Wednesday, April 23, 2025


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Movie review: ‘The Colors Within’ – A gentle symphony of youth and self-discovery

Yamada Naoko’s luminous anime, The Colors Within, is a heartfelt exploration of the doubts, yearnings, and joys of growing up, delivering a rare authenticity often absent in children’s movies. With its soft, watercolor-like visuals and deeply resonant themes, the film gently immerses audiences into the unique world of Totsuko, a young girl with an extraordinary perception of color and life.

A Unique Perspective on Color

Totsuko (voiced by Suzukawa Sayu) is a spirited student at an all-girls Catholic boarding school. Her gift is unique: she doesn’t just see colors; she feels them as if they were an aura emanating from those around her. “When I see a pretty color, my heart quickens,” she explains in the film’s opening moments.

Her vibrant personality often leads her to speak before thinking, resulting in moments both endearing and humorous. During a dodgeball game, Totsuko becomes so mesmerized by the purple and yellow blur of the ball that she’s joyfully dazed when it hits her head.

A Journey of Connection and Self-Discovery

The story takes a turn when Totsuko crosses paths with Kimi (Akari Takaishi), a classmate who leaves school amidst rumors of breaking the institution’s strict no-boys rule. Driven by curiosity and concern, Totsuko finds Kimi at a local used bookstore, where she works while strumming an electric guitar.

This meeting sets the stage for an unlikely trio. When Rui (Kido Taisei), a bespectacled boy who plays the theremin, enters the picture, Totsuko impulsively suggests forming a band. Despite their limited musical experience, the trio begins practicing in an old church near Rui’s home. Totsuko sees colors in each of her companions: blue for Kimi and green for Rui.

Through their shared love of music, the three bond over their struggles: Kimi’s hesitation to reveal her school dropout status to her grandmother, Rui’s conflicted feelings about pursuing music against his parents’ wishes, and Totsuko’s determination to bring them together.

Music as the Language of the Soul

Sister Hiyoshiko (Yui Aragaki), the kind nun with the “beautiful” color Totsuko admires, serves as a quiet source of guidance. “We can chart a new course any time we wish,” she says, subtly encouraging the trio to embrace their individuality and forge their own paths.

The film’s emotional climax comes during a concert where dialogue fades, and their music takes center stage. In a powerful moment reminiscent of Yamada Naoko’s A Silent Voice (2016), the music speaks volumes about their growth, connection, and the unspoken emotions that define their journey.

A Visual and Emotional Masterpiece

Painted with delicate, impressionistic visuals, The Colors Within captures both the external beauty of its settings and the inner complexities of its characters. It seamlessly blends spiritual undertones with themes of self-discovery, friendship, and resilience, creating a deeply moving experience.

Final Thoughts

The Colors Within, a Gkids release, is rated PG for mild thematic elements and runs for 100 minutes. It’s a gentle stunner that speaks directly to the heart, offering a poetic reminder of the transformative power of connection and creativity.

Rating: ★★★☆ (3 out of 4 stars)

17 Pinoy seafarers, pinalaya ng Houthi rebels

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MAYNILA. Matapos ang mahigit isang taong pagkakabihag, makakauwi na sa bansa ang 17 Filipino seafarers na dinukot ng Houthi rebels sa Red Sea noong Nobyembre 2023.

Ayon kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ligtas na ngayon ang mga Filipino seafarers at kasama ang iba pang crew members ng MV Galaxy Leader na pinalaya rin ng mga rebelde.

“Nasa pangangalaga na ng Philippine Embassy sa Muscat, Oman ang ating mga kababayan. Inaasikaso na ang kanilang agarang pagbabalik sa Pilipinas upang makapiling ang kanilang mga pamilya,” pahayag ng Pangulo.

Pinuri ni Pangulong Marcos si Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik at ang gobyerno ng Oman sa kanilang matagumpay na mediation efforts na nagbigay-daan sa kalayaan ng mga bihag.

Nagpasalamat din ang Pangulo sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at pribadong sektor na walang sawang nakipagtulungan sa mga foreign governments at entities upang maibalik ang mga Pilipino sa kanilang pamilya.

Binigyang-diin ni Marcos ang kahalagahan ng papel ng mga Filipino seafarers sa pandaigdigang maritime industry. Ani niya, ang kanilang tapang at dedikasyon ang dahilan kung bakit pinirmahan niya ang Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, na naglalayong tiyakin ang proteksyon sa kanilang mga karapatan, kapakanan, at full employment.

