In a shocking announcement. King Charles III is revealed to have cancer.
Photo from Middle East Eye
The king has been experiencing health issues since last month. Buckingham Palace announced that he would go to the hospital for a “corrective procedure. ”
On January 29, the king was discharged from the London Clinic and was reported to be better. However, he was also getting treatment for something else. The palace announced on Monday that the tests showed that the king had a “form of cancer.”
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Moreover, no further details have been released as to what type of cancer it is. In addition, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that King Charles’ cancer was caught at an earlier time, and he will continue getting treatment until he makes a full recovery.
Photo from PBS
With this recent diagnosis, the King will be stepping down from his public duties to focus on recovery.
The Philippines reached a significant development with its record low unemployment rate of 3.1% as of December 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports. The positive trend reflected by the number is highly indicative of the labor market’s inherent resistance against economic fluctuations and is a sign of the country’s dedication to improvement.
Photo from Nikkei Asia
Arsenio Balisacan, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary, details other initiatives and interventions such as the Lifelong Learning Bill, Apprenticeship Bill, and the Enterprise Productivity Act, and expresses his support for the ongoing upward trend of the country’s labor market. Balicasan puts his trust in the government’s pursuit of legislations that will provide better foundations for economic development and prosperity and has confidence in the economic sector’s ever-increasing momentum.
Photo from @ambalisacan on X
Additionally, the youth underemployment rate rose from 11.6% to 9.2% in around the same time frame from the previous year.
Photo from Jobstreet
The record-low unemployment rate in December 2023 is the result of the government’s continuous intervention that is targeted at the root of the economic system, as well as the commitment to bettering the country’s flawed labor market. Crucial decisions in the form of policies, consistent regulations amongst labor institutions, and constant self-checking will determine whether the Philippines will be able to keep its growing momentum afloat.
As doors close, another door opens. It so happens that the one that closed was Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque’s relationship.
Photo from Inquirer Entertainment
Bea and Dominic’s breakup was announced by the King of Talk, Boy Abunda, himself, in his “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Tuesday.
Photo from Dailymotion
Although he added that there is a high possibility that the couples are still trying to talk, reliable sources have confirmed that the two have broken up.
“As we talk today, yes, hiwalay po si Dominic at tsaka si Bea,” Tito boy said.
Photo from Rappler
It can be remembered that the couple, now broken up, got engaged in Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Bataan on July 18, 2023. According to Tito Boy, Bea has returned the engagement ring to Dominic.
During the announcement, Tito Boy also addressed some rumors circulating about Dominic and Bea. One of the rumors is a speculated prenuptial agreement.
“Yung prenup po ay medyo na-shock po ako because ang pagkakaalam ko po, many months ago, napag-usapan ho ito sa aking pagkakaalam,” he said
Photo from Inquirer Entertainment
Tito Boy also clarified that the two did not have any fixed agreement on their wedding plans yet to debunk the rumors that it was going to be held in Tagaytay in April.
“As originally talked about, nag-ocular po ang dalawa, tama ho ‘yun, sa Europa. And may mga lumalabas na kuwento rin na they went to Japan, tama rin po ‘yun and I think they were trying to talk things out,” he said.
Tito Boy also called out people who baselessly judged or accused either Bea or Dominic of the break-up.
Photo from PEP.ph
“To me, napaka-judgmental po nun. Yes, you and I have the right to comment. Yes, we have the freedom of speech pero ako, I appeal for kindness,” Tito boy addressed to those who judge Bea or Dominic.
Although Apple just dropped their iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro last November 2023. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are looked forward to this year as well. However, rumors have been circulating about Apple’s first foldable Phone, the iPhone Flip.
Photo from T3
How come?
Other phone brands have already created their flip phones. Samsung for one, has already launched their Galaxy Foldables which is one of the hits in the market with their latest Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Photo from CNET
IPHONE FLIP RELEASE DATE
Rumors about Apple’s first foldable phone have been circulating online for years—whether this is true or not remains a question. Despite the uncertainty of the iPhone Flip, what we know is that it is in the works, and well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via 9to5Mac) predicted that it will be launched around the year 2026 or 2027.
