CHINESE AND TAIWANESE flags are seen in this illustration, Aug. 6, 2022. — REUTERS
TAIPEI — China is deploying its largest navy fleet in regional waters in nearly three decades, posing a threat to Taiwan that is more pronounced than previous Chinese war games, the Taiwanese defense ministry said on Tuesday.
Speaking in Taipei, defense ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang said the scale of the current Chinese naval deployment in an area running from the southern Japanese islands down into the South China Sea was the largest since China held war games around Taiwan ahead of 1996 Taiwanese presidential elections.
China’s military has yet to comment and has not confirmed it is carrying out any exercises.
China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory over the island’s rejection, had been expected to launch drills to express its anger at President Lai Ching-te’s tour of the Pacific that ended on Friday, which included stopovers in Hawaii and the US territory of Guam.
Taiwan’s military raised its alert on Monday after saying China had reserved airspace and deployed naval and coast guard vessels.
“The current scale is the largest compared to the previous four,” Sun said. “Regardless of whether they have announced drills, they are posing a great threat to us.”
Senior ministry intelligence officer Hsieh Jih-sheng told the same press conference there have so far been no live fire drills in China’s seven “reserved” air space zones, two of which are in the Taiwan Strait, but there had been a significant increase in Chinese activity to the north of Taiwan over the last day.
The number of China navy and coast guard ships in the region, which a Taiwan security source told Reuters remained at around 90, was “very alarming,” and China was taking aim at other countries in the region and not only Taiwan, he added.
China’s deployment in the First Island Chain — which runs from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines and on to Borneo, enclosing China’s coastal seas — is aimed at area denial to prevent foreign forces from interfering, Mr. Hsieh said.
INTERNAL SEA The ministry said China’s navy is building two “walls” in the Pacific, one at the eastern end of Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone and the other further out in the Pacific.
“They are sending a very simple message with these two walls: trying to make the Taiwan Strait an internal sea” of China, said Mr. Hsieh.
Earlier on Tuesday, the defense ministry said it detected 47 military aircraft operating around the island over the past 24 hours, as well as 12 navy vessels and nine “official” ships, which refers to vessels from ostensibly civilian agencies such as the coast guard.
Of the aircraft, 26 flew in an area to the north of Taiwan off the coast of China’s Zhejiang province, six in the Taiwan Strait and a further 15 to the island’s southwest, according to a map the ministry provided in its daily morning statement on Chinese activities.
A senior Taiwan security source told Reuters that the Chinese aircraft simulated attacks on foreign naval ships and practiced driving away military and civilian aircraft as part of a “blockade exercise.”
Mr. Lai and his government reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.
China says the Taiwan issue is the “core of its core interests” and a red line the United States should not cross.
China has held two rounds of major war games around Taiwan so far this year. — Reuters
THIS IMAGE shows the Cosmic Cliffs, the edge of a nearby, young, star-forming region NGC 3324 in the Carina Nebula, 7,600 lightyears away. This was captured in infrared light by the Near-Infrared Camera on NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, and released on July 12. — NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI
WASHINGTON — Fresh corroboration of the perplexing observation that the universe is expanding more rapidly than expected has scientists pondering the cause — perhaps some unknown factor involving the mysterious cosmic components dark energy and dark matter.
Two years of data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have now validated the Hubble Space Telescope’s earlier finding that the rate of the universe’s expansion is faster — by about 8% — than would be expected based on what astrophysicists know of the initial conditions in the cosmos and its evolution over billions of years. The discrepancy is called the Hubble Tension.
The observations by Webb, the most capable space telescope ever deployed, appear to rule out the notion that the data from its forerunner Hubble was somehow flawed due to instrument error.
“This is the largest sample of Webb Telescope data — its first two years in space — and it confirms the puzzling finding from the Hubble Space Telescope that we have been wrestling with for a decade — the universe is now expanding faster than our best theories can explain,” said astrophysicist Adam Riess of Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, lead author of the study published on Monday in the Astrophysical Journal.
“Yes, it appears there is something missing in our understanding of the universe,” added Mr. Riess, a 2011 Nobel laureate in physics for the co-discovery of the universe’s accelerating expansion. “Our understanding of the universe contains a lot of ignorance about two elements — dark matter and dark energy — and these make up 96% of the universe, so this is no small matter.”
