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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).

This year, Christmas is effectively canceled in Bethlehem due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza

Venus L Peñaflor
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This year, Christmas is effectively canceled in Bethlehem due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza

Bethlehem, West Bank. The city of Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is experiencing a somber and nearly deserted Christmas this year as the conflict in Gaza continues to take its toll.

Local leaders decided last month to scale back Christmas festivities in solidarity with the Palestinian population amidst heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The war, triggered by Hamas’ terror attack on October 7 in southern Israel, has resulted in over 20,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 85% of Gaza’s population displaced, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health.

The impact is evident in Bethlehem, where decorations have been removed, parades and religious celebrations canceled, and the traditional enormous Christmas tree of Manger Square is conspicuously absent. Travel restrictions imposed by Israel, heightened since the conflict escalated, have further dampened the festive spirit.

Israel’s restrictions on movement in Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns, including military checkpoints, have impacted residents trying to go about their daily lives. The region has also witnessed a surge in violence, with at least 300 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The economic repercussions are severe, especially for businesses relying on the busy festive period. With the absence of tourists and faithful visitors, many hotels, shops, and restaurants have closed, leaving the local economy in distress.

Rony Tabash, a third-generation shop owner, expresses the unprecedented challenges faced by Bethlehem’s economy. His souvenir shop, which remains open to support skilled artisans, has seen a significant drop in sales over the past three months.

Even the iconic Church of the Nativity, largely empty this year, usually sees hundreds of pilgrims queuing to enter its grotto, believed to be the exact location of Christ’s birth. The fighting in Gaza has cast a shadow over the normally bustling church, leaving its halls empty.

Father Spiridon Sammour, a Greek Orthodox priest at the Church of the Nativity, reflects on the unusual atmosphere this Christmas: “Christmas is joy, love, and peace. We have no peace. We have no joy. It is out of our hands, and we pray for the leaders who will make the decisions [all] over the world to God to help them, give them his light to make peace here and all over the world.”

Goodwill vase purchased for $3.99 sells for $107,100 at auction

Venus L Peñaflor
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Goodwill vase purchased for $3.99 sells for $107,100 at auction

Jessica Vincent, a 43-year-old horse trainer from Virginia, stumbled upon a hidden treasure while perusing the shelves of a local Goodwill store. What started as a routine thrift store visit turned into a life-changing event when a colorful vase caught Vincent’s eye, ultimately leading to a remarkable turn of events.

The vase, shaped like a bottle with captivating ribbons of aqua green and amethyst purple spiraling up its glass surface, stood out amidst the clutter of household items and trinkets. Its apparent age, amidst measuring cups and candles, became more apparent as Vincent’s eyes adjusted. To her surprise, the words “Murano” and “Italia” were discernible on the base, sparking her curiosity.

Purchasing the vase for a mere $3.99 at a Goodwill outside of Richmond, Vincent initially envisioned it as a beautiful addition to her home. “I definitely didn’t buy it thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to sell this,’” she explained.

However, a shift in perspective occurred after Vincent delved into some research. To her amazement, on December 13, the vase sold at the Wright Auction House for an astonishing $107,100. The buyer, a top collector from Europe, opted to remain private.

Vincent’s knack for spotting hidden gems is a result of years spent exploring yard sales and thrift stores with her mother. A fan of PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” Vincent had often daydreamed of stumbling upon a valuable find, likening it to a lottery ticket-level transaction. “I always felt like I had a good eye,” she remarked.

The rapid turnover of items at Goodwill stores played a role in the vase’s journey, according to Laura Faison, a spokeswoman for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia. With an average of 2,000 new pieces arriving daily, quality items like Vincent’s vase likely spend only a short time on the shelves.

Faison speculated on the vase’s origin, suggesting it could have been part of someone’s effort to clean out a relative’s basement. However, the true backstory remains a mystery.

Vincent’s serendipitous discovery took place on a June afternoon, after a day of horse training, with her partner, Naza Acosta. The vase, heavy in her hands, captivated her with its delicately painted swirling colors.

Back home, Vincent turned to social media, posting photos in Facebook groups for glass art and joining a private group dedicated to Murano glass enthusiasts. The significance of the “Murano” inscription became clear – a reference to the island in Venice renowned for its glasswork since the 13th century.

