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‘Parasite’ star Lee Sun-kyun found dead in Seoul park

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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‘Parasite’ star Lee Sun-kyun found dead in Seoul park

SEOUL, South Korea. South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his stellar performance in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was found dead at a car in a central Seoul park, according to South Korea’s emergency office.

Earlier in the day, police had reported discovering an unconscious Lee at an unidentified location in Seoul. However, local media, including Yonhap news agency, later confirmed that the actor was found lifeless in a car at a park in the South Korean capital. The report stated that Lee’s family had contacted authorities after he left home, leaving behind a message reminiscent of a suicide note.

The discovery of a charcoal briquette in the passenger seat of the vehicle added a grim detail to the incident. While the circumstances surrounding Lee’s death are still under investigation, the news has sent shockwaves through the nation and the global film community.

Lee Sun-kyun rose to international fame for his portrayal of the patriarch in Bong Joon-ho’s groundbreaking film “Parasite,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020. The actor had a prolific career in the South Korean entertainment industry, earning recognition for his roles in various television dramas, including “Coffee Prince (2007),” “Behind The White Tower,” “Pasta (2010),” and “My Mister (2018).”

In 2021, Lee further solidified his reputation by winning a Screen Actors Guild award for “cast in a motion picture” for his outstanding contribution to “Parasite.” His talent and versatility were further acknowledged when he received a nomination for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards for his role in the sci-fi thriller “Dr. Brain” in the previous year.

Fans and colleagues alike are mourning the loss of this esteemed actor whose career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the South Korean entertainment industry and earning him acclaim on the global stage. As investigations into the circumstances of his untimely death unfold, the world remembers Lee Sun-kyun for his extraordinary contributions to cinema and television.

(With inputs from agencies).

Catholic bishops worldwide divided over Vatican’s same-sex blessings document

Venus L Peñaflor
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Catholic bishops worldwide divided over Vatican’s same-sex blessings document

Catholic bishops from conservative nations are resisting the Vatican’s recent document, “Fiducia Supplicans,” which allows blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships, triggering a global divide within the Catholic Church. While some episcopal groups express concerns about ambiguity leading to confusion, others outright reject the document.

African nations, notably Zambia and Malawi, have emerged as vocal opponents to the implementation of the document. The Zambia Episcopal Conference issued a statement, highlighting the need to avoid pastoral confusion and adhere to local laws and cultural values. The declaration encouraged further reflection rather than immediate implementation in Zambia.

“Fiducia Supplicans” reasserted the Catholic Church’s stance on the sacrament of marriage, defining it as an “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children.” It permitted “spontaneous” blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships seeking moral lives but explicitly stated that the union itself cannot be blessed.

In contrast, a majority of bishops in the United States and elsewhere endorsed the document, asserting its alignment with church teaching and tradition. However, critics argue that the guidelines are too ambiguous, leading to varied interpretations.

The Episcopal Conference of Malawi issued a directive against any blessings for same-sex unions, citing the potential for confusion among the faithful. Bishop Athanasius Schneider, from Kazakhstan, took a harsh stance, asserting that the document contradicts divine revelation and the long-standing doctrine of the Catholic Church. His sentiments were echoed by Metropolitan Archbishop Tomash Peta.

The Roman Catholic Bishops of Ukraine expressed understanding of the document’s alignment with the Church’s understanding of marriage but voiced concerns about potential confusion and misunderstandings. While critical, the Ukrainian bishops did not confirm whether they would allow the document’s implementation in their country.

“The document seeks to emphasize God’s boundless love for all people, sinners included, and in this regard to show that the Church does not reject these people, namely those with homosexual tendencies or even actions,” the Ukrainian conference stated. However, they expressed reservations about the document’s clarity in distinguishing between the person and their actions, highlighting the need for a merciful acceptance of individuals while disapproving of their perceived sins.

The global divide among Catholic bishops raises questions about the future of the Church’s stance on same-sex relationships and the potential impact on its diverse and widespread congregations.

DA: Sapat ang supply ng pagkain para sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DA: Sapat ang supply ng pagkain para sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon

Tiniyak ng Department of Agriculture (DA) na sapat na suplay ng mga pangunahing pagkain sa mga pamilihan sa bansa sa Bagong Taon.

Ayon sa DA, patuloy ang monitoring sa mga pamilihan upang masiguro ang sapat na suplay ng bigas, karne, gulay, isda, at prutas.

Ang DA, kasama ang mga tauhan ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at mga Local Government Units (LGUs), ay naglalakbay sa mga pamilihan upang tiyakin na mayroong sapat na suplay ng pagkain para sa mamamayan. Ang hakbang na ito ay naglalayong mapanatili ang presyo ng mga produkto sa kabila ng mataas na demand sa holiday season hanggang sa pagsapit ng Bagong Taon.