“The Webb results can be interpreted to suggest there may be a need to revise our model of the universe, although it is very difficult to pinpoint what this is at the moment,” said Siyang Li, a Johns Hopkins doctoral student in astronomy and astrophysics and a study co-author.
Dark matter, thought to comprise about 27% of the universe, is a hypothesized form of matter that is invisible but is inferred to exist based on its gravitational effects on ordinary matter — stars, planets, moons, all the stuff on Earth — which accounts for roughly 5% of the universe.
Dark energy, believed to comprise approximately 69% of the universe, is a hypothesized form of energy permeating vast swathes of space that counteracts gravity and drives the universe’s accelerating expansion.
What might explain the anomalous expansion rate?
“There are many hypotheses that involve dark matter, dark energy, dark radiation — for example, neutrinos (a type of ghostly subatomic particle) — or gravity itself having some exotic properties as possible explanations,” Mr. Riess said.
The researchers employed three different methods to measure a specific telltale metric — distances from Earth to galaxies where a type of pulsating star called Cepheids have been documented. The Webb and Hubble measurements were in harmony.
The universe’s expansion rate, a figure called the Hubble constant, is measured in kilometers per second per megaparsec, a distance equal to 3.26 million light-years. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).
Under the standard model of cosmology — basically, the conventional wisdom concerning the universe — the value of the Hubble constant should be about 67-68. The Hubble and Webb data give a value averaging about 73, with a range of about 70-76.
The Big Bang event 13-14 billion years ago initiated the universe, and it has been expanding ever since. Scientists in 1998 disclosed that this expansion was actually accelerating, with dark energy as the hypothesized reason.
The new study looked at Webb data covering about a third of Hubble’s full slate of relevant galaxies. The researchers in 2023 announced that earlier interim Webb data validated the Hubble findings.
So how might this Hubble Tension mystery be solved?
“We need more data to better characterize this clue. Exactly what size is it (the discrepancy)? Is the mismatch at the lower end — 4-5% — or the higher end — 10-12% — of what the current data allows? Over what range of cosmic time is it present? These will further inform ideas,” Mr. Riess said. — Reuters
DAMASCUS/NEW YORK — The lightning overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad left Syrians, countries in the region and world powers nervous on Tuesday about what comes next as the rebel alliance took its first steps in a government transition.
The United Nations (UN) Security Council met behind closed doors late on Monday, and diplomats said they were still in shock at how quickly Assad’s overthrow unfolded over 12 days, after a 13-year civil war that was locked in stalemate for years.
“Everyone was taken by surprise, everyone, including the members of the council. So we have to wait and see and watch … and evaluate how the situation will develop,” Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters after the body met.
Russia played a major role in supporting Mr. Assad’s government and helping it fight the rebels. The Syrian leader fled Damascus for Moscow on Sunday, ending more than 50 years of brutal rule by his family.
With the mood in Damascus still celebratory, Mr. Assad’s prime minister, Mohammed Jalali, on Monday agreed to hand power to the rebel-led Salvation Government, an administration based in rebel-held territory in northwest Syria.
The main rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, better known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, met with Jalali and Vice-President Faisal Mekdad to discuss the transitional government, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters. Jalali said the handover could take days to carry out.
Al Jazeera television reported the transitional authority would be headed by Mohamed al-Bashir, who has headed the Salvation Government.
The steamroller advance of the militia alliance headed by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, was a generational turning point for the Middle East.
The civil war that began in 2011 killed hundreds of thousands, caused one of the biggest refugee crises of modern times and left cities bombed to rubble, countryside depopulated and the economy hollowed out by global sanctions.
But the rebel alliance has not communicated plans for Syria’s future, and there is no template for such a transition in the fractious region.
Oil prices rose more than 1% on Monday, partly on concerns that instability in Syria, which is not a major oil producer, could raise regional tensions, analysts said.
“This is an incredible moment for the Syrian people,” Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said in New York. “Now we’re really focused right now on trying to see where the situation goes. Can there be a governing authority in Syria that respects the rights and dignities of the Syrian population?”
The US was seeking ways to engage with Syrian rebel groups and is reaching out to partners in the region such as Turkey to start informal diplomacy, Washington said.
Qatari diplomats spoke with HTS on Monday, an official briefed on the developments told Reuters, as regional states race to open contact with the group.