Tweet from @mingchikuo on X
IPHONE FLIP SIZE
Ming-Chi Kuo further predicted that the iPhone Flip will have an internal screen size is around 7 or 8 inches. If indeed the iPhone Flip is to have 8 8-inch internal screen size, this will make it larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 which has a 7.6-inch display.
Photo from Forbes
IPHONE FLIP LOOK
Rumor has it that Apple is testing two looks for the iPhone flip. The first one has the same look as the Samsung Galaxy Z fold series.
Photo from Cashkar
Meanwhile, the second look Apple is checking for their iPhone flip is the same as the newly released Google Pixel Fold.
Photo from Tech Advisor
The rumors about Apple’s very own iPhone flip spreads like wildfire, it is still important to note that these are mere rumors that should be taken with a grain of salt.
In the Philippines, healthcare is expensive; as they say, “mahal magkasakit.” This makes us realize that health should be a priority, especially for employees who work for a living.
If you are unsure or worried about not receiving a salary when you’re sick and absent from work, this is your guide to knowing your rights as an employee.
PHILIPPINE LAW FOR SICK LEAVE
The Philippine Labor Code does not explicitly specify anything about sick leave benefits, what it states is merely the five days of service incentive leaves (SIL) for every year of work, which can then be used for sick purposes.
Photo from CNBC
This means that the government does not implement sick leaves. It became the initiative of the companies to offer sick leaves as part of the employment contract or company policy. And because it is between the private company and the employee, the number of sick leaves and whether paid or not varies. Commonly, regular employees have 12 to 15 paid sick leaves.
Geneliza Aguilar, a Senior Human Resources (HR) Specialist clarified in an interview with Spot.ph that sick leaves are not mandated by law. It is only a discretionary benefit taken up by companies. Hence, the terms and conditions are provided variously by different companies.
“Sick leave is often considered a discretionary benefit, and it is not a mandatory requirement imposed by the government in many places. Employers may choose to provide sick leave as part of their benefits package, but the specific terms and conditions can vary widely between companies,” Aguilar said.
HOW TO USE YOUR SICK LEAVES
One thing about getting sick is that they just come right to your doorstep unannounced and this makes filing planned sick leave hard to do. However, this does not mean that filing a sick leave is complicated.
According to Aguilar, in filing a sick leave, employees must inform their employer sooner rather than later; the ideal time to do this is before the shift begins.
Photo from Caribbean Jobs
Because sick leave terms and conditions vary between companies, requirements to validate an application for sick leave also vary widely; some require medical certificates, especially for sick leaves that go beyond three consecutive days. Preparing a medical certificate also serves as evidence and increases the chance the application gets approved.
“This helps us validate the genuine need for extended leave and assists in maintaining a fair and consistent approach to leave management. Our primary concern is the well-being of our employees, and we strive to balance it with the operational needs of the organization,” Aguilar said.
WHAT IF I RAN OUT OF SICK LEAVES
Reverting to the Philippine Labor Code that vaguely states the leaves Filipino workers could enjoy, this now leaves us with another question. What do I do when I run out of sick leaves for the year?
Worry not because the Social Security System (SSS) has your back! When you have already exhausted all your paid sick leaves and service incentive leaves, you can apply for SSS Sickness Benefit where you can temporarily claim 90% of your regular salary.
Photo from Palawan News
The program, SSS Sickness Benefit by SSS pays for all the days you won’t be able to work—this includes weekends and holidays. However, it is important to note that it only covers your 120 days in one year.
To qualify for the SSS Sickness Benefit, you must be an SSS member and have paid at least three months of contributions within 12 months prior to having the sickness. It is also necessary that all paid leaves are already exhausted and still won’t be able to work for at least 4 days.
To apply, just inform your employer that you wish to apply for the SSS Sickness Benefit because they will be the ones to forward your application to the SSS.
Photo from Efren Nolasco
Once approved, the salary from the said program will then be forwarded to the employer, which will be given to you.
