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South Korea launches air safety probe following deadliest crash in nation’s history, killing 179

Venus L Peñaflor
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South Korea launches air safety probe following deadliest crash in nation’s history, killing 179

MUAN COUNTY, South Korea. December 30, 2024 – South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an urgent inspection of the country’s airline safety systems following the worst air disaster in the nation’s history. A Jeju Air flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew, crashed at Muan International Airport on Sunday, killing 179 people and leaving two survivors.

The Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which originated in Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land shortly after 9 a.m. local time. The plane belly-landed, skidded off the runway, and erupted into a fireball as it collided with a wall. The two surviving crew members were rescued from the wreckage and are receiving treatment.

In a disaster management meeting held in Seoul, Choi emphasized the importance of victim identification and family support. “Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families,” he said.

Choi also instructed the Ministry of Transport to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the nation’s entire airline operation system to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Authorities are currently investigating potential causes of the crash, including bird strikes and adverse weather conditions. Experts are also examining why the plane’s landing gear did not appear to be deployed and why the aircraft seemed to be traveling at high speed during the landing.

The flight data recorder (black box) has been recovered, though it shows signs of external damage. Officials are working to determine if the data is intact and usable.

The crash claimed the lives of predominantly South Korean nationals returning from holidays in Thailand, along with two Thai passengers. Grieving families gathered at Muan International Airport, awaiting updates as investigators continued to identify the remaining victims.

Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the tragedy, expressed frustration with the slow recovery and identification process. “We need to stand together as victims’ families, just like during the 2014 ferry sinking,” he said, referencing the prolonged recovery efforts of the Sewol ferry disaster that claimed over 300 lives.

Jeju Air, South Korea’s leading budget carrier, saw its stock price plummet by 15.7% on Monday, marking a record low for the company.

In line with international aviation protocols, South Korea is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The NTSB has dispatched a team to aid South Korea’s aviation authorities.

Muan International Airport remains closed until Wednesday as emergency workers continue recovery operations. Other airports across the country, including Incheon International Airport, are operating as scheduled.

This tragic accident occurs against the backdrop of political turbulence in South Korea, with Acting President Choi assuming leadership just days ago following the impeachment of both the president and prime minister.

As the nation mourns this devastating loss, officials are committed to uncovering the truth behind the crash and ensuring air travel safety in the future.

Pagtakbo ni Quiboloy sa Senado, idudulog ng WPP sa korte suprema

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pagtakbo ni Quiboloy sa Senado, idudulog ng WPP sa korte suprema

MAYNILA. Dinala na ng Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP), sa pamumuno ni senatorial candidate Sonny Matula, sa Korte Suprema ang isyu kaugnay ng desisyon ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na payagan si Pastor Apollo Quiboloy na tumakbo sa darating na 2025 elections, sa kabila ng mga kinakaharap nitong mabibigat na kaso.

Ayon kay Matula, maghahain sila ng petition for certiorari upang baligtarin ang ruling ng Comelec na kanilang inilarawan bilang hindi patas at may bahid ng diskriminasyon.

Una nang ibinasura ng Comelec ang petisyon ng WPP na ideklara si Quiboloy bilang nuisance candidate. Sa kabila nito, mariing kinondena ng WPP ang desisyon ng Comelec, na kanilang inihalintulad sa isang “biblical moment of injustice.”

“Mas pinili nila si Barabbas kaysa kay Hesus,” ayon sa pahayag ng WPP, na tumutukoy sa desisyon ng Comelec bilang kawalan ng hustisya sa demokratikong proseso.

Binatikos din ng WPP ang Comelec dahil sa tila pagbibigay umano ng pabor kay Quiboloy, na umano’y may “track record of breaking the law,” kaysa sa mga kandidatong may malinis na pangalan tulad nina Sultan Subair Mustapha ng Marawi at iba pang kanilang kandidato.

“This isn’t just an insult to the sultan or the democratic process—it’s an insult to logic and fairness. Why reward someone with a track record of breaking the law over a candidate with a clean slate?” ani Matula.

Matatandaang noong Nobyembre, idineklara ng Comelec bilang nuisance candidates ang karamihan sa 10-man Senate slate ng WPP, maliban kay Matula.

Patuloy ang paglaban ng WPP sa hustisya at patas na proseso, at umaasa silang mabibigyan ng kaukulang atensyon ng Korte Suprema ang kanilang petisyon laban sa desisyon ng Comelec.

Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president and Nobel Peace laureate, passes away at 100

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president and Nobel Peace laureate, passes away at 100

WASHINGTON. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient recognized for his lifelong commitment to peace and humanitarian efforts, passed away on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100 years old, according to the Carter Center.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, one of the late president’s sons. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

From the White House to Global Impact

Carter, a Democrat, served as president from January 1977 to January 1981, having defeated Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in the 1976 U.S. presidential election. His administration faced numerous challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis, double-digit inflation, and economic struggles, leading to his defeat in the 1980 election against Ronald Reagan.

Despite a presidency marked by difficulties, Carter’s post-White House legacy garnered immense respect worldwide. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”

One of Carter’s most significant achievements during his presidency was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, a groundbreaking peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin both received the Nobel Peace Prize for their roles in the accords.

Reflections on Leadership

Carter was candid about the challenges of his presidency. In a 1991 documentary, he stated, “The biggest failure we had was a political failure. I never was able to convince the American people that I was a forceful and strong leader.”

Post-Presidential Humanitarian Work

After leaving office, Carter dedicated his life to humanitarian and global advocacy. He established the Carter Center in Atlanta, a non-governmental organization committed to human rights, democracy, and public health. The center’s work included international election monitoring, mediating conflicts, and combating diseases like Guinea worm disease.

Carter’s diplomatic efforts extended to North Korea in 1994, where he played a crucial role in defusing a nuclear crisis. He also facilitated the release of an American prisoner in 2010.

Personal Life and Early Career

James Earl Carter Jr. was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served in the Navy’s nuclear submarine program before taking over his family’s peanut farming business.

Carter married Rosalynn Smith in 1946, a partnership he described as “the most important thing in my life.” The couple had three sons and a daughter. Carter’s political career began in the Georgia State Senate and eventually led to his role as governor from 1971 to 1975. His campaign for president focused on honesty and transparency, famously declaring, “I will never lie to you.”

Challenges of the Carter Presidency

Carter’s administration faced the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, during which 52 Americans were held captive for 444 days. His decision to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan also drew criticism.

These challenges, combined with economic issues, contributed to his landslide defeat by Reagan. Nevertheless, Carter remained a prolific author, penning over two dozen books on topics ranging from religion to diplomacy.

A Life of Faith and Morality

A devout Southern Baptist, Carter taught Sunday school for much of his life. He brought a strong moral compass to his presidency, symbolized by his decision to walk in his inaugural parade instead of riding in a limousine.

In February 2023, Carter entered hospice care after battling melanoma that had spread to his brain and liver. His wife, Rosalynn, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Carter, frail at the time, attended her memorial service.

A Legacy of Peace and Service

Jimmy Carter’s life was defined by humility, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to peace and the betterment of humanity. While his presidency may have faced criticism, his contributions to global diplomacy and humanitarianism left an indelible mark on the world.

As the world mourns his passing, Carter’s legacy as a tireless advocate for peace, human rights, and compassion serves as an enduring inspiration for generations to come.

62 pawikan pinakawalan sa Tayabas Bay, Sariaya, Quezon

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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62 pawikan pinakawalan sa Tayabas Bay, Sariaya, Quezon

SARIAYA, Quezon. Pinakawalan muli ang 62 pawikan sa baybayin ng Tayabas Bay sa bayan ng Sariaya nitong Miyerkules, sa pangunguna ng iba’t ibang grupo na nagsusulong ng pangangalaga sa kalikasan.

Pinangunahan ng mga miyembro ng Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Bantay Dagat ng Sariaya, Sangguniang Barangay at Tanod ng Barangay Guisguis 2, Tanggol Kalikasan, at mga residente ang makabuluhang aktibidad na naglalayong protektahan ang mga pawikan na kabilang sa mga hayop na nanganganib nang maubos.

Ayon sa mga tagapagtaguyod ng programa, tinatayang may mahigit 2,000 pang pawikan ang inaasahang mapipisa mula ngayong buwan ng Disyembre hanggang Marso 2025.

Ang mga pawikan ay mahalagang bahagi ng ekosistema ng dagat. Sila ang nagsisilbing tagalinis ng bahura dahil kumakain sila ng mga “coral sponges,” na tumutulong sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan ng mga coral reef.

Patuloy ang panawagan ng mga grupo na pangalagaan ang kalikasan at huwag gambalain ang tirahan ng mga pawikan upang mapanatili ang kanilang populasyon at maiwasan ang kanilang tuluyang pagkaubos.

