A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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December 31, 2024
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
World Bank raises China's GDP forecast for 2024, 2025
December 31 ------ The World Bank raised its forecast for China's economic growth in 2024 and 2025, but warned that subdued household and business confidence, along with headwinds in the property sector, would keep weighing it down next year. The world's second-biggest economy has struggled this year, mainly due to a property crisis and tepid domestic demand. An expected hike in US tariffs on its goods when US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January may also hit growth.
"Addressing challenges in the property sector, strengthening social safety nets, and improving local government finances will be essential to unlocking a sustained recovery," Mara Warwick, the World Bank's country director for China, said. "It is important to balance short-term support to growth with long-term structural reforms," she added in a statement. Thanks to the effect of recent policy easing and near-term export strength, the World Bank sees China's gross domestic product growth at 4.9 per cent this year, up from its June forecast of 4.8 per cent.
Beijing set a growth target of "around 5 per cent" this year, a goal it says it is confident of achieving. Although growth for 2025 is also expected to fall to 4.5 per cent, that is still higher than the World Bank's earlier forecast of 4.1 per cent. Slower household income growth and the negative wealth effect from lower home prices are expected to weigh on consumption into 2025, the Bank added. To revive growth, Chinese authorities have agreed to issue a record 3 trillion yuan (US$411 billion) in special treasury bonds next year, Reuters reported this week. The figures will not be officially unveiled until the annual meeting of China's parliament, the National People's Congress, in March 2025, and could still change before then. While the housing regulator will continue efforts to stem further declines in China's real estate market next year, the World Bank said a turnaround in the sector was not anticipated until late 2025. China's middle class has expanded significantly since the 2010s, encompassing 32 per cent of the population in 2021, but World Bank estimates suggest about 55 per cent remain "economically insecure", underscoring the need to generate opportunities.
Source: channelnewsasia.com
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Second Fukushima nuclear sample removal eyed for March
TOKYO, December 31 ------ The operator of Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear plant said it will start the second round of a tricky operation to collect samples of radioactive debris from the site this spring. Around 880 tons of hazardous material remain at the Fukushima site, 13 years after a catastrophic tsunami caused by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake triggered one of history's worst nuclear accidents. Removing the debris is seen as the most daunting challenge in a decommissioning project due to last decades, because of the dangerously high radiation levels.
Last month, operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said a trial debris removal operation using a specially developed extendible device had been completed. The sample weighing just below 0.7g - equivalent to about one raisin - was delivered to a research lab near Tokyo for analysis. A TEPCO official told a press conference they are now gearing up for a second sample removal due in "March to April". The company is "upgrading" the telescopic device used for the first experiment by attaching a new camera to its tip, according to documents released on Thursday. "Based on our previous experience, we will also make progress on training our workers to better familiarize them with the process" before tackling the additional sample collection, the document said.
Three of Fukushima's six reactors went into meltdown in 2011 after the huge tsunami swamped the facility. Last year, Japan began releasing into the Pacific Ocean some of the 540 Olympic swimming pools' worth of reactor cooling water amassed since the disaster.
Source: channelnewsasia.com
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MARITIME NEWS
Hapag-Lloyd Sets Work Disruption Surcharge for US East/Gulf Coast Ports
December 31 ------ With the labor contract unresolved and fears increasing for another longshoremen’s strike at U.S. ports on the East and Gulf Coast, Hapag-Lloyd announced plans for surcharges for all containers booked to the ports. The strike could start in just three weeks and the fees would kick in days later should a strike occur.
Hapag, Maersk, and CMA CGM each warned customers last week that the situation remained unresolved and rolled out the start of their contingency plans. The master contract for the International Longshormen’s Association and the US Maritime Alliance was extended during the October strike with a new expiration of January 15, 2025. The ILA says it is at an impasse with the terminal operators over the issue of semi-automation and promises to resume the strike the following day.
“To help manage the potential impact of ongoing challenges at U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports, we are introducing a Work Disruption Surcharge (WDS) and Work Interruption Destination Surcharge (WID), effective January 20, 2025, in the event of a strike,” Hapag writes in a customer alert. “This surcharge covers additional costs from labor disruptions, strikes, slowdowns, unrest, congestion, and other unforeseen events that may delay operations and incur extra handling, storage, and feeder service costs.”
The fees would be from ports all around the world for cargo gated-in on or after January 20. The charge will be $850 for a 20-footer and $1,700 for a 40-footer. Containers gated in prior to that date or already on the water will not incur the surcharge.
Trade groups have called for the union and employers to again extend the deadline while urging them to resume talks. However, the union received a strong statement from President-elect Trump supporting the stance against automation in the ports.
Hapag like its peers has urged customers to already begin taking steps to prepare for a possible strike. With no resolution and no reports of new talks, the three carriers last week urged expediting the movement of containers away from the docks in the remaining weeks. They are still accepting bookings but reported they would be exploring diversions or other steps. They have waited out prior strikes but there are fears this one could become a prolonged stoppage.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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New Emissions Barges Readied to Help California Ports Meet New Rules
December 31 ------ Two new emissions filter barges developed by a company called STAX are preparing to enter service. One of the barges will be deployed in an expansion of the service at the Port of Benicia while the other barge will be the first dedicated to tankers at the Port of Los Angeles. The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) new regulations that go into effect in 2025 extend the requirements to reduce emissions for on-berth vessels. The rules phase in an expansion to cover more containerships, tankers, and car carriers. Shore power is one alternative while STAX offers a service where a barge is positioned alongside and a cap placed over the funnel to capture exhaust and filter it through the technology on the barge. STAX has been recognized as a grantee of CARB.