No matter how we try to take care of our bodies, circumstances sometimes get us taken aback for having sickness. And it is important that we know the benefits that we are entitled to, especially when we get sick. This allows us to know exactly what measures we should take.
The United Arab Emirates has always been one of the top locations people want to pursue their careers in primarily because of the promising amount of salary working abroad gives. If being an assistant teacher is one of your passions, then this is the perfect opportunity that you can take.
Photo from State Department United Arab EmiratesPhoto from Truro College
In this job, you have the responsibility to provide crucial support in the classroom. While these responsibilities can vary depending on the education level you will be teaching and the policies in the institution, typical duties include making lesson plans, preparing materials for discussion, grading tests and assignments, monitoring student progress, and assisting students.
Photo from Truro College
The following are the qualifications for the job:
Preferably with a special education degree (SPED)
Bachelor’s Degree Graduate (Any field)
Minimum of 1 year teaching experience (A huge plus if it’s with students aged 0-10 years old)
Certificate of Employment from the employer (indicating 1 year of experience)
Letter of Experience with the employer’s stamp
Apostilled and attested School Credentials by DFA and UAE Embassy
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Certificate of Employment
Letter of Experience
Apostilled School Credentials
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Location
If you plan on applying onsite, the locations available are Cavite, Dubai, Bacolod, Cebu, or General Santos City. Afterwards, you are to submit your application to an email depending which respective office you have applied to.
Exact Location: Nine Key Management Consultancies, G-01, Mabrooka Bldg, Port Saeed Road, Muraqabbat, Deira Near Bakhit Centre, P.O.Box: 444175, Dubai, U.A.E.
Attach your resume to the email either in PDF or Word format. The cover letter is optional, but is certainly one that can improve your chances in your application. Here, you can explain why you’re interested in the job and why you’re the perfect fit for the position. Afterwards, you can send the email.
Elon Musk introduced the AI chatbot for X developed by xAI to offer a unique approach to users for their inquiries. Now, the cutting-edge AI chatbot is available to X Premium+ subscribers in the Philippines. Meet Grok.
Photo from EU Reporter
Grok is a fascinating take on applications or websites answering users’ questions. With its distinctive hint of sarcasm and human-like tone, it certainly is one that is interesting to witness.
Photo from Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto
Musk revealed Grok’s capabilities through a screenshot wherein it was asked how to make cocaine. The AI chatbot showcased its flexibility in handling queries by responding with both vagueness and sarcasm.
Furthermore, this revelation highlighted the chatbot’s real-time access to information regarding users’ tweets. This is what Musk referred to as Grok’s edge compared to other AI models such as ChatGPT.
You can now get the chance to talk to Grok for ₱1,190.
34-year-old Kris Tiffany Janson won the Miss Universe Philippines Cebu pageant and will compete on the national stage. The pageant was held last Saturday, February 3, at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Official Facebook Page
Janson also won the best evening gown. She also dominated the question and answer portion when she was asked to create a socially relevant headline in Cebu.
“If I were to create a headline, it would be ‘Cebu: Empowering Stronger Women’ because Cebu is known to be a very open city, and what I love about Cebu is that we are very welcoming and we empower our women. We build communities for stronger women, and that is the future universe that we can share with everyone,” said Janson.
Here is the complete list of winners for Miss Universe Philippines Cebu 2024.
Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Tourism 2024
Juvel Ducay of Bantayan Island
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Official Facebook Page
Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Heritage 2024
Mary Josephine Paaske of Talisay City
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Official Facebook Page
Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Charity 2024
Nica Zosa Nabua of Minglanilla
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Official Facebook Page
The Miss Philippines Cebu 2024
Natasha Testa of Lapu-Lapu City
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Official Facebook Page
First runner-up
Mipsen Galves of Carcar City
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Official Facebook Page
Second Runner-up
Thelma Suzanne Dayao of San Fernando
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Official Facebook Page
Congratulations to the newly crowned queens. Cebu is known to be the home of beauty queens who are not only beautiful but queens with wit and advocacies that can change the universe.