“Ang pagpapakawala ng mga pawikan ay paalala na ang bawat isa sa atin ay may responsibilidad na alagaan ang kalikasan para sa susunod na henerasyon,” ayon sa isang opisyal mula sa Tanggol Kalikasan.

Nagsilbing inspirasyon ang inisyatibong ito sa mga residente at nagbigay ng mahalagang mensahe hinggil sa kahalagahan ng biodiversity conservation sa bansa.

Putin issues apology to Azerbaijan over tragic airliner crash

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Putin issues apology to Azerbaijan over tragic airliner crash

MOSCOW. Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a rare public apology to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Saturday over what the Kremlin described as a “tragic incident” involving the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane. The disaster, which occurred after Russian air defense systems were activated against Ukrainian drone attacks, claimed the lives of at least 38 people.

The ill-fated Flight J2-8243 was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Chechnya, when it crash-landed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday. The flight had diverted from its intended route through southern Russia, where multiple Ukrainian drone attacks were reported.

In a statement, the Kremlin said, “President Putin apologised for the tragic incident that occurred in Russian airspace and once again expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.” Putin also conveyed his sympathies to Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev over the casualties.

Investigation Points to Russian Air Defenses

Preliminary findings suggest that Russian air defenses may have mistakenly shot down the Embraer jet. According to four sources involved in Azerbaijan’s investigation, the aircraft was likely misidentified as an incoming drone. Survivors reported hearing a loud bang before the crash.

The Azerbaijani government stated that the plane had been “subjected to external physical and technical interference in Russian airspace, resulting in a complete loss of control and redirection to the Kazakh city of Aktau.” Evidence included objects that had pierced the fuselage and survivor testimonies.

Footage from passengers showed oxygen masks deployed and people wearing life jackets before the crash. Videos taken after the incident revealed injured passengers climbing out of the wreckage. Of the 175 people on board, there were 29 survivors.

The White House said on Friday that initial indications suggested the airliner might have been downed by Russian air defense systems. U.S. President Joe Biden, while on vacation in St. Croix, said, “Apparently he [Putin] did [take responsibility], but I haven’t spoken to him or my team.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed condolences to Azerbaijan and demanded “clear explanations” from Russia. Meanwhile, MSNBC, citing U.S. intelligence sources, reported that Russian forces might have mistaken the civilian jet for a hostile drone.

The Kremlin maintained that investigations are ongoing, and both civilian and military personnel are being questioned. Russia has yet to confirm direct responsibility for the crash.

This incident highlights the risks to commercial aviation, even hundreds of miles from active war zones. Russia’s air defense and electronic jamming operations to counter Ukrainian drones have increased the hazards to civilian flights.

The tragedy echoes past aviation disasters, including the 2020 downing of a Ukrainian jetliner by Iranian forces and the 2014 shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine. Both incidents involved misidentification of civilian aircraft during military conflicts.

Azerbaijan has vowed to pursue accountability as investigations continue. Meanwhile, international attention remains focused on Russia’s response and measures to prevent similar tragedies.

Ika-apat na impeachment laban kay VP Sara Duterte inaasahang ihahain

Venus L Peñaflor
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Ika-apat na impeachment laban kay VP Sara Duterte inaasahang ihahain

MAYNILA. Inaasahang ihahain ang ika-apat na reklamong impeachment laban kay Pangalawang Pangulo Sara Duterte sa ikalawang linggo ng Enero 2025, kasabay ng pagbabalik-sesyon ng Kongreso matapos ang kapaskuhan.

Ayon kay House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro, ang tatlong naunang reklamo ng impeachment laban kay VP Sara ay hindi pa naisasumite sa House Committee on Justice. Dagdag pa niya, maaaring hinihintay ni House Secretary General Reginald Velasco ang ika-apat na reklamo bago ito isumite. “Sa ngayon, patuloy ang review ng House Legal Department sa mga reklamo upang matukoy ang merito ng mga ito,” ani Castro.

Reklamo sa Pondo

Ang naturang impeachment ay kaugnay sa umano’y maling paggamit ng confidential fund ng Office of the Vice President (OVP) at ng Department of Education (DepEd) sa ilalim ng panunungkulan ni VP Sara. Umaabot ito sa P612.5 milyon mula huling bahagi ng 2022 hanggang ikatlong quarter ng 2023.

