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Kabayandaily

Riyadh City as Seen on Space

European Space Agency;

Situated in the central region of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh serves as the nation’s legislative, financial, administrative, diplomatic and commercial hub, home to over seven million inhabitants.

Covering an area of around 1550 sq km, the city sits at approximately 600 m above sea level on the eastern part of the Najd plateau in the Arabian Peninsula. Like much of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has a desert climate with extreme summer temperatures that can reach up to 50°C.

The image prominently features the city’s grid-like street system, which consists of square blocks measuring around two km one each side, forming an extensive network across the urban landscape.

Earth from Space: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

It’s hard to get lost when you know that you will always end up on same road if you keep turning right. Also, as beautiful as this picture, the photo of Riyadh at night that NASA released in 2012 is much dramatic and detailed.

Sony Pictures releases Movie Poster of Karate Kid: Legends featuring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio

Karate Kid: Legends will feature Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, both will reprise their role from the original Karate Kid trilogy and the the 2010 remake of the franchise.

It is still unclear what will be the premise of the film, except that the Karate Kid: Legends will follow the events of the 2010 Karate Kid film. Sony Pictures said that “Karate Kid: Legends – exclusively in movie theatres May 30, 2025.”

PRC announces the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination Results

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) just release the result for the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination. Out of the 6600 examinee, 3845 passed the board exam, a 58.26% passing rate. PRC also said that they will release the result this Monday, October 21, 2024.

Top performing Schools with more than 100 examinees with at least 80% Passing rate;

  1. UP Manila – 96.97% Passing rate
  2. Cebu Institute of Medicine – 95.31% Passing rate
  3. St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Med – William H. Quasha Mem. Inc. – 95.19% Passing rate
  4. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – 95.16% Passing rate
  5. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Mem Medical Center – 92.92% Passing rate
  6. UST – 89.29% Passing rate
  7. West Visayas State University – La Paz – 87.00% Passing rate
  8. Ateneoi School of Medicine and Public Health – 86.18% Passing rate
  9. Saint Louis Univerity – 83.23% Passing rate

Top 10 Examinees in the October 2024 Physicians Licensure Examination;

  1. Isaac Edron Jones Orig – Davao Medical School Foundation – 89.33%
  2. Rolter Lorenz Mispenas Lee – University of Santo Tomas – 89.25%
  3. Jerickson Rodney Ngo Cua – UP Manila – 89.17%
  4. Nijell Tui Potencioso – Cebu Institute of Medicine – 89.8%
  5. Kiel Christian Dimaculangan Alday – University of Santo Tomas – 88.83%
  6. Ryan Delfin Parungao Encarnacion – UP Manila – 88.33%
  7. Frances Dominique Velasco Ho – UP Manila – 88.00%
  8. Anne Corine Arellano Ramos – FEU Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation – 87.83%
  9. Christian Lloyd Ang Loo – Cebu Institute of Medicine – 87.75%
  10. Chelseah Denise Hernandez Torres – University of Santo Tomas – 87.67%

For the complete list of Physicians Licensure Exam passer, you can click here.

Eight New Electric Bus to arrive in Quezon City to provide Free Transport Services

Eight (8) new electric bus have been acquired by Quezon City to expand its bus fleet to provide free rides to residents and reduce air pollution. The new buses will join the existing fleet of gasoline-powered buses, which serve over 145,000 commuters weekly. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader goal of transitioning to electric vehicles and improving air quality.

This initiative aligns with the city’s broader push towards electrification to combat air pollution, as transportation accounts for 69% of particulate emissions (PM2.5). With Manila’s air quality exceeding WHO recommendations, the electric buses are an important step toward cleaner, healthier air for all.

The new electric buses join a fleet of over 100 gasoline-powered buses currently serving 145,000 commuters weekly. As part of its commitment to sustainable transportation, Quezon City aims to transition its entire fleet to electric vehicles, including e-trikes, in the near future. Charging infrastructure is already in place to support this transition.

