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Sunday, January 26, 2025
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Power company workers fix electric wires in Navotas City on Jan. 16, 2025. Power distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) indicated lower electricity rates this January due to a decrease in generation costs. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

Power interruptions to hit Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan due to maintenance work

By Ed Paolo Salting

HEADLINES: US freezes almost all aid | January 26, 2025

HEADLINES: US freezes almost all aid | January 26, 2025

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega. Photo from PCO

US freezes almost all aid

By Catherine S. Valente , Javier Joe Ismael , Agence France-Presse and Associated Press

CHINA'S NEWEST LAUNCH CENTER
File photo of the Long March CZ-5 launch pad (R) and the Long March CZ-7 launching pad (L) that hold the Long March CZ-7 carrier rocket carrying the cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan province, China launched its first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 on April 20, 2017. Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site is China's fourth after Jiuquan, Xichang, Taiyuan. With its mix of tropical beaches and space tourism, the Wenchang Space Center is the closest thing to Cape Canaveral that China currently possesses. The newest Chinese space center was inaugurated in 2016. EPA/WU HONG

Palawan, Basilan on high alert for fallout from China rocket launch

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

FREEZE ORDER US Secretary of State Marco Rubio waves to employees upon arrival at the State Department in Washington, DC, on Jan. 21, 2025. The United States, the world's biggest donor, froze virtually all foreign aid on Jan. 24, making exceptions only for emergency food, and military funding for Israel and Egypt. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent an internal memo days after President Donald Trump took office vowing an ‘America First’ policy of tightly restricting assistance overseas. PHOTO BY ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP

US freezes almost all foreign aid except for Israel, Egypt arms

By Agence France-Presse

US freezes almost all aid

Palawan, Basilan on high alert for fallout from China rocket launch

US freezes almost all foreign aid except for Israel, Egypt arms

WATCH: Pharmacist turns to farming to help secure family's future

US President Donald Trump speaks with the press on board Air Force One after departing Las Vegas, Nevada, en route to Miami, Florida on January 25, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Trump suggests US releasing 2,000-pound bombs to Israel

From left: Naoya Inoue, Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao AFP FILE PHOTOS

Inoue's career 'more legendary' than Pacquiao's — Arum

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QC to unveil 'new' Chinatown

Novak Djokovic AFP PHOTO

Djokovic posts scan of injury for 'experts out there'

The Philippines' Ryan Sy paces the field. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Ryan Sy makes impressive senior international karting debut

San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (left) fights for the ball with Indiana Pacers' Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith during the NBA basketball game bat the Accor Arena - Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy - in Paris on Jan. 25, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Wemby's Spurs fall to Pacers in Paris

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Marcos joins Muslims in marking Al Isra Wal Mi'raj

Investigators inspect the scene outside the JR Nagano train station after a man stabbed three people at a bus stop in the city of Nagano, some 225 kilometres (140 miles) northwest of Tokyo on January 22, 2025. The man stabbed three people at a train station in central Japan on January 22 before fleeing the scene, leaving one person dead, local media reported. The three victims were waiting at a bus stop, and were apparently targeted at random, local news reported, citing an investigative source. PHOTO BY JIJI PRESS/AFP

Japan police arrest man over train station stabbing

CAREER SHIFT

WATCH: Pharmacist turns to farming to help secure family's future

People watch the news at a station in Seoul, South Korea, 06 January 2025. According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), North Korea launched a Ballistic Missile into the East Sea on 06 January. EPA-EFE/JEON HEON-KYUN

NKorea test-fires sea-to-surface strategic cruise missile — KCNA

Marlen Ronquillo

Midweek Comments

McKinley's ghost inspires Trump, unsettles broader world

By Marlen Ronquillo

The Word on the World

Will President Trump advance God's agenda?