Ang Kongreso ay nakatakdang magbalik sesyon sa Enero 14, kung kailan maaring ihain ang ika-apat na impeachment. Ayon sa Saligang Batas, kailangang isumite ng House Secretary General ang anumang reklamong impeachment sa opisina ng Speaker ng Kamara sa loob ng 10 araw ng sesyon matapos itong matanggap. Dapat din itong maisama sa “Order of Business” ng Kamara. May tatlong araw ng sesyon naman ang House Committee on Justice upang repasuhin ang reklamo at tukuyin kung may sapat na basehan para umusad ito.

Pagtutulak ng Impeachment

Sinabi ni Castro na, sa kabila ng nalalapit na midterm election, may sapat na oras pa upang maisulong ang impeachment laban kay VP Sara. “May ilang miyembro ng Minorya ang sumusuporta sa signature drive na inilunsad ng Makabayan coalition,” dagdag niya. Ang signature drive na ito ay naglalayong makalikom ng 1/3 boto o 106 miyembro ng Kamara upang mapabilis ang proseso ng impeachment.

Kontrobersya sa Pinekeng Resibo

Magugunitang nalagay sa kontrobersya si VP Sara dahil sa mga isinumiteng pinekeng resibo sa Commission on Audit (COA) para bigyang katwiran ang paggamit ng confidential funds. Isa sa mga na-highlight dito ang resibong nakapangalan kay “Mary Grace Piattos,” na napatunayang walang rekord sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Patuloy na binabantayan ng publiko ang magiging aksyon ng Kamara sa reklamo laban kay VP Sara, na isa sa mga pinakamalaking usaping politikal sa bansa sa kasalukuyan.

At least 62 dead, 2 crew rescued in fiery South Korea airliner crash

Venus L Peñaflor
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At least 62 dead, 2 crew rescued in fiery South Korea airliner crash

SEOUL. At least 62 people lost their lives when a Jeju Air flight veered off the runway and burst into flames at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, according to the National Fire Agency. The tragic incident occurred as the Boeing 737-800 jet attempted to land, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand.

Two Survivors Rescued

Officials confirmed that two crew members were rescued from the wreckage. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities focusing on the tail section of the aircraft, where more passengers could potentially be trapped. “We are doing our best to locate and rescue any survivors,” a Muan fire official stated. Local media outlet Yonhap reported that three individuals had been pulled from the debris alive.

Details of the Crash

During the plane’s landing attempt, the crash occurred at approximately 9 a.m. local time (0000 GMT). Video footage shared by South Korean media showed the twin-engine aircraft skidding down the runway without apparent landing gear before colliding with a wall, resulting in a massive explosion of flames and debris. Photos from the scene showed smoke and fire engulfing large sections of the plane.

Authorities reported that 58 bodies had been recovered as of Sunday afternoon, but officials emphasized that the casualty numbers could rise as the rescue efforts continue. Most passengers onboard were South Korean nationals, along with two Thai nationals, according to the South Korean Ministry of Transportation.

Flight Suspensions and Investigation

Yonhap news agency reported that all domestic and international flights at Muan International Airport have been suspended indefinitely in the wake of the incident. Jeju Air confirmed the aircraft’s model as a Boeing 737-800 and stated it is cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the crash.

Boeing and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration have not yet commented on the incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials are working to determine why the aircraft’s landing gear failed.

Government Response

South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, who assumed leadership only days earlier following the impeachment of his predecessor, has ordered an “all-out rescue effort” and directed emergency responders to prioritize saving lives. His chief of staff convened an emergency meeting to coordinate the government’s response to the disaster.

“We are mobilizing all available resources to rescue the victims and support the families affected by this tragedy,” Choi’s office said in a statement.

Global Attention

This tragedy has drawn international attention as South Korea mourns the devastating loss of lives. The crash marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the country’s history, and it has raised concerns about flight safety and emergency preparedness.

Further updates will be provided as more details emerge about the ongoing rescue operations and the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Gift-giving before the courts and celebrating Christmas Day every day

DC Alviar
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Gift-giving before the courts and celebrating Christmas Day every day

A rule that is old but gold, the Presidential Decree (PD) No. 46 “making it punishable for public officials and employees to receive, and for private persons to give, gifts on any occasion, including Christmas” was “done in the City of Manila, this 10th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-two.”