The company announced in April 2024 an exclusive agreement with AMPORTS, an automotive ports logistics and processing solutions provider. It was the fourth such agreement in just eight weeks and called for STAX to provide a new barge, its fourth, that will be deployed under an exclusive service agreement with AMPORTS. NYK has announced a partnership with STAX to service its auto carriers at the Port of Benicia.
STAX reports its fourth barge is now complete and will soon be heading to the Port of Benecia. The port is a critical point of entry for vessels from Asia., Europe, and Mexico. At the port, AMPORTS handles roughly 260,000 imported vehicles annually. That equates to approximately 20 percent of the vehicles imported by sea into California. The company also reports that the finishing touches are placed on its fifth barge which will be deployed in 2025 to the Port of Los Angeles. STAX and Shell Oil Products (Equilon Enterprises) entered into a five-year agreement for STAX to service tankers calling at the Port of Los Angeles’ Shell Mormon Island Terminal.
The agreement anticipates that STAX will provide approximately 1,600 hours of emissions capture and control per year making it the first company to service tankers in California. It projects it will treat more than 150 tons of emissions over the lifetime of the partnership. STAX highlights that it is providing services at the Ports of Benicia, Log Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland. The new CARB rules also target smaller commercial port vessels including tugs as they seek to show incremental improvements in emissions in and around California’s ports.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Bosphorus Closed After Tanker Previously Damaged by Houthis Breaks Down
December 31 ------ Vessel traffic along the busy sea lane in the Bosphorus was suspended by Turkish officials as they dealt with a disabled tanker. It is the latest in a series of incidents with tankers operating in the Russian oil trade that experienced mechanical problems in the seaway.
Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety reports it dispatched three tugs, Kurtarma-8, Kurtarma-10, and Kurtarma-11, to tow the disabled vessel to the Ahirkapi Anchorage Area. While the operation was underway traffic was suspended in both the north and southbound lanes. The tanker, Cordelia Moon (163,288 dwt) was bound to Novorossiysk after undergoing repairs from damage it suffered in an attack by the Houthi. The ship was attacked and damaged by the Houthis at the beginning of October in a barrage including missiles, drones, and a bomb boat. Videos of the security team attempting to explode the bomb boat were posted online.
The tanker, which is managed from India and registered in Panama, was empty for the trip to Russia. Turkish authorities are saying it experienced an engine failure.
It was the latest in a series of incidents involving tankers in the Russian oil trade. Last month, a smaller product tanker registered in Panama, Nazan (4,600 dwt) also forced a temporary closure. The vessel reported a rudder malfunction. In August, another product tanker the Sredina (34,800 dwt) also reported an engine malfunction while in the Bosphorus. The sea lanes were again closed by the tanker which was traveling from Russia to Libya.
Earlier this week, Greek authorities detained an unidentified tanker also sailing from Russia after it was involved in a collision in a lane east of Piraeus. The tanker and a cargo ship collided and while there were no injuries the authorities were seeking to determine the cause of the collision.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
DOH places health facilities under Code White Alert
MANILA, Philippines, December 31 ------ The Department of Health (DOH) has placed hospitals and other health facilities under Code White Alert to ensure safe celebration during the holiday season. In an advisory, the DOH Calabarzon said the Code White Alert took effect will be observed until Jan. 1, New Year’s Day. “The alert signifies readiness for potential incidents and ensures swift response capabilities across the region,” DOH Assistant Secretary Ariel Valencia said.
The DOH Calabarzon said it is promoting the “Ligtas Christmas” campaign to remind the public to engage in safe Christmas practices and traditions amid increased holiday season activities. The campaign aims to reduce health risks and encourage a safe and happy holiday season, according to Valencia. The DOH advised the public to be mindful of their food choices and portions during the holidays to prevent health problems, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
People are also reminded of proper hygiene, including regular handwashing, meal preparation and leftover storage, to prevent food poisoning. To prevent injuries from fireworks, the DOH’s “Iwas Paputok” drive reiterates its yearly advice to avoid using firecrackers and pyrotechnics and find alternative ways to welcome the New Year. “Apart from using horns, we can improvise and use pots and pans to make noise during the New Year celebration,” Valencia said.
Source: philstar.com
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PH Navy holds 500 maritime patrols and resupply missions in West PH Sea in 2024
MANILA, December 31 ------ The Philippine Navy reported that it conducted some 300 maritime sovereignty and surveillance patrols, and about 100 surveillance flights in the West Philippine Sea this year. It has also conducted over 60 rotation and reprovisioning (RoRe) missions to the nine Philippine-occupied features in the said waters. “For the Philippine Navy, we have exceeded our targets this year… We have performed more than 500 maritime surveillance, maritime sovereignty patrols, air surveillance flights,” Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Trinidad said the Armed Forces of the Philippines remained committed to fulfilling its mandate to protect the country’s rights despite China’s growing aggression in the West Philippine Sea. “2024 was a very successful year, not only for the AFP, but for the entire country. The AFP was able to perform its mandate amid all the challenges that we faced, not only in the West Philippine Sea, but to include the northern islands and the eastern seaboards,” Trinidad said. “We look forward to more accomplishments of the AFP in 2025. What we could expect is your AFP will keep on performing its mandate amid all the challenges internally and externally,” he continued.