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Cebu Official Facebook Page
Most Pinoy Chinese know it’s the time of the year when their friends ask them for Tikoy after greeting them with “Kong Hei Fat Choi.” This just shows that Chinese New Year is looked forward to by Filipinos. But beyond Tikoy preparation, Filipinos have more nuanced traditions as they celebrate Chinese New Year.
Photo from Newsweek
Color Red
One of the most commonly observed during the Chinese New Year Celebration is the constant use of red—in clothes, candles, and the interior design of the house. This is because they believe that the color red is a symbol of good luck, energy, and happiness. So, to manifest the mentioned good qualities of life for the entire year, the Chinese start their year by wearing red.
Photo from BBC
Giving of Ang Pao
Ang Paos are red envelopes with printed Chinese characters in front where money bills are placed. During Chinese New Year, they are given as gifts, most especially to children. Contrary to the common belief that Ang Paos are only envelopes for money, in Chinese, it symbolizes good luck and long life.
Photo from Lifestyle Asia
However, it should be noted that the amount of money placed inside the Ang Pao should be in even numbers because, for the Chinese, odd numbers are associated with funerals.
Dancing Dragons and Lions
Dancing Dragons and Lions are often seen in establishments. From an external perspective, they might be performing for pure entertainment. However, in Chinese traditions, dragons symbolize wisdom, power, and wealth. Meanwhile, lions stand for power, wisdom, and superiority. When both are combined for a dance, they bring good luck and prosperity.
Photo from South China Morning Post
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Food is one of the important traditions in celebrating Chinese New Year, and more often than not, each food served at the table has its corresponding significance for the occasion.
Rice cakes and noodles signify success and prosperity. For personal relationships with family and friends, these signify a stronger bond throughout the year. Noodles also mean a long and happy life.
Photo from Tatler Asia
Fireworks
Aside from food preparation, the Chinese also believed that bright and loud fireworks make the start of the Chinese New Year a luckier year. They also believe that fireworks drive away bad luck and evil spirits.
Photo from South China Morning Post
Despite the difference when it comes to culture, this is not a hindrance for Filipinos to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which in itself is a manifestation of the diverse culture’s fusion when it comes to .practice.
Another Company aims to compete against the ever-Philippine-dominating transport network company (TNC) GrabCar.
Photo from Tech in Asia
Angkas is known for its dominantly blue-themed motorcycle taxis. Angkas declared their plans to join the transport network vehicle service (TNVS).
Photo from ABS-CBN News
In a town hall interview, George Royeca, the CEO of Angkas, laid out their plans for 2024, which include the plans to launch Angcars, a four-wheeled ride-hailing service. Royeca also declared that Angcars will address the commuter’s demands for vehicle services.
“Angcars is designed to be an advanced ride-hailing app that seamlessly blends affordability with user-friendly navigation,” Royeca said during the town hall interview.
Photo from VISOR.PH
However, this also implies that the ever-dominating GrabCar finally has a competitor in the ride-hailing service market.
One feature of the Angcars application that can be looked forward to is the Angcars Economy or Angcars Plus option, which allows commuters to choose between four-seater or six-seater cars.
Beyond the plan to launch Angcars in 2024, Angkas also announced other features such as Angkas Health, which offers healthcare home services from medical professionals.
Angkas Padala is another feature Angkas is eyeing, which offers app payment and financial transaction services.
Royeca also highlighted their offer to Angkas Drivers who wish to upgrade their motorcycle vehicles: loaning money through their Angkash Initiative, which is co-partnered with Honda and Uno Bank.
Except for Angkas and Grab, other TNCs in the Philippines offer vehicle services, such as JoyRide, TokTE-Pick Me Up, Owto, and Gojo. Similarly, it can be recalled that Joyride launched their own Super Taxi last November 2023, which has the same rate as regular taxis but offers more modern vehicles.
Despite these operational TNCs in the Philippines, commuters’ demand for public transport options still needs to be satisfied. This in itself is a manifestation of public transport’s insufficiency.