By Ricardo Saludo

Man convicted of nine rapes; a database of Filipino clerics accused of abuse

By Fr. Shay cullen

Rough Trade

Coordinated climate obstruction found on social media

Today's Front Page

Teenage pregnancy: Use facts, not fear

Preserving the integrity of firearm as evidence

By Persida Acosta

Jesus Jay Miranda OP

Non Scholæ Sed Vitæ

Finding new fit and sense of purpose

By Jesus Jay Miranda OP

Ariane Macalinga Borlongan

Language Speaks

Researching on Aviation English

By Ariane Macalinga Borlongan

Lloyd C. Bautista

Securitatem Populi

Misinformation, biases and hate

By Lloyd C. Bautista

Joseph E. Stiglitz

Project Syndicate

The end of progress?

By Joseph E. Stiglitz

What's trending?

By Alvin Santos

BUSINESS

The dialectics of music

By Frances Mae Ramos

From left: Naoya Inoue, Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao AFP FILE PHOTOS

SPORTS

Inoue's career 'more legendary' than Pacquiao's — Arum

By Niel Victor C. Masoy

US President Donald Trump speaks with the press on board Air Force One after departing Las Vegas, Nevada, en route to Miami, Florida on January 25, 2025. AFP PHOTO

WORLD

Trump suggests US releasing 2,000-pound bombs to Israel

By Agence France-Presse

Marian Rivera's awardwinning 'Balota' premieres on Netflix

Motorcycling community The Litas Manila steals the show with their motorcycles and Uniqlo Jeans outfits.

LIFESTYLE

The many ways to denim this 2025

WHEELS TO LIVE
At least 120 persons with mobility impairment and senior citizens from Mega Manila receive wheelchairs from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Rotary Club of Manila 101 at the PRC Headquarters in Mandaluyong on Jan. 25, 2025. The 'Mobility for Dignity' project, in partnership with the Wheelchair Foundation and Chair the Love, aims to distribute 270 wheelchairs to mobility-impaired individuals. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

January 25, 2025

STREET RACE
Evangelista Street in Bangkal, Makati City holds its annual street horse racing on Jan. 25, 2025 to celebrate the Feast of San Ildefonso. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO

January 25, 2025

RALLY CALL
A rally for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte is held alongside a mass for the 92nd birthday of former president Corazon Aquino in front of the Commission on Elections office in Manila on Jan. 25, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

January 25, 2025

FINE-TUNING
Commission on Election (Comelec) officials hold mock polls at their office in Intramuros, Manila on Jan. 25, 2025 in preparation for the National and Local Elections in May. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN

January 25, 2025

SUNSET BOULEVARD Influencer Lynette Ponce Uygongco, together with her furbabies in Dinagyang costumes, cycle along the newly opened Iloilo Sunset Boulevard on Jan. 25, 2025. The five- kilometer, four-lane highway connects Barangay Tabucan in Mandurriao district to Barangay Cagbang in Oton, Iloilo. It aims to ease traffic congestion along the Iloilo-Antique Road and serves as an alternative route for commuters traveling between Iloilo City and southern municipalities. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

SUNSET BOULEVARD

January 25, 2025

Commission on Elections. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

Nation

NPO deputized to print ballots

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has deputized the National Printing Office (NPO) for the printing of official ballots for the May 12 national and local elections as well as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections. This is the first time that the Comelec has deputized the NPO. This decision follows multiple delays in the ballot printing process, triggered by the Supreme Court's recent issuance of temporary restraining orders (TROs) that prevented the poll body from disqualifying certain candidates. Under Comelec Resolution 11096