Trinidad also reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement ruling out the deployment of Navy warships to counter Beijing’s harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. The official stressed that the AFP “has never left” the disputed waterway. “The guidance of the commander in chief has been very clear… All our actions should be within the bounds of international law, should be non-escalatory, should support the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling. The AFP has never left the area. Mandato nating tiyakin ang integridad ng ating teritoryo. Different patrol plans on sea and over air are being conducted by the Northern Luzon Command and the Western Command,” Trinidad said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Seniors, PWDs got P12-billion benefits through 20% discount
MANILA, Philippines, December 31 ------ Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the country have obtained P12 billion in benefits through the 20-percent discount on purchases of goods, especially medicines. “We obtained at least P112 billion in benefits for these sectors, without even changing any laws yet. The removal of the booklet requirement is one of its major accomplishments,” said Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of the House committee on ways and means.
Salceda said the booklet requirement often denied senior citizens essential medicines. “During the House hearings, it was brought up that the booklet requirement often causes senior citizens to get denied essential medicines. Senior citizens often forget these documents, or lose them,” Salceda said. “The 20 percent medicine discount, along with the VAT-free treatment for a significant number of medicines, has been a lifesaver for many senior citizens,” the Albay congressman further said. “It was Speaker Romualdez’s idea to bring the committees together and make things right for seniors and persons with disabilities,” he added.
He lauded the Department of Health (DOH) for its new policy of “bye bye booklet” under administrative order (AO) No. 2024-0017, which removed the requirement to senior citizens to present senior citizens’ booklet when availing of the 20-percent discount in the purchase of medicines. “We were able to get Starbucks to do a 40-percent discount to compensate for misapplication of the standard discount,” Salceda added. “We got Grab and Angkas to improve ease of access to SC (senior citizens) and PWD discounts. We got Meralco (Manila Electric Company) to make applying for the discount on electric bills easier. We got PhilHealth to expand benefits packages for PWDs. We got senior eligibility for TUPAD,” he added. “We got DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), DA (Department of Agriculture) and DOE (Department of Energy) to expand the SC and PWD discount on basic goods from P260 a month to P500 a month,” he said.
For her part, United Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay thanked Health Sec. Ted Herbosa for removing the requirement of a purchase booklet for seniors to avail discount on medicines, pursuant to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2020. “We at the United Senior Citizens party-list are thankful to the DOH. This is laudable and indeed an early Christmas gift to over 12 million older persons nationwide,” Magsaysay said. She called on other concerned agencies such as the DTI, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Commission of Senior Citizens, Department of Information and Communication Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, among others, to act with urgency on similar calls of the older population to also abolish the policy of presenting the purchase booklet to avail of the 20-percent discount on basic necessities and prime commodities.
Source: philstar.com
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Manibela offers free rides on New Year
MANILA, Philippines, December 31 ------ As a holiday treat, a transport group is offering free rides to commuters on New Year. In a statement, Manibela president Mar Valbuena said they are giving free rides to “thank commuters for their support for our fight.”
Valbuena was referring to the transport group’s opposition to the government’s public utility vehicle modernization program. Members of Manibela nationwide will offer free rides on Jan. 1, 2025. Valbuena said the free rides would start from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. “We will launch the free rides as a simple thank you of Manibela to help ease the expenses of passengers this holiday season,” he said.
Valbuena said “libreng sakay” signs would be displayed by the participating jeepneys. On Dec. 20, President Marcos offered free rides on the Metro Rail Transit-3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, to help ease the financial burden of commuters during the holidays.
Source: philstar.com
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Comelec: Issues hound online voting system
MANILA, Philippines, December 31 ------ Some issues have been observed in the online voting and counting system (OVCS), which is set to be pilot-tested during the May 2025 overseas voting, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced.
According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, they have been informed of several issues observed during the trial period for OVCS, including the difficulty in the system of enrollment of overseas voters. “There are instances where those trying the system cannot successfully enroll. It needed three to four tries before they could register. We don’t want that because voters may lose interest,” he said in an interview.
Garcia said a “good voting system” should register an eligible voter on the first try. He said the joint venture of SMS Global Technologies Inc. and Sequent Tech Inc., which is the supplier of OVCS, has committed to address the issues by Jan. 3 next year.
The Comelec intends to implement internet voting in the 2025 midterm elections. The system will require registered overseas voters to undergo pre-enrollment, which will run from Feb. 12 to May 12, 2025, for them to be able to cast their votes. Overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, 2025. The Comelec said 76 Philippine posts are set to use internet voting while the remaining 17 will use automated counting machines.
Source: philstar.com
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LTFRB warns PUVs, TNVs not complying with 20% discount
MANILA, Philippines, December 31 ------ The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will impose sanctions on operators and drivers of Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) and public utility vehicles (PUV) who fail to comply with the law-mandated fare discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD)and students, an official of the LTFRB said.
LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said senior citizens and PWDs are entitled to a 20-percent fare discount under Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Law and RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. Students are also entitled to a similar discount. Guadiz reminded PUV operators to grant students discount at all times, including holidays, weekends and during vacation. “Despite the clear guidelines, reports of non-compliance have prompted the agency to take action,” Guadiz said.
He said complaints have emerged, especially from passengers who rely on TNVS platforms, noting the lack of a seamless option to apply for fare discounts. According to Guadiz, some PUV operators, including jeepney and bus drivers, have been refusing to honor valid identification cards and are still charging the full fare, leaving passengers disadvantaged. “Such practices go against the law and are a disservice to commuters,” the LTFRB chief said.
Operators and drivers who fail to follow these regulations will face stiffer fines and suspension or even revocation of franchise for repeat offenders, according to Guadiz. He underscored the importance of compliance by PUV and TNVS drivers, particularly amid the rising transportation costs. Guadiz assured commuters that the LTFRB is ramping up its monitoring and will respond promptly to verified complaints.
Source: philstar.com
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OCD preps for tent city in case Mt. Kanlaon alert level escalates
ILOILO CITY, December 31 ------ The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is readying for a higher alert level in case of a Mt. Kanlaon eruption. OCD 6 (Western Visayas) Director Raul Fernandez, however, said they did not monitor any volcanic activity on Wednesday, in contrast to the eruptions recorded two days ago.
Following the eruption activities, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) gave them three possible scenarios – a lava flow, a violent eruption, and for volcano activities to plateau. Fernandez said that based on their observations and compared to other active volcanoes in the country, what happened two days ago would cause lava flow. “On the side of OCD, we are preparing for heightened alert level, and the advice of Phivolcs was we maintain at Alert Level 3. There is an ongoing preparation in Himamaylan City, where we establish a tent city, in case the alert level escalates,” he added.
For Negros Oriental, the municipality of Vallehermoso and Guihulngan City were identified for the proposed tent city. “We will just wait for the advice from Phivolcs, which closely monitors the activity of the volcano. Currently, we are on status quo because, based on their analysis, the threat of lahar is not that much since the volume of materials to become a lahar is not along the waterways. It's not that alarming, but we are preparing,” he added. Fernandez said in the past two weeks, the Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell has met daily to address current issues and concerns.
The OCD-6 chief added that there are sufficient relief goods for the affected families. The Philippine Red Cross and concerned local government units (LGUs) also provide hot meals to families in evacuation centers. Data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development showed humanitarian assistance extended to families impacted by the KaNlaon eruption reached more than PHP36.19 million, including those from LGUs and non-government organizations. The department spent more than PHP30.5 million. As of Wednesday, the DSWD has recorded 2,680 families in evacuation centers, while 1,543 sought temporary shelter with friends or relatives.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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WPS crisis weighs down Boracay’s tourism industry
December 31 ------ BORACAY Island’s visitor traffic this year fell short of the target, thanks but no thanks to the ongoing tension between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista told Manila Standard in a phone interview that the targeted two-million visitors might still be hit, albeit a bit delayed. Bautista attributed the shortfall to the country’s strained bilateral relations with China arising from the territorial dispute over the WPS. In previous years, the Chinese topped tourist arrivals in Boracay, However, tourist traffic to the famous resort island this year was logged at only two million, somewhat short of the 2.3- million target, Bautista disclosed.
In 2023, the two-million visitor volume was reached as early as December 19. Of the current tourist arrivals, 1,592,355 were domestic tourists; 397, 867 were foreign, and 22, 806 were Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s). Many of the foreign tourists were South Koreans, Taiwanese and Europeans. “We may contend with the 2.1 million tourists this year for Boracay,” Bautista said.
In 2023, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Boracay registered some 2.15 million foreign and local tourists. Niven Maquirang, the Jetty Port Special Operations Manager said a cruise ship is still expected to arrive in Boracay on Dec. 28, bringing in an estimated 2,000 passengers. Esel Flores, the Caticlan Jetty Port administrator said with the current tourism trend, the province may reach some P530 million in revenue, up from last year’s P500 million.
The revenues was generated from the terminal fees collected both from local and foreign tourists at P150 each. “The high collections are because we have seen a longer amihan season this year. We could only collect terminal fees from tourists when they passed through the Caticlan Jetty Port during sunny days. Whenever there is a strong rain or habagat, we cannot collect terminal fees because the terminal bound to Boracay is being transferred to Tabon Port also in Malay,” he explained.
Source: manilastandard.net
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Top 5 OPM artists who dominated 2024
December 31 ------ This year is a monumental one for the OPM industry, with Filipino acts artistically expressing their stories well-received locally and internationally. The OPM artists eagerly explore diverse genres, ranging from soulful R&B to energetic hip-hop, while consistently topping charts across major streaming platforms. Significantly, these talented artists are heavily involved in the creative production of their music, introducing the unparalleled authenticity, passion, and artistry of young Filipino talents to the global audience.
