Last Rites and Superman. Viu’s offering focuses on Asian entertainment, featuring Viu Original Korean dramas such as Taxi Driver 3 and Undercover High School, as well as Korean variety programs including Running Man (2025), GBRB: Joy Pops Laugh Pops (2025), and Exchange 4. The platform also includes drama series such as Moon River and Love.exe, along with other regional titles. HBO Max is Warner Bros. Discovery’s global streaming service, hosting scripted series, films, documentaries, and animation from its major entertainment brands. Viu is a pan-regional over-thetop streaming platform operating across Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, offering both adsupported and premium subscription options.

The HBO Max–Viu bundle gives subscribers access to major franchises such as ‘Harry Potter’ alongside premium Asian content under one package

BIANCA DE VERA is on a roll By Nickie Wang

IANCA de Vera’s career continues on a steady track, placing her in a position many young showbiz talents can only hope to reach. At 23, she has built a solid and growing fan base, with backto-back projects and endorsement deals coming in almost simultaneously, all while doing what she enjoys most: entertaining audiences through her work as an actress. Bianca capped the year as one of the highlights of the final Spotlight press conference of Star Magic. During the online session, she shared updates and stories that showed the steady momentum of her career. Even before her stint in Pinoy Big Brother Collab, Bianca had already built a body of work across varied roles. That foundation now leads to one of her biggest turns to date as the lead in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry Love You So Bad. “Hindi ko naman ineexpect na magkakaroon ako ng ganito karaming blessings, which I’m very very grateful for. Yung buhay ko ngayon, if I compare it from before, ito yung mga moments na pinagdarasal ko lang noon,” she said. Love You So Bad is a co-production between Star Cinema, GMA Pictures, and Regal Entertainment. Bianca stars as Savannah, a young woman navigating a complicated love story as she finds herself torn between two very different suitors, played by Will Ashley and Dustin Yu. Talking about the filming experience, Bianca described the project as emotionally demanding but rewarding. “It was really a journey. It was really a rollercoaster for the three of us. In this project, I had the privilege to get to know them from scratch again. I got to see them in a different light, which is such a blessing for me,” she shared. Apart from the MMFF film, Bianca is also set to reunite with her former PBB housemates in the mystery-family drama The Secrets of Hotel 88, a collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA. “I used to dream of becoming a Star Cinema leading lady, and now I get the chance to be one,” she said, looking back on her journey in show business.

SCREEN DARLING. Bianca de Vera continues to build momentum in her career with back-to-back projects, capped by her lead role in the MMFF 2025 entry ‘Love You So Bad’

Four new love songs set the tone for the holidays

Yondi explores longing, memory, and emotional reflection in two new tracks that frame love through restraint and personal storytelling

Leon leans into youthful commitment and optimism in ‘dadalhin sa langit’

Sarvi makes her debut with ‘di ka para sakin,’ a ballad about acceptance and letting go when a relationship reaches its end

FOUR new releases from DNA Music artists Leon, Sarvi, and Yondi offer different takes on love this holiday season, from longing and commitment to acceptance and memory. Yearning for love in “malupit na alaga” by Yondi Yondi’s “malupit na alaga” centers on the desire for care and emotional connection. Written by Yondi and produced by ALAS, the track blends hip-hop and R&B with personal storytelling, underscoring the artist’s growing presence in the genre. Taking a chance in love in “dadalhin sa langit” by Leon “dadalhin sa langit” focuses on young love and the courage to commit fully to another person. Composed by Leon and produced by Dan Simon and Vonne Vallon, the song features gentle vocals and draws from rock, disco, funk, and blues influences. Acceptance in “di ka para sakin” by Sarvi Sarvi’s debut single reflects on letting go when a relationship has run its course. The Bulacan-born singer-songwriter co-wrote the OPM ballad with Angelo Zipagan, blending modern pop elements with an intimate narrative. Looking back in “bumabalik” by Yondi In “bumabalik,” Yondi revisits a past relationship with a tone of restraint and gratitude. Written by Yondi and produced by ALAS, the track centers on memory and moving forward. The songs are available on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel and on major streaming platforms.

Young leaders step up as digital safety advocates By Angelica Villanueva MORE than 100 student leaders from Taguig’s public secondary schools were trained on digital safety and responsible online behavior during the Children’s Digital Safety Workshop in November. The event, held at the CDRRMO Training Plaza in Barangay Central Signal, was organized by Globe in partnership with the Taguig City government. It came amid rising national reports of cyberbullying, misuse of personal data, and online exploitation. Participants attended sessions led by Globe experts, including privacy compliance specialist Karen Panisales, who taught students how to protect personal data, and communications manager Jan

Merced, who facilitated Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program. Launched in 2016, the program has trained more than four million students and educators nationwide on digital citizenship. Hands-on activities helped students identify online threats, encourage positive interactions, and make informed choices across digital platforms. Officials from the Philippine National Police Crime Division and the Department of Justice’s National Coordination Center against Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children discussed risks minors face online and legal channels for reporting abuse. Prosecutor Lara Sanchez said early awareness and timely action can prevent exploitation.

