Friday, April 25, 2025


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 53

House to act on impeachment complaint against VP Sara Duterte

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
House to act on impeachment complaint against VP Sara Duterte

MANILA. The House of Representatives confirmed it will process the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, following its constitutional mandate, two lawmakers said on Tuesday.

Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman emphasized that the lower chamber is obligated to handle the complaint. “From a purely Constitutional point-of-view, bahagi ito ng mandato ng Kongreso. Kung mayroong nag-file ng impeachment complaint, we have no choice but to process the entire complaint,” she said during a media briefing.

Roman detailed the steps involved: “It has to go through the entire process — from the filing to the referral to the Justice Committee, to the deliberations, the voting, and if approved, the referral to the Senate.”

The impeachment complaint was filed on Monday afternoon by advocacy groups, including civil society organizations, religious leaders, sectoral representatives, and families of extrajudicial killing victims. Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña endorsed the complaint, which was officially received by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco at 4:30 p.m.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre echoed Roman’s remarks, stating, “We are bound by the mandate to act on an impeachment complaint filed with the House. The leadership has yet to provide guidance on the matter, but we are ready to fulfill our Constitutionally bound duty.”

Both lawmakers expressed concerns about the timeline. Roman pointed out potential delays due to the upcoming election year:
“If we start by January, tapos mag-break ng bandang February at mag-resume, dahil election year, bandang Mayo na, kailan pa? But we have no choice but to fulfill our mandate.”

She assured the public that the process would be transparent: “Rest assured na kung ano man ang processing, deliberations, they will be transparent… Papakinggan natin lahat ng panig. Due process will be followed.”

Malacañang distanced itself from the proceedings. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified, “The impeachment complaint filed in the House of Representatives by several private citizens is the complainants’ independent initiative, and its endorsement the prerogative of any Member of the House of Representatives. The Office of the President has nothing to do with it.”

The impeachment complaint emerged after Vice President Duterte made controversial remarks, stating she would have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez killed if she were assassinated.

Duterte later clarified that her statement was taken out of context, but it drew significant backlash from government officials and legal experts.

This marks a pivotal moment in the political landscape, as the House prepares to address a high-profile impeachment case under the scrutiny of the public and the Constitution.

Yoon reverses martial law after backlash from South Korean lawmakers

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Yoon reverses martial law after backlash from South Korean lawmakers

SEOUL. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rescinded his surprise martial law declaration mere hours after issuing it, following fierce opposition from lawmakers and public outcry. The sudden move, which marked the first imposition of martial law in the country since 1980, plunged South Korea into political turmoil and raised international concerns.

The dramatic reversal unfolded early Wednesday morning, with President Yoon backtracking on his decree and withdrawing troops deployed to enforce it. The move came after South Korea’s National Assembly overwhelmingly voted to overturn the measure, with 190 out of 300 lawmakers opposing it.

Outcry from Lawmakers and Calls for Resignation

The opposition Democratic Party swiftly condemned Yoon’s actions, demanding his immediate resignation and warning of impeachment proceedings. “We will not sit idly by and watch President Yoon’s crime of destroying the Constitution and trampling on democracy,” the party stated. Senior Democratic Party lawmaker Park Chan-dae added, “Even if martial law is lifted, he cannot avoid treason charges. It was revealed to the entire nation that President Yoon could no longer run the country normally. He should step down.”

The ruling People Power Party also expressed disapproval, with its leader Han Dong-hoon apologizing to the public and urging the dismissal of the defense minister who had recommended martial law. “The president must directly and thoroughly explain this tragic situation,” Han said. “The minister of defense should be immediately dismissed, and all those responsible must be held strictly accountable.”

Backdrop of the Crisis

President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday night came as a shock to the nation. In a televised address, he accused the opposition of engaging in “clear anti-state behavior aimed at inciting rebellion” and claimed they had “paralyzed state affairs.” Yoon’s government sought to justify the decree as necessary to combat alleged threats posed by “pro-North anti-state forces” and to restore order.

However, the martial law decree, detailed by Yonhap News, outlined sweeping powers, including the suspension of parliamentary activities, media censorship, and arrests without warrants. It also banned strikes and public protests, escalating public fear and backlash.

