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Mary Jane Veloso, umaasa sa clemency: ‘Wala akong kasalanan’

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Mary Jane Veloso, umaasa sa clemency: ‘Wala akong kasalanan’

MAYNILA. Umaasa si Mary Jane Veloso, isang 39-anyos na Pilipinang makalipas ang 14 na taong pagkakulong sa Indonesia, na mabibigyan ng clemency at tuluyang makakalaya upang makasama ang kanyang pamilya.

Sa isang panayam sa Soekarno-Hatta International Airport sa Jakarta bago ang kanyang pag-uwi, emosyonal na nagpahayag si Veloso ng pasasalamat at pag-asa. “Nagpapasalamat ako kasi makakauwi na (ako) sa Pilipinas, pero I hope makauwi sa pamilya ko,” ani Veloso.

Dagdag pa niya, “Gusto ko na makalaya ako… Clemency… mapawalang sala. Kasi wala akong kasalanan.”

Dumating si Veloso sa Pilipinas nitong Miyerkules ng umaga, isang mahalagang hakbang matapos ang mahaba niyang pananatili sa kulungan sa Indonesia.

Si Veloso ay sinentensyahan ng kamatayan noong 2010 matapos mahulihan ng 2.6 kilo ng heroin sa Yogyakarta Airport. Gayunpaman, noong 2015, binigyan siya ng “temporary reprieve” ni dating Indonesian President Joko Widodo dahil sa mga alegasyon ng human trafficking na nag-ugat sa kanyang kaso.

Noong Nobyembre, inanunsyo ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang kasunduang naabot sa pagitan ng Manila at Jakarta upang ilipat si Veloso sa Pilipinas. Pinasalamatan din ni Marcos si Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at ang gobyerno nito para sa kanilang kooperasyon.

Bagama’t nasa bansa na si Veloso, patuloy ang kanyang panawagan para sa clemency upang tuluyan siyang mapawalang-sala. Ang kanyang kaso ay naging simbolo ng laban kontra human trafficking at patuloy na sinusubaybayan ng publiko.

Russia says Syrians must determine their country’s future amid shifting power dynamics

Venus L Peñaflor
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Russia says Syrians must determine their country’s future amid shifting power dynamics

Russia has emphasized that Syrians should have the autonomy to shape their country’s future, calling for an “inclusive” government that represents Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. This statement came from Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Monday, more than a week after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, who had long been supported by Moscow. As power shifts towards commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, Russia is closely monitoring the situation.

“We believe that the path to a sustainable normalization of the situation in Syria lies in creating an inclusive dialogue among Syrians based on achieving national accord and moving forward with the complex process of a political settlement,” the ministry’s statement read.

Russia also stressed the importance of Syrians deciding their own future, underlining the longstanding relationship between the two nations. “For Russia, it is important that the future of Syria be set out by Syrians themselves. We believe that the relations of friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of our countries for decades will continue to develop constructively,” the statement added.

In its message, Moscow highlighted Syria’s long history of coexistence between Muslims and Christians, referencing the Damascus-based Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, which maintains close ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin clarified that no final decisions had been made regarding the future of Russia’s military presence in Syria. “We are in contact with those in charge of the country,” the Kremlin said.

Over the weekend, four Syrian officials informed Reuters that Russia was pulling back its military from northern Syria’s front lines and positions in the Alawite Mountains, although it would retain control of its two primary military bases in the country.

Bashar al-Assad, who was granted asylum in Russia, issued his first statement since his ousting, revealing that he was evacuated from the Hmeimim base on December 8 due to a drone attack. He had left Damascus earlier that day as rebel forces closed in.

Teenage girl fatally shoots student, teacher before taking own life in Wisconsin school tragedy

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Teenage girl fatally shoots student, teacher before taking own life in Wisconsin school tragedy

MADISON, Wisconsin. A 15-year-old girl opened fire at a private school in Madison, Wisconsin, on Monday, killing a fellow student and a teacher, and injuring six others before turning the gun on herself, authorities reported.

The devastating incident occurred at Abundant Life Christian School, a private institution serving 400 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Police identified the shooter as Natalie Rupnow, who also went by the name Samantha.

According to Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, the shooting began approximately three hours into the school day. Six other victims sustained gunshot wounds, including two students who remain in critical condition. Three other students and one teacher were injured but are expected to recover.