Binabantayan ng DA ang malalaking palengke, kung saan isinasagawa ang masusing pagsusuri sa suplay at presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin. Ang koordinasyon ng DA sa DTI at National Price Coordinating Council ay patuloy upang masiguro ang pagiging estable ng suplay at presyo ng lokal na mga produkto at upang maiwasan ang labis na pagpasok ng mga imported na kalakal sa pamilihan.

Sunog sa San Pablo City sa araw ng Pasko: Babae patay

Arman B. Cambe
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Sunog sa San Pablo City sa araw ng Pasko: Babae patay

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna. Naganap ang isang sunog sa Paulino St., Barangay VII-D, sa lungsod na ito noong araw ng Pasko na ikinamatay ng isang babae.

Kinilala ng Bureau of Fire Protection-San Pablo City ang biktima ngunit hindi papangalanan ng Tutubi News sa kahilingan ng pamilya. Ayon sa ulat, ang sunog ay nagsimula bandang alas-3 ng madaling araw.

Agad na tumugon ang kalapit na fire brigades, kabilang ang Seven Lakes Fire Volunteers kasama ang City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).

Matapos ang mahigit dalawang oras na pagsusumikap, nakontrol ng mga bumbero ang sunog bandang alas-5:20 ng umaga. Subalit, sa kasawiang-palad, natagpuan ang labi ng biktima sa nasunog na bahay.

Si Senior Fire Officer 3 Jeffrey Calabia ang namahala sa pagkuha ng mga labi ng biktima. Gayunpaman, hindi pa natutukoy ng mga arson investigators ang eksaktong sanhi ng sunog at saklaw ng pinsala.

AI expert cautions against sharing secrets with chatbots like ChatGPT

EDGARDO HERNAL
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AI expert cautions against sharing secrets with chatbots like ChatGPT

In this year’s Royal Institution Christmas lectures, Professor Mike Wooldridge of Oxford University is set to delve into the realm of artificial intelligence, warning users against confiding in chatbots like ChatGPT. According to Wooldridge, divulging personal information or engaging in heart-to-heart conversations with AI chatbots could have unintended consequences, as the information shared contributes to training future versions of the technology.

Users are advised to exercise caution, as Wooldridge emphasizes that expecting a balanced response from chatbots is unrealistic. The technology, he states, is designed to “tell you what you want to hear,” rather than providing objective or empathetic feedback.

Wooldridge’s lectures aim to address fundamental questions surrounding AI research and dispel myths surrounding the groundbreaking technology. Topics covered will include the mechanics of machine translation between languages and the inner workings of chatbots. One overarching question Wooldridge will explore is whether AI can ever truly replicate human-like qualities.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Wooldridge dismissed the notion of AI possessing consciousness, empathy, or sympathy. He emphasized that AI has never experienced anything and is primarily programmed to provide responses that align with user preferences.

A sobering insight from Wooldridge warns users that anything shared with ChatGPT is likely to be incorporated into future iterations of the technology. Retrieving or retracting sensitive information becomes a near-impossible task once it enters the AI system, according to Wooldridge.

Throughout the lecture series, Wooldridge will be accompanied by prominent figures from the AI world, introducing “a range of robot friends” to showcase the capabilities and limitations of contemporary robots. The Royal Institution, which initiated the Christmas lectures in 1825, aims to engage and educate young people about science. The lectures have featured Nobel Prize winners, including William and Lawrence Bragg, Sir David Attenborough, Carl Sagan, and Dame Nancy Rothwell.

ChatGPT was contacted for comment but has not responded.

The Royal Institution Christmas lectures, broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer, are scheduled for 26, 27, and 28 December at 8 pm.

‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ makes a splash at the weekend box office before Christmas

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ makes a splash at the weekend box office before Christmas

The sequel “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” surged to the top of the box office charts. The DC and Warner Bros. superhero film, featuring Jason Momoa, earned an estimated $28.1 million during its opening weekend in 3,706 locations across North America. Projections suggest the film will reach around $40 million in domestic ticket sales by Monday.

Despite the introduction of several new releases, including “Migration,” “Anyone But You,” “The Iron Claw,” and “All of Us Strangers,” the pre-holiday box office remained comparatively subdued, with audiences possibly prioritizing other activities over cinema attendance.

The challenge for Hollywood and theaters was exacerbated by Christmas Eve falling on a prime weekend day. However, historical precedent from 2017, when “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” dominated the four-day charts with $71.5 million in its second weekend, offered a contrasting perspective.