Ang paglaya ng mga seafarers ay isa na namang patunay ng kahalagahan ng international cooperation para sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa.

Chirping cosmic waves detected in unexpected region of space

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NEW YORK. Scientists have discovered cosmic waves that sound remarkably like birds chirping, detected from an area of space where such phenomena had never been observed before.

These plasma bursts, known as chorus waves, vibrate at frequencies audible to the human ear. When converted to audio signals, they emit sharp, high-pitched sounds reminiscent of bird calls.

While similar sounds have been recorded in space previously, this new detection occurred over 62,000 miles (100,000 kilometers) from Earth, far beyond the areas where they’ve been observed.

“This opens up a lot of new questions about the physics that could be possible in this area,” commented Allison Jaynes, a space physicist at the University of Iowa who was not involved in the study.

The chorus waves were captured by NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) satellites, which were launched in 2015 to study the interactions between Earth’s and the sun’s magnetic fields. The findings were published Wednesday in the journal Nature.

A Decades-Long Mystery

The phenomenon of chorus waves has fascinated scientists for decades. These plasma waves were first recorded in the 1960s by antennas at an Antarctic research station. More recently, NASA’s Van Allen Probes picked up similar chirps from Earth’s radiation belts at much closer distances than the latest detection.

Chorus waves are also known to occur near other planets, including Jupiter and Saturn, and are considered one of the most significant and powerful wave phenomena in space. They can even generate high-energy electrons capable of disrupting satellite communications.

“They are one of the strongest and most significant waves in space,” explained Chengming Liu, the study’s lead author from Beihang University, in an email.

Unexpected Discovery

The newfound waves were detected in a region where Earth’s magnetic field is stretched out into space, a location where such perturbations were not anticipated. This raises new questions about how these waves are generated.

Scientists speculate that Earth’s magnetic field could play a role in producing the waves, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

“It’s very captivating, very compelling,” Jaynes remarked. “We definitely need to find more of these events.”

As researchers continue to investigate, these cosmic sounds could reveal more about the mysterious workings of space, offering insights into the universe’s complex and dynamic nature.

Comelec: ‘Epal-itiko’ bawal sa pamimigay ng ayuda ng gobyerno

MAYNILA. Mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang paglahok ng mga pulitiko sa pamamahagi ng ayuda sa panahon ng kampanya upang maiwasan ang paggamit ng mga aktibidad na ito sa pulitika.

Ayon kay Atty. John Paul Martin, Comelec officer sa Baguio, hindi rin dapat pahintulutang maipakita ang mga tarpaulin o anumang uri ng campaign materials ng mga pulitiko sa mga lugar kung saan ginaganap ang pamamahagi ng tulong mula sa gobyerno.

“Ang mga aktibidad na may kaugnayan sa pamimigay ng suporta mula sa gobyerno ay hindi dapat magamit para sa pagpapabango ng pangalan ng sinumang pulitiko,” ani Martin sa panayam ng Philippine News Agency noong Miyerkules.

DSWD May Exemption
Samantala, tiniyak naman ng Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) na magpapatuloy ang kanilang mga programa sa pamamahagi ng ayuda matapos makakuha ng exemption mula sa Comelec.

Kabilang sa mga programang ito ang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Supplemental Feeding Program, PAMANA, Pag-Abot Program, Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPHAP), social pension, assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS), at Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

Dagdag pa rito, sinabi ni Maria Aplaten, director ng DSWD-CAR, na patuloy na gagampanan ng mga residential care facilities ng ahensya ang kanilang tungkulin. Kasama rito ang Regional Haven for Women and Girls, Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), at Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) upang matiyak na hindi maantala ang mga rehabilitasyon at serbisyong kanilang ibinibigay.

Ang hakbang na ito ng Comelec ay bahagi ng kanilang layunin na masigurong patas at malinis ang eleksyon sa bansa.

New wildfire near Los Angeles expands to 8,000 acres, forcing evacuations for thousands

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CASTAIC, California. A rapidly spreading wildfire erupted north of Los Angeles on Wednesday, ballooning to over 8,000 acres (32 square kilometers) in just a few hours. The blaze, dubbed the Hughes Fire, has prompted mandatory evacuation orders for more than 19,000 residents in Castaic and surrounding areas, officials said.

Fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation, the wildfire is the latest to challenge Southern California firefighters, already battling two major fires that have devastated the Los Angeles metropolitan area this month.
Residents in the Castaic Lake area were warned of an “immediate threat to life,” according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD). An additional 16,000 people remain under evacuation warnings.