Helmeted soldiers attempted to enter the National Assembly building late Tuesday night but were met with resistance from parliamentary aides who used fire extinguishers to block their advance. Protesters gathered outside the assembly cheered as the vote to overturn the martial law was announced. According to local media, cries of “Long live the Republic of Korea!” and “Yoon Suk-yeol, step down!” filled the air.

International Reaction and Market Response

The crisis drew international attention, with the United States expressing relief at Yoon’s reversal. “We are relieved President Yoon has reversed course on his concerning declaration of martial law and respected the National Assembly’s vote to end it,” a White House spokesperson said.

Danny Russel, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, warned of the potential long-term implications. “South Korea as a nation dodged a bullet, but President Yoon may have shot himself in the foot,” he remarked.

Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s won rebounded from a two-year low against the dollar, and exchange-traded funds linked to South Korean stocks reduced losses.

Political Future in Question

Yoon, who narrowly won the 2022 presidential election, has struggled with persistently low approval ratings, hovering around 20%. His People Power Party faced a landslide defeat in parliamentary elections earlier this year, losing control of the legislature to opposition parties.

The martial law episode has further damaged Yoon’s standing, with analysts speculating on the possibility of snap elections or intensified political gridlock. “Political uncertainty and domestic strife in South Korea is North Korea’s friend,” Russel warned, as regional stability remains a pressing concern.

With a history of over a dozen martial law declarations since its establishment as a republic in 1948, South Korea now faces a critical moment in its democratic evolution. As Yoon seeks to navigate the fallout, his ability to lead the nation remains in question.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol rescinded his surprise martial law declaration mere hours after issuing it, following fierce opposition from lawmakers and public outcry.

Movie review: Angelina Jolie shines as Maria Callas in an operatic elegy of a biopic

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Movie review: Angelina Jolie shines as Maria Callas in an operatic elegy of a biopic

Angelina Jolie steps into the shoes of legendary soprano Maria Callas in Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín. This evocative biopic offers a poignant and theatrical glimpse into the final days of Callas’ life, blending raw emotion and dreamlike storytelling to create a work that feels more like an opera than a conventional historical film.

Set during a week in September 1977, the film paints a vivid portrait of Callas as she grapples with fading fame, personal anguish, and a tenuous grip on reality. Jolie, in one of her most captivating performances to date, masterfully conveys Callas’ fragility and ferocity, delivering a portrayal that is both graceful and intense.

The Diva’s Final Aria

From the opening moments, Maria sets the tone for an emotional journey. Jolie’s Callas, reclining in her Paris apartment, tells her butler Ferruccio (Pierfrancesco Favino, in an outstanding performance): “As of this morning, what is real and what is not real is my business.” This line, sharp and definitive, encapsulates the film’s ethos, where reality is secondary to emotional truth.

Through cinematographer Ed Lachman’s lens, the film shifts effortlessly between past and present, capturing Callas’ triumphs on stage, her tumultuous romance with Aristotle Onassis (Haluk Bilginer), and her struggles with diminishing vocal prowess. In the present, she moves through Paris in her iconic style, searching for the adoration that once defined her life, haunted by visions of staged performances and fading memories.

A Biopic as Opera

Unlike traditional biopics, Maria embraces the grandeur and drama befitting its subject. Larraín takes creative liberties, crafting a narrative that prioritizes emotional depth over strict adherence to fact. Jolie’s performance is a testament to this vision. While she doesn’t physically resemble Callas, her embodiment of the diva’s spirit is so immersive that the distinction becomes irrelevant.

In one particularly striking scene, Callas confronts a fan who accuses her of feigning illness to skip a performance. Her response—a fiery defense of the physical and emotional toll of her craft—is as much a reflection of Callas’ reality as it is Jolie’s. The blurred lines between actor and character heighten the film’s impact, leaving viewers with profound empathy for both women.

Larraín’s Unique Vision

Maria completes Larraín’s unofficial trilogy on iconic women, following Jackie and Spencer. Like its predecessors, Maria offers a deeply personal exploration of its subject, eschewing conventional narratives in favor of introspective and often divisive storytelling. This approach may not resonate with everyone, but it undeniably provides a rich canvas for its stars.

Jolie, who has been selective with her recent roles, delivers a performance that feels all-consuming. Her portrayal of Callas is layered, blending vulnerability with an unwavering resolve. It’s a reminder of her prowess as an actor and a testament to the transformative power of cinema.