Make no mistake about the Marcos Sr. decree, says Atty. Nilo Divina, “giving modest gifts to a public official per se is not wrong.” Writing for the Daily Tribune (2019), the law dean adds: “It can be noble, thoughtful and kind as long as it is not by reason of, or in connection with his public office and within the parameters set by law. Just make sure that your acts and intentions are consistent with those parameters.”

Five years thereafter, the Supreme Court (SC) found the top lawyer guilty of Simple Misconduct under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) for “committing impropriety when he sponsored the trips of Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Central Luzon officers.”

The decision that included the fine of Php 100,000 on Attorney Divina is appealable. He would supply additional context, saying: “I sincerely hope that by providing (it), the Supreme Court will appreciate my perspective… My commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct remains unwavering and I reaffirm my dedication to ethical practices in all my professional dealing and interactions.” There has been no news about his motion for reconsideration since that statement was made four months ago; the decided case that arose from an “Anonymous Letter” stays.

Nobody knew who Santa is – Divina might just be one-half or one-fourth of Santa. Someone equally unknown won the litigation, nonetheless. You may read it at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/23-04-05-sc-re-illegal-campaign-and-activities-in-integrated-bar-of-the-philippines-central-luzon-allegedly-perpetrated-by-atty-nilo-divina-2/.

Decisions on these depend on the appreciation of facts; otherwise, when is a bribe a bribe, and when is a gift a gift? When is a foul a foul, and when is a fumble a fumble? Thanks to veteran sports journalist Al Mendoza for these contentious but portentous questions. In the basketball court or court of law, if in the Philippines, everything is possible.

Manila Clasico as a special gift

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has a sibling rivalry composed of Scottie Thompson (Perpetual), rookie RJ Abarrientos (FEU), Troy Rosario (NU), Justin Brownlee, coach Tim Cone, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings versus Mark Barroca (FEU), Zav Lucero (UP), Jerrick Balanza (Letran), rookie Jerom Lastimosa (Adamson), Calvin Abueva (San Sebastian), center Ian Sangalang (San Sebastian), and Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (formerly Purefoods).

In the latest Manila Clasico on December 25, 2024, the never-say-die spirit of the Kings, especially the fans, hacked into the Smart Araneta Coliseum anew, this time in a very special way. Bawal kumarap. It was decided via a buzzer-beating corner triple.

The Kings were caught hardworkingly asleep as they trailed 52-72 in the third quarter, mainly due to the high-percentage three- and four-point field goal shots of coach Chito Victolero’s Hotshots.

The NSD spirit cannot be denied, however. The tale of “The Living Legend,” Sonny Jaworski, was to be relived. Coach Tim woke the sleeping giant Barangay and asked what they—the darlings of the crowd—were for.

The Kings walloped the Hotshots defensively and their setup plays proved effective, including the Triangle offense. Its sign could be seen numerous times in the hand gesture of LA Tenorio’s heir apparent Thompson who, earlier in the game, was honored for dishing off 2,000 career assists (becoming the 32nd PBA player to do so). Oh, heir apparent… Would it be Abarrientos? Hard question in the hardcourt, but Magnolia was suffering in the hands of the Ginebra stabilizers anyway.

As the two SMC sister teams scored 92 points apiece, would it be another Brownlee moment? The answer was in the affirmative but with a twist. He and Abarrientos, at the prodding of winningest Coach Tim, set up a back-and-forth passing of the ball while Thompson was left wide open at the corner in front of the Ginebra benches. Receiving the sharp assist and warding off the outstretched arms of a half-a-second late opponent, he knocked down a triple to give Ginebra a special Manila Clasico win, 95-92, as time expired to the delight of 12,198 (paying) fans.

Celebrating Christmas Day every day

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

Thank you, Jesus.

Movie Review: Nicole Kidman commands in erotic office thriller “Babygirl”

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: Nicole Kidman commands in erotic office thriller “Babygirl”

Halina Reijn’s latest film, Babygirl, combines dark comedy with erotic tension in a modern-day thriller that explores power dynamics, control, and raw human desire against the backdrop of corporate life in the Amazon era. Starring Nicole Kidman as Romy Mathis, the chief executive of Tensile, a robotics company specializing in automated warehouses, the film is a tantalizing and sometimes absurd update to the erotic dramas of the 1990s, like Basic Instinct and 9 ½ Weeks.

