Indigent senior citizens who are part of the Social Pension program by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are to receive an increase in their benefits. The monthly assistance has been funded through the institution’s budget for 2024, with the pension approved to soar from ₱500 to ₱1,000. According to Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, the distribution of the updated amount will begin in February 2024.
Photo from PEP.ph
The Republic Act 11916, becoming law in July 2022, is what resulted in this outcome, with the initiative aiming to help citizens counter the effects of inflation. Basic commodities such as rice and other goods are heavily affected by economic repercussions; hence, The Social Pension program ensures the protection of its stakeholders, including sickly or disabled indigent senior citizens who may not have stable sources of income. On a semestral basis, target beneficiaries will receive ₱6,000 per payout to help support their subsistence and medical needs.
Photo from nolisoliPhoto from Manila Standard
Approximately 4,085,066 indigent senior citizens will benefit from this program, and they can surely anticipate the improvement in the financial support they receive.
Mark Zuckerberg has recently announced his grand vision regarding AI in an Instagram Reels post, making promising developments this 2024. His game plan is a “massive compute infrastructure” to be powered by a whopping arsenal of 350,000 Nvidia H100 graphics cards. Meta would finally have their pass in rapidly forwarding artificial intelligence within their company and with this hardware powerhouse.
Photo from CNNPhoto from TweakTown
The massive scale of this move was also covered in the video by Zuckerberg— mentioning the significance of supercharging AI for chatbots, creators, and businesses which are the centerpieces of his web empire. Incremental progress is not what he is eyeing for, but the goal of simply building general intelligence far beyond what we can imagine. To put it simply, Meta wants to create cutting-edge AI to open-source it responsibly in order to streamline it to the general public.
Photo from Live Science
The exact number of graphics processing units (GPUs) wasn’t exactly revealed by Zuckerberg, Nvidia’s CEO has already pointed out the influx of demand for the H100 by the end of Q1 2023. This bold move, however, will cost limbs with each H100 ranging from $25,000-$30,000 if purchased directly from Nvidia, and $40,000 from eBay. With this ambitious AI venture, it is clear that Meta is up for a substantial investment ranging into billions for the project to become successful.
Photo from Tech4Gamers
We are finally getting a glimpse of Meta’s momentum in the AI arms race. FAIR and GenAI show a collective effort in speeding up the progress of this development as the merger of Meta’s major AI research groups. Zuckerberg is making a big move in envisioning a world where general intelligence is open-sourced responsibly, and Meta’s 2024 plans truly give a massive push to the boundaries of AI and its role in general society.
Once again, the favorite It’s Showtime duo is trending, but this time, netizens come to defend Anne Curtis with Vice’s “insensitive” spontaneity.
On January 20, 2024, It’s Showtime’s Anne and Vice engaged in another “Brandagulan” during the show’s “Expecially For You.”
Photo from ABS-CBN News
Vice tried to catch Anne in the moment. “Sabihin mo nga, ‘Nice, Ganda,” said the comedian
Anne, oblivious to what Vice was planning, said, “Nice, Ganda.” Upon realizing this, Anne did a quick save, saying, “Ay, bad yun sa akin… Sorry po. Pasensya na po kayo, hindi ko sinasadya yun.”
Photo from ABS-CBN News
Ganda is the tagline of a brand Vice Ganda represents. Meanwhile, Anne is the rival of Vice’s brand endorsement.
Photo from @foreverPonyVG2 on XPhoto from @annecurtissmith on X
The actress then told the comedian, “Ikaw, pag nawalan ako ng kontrata. Pasensya na po kayo. Hindi ko po sinasadya. Lapse of judgement, sorry.”
Anne was obviously nervous during the event. “Sige, sige. Tapos for sure trending ito, kakalat na naman to. Baka makatanggap ako ng warning, girl,” said Anne.
Despite the brandagulan being a joke, many netizens defended Anne. One netizen said, “I always thought Vice Ganda thinks before he says something. Hmmm.”
A tweet snippet from @vicegandako on X
Vice Ganda then retweeted, and said “No. At times i don’t think enough. Sa Kagustuhan kong magpatawa bira ako ng bira kaya minsan sablay. Sometimes i hate myself. Pero ganun talaga sa comedy man o sa real life talagang hit and miss. And we’ll just have to try again.”
What do you think of this? Do you think Vice Ganda went too far this time?
Everyone can attest that the showdown during the Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines at SRP was a tight competition. The judges surely had a hard time choosing who would emerge on top!
Here are your 2024 Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines Winners.