Top gear Philippines reports that “The electric buses have a 41-passenger seating capacity, plus space to accommodate standing passengers. Safety features include handrails, fire suppression and emergency equipment, CCTV cameras, and smart TVs. For persons with disability, there are also wheelchair ramps to aid ingress and egress”

This initiative aligns with the city’s participation in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, its commitment to the Paris Agreement, and its compliance with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law).

Source: Quezon City Local Economic Investment Promotions Office (LEIPOQC)

45 OFWs with two children repatriated from Lebanon – DMW

In a facebook post, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said that “another batch 45 OFWs with two children from Lebanon have safely returned home, bringing to a total of 525 OFWs and 30 dependents who have been repatriated through the government’s voluntary repatriation program.”

DMW added that “the batch arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City this afternoon, October 17, 2024, via Kuwait Airways 417.”

OFW in Lebanon have been affected by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which started with Israel’s war on Gaza last October 2023. The conflict only escalated when “Hezbollah confirmed that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been killed in an Israeli air strike on residential buildings in Beirut, which Israel claimed were above Hezbollah’s headquarters, on the night of Friday, September 27.” as reported by Aljazeera.

Apple announces new iPad mini powered by new A17 Pro chip and support for Apple Pencil Pro

Apple just announced the new iPad mini, it features the A17 Pro chip, the same chip that was used in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.

Spec-wise, the new iPad mini features a 8.3-inches Liquid Retina display, 2266-by-1488 resolution at 326 ppi and 500 nits brightness. The new iPad Mini will only have one 12MP wide camera at the back (ƒ/1.8 aperture) and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera (ƒ/2.4 aperture).

Powered by the A17 Pro chip and its advanced neural engine, the new iPad Mini will support Apple Intelligence once the free software update with iPadOS 18.1 becomes available later this month.

The new iPad mini is compatible with Apple Pencil Pro and the Apple Pencil (USB‑C), allowing users to draw, write, and edit on the new iPad Mini.

Here’s the spec-rundown of the new iPad Mini;

  • Display: 8.3-inch FHD+ (2266 x 1488) Liquid Retina display with Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) support
  • Processor: Apple A17 Pro
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB and 512GB
  • Rear Camera: 12MP wide rear camera, Up to 4K video recording
  • Front Camera: 12MP ultra wide front camera, up to 1080p HD video @up to 60 fps
  • Audio: Stereo speakers, 2x microphones
  • Cellular: 5G (sub‑6 GHz) with 4×4 MIMO, Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO
  • Wireless: Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO and Bluetooth 5.3
  • Location: (All models) Digital compass, Wi-Fi and iBeacon microlocation, (Wi-Fi + Cellular models) GPS/GNSS and Cellular
  • Sensor: Touch ID, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer and Ambient light sensor
  • Sim:eSIM
  • OS: iPadOS 18
  • AI: Apple Intelligence
  • Battery: Built-in 19.3-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery with 20W fast charging
  • Colors: Space Gray, Blue, Purple, Starlight
  • Dimension: 195.4 mm (Height) x 134.8 mm (Width) x 6.3 mm (Thickness)
  • Weight: 293 grams (Wifi), 297 grams (Wi-Fi + Cellular)

Pricing
Wifi Only

  • 128GB: $499.00
  • 256GB: $599.00
  • 512GB: $799.00

Wifi + Cellular

  • 128GB: $649.00
  • 256GB: $749.00
  • 512GB: $949.00

The new iPad mini will comes in four colors: Midnight, Starlight, Pink, and Purple. The iPad mini is available to order online at apple.com and in the Apple Store app. It will be available in Apple Stores and through Apple Authorized Resellers later this week.

NY Liberty takes Game 3 behind Sabrina Ionescu’s step-back 3 with 1 sec left (80 – 77)

If Minnesota Lynx stole Game 1 from the New York Liberty, it appears that NY Liberty did the same to the Lynx by stealing Game 3 of the WNBA Finals behind Sabrina Ionescu’s step-back 3 dagger. Liberty came back down-15 in the first qtr and crawl their way back for more than three qtr.