On Christmas Day, new films, including the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” Michael Mann’s racing film “Ferrari,” and George Clooney’s rowing drama “The Boys in the Boat,” are expected to attract large crowds. The period between Christmas and New Year traditionally proves lucrative for movie theaters.

While “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” led the weekend box office, it faces tough competition to match the success of blockbuster holiday releases like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “Avatar,” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Social media users noted that this weekend was initially slated for the release of Patty Jenkins’ “Rogue Squadron,” a Star Wars film.

Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore, commented on the unusual number of seven film openings within four days. The estimated production cost of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is around $200 million, excluding marketing and promotional expenses. Including international estimates of $80 million through Monday, the film is anticipated to achieve a $120 million global debut.

The success of “Aquaman 2” marks the end of a challenging year for DC superhero films, marked by disappointments like “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash,” and “Blue Beetle.” The studio is transitioning its slate to align with James Gunn’s vision for the future.

Warner Bros. secured the second spot at the box office with “Wonka,” earning an estimated $17.7 million over the weekend and $26.1 million by Monday. The studio is set to have a significant presence in the top five with the addition of “The Color Purple.”

Other notable performances at the box office included Illumination and Universal’s “Migration,” securing third place with an estimated $12.3 million, and A24’s “The Iron Claw,” which earned an estimated $5.1 million over the weekend.

As moviegoers continue to enjoy a variety of cinematic offerings during the holiday season, the industry anticipates robust box office figures, reinforcing the sentiment that this is a prosperous time for moviegoers. The top 10 reads like a “greatest hits” compilation of diverse cinema experiences.

Estimated ticket sales for the weekend:

  • “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” $28.1 million.
  • “Wonka,” $17.7 million.
  • “Migration,” $12.3 million.
  • “Anyone But You,” $6.2 million.
  • “Salaar: Part 1—Ceasefire,” $5.5 million.
  • “The Iron Claw,” $5.1 million.
  • “The Hunger Games: The Ballard of Songbirds & Snakes,” $3.2 million.
  • “The Boy and the Heron,” $3.2 million.
  • “Godzilla Minus One,” $2.7 million.
  • “Dunki,” $2.7 million.

Pope urges ceasefire in Gaza and release of Israeli hostages in Christmas Day message

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope urges ceasefire in Gaza and release of Israeli hostages in Christmas Day message

VATICAN CITY. In his annual Christmas Day address, Pope Francis appealed for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The Pope, speaking to a crowd of thousands at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, also called for increased humanitarian aid to address the “desperate situation” in the war-torn region.

The hostilities between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 240 individuals. Hamas claims that over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes.

Expressing deep concern for both Israeli and Palestinian victims, Pope Francis said, “I bear in my heart the sorrow of the victims of the abominable attack of 7 October, and I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage. I plead for an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims, and I call for a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation through an opening to the provision of humanitarian aid.”

According to Israeli authorities, 132 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, while others have been released or rescued.

Addressing global conflicts, Pope Francis also called for peace in Ukraine, which has been embroiled in a conflict with Russia for nearly two years. He expressed hope for political and social stability in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, countries facing prolonged periods of war and unrest.

The pontiff extended his prayers for peaceful resolutions in other troubled areas, including tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, various regions in Africa, and the Korean Peninsula.

Additionally, Pope Francis emphasized the plight of millions of migrants worldwide, referring to those who lost their lives “in odysseys undertaken in desperation and in search of hope” as “the little Jesuses of today.”

As the Pope’s message resonates globally, attention turns to international efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability in the regions afflicted by conflict.

Vulnerable population urged to wear face masks despite ‘mild’ JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Vulnerable population urged to wear face masks despite ‘mild’ JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant

Experts are urging individuals in the vulnerable population including the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with comorbidities, to continue wearing face maskas the Philippines detects cases of the COVID-19 Omicron subvariant JN.1. Despite the initial assessment that JN.1 causes a “mild type” of coronavirus and does not lead to more severe disease, health authorities emphasize the importance of additional protection.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, chief of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit in San Lazaro Hospital, reassured the public that there is no need to panic, stating, “In terms of the concern, yes, we have to monitor the cases, but it’s (JN.1) not expected to form a more severe form of COVID-19.” Dr. Solante highlighted that continuous monitoring of cases is necessary.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 18 cases of the JN.1 subvariant, all of whom have already recovered. Meanwhile, CNN International noted that JN.1 is the predominant cause of COVID-19 infections in the United States, constituting 44.2% of all cases.

While vaccines remain effective against severe outcomes of COVID-19, Dr. Solante emphasized the uncertainty regarding their efficacy against the Omicron subvariant. Therefore, he stressed the importance of the vulnerable population wearing face masks in public spaces for added protection.