Ritual Showdown
Free Interpretation
Champion:Pasayaw Festival of Canlaon City
2nd place: Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild of Dinagat Islands
3rd place: Lumad Basakanon
4th place: Banay san Nicolasnon
5th: Tribu Mabolokon
Sinulog-based
Champion: Banauan Cultural Group
2nd place: Abellana National School
3rd place: Inayawan Talents Guild and Cultural Dance Troupe
4th place: Banay Labangon
5th place: Nagkahiusang Pamilyang Cebu Gen.
Street Dancing
Sinulog-based & Free Interpretation
Champion: Tribu Lumad Basakanon
2nd place: Pasayaw Festival of Canlaon City
3rd place: Inayawan Talents Guild and Cultural Dance Troupe
4th place: Tribu Kamanting Performing Arts Guild of DInagat Islands
5th place: Nagkahiusang Pamilyang Cebu Gen
Best in Costume
Sinulog-based winner: Banauan Cultural Group
Free Interpretation: Pasayaw Festival of Canlaon City
Best in Musicality
Sinulong-based
Champion: Pasayaw Festival of Canl
2nd place: Banauan Cultural Group
3rd place: Inayawan Talents Guild and Cultural Dance Troupe
4th place: Pundok Baniladnon Sa Sugbo
5th place: Abellana National School
Best in Musicality
Free Interpretation
Champion: Pasayaw Festival of Canlaon City
2nd place: Tribu Kamanting Performaning Arts Guild of DInagat Islands
3rd place: Lumad Basakanon
4th place: Tribu Mabolokon
5th place: Activong Binaliwhanon
It was indeed a day of talent, music, colors, and tradition as the contingents showcase their amazing God-given skills.
The Sinulog 2024 wrapped up at the SRP Grounds at South Road Properties.
Louis Vuitton, with their reputation as timeless luxury, introduces “Les Gastons Vuitton” which is the brand’s first high jewelry collection designed for men. This line was inspired by and named after an eclectic figure in the third generation of the Vuitton family, Gaston-Louis Vuitton.
Photo from 10 MagazinePhoto from Malle Louis Vuitton
The artistic director for Louis Vuitton Watches and Jewellery, Francesca Amfitheatrof, exquisitely made three creative chapters for the collection — each resembling Gaston’s passions. As a result, the ensemble now comprised 16 crafted pieces as well as two masterpieces. In the collection, you can choose between bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces, pendants, gourmette, all carrying designs that are rooted in Louis Vuitton’s history which are the Monogram and trunk stories with a modern twist.
Photo from Esquire Middle East
With Les Gaston Vuitton’s use of cutting edge-technology, there is a masterful precision applied to their jewelry which sets it apart. The maison’s trunk is presented in the collection in its smallest version, seamlessly combining diamonds and silver.
Photo from Robb Report
Yellow gold and white gold take center stage for this line, being the major materials used in this collection which makes it more distinct. A deep blue shade denim-looking design is also showcased with Les Gastons Vuitton Blue titanium. The brand then described this as the “denim of jewels”, giving the collection diversity and versatility.
When people do things with good intentions, it can be harder to discern whether or not these actions are actually right.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu
Fr. John Ion Miranda, an Augustinian friar from the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, calls out the use of green vestments, or any other color at all for clothing given to Sto. Niño statues. Fr. Miranda mentioned how the use of other colors is merely associated with superstition, which the Catholic church does not believe in. The sacred figure of the Holy Child was brought by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, not in green or any other color, and is now sitting at the heart of the Basilica. The image is overseen by the Augustinian friars of the Order of Saint Augustine.
Photo from Santo Vino Wine Blog
Fr. Miranda educates the public regarding the image presented in green. This is known as the “Sto. Niño de la Suerte,” and is used by many as a lucky charm. The priest emphasized the Church’s stance against superstitious practices. Supporting his claim, he brings up a document by the late Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal two decades ago, explicitly stating that only red vestments should be given to the Sto. Niño image.
Photo from Our Mother Of Perpetual Help Religious Store
The friar highlights the symbolic value of colors in the realm of Christian iconography. The significance of red, in this case, symbolizes the suffering and kingship of Jesus Christ. In preserving the sanctity of Sto. Niño de Cebu, he urges everyone not to participate in the integration of superstition such as Feng Shui beliefs.
PHILIPPINES – IKEA, the Swedish home furnishing brand, continues to expand its online store pres- ence, IKEA.ph in Iloilo, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro with the launch of new services including truck de- livery, Click & Collect, and assembly services.
With this further expansion, the many Filipinos of Iloilo, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro can now shop any IKEA product available at IKEA.ph regardless of size and weight to be delivered straight to their homes through truck delivery.
