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NNIC probes reported baggage porters

A passenger wears a mask as she arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City. — REUTERS

SAN MIGUEL-led New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is investigating the alleged unfair treatment of baggage porters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the private operator of the country’s main gateway said.

“As the airport operator, we have a responsibility to maintain standards and ensure that all service providers treat their employees fairly, respect their rights, and comply with labor laws,” NNIC said in a statement on Sunday.

The porters are employed by a third-party service provider, NNIC said, adding that they are not directly employed by the NNIC.

According to the NNIC, the service provider’s contract was last renewed by the Manila International Airport Authority in 2022 and will remain effective for the next three years or until 2025.

“As NAIA’s operator, we want to build a workplace that reflects our vision of a modern, efficient airport, where personnel and travelers alike can benefit from an atmosphere of fairness, respect, professionalism and accountability,” NNIC said.

It said that aside from the planned modernization efforts for NAIA, it also prioritizes improving work conditions for workers under its direct employment through better compensation and implementing just workplace policies. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Customs, Maya renew partnership to enhance e-payment systems

MAYABANK.PH

THE BUREAU of Customs (BoC) and digital bank Maya Bank, Inc. have recently inked an agreement to enhance electronic payment systems for the Bureau’s operations.

In a statement over the weekend, Customs said the memorandum of agreement (MoA), signed on Dec.19, “outlines the integration of Maya’s payment gateway platform into the BoC’s operations.”

“This will enable stakeholders to pay miscellaneous fees and charges through various innovative channels, including online checkout, bills payment, PayMaya One POS [point of sale] terminals, and Smart Padala centers,” the BoC said.

Customs also added that the MoA extends to the collection of duties and taxes for goods processed under informal entry procedures via the Bureau’s ePayment Portal System.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said he is “looking forward to the” partnership with the Bureau of Treasury, the Development Bank of the Philippines, and Maya. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Fireworks-related injuries in Cordillera climb to 10

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY – Two more cases of Firework-Related Injuries (FWRI) were reported in the Cordillera Region as of Saturday, bringing the total to 10 since government health authorities began tracking these cases on December 21.

The new cases are from Abra and Apayao, while Baguio City remained to have recorded the highest number of cases with four, while Kalinga and Mountain Province have two cases each. Abra and Apayao have one case each.

Victims were between 4 to 17, and most were males (9).

Four cases of sustained eye injuries, five cases had blast/burn injuries without amputation, and one case of blast/burn injury with amputation. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Title-chasing Philippines XI go for Game 2 win in Thailand

Match on Monday
(Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok)
8 p.m. (9 p.m. Manila time) — Thailand vs Philippines
(Semifinal Leg 2)

AFTER breaking a 52-year winless streak against Thailand, is a breakthrough finals stint in Southeast Asia’s centerpiece football tournament up next for fearless Philippines?

That’s certainly the agenda as the Filipinos go for the kill shot and try to complete the upset for the ages against seven-time winners Thailand in Leg 2 of the Asean Mitsubishi Electric Cup semifinals on Monday.

But unlike in their monumental 2-1 upset in Friday’s opening leg in front of friendly faces in Manila, the Pinoy booters will have to get it done in hostile territory in Bangkok, where the wounded three-peat-seeking War Elephants and their 50,000-plus rabid supporters lie in wait at Rajamangala Stadium.

“We need to be mentally tough throughout the whole 90 minutes,” said Philippine team manager Freddy Gonzalez ahead of their gargantuan task at 9 p.m. (Manila time).

Thanks to the famous result in Leg 1, the Filipinos go into the return leg with a one-goal edge. And all they need is a draw in the Thai capital to win the two-legged semis on goal aggregate and advance to the Jan. 2 and 5 Last Dance against either Vietnam or Singapore.

Another victory, of course, will be good for the soul moving to the upgraded objective of a milestone championship.

A loss by one goal will lead to a 30-minute extra time and potentially a penalty shootout to determine the winner of this Final Four matchup. But a loss by two goals or more will be catastrophic.

“I never go for a draw,” said coach Albert Capellas. “We go for a win and then let’s see if we can win, if we can draw, or whatever result happens. I never play for a draw. Philippines, we are winners.”

The prospect of playing a historic home game in the finale gives the Filipinos added motivation to bring this to the finish line.

“The job is not even halfway done,” Sandro Reyes said after the Philippines eked out its first victory over Thailand since 1972. “We have a really difficult second leg coming up and we want to play a final in Manila, so we’ll give everything to play that final game.” — Olmin Leyba

Eala eyes qualification for a grand slam main draw

ALEX EALA — FACEBOOK.COM/ALEXEALA

A GRAND SLAM main draw qualification for the first time, another pro and title and an entry to the Top 100.

Alex Eala has locked her eyes on those goals for 2025 after a year marked by triumphs and heartbreaks, near hits and misses this season.

“No. 1 is to qualify for a grand slam main draw. That’s the first goal,” said Ms. Eala on the Power and Play radio program of his uncle Noli Eala over the weekend.

The 19-year-old Filipina sensation this year made it to the qualifying finals in the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open with hopes of being the first Filipina player ever in a Grand Slam main tournament.

But Ms. Eala succumbed to more seasoned and higher-ranked opponents to miss out on the golden opportunity.

Ms. Eala bowed to Julia Riera of Argentina, 6-4, 6(3)-7, 4-6, in the French Open finals, to New Zealand’s Lulu Sun, 6(3)-7, 5-7, in the Wimbledon finale and to Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the US Open qualifying championship.

“I do think that I passed a lot of milestones this year but there are definitely moments where I thought I was so close to achieving more but it just didn’t happen. It’s okay, at the end I’m very happy with how I performed and improved this year,” she added.

As for her two other inspirations, it’s only a matter of when next year owing to a steady rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and consistent showing in world tours.

“Ranking-wise, I’d like to get close to Top 100 and third, I’d like to win a title,” she beamed.

Ms. Eala is currently No. 148 in the WTA rankings, after starting from outside the Top 1000 in her 2020 debut, with five singles and three doubles titles to show.

She won her latest singles title in the W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain, where she also ruled the doubles division with partner Estelle Cascino from France.

That’s the first of three doubles crowns she all won this season after also reigning supreme in the W75 Croissy-Beauborg in France with Cascino and the W50 Pune in India with Latvia’s Darja Semenistaja. — John Bryan Ulanday

NAS table tennis student-athletes strike gold at 2024 US Open

FILIPINO student-athletes from the National Academy of Sports (NAS) achieved remarkable success at the 2024 US Open Table Tennis Championships in Las Vegas, with Grade 7 Khevine Khieth Cruz from Tondo, Manila, and Grade 8 Liam Zion Cabalu from Quezon clinching gold in the Under-13 Boys Doubles event.

The 2024 US Open Table Tennis Championships, which saw over 1,500 athletes from 42 states and 19 countries, also featured strong performances from other NAS student-athletes. Ghianne Cordova (Grade 10, from Bacolod City) and Angel Nueva (Grade 10, from Gamay, Northern Samar) reached the quarterfinals in U17 Girls Doubles, while Alexa Gan (Grade 7, from Pasig City) and Maria Angelli Cruz (Grade 8, from Pulilan, Bulacan) advanced to the Top 16 in U15 Girls Doubles.

“These victories showcase the world-class talent and training at NAS with the guidance and mentorship of their coaches. Our athletes competed against the best and proved they can level up on the international stage,” said NAS Executive Director Josephine Joy B. Reyes.

The National Academy of Sports was established through Republic Act 11470, principally authored and co-sponsored by Senator Pia Cayetano. It aims to develop future world-class Filipino athletes by providing them quality and enhanced secondary education programs, integrated with a special curriculum on sports.

Former student-athlete and national athlete Senator Pia Cayetano said, “This is my vision: to create an environment where young athletes are nurtured. This is an amazing achievement by NAS, particularly because it marks their first participation in the said international sports tournament.”

Warriors clip Suns

Typically, any match featuring Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant would translate to compelling hoops. And, in terms of sheer drama, their meeting yesterday did not disappoint. Compared to the bulk of their previous encounters, however, there was a major difference: The two future Hall of Famers were playing a regular season game while sporting middling slates. In other words, the stakes mattered much to them, but were, perhaps, not quite as valuable in the grand scheme of things. Never mind that they found themselves under similar circumstances; both the Warriors and the Suns had 15-15 records borne of poor performances in the clutch.

For casual observers, the humdinger that arose from the set-to was as compelling as it was inevitable. For a good portion of the contest, the Suns looked to be on their way to a much-needed victory. Even Warriors fans at the Chase Center were fretting at the increasing probability of a fourth straight setback, especially with Curry uncharacteristically missing supposed gimmes in the fourth quarter. And then came the comeback from a double-digit deficit, spearheaded by the otherwise erratic Jonathan Kuminga and new acquisition Dennis Schroder.

The Suns would go on to lose by four, undone as much by the Warriors’ sterling defense as by their stunning inability to put the ball in the hoop. In the last 6:48 of the payoff period, they could do no better than put up five measly points, and all from the free throw line. It didn’t matter that Durant and noted scorer Bradley Beal burned rubber for every single second of the timeframe; for one reason or another, they could not make leather and nylon meet. Everyone in purple and orange seemed to know a train wreck was coming, and yet didn’t have an inkling on how to stop it.

In any case, a win is a win for the Warriors; they get to breathe a little following the reprieve from all the losing. Which is not to say they found a lasting solution to their concerns; outside of more consistency from Kuminga and Shroder to help the overburdened Curry, they are handicapped by their uneven roster. Meanwhile, the Suns also suffer from systemic infirmities so significant that not even a yeoman’s job from head coach Mike Budenholzer can prevent mediocrity from settling in. Yesterday, the stars met. From here on, fingers remain crossed the stars will align.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Trump sides with billionaire Musk in debate over H-1B visas

Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk — REUTERS

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – President-elect Donald J. Trump on Saturday sided with key supporter and billionaire tech Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elon Musk in a public dispute over the use of the H-1B visa, saying he fully backs the program for foreign tech workers opposed by some of his supporters.

Mr. Trump’s remarks followed a series of social media posts from Mr. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, who vowed late Friday to go to “war” to defend the visa program for foreign tech workers.

Mr. Trump, who moved to limit the visas’ use during his first presidency, told The New York Post on Saturday he was likewise in favor of the visa program.

“I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program,” he was quoted as saying.

Mr. Musk, a naturalized US citizen born in South Africa, has held an H-1B visa, and his electric car company Tesla obtained 724 of the visas this year. H-1B visas are typically for three-year periods, though holders can extend them or apply for green cards.

The altercation was set off earlier this week by far-right activists who criticized Mr. Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan, an Indian American venture capitalist, to be an adviser on artificial intelligence, saying he would have influence on the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Mr. Musk’s tweet was directed at Mr. Trump’s supporters and immigration hard-liners who have increasingly pushed for the H-1B visa program to be scrapped amid a heated debate over immigration and the place of skilled immigrants and foreign workers brought into the country on work visas.

On Friday, Steve Bannon, a longtime Trump confidante, critiqued “big tech oligarchs” for supporting the H-1B program and cast immigration as a threat to Western civilization.

In response, Mr. Musk and many other tech billionaires drew a line between what they view as legal immigration and illegal immigration.

Mr. Trump has promised to deport all immigrants who are in the US illegally, deploy tariffs to help create more jobs for American citizens and severely restrict immigration.

The visa issue highlights how tech leaders like Mr. Musk — who has taken an important role in the presidential transition, advising on key personnel and policy areas — are now drawing scrutiny from his base.

The US tech industry relies on the government’s H-1B visa program to hire foreign skilled workers to help run its companies, a labor force that critics say undercuts wages for American citizens.

Mr. Musk has spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars helping Mr. Trump get elected in November. He has posted regularly this week about the lack of homegrown talent to fill all the needed positions within American tech companies. — Reuters

North Korea launches ‘toughest’ US strategy

KCNA VIA REUTERS

SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a key policy-setting meeting of the country’s ruling party last week ahead of the new year, state media KCNA reported on Sunday.

The meeting of party and government officials decided that North Korea would launch the “toughest” strategy to counteract the United States for its security and national interests, the report said, without elaborating.

The alliance between South Korea, the US and Japan has expanded to a “nuclear military bloc” and South Korea has become an “anti-communist outpost” for the US, the KCNA report added.

“This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how.”

The Dec. 23-27 meeting also reviewed the handling of floods earlier this year, including the plan that brought those affected to Pyongyang, the capital, according to the report.

The reclusive state also vowed to promote relations with “friendly” countries during the meeting.

Mr. Kim also called for progress in defense science and technology to bolster the country’s war deterrence.

Such meetings often last a few days and have been used in recent years to make key policy announcements.

In a reshuffle, Pyongyang named Pak Thae Song, a party secretary, as a new premier to replace Kim Tok Hun.

Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui was named a member of the powerful Politburo of the party’s Central Committee.

The 11th plenary session of the eighth central committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea wraps up a year in which Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit with Mr. Kim and signed a deal that included a mutual defense pledge.

Washington and Seoul have criticized the two countries’ military cooperation, including what they say is a dispatch of North Korean troops to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine. — Reuters

FMF Development Corp. sets virtual Special Meeting of Stockholders on Jan. 9

 

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

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Stress-free family vacations with Emirates: Unwind and connect

After a hectic year, what we truly need is a vacation where we can relax and enjoy quality time with our loved ones. At Emirates, we understand that family vacations are about creating cherished memories, not stress. That’s why we’ve designed every step of your journey to ensure comfort, convenience, and joy for travelers of all ages.

With the travel season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to plan a family getaway. From seamless check-ins to thoughtful in-flight amenities, Emirates goes above and beyond to make family travel a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Here’s how we can help you unwind and connect with your loved ones, every step of the way.

Check-In Made Easy

Planning a family trip can be overwhelming, but a smooth start sets the tone for a relaxing vacation. Emirates offers several convenient options to make the check-in process hassle-free:

  1. Home Check-In Service: Skip the airport rush with our exclusive home check-in service, available at Dubai International Airport. Our agents will take care of your bags and boarding passes right at your doorstep, leaving you free to enjoy a stress-free journey to the airport. This service is available to all First-Class passengers and Skywards members.
  2. Online Check-In: Save time by checking in online via the Emirates website or app. You can access your flight details and digital boarding pass as early as 48 hours before departure. With just a few clicks, you’re ready to go.
  3. Early Luggage Drop-Off: Avoid the hassle of heavy bags by dropping off your luggage the night before your flight at no additional cost. This service is available at Dubai International Airport and ensures a lighter, smoother check-in experience on the day of travel.

Seamless Onboarding and Departure

The Emirates experience doesn’t stop at check-in. From the moment you arrive at the airport, we ensure that every detail is taken care of:

  • Family-Friendly Facilities: Traveling with young children? At Dubai International Airport, we’ve got you covered with complimentary strollers and airport passenger buggies for added convenience.
  • Dedicated Lounges: Families can relax in our First and Business Class lounges, featuring dedicated play areas equipped with arcade games and video consoles. For unaccompanied minors, we provide a dedicated lounge with Wi-Fi, video games, and other amenities to ensure a comfortable wait.
  • Special Assistance: For families traveling with infants or children with disabilities, our “Meet and Assist” service offers personalized help from check-in to boarding.

Onboard Comfort for Every Family Member

Once on board, Emirates ensures your family’s journey is as enjoyable as the destination:

  • Child-Friendly Meals and Entertainment: Young travelers can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals tailored to their preferences. Our award-winning entertainment system offers a wide variety of movies, games, and shows to keep them entertained throughout the flight.
  • Essential Amenities for Parents: Parents can relax with amenity kits packed with baby essentials, while select seats feature bassinets to ensure infants sleep soundly during the flight. Bathrooms equipped with baby-changing facilities add to the convenience.
  • Thoughtful Service: Our cabin crew, trained in family-friendly hospitality, go the extra mile to make every passenger feel at home.

Creating Unforgettable Family Memories

At Emirates, we believe that prioritizing comfort and convenience transforms any journey into an unforgettable experience. From the moment you check in to the time you land, we ensure every detail is tailored to meet the needs of your family.

Ready to make cherished memories with your loved ones? Visit Emirates.com to explore our family-friendly travel options and book your next adventure today. Let us help you unwind, connect, and create moments that last a lifetime.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Smart home solutions to kickstart 2025

We are finally winding down another year and yet again we find ourselves on a renewed quest to improve our lives. Before we set the big holidays behind us, let’s welcome positivity and set intentions for the year ahead. Conclude 2024 with a grateful heart and reflect on how we can make life easier and more intentional for the coming year.

Small improvements such as refining routines or creating spaces that truly support your lifestyle can set the pace for a smarter, and more rewarding year ahead. Here, we’ve gathered some hacks and smart home items for the most-visited rooms. To those who want to start fresh. Making simple but thoughtful upgrades can create a space that not only works harder for you but also inspires a sense of ease and purpose as you move into 2025.

A Smarter Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of activity in any home, and smart upgrades can make it more efficient and enjoyable. Start with the Hamden Built-In Induction Hob, perfect for small spaces. It is a touch-control built in hob that also features a sleek design, and precision cooking capabilities. Pair it with the Hamden Range Hood Touch Control to maintain a clean, odor-free environment while adding a modern aesthetic. These appliances combine form and function, making your kitchen work smarter while looking its best.

Bathrooms with a Twist

Make the most of your bathroom experience with products that blend innovation and comfort. The GROHE Euphoria 180 Shower System delivers a luxurious shower while conserving water, and the GROHE Smartcontrol Trimset Shower Mixer lets you customize every detail for an optimized experience.

The Kohler Intelligent Toilet merges sleek design with advanced performance, featuring a compact, tankless build and chair-height seating for added comfort. Its stainless steel wand offers adjustable spray settings for water pressure, temperature, and pulsating options, while a heated seat, warm-air dryer, automatic deodorizer, and hands-free lid operation add convenience. Self-cleaning UV light technology, an LED nightlight, and an emergency flush system provide reliable hygiene and functionality.

For the ultimate upgrade, the Kohler Veil Intelligent Toilet stands out with its automated features and space-saving design, redefining modern bathroom luxury.

Comfort Meets Smart in Living Spaces 

Your living room and bedroom deserve the same level of attention when it comes to comfort and functionality. The Heim Mattress offers a perfect balance of comfort and adaptability. It is designed with innovative foam technology to cater to your body’s comfortability. Choose from standard, deluxe, or premium options—all crafted to provide maximum relaxation and peace of mind.  The Heim Mattress is also made with memory foam free from harmful compounds. This attention to detail allows you to recharge in a safe and health-supporting environment.

Complement this comfort with the Alphalux Radiant Series 5-star rated LED bulb. It is known for its exceptional brightness, long-lasting performance of up to 25,000 hours, and cost-saving efficiency. You can light up any space in your home with Alphalux.

Smart Solutions for Every Room

No smart home is complete without efficient water heaters from Ariston. Compact and energy-conscious, it provides instant hot water for your bathroom or kitchen needs. These products aren’t just upgrades—they’re investments in a smarter, more convenient future.

Start 2025 Smarter

Make 2025 the year of smarter living. A smart home isn’t just about adding technology to your homes. It is also about creating spaces that seamlessly fit your lifestyle and make daily routines effortless. With Wilcon Depot’s thoughtfully selected smart home solutions, upgrading to a more intuitive and efficient home has never been simpler.

Visit Wilcon Depot and start your year with these smart additions to your home. Make 2025 the year of smarter living.

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.

 

Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

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