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Last batch of OFW crew members of the the M/V Minoan Courage which was attacked by Houthi Rebels now back in the Philippines

October 23, 2024

DMW – Ten Filipino crew members from the M/V Minoan Courage safely returned to the Philippines on October 23, 2024. They were the last group of 21 Filipino seafarers aboard the Greek bulker that was attacked in the Red Sea on October 1. The previous groups of 11 seafarers returned on October 9 and October 13.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) worked together with the manning agency and the shipowner to bring the seafarers home. The agency provided hotel accommodations for the repatriates while they await psychiatric evaluations.

DMW and OWWA will provide assistance to the seafarers, including through the DMW AKSYON Fund. DMW Seabased Accreditation Bureau Director Augusto San Diego III, OWWA Director Falconi Millar, and manning agency representatives welcomed the seafarers upon their arrival.

via @dmw.gov.ph

Honor Magic7 Pro unveiled at the Snapdragon Summit

October 23, 2024

Taking stage at the Snapdragon Summit, Honor has officially unveil the Magic 07 Pro. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the Honor Magic 07 Pro will feature a new on-device AI assistant (named YOYO) that will be part of MagicOS 9.0 (Android 15).

Aside from using the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, Honor’s CMO Dr. Ray Guo did not reveal too much about the new Honor Magic7 Pro, since the Honor will have their own event launching the Honor Magic7 Pro and the new MagicOS 9.0 on the 30th of October.

I guess, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Qualcomm officially announce the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor

October 23, 2024

At the Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm has officially unveil the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the company’s “most powerful and world’s fastest mobile system-on-a-chip ever.”

The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor will debut the 2nd-generation custom-built Oryon CPU, Adreno GPU and the enhanced Hexagon NPU. The company also said that the new Snapdragon 8 Elite offers CPU speeds up to 4.32GHz and up to 40% improved performance and 40% better power efficiency on the Adreno GPU side. And with the Hexagon NPU, the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor delivers a 45% AI performance improvement and 45% better performance per watt.

Qualcomm also named ASUS, Honor, iQOO, OnePlus, OPPO, RealMe, Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomi and more, as some of the OEMs and smartphone to announce devices powered by the the new Snapdragon 8 Elite, in the coming weeks.

BYD Cars Philippines opens its first dealership in Central Luzon

October 22, 2024

BYD Philippines just opened its first dealership store in Pampanga. BYD Pampanga is located along the Olongapo Gapan Road in the City of San Fernando, Capital of the province of Pampanga, the 4,000sqm facility is a showroom, test drive and service center rolled into one.

BYD Pampanga also has 3 charging stations, an ideal for those travelling in their BYD EVs then passing Central Luzon. The EV chargers of varies in capacity (7kW AC, 22kW AC, and 60kW DC) to cater to each customer’s charging needs.

For more information, you can go to their official FB page @bydpampanga or website BY Pampanga

BYD Pampanga is one of the 24 facilities nationwide that BYD Philippines plans to open by the end of 2024.

This article was originally published on allthingsev.net as BYD Cars Philippines opens its first dealership in Central Luzon.

76 more OFW arrived from Lebanon who – DMW

October 21, 2024

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announce that seventy-six overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with two dependents from Lebanon arrived safely at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Sunday, October 20, 2024, aboard Emirates EK 334.

This batch of repatriation brings the total number of 636 OFWs and 32 dependents from Lebanon who have been repatriated under the government’s voluntary repatriation program.

Department of Foreign Affairs’ Level 3 travel advisory for Lebanon still stands even though the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has escalated after “Hezbollah confirmed that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had been killed in an Israeli air strike on residential buildings in Beirut.”

DFA’s Level 3 travel advisory means repatriation is still voluntary for all OFW in the country.

Source: @dmw.gov.ph

Pricing of the New iPad Mini in Saudi Arabia, now available for Pre-order!

October 21, 2024

The new iPad Mini is now available for preorder in Saudi Arabia and here are the pricing in the Kingdom.

Pricing
Wifi Only

  • 128GB: SAR 2,299.00
  • 256GB: SAR 2,749.00
  • 512GB: SAR 3649.00

Wifi + Cellular

  • 128GB: SAR 2,299.00
  • 256GB: SAR 3,449.00
  • 512GB: SAR 4,349.00

Announced last week, the new iPad Mini features the A17 Pro chip and with 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.

Here’s the spec 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)

Preorders will be ship by October 23rd.

New York Liberty defeats Minnesota Lynx in OT to win their first WNBA Championship (67 – 62)

October 21, 2024

New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx in a classic Game 5 OT to take home the franchise first WNBA Championship. It was a low scoring ballgame, which is understandable, since both team have a defensive mindset right out of the gate. By the end of regulation, both team only managed to score 60 points, compare to the last 4 games, where the winning team scores at least 80 points.

Breanna Stewart has a chance to tie the game but misses both of the free throw with 38 secs remaining in regulation but Minnesota Lynx failed to capitalize on the possession and gave Breanna Stewart another chance to redeem herself by sinking bother of her free throw to tie and send the game to over time. Then in OT, Liberty took over by limiting Lynx to just 2 points while scoring 7 points; a 23-footer three point jumper by Leonie Fiebich, a two point lay-up by Nyara Sabally of a steal and a 2-for-2 free throw by Breanna Stewart to seal the game.

Like in the previous game, Minnesota Lynx was able to limit New York Liberty’s stars; Breanna Stewart just scored 13 points but was a monster on the boards, grabbing a game high 15 rebounds. Sabrina Ionescu just scored 5 points but impacted the game by keeping her teammates involved in the game by dishing 8 assists with 7 rebounds and 2 steals. Jonquel Jones, who won the WNBA Finals MVP, scored a team high 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

Prior to the 2024 WNBA season, NY Liberty is one of the eight original franchises of the league that has yet to win a championship and the team have been in the WNBA Finals 5 times before winning it all this year.

Minnesota Lynx forces a “Winner-Takes-All” Game 5 of WNBA Finals behind Bridget Carleton Free Throws (82 – 80)

October 20, 2024

WNBA;

Bridget Carleton made two free throws with 2 seconds left, and the Lynx beat the New York Liberty 82-80 on Friday night. The teams will meet Sunday night in New York in the first Game 5 of the Finals since 2019, when Washington topped Connecticut.

All of Minnesota Lynx starting five scored in double-digits; Kayla Mcbride, lead the team with 19 points, Courtney Williams added 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Napheesa Collier chipped-in 14 points and 9 rebounds with 4 assists and 4 steals. Both Alanna Smith and Bridget Carleton scored 12 points apiece but it was Carleton final free throw that sealed the game for the Lynx.

It was a close game and the largest of any team is just 6 points and there have been 14 lead changes and 13 ties.

Lynx was able to contain Liberty stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina to a combined 21 points, and limit their impact to the game. Lynx appeared happy to just let other Liberty players score particularly Jonquel Jones, who scored a game-high 21 points and 8 rebounds.

Game 5 of the WNBA Finals will this Sunday, October 20, 2024 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Here’s the high-lights of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.

Riyadh City as Seen on Space

October 19, 2024

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

October 19, 2024

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

October 19, 2024

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

October 17, 2024

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

October 17, 2024

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

October 17, 2024

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)

October 17, 2024

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

October 17, 2024

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

October 17, 2024

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

October 16, 2024

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

October 16, 2024

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

October 14, 2024

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)

October 14, 2024

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

October 13, 2024

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

October 13, 2024

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

October 12, 2024

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)

October 12, 2024

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

October 12, 2024

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

October 10, 2024

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   

October 10, 2024

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.