Multiple agencies, including LACoFD, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), and the U.S. Forest Service, have deployed crews to contain the blaze. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft have been seen dropping water and fire retardants to protect structures and halt the fire’s progress.

The Hughes Fire forced the closure of Interstate 5 through the Grapevine area, a vital north-south corridor, due to dense smoke and reduced visibility, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The fire broke out as much of Southern California remains under a red-flag warning, with conditions ripe for wildfires due to nine months of minimal rainfall, strong winds, and extremely dry brush. To mitigate risks, 1,100 firefighters have been pre-deployed across the region, Cal Fire said.

Rain is forecast from Saturday through Monday, potentially bringing much-needed relief to firefighting efforts.
While the Hughes Fire rages, firefighters have made significant progress in containing two other major wildfires in Los Angeles County. The Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,021 acres (57 square kilometers) east of the city, is now 91% contained. Meanwhile, the Palisades Fire, which scorched 23,448 acres (95 square kilometers) west of Los Angeles, is 68% contained.

Since their ignition on January 7, the Eaton and Palisades Fires have claimed 28 lives, destroyed nearly 16,000 structures, and displaced 180,000 residents at the height of evacuations.
Private weather forecaster AccuWeather estimates the economic losses from the recent fires at over $250 billion, underscoring the severity of the disaster.
The Angeles National Forest, encompassing 700,000 acres (2,800 square kilometers) in the San Gabriel Mountains, has been closed to visitors to prioritize safety and firefighting efforts.

As authorities continue to battle this latest inferno, they urge residents to heed evacuation orders and prepare for possible fire-related disruptions.

Buy-bust operation sa Laguna nauwi sa engkuwentro: 1 patay, 4 arestado

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna. Isang buy-bust operation ng Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) ang nauwi sa barilan, na ikinasawi ng isang suspek at pagkakadakip ng apat pa nitong kasamahan sa parking lot ng isang gasolinahan sa Barangay Turbina, lungsod na ito kahapon ng madaling araw.

Ayon sa ulat ni Police Major Joven Manalansan, OIC ng RPDEU, isinagawa ang operasyon bandang alas-1:55 ng madaling araw sa tulong ng Calamba Police at Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) sa Flying V Gasoline Station.

Napansin umano ng mga suspek na mga pulis ang kanilang katransaksyon, kaya’t sila ang unang nagpaputok, na nauwi sa ilang minutong engkuwentro. Isa sa mga suspek na nakilala sa alyas na “Mark” ang nasawi habang naaresto ang apat na iba pa na sina alyas Princess, Kevin, Awen, at Ron, na kabilang sa listahan ng mga high-value individual (HVI) ng pulisya.

Samantala, isang 6-anyos na batang lalaki, na anak ng napatay na suspek, ang kasama sa operasyon ngunit ligtas mula sa insidente. Kasalukuyan siyang nasa pangangalaga ng Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) unit ng barangay.
Narekober mula sa mga suspek ang dalawang malaking plastic na may lamang higit 2 kilo ng shabu na nagkakahalaga ng ₱13,600,000, isang ziplock na may lamang marijuana o kush, tatlong baril: isang Glock 9mm pistol, isang Colt Cal. 45 pistol, at isang Glock 23 Gen 4 Cal. 40 pistol, kasama ang mga magazine at bala, apat na cellphone at isang Toyota Vios (NIT 9614) na ginamit ng mga suspek.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad sa insidente upang matukoy ang iba pang posibleng kasabwat ng grupo.

Should political dynasties go? Should the Supreme Court—yes, the Supreme Court—listen?

Yes, “as may be defined by law (passed by the Philippine Congress and signed into law by the President).” Nobody did, though some past and present legislators have filed the anti-political dynasty bill.

Filipinos therefore need the help of the Supreme Court (SC). Badly.

Is it sound for the legislators to be told by the magistrates, “Follow the Constitution’s order for you to enact an anti-political dynasty law,” or is it bad for the legislators to answer back, “Don’t tell us to pass a law for you need to observe the principle of separation of powers,” or any other suggestions? But as I opined in this space last year, “When Article II, Section 26 says that ‘the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law,’ the Constitution must be upheld and defended.” https://tutubi.ph/best-read-ridding-of-political-dynasties/

A lawyers’ group filed a petition for mandamus before the SC to compel Senate and House of Representatives members to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties among elective officials. Two months thereafter, the group got help from the University of the Philippines (UP), whose College of Law hosted a 3-½ hour reiteration of the group’s petition and related academic discussion, including insights from non-lawyer academicians and wonderful data sets from Dr. Ronald U. Mendoza of the Ateneo School of Government. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR6IbVVQjnc

Obese na obese na—pagkataba-taba na—ng political dynasties! 