5. Dionela
Dionela, the soulful voice of the chart-topping song "Sining (feat. Jay R)," is a rising Filipino talent known for his heartfelt songs and distinctly emotive vocals. "Sining (feat. Jay R)" held the top spot of multiple streaming platforms for weeks, including the Spotify Global Charts, affirming his growing audience locally and internationally. In addition, he also produced "Hoodie (feat. Alisson Shore)" and "Marilag," further showcasing his versatility. The singer-songwriter represented OPM abroad in festivals such as the Groovedriver Festival in Singapore and the Asia Song Festival 2024 in South Korea. Besides, the alternative R&B singer-songwriter cultivated an online community, utilizing social media to promote his music and share behind-the-scenes stories to connect with his audience like most musicians today.
4. TJ Monterde
Likewise, TJ Monterde, an R&B singer, released new songs, including two albums, "Sariling Mundo" and a live album for his sold-out solo concert at the New Frontier Theater on May 5 and 6. Along with his successful track "Palagi," which entered the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, acoustic ballads "Dating Tayo," "Ikaw At Ako," and "Mahika" highlighted the musician's charmingly soothing vocals and introspective lyricism. His latest projects are "Darating Din" and a new collaborative version of his track, "Palagi (TJxKZ Version)," featuring his partner, KZ Tandingan. TJ Monterde's profound storytelling and melodic tunes resonate deeply with listeners, making his music highly relatable.
3. Maki
Soloist Maki also made a remarkable impression this year with his catchy pop tracks and trendy online content. Impressively, "Dilaw" topped the Spotify Top 200 for six weeks and reached the number one spot on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 chart. Apart from his latest single, "Namumula," he also released "HBD," "Kurba," and "Sikulo" with Angela Ken and Nhiko this year, each showcasing a modern appeal. As a songwriter, Maki composes introspective songs that naturally captivate his listeners. He performed at the Philippine Arena as Lany's special guest, staging a duet with the frontman and singing his original song. Maki also expanded his reach by performing in Japan and Spain before holding his sold-out Maki-Concert at the New Frontier Theater on Nov. 29 and 30.
2. Hev Abi
Hip-hop artist Hev Abi is one of the most streamed local acts, with his name topping multiple charts for his solo and collaborative works. Notably, the independent artist is recognized for his rhythmic verses and vivid storytelling, evident in his works "Walang Alam," "Alam Mo Ba Girl," "Burgis" with Flow G, and "Babaero" with gins&melodies. Remarkably, "Julie Pakipot," from his latest album, entered the Spotify Viral 50.
In 2024, after staging his sold-out concert, Morato Most Wanted: The Hev Abi Concert, at the New Frontier Theater on April 28, he later released the live album of the show and a new album entitled "bahay namin maliit lamang" garnering massive attention. Furthermore, the artist presented his Hev Abi Down Under tour in Australia and New Zealand, showcasing his authentic music while advancing Filipino hip-hop abroad.
1. Bini
Commanding the scene, P-pop representatives Bini stirred a phenomenon with their hit single "Pantropiko." The group — with members Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena — trained through ABS-CBN's Star Hunt Academy and evolved into multi-talented performers, steadily rising as a global force. Their 2024 EP Talaarawan, led by the pre-release single "Pantropiko," captivated audiences, extending the attention to other standout tracks such as "Karera," "Lagi," and "Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi," which solidified their presence in pop music. They also released "Salamin, Salamin," which comprises exceptionally captivating lyrics and choreography, followed by their English track "Cherry On Top," signaling the start of their international music promotions.
Source: manilatimes.net
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An unflinching Filipino masterpiece that hits hard
December 31 ------ If violence can ever be called breathtaking, then "Topakk" delivers violence in its rawest, most visceral and breathtakingly unflinching form. Directed by Richard Somes and co-written with Jim Flores and Will Fredo, this gripping action-thriller entry to today's Metro Manila Film Festival boldly confronts its audience with the brutal realities of war, crime, and the lingering scars they leave behind. It's as real as real can be.
Produced by Nathan Studios, Strawdogs Studio and Fusee with internationally award-winning actor Arjo Atayde, the captivating Julia Montes and the versatile Sid Lucero leading a compelling cast, "Topakk" effectively transcends the boundaries of conventional action films for the very reason that it offers not only entertainment but an unrelenting look at humanity's darkest corners. Earning rave reviews at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and the 76th Locarno Film Festival, this unapologetically gritty action movie officially made its much-awaited homecoming on December 19 at a star-studded premiere night at the Gateway Cinemas in Araneta City. It left its audience in awe of both its gripping story and masterful execution, all in all, a stunning testament to the remarkable heights Filipino cinema can achieve.
Let's be clear: the film doesn't use violence as a spectacle, no matter the technical excellence of every trigger pulled, every explosion detonated, every knife plunged, and every punch landed. Even with its unparalleled precision in sound and visuals, Topakk prioritizes substance over spectacle. It demands viewers to confront the devastating effects of war and crime and to grapple with the consequences of a broken system. Adding to the film's impact are its exceptional performances.
As before, Arjo delivers a career-defining portrayal of a man haunted by his past, capturing the nuances of PTSD with stunning authenticity. His smallest gestures — every twitch, every moment of hesitation — speak volumes about his internal torment. Julia — as the hesitant drug peddler who seeks Arjo's help — goes from strength to strength in her second film since returning to showbiz, delivering an emotionally and physically commanding performance that establishes her as a force to be reckoned with. Sid — the ring leader of a group of drug protectors — as always, brings a magnetic presence to the screen, embodying his morally complex, almost likeable villain with remarkable intensity. Even the supporting cast shines — particularly the corrupt police officers, whose sleazy, detestable portrayals evoke genuine frustration and disgust. (Keep an eye out for Cholo Barretto. They guy's a genius.)