‘FREEDOM, EQUALITY, RULE OF LAW’ Some insurgent fighters who milled about the capital on Monday, clustering in the central Umayyad Square, expressed hope a civilian administration would soon be running the country.
“We want the state and security forces to be in charge,” said Firdous Omar, a fighter who intends to resume farming in provincial Idlib.
Golani has vowed to rebuild Syria, and HTS has spent years trying to soften its image to reassure foreign nations and minority groups within Syria.
But fears of reprisals remained. HTS said it will not hesitate to hold security and army officers involved in torturing the Syrian people accountable, describing them as criminals and murderers.
“We will release a list that includes the names of the most senior officials involved in the torturing of the Syrian people,” Golani said in a statement. “Rewards will be offered to those who will provide information about senior army and security officers involved in war crimes.”
HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by many states and the UN, and its governing credentials are uncertain.
“Syrians are looking forward to establishing a state of freedom, equality, rule of law, democracy, and we will join efforts to rebuild our country, to rebuild what was destroyed, and to rebuild the future, better future of Syria,” Syria’s UN Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak told reporters.
There were tentative signs of a return to order. Syria’s banks will reopen on Tuesday, and the oil ministry called on all employees in the sector to head to work on Tuesday, adding that protection would be provided to ensure their safety.
In one of many challenges facing Syria, Israel seized a buffer zone in the country’s south, a move condemned by Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia said the move would “ruin Syria’s chances of restoring security.”
Israel said its airstrikes would carry on for days but told the UN Security Council that it was not intervening in Syria’s conflict. It said it had taken “limited and temporary measures” solely to protect its security. — Reuters
BRUSSELS — Sixteen European Union (EU) countries asked the European Commission on Monday to propose a new law in the coming months on taxing tobacco in the bloc to include new products such as electronic cigarettes — vapes — which are not covered under existing legislation.
The initiative, led by the Netherlands, has the support of Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Spain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Ireland, Slovenia and Portugal.
In a letter to the Commission, finance ministers from the countries say an update to the bloc’s 2011 EU tobacco taxation law is needed because — in the absence of EU regulations on vaping — each country now applies different rules and levels of excise tax, distorting the bloc’s single market.
“Based on the current directive, most of these products cannot be taxed like traditional tobacco products. The provisions of the current directive are insufficient or too narrow to meet the challenges faced by the administrations of Member States given the ever-evolving offerings of the tobacco industry,” said the joint letter, seen by Reuters.
“Due to shortcomings in the EU legislation, Member States have taken appropriate actions at the national level. This has led to fragmentation, an uneven playing field and, ultimately, to the distortion of our internal market,” it said.
An update to the EU tobacco taxation law was due at the end of 2022, but has been delayed and governments want the new Commission, which took office on Dec. 1 for the next five years, to address this urgently.
The European Commission has so far set regulatory standards for e-cigarettes, including limits on nicotine content and labels explaining they should not be used by non-smokers. Manufacturers must register with the government before selling.
But otherwise the rules differ from country to country. In France people under the age of 18 cannot buy vapes, and their use is banned in certain public places, including universities and on public transport.
Italy lifted a ban on using electronic cigarettes in public in 2013. Use in or near schools is still forbidden. Disposable vapes have attracted particular attention from lawmakers in some European Union countries amid environmental and health concerns. France has moved to ban them entirely.
The German Federal Council, the upper house of parliament, has called on the government to push for a similar ban on disposable vapes across the EU.
Tobacco company Imperial Brands, which makes vape brand blu, said harmonizing EU rules on taxation would probably have a positive impact for consumers and manufacturers, provided vape taxes remained lower than those on cigarettes.
“We believe that proportionate excise can play a role in effective regulation of vaping,” it said. — Reuters
NEW YORK — Jen Watson, a 41-year-old mother in Federal Way, Washington, has worked for years with her doctor to find the right medications to deal with her multiple chronic illnesses, which include epilepsy and fibromyalgia.
Her doctor had found some medications that could reduce Watson’s nerve pain, but Watson says her UnitedHealthcare Medicaid plan refused to cover the drugs. And because of her pain, it has been hard for Watson to find work.
“I’ve been struggling to find work in part because I can’t stand for more than 15 minutes and end up in serious pain very quickly because my symptoms aren’t well managed,” Watson told Reuters.
The killing last week of a powerful health insurance executive has ignited an outpouring of anger from Americans struggling to receive and pay for medical care.