But before Sabrina Ionescu heroics took place, it was Breanna Stewart to anchored Liberty’s comeback scoring 30 points, 11 rebounds and blocking 4 shots. Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich added 13 points a piece. Sabrina Ionescu ended the game with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists, before burying the Lynx with that dagger three, Ionescu was 2-7 from behind the line.

Before the game, WNBA named Sabrina Ionescu as part of the All-WNBA second team.

Four Minnesota Lynx players scored double-digits point; Napheesa Collier lead the Lynx with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals. Bridget Carleton scored 14 points, Kayla Mcbride added 19 points and Courtney Williams, the hero of Game 1, contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists.

Game 4 will be this Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at the Target Center Minneapolis. NY Liberty will have a chance to wrap-up the finals for the franchise’s first WNBA Championship.

WNBA announces 2024 All-WNBA First Team headline by Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier

Just hours before Game 3 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, the league announced the 2024 All-WNBA First Team which is headline by the Caitlin Clark, who was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year; A’ja Wilson, the first unanimous MVP and Napheesa Collier, who was named as the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Caitlin Clark is the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008 to be selected to the All-WNBA First Team, and the fifth rookie so honored since 2000, joining Sue Bird (2002), Tamika Catchings (2002) and Diana Taurasi (2004).

Joining Clark, Wilson and Collier, the league also named Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart as part of the 2024 All-WNBA First Team.

The 2024 All-WNBA Second Team consists of Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper, Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale and Liberty center Jonquel Jones.

BYD Sealion 7 EV announced at the 2024 Paris Motor Show

via ArenaEV;

The Sealion 7 is the first model built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 Evo. It promises improved efficiency and performance, thanks in part to a “12-in-1” electric drive system. While BYD hasn’t released detailed specifications for the European version, the Chinese model offers two battery options: 72 kWh and 81 kWh, with the larger battery providing a CLTC range of 610 km. Fast charging goes up to 230 kW.

The interior features a minimalist aesthetic, with a large 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen dominating the center console. Premium materials like Nappa leather on the seats add a touch of luxury. The Sealion 7’s dimensions are 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, making it comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y.

BYD Sealion 7 is already sold in China with a starting price of RMB 189,800 (approximately €24,040).

James Gunn unveiled the first look of Krypto the Superdog

James Gunn just confirmed that Krypto the Superdog will debut in the upcoming Superman film in the Summer of 2025. James Gunn even explained where he got the inspiration for Krypto from their dog Ozu.

Krypto was inspired by our dog Ozu, who we adopted shortly after I started writing Superman. Ozu, who came from a hoarding situation in a backyard with 60 other dogs & never knew human beings, was problematic to say the least.

Here’s the full tweet;

The film is written and directed by James Gunn. It will star David Corenswet as Clark Kent / Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Michael Holt / Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner / Green Lantern and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor plus a reported appearance by Milly Alcock as Supergirl.

Superman is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on July 11, 2025. It is set to be the first film of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.

HBO Max to be available in the Philippines this November 19th

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that its streaming service Max will launch in the Philippines and six (6) Southeast Asian countries this November 19. In their announcement, they listed Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Just like Disney+, HBO Max offers titles like HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Max Originals, and the best of Hollywood movies, as well as programming from Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, ID and HGTV.

As of this time, no pricing have been announce but HBO Max will be available in 3 pricing plans;

Mobile

  • Stream on 1 mobile device at once
  • Standard HD video resolution
  • Watch only on mobile phone and tablet
  • 15 downloads to watch on the go

Note: The Mobile plan is available in Indonesia, Philippines, and via select providers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

Standard

  • Stream on 2 devices at once
  • Full HD video resolution
  • Watch on more devices, including TVs
  • 30 downloads to watch on the go

Ultimate

  • Stream on 4 devices at once
  • 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos as available
  • Watch on more devices, including TVs
  • 100 downloads to watch on the go (limits apply)

The launching of HBO Max is a big late, since all top video streaming services like Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video and Netflix are already available in the country.

