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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

 

 


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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.

 


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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.

 


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

 

 


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Metro Manila Film Festival 2024: Filipino found footage horror finds its footing

Source: https://www.imdb.com/

By Brontë H. Lacsamana, Reporter

Movie Review
Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital
Directed by Kerwin Go
Produced by Reality MM Studios and Creative Leaders Group 8

TECHNOLOGY, social media, and the horrors that come with it are themes that resonate with younger audiences today. Much of our lives is filtered through a lens, be it that of a phone, laptop, or actual camera. Never mind the shaky movements, the off-kilter framing, or the unpredictable elements that pop up onscreen — these days, the cameras are always rolling. And if they’re not, you’re missing out.<

This is the context that motivates the adventurous ghost-hunting team of celebrities and online influencers in Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital. Starring Enrique Gil, Jane De Leon, Alexa Miro, Rob Gomez, MJ Lastimosa, Raf Pineda, and Ryan Azurin as exaggerated versions of themselves, this film delves into the consequences of always being “on,” for clicks, for clout, for cash.

The pursuit of fame and fortune takes the group to Taiwan’s infamous Xinglin Hospital, one of Southeast Asia’s most haunted locations, where they expect to simply generate hype and act out viral-worthy moments for their webseries — until actual paranormal phenomena start to happen.

As a fan of found footage horror (a genre of horror characterized by handheld, shaky camera movement or grainy camera quality due to the footage being “self-recorded”), I was so ready to be disappointed by this. It was probably the unbelievably low level of expectation that made this film such a pleasant surprise for me. It’s actually well-executed, director Kerwin Go was seemingly given a decent budget for the creepy atmosphere and demonic visuals to come to life.

Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital is directly inspired by the 2018 Korean horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, a fact that it wears on its sleeve with the characters even mentioning it as one of their favorite movies. What people usually ask about Filipino adaptations of Korean movies is whether it’s a trying-hard version of the source material. I’m happy to report that it’s not better or worse, instead becoming a thing of its own. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum had less distinct characters but more hair-raising scares from what I remember, while Strange Frequencies brings in more memorable character dynamics with some promising scares. Not bad.

(Spoilers ahead!)

Jane De Leon is the stand-out here, her facial expressions, voice, and body language perfectly suited for this genre. So much so that I wish she had been one of the last two to survive. She hit that sweet spot of desperate and smart-but-ultimately-doomed that befits a Final Girl.

With that said, the entire cast did their job, each of them playing up their celebrity qualities well: Enrique Gil’s hubris, Alexa Miro’s cutesy excitement, Rob Gomez’s asshole demeanor, Raf Pineda’s dramatic delivery of lines. Even Ryan Azurin, who is one of the first to die, and MJ Lastimosa, who’s an annoyingly emotionless beauty queen, do their part. It is with this cast that tensions rise and personalities clash, giving us the impression that living in the public eye has messed up their sense of integrity (Fake viral moments to get more views? No problem!).

Of course, none of it completely makes sense. The malevolent entity haunts and plays with them like pawns at times, while leaving them to wander around obnoxiously at others. Some characters die instantly; some are hunted and teased for extended periods. Certain abilities of this demonic spirit are introduced, but its hauntings are inconsistent.

To be even more nitpicky, the rules behind the footage get thrown out the window pretty quickly, with us seeing first-person handheld camera visuals mixed with third-person POV shots. I’m aware that purely found footage would be difficult to pull off, especially with this film that had a lot of moving parts, but some moments could have been better timed to leave more of an impact when there’s a switch from one mode to the other.

A bit more work could have also been done to lessen the glaring plot holes.

For example, they supposedly streamed their whole adventure live and never got caught (when they revealed clearly illegal machinations behind-the-scenes) or got help (when they started getting hurt and dying and were pleading with followers for it). Sure, it could have been a creative choice on the filmmakers’ part to show how desensitized netizens are to viral, clearly sensationalized content online, choosing to believe it’s all fake and therefore not reacting normally, but even then there’s a limit to that conceit.

The ending had a solid message though, which could have been finessed.

The last moments and deaths of certain characters drove home themes of fame and virality that motivate celebrities, content creators, and horror-related content today. Being stupid, inauthentic, irrational, and disrespectful (towards both the living and the dead) yields horrific consequences. It was riveting stuff that evoked the satirical elements of the 2023 American horror-comedy Deadstream, and the thought-provoking yet fast-paced sensibilities of various segments of V/H/S, a popular found footage horror film series.

Strange Frequencies’ meta approach is interesting, its creepy vibe and fun scares definitely worthy of screams in movie theaters — a good sign that Filipino found footage horror has found its footing. The last good attempt was the 2015 Mindanao-set film Salvage by Sherad Anthony Sandhez, and the genre hasn’t really been played with effectively since then. Hopefully we see more of it soon!