Verdict

At its core, Maria is an operatic ode to one of history’s greatest divas. It’s a film brimming with flair, beauty, and sorrow, much like Callas herself. While not without its flaws—such as a slightly unnecessary encounter with John F. Kennedy—the film’s strengths far outweigh its missteps.Rating: ★★★ out of 4
Maria is now showing in select theaters and will stream on Netflix starting December 11. Rated R for “a sexual reference and some language,” the film runs for 122 minutes.

Mahinang pagsabog naitala sa bulkang Taal; publiko pinag-iingat

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Mahinang pagsabog naitala sa bulkang Taal; publiko pinag-iingat

BATANGAS CITY. Nakapagtala ng mahinang pagsabog sa Bulkang Taal ngayong Martes ng umaga, Disyembre 3, ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Sa ulat ng PHIVOLCS, bandang alas-5:58 ng umaga ay nagbuga ang bulkan ng 2800-metrong grayish plume. Sa kabila nito, nananatili sa Alert Level 1 ang bulkan, na nangangahulugang mayroon itong “mababang antas ng kaguluhan.”

Bukod sa pagsabog, nakapagtala rin ng dalawang pagyanig ng bulkan na tumagal ng apat na minuto. Nagbuga rin ito ng abo na may taas na 600 metro, na tinangay ng hangin sa direksyong timog-kanluran.

Noong Nobyembre 30, naiulat din na naglabas ang bulkan ng 7,216 tonelada ng sulfur dioxide flux, na nagdulot ng bahagyang pag-alboroto.

Babala sa Publiko

Nagbabala ang PHIVOLCS na maaaring mangyari ang mga sumusunod na panganib:

  • Steam-driven o phreatic explosions
  • Volcanic earthquakes
  • Minor ashfall
  • Lethal accumulations o expulsions ng volcanic gas

Pinayuhan ang mga residente sa paligid ng bulkan na manatiling mapagmatyag at iwasang pumasok sa Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) sa paligid ng Taal Volcano Island, lalo na sa mga lugar na malapit sa Main Crater at Daang Kastila fissures.

Ayon sa PHIVOLCS: “Ang aktibidad ng Bulkang Taal ay patuloy naming binabantayan, at hinihikayat ang publiko na sumunod sa mga abiso upang maiwasan ang anumang sakuna.”

Patuloy na nagpapaalala ang mga eksperto sa kahalagahan ng pakikiisa sa mga alituntunin upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa.

Iraqi fighters reinforce Assad’s forces in Syria; Hezbollah holds back amid regional tensions

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Iraqi fighters reinforce Assad’s forces in Syria; Hezbollah holds back amid regional tensions

AMMAN/BEIRUT. Hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi fighters crossed into Syria this week to support the government’s battle against rebels who captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, but Lebanon’s Hezbollah has chosen to remain on the sidelines for now, sources revealed.

According to Iraqi security sources, more than 300 fighters from the Badr and Nujabaa groups entered Syria late Sunday, utilizing an unmarked dirt road to bypass official checkpoints. “These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north,” a senior Syrian military source confirmed, adding that the fighters are primarily tasked with defending Shi’ite shrines in the region.

Iran has expressed its full support for Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Tehran “will provide any support needed” to counter rebel advances, emphasizing the role of “resistance groups” in aiding Assad’s government.

Despite its long-standing role as a key ally in Syria, Hezbollah has refrained from deploying additional fighters. Sources close to the group cited the exhaustion of its forces following the recent conflict with Israel, which culminated in a ceasefire last week.

“We are closely monitoring the aggression of criminal groups on the Syrian people,” a spokesperson for the Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah said, though they added no decision had been made to send fighters.

Hezbollah reportedly withdrew senior officers responsible for Aleppo operations and redirected them to the Israeli front during last month’s conflict. Mid-October also saw a broader pullback of its forces from Syria as tensions escalated in Lebanon.

The capture of Aleppo marks the most significant victory for anti-Assad rebels in years. Hadi al-Bahra, leader of Syria’s main opposition group, attributed the rapid takeover to Hezbollah’s absence and the distraction of other Iran-backed groups by the Gaza conflict.

“Preparations for this offensive had been in place since last year, but were delayed due to the war in Gaza,” al-Bahra told Reuters.

The offensive has further destabilized Syria’s northwest, home to displaced Syrians and a hotbed of competing interests among global powers. Rebel forces in the region include Turkey-backed groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate.