“Today is a sad, sad day, not only for Madison but for our entire country, where yet another police chief is doing a press conference to speak about violence in our community,” Chief Barnes stated during an emotional press conference. “Every child, every person in that building, is a victim, and will be a victim forever. These types of trauma don’t just go away.”

The tragedy began when the shooter arrived at school as usual, before drawing a handgun and opening fire. Barnes noted the extraordinary bravery of a second-grade student, likely 7 or 8 years old, who made the 911 call to report the shooting.

“Let that soak in for a minute,” Barnes said, underlining the profound trauma for everyone involved.

School on Lockdown

Students immediately followed emergency protocols, locking themselves in classrooms. Barbara Wiers, the school’s director of elementary and school relations, commended their composure during the crisis.

“They were clearly scared … when they heard ‘lockdown, lockdown’ and nothing else, they knew it was real,” Wiers explained. Students were later transported off-campus, where they reunited with their families.

Gun Violence Epidemic in the U.S.

The Wisconsin tragedy marks one of 322 school shootings in the U.S. this year alone, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database—the second-highest total recorded since 1966, surpassed only by 2023’s record of 349 incidents.

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway lamented the prevalence of gun violence, stating, “We need to do better in our country and our community to prevent gun violence.”

President Joe Biden also renewed calls for Congress to pass stricter gun control legislation, echoing his previous frustrations with the lack of action.

“It is unacceptable that we are unable to protect our children from this scourge of gun violence,” Biden said in a statement. “We cannot continue to accept it as normal.”

Community in Mourning

Investigators have yet to determine the shooter’s motive, though her family is cooperating with authorities. School shootings involving female perpetrators remain extremely rare, with studies indicating that women account for only 3% of mass shootings in the U.S.

The Abundant Life community now joins the long list of schools devastated by gun violence. This tragedy occurred just two days after the 12th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in Newtown, Connecticut—a grim reminder of the ongoing crisis.

As the nation mourns yet another loss, calls for stronger legislation and greater school safety measures continue to intensify. Yet, for the families and students affected by Monday’s events, the road to healing will be long and difficult.

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma or mental health following this event, please reach out to local support services or helplines.

‘September 5’: Inside the newsroom during the Munich Olympics hostage crisis

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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‘September 5’: Inside the newsroom during the Munich Olympics hostage crisis

The gripping new film “September 5” offers a fictionalized yet detailed account of how ABC Sports journalists scrambled to cover the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis as it unfolded in real-time. The movie, directed by Tim Fehlbaum, immerses audiences in the chaos and pressure of a newsroom during one of the most shocking events in modern history.

Set over the harrowing 22 hours when eight members of the Palestinian group Black September attacked the Israeli delegation, the film focuses not just on the tragedy but on the team of sports broadcasters-turned-journalists who brought the unfolding story to the world.

The attack began in the early hours of September 5, 1972, when the assailants broke into the Olympic Village, killing wrestling coach Moshe Weinberg and weightlifter Yossi Romano. While some managed to escape, nine Israeli athletes were taken hostage.

The movie unfolds moment by moment, capturing the newsroom’s frantic pace as broadcasters and technicians navigate technical hurdles and personal inexperience. At the center is Geoffrey Mason (portrayed by John Magaro), a 28-year-old coordinating producer tackling his first major news event. Despite doubts about his experience—“He’s covered minor league baseball games,” someone says dismissively—Mason finds himself at the helm of a breaking international crisis.

The newsroom ensemble is brought to life by an exceptional cast. Peter Sarsgaard lends authority as Roone Arledge, then-president of ABC Sports, while Ben Chaplin plays operations engineer Marvin Bader. Leonie Benesch stands out as Marianne Gebhardt, a German-speaking interpreter whose role offers a unique perspective on Germany’s attempt to present itself positively in the aftermath of World War II. An actor portrays Peter Jennings, while archival footage of legendary broadcaster Jim McKay seamlessly blends into the narrative.

Director Tim Fehlbaum’s meticulous approach recreates the era’s analog technology—from walkie-talkies to the manual addition of text on screen—highlighting the challenges broadcasters faced. Fehlbaum, alongside his screenwriting team, reconstructed events almost minute by minute, giving the film an authentic newsroom feel.

While the team’s determination to deliver the story is commendable, the film does not shy away from showing mistakes made under pressure. A pivotal moment at the Fürstenfeldbruck airfield—where imperfect secondhand information is broadcast—reminds viewers that journalism is often the “first draft of history.”