By Franco Jose C. Baroña - January 26, 2025

Chinese harassment scuttles PH scientific survey

Feng Shui tips for fortune, harmony in the new year

Solution found to restore P10B DepEd cut – Angara

DMW, recruiters tackle worker safety

Group formed to set up Natl Forensics Institute

SAF 44's heroism remembered

Most PPA ports unaffected by quakes

PH, Oman conclude 5th bilateral talks

Preventive measures vs Mpox up in Baguio

Cebu sees higher inflation in December

DepEd, DPWH assess damaged structures

Bataan police commemorate SAF 44

Investigators inspect the scene outside the JR Nagano train station after a man stabbed three people at a bus stop in the city of Nagano, some 225 kilometres (140 miles) northwest of Tokyo on January 22, 2025. The man stabbed three people at a train station in central Japan on January 22 before fleeing the scene, leaving one person dead, local media reported. The three victims were waiting at a bus stop, and were apparently targeted at random, local news reported, citing an investigative source. PHOTO BY JIJI PRESS/AFP

Japan police arrest man over train station stabbing

By Agence France-Presse

People watch the news at a station in Seoul, South Korea, 06 January 2025. According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), North Korea launched a Ballistic Missile into the East Sea on 06 January. EPA-EFE/JEON HEON-KYUN

NKorea test-fires sea-to-surface strategic cruise missile — KCNA

epa11826574 John Ratcliffe, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), testifies at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, USA, 15 January 2025. Ratcliffe previously served as President Trump's Director of National Intelligence. EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO

CIA says Covid 'more likely' to have leaked from lab

DRAGON DANCE. Folk dancers perform a dragon dance ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations in Taicang, in China’s eastern Jiangsu province on Jan. 24, 2025. AFP Photo

China travel peaks for Lunar New Year

DESPERATE FIGHT VS POLLUTION. This photo taken on Jan. 15, 2025, shows a pilot flying next to another aircraft from Thailand's Royal Rainmaking department taking part in an atmospheric modification mission to displace pollution by spraying icy water in the air on the outskirts of Bangkok. Flying some 5,000 feet high through cloudless blue skies, a small aircraft sprays a white mist over a thick haze of pea soup smog below. This is Thailand's desperate, unproven attempt at reducing the oppressive air pollution over Bangkok. AFP Photo

Ice in the sky: Thailand's fight against air pollution

DIVERSITY PROGRAMS' BAD DAY. US President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One upon arrival at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan. 24, 2025. On the same day, the president directed federal agencies to start terminating staffers working in positions related to diversity programs. AFP Photo

US agencies to start firing diversity staff

This combination of pictures created on Jan. 24, 2025, shows posters of Israeli hostages (from left) Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Karina Ariev and Daniela Gilboa, held in the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas militants. Hamas' armed wing on Jan. 24, 2025, named four Israeli 'women soldiers' it intends to release the following day as part of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, with Israel confirming it received the names shortly after. AFP Photo

Hamas to free 4 Israeli hostages in truce swap

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Top Business

NEDA upgrade to align natl, local economic plans

CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the transformation of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into a Cabinet-level department will align local socioeconomic plans and programs with national development goals and thrusts. Villafuerte is the lead author of the bill converting NEDA into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev), which has already been approved at the Bicameral Conference Committee and is now set to be ratified by both House of Representatives and Senate before it is sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his signature. The

By Red Mendoza - January 26, 2025

PH HIGHLIGHTS DIGITAL PUSH AT WEF

Ben & Jerry's hits Unilever over Trump

Why one size does not fit all

DOF eyes improving customs procedures

Sunday Business & It

AI is a gamble we can't afford

Sunday Business & It

What we saw in web security in 2024

Sunday Business & It

What are the most in-demand jobs in 2025?

Sunday Business & It

Samsung S25 series: A true AI companion

Sunday Business & It

Beyond beaches: Strengthening Philippine tourism for global competitiveness

Sunday Business & It

SheSecure supports Filipina entrepreneurs in gender-equitable growth

Sunday Business & It

The future of jobs and work: Some research report highlights

Foreign Business

Meta plans to invest $60-B or more in AI this year

Novak Djokovic AFP PHOTO

Sports

Djokovic posts scan of injury for 'experts out there'