The man suspected of killing Brian Thompson, chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, in a brazen shooting outside a midtown Manhattan hotel last week has been arrested, New York City officials said on Monday.
“It does seem that he has some ill will toward corporate America,” New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said of the suspect.
The attack called fresh attention to deepening frustrations over health coverage.
Recent data show that patients are now even more likely to have their claims denied, pay more for premiums and medical visits, and face unexpected costs for care they thought was covered by their health plan. Rising costs are attributed in part to consolidation of doctors’ practices, hospitals and insurers.
UnitedHealthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group, is the largest manager of health benefits, followed by Cigna and CVS Health.
“It’s a very shocking event. But it’s also an opportunity for people to vent about issues that have been of great concern to many people,” said Tahneer Oksman, a professor at Marymount Manhattan College’s communications department in New York.
Americans pay more for health care than any other country and over the past five years, spending on insurance premiums, out-of-pocket co-payments, pharmaceuticals and hospital services has increased, government data shows.
Shares of UnitedHealth have nearly doubled over the last five years. During the week of the shooting, UnitedHealth shares fell by more than 10% through Friday.
UnitedHealth, CVS and Cigna did not provide a comment for this story.
Insurance industry trade group AHIP said in an e-mailed statement that health plans, providers and drugmakers share responsibility to make care as affordable as possible and easier to navigate.
“Health plans are working to protect patients from the full impact of rising costs while connecting them to care that is safe, evidence-based and coordinated,” the group said.
Insurers who manage health benefits and drug benefits say that they negotiate down prices of doctor visits, hospital stays and costly medications. Most plans are sponsored by employer or government clients who foot part of the bill and have a say in what gets covered.
Kevin Gade, COO at investment firm Bahl & Gaynor, which owns about 2.6% of UnitedHealth shares, said companies like UnitedHealth play an important role in providing critical and needed care for all patients within an inefficient US healthcare system that needs to evolve.
“Unfortunately, when you’re dealing with people’s lives, there is a reality that there will be hiccups along the way,” he said.
Justine, 51, a UnitedHealthcare customer who works at a nonprofit in New York City, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and underwent a double mastectomy in 2018. She asked that her last name be withheld for privacy reasons.
A year after surgery, she developed lymphedema, in which fluid builds up in her arm that can lead to infections and is treated by being fitted with custom-made compression sleeves.
Her employer-based insurance from UnitedHealthcare approved the sleeves, which cost $4,000 for a night sleeve, and several hundred dollars for a daytime sleeve replaced every three or four months.
But the company that made them said UnitedHealthcare failed to pay, citing various paperwork issues. “That continued for a long time,” said Justine. “I kept feeling like, is this a run out the clock situation?”
The Patient Advocate Foundation, a charity that provides patient claims aid and financial assistance, has found that cases have gotten much more difficult to resolve.
In 2018, a case manager would need to initiate on average 16 phone calls or emails to resolve a claim; now, it’s 27, said Caitlin Donovan, the group’s spokesperson.
“The American health insurance industry is becoming more complicated to navigate, negotiate and try to appeal,” Donovan said.
CLAIMS DENIALS RISE The 2010 Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, set new baselines for who and what insurance plans must cover. As costs have risen, insurers increasingly turned to the prior authorization process, vetting requests for medical services before agreeing to pay.
Prior authorizations were deployed 46 million times in 2022, up from 37 million in 2019, a KFF analysis of privately managed Medicare Advantage plans for people aged 65 and older or who are disabled found. CVS denied 13% of such requests while Elevance’s Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield denied 4.2%. UnitedHealthcare denied 8.7%.
Only about 10% of patients appeal these denials, and of those challenges, about one-third fail, KFF said.
In an American Medical Association 2023 survey, 94% of physicians said prior authorization delayed care, and 78% said it sometimes led to patients abandoning treatment. Nearly 1 in 4 reported it had resulted in a serious adverse event for patients and 95% reported it raised physician burnout.
Denials of health claims also increased, rising 31% in 2024 from 2022, according to a 2024 survey by credit firm Experian of 210 healthcare staff responsible for billing and reimbursement.
Patients who are denied claims appeals have few avenues of legal redress after the insurer’s own process. Federal law for employer-sponsored plans limits damages to the amount of a denied claim, which means few law firms are inclined to take such cases, said Sara Haviva Mark, a lawyer who specializes in representing people whose claims are denied.