Health expert Dr. Tony Leachon supports the idea of making face masks mandatory, particularly as the Philippines witnessed a 50% increase in COVID-19 cases from December 12 to 18, with the Department of Health (DOH) recording 2,725 new cases during that period.

Health authorities continue to emphasize the importance of preventive measures, including vaccination, face mask-wearing, and maintaining proper hygiene practices to curb the spread of COVID-19, especially among the vulnerable segments of the population.

LGBTQIA+ special committee itinatag ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa ilalim ng Executive Order 51

Venus L Peñaflor
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LGBTQIA+ special committee itinatag ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa ilalim ng Executive Order 51

Binuo ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang isang Special Committee ukol sa mga isyu ng Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+), ayon sa ipinalabas na Executive Order 51. Layunin ng naturang komitiba na palakasin ang hakbang laban sa diskriminasyon at bigyan ang LGBTQIA+ community ng aktibong partisipasyon sa pagbuo ng patakaran ng gobyerno.

Sa ilalim ng limang-pahinang EO na nilagdaan ni Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin noong Disyembre 22, itinatag muli ang Diversity and Inclusion Program (DIP) at binuo ang Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion. Ipinahayag din ng Pangulo ang pangangailangan na tiyakin ang patuloy na pagtupad ng bansa sa mga obligasyon nito sa ilalim ng International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Ayon sa Pangulo, ang layunin ng paglikha ng Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs ang palakasin ang umiiral na mekanismo sa pagsugpo ng diskriminasyon sa LGBTQIA+ community. Nais nitong bigyan ng boses ang komunidad sa proseso ng pagbuo ng mga patakaran ng gobyerno.

Ang reconstituted na Inter-Agency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion ay itatalaga sa pangunguna ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Ang mga Kalihim ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ang itinalagang co-chair ng Committee, habang ang Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary ay magiging Vice Chair.

Miyembro rin ng komite ang Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, mga Kalihim ng Department of Justice (DOJ) at Department of Health (DOH), at mga Chairperson ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs.

Binigyang-diin ni Pangulong Marcos na ang komite ay magpapatuloy sa pagganap ng kanilang tungkulin alinsunod sa umiiral na mandato. Maaaring magbuo, mag-convene, at i-reorganisa ang komite ng sub-committees at/o working groups batay sa mga umiiral na batas, patakaran, at regulasyon.

Samantalang itinatag ang Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs sa ilalim ng Inter-Agency Committee na may rank na Undersecretary, na binubuo ng tatlong miyembro na may rank na Assistant Secretary. Ang mga miyembro ng naturang komite ay itatalaga ng Pangulo mula sa hanay ng LGBTQIA+ community.

Inaasahang ilalathala ang kopya ng EO sa Official Gazette, kung saan makikita ang mga detalye ukol sa mga tungkulin ng Special Committee on LGBTQIA+ Affairs.

Beijing faces records longest cold wave

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Beijing faces records longest cold wave

Beijing is grappling with its longest cold wave in modern history, marking an unprecedented stretch of freezing temperatures since records began in 1951. The extreme cold, coupled with heavy snowfall, has created challenging conditions in the Chinese capital and other regions, impacting daily life and infrastructure.

State media outlet Beijing Daily reported that temperatures at Beijing’s Nanjiao weather station rose above zero degrees Celsius on Sunday afternoon, signaling a gradual relief from the prolonged cold spell. The city had endured temperatures below freezing since December 11, with the mercury staying below zero for more than 300 consecutive hours.

A powerful cold wave has swept across much of China this month, pushing the heating capacity of several cities in the northern part of the country to its limits. In China’s central province of Henan, multiple system failures were reported due to the harsh weather conditions.

In the city of Jiaozuo, heating was temporarily halted after a malfunction at the Wanfang power plant on Friday. The issue was resolved on Saturday, and heating was expected to resume on Sunday night, according to the official newspaper of the city, Jiaozuo Daily.

Two other cities in the province, Puyang and Pingdingshan, decided to cut heating to most government buildings and state-owned enterprises since Friday. The decision was made to “prioritize limited heating resources for hospitals, schools, and residential buildings,” according to statements from the governments of the two cities.

The extended period of cold weather in Beijing has also posed challenges for the city’s metro system. Earlier this month, during snowy conditions, two trains collided on a busy metro line, resulting in injuries to hundreds of commuters, with dozens suffering fractured bones, according to the city’s transportation authority.

Beyond the immediate urban impacts, the bitter temperatures have further complicated rescue efforts in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake earlier this month in northwest Gansu province. The unusual and prolonged cold wave has underscored the need for heightened resilience and preparedness as China faces extreme weather conditions that strain infrastructure and pose risks to public safety. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the cold spell gradually eases.

(With inputs from agencies).

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