MELBOURNE — Novak Djokovic blasted "all sports injury experts" on Saturday when he posted the results of a scan which demonstrated the extent of the leg injury which shattered his Australian Open dream. Djokovic left the court to a chorus of boos on Friday when he retired from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev after dropping the first set on a tie-break. The 37-year-old said a tear in his upper left thigh, which was heavily strapped, had made it impossible for him to carry on. Djokovic posted the results of an MRI exam he underwent in Melbourne which highlighted a large, dark

Ryan Sy makes impressive senior international karting debut

Wemby's Spurs fall to Pacers in Paris

SGA routs Al Nasr for 2-0 start in Dubai

Magnolia, SMB fight for playoff life vs separate foes

Bolick explodes for 40 as NLEX rips ROS

McCullough, Cousins deliver as SGA downs UAE

Petecio grateful for another PSA recognition

ATENEO'S AIDEN LAZARO: A BASEBALL STAR IN THE MAKING

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of January 24, 2025

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Stock indices as of January 23, 2025

Australia and the Philippines: Partners in prosperity

MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR

PSC PARTNERS WITH DPWH The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officially signs a deal with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the modernization and establishment of several sports infrastructures in the country with the shared goal of supporting Filipino athletes; so, they can thrive in their respective sports. PHOTO FROM PSC WEBSITE

PSC marks 35 years of empowering Filipino athletes to be champions

SPRAWLING CITY GREENS Photo shows artist’s conceptual rendering of the golf course to rise within the 3,500-hectare Villar City. PHOTO FROM VILLAR CITY

Villar City partners with Curley-Wagner for world-class golf course design

SUCCESSFUL MANILA KICKOFF Present at the launch are (from left) Blanca Mercado, president and COO of The Manila Times; DSWD Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar; Sen. Mark Villar; and Alex Vergara, features editor of Stargate People Asia. PHOTO FROM LSE GENERATE

Tmt Newswire

LSE Generate celebrates 23rd international chapter in the Philippines

LSE Generate, the London School of Economics' renowned entrepreneurship center, recently launched its first international cluster in Southeast Asia, focusing on the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. The Philippines was also recognized as its 23rd international chapter. The cluster's debut event was held at the Brittany Hotel in Taguig, bringing together innovators, corporate leaders, government officials and startup founders from across the region. Hosted by Vista Land, the gathering emphasized the Philippines' role as a growing hub for social innovation, with entrepreneurs

Alas Oplas and Co., CPAs opens new Laguna branch

AboitizPower's Therma Mobile recognized as Navotas City's top taxpayer anew

WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE AT MET LIVE AND BLUE BAY WALK

PlayTime announces 'New Year, New Ride' promo winners

CHR supports proposed bill penalizing child support violators

New SHDA leadership to address housing backlog, advance sustainability

Dead Sea Marathon Israel offers unforgettable running adventure

MAYNILAD PIPE REPLACEMENT IN SOUTH CALOOCAN NEARS COMPLETION

Reebok unveils Nano X5 at SM City North EDSA store opening

CND feng shui-inspired shades celebrate CNY 2025 radiance and renewal

PMCC calls for unity, devotion to God in 'Home Free' crusade

207 PNP officials pass executive service eligibility written exam

Education Secretary Sonny Angara (center) in one of the dialogues with stakeholders, private sector representatives and industry partners at St. Paul College Pasig for refining the senior high school curriculum to make graduates employable with quality jobs. DEPED PHOTO

Campus Press

DepEd prunes SHS curriculum

By The Manila Times

(From left) Globe Media Relations Manager Jomel Gonzaga, Omnichannel Experience Integration Manager Jerome Patalud, Center of Excellence Manila Principal Heles Tiamzon, Globe Analytics and Stakeholder Engagement Senior Director Carlo Santos and Globe Communication Manager lawyer Mike Pelayo. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Centex Manila gets 'G-Gantic' boost with gadgets from Globe

Young scholars enjoy the new Student Wellness Center at Philippine Science High School main campus in Quezon City on its inauguration on Jan. 9, 2025. PSHS PHOTO