In the KFF survey, 18% said their health plans did not pay for care they thought was covered in the prior 12 months.
Rachel Benzoni, a 37-year-old doctoral student in Omaha, Nebraska, said she has watched loved ones and friends struggle to navigate the healthcare system, and has had issues receiving coverage under UnitedHealthcare for routine procedures including dental care.
“I recently paid nearly $1,000 to get periodontal work done, as United denied my entire claim,” she said, adding that they did not give a reason for the denial beyond that the procedure was not covered. — Reuters
NEW YORK — The United States’ busy ports kicked activity up a notch in November and December, when inbound cargo traffic is set to reach new records, the National Retail Federation (NRF) industry group said on Monday.
Retailers had already been front-loading purchases due to a shortened holiday season and shipping bottlenecks worldwide, but the prospect of a mid-January port strike and tariff increases planned by President-elect Donald
J. Trump has big importers accelerating their buys.
“The window to front-load goods on vessels arriving before a potential strike is quickly closing. Then there are issues as President-elect Trump promises to increase tariffs,” said Jonathan Gold, vice-president for supply chain and customs policy at the NRF.
The International Longshoremen’s Association union and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group were at odds as of November, after temporarily suspending a strike in October. A strike could strangle activity at ports stretching from Maine to Texas once the contract ends on Jan. 15.
October’s three-day strike was the first large-scale strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports in nearly 50 years, which caused a summer rush of imports to the United States.
Mr. Trump’s proposals for tariffs of 10% to 20% on all imports and a 60% or more tariff on goods from China have added to retailers’ anxiety. Between September and mid-November, more than 200 companies in the S&P 1500 Index mentioned tariffs on conference calls or at investor events as an issue.
Mr. Trump promised an additional 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico and a further 10% tariff on China unless the three countries clamped down on illegal immigration and fentanyl flowing into the United States.
“Shippers are moving up as much cargo as they can before then.” Mr. Gold added.
NRF, which counts the country’s largest shippers, Walmart, Target and Lowe’s among its members, said in a Monday report it expects November container volumes to hit a record 2.17 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 14.4% from a year earlier. December volumes are forecast at a record 2.14 million TEUs, up 14% year over year, NRF said.
US shoppers could lose up to $78 billion in annual spending power annually if Trump’s tariffs proposal on all imports is implemented, a previous NRF study showed. — Reuters
The countdown to the holidays just got more exciting as ZALORA officially launches its 12.12 Year-End Sale, inviting shoppers to discover the perfect gifts for everyone on their Christmas wishlist from today until Dec. 15, 2024 at zalora.com.ph. This year’s celebration is made even more special with celebrity IT couple, Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras celebrating their first Christmas with each other and with ZALORA, embodying the joy of finding the “Real Deal” this holiday season.
Gifts for Everyone
ZALORA recommends gifts from its stellar lineup of global favorites like adidas, Nike, New Balance and Puma. On top of new colorway drops of the crowd-favorite adidas Terraces collection, ZALORA and adidas are also launching collector’s shirts featuring artworks from local artists, exclusively available on ZALORA.
The best gifts truly come in small packages with Swarovski on sale up to 40% off and Charriol at 3% off + 2% Cashback plus a free exclusive gift of a snow globe worth Php10K. Luxury is indeed available on ZALORA with Coach, Dior Beauty, Jo Malone, and Dyson all offering holiday glam for all.
Fashion favorites Mango, COS, H&M, & Other Stories, Urban Revivo; travel best-sellers American Tourister, Samsonite, the 815 co, and Kamiliant; plus Gingersnaps, Mothercare, Mini Melissa and more for kids complete the perfect wishlist lineup.
Kyline and Kobe’s first Christmas
Adding even more sparkle to the season, Kyline and Kobe are the perfect duo to bring ZALORA’s campaign to life, celebrating the joy of real connections and real finds. “Whether it’s love or the perfect holiday gift, we always want the REAL DEAL — something authentic and meaningful,” said Kyline, sharing her excitement about joining the ZALORA family. “I had my first shoot with ZALORA back in 2020, during the pandemic! It’s crazy to think that four years later, I am now officially joining the family. I’m thrilled to be here, and to have this experience with Kyline makes it even more special,” shares Kobe.