It's no wonder Topakk was met with acclaim during its international festival run, where critics praised its bold storytelling and technical mastery. Now, with its triumphant return to the Philippines as part of the MMFF's golden anniversary celebration, it certainly feels even more relevant than ever. As the director's tribute to soldiers who bear the burden of war long after leaving the battlefield, "Topakk," we hope, will remain more than just a film beyond its homecoming. For indeed, at its core, is an urgent call to reflect on the systemic violence, corruption and moral decay plaguing Philippine society. Ultimately, by holding up a mirror to these grim realities, may this painfully authentic movie challenge audiences not only to confront the truth but to demand the change that must come.
Source: manilatimes.net
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​Miley Cyrus gives ‘bittersweet’ goodbye to 2024: ‘I am looking forward to starting over again’
December 31 ------ Miley Cyrus is saying goodbye to 2024 as she prepares for the upcoming new year ahead. On Instagram, “The Climb” singer shared a portrait of herself along with a greeting: “Happy Holidays & New Year!” “It’s bittersweet saying goodbye to a year that has been so good to me, but I am looking forward to starting over again,” Miley wrote. “This is one of my favorite parts of not just the creative process but the way life has chosen to teach me."
As a creative artist, Miley said in everything she does, she likes to go all out and give all that she’s got, only for it all “to come to an end, move on and start anew.” “At times, it can be a heartbreaking process, but I’ve always known the pieces to come back together and create something beautiful,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who has been [a part] of making this year so special,” she added.
In August, Miley was honored as the youngest Disney Legend. After her stint with Disney, she went on to release her own hit songs like “Wrecking Ball,” “Party in the USA,” and “Flowers,” among others. In February, Miley won her first Grammy, taking the best solo pop performance prize for her empowering anthem “Flowers.”
Source: gmanetwork.com
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SPORTS NEWS
Carlos Yulo and a golden year for Philippine sports
MANILA, Philippines, December 31 ------ There was no shortage of historic moments for Philippine sports in the year 2024. While Filipino athletes excelled in various international stints, there was no victory bigger than Carlos Yulo’s success on the biggest sporting stage no less. Yulo ushered in the golden era of Philippine sports, scoring an unprecedented double gold finish in the Paris Olympics 2024 as he carried the country to its greatest achievement in a century.
Along Yulo’s magical run in Paris also came the resurgence of the Philippines’ top sports in the international scene with the Filipino boxers bringing back their lost glory, Gilas Pilipinas thriving under coach Tim Cone, and Alas Pilipinas progressing to a great rebuilding program with a couple of bronze medals. Let’s take a look back at the golden 2024 before the new year.
Carlos Yulo accomplished the Team Philippines’ goal of surpassing its Tokyo Olympics 2020 campaign three years ago–all by himself. Following a forgettable Tokyo Games run amid high expectations, the 24-year-old gymnast made sure to bounce back in what is considered the greatest sporting achievement of any Filipino athlete in history. The Filipino dynamo delivered the country’s first Olympic gold in Paris after winning in the men’s floor exercise final, where he tallied 15.000 points as the third gymnast competing in his pet apparatus. He joined Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, who brought home breakthrough gold in the Tokyo Games. And just less than 24 hours after his historic run, Yulo became a multi-Olympic gold winner after ruling the vault final, executing a 15.116-point performance on a 6.600 difficulty.
Yulo, who finished 12th in the all-around final, put the world on notice becoming the first Filipino gymnast to win an Olympic medal and the first from the country to win multiple golds. The two-time World Champion went home with millions of incentives and several heroes welcome to celebrate his greatness. It may not have been a perfect homecoming due to his public spat with his mother Angelica Poquiz-Yulo but his double Olympic gold was celebrated by the whole country. Yulo is committed to competing in Los Angeles 2028, seeking to bring more achievements in Philippine gymnastics.
Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas continued to fly the flag of Philippines boxing with their bronze medal finishes in the Paris Olympics. Petecio fell short of reaching the women’s 57kg final after losing to Poland’s Julia Szeremeta in the semis, but she became the first Filipino boxer to win multiple Olympic medals adding the Paris bronze to her Tokyo 2020 silver. Despite another tough loss and boxing’s uncertainty in LA 2028, the 32-year-old remained eager to win an elusive gold as she eyes a third straight Olympic berth in four years.
Petecio returns to action in the World Championship next year and the Southeast Asian Games. Villegas, on the other hand, had an Olympic debut to remember despite yielding to Turkish boxer Buse Naz Cakiroglu in the semifinals of the women’s 50kg boxing. Villegas was a revelation on her Olympic debut, pairing Petecio’s bronze to support Yulo’s double-gold campaign in the Team Philippines. Petecio and Villegas still brought honor to the country after their teammates Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, and Hergie Bacyadan suffered early exits in their respective divisions.
Tim Cone’s Midas touch for Gilas Pilipinas continues to work wonders after an unbeaten run in the Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers and an impressive stint in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying tournament.