Apathy? There was a part in the academic symposium when one of the petitioners, Atty. Rico V. Domingo, added his insights in the Q&A that their petition and the supplemental petition already touched that wrong culture (for humanities and social sciences, though, culture is considered diverse, complex, learned, and, therefore, cannot be labeled wrong entirely).

The moderator and UP Law, as a whole, did a great job in allotting and allowing overtime for legal luminaries-discussants to deliver their expert pieces, a highlight of which was “Kung sino pa yung bulag, siya pa yung nakakita,” the moderating Atty. Moises S. Tolentino. Jr., of UP Law Class of 1976 said, referring to Atty. Wilfredo Trinidad, who is Domingo’s fellow petitioner (other co-petitioners are lawyers Wilfredo Trinidad, Jorge Cabildo, and Ceasar Oracion).

The audience appreciated what their eyes saw insofar as the prayed remedy which is mandamus is concerned. We should all listen to the petition as well as other endeavors to help make the anti-dynasty provision of the 1987 charter possible. Hats off also to courageous journalists Jarius Bondoc and Philip Lustre Jr. for having no words left unspoken in the critical issue affecting so much of our economics and politics.

Let us second it: We feel nauseous in political dynasties’ existence and persistence. How ludicrous!

Tatlong bagong restos ni Gordon Ramsay, bubuksan sa Pilipinas

MAYNILA. Inanunsyo ng world-renowned chef na si Gordon Ramsay ang pagbubukas ng tatlong bagong restawran sa Pilipinas, kabilang ang posibilidad ng isang Hell’s Kitchen restaurant. Ginawa ang anunsyo sa isang eksklusibong kaganapan sa Newport Performing Arts Theater noong Lunes.

Sa kanyang talumpati, ipinahayag ni Ramsay ang paghanga sa Filipino at Asian cuisine, binibigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng pagpapanatili ng mga tradisyunal na recipe habang patuloy itong ini-evolve para sa mga susunod na henerasyon.

Ang Filipino cuisine ay isa sa mga hidden gems ng Asia, ani Ramsay, na tinawag ang Pilipinas na isang “sleeping beauty of Asia” dahil sa sariwa at orihinal na sangkap nito.

Sa kasalukuyang Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill sa Newport World Resorts, pinuri ni Ramsay ang kontribusyon ng mga lokal na sangkap sa tagumpay ng kanilang menu, partikular na ang paggamit ng Lapu-Lapu sa kanilang signature Fish & Chips.

Hindi makakaya ng Manila team ang menu kung wala ang napakagagandang lokal na sangkap, dagdag pa niya.

Bilang bahagi ng kaganapan, nagsagawa si Ramsay ng mini “Masterchef”-like na kompetisyon kung saan nagtagisan ang mga celebrity chef tulad ni Judy Ann Santos, food influencer Ninong Ry, culinary student Danica Lucero, at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill PH Head Chef Bea Therese Qua. Ipinakita nila ang kanilang creative take sa paboritong Filipino dessert na Halo-Halo.

Bukod dito, nakipagtulungan din si Ramsay kay “Lumpia Queen” Abi Marquez upang gumawa ng Filipino-inspired version ng kanyang iconic na Beef Wellington.

Si Ramsay, na mayroong maraming Michelin-starred restaurants kabilang ang Restaurant Gordon Ramsay sa UK at Le Pressoir d’Argent sa Bordeaux, ay patuloy na nagpapalawak ng kanyang culinary empire. Bukod sa mga restaurant niya sa Singapore, UAE, at Japan, ang Pilipinas ang pinakabagong destinasyon ng kanyang negosyo.

Abangan ang pagbubukas ng mga bagong restawran ni Gordon Ramsay, na tiyak na magdadala ng world-class dining experience at magpapakita ng galing ng Filipino cuisine sa mundo.

Thailand to legalize same-sex marriages following law passage

BANGKOK. In a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights, Thailand will become the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage when a historic law takes effect on Thursday, January 23. This monumental change grants LGBTQ+ couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, marking a significant step toward equality in the region.