ZALORA, in partnership with Sparkle GMA Artist Center, held a festive launch event on Dec. 4 at Manila House bringing together Sparkle GMA artists, media, and ZALORA VIPs. Guests were surprised with a scavenger hunt of gifts, and the evening was even more vibrant with Diageo’s cocktails and spirits along with athleisure brand adidas showcasing its holiday picks, highlighting the intersection of style and celebration that ZALORA is known for.
Aashish Midha, CEO and Managing Director of ZALORA Philippines and Indonesia, spoke about the partnership, saying, “Kyline and Kobe are the freshest faces for ZALORA because they represent authenticity, individuality, and the spirit of giving that we champion this holiday season. They embody the joy of finding the ‘Real Deal,’ whether it’s a meaningful connection or the perfect gift, and that’s exactly what ZALORA strives to deliver to our customers every day.”
Joy Marcelo, First Vice-President for Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Talent Development and Management, expressed great excitement about the growing and stronger partnership with ZALORA. With Heart Evangelista as ZALORA’s first endorser, the brand set a high standard in fashion and lifestyle. Now, the addition of Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras brings even more star power and versatility to their campaigns. Marcelo shared, “We are thrilled to bring the REAL DEAL this ZALORA 12.12 Christmas Sale, a highly anticipated event where customers can enjoy unbeatable deals and exclusive promotions. Having Kyline and Kobe join Heart in representing ZALORA is a testament to the dynamic energy and diverse talent of our Sparkle artists. Together, they embody style, authenticity, and creativity, which are perfectly aligned with ZALORA’s brand values.” This collaboration aims to enhance the shopping experience, making this year’s 12.12 Christmas Sale more exciting and memorable for customers as they celebrate the festive season.
Vouchers and Giveaways this Season of Giving
This 12.12, ZALORA is pulling all the stops with an array of exciting deals and exclusive offers to make holiday shopping truly memorable. With discounts up to 90% off, generous cashback rewards, and free shipping deals, shoppers can enjoy incredible savings on every purchase. ZALORA’s nationwide shipping ensures customers across the Philippines can access these amazing deals, while its expanded assortment of brands guarantees the perfect gift for everyone — including dad, mom, partners, best friends, kids, and even pets.
To end the year strong, ZALORA has partnered up with valued payment partners like BPI, Metrobank, EastWest Bank, UnionBank, and more to enjoy up to P1,000 worth of savings on top of sitewide deals and discounts. Get your Holiday wish lists ready and start loading your carts, the best shopping deals are yours to unlock this 12.12.
ZALORA is also giving away P120k worth of vouchers through a social media giveaway. Customers can join by sharing their 12.12 wishlists and tagging @zaloraph @itskylinealcantara and @_kokoparas on Instagram using the hashtags #ZALORA1212 and #KylineKobeforZALORA
Shop like a VIP
Spend P3k from Dec. 3 to Dec. 15 and get a ZALORA VIP subscription for FREE! ZALORA VIP customers enjoy first dibs on the hottest deals and latest arrivals, free and fast delivery with no minimum spend and a special cash back on every order!
The 12.12 Year-End Sale is now live, and ZALORA invites everyone to experience the joy of finding gifts they’ll love from brands they trust. Don’t miss Kyline and Kobe’s first campaign with ZALORA and the much-anticipated “12 Gifts of Christmas” on YouTube, launched on Dec. 6, where Kyline and Kobe take center stage to unveil giveaways from 12 incredible brands, each one offering the perfect holiday cheer. With unbeatable deals, exclusive offers, and the convenience of shopping from anywhere, there’s no better way to make this holiday season extra special. Visit www.zalora.com.ph and discover the “Real Deal” this 12.12!
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.
(The film will have special screenings to be announced, and will be streaming in IWant TFC, a.k.a. The Filipino Channel.
WARNING: Plot and dramatic high points in the story are discussed in close and explicit detail.)
I mentioned first seeing Mario O’Hara’s Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Three Years Without God, 1976) in the 1990s in a fading magenta print, then seeing it again — partially restored to its former glory by L’Immagine Ritrovata — in 2016. Earlier this week I finally saw it regraded to black-and-white by ABS CBN’s Film Restoration Project — not necessarily meant to supplant the original, colored copy but to stand alongside it, as an experiment meant to address the fading colors by eliminating them.
I noted advantages: that the film, set in the Second World War, looks even more like an artifact of the time (black and white was cheaper and more stable, hence used more often under difficult combat conditions); and that O’Hara inserted archival footage of actual fighting and, thanks to the regrading, the documentary segues into drama more seamlessly.