Riding the momentum of Gilas’ Asian Games gold medal run last year, Cone fully committed to the national program with a permanent post as head coach to start the year. Under his leadership, the Philippine basketball team continued to thrive with a roster composed of PBA superstars like JuneMar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, and Scottie Thompson and emerging stars Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao. And Gilas produced results right away dominating the first window of the Asia Cup qualifiers against Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei last February. But their biggest highlight was when the Philippines stunned a European team Latvia in its first game in the OQT last July in the country’s final bid to make it to Paris.
Gilas made it to the semifinals of the OQT that featured higher-ranked, NBA-powered teams with Cone’s triangle offense and team’s girt earning the praises of their foes. Gilas Pilipinas lost to Brazil in the semifinals but not before putting a spotlight on the reemergence of the program. It didn’t stop there for Gilas as it ended the year with a 4-0 record in the Asia Cup qualifiers after a breakthrough 93-89 win over New Zealand–the country’s first over its Oceania rivals in a Fiba setting– followed by a 93-54 rout of Hong Kong to qualify for the Asia Cup next year. Besides the Fiba Asia Cup, Gilas will also compete in the 2025 SEA Games.
After being left without a reigning world champion in 2022, the Philippines slowly started getting back its lost glory with Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran capturing world titles. Jerusalem won the WBC world minimumweight title after dethroning Japanese Yudai Shigeoka by a split decision in his home country Japan last March. It was Jerusalem’s second world title since 2023 when he first ended the Philippines’ world championship drought with a second-round knockout win over Japanese Masataka Taniguchi. Jerusalem also successfully defended his belt after beating Luis Castillo of Mexico by unanimous decision. Taduran became the second reigning Filipino boxing world champion after dealing Ginjiro Shigeoka’s first defeat with a ninth-round technical knockout last July. Taduran joined Jerusalem as a world champion, winning the IBF minimumweight belt. After leading Philippine boxing to victories this year, Jerusalem, who holds a 23-2 record, and Taduran (17-4-1) will have targets on their backs next year as they compete in respective title defenses.
The birth of Alas Pilipinas — the new monicker of the national volleyball teams — gave the new-look program a glimpse of a brighter future. Along with veteran holdovers Jia De Guzman and Dawn Macandili-Catindig, young stars Angel Canino, Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma, and Thea Gagate pumped life into the women’s campaign in a potent mix that yielded immediate results–a historic bronze medal in the country’s hosting of the AVC Challenge Cup. De Guzman, armed with her Japan league experience with the Denso AiryBees, led a bunch of youngsters and national team newcomers to a historic run in the country’s first AVC medal in 63 years after beating Australia in the battle for bronze.
Canino, a former UAAP rookie MVP from La Salle, also thrived in her first Alas stint despite playing in an unfamiliar position as an opposite spiker. But it didn’t stop her from being the country’s main weapon and even being named the Best Opposite Spiker of the AVC Challenge Cup. The victory also gave national team coach Jorge Souza De Brito, who was about to pack his things and start a new life in another country, another chance to make a splash with Alas Pilipinas. His young but resilient team proved that the Brazilian tactician, who arrived in the country three years ago as part of the FIVB Program, only needed the right pieces to win which led to his extension until the SEA Games next year. Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, and Jema Galanza also returned to the lineup.
The Nationals also regained the SEA V.League podium with a pair of bronze medals in two legs and a couple of individual awardees with De Guzman winning the first leg’s Best Setter and Gagate being named as a Best Middle Blocker. Alyssa Solomon led the country’s second bronze in Leg 2 and earned the Best Opposite Spiker — her second international award in the tournament. Alas ended its national team period with a series of training camps and international friendlies, hoping to translate the successful year to winning the first medal since 2005 in the SEA Games next year. It wasn’t only the women’s national team’s year as the men’s volleyball team got its historic participation in next year’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
New AVC president and PNVF chief Tats Suzara successfully won the bid for the prestigious men’s world championship, giving a chance for the Alas Pilipinas program to face the best of the best. Alas also went under the guidance of world champion coach Angiolino Frigoni of Italy and won a pair of bronze medals in the SEA V.League with Buds Buddin, a last-minute call-up, being a revelation winning the Best Outside Spiker in both legs. The road to Alas’ World Championship debuts gets going as early as January 2025.
Source: inquirer.net
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Philippine Olympic body gears up for busy 2025
MANILA, Philippines, December 31 ------ Newly reelected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino will call to order the new set of members of the POC Executive Board on January 9 and after that, the first General Assembly of the new year will only be a week later on January 15. “Work starts in earnest,” said Tolentino, adding 2025 will be capped by the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in December, where host Thailand is expected to leave no stone unturned to emerge overall champion. “That will be a tough SEA Games, but I’m confident our athletes, our national sports associations will deliver in Thailand,” Tolentino said.
There are dozens of international competitions lined up in 2025 with the Ninth Asian Winter Games set February 7-14 in Harbin, China, and the postponed Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games set in Jeddah at a still to be determined dates serving as highlights. Tolentino said he expects the trajectory of Philippine sports to continue pointing upward following the historic haul of two gold medals from Carlos Yulo in gymnastics and two bronzes in boxing from Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas at the Paris 2024 Olympics. “It was one historic year in 2024 that raised the bar that high, making the POC’s mission and vision even more challenging,” Tolentino said. “But it wasn’t impossible and my trust and confidence over the NSAs and my ‘Working Team’ could boost our athletes to achieve higher goals.”