Pisay Main students thrive in new wellness center

Strong winds that pushed deadly wildfires through the riverbed of the Sta. Clara River in Oxnard, North West of Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 13, 2025, is a climate change impact that severely impacted the economy. PHOTO BY ETIENNE LAURENT VIA AFP

Green Industries

Companies invest in resilience to extreme weather events

The EcoWaste Coalition said these cosmetics are laced with mercury. PHOTO BY THE ECOWASTE COALITION

Group slams mercury use in some facial products

The author (in blue checkered polo) with the student delegates from the Universidad De Manila after the breakout session. PHOTO BY HEAVEN-MARY GUDITO

Navigating the intersectionality of corruption and climate action

This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande in a scene from the film "Wicked." (Universal Pictures via AP)

'Emilia Pérez' tops Oscar nominations with 13, 'Wicked' and 'The Brutalist' land 10 apiece

By Associated Press - January 24, 2025

Why Janno Gibbs is the right anchor for VMX's new and boldest gag show

What's it all about, Anora?

Seth Fedelin reflects on his breakthrough year

TV host Marc Nelson clarifies stance in marital dispute between ex-beauty queen, businessman

Cup of Joe – the Baguio boys who are headed to The Big Dome

Wasia Project talks classical music, cultural influences in new EP

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Tradition meets modern comfort in Year of the Snake capsule

'InCharge' magazine's maiden issue out

Seventeen's Artist-Made Collection now in SM Mall of Asia

Melania Trump's inaugural hat steals the spotlight

Gordon Ramsay in Cubao wet market, tries 'paluto'

7,000 Blooms join Bini Run Mun

Dani Barretto drinks to wellness

The Prosperity Yee Sang is more than just a dish, but a delicious tradition to usher unity and abundance among family and friends.

The Sunday Times Magazine

Celebrate new and bountiful beginnings at Conrad Manila

January 26, 2025

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One of Pampanga's culinary delights

Ring in the Lunar New Year with joy and prosperity at Araneta City. PHOTO FROM ARANETA CITY

Chinese New Year events around the city

Ashley Sarmiento PHOTO FROM GMA CORP COMM

From screen to spotlight: Ashley Sarmiento turns 18

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Spabulous Salon & Spa: A Sanctuary where beauty meets relaxation

The Manila Times CSI

Distinguished guests at the inauguration and turnover ceremony of the Taiwanese Association of the Philippines. PHOTOS FROM TAIPEI ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL OFFICE PHILIPPINES

Expats & Diplomats

Taiwanese Association of the Philippines welcomes new president

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of January 24, 2025

The N-Largo has an optional front lift system raises the nose at the press of a button, making it easier to navigate speed bumps or steep parking ramps. NOVITEC PHOTOS

Fast Times

Novitec N-Largo

Atty. Brenda V. Pimentel

Maritime

Missing cadet: case under the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers?

By Atty. Brenda V. Pimentel - January 22, 2025

Panoply of lights in the central area’s multipurpose space. PHOTOS FROM NIKKI ESCALONA-TAYAG

Build & Design

Lighting the Centro de Turismo

By Jovi Miroy - January 21, 2025

Strong winds that pushed deadly wildfires through the riverbed of the Sta. Clara River in Oxnard, North West of Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 13, 2025, is a climate change impact that severely impacted the economy. PHOTO BY ETIENNE LAURENT VIA AFP

Green Industries

Companies invest in resilience to extreme weather events

By Cora Llamas - January 25, 2025

Education Secretary Sonny Angara (center) in one of the dialogues with stakeholders, private sector representatives and industry partners at St. Paul College Pasig for refining the senior high school curriculum to make graduates employable with quality jobs. DEPED PHOTO

Campus Press

DepEd prunes SHS curriculum

By The Manila Times - January 23, 2025

Boardroom Watch

By Moises Cruz - January 24, 2025

Agribusiness

Organic agri hub eyed in Region 2

By Leander C. Domingo - January 23, 2025