The opening credits immerse viewers in a high-tech world, showcasing a maze of conveyor belts and robots, symbolizing the dehumanized efficiency of Tensile. Romy, much like her company, appears robotic in her pursuit of perfection—juggling corporate power, Botox injections, and her dual life between a chic New York apartment and a suburban mansion. Yet, beneath this controlled exterior lies a woman grappling with her suppressed desires, a theme that Babygirl delves into unapologetically.

The film begins with a striking scene: Kidman in close-up, seemingly at the peak of intimacy with her husband (Antonio Banderas). However, moments later, she retreats to watch transgressive internet pornography in solitude, setting the tone for a story that oscillates between control and submission.

The narrative takes a turn when Romy encounters Samuel (Harris Dickinson), a young intern at Tensile, whose calm demeanor and disarming candor intrigue her. Their first meeting reveals the film’s central tension: Samuel boldly states, “I think you like to be told what to do,” to which Romy does not disagree. Their relationship evolves into an electrifying affair, with Kidman masterfully portraying a woman both in control and utterly powerless against her desires.

Reijn, who also wrote the screenplay, crafts a story that reflects shifting gender and power dynamics, making Babygirl an engaging, if occasionally over-the-top, exploration of post-# #MeToo workplace relationships. One particularly memorable scene features Samuel feeding Romy saucers of milk while George Michael’s Father Figure plays—a visual that is both absurd and symbolic.

The chemistry between Kidman and Dickinson is magnetic. Kidman revisits the theme of female desire with the same intensity she displayed in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, while Dickinson brings a quiet intensity to Samuel’s calculated dominance. Despite their age gap, their connection feels visceral and authentic.

Adding complexity to the narrative is Esme (Sophie Wilde), Romy’s ambitious executive assistant, who adds another layer to the power dynamics within the corporate setting. As the affair escalates, Samuel’s control grows, and he begins to manipulate Romy, even threatening a call to HR. This subtle commentary on workplace politics and consent adds depth to the otherwise steamy storyline.

While Babygirl is rich in character exploration, some of its themes—such as automation and corporate dehumanization—feel underdeveloped. The film’s focus remains on the primal and often ludicrous aspects of desire. Samuel describes their relationship as “two children playing,” encapsulating the mix of tenderness and game-playing that defines their dynamic.

Shot in the actual New York headquarters of A24, the film’s setting adds an ironic twist to its themes of control and submission. However, the story’s occasional detours, like the saucers of milk, may distract from its core narrative.

Babygirl rated R for strong sexual content, nudity, and language, runs for 114 minutes and is a provocative addition to A24’s lineup. With Nicole Kidman delivering yet another commanding performance, the film earns three out of four stars, offering an intriguing look at the complexities of human desire in the digital age.

Sundalo natagpuang patay sa Rizal: Bangkay may tama ng bala sa ulo

Arman B. Cambe
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Sundalo natagpuang patay sa Rizal: Bangkay may tama ng bala sa ulo

SAN MATEO, Rizal. Natagpuang patay at may tama ng bala sa ulo ang isang sundalo sa Timberland Avenue, Barangay Malanday, San Mateo, Rizal, noong Miyerkules ng umaga.

Kinilala ang biktima na si Corporal Christian Bataller Tapia, 30, miyembro ng Philippine Army at intel operative ng 80th Infantry Brigade (IB). Residente siya ng Saint Joseph Street, Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.

Ayon sa ulat ng San Mateo Municipal Police, bandang alas-10:00 ng umaga nang madiskubre ang bangkay ni Tapia. Huli umano siyang nakitang buhay habang sakay ng kanyang kulay gray na Raider 150 motorcycle at pumapasok sa Base 2 gate ng Timberland Heights.

Maya-maya, narinig umano ng security guard na si Federico Silloga Jr., OIC ng Steelhawk Security Agency, ang isang putok ng baril. Nang puntahan niya ang lugar, natagpuan niya ang biktima na nakabulagta sa kalsada at may tama ng bala sa ulo. Agad niya itong inireport sa mga awtoridad.

Ayon sa paunang imbestigasyon, hinihinalang mga miyembro ng Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) ang nasa likod ng pamamaslang. Ang insidente ay naganap kasabay ng ika-56 na anibersaryo ng CPP-NPA.

Patuloy na nagsasagawa ng masusing imbestigasyon ang mga awtoridad upang makumpirma ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga suspek at matukoy ang tunay na motibo sa likod ng krimen.

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