With Click & Collect, customers who opt to pick up their online orders at their most convenient time may choose to do so at designated collection points in these areas. They can also have their flat-pack furniture conveniently assembled with assembly service.
What makes this expansion even more exciting is that IKEA will be utilizing 100% electric vehicles in partnership with Mober, ensuring zero emissions and a sustainable delivery process.
“In September 2023, we launched parcel delivery nationwide which lets customers shop for small to medium-sized furnishings from IKEA. Starting January 15, we are thrilled to bring our full suite of delivery and assembly services to the many Filipinos in Visayas and Mindanao,” said Jarek Lesniewski, Country Fulfilment Operations Manager at IKEA Philippines. “By introducing truck delivery, Click & Collect, and assembly services together with Mober, we are bringing the full IKEA online shopping experience to more people outside of Luzon, while also prioritizing sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. We are committed to providing an exceptional shopping experience to the many Filipinos, throughout the entire country.”
These new services will be launching on January 15 for Iloilo and Davao, and on February 1 for Cagayan de Oro with these rates:
Truck Delivery starts at ₱1,690
Province
Cities/Towns
Delivery Fee
Cebu
Cebu City, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Danao City, Mandaue City, Lapu Lapu City, Cordova, Naga City, Talisay City and Ming-lanilla
1,690
San Fernando, Carcar City, Toledo City andBalamban
1,890
Iloilo
Iloilo City, Pavia, Santa Barbara, Leganes,Oton & San Miguel
1,690
Dumangas, Pototan, Guimbal & Cabatuan
1,890
Passi City
1,990
Davao Del Sur
Davao City
1,890
Digos City & Panabo City
1,990
Misamis Oriental
Cagayan De Oro City, El Salvador City, Alu-bijid & Laguindingan
1,690
Tagoloan, Villanueva & Jasaan
1,890
Iligan City
1,990
Click & Collect at ₱590 flat-rate fee
Province
Collection Point
Cebu
J. De Veyra St, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu (New location starting February 1)
Iloilo
Muelle Loney St, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City, Iloilo
Davao Del Sur
Countryside Road, Maa, Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Misamis Oriental
Bolobolo, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental
Parcel delivery fee starts at ₱350 for Visayas and Mindanao for orders up to a maximum weight of 40kg and a maximum length of 1.7 meters
Assembly and other service fees
All other furniture that requires assembly 9% of the original product retail price
Sofa, sofa-bed, armchair, footstool assembly 2.5% of the original product retail price
A ₱50 charge per drilled hole applies to products, which require wall mounting and where assembly service has not been booked.
Shop IKEA online today anywhere in the Philippines through www.IKEA.ph or by downloading the IKEA Shopping app available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
To stay updated and explore the wide range of high-quality, affordable furniture and home furnishings and delivery services, visit www.IKEA.ph/delivery.
This is it, Sugboanons! We are one PRITITIT away from the Sinulog Grand Festival on January 21, 2024.
We are ready to witness the different talents of our contingents and have fun during one of the massive festivals in Cebu! Here’s what’s going to go down on January 21.
Date: January 21, 2024 (Sunday)
4:00 AM
Mañanita Mass at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
6:00 AM
Misa Pontifical de la “Fiesta Señor” by his excellency Archbishop Jose S. Palm, DD, at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño
8:00 AM
Sinulog Fiesta Day at SRP Stage
Holy Mass Celebration at SRP Stage
9:00 AM
Sinulog Grand Parade – Carousel Formal Opening at SRP
7:00 PM
Grand Finale & Grand Fireworks at SRP (SRP Grounds)
8:00 PM
Street Party Band at Plaza Independencia and other workable Venue
9:00 PM
Pyrospectacular Show – Pyro Musical (for scheduling SM City / Ayala/SRP TBA)
Starting with faith and ending the Sinulog 2024 with a grand fireworks display has got us keen for the Sinulog Grand Festival! Be guided by the schedule above.
For transportation, buses and MPUJs will be deployed on January 21, 2024, going to SRP. You can read more about them here.
What does it take for you to believe and have faith? Is it an answered prayer? A divine miracle?
Sinulog is a celebration of gratefulness and faith towards the Sto. Niño de Cebu. And, of course, we would like to hear a story or two of the miracles done by the child, Niño. For this Sugboanon Sinulog Special, let us share with you the story of how an aspiring teacher passed the LET by praying to Señor Sto. Niño— even if her religion was different.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Official Facebook Page
Ms. Mary Jane Flores Pernites, or Teacher MJ, was already featured in Sugbo PH’s The Sugboanon for her inspiring story, which you can read here. But she was also able to share with us how Sr. Sto. Niño helped her pass the LET.