“ M a n y incidents begin subtly and are often overlooked,” Sanchez said. “When young people understand the early signs of exploitation and know how to report, they become key allies in stopping harm before it escalates.” Globe highlighted the role of youth-led advocacy in promoting safe digital spaces. “By equipping student leaders with practical skills, we help them guide their peers and create safer online communities,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano urged students to share their

Student leaders from Taguig’s public secondary schools take part in the Children’s Digital Safety Workshop organized by Globe and the Taguig City government to promote responsible online behavior and digital citizenship

knowledge with classmates. “Our young leaders have the capacity to influence their peers in meaningful ways,” she said. “By taking what they

learned today into their classrooms and communities, they help build a safer and more responsible digital environment for all children.”

DECEMBER 21, 2025 |

Youth-led films expose the hidden toll of smoking and vaping

By Jasper Valdez

T’S common to hear someone say, “You should quit smoking for your own good.” But for many, the real wake-up call comes from seeing a loved one caught in the smoke. A child’s discomfort, a partner’s worry, or a friend’s concern can be enough to spark change. That idea was at the heart of the TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival advanced media screening at Cinema 76 Film Society held on Dec. 10, where young filmmakers presented short films about the effects of smoking and vaping on people close to the user. The short films explored how smoking and vaping affect the people around someone who uses them—sometimes quietly, sometimes in ways that linger. Amber Studios co-founder and journalist Jacque Manabat spoke after the screening, saying quitting is rarely just about willpower. For many, she said, it begins with the people they love.

“It’s hard to let go of things that gave us comfort,” she said. “But you can give something up if it’s for others—especially for the ones you love. And that’s what our documentaries are about: giving children the smoke-free future they deserve.” Manabat added that the project also pushes back against how vaping is promoted online, where colorful designs and slick videos make the habit look harmless to teens. These films, she said, offer a counterpoint grounded in what young people actually see in their homes, schools, and friend groups. HealthJustice Philippines’ Ralph Degollacion said the concern goes beyond individual choices. He described the films as “validation that we’ve been doing something right in the past years,” noting that youth voices have become essential in a time “when there’s so much misinformation and harmful products targeting the youth.” He pointed to numbers that worry public health workers: youth vape use has doubled in recent years, rising from around 2 percent to about 4 to 4.5 percent among those aged 10 to 19. “From under 30,000 young users, we’re now looking at roughly 400,000—or even more,” he said. Without clear messaging and stronger regulation, he warned, “this could reach epidemic levels in the coming years.” Degollacion also raised concerns about how easily marketing reaches teens. “Colorful flavors and designs connect to the youth,” he said, adding that social media has become a space where

“so many things slip through.” He stressed that regulation should come from health authorities, saying, “It’s the FDA that should regulate these products, not the DTI. The current setup is failing, and our youth are getting hooked on an addictive product we don’t want.” Social Watch Philippines’ Meg Buendia stressed that the focus shouldn’t be on blaming people who smoke. “Smokers are also victims. We shouldn’t villainize them,” she said, pointing instead to the industry practices that make cigarettes and vapes appealing to the youth. Philippine Smoke-Free Movement’s Jia Sentorias said advocacy must reach policymakers as well. She noted that their coalition continues urging agencies and lawmakers to treat tobacco and vape regulation as a public health issue, especially as products “keep spreading in the Philippines” and target younger demographics. Her hope is straightforward: that her generation—and the ones that follow— grow up in a tobacco-free environment. “If not now, when?”she said. They plan to showcase the films in different schools, local communities, and online audiences next year, extending the conversations sparked at Cinema 76 to more young people across

email: lifeandshow.manilastandard.gmail.com

A new generation speaks

Young

Young filmmakers, advocates, and partner organizations gather at the TobaccOFF NOW! Film Festival advanced media screening, which features short films addressing the impact of smoking and vaping on families and communities

LIFE

NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Adastria CEO Daisuke Fujii speaks during the launch of niko and …’s limitededition ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ collection at SM Mall of Asia

Anime-inspired fashion hits Manila

The limited-edition ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ collection by Japanese lifestyle brand niko and … goes on display in Manila as part of the anime’s 30th anniversary celebration