“September 5” resonates with modern audiences in its portrayal of the media not as a faceless monolith but as individuals under immense pressure to get the story right. At a time when public trust in journalism is often strained, the film humanizes reporters, capturing their struggles and the weight of responsibility they bear.

While the film maintains a retro aesthetic, its themes feel contemporary. It avoids sensationalizing the tragedy, opting for a sobering and respectful retelling of events.

As Fehlbaum’s film reminds us, “This is not Apollo 13.” There are no happy endings here. But “September 5” remains a riveting and compelling watch—a testament to the unsung heroes who chronicled history as it happened. The Paramount Pictures release is rated R for language and runs 94 minutes. It opens in theaters on Friday.
Rating: ★★★ out of 4

DSWD launches ‘Walang Gutom Kitchen’ to reduce food wastage and combat hunger

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DSWD launches ‘Walang Gutom Kitchen’ to reduce food wastage and combat hunger

MANILA. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that the newly launched “Walang Gutom (Zero Hunger) Kitchen” aims to address food wastage and combat hunger across the country.

“This Walang Gutom Kitchen is a food bank kung saan ang private sector at ang public sector ay magsasanib pwersa para mabawasan ang wastage ng pagkain at matugunan ang problema ng kagutuman sa Metro Manila and later on, when we expand this type of food banks, nationwide,” said Gatchalian during the sidelines of the project’s launch in Pasay City.

The initiative will follow the provisions of Republic Act 9803 or the Food Donation Act of 2009, which encourages the donation of wholesome food for charitable purposes. Gatchalian emphasized that the food bank seeks to bridge the gap between food surplus from private sector donors and the needs of the hungry population.

“Ang plano natin is to expand it later on and open more of its branches so that ‘yung mga kababayan natin na nasa pribadong sektor na may excess na pagkain, pwede nilang maibaba rito sa Walang Gutom Kitchen para ‘yung mga nagugutom nating mga kababayan, pwedeng-pwedeng pumunta rito anytime para makakuha ng libreng pagkain,” he added.

The Walang Gutom Kitchen is housed in a repurposed former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub. It features the integration of three DSWD flagship programs: the Pag-Abot Program, the Walang Gutom Program, and the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.

According to the DSWD, clients reached through the Pag-Abot Program or walk-in beneficiaries will receive food and other basic necessities after undergoing assessment by social workers. This initiative also simplifies the “individualized case management” process, which includes assessment, intervention planning, and progress tracking for homeless individuals.

Additionally, the Tara, Basa! program will establish reading corners within the facility, allowing beneficiaries access to developmental interventions such as parenting education and character-building activities.

“Sa lahat ng mga kababayan natin na gustong tumulong sa ating mga kababayan na nagugutom… we will take on any type of food donation and drinks donation, whether gusto mo na own personal capacity or nagkataon na may negosyo ka at may sumobrang pagkain, basta galing sa pribadong sektor, alinsunod na rin sa batas, tatanggapin namin iyan para ipakain at ipamahagi araw-araw sa mga nagugutom nating mga kababayan,” Gatchalian stated.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the project launch, joining Gatchalian and private sector partners in distributing food to beneficiaries. Other notable attendees included Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Group Pinky Romualdez, Undersecretary for Innovations Group Eduardo Punay, Assistant Secretary for Innovations Group Baldr Bringas, and Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma.

Gatchalian expressed optimism that the Walang Gutom Kitchen would expand nationwide, promoting collaboration between the government and private sectors to address hunger and food wastage.

Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte: Hundreds feared dead, says top officials

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte: Hundreds feared dead, says top officials

MAYOTTE, French Indian Ocean Territory. Cyclone Chido has left the French territory of Mayotte in ruins, with local officials fearing a death toll in the hundreds, potentially rising into the thousands. The island’s Prefect, François-Xavier Bieuville, described the cyclone as the worst to hit Mayotte in 90 years, delivering catastrophic winds exceeding 220 kph (136 mph) and flattening entire neighborhoods.

“I think there are several hundred dead, maybe we’ll get close to a thousand. Even thousands… given the violence of this event,” Bieuville told local broadcaster Mayotte la 1ère.

The French Interior Ministry confirmed at least 11 deaths and over 250 injuries on Sunday, cautioning that these numbers are likely to rise. Bieuville noted the devastation in Mayotte’s slums, which consist of metal shacks and informal housing, saying, “This figure is not plausible when you see the images of the slums. I think the human toll is much higher.”