Also, I submit that the more surreal and theatrical effects O’Hara wields throughout the film are only enhanced by black and white. As Luis Bunuel or Maya Deren or Teinosuke Kinugasa might tell us, dreams and nightmares snuggle closer, burrow deeper under the skin when black and white.
And, as Orson Welles liked to say, “(F)aces in color tend to look like meat — veal, beef, baloney.” He thought color distracted the eye, that doing without helped purify the image, allowed us to focus on an actor’s eyes and face.
So (I submit) no actor’s face feels more purified in black and white than producer/lead actor Nora Aunor’s. I’ve always asserted her style of performance was in the tradition of silent films with her expressive face and eloquent eyes; seeing her in largely wordless sequences, in glorious monochrome, confirms my suspicions.
I have always thought O’Hara had a talent for wielding shadows. When Japanese officer Masugi (Christopher De Leon) assaults Rosario (Aunor) in the family pig pen, O’Hara’s camera keeps her face in half-shadow, like a fugitive animal trying to hide in the dark.
The reverse shot also catches Masugi in half-shadow but to opposite effect: the dark slices off the lower half of his face, leaving his plump cheeks bright-lit, suggesting a devil imp that wants a bit of fun — and in fact O’Hara has him pick up a sheaf of straw to tease her with.
Screenshot
Sadism is nothing new to films; what O’Hara brings to the party is an element of mischief, even humor. The cruelty of his characters has a sense of play to them.
Then the church massacre, which demonstrates O’Hara’s skill at action set pieces. A cat-and-mouse hunt between informer and guerrilla in drag ends in a bloodbath.
Note how O’Hara plays with triangular shapes here, the aisle forming a target gallery, the soldiers’ legs planted in wide stable stances, their rifles triangulating as they fire.
The churchgoers are held hostage, and O’Hara gives us a royal flush of faces: smooth faces, mustached faces, lined faces, cherub-cheeked faces smiling, talking, eating, hugging.
A bit of Vittorio Storaro or Roberto Rossellini post-war neorealism, made convincing by the townsfolk of Majayjay, Laguna, made even more convincing — and moving — by the austerity of black and white.
Then the scene at the bridge — called the Puente del Capricho, the Spanish official’s mocking name for Franciscan Friar Victoriano del Moral’s ambitious project (also nicknamed “Tulay Pigi” (Butt Bridge), for the friar’s tendency to whip the buttocks of the bridge workers).
Rosario stands at the span’s midpoint with her precious burden in arms, and, though you may not realize it, this is also the film’s midpoint and a turning point in Rosario’s life. In color the bridge is a solemn mossy-green presence; in black and white it is a massive shadow looming over the Olla River, the dark and stony riverbed below reflecting the dark and stony state of Rosario’s mind.
Cut to a medium shot of Rosario with her bundle, from which you can see a tiny chubby hand waving; the shot sells you the idea that this is a live baby in her arms and she is standing atop the Puente del Capricho, looking down.
Then the aftermath, where the scene plays out as if in a silent film. When Masugi finds Rosario, she has no words to explain herself, just soft animal noises.
The shame is plain on her face, the tenderness on Masugi’s. The chords of Minda Azarcon’s simple piano melody play in the background.
This is possibly Christopher de Leon’s finest moment, and a high point of the film.
Then the moment when Rosario stood before the crosses of her parents. Not a talky scene — just Rosario and Masugi standing before an overcast sky, the colors (if memory serves me) bleached almost to the point of monochrome — with this regraded copy, all pretense of color has been put to rest, the shot revealed as the bleakest in a bleak film.
The picture as a whole looks fine but really comes to life in the shadows. The scene of Rosario and Masugi hiding in the nipa hut (Masugi trying to tell Rosario in so many words that he can’t protect her anymore, and here they must part) was gorgeous in color; in black and white there’s a severe beauty to the image that recalls Mizoguchi, his camera pulled back a discreet distance just because the onscreen emotions are so strong. Note O’Hara’s use of light and dark — Nora’s dark skin in white shift, against Christopher’s light skin in dark shadow, the contrast heightened in monochrome.
And in these later passages the biblical allegories come to fore. This shot suggests not just Joseph, Mary, and child fleeing Herod, but refugee families fleeing war. Again, the black and white imagery allows a stronger visual link between documentary and dramatized scenes.