Aster Sanad launches Specialized Philippine OB/GYN Clinic in Riyadh

In a special ceremony, Aster Sanad has announce that they are opening a specialized Philippine OB/GYN clinic in Riyadh. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Wednesday, October 10th with their special guest Ms. Lucille Gayaman, Assistant Labor Attaché of the Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh with Aster Sanad CEO, Dr. Essam Algamdi and OB/GYN Doctor Allyn Abuy.

We are pleased to announce the opening of our specialized Philippine OB/GYN clinic in Riyadh, dedicated to serving Filipino women!

A special thanks to Ms. Lucille T. Gayaman for attending the opening ceremony with our CEO, Dr. Essam Algamdi.

We also offer special discounts and exclusive packages on all hospital services to ensure high-quality, affordable care.

Because we always care about you at #Aster_Sanad_Hospital, you can now #book your #appointment by contacting us at 📞 920004417

New York Liberty evens the series behind Stewart and Laney-Hamilton (80 – 66)

Doug Feinberg – AP Basketball Writer via WNBA;

Breanna Stewart wasn’t going to let history repeat itself.

With the Minnesota Lynx making another fourth quarter run, the two-time league MVP refused to let the New York Liberty lose again.

Stewart scored 21 points and had a WNBA Finals record seven steals to help the Liberty beat the Lynx 80-66 on Sunday in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.

Just like Game 1, New York built a double-digit lead in the first half, only to see it evaporate. This time they didn’t completely collapse, holding on to even the series 1-1 as it shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Wednesday night.

New York Liberty made sure that Minnesota Lynx won’t be stealing this game, even after the Lynx erasing the Liberty’s 9-point lead early in the 4th qtr, to just 2 points. But from the 3:40 mark in the final qtr the New York Liberty went on a 12 to nothing run to build a 14-point cushion to end the game.

There are four Liberty players who scored double-digits points, you have the regulars like Breanna Stewart who lead the team in almost every category, she had 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals and 1 block. Sabrina Ionescu, because of the “Caitlin Clark” treatment that she received, was not able to score in the 2nd half but was a big contributor in the first half. She added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists.

Then you also have the towering Jonquel Jones who was also a monster on the boards and got some timely tip in to help secure the W for the Liberty. Jones scored 14 points, a game-high 9 rebounds and 2 steals. Then there’s Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who was the unlikely-hero of the team by draining 4 pressure packed three-pointers, she end up with 20-points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.

The next two games of the WNBA Finals will be hosted by the Minnesota Lynx. Game 3 will be this Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at the Target Center Minneapolis.

Law removing mother tongue in K-3 to improve education quality — Romulo

Giselle Ombay, GMA Integrated News;

House Basic Education Committee Chairperson and Pasig lawmaker Roman Romulo on Sunday said that the law discontinuing the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction from kindergarten to grade 3 could help improve the quality of education in the country.

I can list a number of countries that uses their “mother tongue” or “native language” as a medium of instruction and they are one of the places in the world that have “high quality of education.”

With Republic Act No. 12027, the medium of instruction shall revert to Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.

Meanwhile, the regional languages shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction.

The best solution for this is to just give the teachers a very competitive compensation, a great career development and incentives if they stay in the profession.

Here’s a comparison, in Thailand in English teacher can earn an average salary of THB 35000 (Thai Baht) or around ₱60k per month, while in the Philippines, Filipino English teachers earn an average salary of ₱23,000 per month.

Viber introduces Dating feature

Viber, one of the Philippines top messaging platform, just launched a dating feature that was made to help users “make real connections”.

Even though the feature is still in beta test, users can setup their dating profile by opening the mobile app, then at the bottom tap the “More” option. Your Viber Dating Profile will only visible to users who are also using the feature and will not affect your regular Viber Profile.

Your Viber Dating Profile will include your Name, Birthday, Gender, and Sexual orientation. It also include a brief bio and users can upload a maximum of six (6) photos. Users can also indicate if they are looking for i.e, relationship, new friends, or just some fun. Unlike the sexual orientation and dating preference, your real name and age cannot be change once you’ve set it, the company said that “name or age can only be changed by deleting your profile and creating a new one.”