Extensive Damage and Immediate Needs

Mayotte, the poorest French territory and part of the European Union, has been hit hard. Damage to public infrastructure includes the island’s airport, where only military aircraft can currently operate due to damage to the control tower. Roads are blocked, electricity is out, and access to clean water is severely limited.

Patrice Latron, Prefect of the nearby French territory of Réunion, announced plans to establish an air and sea bridge to Mayotte. Around 800 rescuers and over 80 tons of supplies are being sent, with priority given to restoring electricity and clean water.

In Hamjago, one of the hardest-hit villages, resident Chad Youyou posted harrowing videos on Facebook showing the flattened fields and uprooted trees. “Mayotte is destroyed… we are destroyed,” he said.

National and International Response

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Mayotte’s people, while Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned that the death toll would be “high.” Retailleau, along with Prime Minister François Bayrou, who recently assumed office, is set to visit the island. Pope Francis also offered prayers for the victims during a Sunday visit to Corsica.

French authorities have deployed 1,600 police and gendarmerie officers to maintain order and prevent looting.

Cyclone Chido’s Path of Destruction

After pummeling Mayotte, Cyclone Chido moved on to northern Mozambique, threatening over 2 million people. In Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, homes, schools, and health facilities have been severely damaged. UNICEF warned of a high risk of landslides and prolonged isolation from essential services.

Cyclone season in the southwestern Indian Ocean, which peaks from December to March, has intensified in recent years. Studies suggest climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe cyclones, disproportionately impacting poor nations like Mayotte and Mozambique.

Humanitarian organizations are calling for increased global support to address the escalating crises brought about by climate change.

Over 1,300 OVP confidential fund recipients untraceable in PSA records

DC Alviar
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Over 1,300 OVP confidential fund recipients untraceable in PSA records

MANILA. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reported a glaring discrepancy in the national registry, revealing that over 1,300 individuals listed as recipients of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) ₱ 500 million confidential fund lack birth records.

The findings, presented in a letter by National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa to Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua, were based on the PSA’s verification of 1,992 names tied to the OVP’s confidential funds. The results indicate:

  • 1,322 names had no birth records in the PSA database.
  • 1,456 names lacked marriage records, with only 536 potential matches.
  • 1,593 names had no death records, with only 399 possible matches.

“This certification from the PSA leaves little doubt — if these names cannot be found in the civil registry, it strongly suggests they do not exist,” said Chua, who chairs the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability.

He further alleged, “The acknowledgment receipts may have been manufactured to justify the disbursement of confidential funds. These findings raise a critical question: if the recipients don’t exist, where did the money go? This is not just a clerical error; this points to a deliberate effort to misuse public funds.”

Discrepancies in Documents

The PSA findings add weight to earlier suspicions raised by the House panel, including irregularities in documents submitted by the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd), both of which were under the purview of Vice President Sara Duterte during the period in question.

Among these discrepancies was a recurring name, “Mary Grace Piattos,” which appeared frequently on acknowledgment receipts for the confidential funds. However, the PSA was unable to locate any record of this individual in its database.

The panel has since announced a ₱1-million reward for any information on “Mary Grace Piattos.”

Vice President Duterte has distanced herself from the allegations, stating, “I have not seen the acknowledgment receipts from confidential funds supposedly signed by ‘Mary Grace Piattos.’”

Call for Accountability

The report has intensified calls for transparency regarding the OVP’s use of confidential funds. GMA Integrated News reached out to the OVP for comment, but no statement has been issued as of press time.

“These are public funds. Every peso must be accounted for,” Chua emphasized, underscoring the gravity of the findings.

The investigation remains ongoing, with the House panel vowing to uncover the truth behind the alleged misuse of public resources.

Syrian Christians attend mass as schools reopen following Assad’s overthrow

Venus L Peñaflor
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Syrian Christians attend mass as schools reopen following Assad’s overthrow

DAMASCUS/LATAKIA, Syria. For the first time since the dramatic fall of President Bashar al-Assad a week ago, Syrian Christians attended Sunday services in a cautious yet hopeful display of resilience. The new Islamist rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have assured Syria’s religious minorities that their rights will be safeguarded.

In the Christian-majority neighborhood of Bab Touma in Damascus, streets were filled with worshippers attending church services. However, apprehension remains among the faithful. Maha Barsa, a resident who attended Mass at the local Greek Melkite Catholic church, shared her concerns: “We’re scared, we’re still scared. Things are ambiguous.”

