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  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgMYlho5u_k   MANILA, Philippines - Cloudy skies and isolated rain showers are expected nationwide on Sunday due to the shear line, northwest monsoon or "amihan" and localized thunderstorms, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). "Rain is expected in many parts pf the country due to the shear line or when cold air and hot air converge. In the central and eastern portions of the Visayas and Mindanao, isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are expected," Pagasa weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said in Filipino. The "amihan," Villamil added, will bring cloudy ...

Keep on reading: Pagasa: Cloudy Sunday with possible rain showers in many parts of PH

  PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - The United Nations said on Saturday the Gaza war was "staining humanity" on the eve of its 100th day as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on vows to defeat Hamas. The devastating conflict has unleashed a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and fears of a regional escalation intensified after US and British forces struck pro-Hamas Houthi rebels in Yemen on Friday following attacks on Red Sea shipping. The war was triggered on October 7 when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack from the Gaza Strip that resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Ham...

Keep on reading: UN says Gaza war ‘staining humanity’ on eve of 100th day

    WASHINGTON - U.S. President Joe Biden said on Saturday the United States does not support the independence of Taiwan, after Taiwanese voters rebuffed China and gave the ruling party a third presidential term. Earlier in the day, the Taiwanese ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te came to power, strongly rejecting Chinese pressure to spurn him, and pledged both to stand up to Beijing and seek talks. "We do not support independence..." Biden said, when asked for reaction to Saturday's elections. Hours ahead of the polls opening, Washington had warned "it would be unacceptable" for "any" country to interfere in the e...

Keep on reading: Biden: US does not support Taiwan independence

The savior that came to the rescue of Gerflor in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) has finally named its newest squad---and it has quite a familiar ring to it. Businessman Frank Lao announced on Saturday that the new team will carry the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) brand in the PVL, but while the team is still under construction, its sister squad continued bolstering its roster ahead of the league's coming season. "Putting up a second team in the Premier Volleyball League is a no-brainer for us," Lao said in the announcement of SGA joining the pro league. "The PVL has been a consistent source of entertainment for fans of all ages, and we are excited to contribute to the l...

Keep on reading: Frank Lao sticks familiar basketball brand on new volleyball squad

Phoenix's rise to the twice-to-beat advantage entering the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner's Cup had much to do with having an import who is not only talented but is also far from being a head case. "Walang toyo (He has no airs)," said Fuel Masters captain RJ Jazul of import Johnathan Williams. "He's also an all-around player and is very unselfish. That's why we're lucky to have him on the team." Williams had been a terrific presence on a relatively young team that will head to the quarterfinals hoping it won't need to reach for a playoff bonus against an opponent that will be known after Phoenix plays TNT on Sunday evening at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. The Fuel M...

Keep on reading: Johnathan Williams, wind beneath Phoenix’s wings, has no airs

Meralco will no longer have the luxury to plot with clarity in the PBA Commissioner's Cup and head coach Luigi Trillo knows that the Bolts have no one else to blame but themselves. "At this point, it is what it is. We were [supposed] to be tied for second place, but we have to move on. It was in our hands against Phoenix (last Jan. 10) but we didn't win that game," he said on the heels of a 109-102 triumph over Terrafirma on Friday night. "It's just tough to realize that we still have to wait for Ginebra and whatever happens there," he went on. "[If] Ginebra wins, we're fifth." That's exactly what happened. The Gin Kings took to the road and defeated the NLEX Road Warrior...

Keep on reading: Luigi Trillo left shrugging over Meralco’s place in PBA standings

STOCKHOLM --- The Swedish government said on Friday it wants to ensure that cash can be used for basic necessities, as electronic payments come to dominate transactions in the Scandinavian country. Only 8 percent of Swedes had used cash for recent purchases in 2022 compared to 40 percent in 2010, according to a survey by the Swedish central bank, the Riksbank. "We need to quickly take another look at being able to pay for certain things in cash. In particular, there are groups that, for various reasons, have trouble with electronic payment methods," said Financial Markets Minister Niklas Wykman. He said the ability to use cash is also important during a crisis. Payment syst...