Since there are hoards of dating apps available out there, Viber’s advantage is that people are already using the app and adding a dating feature within the platform could be ideal for users who do not want to manage another account or profile.

For more details on the Viber Dating feature, you checkout the support page of Viber Dating.

Nintendo intros Alarmo, a $100 high-tech alarm clock

Alarmo, an interactive alarm clock that’s out of the ordinary! Alarmo responds to your body’s movement with game sounds, so you can feel like you’re waking up in the game world itself. Set an alarm inspired by five Nintendo games, with more alarms on the way as free updates as they become available.

Nintendo’s Alarmo is just like any other alarm clock, you set it up to make a loud sound on a certain time of the time, usually in the morning, to wake you up.

But unlike other alarm clock, even the “alarm clock” features of your smartphone, the Alarmo can detect if you really “got out of bed” for it to stop or if you “stay in bed too long” Alarmo will get more intense and the sound will more or less get louder.

This is how it looks like, on the front, the Alarmo features a 2.8 LCD display with motion and brightness sensor. It has a back and notification button, and a big white “Confirm button and dial at the top. It will have a USB-C interface and the speaker can be found at the back.

Minnesota Lynx stole Game 1 of the WNBA Finals from the the top-seeded New York Liberty in OT (95-93)

ESPN;

The Lynx, who trailed by as many as 18 points, are the first team in WNBA postseason history to win a game after trailing by 15-plus points in the final 5 minutes of regulation.

Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA Finals will forever be a classic. This was a game that New York Liberty should have won, or must win. Since this is just a best of 5 series, one win could swing the whole series and this is a great start for the Lynx.

Three Lynx players scored 20-plus points; Courtney Williams, who went berserk in the 4th quarter and made a 4-point play in the last 5.5 seconds left in regulation, scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Napheesa Collier finished the game with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks and 3 steals. Kyla McBride added 22 points and 4 rebounds.

Game 2 will still be at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY this Sunday, Oct 13, 2024.

WNBA to change Game Format of Playoffs and Finals of 2025 Season

WNBA just announcedx that they will change the game format of First Round of the WNBA Playoffs and the WNBA Finals.

The league said “the WNBA Board of Governors has approved a new, best-of-seven format for the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV, effective with the 2025 season, replacing the best-of-five format. The Board has also approved a 1-1-1 setup for the best-of-three First Round of the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 3 and its opponent hosting Game 2 – a change from the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2 and its opponent hosting Game 3.

Currently, the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs is 2-1. From a financial perspective, the current 2-1 format benefits the higher-seeded team. This is because they host the entire first round, assuming they sweep the series. This gives them an advantage in ticket sales, broadcast revenue, and other game-related income.

A good example, is the first round series between the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever. The Fever got swept in the series, since the first two games was hosted by the Sun, both games got an attendance of total of 17,820. If there was at least 1 game being played in Indiana, them being the most popular team because of Caitlin Clark, we can assume that the attendance will be similar to their last home game in the regular season, with an attendance of 17,274.

The WNBA announced an increase in regular-season games to 44 per team starting next season, up from 40 games in the past two seasons. This is to accommodate the addition of the Golden State Valkyries as the league’s 13th franchise. Each WNBA Teams have played 40 regular-season games in each of the last two seasons.

“We are seeing an incredible demand for WNBA basketball, as reflected in the number of cities pursuing expansion franchises, fans attending games and engaging with our social and digital platforms in record fashion, and game broadcasts and streams being consumed like never before,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “The incredible demand for WNBA basketball makes this the ideal time to increase the regular season to 44 games per team and expand the WNBA Finals presented by YouTube TV to a best-of-seven series,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “These changes will create more opportunities to watch the best players in the world compete at the highest level and give our fans a championship series format that they are accustomed to seeing in other sports.”