Photo from Mary Jane Flores Pernites on Facebook
According to Teacher MJ, she grew up in a household with a different religious teaching than that of Catholics. This is why her faith was different growing up, and she didn’t pay too much attention to praying to relics. However, that soon changed.
The Storm Before the Miracle
Before the official day of the exam, Teacher MJ was still doing her LET review. However, different challenges surfaced, such as her sister being rushed to the hospital after getting into a vehicular accident. As the breadwinner of the family, she tried to find ways to settle her sister’s hospital bill while doing the review.
With no rest, sleep, and experiencing coughs and colds during the board exam, she was out of focus. She even accidentally tore off the 1-10 part of her answer sheet, which earned her a mouthful from the floor manager because she “wasn’t careful.”
Kidhat ni Sto. Niño
After LET, Teacher MJ was invited by one of her friends to visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to light candles and pray that they pass the exam. Of course, because she didn’t grow up as a Catholic, Teacher MJ’s belief in it was not as high as her friends.
Photo from santoninodecebubasilica.org
When they got to the Basilica, Teacher MJ was looking at the relic of Sr. Sto. Niño. As she was staring at the relic, she said, “”Sige daw, wa raba jud koy FAITH nimo maski gamay kay bato ra ka.”
“Og tinuod ka, imo pangitaan og paagi na masulod nong gisi na papel sa machine and 1 take ra ko, but if dili ko mupasar, di na jud ko mubalik og take og exam,” Teacher MJ continued.
After she said those words, she saw with her own eyes how Sto. Niño winked at her as if saying, “Challenge accepted.”
“Nakita jud nako ang mata ni Sto. Niño na murag ni kidhat sa akoa. Nanimbawt jud ko, naka atras ko,”
shared Teacher MJ.
And as she turned her head, she saw a red balloon. She thought to herself that Sto. Niño was indeed still a child, and He only wanted a red balloon.
“Unsa man? ganahan ka magpapalit og balloon? Sige palitan ka nako bahalag gutom kaayo ko, dili nalang ko mu snack,”
Teacher MJ told Sto. Niño.
Teacher MJ purchased the balloon and wrote her prayer on a piece of paper. Her friends joined in, except one who wanted to get home early. And guess what? The person who went home earlier than Teacher MJ and the others was the only one who did not pass the LET.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Official Facebook Page
And with that encounter with Sr. Sto. Niño, Teacher MJ devoted her life to her faith. She converted to Catholicism and has been practicing the Catholic faith since then.
You know what they say, “Faith can move mountains.”
Each of us has our own idea of faith. For some, it’s going to church every Sunday; for others, it is more than that. Faith is believing and trusting that your prayers will be answered; you just need to wait.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Official Facebook Page
Teacher MJ wanted to pass the LET to become a teacher and inspire her future students. Her story proves that if you have pure intentions in your prayers, you will be answered—moreover, her encounter with Sr. Sto. Niño is a nudge to the idea that faith is for everyone.
Faith can move mountains; all you have to do is trust. And for Cebuanos, Sr. Sto. Niño is always there to help, guide, and instill that pure intention in their hearts.
Photo from Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Official Facebook Page
This Sinulog 2024, may we remember, recognize, and announce our faith, may it be through singing “Bato Balani sa Gugma,” going to novena masses, participating in a penitential walk, or yelling “Pit Senyor.”
People will always have a thirst for what they grew up with. Whatever new sitcoms there are, perhaps this generation will never get enough of the likes of iCarly, Victorious, and Wizards of Waverly Place. Luckily for the iCarly fans, they got a reboot. So, Wizards of Waverly Place kids, you better brace yourselves because you’re getting a sequel too!
Photo from Disney Plus
While the cast returned for a stand-alone special in 2013 with The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex, fans were simply left wanting for more, especially with the absence of their beloved Alex Russo. Not this time, because Gomez is coming back as a guest star reprising her role in the pilot. Moreover, Gomez is set to executive produce the show with David Henrie.
Photo from Hotstar
Henrie is also coming back to play his role as Justin Russo, Gomez’s onscreen sibling. Unlike Gomez, he will be a series regular. New cast members will also be joining including Janice LeAnn Brown from Disney’s Just Roll with It, Alkaio Thiele from Call Me Kat, and Mimi Gianopulos from American Princess.
Photo from The Hollywood Reporter
The sequel will focus on the life of Justin Russo as an adult. As a husband and a father of two, he chose to leave his wizard powers behind to live a normal life. However, he is left at a crossroads when a young wizard asking him to train him shows up.
Photo from CNN
The date of release is still in question, but one thing’s for sure, this will surely leave fans at the edge of their seats until we finally see the Russos on screen.