The rebel advance could complicate ongoing efforts by Arab countries and the United States to loosen Assad’s reliance on Tehran. Talks of lifting sanctions in exchange for Assad reducing Iranian ties may falter if Iran’s military support becomes even more indispensable.

Syria and Russian forces have responded with airstrikes on rebel-held areas. The White Helmets, a civilian rescue group, reported deadly strikes on residential areas and displacement camps, with at least seven killed, including five children, in Idlib province.

Rebel shelling of Hama city claimed three lives, while the government reported killing hundreds of rebels—figures Reuters could not independently verify.

As the situation escalates, regional players are closely watching. Turkey has denied involvement in the rebel offensive, though it reportedly supports Syrian opposition forces advancing in northern regions. Israel, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to preventing Iranian arms transfers to Hezbollah through Syria.

9 Dynasty cares: Bringing hope to typhoon victims in Kawit, Cavite

Roy Tomandao
-
0
9 Dynasty cares: Bringing hope to typhoon victims in Kawit, Cavite

KAWIT, Cavite. A prominent Asian business group specializing in entertainment across the continent, including the Philippines, extended a helping hand to typhoon victims in Kawit, Cavite. The 9 Dynasty Group, through its social responsibility initiative 9 Dynasty Cares, donated relief goods worth ₱3 million to more than 1,000 affected families last week.

The group, led by representative Derris Wong, held a donation drive at Barangay Santa Isabel, distributing essential supplies such as canned goods, bed sheets, noodles, rice, and other necessities to families severely impacted by Typhoon Carina and Tropical Storm Kristine. These calamities caused significant flooding and displacement in Kawit last October.

“At 9 Dynasty, we believe that in times like these, being there for one another is what matters most,” Wong said during his speech at the barangay complex.

“We are here together to rebuild lives and transform this adversity into a story of hope. To help, we are providing ₱3 million in aid to support families with essential supplies and to rebuild homes, ensuring everyone has a safe place to stay before the holidays. We are here to let you know that you are not alone.”

The donation drive, conducted with two large trucks loaded with relief goods, was coordinated by Santa Isabel Barangay Captain Avelino “Tamby” Fallago, his secretary Josephine Memije, and VAWC personnel Remie Santonil.

“We are incredibly grateful and happy for the 9 Dynasty Group’s generous act,” Captain Fallago expressed on behalf of the community.

The relief effort reflects 9 Dynasty Group’s commitment to making a difference, showing that solidarity can bring hope and resilience to those in need in times of crisis.

Derris Wong of the 9 Dynasty Group leads a donation drive in Barangay Santa Isabel, Kawit, Cavite, alongside his team, as part of the group’s social initiatives to assist recent typhoon victims in Metro Manila. (Roy Tomandao)

Kasong impeachment isinampa laban kay VP Sara Duterte

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Kasong impeachment isinampa laban kay VP Sara Duterte

MAYNILA. Isinampa laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte nitong Lunes ng hapon ang isang kasong impeachment sa pangunguna ng mga advocacy group at inendorso ni Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña.

Ang reklamo ay pormal na inihain sa Office of the Secretary General ng House of Representatives ng mga civil society organizations, mga lider ng simbahan, kinatawan ng iba’t ibang sektor, at mga pamilya ng biktima ng extrajudicial killings. Natanggap ito ni House Secretary General Reginald Velasco bandang 4:30 ng hapon kanina.

Kabilang sa mga nagsampa ng reklamo sina Teresita Quintos Deles, Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, Fr. Robert Reyes, Randy Delos Santos (tiyo ng biktimang si Kian Delos Santos), Francis Aquino Dee, Leah Navarro, Sylvia Estrada Claudio, Alicia Murphy, Sr. Mary Grace De Guzman, at dating Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano. Kasama rin nila si Mamamayang Liberal Party-list first nominee at dating senador Leila De Lima, na nagsilbing tagapagsalita ng grupo.

Ayon kay De Lima, may 16 na lumagda sa reklamo na nag-ugat sa diumano ay “culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.”

“Ang wala lang na ground for impeachment is treason. So majority of the grounds are present. And there are a total of 24 articles of impeachment as discussed in the 33-page complaint,” pahayag ni De Lima sa mga mamamahayag.