Classes and Government Work in Manila and Pasay Suspended

Malacañang suspends class and government work in the Manila and Pasay City from Monday to Tuesday, October 14th-15th, to give way to the opening of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The announcement was made via Memorandum Circular 66 issued by Malacañang.

192 OFWs in Lebanon set to be repatriated from October 11-28 — DMW   

Sherylin Untalan, GMA Integrated News;

A total of 192 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon are set to be repatriated until the end of the month, according to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday.

At a Palace briefing, Cacdac said the Filipinos are being booked in different commercial flights starting Friday, October 11, while 11 are set to arrive this weekend.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), posted on their official facebook page that the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon “has received 1,721 applications for repatriation, with 511 Filipinos successfully returned home.”

And in a press briefing with DMW and OWWA, an additional 400 Filipinos, today.

Converge announces Netflix and Fiber X bundle

Converge, one of Philippines leading ISP, announced “the new Converge Netflix Bundle, where new and existing FiberX customers will be able to have both an internet and Netflix plan, all in one. The new offering aims to provide countless entertainment options and a better streaming experience for FiberX users.”

The new Converge Netflix Bundle will include a FiberX plan that offers 325 Mbps speeds, a Netflix subscription with a lock-in period of 36 months, a new WiFi-6 Next Gen Modem, and a Converge Xperience Box with Freemium Channels — all put together into one subscription for the convenience of the customer.

The new Converge Netflix Bundle starts at Php 1,798 per month, inclusive of a Converge FiberX plan with boosted speeds of 325 Mbps, a WiFi6 modem, a Converge Xperience Box, and a Basic Netflix subscription that can support one HD stream at a time. Customers can avail of more premium bundles that can support multiple devices streaming at the same time and can offer additional Boost Modes with speeds of up to 200 Mbps. For existing subscribers, the Converge Netflix Bundle is available as an exclusive add-on starting at Php 298 per month.

Minnesota Lynx eliminate the Connecticut Sun to advance to the 2024 WNBA Finals (88-77)

via ESPN;

Collier had 27 points on 10-for-16 shooting and 11 rebounds and Courtney Williams contributed 24 points and both-ends-of-the-court energy to lead the Minnesota Lynx past the Connecticut Sun 88-77 and into the WNBA Finals for the first time in seven years on Tuesday night.

Collier, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, added four blocks in a vintage all-around performance.

They will face the NY Liberty who eliminated the defending champs, the LV Aces, two days ago.

Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled this Thursday, October 10, 2024, and will be hosted by the NY Liberty in Barclays Center.

OFW acquires house and lot, car selling ‘binatog’ in UAE

Jojo Dass, writing for GMA News;

An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) here, who used to work as gym receptionist, now runs a bakeshop selling “binatog.” And it has been such a big hit that he was able to buy a house and lot plus a car in the Philippines from sales.

An inspiring story for all OFW, including me, who left our home country to find a living in a foreign land.

I also someone who works as a tea boy/cleaner here in Saudi Arabia but building his dream house in the Philippines… paycheck after paycheck!

I encourage you to read the whole story from GMA News Pinoy Abroad.

Filipino executed in Saudi Arabia for murder   

Michelle Abad with reports from Bea Cupin, reporting for Rappler;

A Filipino on death row in Saudi Arabia has been executed, the Philippine government said on Tuesday, October 8.

“We regret to confirm the news that a Filipino has been executed in Saudi Arabia for murder,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The Philippine government provided legal assistance and exhausted remedies to save the Filipino’s life, including sending a presidential letter of appeal to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. But the victim’s family refused to accept blood money in return for forgiveness of the Filipino, and so the death penalty was meted, the DFA said.

According to Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the overseas Filipino worker pleaded guilty to the crime. The victim was the OFW’s Saudi Arabian business partner, and the incident happened in 2020.

Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia release the following statement;

A very sad moment for all OFW in Saudi Arabia.

The Rappler also reports that according to DFA there are still “nine Filipinos remain on death row in Saudi Arabia.”