JAPANESE lifestyle brand niko and … launched a limitededition Neon Genesis Evangelion collection at SM Mall of Asia on Dec. 12, celebrating the anime’s 30th anniversary. The collection features apparel, accessories, and room items inspired by the series, combining clean silhouettes, subtle graphics, and everyday wearability. It is part of the brand’s global celebration of Evangelion and will be available only for a limited time. “Filipino consumers value design, story, and creativity,” said Daisuke Fujii, CEO of Adastria, niko and …’s parent company. “This collaboration is our way of celebrating Evangelion’s legacy while showing what we hope to build here.” The SM Mall of Asia store will be transformed into an Evangelion-themed space with curated displays and visual elements reflecting the anime’s legacy. The

launch marks a broader plan by niko and … and Adastria to expand in the Philippines, responding to local interest in Japanese culture, design, and lifestyle brands. Niko and … has previously collaborated with global franchises such as Stranger Things, Sesame Street, Looney Tunes, Thomas & Friends, and PlayStation, blending nostalgia with modern design.

C4 | DECEMBER 21, 2025

Good

LIFE

VIRGILIO DC GALVEZ, Editor email: vcgalvez@manilastandard.net

Cheers to a hundred years! AT YOUR SERVICE.

A retiree pensioner talks to a staff member at a Social Security System hub.

Pensions: A critical lifeline to aging well By VC Galvez

OR many Filipino retirees, pensions are a critical lifeline to aging well.

And if pensions are the only source of income for them, the monthly minimum pension payout of P2,000.00 for private sector workers and P5,000.00 for government retirees is hardly enough to meet basic needs. There are, of course, those who receive more than the minimum payout — some as high as 24,000.00 for Social Security System (SSS) pensioners, and some even higher, for retirees of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Recognizing perhaps the need to increase the benefits of its retirees, SSS Vice President for Public Affairs Carlo Villacorta told the Good VP for Public Affairs Life that last September, the SSS Carlo Villacorta increased the loanable amount for pensioners from 200k to 300k. It also raised the monthly payout for retirement and disability pensioners by 10 percent from September 2025 to September 2027. Survivor pensioners however will only get an additional 5 percent. The SSS has now 2.5 million retirement pensioners, 1.2 million survivor pensioners, and 104,000 disability pensioners or a total of 3.8 million pensioners, SSS members qualify to receive pensions when they complete the required number of 120 contributions. Provident Funds Another innovation instituted by the SSS in 2021 were the mandatory and voluntary provident program otherwise known as the pension booster program to prepare their members for retirement. According to Villacorta, under the mandatory provident program, a portion of the contributions of SSS members who earn more than 20k goes to a provident fund account that SSS automatically creates for them. “Pag nag-retire na yang miyembrong yan, ang naipon na kaperahan doon sa mandatory provident fund ay puede niyang i-convert into monthly pension pang-dagdag sa buwanang pension na kanyang tinatanggap sa

By Diana Noche AS OF last count, our Social Security System (SSS) has 3.6M pensioners, whereas the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) lists 2,736,710 member pensioners and 636,453 old age and survivorship pensioners. Periodically, these pensioners receive their monthly cash benefits, computed based on their years of service and monthly contributions. As an additional benefit, pensioners and members can apply for loans of up to Php20,000 for areas affected by calamities and monsoon floods. It has not been an easy road prior to finally receiving these pension allotments via a designated bank account. Paper work --- such as structuring office records before retirement and updates of employers’ contributions --- is a slow, red tape detailed follow-ups, lots of visits to pertinent offices, asking for information and assistance from office mates, exasperating fixers, and discourteous staff, and the frustration of long waits under fatiguing leg work. Given today’s inflationary prices of goods and services, it seems that the monthly financial allotment does not sufficiently serve the pensioners’ daily needs. Coping with disasters and medical emergencies is a major unplanned heavy expense that will ruin the budget and further deplete insufficient savings. There are bills to pay and the amounts due keep adding up and yet, as the prices of