MTRCB Rating: R-13

Metro Manila Film Festival 2024: Vice Ganda goes serious, for a moment

Source: https://www.imdb.com/

By Edg Adrian Eva, Reporter

Movie Review
And the Breadwinner is
Directed by Jun R. Lana
Produced by Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Company

Vice Ganda’s films have consistently drawn polarized reactions over the years. While they undeniably connect with their target mass audience through Vice Ganda’s signature comedic style — made up of one-liners, puns, and parodies — some critics find the movies’ reliance on a repetitive formula less than appealing. The heavy use of slapstick humor and exaggerated scenarios is entertaining to many, but for some it often detracts from the films’ depth and artistic value.

However, in Vice Ganda’s newest film, And the Breadwinner Is, for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, the buzz suggests a potential shift in tone. The teaser hints at a more serious and dramatic narrative, balanced with the familiar nuances of comedy that have defined Vice Ganda’s style. This fresh direction is intriguing, particularly for someone who grew up watching Vice Ganda’s films.

As the film’s title suggests, Vice Ganda, playing Bambi Salvador, is established as the breadwinner of her family, taking on multiple jobs in Taiwan to support her big family in the Philippines. The movie starts strong, with Bambi narrating her hardships, supported by visuals that effectively show her unwavering dedication to building her family’s dream house.

Of course, it’s a Vice Ganda film, so comedy is always present, but what makes it more effective is how the comedy appears in the most unexpected scenes —moments that are sad or frustrating in nature. For example, in one scene the OFWs use the coffin of a recently deceased coworker to store their pasalubong or balikbayan items (gifts for those at home) — it’s a bit disturbing but hilarious at the same time. That they are unexpected makes the comedic moments in the initial part of the movie more effective.

However, when Bambi returns to the Philippines, the movie’s plot takes a downturn. What began as a balanced comedic-dramatic story shifts into full-blown comedy, reverting to the old formula. These moments could have been used to develop the character of Baby Salvador — Bambi’s older sister (played by comedian Eugene Domingo) — whose abandonment of her responsibilities is crucial to Bambi becoming the family’s sole breadwinner.

The comedic and swift reconciliation of Baby with her family, after being absent for more than 15 years, feels emotionally unrealistic. The family immediately accepts her with warmth, except for Bambi, who eventually accepts her as well. This feels like lazy writing, given how her character was established at the beginning of the film.

A visual portrayal of Baby leaving the family, Bambi’s turning point as the breadwinner, and Baby’s reasons for leaving and returning would have added depth to the characters, making their motivations more compelling — in a similar manner with how the initial narration was supported by effective visual cues.

While there are attempts to address these conflicts through occasional confrontational scenes, the movie’s shift to full-blown comedy and its rapid emotional transitions makes these scenes feel forced, as if they are included just to keep the plot moving forward.

The highlight of the movie is the single-camera confrontation scene between Bambi, Baby, and the rest of the family, notably younger brother Biboy Salvador, played by Jhong Hilario. As mentioned in an interview with the press, this intense moment was filmed in just one take.

Director Jun Lana’s vision for the scene is clear — he aims to immerse the audience, making them feel as though they are right there, witnessing the confrontation. However, this method has its drawbacks, as the single camera angle doesn’t fully capture the characters’ facial expressions. This scene is pivotal for Bambi and for the family to express their repressed emotions, and had it been executed better, like the confrontational scenes in Anak or Four Sisters and a Wedding, it would have been more effective.

Nonetheless, Vice Ganda’s acting workshop clearly paid off here, as she effectively conveys the burden and exhaustion of being the family’s breadwinner for so long.

Overall, And the Breadwinner Is holds strong appeal for Filipino families, thanks to Vice Ganda’s enduring star power and its family-centric theme. Had the film focused more on Bambi’s struggles and further explored how her years of hard work led to disappointment, while delving deeper into her conflict with Baby, with a more nuanced use of comedy, it could have been a standout moment in Vice Ganda’s movie career.

MTRCB Rating: PG

PHL stocks, peso close mixed on last trading day of 2024

PHILIPPINE STOCKS inched lower while the peso continued to rise against the dollar on Dec. 27, the last trading day of 2024

PHILIPPINE financial markets closed mixed on Friday — the last trading day of 2024 — as a volatile year that saw both the main stock index and the peso post multi-month lows came to an end.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) inched down by 0.15% or 10.23 points to end at 6,528.79, while the broader all shares index rose by 0.44% or 16.73 points to 3,748.51.

Still, the main index managed to post a year-on-year gain as its end-2024 close was 1.22% or 78.75 points higher than its 6,450.04 finish in 2023.

“The year’s last trading session saw the PSEi post a slight dip from the prior day’s close but just enough to end 2024 with a modest gain,” China Bank Capital Corp. Managing Director Juan Paolo E. Colet said in a Viber message.