Riyadh Season 2024 to start this 12th of October

What is Riyadh Season?
Riyadh Season is one of the world’s largest winter entertainment event. Variety of food from around the world, courtesy of exclusive restaurants — plus countless exciting surprises. The festivities capture the essence of Saudi, from its Najdi heritage to its present-day dynamism.

When will it start?
Riyadh Season will kick-off this October 12th.

Where to get more information?
To know more about Riyadh Season and the events, you can go to https://riyadhseason.com/en-US or the Riyadh Season section of https://webook.com/.

Squid Game Season 2 will stream on Netflix this Dec 26th

Netflix just announced that the sequel of their hit series Squid Game will be available on the platform on the 26th of December. The announcement was made on the company’s social media account with the caption “Get back in the game, Squid Game returns DECEMBER 26.” and a 3-and-a-half minutes trailer of the series (embedded below).

In an article posted on Tudum, “Season 2 explores how Gi-hun follows through on his words after leaving the airport,” says Hwang below in a new behind-the-scenes featurette that revisits Season 1. “Gi-hun’s endeavor to find out who these people are and why they do what they do is the core story of Season 2.”

Lee adds: “In Season 1, there was room to show glimpses of Gi-hun’s various personalities, such as his optimistic nature and positive energy. This time, the focus was on his determination.”

Squid Game Season 2 Poster

Here’s the synopsis of Squid Game Season 2;

Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 gave up going to the states and comes back with a new resolution in his mind. Gi-hun once again dives into the mysterious survival game, starting another life-or-death game with new participants gathered to win the prize of 45.6 billion won.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, will return as the Director of Season 2, he made history at the 74th Primetime Emmys, becoming the first Asian to win Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, once again helms the series as director, writer, and producer.

Returning casts from Season 1 are Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo, and the new cast members will include Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an.

You can rewatch Squid Game Season 1 only on Netflix.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE now in Saudi Arabia

Samsung KSA has announced that the Galaxy S24 FE is now available in Saudi Arabia. First announced last month, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is a 6.7-inch smartphone that’s powered by Samsung Exynos 2400e and feature a Dynamic AMOLED display with 1080 x 2340 (FHD+) resolution, 16M color depth and 120 Hz max refresh rate. The also features Samsung’s Galaxy AI, which is an “on-device AI that powers features like real-time translation and image generation.” The Samsung Galaxy AI was first announced at the Galaxy Unpacked July 2024.

It has a triple rear camera setup (50.0 MP + 12.0 MP + 8.0 MP) and a 10.0 MP front facing camera. The Galaxy S24 FE will have 8GB RAM and the storage will be up to 512GB. The Galaxy S24 FE will be in 4 colors; blue, graphite, marble gray and mint. The price for the new Galaxy S24 FE will start at SAR2,849.00 for the 8GB + 256Gb model and SAR3,349.00 for the 8GB + 512Gb variant.

You can find the full specs of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE here.

Caitlin Clark to play in the LPGA pro-am at The Annika this November

Rather than going abroad to play basketball elsewhere, it appears that Caitlin Clark will playing a different sports this off season. Clark will participate in this year’s The Annika in November, the penultimate tournament on the LPGA Tour schedule hosted by Annika Sorenstam. Caitlin Clark will is a panelist at the Women’s Leadership Summit on Tuesday, then will play in the Wednesday Pro-Am game, both taking place at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Fla.

“I love golf so the opportunity to play in the Pro-Am for a tournament with a legend like Annika Sorenstam’s name on it is so exciting,” said Clark. “Gainbridge® is a leader in supporting women’s sports and that’s clear through their commitment to me, this event, Billie Jean King, and Parity Week. I’m looking forward to seeing all the LPGA players on the driving range, being part of the Women’s Leadership Summit, and, of course, teeing it up in the pro-am with Annika.”

Caitlin Clark have been known to play golf while playing with the Iowa hawkeyes in college, she played with former Masters champion Zach Johnson at the John Deere Classic Pro-Am in 2023. So this is nothing new to her but it remains to be seen if her golf skills will be as good as her basketball skills.