In the coastal city of Latakia, a former Assad stronghold, the Christian community expressed similar mixed sentiments. Lina Akhras, a parish council secretary at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, acknowledged the efforts of the new rulers to reach out. “Thank God, we received a lot of assurances, and we saw that members of the [HTS] committee reached out to our priest. God willing, we will return to our previous lives and live in our beautiful Syria,” she said.

Syria has long been a mosaic of religious and ethnic minorities, including Christians, Armenians, Kurds, and Shi’ite Muslims. While some communities are cautiously hopeful, tens of thousands of Shi’ite Muslims have fled to Lebanon, fearing persecution under the new Islamist government, according to Lebanese security officials.

Schools Reopen

In another significant step toward restoring normalcy, schools across Syria reopened on Sunday, marking the start of the working week. However, many parents remain hesitant to send their children back to class due to lingering uncertainties.

At a boys’ high school in Damascus, students gathered in the courtyard as the school secretary, Raed Nasser, raised the flag adopted by the new authorities. Salah al-Din Diab, a student, shared his optimism: “I am very happy. I used to walk in the street scared that I would get drafted into military service. Now, I feel safer.”

While officials reported that most schools across the country reopened, the massive task of rebuilding Syria’s education system and infrastructure looms large.

Calls for International Support

The country’s new de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa—better known by his rebel name Abu Mohammed al-Golani—faces immense challenges. Cities lie in ruins, sanctions cripple the economy, and millions remain displaced.

U.N. Syria envoy Geir Pedersen visited Damascus on Sunday, expressing hope for the swift lifting of international sanctions to facilitate recovery efforts. “We will hopefully see a quick end to sanctions so that we can focus on building up Syria,” Pedersen stated.

During discussions with Pedersen, Sharaa called for revisiting U.N. Security Council Resolution 2254, which outlines a roadmap for Syria’s political transition. The resolution calls for a Syrian-led process leading to non-sectarian governance, the drafting of a new constitution, and free and fair elections.

International Concerns Persist

Foreign powers remain cautious about Syria’s future under HTS, a group previously allied with al-Qaeda and still designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for inclusive governance that protects minority rights and avoids fostering a base for extremist groups.

As Syria navigates this uncertain transition, the world watches closely, hopeful that promises of inclusivity and peace can overcome the scars of years of civil war.

Notre Dame reopens: A triumph of restoration and luxury, but not without controversy

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Notre Dame reopens: A triumph of restoration and luxury, but not without controversy

PARIS, France. The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of cultural and spiritual resilience, marked the culmination of a massive five-year restoration effort. However, what was meant to be a solemn celebration became an event steeped in the unmistakable influence of France’s luxury industry, led by LVMH.

Billionaire Bernard Arnault, the mastermind behind luxury giant LVMH, took center stage at the event, surrounded by his family, French President Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Brigitte Macron, and global dignitaries. The ceremony, which featured brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior, blurred the lines between reverence and luxury branding.

A Grand Restoration Effort

The event celebrated the €840 million restoration of the Gothic landmark, following the devastating 2019 fire. Over 250 companies and 2,000 craftspeople participated in restoring Notre Dame’s iconic spire, vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass windows. Arnault, whose €200 million donation was the largest single contribution, was joined by other donors, including François-Henri Pinault of Kering and the Bettencourt-Meyers family of L’Oréal.

“This extraordinary project highlighted the excellence of French know-how and the talent of nearly 2,000 architects, workers, and craftsmen,” said Antoine Arnault, LVMH’s image and environment director, in a statement on LinkedIn. “I am proud of the outpouring of generosity from all over the world, to which the LVMH Group and my family wanted to contribute from the very beginning.”

Luxury on Display

The ceremony featured high-profile performances and symbolic gestures. South African soprano Pretty Yende performed “Amazing Grace” in a Dior gown adorned with 110 carats of diamonds, while Louis Vuitton’s artistic director Pharrell Williams performed wearing Louis Vuitton. French First Lady Brigitte Macron and U.S. First Lady Jill Biden carried Lady Dior handbags, further underscoring the presence of luxury brands.

As French television journalist Yann Barthès observed, “Welcome to the inauguration of the LVMH arena.”

The Catholic Church itself embraced French artistry by commissioning fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac to create 2,000 liturgical vestments for clergy, blending traditional and minimalist high-fashion elements.

Public Reactions: Sacred or Showbiz?

The display of luxury at Notre Dame sparked debate. While many praised the restoration, others criticized the blending of branding with a sacred event.