“The PSEi ended 2024 lower, mirroring US market trends, as jobless claims fell to 219,000, below the 225,000 forecast, while continuing claims rose to 1.91 million the highest since November 2021,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

PESO AT THREE-WEEK HIGH
Meanwhile, the peso closed at P57.845 versus the dollar on Friday, appreciating by 12.5 centavos from Thursday’s P57.97 finish, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines’ website showed.

This was the local unit’s best finish in three weeks or since it ended at P57.735 a dollar on Dec. 6 as holiday and year-end flows continued to prop up the currency.

However, the peso weakened year on year, declining by P2.475 or 4.28% from its end-2023 finish of P55.37 versus the greenback.

“The peso closed today on a stronger note from holiday remittances and increased volume from year-end transactions,” a trader said on Friday. “Hawkish hints from the Bank of Japan has also chipped away some dollar strength in the global markets today.” — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave and Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Global Dominion: A leader in talent development and growth

By: Ariel Dizon

Every growing organization prioritizes expansion as a primary strategy for sustainable growth, whether by widening its reach or diversifying its products and services. For Global Dominion, developing its people plays a pivotal role in achieving growth. Staying true to its purpose of igniting and accelerating the growth of people and organizations, the company transforms lives for the better.

With its tagline, “Ka-partner mo sa pag-angat,” Global Dominion heavily invests in its employees through training, fostering internal mobility, and creating transparent career pathways. From onboarding to career advancement, employees are supported at every step. The company has nurtured many successful interns, several of whom have advanced to leadership roles—proof of its commitment to developing future leaders.

“As someone who started my journey within the Global Dominion family, I am a testament to the company’s dedication to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. The culture of learning, mentorship, and internal mobility here has been instrumental in shaping my career,” says Jethro Penamante, President of Cycle Financing Corporation, a subsidiary of Global Dominion.

Global Dominion’s impressive 92% internal promotion rate underscores its dedication to recognizing and fostering talent from within. This approach aligns with the creation of six new divisions offering a range of loan products: Car Financing, Truck Financing, Real Estate Mortgage, Real Estate Financing, Brand New Car Financing, and Branches Divisions. Each division is led by seasoned general managers, supported by assistant general managers and middle managers, ensuring robust opportunities for employee growth and leadership development. This structured growth strategy has driven the company to achieve remarkable milestones, including record-breaking loan bookings of 1 billion pesos in a month.

Global Dominion is also deeply committed to its employees’ learning and development. By implementing programs like Innov8’s Leadership Trilogy and mandatory technical and professional courses, the company fosters self-awareness and leadership effectiveness. This commitment reflects its dedication to nurturing talent and enhancing capabilities.

Through its comprehensive talent pipeline strategy, Global Dominion has successfully aligned organizational growth with employee development. These initiatives not only improve operational efficiency but also cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, positioning Global Dominion as a model for organizations that prioritize employee empowerment and sustainable growth.

 


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South Korea’s parliament impeaches acting president Han, as Yoon goes on trial

Acting South Korean President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo  / Yonhap via Reuters

SEOUL – South Korea’s parliament impeached acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday over a short-lived martial law, plunging the country deeper into political chaos, as the Constitutional Court said it would swiftly trial suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The impeachment of Han, who has been acting president since Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 for declaring martial law on Dec. 3, has thrown South Korea’s once-vibrant democratic success story into uncharted territory.

The motion led by opposition parties passed with 192 of the 300 votes amid rowdy scenes by ruling People Power Party members who surrounded the speaker’s podium chanting the vote was invalid and parliament had committed “tyranny.”

Ahead of the parliamentary session, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said his Democratic Party, which has majority control of parliament, will go ahead with the plan to impeach the acting president, accusing Han of “acting for insurrection”.

“The only way to normalise the country is to swiftly root out all the insurrection forces,” Lee said in a fiery speech, adding the party was acting on the public order to eradicate those who have put the country at risk.

There has been overwhelming public support for Yoon’s removal, according to opinion polls conducted after his martial law attempt.

The plan for a vote to impeach Han was unveiled on Thursday by the main opposition Democratic Party after he declined to immediately appoint three justices to fill vacancies at the Constitutional Court, saying it would exceed his acting role.

Until just before voting began, it was unclear how many votes were needed to impeach Han as acting leader. The threshold for a prime minister is a simple majority, while a two-thirds majority is needed for a president.

Speaker Woo Won-shik declared a simple majority would constitute parliamentary approval.

Han said in a statement after the vote that he would step aside to avoid more chaos and will await a Constitutional Court ruling on his impeachment.

By law Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will assume the acting presidency.

Choi earlier pleaded with parliament to withdraw the plan to impeach Han, saying it would do serious damage to the country’s economy.

The South Korean won retreated to 1,475.4 per dollar, down 0.53% at 0707 GMT ahead of the parliamentary vote.

The vote to determine Han’s fate comes on the same day the Constitutional Court held its first hearing in a case reviewing whether to overturn the impeachment and reinstate Yoon or remove him permanently from office. It has 180 days to reach a decision. — Reuters