Keep on reading: Sweden studies how to save cash from extinction

Emerging Actress (EA) used to rely on her bosom buddies and business partners as allies, particularly where personal and professional matters are concerned. In EA's happy heyday with her BFFs, their tastes and artistic impulses were always aligned and in sync. They even put up a business venture together. However, all that much-needed support from EA's pals seemed to fly out the window as soon as a contentious wrench was thrown in the midst of their merry coexistence. The culprit? Politics, what else! Indeed, while her friends were hard at work supporting the gentle widow during the national elections, EA was busy drumming up interest and support for the ex-strongman's heir---a "di...

Keep on reading: Clash of principles leaves actress in the lurch

MANILA, Philippines--Barangay Ginebra secured the remaining twice-to-beat slot in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals after hurdling the determined challenge of NLEX, 103-99, before a packed crowd Saturday night in Legazpi City, Albay. Import Tony Bishop beat the shot clock with a rainbow shot, barely a minute to play in the contest, that foiled the Road Warriors' upset bid inside Ibalong Centrum for Recreation and ended the eliminations with an 8-3 record. The victory was enough for Ginebra to gain a top four finish and the all-important bonus going into the next phase of the import-laden conference. Ginebra's opponent will be known after the outcome of Phoenix's game ...

Keep on reading: PBA: Ginebra seals twice-to-beat bonus, fends off NLEX

TAIPEI, Taiwan --- Taiwan's ruling party candidate Lai Ching-te, branded a threat to peace by China, on Saturday won the island's presidential election, a vote watched closely from Beijing to Washington. Lai delivered an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) after a raucous campaign in which he pitched himself as the defender of Taiwan's democratic way of life. Communist China claims democratic Taiwan, separated from the mainland by a 180-kilometer strait, as its own and says it will not rule out using force to bring about "unification," even if conflict does not appear imminent. Beijing has in the past slammed Lai, the current vice ...

Keep on reading: Taiwan’s presidential favorite wins election held under China’s glare

MANILA, Philippines --- Caitlin Viray is ready to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a bigger role as she gives the young Farm Fresh Foxies a timely boost ahead of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season, which opens in February. Following a breakout year with Choco Mucho in the last two conferences of the 2023 season, the rising opposite spiker on Saturday evening was welcomed by Farm Fresh along with outside hitter Jolina Dela Cruz and setter Anj Legacion. "As I grow more in the industry, I feel the need to step out of my comfort zone and explore more challenges, this time with a new family in the Farm Fresh Foxies," Viray, who is under the VP Global Management,...

Keep on reading: PVL: Caitlin Viray set to bolster young Farm Fresh side

MANILA, Philippines---Farm Fresh continued to beef up its roster by signing more young and upcoming talents. On Saturday, the Foxies announced Jolina Dela Cruz as their latest member, along with Caitlin Viray from Choco Mucho and and setter Anj Legacion from PLDT. https://twitter.com/FarmFreshFoxies/status/1746155484774891640   Dela Cruz's arrival at Farm Fresh came after her former team F2 Logistics disbanded. The former La Salle star, however, may not see action for Farm Fresh soon as she's still nursing a leg injury. These players are part of the "Lucky Nine" talents that Farm Fresh recently signed amid the PVL off-season. Earlier, Farm Fresh announced the a...

Keep on reading: PVL: Jolina Dela Cruz signs with Farm Fresh Foxies

MANILA, Philippines--There are so many things that renowned agent Danny Espiritu wants. World peace. The continued success of his wards. Money? So far, he's getting by just fine. The respected manager, who handles some of the biggest names in sports, on Tuesday warned clients, associates, contacts and friends that he is not going around asking for money. "I was hacked," Espiritu said after receiving several calls asking if he was in some sort of an emergency. READ: Stories from Danny Espiritu "I am not asking money so please ignore messages saying so," he added. Several of Espiritu's contacts received a message on Tuesday requesting them to transfer money using their mobi...

Keep on reading: Player agent Danny Espiritu’s messaging account hacked

NBA Scores, News, Schedules SALT LAKE CITY --- Lauri Markkanen scored 22 points and had nine rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to a 145-113 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night in the NBA. Jordan Clarkson scored 21 points and Collin Sexton added 20 for the Jazz. Kelly Olynyk had a team-high 10 rebounds off the bench. Utah won for the 10th time in 12 games and earned its seventh straight win at home to move to .500 overall. The Jazz outscored the Raptors 58-32 in the paint and made 21 3-pointers. Utah also had a 68-36 advantage in total rebounds. "The game has just been fun," Clarkson said. "When the ball is popping and everybody is involved, I think the vibe is rea...

Keep on reading: NBA: Jazz whip Raptors for 7th straight home win

NBA Scores, News, Schedules MEMPHIS, Tennessee--- Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart will miss at least six weeks because of an injury to his right ring finger. The team said Thursday that Smart will be re-evaluated in six weeks after being diagnosed with a ruptured joint. Smart suffered the injury during the third quarter of Memphis' win at Dallas on Tuesday. After making a 3-pointer, Smart noticed that his finger was gruesomely out of place while extending his hand to celebrate. His injury came days after fellow guard Ja Morant was lost for the season. Morant had surgery Thursday to repair a labral tear in his right shoulder and is "expected to make a full recovery ahead o...

Keep on reading: NBA: Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart to miss 6 weeks with a finger injury

NBA Scores, News, Schedules SAN ANTONIO --- Victor Wembanyama had 26 points and 11 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs routed Charlotte 135-99 on Friday night, spoiling Hornets star LaMelo Ball's return from a 20-game absence. Wembanyama was 9 for 14 from the field, hitting 2 of 3 3-pointers, and had two blocks in 20 minutes. San Antonio had 31 assists in winning consecutive games for just the second time this season. "They look like they're beginning to understand how to play with each other," coach Gregg Popovich said. Ball had 28 points, five assists and five steals in his first game since spraining his right ankle Nov. 26 at Orlando. https://twitter.com/NBA/status/174...

Keep on reading: NBA: Wembanyama, Spurs spoil LaMelo Ball’s return to Hornets

NBA Scores, News, Schedules DENVER --- Nikola Jokic had 27 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds for his 10th NBA career triple-double against New Orleans in the Denver Nuggets' 125-113 victory over the Pelicans on Friday night. Jokic has 12 triple-doubles this season and 117 overall, with the 10 against the Pelicans the most versus one opponent. He also has scored 25 or more points in 14 straight games against New Orleans. Denver rebounded from a loss to Utah on Wednesday night to snap New Orleans' seven-game road winning streak. https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1746046953878594017 Michael Porter had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray finished with 20 po...

Keep on reading: NBA: Nuggets defeat Pelicans, Nikola Jokic posts triple-double

NBA Scores, News, Schedules MIAMI --- By current NBA standards, this was a throwback: A team won without scoring 100 points. Such a thing hadn't happened in more than a month, until the Miami Heat pulled it off on Friday night. Duncan Robinson scored 23 points, Bam Adebayo hit the go-ahead jumper with 18.5 seconds left and the Heat beat the Orlando Magic 99-96. NBA teams are 7-107 this season when scoring fewer than 100 points. Miami got the league's first sub-100-point win since Houston beat San Antonio 93-82 on Dec. 11. https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1746023806395617670 "And I think the fans really enjoyed it," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Heat fans did, an...

Keep on reading: NBA: Heat get go-ahead basket from Bam Adebayo, top Magic

MANILA, Philippines---After dabbling into basketball, Strong Group Athletics (SGA), also threw its hat into the Philippine volleyball scene. Strong Group on Saturday announced its entry in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), taking over the disbanded Gerflor franchise, which is the sister team of Farm Fresh. "We are truly thankful to (owner) Frank Lao and Strong Group Athletics for not only helping pay the salaries of the Gerflor Defenders last year but also for taking the bold step of starting a second team in the PVL," said PVL president Ricky Palou in a statement. "This shows their strong commitment to the development and success of volleyball in the Philippines." SGA...

Keep on reading: Strong Group joins PVL, takes over Gerflor

TACLOBAN CITY --- The national government earned P182.62 million in excise tax from mining operators last year on top of taxes imposed by the local government. However, for environmental groups, no amount of money could compensate for damages caused by mining operations on the environment. According to Glen Noble, regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Eastern Visayas (MGB-8), mining companies paidP172.84 million in excise taxes for the 8.22 million nickel ore wet metric tons (WMT) shipped to China in 2023. He added that P9.77 million in excise tax was also paid last year for the 25,900 WMT chromite concentrate that was likewise shipped to China. Noble p...

Keep on reading: Is mining good or bad? Gov’t, green group take opposite sides