Samantala, binigyang-diin ni Rep. Cendaña ang kahalagahan ng pagkilos para sa pananagutan.
“Today, I formally endorse the first-ever and historic impeachment complaint filed by our citizens against Vice President Sara Duterte. This moment marks a critical juncture in our nation’s demand for accountability,” ani Cendaña.

Dagdag pa niya, dapat ma-impeach si Duterte dahil sa diumano’y pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan at pagkakasangkot sa katiwalian.
“The entrenched culture of impunity and graft will only be dismantled when those who perpetuate and profit from it are held to account. This impeachment complaint is but a first step,” dagdag niya.

Samantala, tumanggi namang magbigay ng pahayag si Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III at Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, sa kadahilanang sila ay potensyal na magiging “judge” sa kaso.
“No comment nalang ako kasi potential ‘judge’ kaming lahat na senators,” ani Pimentel.

Kinumpirma ng Office of the Secretary General ang pagtanggap sa reklamo at sinabing ang Kongreso ay may obligasyong aksyunan ang anumang impeachment complaint alinsunod sa Saligang Batas ng 1987.

Ang kasong impeachment ay isinampa isang linggo matapos ang kontrobersyal na pahayag ni Duterte tungkol sa diumano ay pagpapakontrata sa isang tao upang patayin sina Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, at House Speaker Martin Romualdez sakaling magtagumpay ang banta laban sa kanya.

Bagamat sinabi ni Duterte na ang kanyang pahayag ay hindi banta at “taken out of logical context,” itinuturing ng mga awtoridad na ito ay isang banta sa Pangulo at isang isyung pangseguridad ng bansa.

Ayon naman kay Pangulong Marcos, hindi siya sang-ayon sa anumang plano ng impeachment laban kay Duterte, dahil hindi umano ito makakatulong sa bayan.

Sa kabila nito, iginiit ni De Lima na ang impeachment ay isang karapatan sa ilalim ng Saligang Batas at isang pagkilos na pinasimulan ng mga indibidwal mula sa iba’t ibang sektor.
“Talagang desisyon ito ng mga indibidwal na mga nag-file coming from various groups,” ani De Lima.

President Biden pardons son Hunter, cites miscarriage of justice

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
President Biden pardons son Hunter, cites miscarriage of justice

WASHINGTON. President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that he has granted a pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, who had faced legal troubles including convictions for making false statements on a gun background check, illegally possessing a firearm, and pleading guilty to federal tax charges.

“Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,” the President stated in a release from the White House.

The move follows repeated assurances from the White House that President Biden would not intervene in Hunter’s legal cases. Hunter Biden, who has battled addiction and become a target for Republican critics, including President-elect Donald Trump, expressed gratitude and remorse in his statement.

“I have admitted and taken responsibility for my mistakes during the darkest days of my addiction — mistakes that have been exploited to publicly humiliate and shame me and my family for political sport,” Hunter Biden said, noting that he has been sober for over five years.

Hunter Biden was convicted of providing false information on a gun background check and possessing a firearm while struggling with addiction. He also pled guilty in September to failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes, and spending heavily on drugs, sex workers, and luxury items. He faced sentencing for the gun charges on Wednesday and was scheduled for sentencing in the tax case on Dec. 16.

In his statement, Hunter Biden pledged to use the clemency as an opportunity to help others. “I will never take the clemency I have been given today for granted and will devote the life I have rebuilt to helping those who are still sick and suffering.”

President Biden defended his decision, asserting that his son had been treated differently due to political motivations. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son,” Biden argued.

The President highlighted that similar cases involving false information on gun forms or delayed tax payments due to addiction are typically resolved without criminal charges. “It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” he said.

Biden acknowledged the complexity of the situation, blending his roles as a father and the nation’s leader. “Here’s the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice,” he explained.

The decision was finalized over the Thanksgiving holiday, which the Biden family spent in Nantucket, Massachusetts. During a walk in the town, a supporter urged the President to pardon his son, an appeal that seemed to resonate.

“I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision,” Biden concluded.

The pardon marks a controversial and personal chapter in Biden’s presidency, intertwining his family’s struggles with the nation’s political and judicial processes.

DILG: 37 hotspot areas sa Eleksyon 2025, tinukoy na

Arman B. Cambe
-
0
DILG: 37 hotspot areas sa Eleksyon 2025, tinukoy na

MAYNILA. Inihayag ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) na mayroong 37 lugar sa bansa na itinuturing na election hotspots para sa darating na Eleksyon 2025.