The vase, a creation of the renowned Venini glass company and designed by the late Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, earned Vincent accolades from online communities. One comment on Facebook sent chills down her spine: “Those are very rare. Every collector would love to have that. But most people cannot afford them.”

Following the social media revelation, Vincent was referred to Richard Wright, president of the Wright Auction House in Chicago. The vase’s remarkable journey from a Goodwill shelf to a prestigious auction house serves as a testament to the hidden treasures that can be unearthed in the most unexpected places.

9 na crew nasagip sa lumubog na bangka sa Batangas

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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9 na crew nasagip sa lumubog na bangka sa Batangas

SAN JUAN, Batangas. Siyam na crew members ng isang motorized banca ang nasagip matapos lumubog ang kanilang sasakyan sa Tayabas Bay, San Juan, Batangas noong Biyernes, Disyembre 22.

Sa isang pahayag ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-District Southern Tagalog nitong Sabado, napag-alaman na ang bangkang may pangalang “Hasta Lavista” ay naapekuohan ng malalakas na alon bandang alas-10 ng gabi sa karagatan na sakop ng Barangay Laiya. Dahil sa matinding pinsala, napilitang iwanan ng skipper ang bangka na halos kalahati nang nakalubog.

Agad na tumugon ang mga tauhan ng PCG at ang crew ng MV Ocean Dependable, isang barkong may watawat ng Denmark, upang isagip ang siyam na tripulante. Sa suwerte, lahat sila ay ligtas at walang pinsanang naitala.

Ang mga nasagip na crew members ay dinala agad sa PCG station sa Lobo, Batangas para sa masusing pagsusuri at pagbibigay ng kaukulang tulong. Ayon sa initial assessment, wala namang kritikal na pinsala sa kanilang kalusugan.

Batay sa ulat, ang 35-toneladang bangka ay bago pa lamang binili at ginagamit para sa pasahero. Nagsimula itong biyahe mula sa Dinagat Island sa Surigao del Norte noong Disyembre 20 at inaasahang makakarating sa Calatagan, Batangas.

Upang maiwasan ang posibleng kapahamakan, naglabas ng abiso ang PCG para sa lahat ng bangka at barko na dadaan sa lugar na may half-submerged na bangka.

Ang insidente ay patuloy na iniimbestigahan upang malaman ang eksaktong sanhi ng paglubog ng bangka at mapanagot ang kinauukulan.

Woman with two wombs gives birth twice in two days

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Woman with two wombs gives birth twice in two days

Kelsey Hatcher, a woman from Alabama in the United States, has given birth to two daughters in a span of two days, owing to her rare condition of having a double uterus.

Kelsey Hatcher, born with two fully functional uteri, each possessing its own cervix, experienced the extraordinary event of becoming pregnant in both wombs, a one-in-a-million phenomenon. After enduring 20 hours of labor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, Mrs. Hatcher successfully welcomed her two daughters into the world.

The firstborn, Roxi, made her entrance on a Tuesday evening, followed by the arrival of her sister, Rebel, just 10 hours later on the subsequent morning.

In a statement released by the hospital, Mrs. Hatcher expressed her gratitude, stating, “Never in our wildest dreams could we have planned a pregnancy and birth like this; but bringing our two healthy baby girls into this world safely was always the goal, and UAB helped us accomplish that.”

The uniqueness of the situation is not lost on the family. “It seems appropriate that they had two birthdays,” Mrs. Hatcher remarked. “They both had their own ‘houses,’ and now both have their own unique birth stories.”

The rare condition that allowed for this extraordinary occurrence is known as uterus didelphys, or a double uterus, a congenital anomaly found in just 0.3% of women. Mrs. Hatcher was diagnosed with this condition at the age of 17.

The medical team at UAB is commended for their assistance in ensuring a safe and successful delivery for both newborns in this extraordinary and unprecedented event.

Lima patay, tatlo sugatan sa banggaan ng truck at SUV sa Batangas

Arman B. Cambe
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Lima patay, tatlo sugatan sa banggaan ng truck at SUV sa Batangas

STO. TOMAS, Batangas. Dead on the spot ang limang biktima habang tatlo ang malubhang nasugatan matapos magbanggaan ang isang ten-wheeler truck at isang Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) bandang 2:30 ng madaling araw kahapon sa kahabaan ng national highway sa Sto. Tomas, Batangas sa kasagsagan ng mahigpit na trapiko na dulot ng pag uuwian para sa Pasko.