“If the devil wears Prada, the cathedral wears Louis Vuitton and Dior,” quipped Papuna Biliseishvili, a 24-year-old spectator.

“This is the most PR the Catholic Church has seen in centuries,” said Cari Lefebvre, 27.

For devout worshippers like Marie-Claire Dubois, 45, the branding went too far. “This is a sacred place. It is beautiful that these companies contributed, but the branding should have remained outside. Notre Dame deserves respect as a house of God, not a showcase for luxury.”

A Stellar Year for LVMH

Notre Dame’s reopening caps a year of unprecedented visibility for LVMH, which was also a key sponsor of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The company designed custom display cases for 5,000 medals and the Olympic torch. Berluti, another LVMH brand, created costumes for the opening ceremony, while a Vogue World fashion show during Paris Couture Week drew global attention.

The event also reignited the rivalry between LVMH and Kering, with Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault and his wife, actress Salma Hayek, in attendance. Hayek wore a tailored Gucci coat, a subtle nod to Kering’s influence. This long-standing rivalry dates back to the 1990s bidding war over Gucci, which Kering ultimately won.

A Symbol of Faith and Power

As the bells of Notre Dame rang across Paris, the cathedral stood as a testament to restoration, unity, and, for some, the undeniable intertwining of faith, culture, and luxury. Whether celebrated as a victory of philanthropy or critiqued as a branding spectacle, Notre Dame’s reopening marked a historic moment for France.

A New Zealander wins Spanish world scrabble title after a year of study—He doesn’t speak Spanish

EDGARDO HERNAL
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0
A New Zealander wins Spanish world scrabble title after a year of study—He doesn’t speak Spanish

WELLINGTON, New Zealand. Nigel Richards, a New Zealand professional Scrabble player renowned for his mastery of the board game, has achieved another unprecedented milestone: winning the 2023 Spanish World Scrabble Championship, despite not speaking Spanish.

Richards claimed the title in Granada, Spain, in November, winning 23 out of 24 matches in his first competitive Spanish Scrabble tournament. The feat stunned the Scrabble community and organizers alike, as Richards spent only a year memorizing the Spanish Scrabble word list.

A Champion’s Unique Approach

Liz Fagerlund, a New Zealand Scrabble official and friend of Richards, shared that his photographic memory was key to his success.
“He can’t understand why other people can’t just do the same thing,” Fagerlund told The Associated Press. “He looks at a block of words, and once they go into his brain as a picture, he can just recall that very easily.”

Richards’ victory dethroned defending champion Benjamín Olaizola of Argentina, who finished in second place with 18 wins. Contest organizer Alejandro Terenzani described Richards’ performance as astonishing.
“It was impossible to react negatively; you can only be amazed,” Terenzani said. “We certainly expected that he would perform well, but it is perhaps true that he surpassed our expectations.”

Not His First Linguistic Feat

This is not the first time Richards has defied language barriers in Scrabble. In 2015, he became the French World Scrabble Champion after just nine weeks of studying French words, a title he reclaimed in 2018.

Recognized as the greatest Scrabble player of all time, Richards has accumulated numerous accolades over his three-decade career, including simultaneously holding the world, U.S., and British titles in 2008.

The Challenge of Spanish Scrabble

Unlike English, Spanish Scrabble involves longer words, often spanning seven, eight, or nine letters, requiring distinct strategies and adaptations. Players must also navigate differences in tile values and word frequency.

Will Anderson, an American Scrabble player, remarked on Richards’ triumph in a YouTube analysis, noting that while Scrabble doesn’t require players to know the meanings of words, native speakers generally have a significant advantage.
“Richards’ Spanish victory is remarkable even by his legendary standards,” Anderson said.

A Quiet Legend

Richards, who now resides in Malaysia, remains an enigma. He avoids interviews and media attention, leaving fans and journalists curious about his motivations.
“I get lots of requests from journalists wanting to interview him, and he’s not interested,” Fagerlund said. “He doesn’t understand what all the hoo-ha is about.”

At the tournament, Richards remained modest and reserved, according to Terenzani. However, he graciously posed for photos and interacted with fans—“in English, of course,” Terenzani quipped.

Richards’ methodical and mathematical approach to the game contrasts with traditional linguistic strategies. Even his mother, Adrienne Fischer, once remarked, “I don’t think he’s ever read a book, apart from the dictionary.”

Richards’ remarkable achievements continue to captivate the global Scrabble community, solidifying his status as a true icon in the game.

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