Ayon kay DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla sa isang panayam sa Unang Balita ng GMA Integrated News, karamihan sa mga hotspot na ito ay nasa sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Meron tayong 37 hot spots — 28 nasa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, meron sa 3rd and 4th District ng Leyte, meron din sa Central Luzon,” ani Remulla.

Bagamat mas kaunti ang bilang ng mga hotspot kumpara sa nakaraang mga eleksyon, sinabi ni Remulla na hindi inaasahang magiging marahas ang Eleksyon 2025. “Kaunti na lang kumpara sa dati. Pero generally, we don’t expect violent elections,” dagdag pa niya.

PNP, Pinaghahandaan ang Seguridad

Noong Setyembre, inatasan ni Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Marbil ang kanyang mga commander na tukuyin na ang mga lugar na maaaring maging “election areas of concern” para sa halalan sa 2025.

Bukod dito, pinag-aaralan din ng PNP kung kakailanganin ng karagdagang pwersa sa ilang lugar upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at maiwasan ang karahasang kaugnay ng eleksyon.

Sa kabila ng maagang paghahanda para sa eleksyon, naitala ang ilang insidente ng karahasan laban sa mga halal at nagnanais tumakbong lokal na opisyal. Isa sa pinakahuling kaso ay ang pamamaslang sa dating barangay chairman na si Amado Sta. Ana sa Tantangan, South Cotabato noong Nobyembre 18. Si Sta. Ana ay naghahain ng kandidatura bilang bise alkalde para sa Eleksyon 2025 nang siya ay pagbabarilin.

Pinapaalalahanan ng DILG at PNP ang publiko na manatiling mapagmatyag at makipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad upang masiguro ang maayos at payapang halalan.

Japanese artist captivates global audience with intricate leaf-cutting art

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Japanese artist captivates global audience with intricate leaf-cutting art

TOKYO. Transforming fallen leaves into intricate masterpieces, Japanese artist Lito has found solace and global admiration through his unique art form. From a frog holding a taro-leaf umbrella to iconic Ukiyo-e designs of Mount Fuji and giant waves, his leaf-cutting creations breathe new life into nature’s discarded fragments.

Lito, who began his artistic journey in 2020, posts his delicate works on social media almost daily, garnering fans worldwide. This craft has not only provided him with a sense of purpose but also helped him cope with personal struggles, including living with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Using leaves treated with a wrinkle-free chemical, Lito selects one from a pile, places it on a cutting board, and begins outlining his design with a pen in his right hand. He carefully cuts out the delicate shapes with a design knife in his left hand.

During a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lito demonstrated the creation of a frog carrying an umbrella, a relatively simple design. However, more intricate pieces, such as those inspired by “Scrolls of Frolicking Animals” and “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” can take over eight hours to complete.

“I would rather finish it in one go when I am focused,” the 38-year-old artist shared.

Since childhood, Lito has shown exceptional patience and concentration. Yet, he faced challenges fitting into conventional settings at school and work. Struggles with understanding emotions and avoiding conflicts led him to seek help at the age of 30, when he was diagnosed with ADHD.

“The diagnosis explained why I have always done things differently,” Lito said.

Discovering leaf-cutting in 2020 felt like a natural fit, allowing him to channel his abilities into an art form that resonates deeply with people.

Lito’s intricate works have captured the attention of art enthusiasts on social media, and his popularity has paved the way for published books and solo exhibitions held nearly every month across Japan. Despite his growing fame, Lito remains focused on his goal: bringing happiness to others through his art.

“If I can make people happy by doing what I am doing, I want to do more. That’s my driving force for what’s next,” he said.

Through his mesmerizing leaf art, Lito proves that even the smallest, most overlooked elements of nature can be transformed into extraordinary expressions of creativity and joy.

He carefully cuts out the delicate shapes with a design knife in his left hand.
Lito’s intricate works have captured the attention of art enthusiasts on social media, and his popularity has paved the way for published books and solo exhibitions held nearly every month across Japan.
“The diagnosis explained why I have always done things differently,” Lito said.
1...525354...634Page 53 of 634




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

World News2637PH News2581Curiosity562Opinion345Science331

Developed by Tutubi Digital Marketing Solutions | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved