Sabalenka eases past Andreeva; Gauff comes through Bencic test

January 19, 2025 | 5:33 pm

To reach the quarterfinals of Australian Open

MELBOURNE — Aryna Sabalenka brushed aside teenager Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff rallied past Belinda Bencic to reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and extend winning streaks as Melbourne Park stifled in the summer heat on Sunday.

Double defending champion Sabalenka’s 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Andreeva took her run of consecutive victories at Melbourne Park to 18 matches, while Gauff made it nine wins in a row in 2025 by seeing off the Swiss scourge of major champions 5-7, 6-2, 6-1.

Tommy Paul was the first man to book his spot in the last eight with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 win over Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who looked beaten up after back-to-back five-setters in the last two rounds.

“What he did is unreal, coming back from two sets down twice is amazing,” said Paul, one of four Americans in the fourth round.

“He deserves a round of applause and respect from me for staying out here today.”

Briton Jack Draper played three five-set epics in earlier rounds and he retired while losing 7-5, 6-1 to third seed Carlos Alcaraz.

Sabalenka was stunned in three sets by 17-year-old Andreeva in the quarterfinals of last year’s French Open but it was not even close on Sunday morning as the world number one wrapped up the victory in just 62 minutes.

“I’m super happy to get this win,” Sabalenka told reporters. “Mirra is so young, so mature, such a great player. She can play really great tennis.”

The Belarusian had struggled with her serve in her third-round contest and said she was much happier playing in the hotter temperatures on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.

“I’m super happy with my level today and I hope the conditions stay the same for the rest of the tournament,” she added.

Sabalenka will next face Russian veteran Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who ran away with a 7-6(0), 6-0 victory over Donna Vekic after the Croatian 18^th seed injured her knee before the first-set tiebreak.

“That’s not the way you want the match to finish,” the 33-year-old said. “It was such a good, tight match before the tiebreaker.”

Third seed Gauff lost her first set of the year to open her contest against Bencic, who had won seven of her last eight meetings with major champions.

Ranked a lowly 294^th on her return to the tour after having a daughter, the 27-year-old Swiss was put on the back foot when the 2023 US Open champion came out firing in the second set.

Gauff, a semifinalist here last year, continued to apply pressure and Bencic crumbled after two net cords conspired against her at 2-1 down in the third.

“Maybe a couple of years ago, if I lost the first set I might lose the match and I remember my dad said, ‘we’ve got to toughen you up,’” said 20-year-old Gauff.

“I was just trying to put myself in the position where I could leave the court and feel proud of myself.”

Gauff will face Sabalenka in the semifinals like last year if she can get past Spain’s Paula Badosa, who reached the last eight for the first time in Melbourne by beating Olga Danilovic 6-1, 7-6(2) on Margaret Court Arena.

Badosa had to rally from 5-2 down in the second stanza to get past the Serbian in straight sets and reach her second straight Grand Slam quarterfinal.

“It wasn’t like a real 5-2 because I was playing well,” said the 27-year-old.

Badosa said she was looking forward to taking on Gauff after losing to the American in Beijing and Rome last year to drop to 3-3 in their head-to-head meetings.

“I love Coco,” she said. “We always have tough matches. The last one was really tough for me… I hope I can have my revenge here.” — Reuters

Troy Rosario returns to Gilas training pool for final window of FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

January 19, 2025 | 5:32 pm

REDEMPTION is the name of the game as Troy Rosario brims with hunger and excitement in his surprise return to the Gilas Pilipinas training pool for the final window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers next month.

Almost three years since his last national team stint, Mr. Rosario has been called up by Gilas head coach Tim Cone, also his mentor in Ginebra, to the Gilas camp to fill up the void set to be left by injured players Kai Sotto (ACL) and Kevin Quiambao (sprain).

And Mr. Rosario can’t wait to strut his stuff once again with hopes of redeeming himself after being part of the infamous Gilas’ team that settled for a silver medal for the first time in 33 years in the 31^st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi.

Mr. Rosario was also part of Mr. Cone’s SEA Games championship team at home in 2019 and the FIBA World Cup under Yeng Guiao that same year before playing under Chot Reyes from there on.

With a revamped squad led by rising stars and under Mr. Cone’s tutelage, Gilas improved by leaps and bounds since then highlighted by the Asian Games title for the first time in 61 years, tough stand in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and an unbeaten record in the Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Nothing is cast in stone with regard to Mr. Rosario’s inclusion in the Final 12 but what motivates him is the challenge of riding with the fresh legs of Gilas youngsters led by Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, Mason Amos, Calvin Oftana and Dwight Ramos — with Messrs. Sotto and Quiambao out.

Mr. Rosario and company will be assembled by Mr. Cone in a Doha training camp early next month as the Asia Cup-bound Gilas (4-0) goes on the road against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand on Feb. 20 and 23, respectively, for a Group B sweep. — John Bryan Ulanday

Asia All-Stars suffer a 124-121 defeat to Rising Stars in Japan B.League

January 19, 2025 | 5:32 pm

BANNERED by Filipino imports, the Asia All-Stars absorbed a tough 124-121 defeat to the Rising Stars in the 2024-2025 Japan B.League Rising Star Game over the weekend at the Funabashi Arena in Chiba, Japan.

The Asia All-Stars wasted an 18-point lead en route to its first All-Star Game defeat against the Japanese Rising Stars after two straight wins since the implementation of the Asian Quota Program featuring players from the Philippines and other countries.

Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido), Kiefer Ravena (Yokohama B-Corsairs), Matthew Wright (Kawasaki Brave Thunders), Ray Parks Jr. (Osaka Evessa) and AJ Edu (Nagasaki Velca) led the Filipino contingent and impressed with good numbers but to no avail.

Mr. Edu dropped a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, Mr. Ravena had 16 points, Messrs. Parks and Wright scored 12 points each while team captain Dwight Ramos settled for five.

Ryo Sadohara of the Fighting Eagles Nagoya led the Japan Rising Stars with 28 points on 12-of-20 shooting while Kai King of Yokohama added 25 on seven treys.

The Asia All-Stars, who played without injured Kai Sotto (ACL) from the Koshigaya Alphas, took control of the game at 54-36 in the first half and was still in command, 112-105, in the final five minutes after a thunderous Mr. Edu slam but they ran out of steam.

Allen Hachimura, brother of LA Laker Rui, drained the go-ahead triple for Rising Stars to finish with seven points as Messrs. Wright, Ravena and Ramos misfired in their game-tying triples down the stretch. — John Bryan Ulanday

Donovan Mitchell has big night as Cavaliers down Timberwolves

January 19, 2025 | 5:31 pm

DONOVAN MITCHELL scored 36 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished seven assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 124-117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night in Minneapolis.

Darius Garland finished with 29 points, five rebounds and six assists for Cleveland. Georges Niang and Ty Jerome scored 15 points apiece off the bench, and Jarrett Allen chipped in 14 points while making six of nine shots from the field.

Anthony Edwards scored 28 points on 9-for-22 shooting for Minnesota. Julius Randle scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert also notched a double-double with 17 points and 12 boards.

Cleveland shot 45.7% (42 of 92) overall and 35.4% (17 of 48) from beyond the arc. The Timberwolves shot 47.8% (43 of 90) from the field and 39.5% (15 of 38) from 3-point range.

The Cavaliers outscored the Timberwolves 29-19 in the third quarter to take the lead for good. Mitchell and Garland opened the second half with a floating jump shot and a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a 65-60 lead and help set the tone for the rest of the way.

Jayden McDaniels made a basket to pull Minnesota within 81-79 with 2:09 remaining in the third quarter.

Cleveland finished the quarter on an 8-0 run to pull ahead 89-79 heading into the fourth. Jerome played a big part in the late third-quarter run as he made a 3-pointer and followed up by converting a three-point play to put the Cavaliers up by double digits.

The trend continued at the start of the fourth quarter as Cleveland scored the first 10 points to grab a 20-point advantage. Max Strus made a 3-pointer, Niang made a driving layup, Jerome buried a 3-pointer and Mitchell added a basket to give the Cavaliers a 99-79 lead with 9:59 remaining.

Minnesota pulled back within single digits on a layup by Rob Dillingham with 53 seconds to go, but by then it was too late to complete a comeback. — Reuters

Unrivaled

January 19, 2025 | 5:31 pm

As a new basketball league boasting of unique features, Unrivaled could not have begun with a better pair of matches. The inaugural tournament kicked off with a set-to between the Mist and the Lunar Owls, which just so happened to herald founders Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, followed by the equally competitive match pitting the Rose against the Vinyl. And, certainly, the way they and their teammates played the seven-minute quarters and Elan ending on a compressed floor shone the spotlight on everything good with their brand of 3v3 hoops. Wayfair Arena just off downtown Miami, a high-tech sound stage retrofitted for the two-month event, served as the perfect setting, with all 850 seats on tap no farther than 10 meters from all the action.

Heading into opening night, not a few quarters entertained doubts about the entertainment value of Unrivaled, and not just in relation to other three-on-three contests such as those in Summer Games and the Big3 League set up by rapper Ice Cube. That said, it had a lot going for it: established marquee names from the WNBA still at their peak, the backing of Corporate America, and, most importantly, the interest of diehard basketball fans looking to partake of their favorite sport in the offseason. And it likewise had an overriding objective outside the confines of the court: promise its stars part ownership of the fledgling enterprise and a take-home pay of some $200,000 to keep them stateside.

Given that the league is composed of only six teams, it had no choice but to get two to play anew the day after it opened its doors. And, as things turned out, the Lunar Owls — with Collier again putting up big numbers alongside Game One hero Skylar Diggins-Smith and Alisha Gray — managed to claim a second win. In contrast, the Rose, headlined by Angel Reese, Chelsea Gray, and Kahleah Copper, suffered another setback. At least they stayed within striking distance, unlike the highly touted Phantom, who suffered a 38-point drubbing at the hands of the extremely efficient Laces. Needless to say, the latter were handicapped by the absence of Marina Mabrey, especially with Sabrina Ionescu at less than a hundred percent and Satou Sabally still exhibiting rust.

All told, Unrivaled has the makings of a stellar product, the occasional clunker notwithstanding. Yes, there’s room for improvement; those in the comfort of their homes wanting to be more immersed in the proceedings would appreciate the broadcast to have less in-game interviews and more stat overlays, thus keeping the focus on the goings-on inside the lines. And because the optics do matter for a fledgling endeavor, the cameras could be better placed to show more of the capacity crowd and accentuate the energy over intimacy. The foundation is solid in any case, and it looks to be here to stay.

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 said to rethink plans for next week’s immigration raids

January 19, 2025 | 4:52 pm

US PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald J. Trump is set to assume office on Jan. 20, 2025. — REUTERS

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration is reconsidering plans for immigration raids in Chicago next week after details were leaked, Mr. Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan told the Washington Post in an interview on Saturday.

The new administration “hasn’t made a decision yet,” said Mr. Homan, the former acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE), according to the report. “We’re looking at this leak and will make decision based on this leak,” he added.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Officials and rights advocates had said Mr. Trump’s administration would launch sweeps in multiple US cities almost as soon as he takes office on Monday, with Chicago considered a likely first location.

Dulce Ortiz, president of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, told Reuters that as many as 200 ICE agents were expected to start raids in the Chicago area on Monday at 5 a.m., aiming to catch people heading into work or starting their day.

The enforcement had been expected to continue for several days, she said. An ICE spokesperson referred questions to the Trump transition team, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reuters reported Friday that agents would also conduct raids in New York and Miami. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that ICE would stage a week-long operation in Chicago with potentially hundreds of agents.

Mr. Trump said in an NBC News interview on Saturday that launching the mass deportations he promised in his election campaign would be a top priority. But he declined to identify the cities targeted or when deportations would start.

“It will begin very quickly,” said Mr. Trump. “We have to get the criminals out of our country.”

Mr. Homan himself had appeared to confirm the raids earlier on Saturday, telling Fox News that “targeted enforcement operations” would quickly pursue some of what he said were 700,000 migrants who are in the US illegally and under deportation orders. He indicated the efforts would occur in several cities.

“President Trump has been clear from day one … he’s going to secure the border and he’s going to have the deportation operation,” Mr. Homan told Fox News ahead of Mr. Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

Mr. Homan said the agency had carefully planned the operation and identified specific individuals for enforcement.

“Every target for this operation is well-planned, and the whole team will be out there for officers’ safety reasons,” he said.

Asked how the detention operations would be received in so-called sanctuary cities, which have pledged not to use city resources for federal immigration raids, Mr. Homan said sanctuary city policies were “unfortunate.”

In the case of targeted individuals who are already in local jails, he said the cities’ stance creates a threat to public safety. Cities would “release that public safety threat back into the community….and force (ICE) officers into communities,” Mr. Homan said.

He urged public officials of those cities to assist in the deportation raids, but added, “We’re going to do this, with or without their help. They are not going to stop us.” — Reuters

Malaysia takes on ASEAN mantle but tempers expectations on Myanmar, South China Sea

January 19, 2025 | 4:51 pm

In this photo illustration, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emblem is seen on a smartphone screen in front of the ASEAN flag. — PAVLO GONCHAR / SOPA IMAGES/SIPA VIA REUTERS CONNECT

LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Southeast Asian foreign ministers hold a closed-doors retreat in Malaysia on Sunday, as the country hosts its first meeting as chair of the regional bloc ASEAN amid an intensifying civil war in Myanmar and confrontations in the South China Sea.

Malaysia takes its turn as rotating chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the bloc contends with Beijing’s assertiveness in the South China Sea and a faltering ASEAN peace process for Myanmar, where the ruling military plans to hold an election this year.

Malaysia is committed to addressing regional issues, but expectations on Myanmar and the advancing of talks on an ASEAN-China code of conduct for the South China Sea should be measured, a top official said.

“To say that we will have a solution immediately is going to be very ambitious,” Malaysian foreign ministry secretary general Amran Mohamed Zin told a media briefing ahead of the retreat on Langkawi island.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since early 2021 when its military overthrew an elected civilian government, triggering pro-democracy protests that morphed into a widening armed rebellion that has taken over swathes of the country.

Despite being battered on multiple frontlines, its economy in tatters and dozens of political parties banned, the junta is pushing to hold an election this year, which critics have widely derided as a sham to keep the military in power through proxies.

ASEAN has so far failed to implement a “Five-Point Consensus” peace plan unveiled months after the coup, which prescribes dialogue and an end to hostilities, and it has yet to discuss a common position on the election.

“Everybody wants to help Myanmar … engagements have happened and will continue under Malaysia’s chairmanship,” Mr. Amran said.

‘TENTATIVE PROGRESS’
Each ASEAN member state has a role to play in ensuring the South China Sea is a “sea of peace and trade”, Mr. Amran said, adding tentative progress has been made towards creating a code of conduct with China, which claims sovereignty over most of the strategic waterway.

The South China Sea, a conduit for about $3 trillion of annual ship-borne trade, has been the site of heated standoffs in the past two years between ASEAN member the Philippines and China, a major source of the region’s trade and investment.

Vietnam and Malaysia have also made protests over the conduct of Chinese vessels in their exclusive economic zones, which Beijing says are operating lawfully in its territory.

The Philippine foreign minister on Saturday told Reuters it was time to start negotiating thorny “milestone issues” for the protracted code, including its scope and whether it can be legally binding.

Adib Zalkapli, managing director at geopolitical research firm Viewfinder Global Affairs, said there was political will in Malaysia to push for a political resolution for Myanmar, but concrete progress on rules for the South China Sea was unlikely under Malaysia’s chairmanship.

“It remains an issue that the claimant states have to manage and contain, to ensure it does not unnecessarily escalate,” Mr. Adib said. — Reuters

TikTok goes dark for US users; company pins hope on Trump

January 19, 2025 | 4:50 pm

WASHINGTON — TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform used by 170 million Americans.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app.

“A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned,” the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night.

Even if temporary, the unprecedented shutdown of TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, is set to have a wide-ranging impact on US-China relations, U.S. domestic politics, the social media marketplace and millions of Americans who depend on the app economically and culturally.

The United States has never banned a major social media platform. The law passed overwhelmingly by Congress gives the incoming Trump administration sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps.

Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in US app stores as of late Saturday.

“The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because it’s appropriate,” Mr. Trump told NBC. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.”

It was not clear if any US users could still access the app, but it was no longer working for many users, and people seeking to access it through a web application were met with the same message that TikTok was no longer working.

TikTok, which has captivated nearly half of all Americans, powered small businesses and shaped online culture, warned on Friday it would go dark in the US on Sunday unless President Joseph R. Biden’s administration provided assurances to companies such as Apple and Google that they will not face enforcement actions when a ban takes effect.

MOVE TO ALTERNATIVES
Under the law passed last year and upheld on Friday by a unanimous Supreme Court, the platform had until Sunday to cut ties with its China-based parent or shut down its US operation to resolve concerns it poses a threat to national security.

Mr. Biden’s White House reiterated on Saturday that it was up to the incoming administration to take action.

“We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday,” press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

TikTok did not respond to a request for comment on the White House statement.

The Chinese embassy in Washington on Friday accused the US of using unfair state power to suppress TikTok. “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” a spokesperson said.

Uncertainty over the app’s future had sent users — mostly younger people — scrambling to alternatives including China-based RedNote. Rivals Meta and Snap have seen their share prices rise this month ahead of the ban, as investors bet on an influx of users and advertising dollars.

“This is my new home now,” wrote a user in a RedNote post, tagged with the words “tiktokrefugee” and “sad.”

Minutes after TikTok’s US shutdown, other users took to X, formerly called Twitter.

“I didn’t really think that they would cut off TikTok. Now I’m sad and I miss the friends I made there. Hoping it all comes back in just a few days,” wrote @RavenclawJedi.

‘HAIR ON FIRE’ MOMENT
NordVPN, a popular virtual private network, or VPN, allowing users to access the internet from servers around the world, said it was “experiencing temporary technical difficulties.”

Web searches for “VPN” spiked in the minutes after US users lost access to TikTok, according to Google Trends.

Users on Instagram fretted about whether they would still receive merchandise they had bought on TikTok Shop, the video platform’s e-commerce arm.

Marketing firms reliant on TikTok have rushed to prepare contingency plans in what one executive described as a “hair on fire” moment after months of conventional wisdom saying that a solution would materialize to keep the app running.

There have been signs TikTok could make a comeback under Mr. Trump, who has said he wants to pursue a “political resolution” of the issue and last month urged the Supreme Court to pause implementation of the ban.

TikTok chief executive officer Shou Zi Chew plans to attend the US presidential inauguration and attend a rally with Mr. Trump on Sunday, a source told Reuters.

Suitors including former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt have expressed interest in the fast-growing business that analysts estimate could be worth as much as $50 billion. Media reports say Beijing has also held talks about selling TikTok’s US operations to billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk, though the company has denied that.

US search engine startup Perplexity AI submitted a bid on Saturday to ByteDance for Perplexity to merge with TikTok US, a source familiar with the company’s plans told Reuters. Perplexity would merge with TikTok US and create a new entity by combining the merged company with other partners, the person added.

Privately held ByteDance is about 60% owned by institutional investors such as BlackRock and General Atlantic, while its founders and employees own 20% each. It has more than 7,000 employees in the US. — Reuters

Displaced by California fires, Angelenos anxiously search for somewhere to live

January 19, 2025 | 4:49 pm

CALIFORNIA-WILDFIRES — SMOKE rises from a wildfire burning near Pacific Palisades on the west side of Los Angeles during a weather driven windstorm, in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 7, 2025. — REUTERS

THOUSANDS of Angelenos who lost their homes in some of the most destructive wildfires in California history find themselves in fierce competition with one another for an affordable place to live in Los Angeles’ post-disaster housing market.

The fires have killed at least 27 people as of Friday and destroyed more than 10,000 structures in the residential enclaves of Pacific Palisades and Altadena. In the wake of the fires, rents have surged and uncertainty over insurance settlements has left some of the displaced in limbo.

In interviews this week, Angelenos described the anguish of exile from beloved neighborhoods and the daunting task of figuring out what comes next for themselves and their families. Here are some of their stories:

‘TOTALLY CRAZY’ RENTAL MARKET
John Adolph, a 48-year-old video producer, and his wife, two small children and two dogs have been staying with friends since they fled their Altadena home a week ago. Their ranch-style home of six years near the Angeles National Forest was totally destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

“We thank God we’re safe, but we don’t know what’s next,” he said. “We both are lucky, our jobs are still here. I know people who have lost their livelihoods and have to start totally over. We’re still employed.”

Mr. Adolph and his wife, Christine, are lifelong Angelenos, and have no plans to move from the area permanently “unless it’s done kicking and screaming,” he said.

For now, the family was content to stay with friends, but knows it’s a lot to ask long term. They were already looking at rental apartments.

“We have two kids and older dogs, we can’t just bounce from hotel rooms to Airbnbs,” he said. “We need something stable for the kids.”

When they went to view a rental, there were already six families lined up ahead of them.

“It’s totally crazy,” Mr. Adolph said. “It’s going in insane mode.”

Even though his home was insured, he worries that surging construction costs and new insurance rates might price them out of their own neighborhood.

“So it’s up in the air if we can actually rebuild,” he said. He has no idea how long the county will take to clear the debris before they can even start. “We’d really love to stay, but who knows, we don’t know.”

‘MUSICAL CHAIRS’
On the GoFundMe page set up by Kate Alexandria, she includes a photograph of the fire consuming her rental apartment in Altadena and says her credit cards are maxed out. People had donated more than $3,000 as of Friday.

Ms. Alexandria, a 27-year-old grant writer, moved to Los Angeles three years ago from Grass Valley, a small city north of Sacramento, after becoming unnerved by nearby devastating wildfires.

She was renting what she described as an illegally converted apartment in Altadena above garages filled with fuel, paint and other fire accelerants. For a time, she split the $2,000 monthly rent, a bargain in Los Angeles, with a roommate.

After the fire, the landlord refunded January’s rent, but she still has not got back her $2,000 security deposit, which she says she sorely needs.

Ms. Alexandria says she takes about 40 different medicines to control the painful symptoms of a disability, but most of the drugs were destroyed by the fire. Replacing the prescriptions will cost hundreds of dollars.

Her cat is staying at a friend’s house in nearby Pasadena that’s under renovation, while she crashes at the home of a friend’s mother in Van Nuys, about 20 miles west of Altadena, until Saturday, when the mother returns from a trip. Most days she shuttles between the two places.

“It’s going to be musical chairs for a bit,” she said. FEMA has approved her for an initial payment of $770, not much in a city as expensive as Los Angeles. She is trying to get approved for a disaster credit from Airbnb.org, which would get her at least a few days in a rental.

California bans hiking prices by more than 10% in a declared disaster, yet rents have surged all the same. As Ms. Alexandria browsed apartment listings, places that were listed at $2,000 a month in January were now going for more than $3,000, she said.

She is dismayed at what she called the “ghoulishness” of landlords, but dreams of returning to her beloved neighborhood.

“It’s just the weirdest and most wonderful place in Los Angeles,” she said.

‘FEELS LIKE A GHOST TOWN’
“I feel like where you live is part of your identity,” said Deisy Suarez-Giles, who lost the four-bedroom Altadena home she bought in 2021 and the garden of citrus and avocado trees she planted on the property. “I feel like part of who we are is gone.”

She and her husband, Keith Giles, have secured a hotel room in downtown Los Angeles near their spa business at about $170 a night, a sort of employee discount because the hotel uses their masseurs.

On Friday, they shifted to a free rental apartment donated by Airbnb for 10 days. After that, they do not know where they will end up.

The couple sent their two young sons to relatives in Florida, until some stability can be restored.

She and her husband still have to pay the mortgage every month on their destroyed home, on which they still owe $850,000. Mortgage payments are more difficult now because they had partly relied on the rent paid by a tenant living in a studio at the back of the house. And their spa business is suddenly slow.

“We’ve been struggling and now with the fire it just feels like a ghost town,” she said. “Nobody’s mindset right now is ‘spa’.”

She is waiting to hear from the insurer on how much of their expenses over the next 12 months it will reimburse. Before beginning their rental search in earnest, they need to know their budget.

They have put some feelers out, but a new Christmas puppy for the boys is proving an easy reason for landlords to dismiss them: “No pets.”

‘FORTUNATE AND BLESSED’
Kathleen McRoskey closed the deal to buy her two-story, four-bedroom home on the day of the 1994 earthquakes, and left it last week just before it was consumed by the Palisades Fire.

She and her husband, Mike, both grew up within a few miles of the Palisades and met in first grade. They have resolved to stay in the neighborhood where they raised their four children.

The family is now staying at her husband’s sister’s house near the University of California, Los Angeles.

“It’s invaluable to be with family and to be within miles of where we lost our home,” Ms. McRoskey said. “On the other hand, we’re putting a burden on her.”

Navigating the Los Angeles market has been a jolt. A tip from her husband’s friend who works in real estate about an unlisted rental house in Santa Barbara led to an early-morning viewing of the property that she said felt like a “drug deal.”

They know they have a relatively generous budget because, a few months ago, her husband decided to increase their fire insurance coverage after helping an elderly woman who struggled to file claims after losing a home in the 2018 fire in Malibu.

“We are extremely fortunate and blessed,” she said.

They hope to move up the coast to Santa Barbara in February, when they will start to think about the years-long process of building a new home on their Palisades property.

“We never dreamed of rebuilding in our 70s,” she said. — Reuters

From hospitality dreams to AR realities: Joon Yung Min’s Mobile Marble Race revolution

January 17, 2025 | 4:00 pm

Joon Yung Min, a 35-year-old Korean visionary, has redefined online gaming with his revolutionary platform, Mobile Marble Race. Combining augmented reality (AR) with interactive gameplay, this dynamic platform has captured the imagination of millions worldwide, solidifying Min’s position as a trailblazer in the tech industry.

From Gamer to Game Developer

Mr. Min’s passion for gaming quickly transformed into a career pursuit. Following a short stint in the hospitality industry, he dove headfirst into learning coding, graphic design, and game development. Over a decade, he cultivated the skills and entrepreneurial mindset necessary to bring his vision to life.

In 2024, Mr. Min launched Mobile Marble Race, a groundbreaking platform that merges AR technology with engaging gameplay. Designed to appeal to players across all age groups, the game offers:

Customizable Tracks: Players can design their marble racecourses with unique themes.

Interactive Worlds: Dynamic environments evolve based on player interactions.

Community Focus: Global leaderboards and team challenges foster collaboration and competition.

A Global Phenomenon

Mobile Marble Race quickly gained traction, earning a devoted fanbase and attracting significant investments from top tech firms. Its adaptability, inclusivity, and focus on community have made it a worldwide success.

“Creating Mobile Marble Race allowed me to fulfill my childhood dream of crafting spaces where everyone feels welcome — this time, in a virtual world,” Mr. Min shares. The platform’s global reach has united players from diverse cultures, offering a shared space for creativity and collaboration.

Future Frontiers

As Mobile Marble Race continues to dominate the gaming world, Mr. Min remains focused on innovation. His future plans include expanding the game’s AR capabilities and introducing new features that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

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Globe named Rising Star at 2024 HireVue Customer Excellence Awards

January 17, 2025 | 3:54 pm

Globe has been honored as a Rising Star at the 2024 HireVue Customer Excellence Awards in recognition of its commitment to elevating talent acquisition and management.

The award is presented to new HireVue customers or those who have implemented a HireVue solution from 2023 to 2024. HireVue is a pioneer and global leader in Human Potential Intelligence.

Globe maintains high standards for talent by utilizing global best practices, such as the HireVue assessment process. Its pilot run of HireVue solutions last year yielded improved results in sourcing top candidates and enhancing the overall hiring experience for managers, strengthening its position as a leading employer in the Philippines.

“This award affirms our ongoing efforts to adopt global best practices in talent acquisition, highlighting our progress in enhancing recruitment efficiency, candidate experience, and hiring manager satisfaction,” said Renato Jiao, Globe’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

Globe Chief Human Resources Officer Renato Jiao

The recognition was accompanied by a congratulatory message from Geoff Camplin, Senior Vice President of Customer Success at HireVue, who said: “Your submission exemplifies the incredible work you are doing to raise the standard of hiring. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and the opportunity to work alongside you.”

Now in its fourth year, the 2024 HireVue Customer Excellence Awards celebrated 20 outstanding companies across various categories from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific (APAC). Notable winners include the Emirates Group, Philips Electronics, AT&T, Dyson Technology Ltd, and Willis Towers Watson.

Globe’s inclusion among these industry leaders is a testament to its strategic drive towards excellence in human resource practices.

By integrating technology-driven solutions like HireVue, Globe streamlines its recruitment process, demonstrating its commitment to cultivating a culture that attracts and retains exceptional talent.

For more updates on Globe’s hiring initiatives and available career opportunities, visit www.globe.com.ph.

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Driving growth and leadership: Global Dominion wins big at 2024 Global Economics Awards

January 17, 2025 | 2:04 pm

Global Dominon Financing, Inc. President and Managing Director, Patricia Poco-Palacios

By Jay Ann Bonghanoy

Global Dominion has solidified its excellence in the financial services industry by receiving two prestigious awards at the 2024 The Global Economics Awards. The company was named the “Fastest Growing Business Owners Financing Solutions Provider,” while its President and Managing Director, Patricia Poco-Palacios, earned the title “Woman Leader of the Year in SME Financing.” The awards ceremony, held on Jan. 8, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, celebrated innovation and excellence among global industry leaders.

These awards highlight Global Dominion’s significant contributions to the financial empowerment of business owners and the exceptional leadership of Patricia Poco-Palacios. “We are truly honored and grateful to receive the Global Economics Awards. Two awards for the Philippines, the — ‘Fastest Growing MSME Financing Solutions Provider’ and the ‘Woman Leader of the Year in SME Financing.’ This inspires us to keep on working hard in the service of our clients and to truly look forward to a better 2025,” Poco-Palacios remarked.

Global Dominion’s recognition underscores its commitment to addressing challenges faced by MSMEs. The company consistently delivers innovative financing solutions designed to help businesses thrive in competitive markets. By simplifying loan processes, offering competitive interest rates, and creating tailored financing packages, Global Dominion has become a trusted partner for business owners aiming to achieve their goals and dreams.

To further support business owners, Global Dominion has implemented several initiatives. These include specialized loan packages for sectors such as Car and Truck Refinancing (Sangla ORCR), Real Estate Mortgage (Sangla Titulo), Real Estate Financing, Brand New Car and Truck Financing, and Second-Hand Car and Truck Financing. The company also organizes workshops and financial literacy programs to equip business owners with knowledge on effective financial management and strategic growth.

Global Dominion catered to almost 10,000 SMEs in 2024, reflecting its expansive reach and dedication to empowering business owners nationwide. By partnering with industry associations and local communities, the company continues to identify growth opportunities and provide customized financing solutions tailored to expansion goals.

These efforts demonstrate Global Dominion’s commitment to providing more than just financial support, empowering business owners with tools and resources for long-term success while fostering sustainable growth in the financial sector.

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