Sa ulat ni Police Lt. Col. Rodel Ban-O kay Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, Direktor ng Calabarzon PNP, ang SUV ay galing sa Catarman, Sambar, patungo ng Nueva Ecija nang maganap ang trahedya.

Ayon kay Col. Ban-O, napag alaman sa imbestigasyon na nakatulog ang driver ng Innova Van na may walong sakay, at ito ay lumabag sa linya ng kalsada habang paparating naman ang truck patungong Quezon.

Ayon sa mga saksi, mabilis ang takbo ng Van, at hindi na ito naiwasan ng driver kahit na alam nito na may paparating na truck.

Ayon naman sa salaysay ng driver ng truck, nabigla siya nang bumulaga sa kanyang harapan ang nasabing van. Dagdag pa niya, dahil sa bilis ng takbo nito, hindi na niya nakontrol ang trak.

Batay sa mga pahayag ng ilang motorista sa lugar, hindi na nga kayang iwasan ng truck driver ang aksidente dahil sa sobrang bilis ng takbo ng van. Dahil sa lakas ng pagkakabangga, nagmistulang kinuyumos na lata ang van matapos ang aksidente.

Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan pa ng mga otoridad ang mga pangalan at pagkakakilanlan ng mga biktima. Ang driver ng truck ay nakakulong na sa Sto. Tomas police station at sasampahan siya ng mga kaukulang kaso tulad ng reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, at damage to property.

AI companionship eases loneliness for seniors: ElliQ, the chatty robot, makes a difference

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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AI companionship eases loneliness for seniors: ElliQ, the chatty robot, makes a difference

CORAL SPRINGS, Florida. A solution to combat loneliness among seniors is making waves as ElliQ, a chatty robot created by Intuition Robotics, becomes a trusted companion for elderly individuals across the United States. The device, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), is designed to provide personalized interactions, playing games, offering companionship, and even assisting in daily tasks.

Joyce Loaiza, an 81-year-old resident of a Florida senior community, is one of the many seniors benefitting from ElliQ’s companionship. “It’s entertaining. You can actually talk to her,” Loaiza said, affectionately referring to her ElliQ as “Jellybean.” The robot engages in conversations about the day, tells jokes, and plays music, tailored to each user’s preferences.

ElliQ has proven to be more than just a technological device; it has become a source of comfort during challenging times. When 83-year-old Deanna Dezern experienced the loss of a friend, ElliQ responded with empathy, expressing a virtual hug if it had arms. The robot’s ability to adapt to each user’s emotions and interests sets it apart as a unique companion for seniors.

Intuition Robotics CEO Dor Skuler emphasizes the primary goal of ElliQ – to provide friendship, companionship, and empathy. Skuler, inspired by his widowed grandfather’s need for companionship, envisioned a robot capable of adapting to the personality and interests of each senior user.

ElliQ, resembling a small table lamp with an eyeless, mouthless head that lights up and swivels, remembers users’ interests and previous conversations. It engages in meaningful conversations, ranging from discussions about the meaning of life to lighthearted horoscope readings. The device also provides tours of cities and museums, leads exercises, and offers health reminders, making it a versatile companion for daily life.

While ElliQ aims to alleviate loneliness, Skuler and senior assistance officials acknowledge that it is not a substitute for human contact. However, for seniors without strong social networks, housebound individuals, or those left isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ElliQ has emerged as a valuable source of connection.

The robot has been distributed by assistance agencies in New York, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington state. Additionally, individuals can purchase ElliQ for $600 a year, along with a $250 installation fee. The average user interacts with ElliQ more than 30 times daily, and over 90% report lower levels of loneliness, according to Skuler.

While some express concerns about the potential impact of AI on human contact, users like Deanna Dezern find solace in ElliQ’s ability to provide companionship that goes beyond the capabilities of traditional virtual assistants. As technology continues to play a role in addressing social isolation among seniors, ElliQ stands out as a promising solution that combines AI utility with genuine human connection.

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