Tolentino and his entire “Working Team” were the runaway winners in last month’s POC elections — the PhilCycling head earned 45 votes that represented three-fourths of the 61 voting members of the organization. The “Working Team” — first vice president Al Panlilio (basketball), second vice-president Richard Gomez (modern pentathlon), treasurer Dr. Raul Canlas (surfing), auditor Don Caringal (volleyball) and board members Leonora Escollante (canoe-kayak-dragon boat), Ferdie Agustin (jiu-jitsu), Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Alexander Sulit (judo) and Leah Gonzalez (fencing) — also got overwhelming votes of confidence from the NSAs.
Tolentino stressed that the template of success Yulo and Tokyo 2020 weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo utilized, will be enhanced to keep the streak going for Philippine sports. “The template’s been tried, tested and proven twice over,” he said. “For this coming year, the ingredients are there, making the path to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 clearer and achievable.”
Source: philstar.com
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Best sports quotes of 2024
PARIS, December 31 ------ AFP has leafed through the archives to pick out some of the quotes that defined the sporting year in 2024:
Basketball
"That moment — us checking in together — is something I'll never forget, no matter how old I get, how my memory may fade as I get older or whatever. I will never forget that moment."
— LeBron James on the moment he and his son Bronny became the first father-son combination to feature in the same team in an NBA match
Boxing
"No knockout, no problem. I don't think about it because we had a win."
— Oleksandr Usyk after a split-decision victory over Tyson Fury in the first heavyweight unification fight since 1999
Cricket
"Playing for England is the best job in the world and I've been privileged to do it for a long time."
— England bowler James Anderson who ended a 20-year international career when he retired in July at the age of 41 with 704 wickets to his name
"We all know she is a once in a generation player. What she was able to do tonight was incredible. The world is her oyster."
— New Zealand captain Sophie Devine on all-rounder Amelia Kerr who steered the White Ferns to victory in the women's T20 World Cup final
"He is the kind of player who has come on Earth to play cricket, he settles for nothing else."
— Cricket coach Pramod Kumar on 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becoming the youngest player to be signed by an IPL franchis.
Cycling
"Cycling has given me so much and I love the sport. I can now say that I have achieved everything that I can on the bike."
— Record-breaking sprinter Mark Cavendish announcing his retirement
Formula One
"There is tension here while he remains in position. The team is in danger of being torn apart. It can't go on the way it is. It will explode. He is playing the victim, when he is the one causing the problems."
— Max Verstappen's father Jos Verstappen speaks out against Red Bull team boss Christian Horner after he was accused of inappropriate behavior towards a female employee. Horner was later cleared of any wrongdoing
"To stand here as a four-time world champion is something I never thought was possible. It was a very challenging season."
— Max Verstappen after winning his fourth world championship title
Football
"We had to suffer. We had to suffer like animals."
— Spain winger Nico Williams after his side scored late in Berlin to beat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024
"As people, as athletes, as men they have shown what they are worth. I cried with the boys."
— Marco Tura, president of San Marino's Football Federation, after his side secured promotion in the National League with their first-ever away win, 3-1 in Liechtenstein
Olympics
"After all these years putting the mental work in, it's paid off."
— American gymnast Simone Biles bounces back from the mental torture of the “twisties” to collect three golds and a silver in Paris
"Everyone competing in the women's category... is complying with competition eligibility rules. They are women in their passports and it's stated in there that they are female."
— IOC spokesman Mark Adams on the gender row that blew up over Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting
"I wanted to show the strength of performance and the presence of women in general, and Algerian women in particular."
— Gold medal-winning Algerian boxer Imane Khelif
"I can't go out to restaurants like I used to anymore. I can't do my shopping alone. I wear a cap and glasses. I try to hide a little. It's a fairly radical change in status."
— French Olympic swimming hero Leon Marchand in the weeks after winning four individual gold medals in Paris
"This may well be the greatest sports photo of all time."
— Australian media conglomerate News.com.au rating AFP photographer Jerome Brouillet Olympics-defining snap of the Brazilian Gabriel Medina
Paralympics
"All athletes and coaches who trained on the territory of Ukraine were always at risk of serious injuries and wounds, or death from Russian missiles and bomb drones. It was incredibly difficult."
— Valeriy Sushkevych, president of the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee
"I try to think of it as making beauty out of ashes, you know, rising as a phoenix would, showing the world that regardless of your circumstances, you really can do anything that you put your heart and mind to."
— US Paralympic archer Tracy Otto to AFP about her journey after a former boyfriend shot and stabbed her leaving her paralysed severing her spinal cord
Tennis
"I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one."
— Rafael Nadal on his retirement at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga
"You beat me — a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could."
— Roger Federer on the retiring Rafael Nadal
"After I lost my father, it has always been my goal to put our family name in the history of tennis. I'm proud of my family that they never gave up on my dream and that they were doing everything they could to keep me going."
— Aryna Sabalenka after winning the US Open.
Source: philstar.com
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