ilalim ng regular SSS pension program,” he told the Good Life. He can choose to add this to his pension in the next 5, 10, 15 years, Villacorta said. The voluntary provident fund program is for SSS members who want to contribute a minimum of P550 which will be deposited in the pension booster account, he says. “Yun din po ay iipunin ng SSS at i-invest po ng SSS ng buong husay at tiyaga para palaguin at pakitain para pagdating ng inyong retirement, meron kayong regular SSS pension, meron kayong pension na pang-dagdag mula sa mandatory provident fund account, at meron pa kayong pension booster account pangdagdag pa sa regular at mandatory,” says Villacorta. Economic Security in Old Age But with Filipinos living longer and many aging unwell, whatever pensions they may be receiving will most likely not be sufficient to tide them over when they are visited by a catastrophic or debilitating illness. An Asian Development Bank (ADB) study, released in May 2024, points out that “sufficient financial resources for a decent living are a prerequisite to well-being in old age.” “Poverty and economic deprivation diminish life satisfaction and mental wellness. Financial risk later in life with deteriorating health and But with Filipinos living loss of wage income. Family translonger and many fers are a key source of income for older Asians, supplemented by aging unwell, whatever income from working,” the study pensions they may be points out. “Going forward, contributory and receiving will most likely social pensions are set to play a bignot be sufficient to tide ger role in the region to safeguard them over when they are old-age economic security.” Villacorta admits that even a penvisited by a catastrophic sion of 24k may not be enough to cover emergency health expenses. or debilitating illness. This is why, he says, institutions like PhilHealth play a critical role in the administration’s whole of government approach in addressing these issues. Financial preparedness The ADB study says an “individual is considered financially prepared for old age if income, including from assets available for liquidation, meets consumption needs for the expected duration of retirement.’ This is why it calls on governments to promote financial literacy campaigns to raise awareness and understanding of simple financial concepts to help them make better decisions and become long-term savers.

“

Keeping afloat on unsteady rafts

X’MAS CHORUS LINE. Dancing is a great way to spend the holiday season. Diana Noche

commodities and services continue to skyrocket, the pensioners get the same amount of allotment. Resorting to loans with usurious interest payments

is an exploitable way out. As it stands, living off with scarce money needs some deep consideration, creativeness,, and resourcefulness.

Where there is a tight budget, a more sensible outlook is called for. Initially, appreciate that the pension money helps sustain daily expenses. Think positive. A shift of expenditures --- using public transportation, riding a bicycle, buying second-hand clothes, and minimizing overuse of household utilities (electricity, water, gadgets) is in order. Also, avoid dining out. Grow vegetables in plastic containers. You are not too old to learn new technologies via online by being content creators for You Tube, Tiktok, and Instagram. Freelance writing is another option. See pre-loved clothes. Wait for mall sales and discounts. For medical needs, use the barangay health center facilities. We all go through similar tough financial stresses but don’t let that get the better of us. Money problems have doable solutions. Work on them with an open approach. The pensions we get are not there to waste. Spend them wisely.

Text and photo by Diana B. Noche SUPERCENTENARIANS get on well in Japan where people’s life expectancy goes on beyond one hundred years and more. This goes true in Asia. And, bold your breath, women aged sixty and above --- those who are able to live a well-rounded life --- outnumber men who at past seventy agonize to get out of bed in the morning. Men die sooner and genetics has nothing to do with their scaled down life span. On the whole, providing for the family and trying to subscribe to the macho image of being able to conceal his true emotions, men’s brains get easily affected in areas involving visual processing, movement, and memory. So does that explain the many birthdays and wedding anniversaries that men “casually” forget? And, get this: men tend to die earlier when they have multiple mates at a given time. Men’s brain tend to deteriorate faster with age than women’s. On the other hand, women get more prone to Alzheimer’s disease due to some hormonal changes after menopause.

MILESTONE. A perfect occasion to celebrate a milestone in anyone’s life. Diana Noche Getting on in years isn’t all about wrinkles springing up or unsteady steps. It’s about facing up to the inevitable fact most people avoid until it’s too late. Not every one gets the chance to age. Time is our most important asset --- use it wisely. Don’t wait to be happy. Add constructive life to our years. The pursuit of longevity and the ethos of life couldn’t be an Olympian effort. Make each day an adventure. Allow yourself to some luxury of fun. Look forward to promises of more birthdays to come. Rest isn’t lazy --it’s healing. No argument there.

AFP assures over 140k pensioners of timely, lawful release of benefits By Rex Espiritu THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely, lawful, and transparent administration of pension benefits. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told Manila Standard that they currently have about 141,000 pensioners nationwide as of December this year. This consists of around 88,000 principal pensioners, composed of retired officers and enlisted personnel, as well as approximately 54,000 beneficiary pensioners, including qualified spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The military also disclosed that around 6,000 names were removed from the active pension payroll between January and December following a routine and legally mandated validation process. According to the AFP, the removals were largely due to natural and administrative reasons such as the death of pensioners, beneficiaries reaching the age of majority, remarriage, failure to update living status, or other disqualifications identified through verification and investigation. In a limited number of cases, removals were the result of convictions by a court of law. “It is important to emphasize that the majority of those removed from the payroll were deceased pensioners or beneficiaries who were unable to update their status on time,”Padilla said. “For cases involving non-updating of living status, pensions may be restored once the pensioner or beneficiary complies with the validation requirements and is confirmed to remain qualified, in accordance with existing rules,”she added. The military also assured the public that all qualified AFP pensioners will receive their regular and legally mandated pension benefits before the year ends, noting that pension releases continue to be processed on time and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.