Danaya Phonphayung and Sunma Piamboon, a couple who have been together for over 13 years, will finally see their relationship recognized under Thai law. “I think I’ll cry,” said Danaya, reflecting on the upcoming registration of their marriage. “It’s something that was more than I could’ve dreamed of, that suddenly this day is happening.”

The marriage equality bill, passed by the Thai Parliament, amends the Civil and Commercial Code to replace gender-specific terms like “husband and wife” with inclusive language such as “individuals” and “marriage partners.” This reform ensures LGBTQ+ couples gain access to legal, financial, and medical rights previously denied to them.

Sunma, who owns a travel agency, highlighted the importance of legal recognition during a personal experience when Danaya was hospitalized with dengue fever. “The doctors asked me who I was, and I said I was the girlfriend, and they were like, ‘so what?’” she recalled. “I couldn’t make any decisions until her condition became quite serious. This law changes everything for us.”

While Thailand is often celebrated for its inclusivity, LGBTQ+ individuals have faced societal challenges and discrimination. However, progress in recent years, including the government’s active support for LGBTQ+ rights, has paved the way for this legislative breakthrough.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a strong advocate for marriage equality, expressed pride in Thailand’s achievement. “It’s almost like a dream, but it’s not. So, congratulations to all,” she said. “The world will notice that in this small country, we support our people and their rights.”

To celebrate the law’s implementation, Bangkok Pride organizers have partnered with government agencies to host a grand event in central Bangkok. More than 300 couples are expected to register their marriages during the celebration.

Recognizing the need for societal adaptation, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has conducted workshops to train district office staff on handling marriage registrations for LGBTQ+ couples. “It’s like a missing piece of the jigsaw,” said Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respect from government officials.

Gender equality activist Ann “Waaddao” Chumaporn, a lead organizer of Bangkok Pride, described the new law as a restoration of dignity. “That day is going to be meaningful to all the couples that have gone through this journey together,” she said. “I’d like to thank everyone, every love, that has faithfully struggled so that today would finally happen.”

For Danaya and Sunma, the law signifies more than legal rights—it is a validation of their love and commitment. “It’s not just the two of us that are happy, but both of our families feel it is a big deal,” Sunma shared. “Everyone said they are waiting for Jan. 23.”

As Thailand takes this historic step, it sets an inspiring precedent for equality and inclusivity across the region.

A group of LGBTQ pose for a picture as a part of celebration of a marriage equality bill at Government house in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jirasak jivawavatanawanit)

Ski resort fire in Turkey leaves 76 dead, dozens injured

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KARTALKAYA, Turkey. A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Turkey’s Bolu mountains claimed the lives of 76 people and left dozens injured early Tuesday morning. The blaze forced panicked guests to jump from windows, as flames rapidly engulfed the 12-story hotel at the popular Kartalkaya ski resort.

Witnesses described the scene as apocalyptic. “It was like the apocalypse. The flames engulfed the hotel immediately, like in half an hour,” said Mevlut Ozer, who was at the resort during the tragedy.

The fire broke out around 3:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) on the restaurant floor, authorities confirmed. Guests were seen attempting to escape by tying bed sheets together to climb down from upper floors. At least three windows bore evidence of this desperate measure, as sheets dangled precariously from them.

President Tayyip Erdogan declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families.

Witnesses recounted the chaos and panic. Omer Sakrak, an employee at a neighboring hotel, shared the heartbreaking experience of seeing people leap from great heights. “People all started to jump with panic. One friend jumped from the 11th floor – may God have mercy on him,” he said.

Sakrak also described a father’s desperate attempt to save his child. “One father was yelling about his one-year-old child: ‘I will throw my child or he will burn.'”

Several guests reported they fled through smoke-filled corridors, but no fire alarms were heard.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that the fire had affected 238 guests who were staying at the hotel during the school holidays, a peak time for families from Istanbul and Ankara to visit the Bolu mountains.

“Our pain is impossible to describe,” Yerlikaya said, offering condolences at the scene. The fire was brought under control by the afternoon, and rescue operations were concluded. Authorities are now conducting DNA tests to identify some of the victims.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Nine individuals have been detained in connection with the incident, and prosecutors are working to determine accountability.

“We will leave no stone unturned in finding out what caused this tragedy,” Yerlikaya said. “Those responsible will be brought to justice.”

The Grand Kartal Hotel, known for its wooden façade and proximity to ski slopes, now stands as a somber reminder of the tragic loss of life and the need for stringent safety measures in public establishments.


This tragic event is a stark warning about the importance of fire safety protocols, particularly in high-occupancy establishments.