The guerrilla attack — the shadows so deep the guerrillas emerge suddenly as if from a black pool, to aim their rifles at the screen.
One guerrilla points a .45 Colt, and O’Hara angles the weapon so that it looks about the size of a cannon.
And three guerrillas against a dark background — made all the more dramatic in black and white — line up in a row, as if in a firing squad.
I mentioned the sense of playful cruelty in O’Hara’s films — recall Masugi and his handful of straw. The guerrillas show they can play that game too, perhaps even better than the Japanese (you might say they learned from the best).
Case in point: Rosario with child, huddled among the cogon grass — in black and white the shadows are deeper and more comforting, a thick velvet blanket to hide Madonna and child. Cogon not bulrushes, but one can’t help but think of the babe Moses, adrift in the wild.
And Rosario looking out from the deep dark tall grasses, discovers the guerrilla’s parting prank.
A parody of an iconic Catholic image.
In the 1970s, blood in Filipino films tended to be distractingly pinkish; in black and white there’s nothing to detract from the moment, the image — against a background of deepest dark — is delivered like a slap to the face, plain and simple with no chance to flinch.
O’Hara’s reply to the guerrillas: not a parody (the timing of the reveal and Minda Azarcon’s solemn music suggest otherwise) but an evocation of the Pieta. And if you’ve seen the statue up close, you’d know it was made in Carrera marble of the purest white, and that this is just that much closer to the Michelangelo masterpiece.
O’Hara shoots Rosario from behind the burning pyre, the flames appearing to flicker round her body — as if she herself stood in hell. Again, black and white heightening the drama of the moment.
And the finale, with Rosario’s former lover Crispin asking the priest: “These past three years — is there no god?” The priest points out the blind man and his palsied brother, and I’m reminded of why O’Hara cast Melvin Flores in the role: “Because he had beautiful eyes.” “You cast him as a blind man for his beautiful eyes?” “Of course!” And of course Flores’ eyes in the severity of black and white shine out all the brighter, remind me of Nazario Gerardi’s in Roberto Rossellini’s TheFlowers of St. Francis, also in black and white; possibly O’Hara saw the film. I might even say Flores bears a striking resemblance to Gerardi, though the former’s eyes seem larger (but I maybe be biased)…
Following the priest’s hollow platitudes is O’Hara’s own reply to Crispin, in my book the finest shot in the film, perhaps even all of Philippine cinema: the blind man carrying his paralyzed brother past the gigantic float of Christ, the tiny pair on one side, the float dominating the landscape.
And again, such a theatrical gesture, I submit, works better in black and white, the pair of small figures padding down the aisle making contrast with the grand procession tottering and swaying in the opposite direction, the one having little to say to the other.
Finally, a shot of Flores’ eyes, huge and sightless in black and white. I can think of worse ways to close a film.
From left to right: Avinash Uttamchandani, General Manager of Newtrends International Corp.; Lenny Grace Baldago, Brand Assistant of Daniel Wellington Philippines; Yvonne Aresu, influencer; Via Carillo, influencer; Angel Secillano, influencer; Sophia Marcos, influencer; Bea Deniece Bautista, Brand Manager of Daniel Wellington Philippines; Gee Jocson, fashion stylist; Therese Villamor, influencer; Paulo Santos, Marketing Director of Newtrends International Corp.; Diana Prince Resurreccion, Supply Chain – MPC Director of Newtrends International Corp.
Daniel Wellington, a global icon known for its minimalist design and timeless craftsmanship, has officially launched in the Philippines just in time for the holidays. With Watch Republic Shops as the official distributor, Daniel Wellington’s exquisite watches and jewelry are now EXCLUSIVELY available in key locations of Watch Republic across the country, offering a premium shopping experience that reflects the brand’s dedication to quality and style.
Daniel Wellington Launch at Watch Republic
In a stunning event held at the Watch Republic Shop in SM Mall of Asia, Daniel Wellington announced its exclusive availability at Watch Republic. The high-energy afternoon brought together media and influential personalities, including Therese Villamor, Via Carillo, Sophia Marcos, Angel Secillano, and Yvonne Aresu. Guests were treated to a personalized styling session hosted by Gee Jocson, where they explored how to pair Daniel Wellington’s timeless pieces with modern looks, adding a touch of elegance to their personal style.
Avinash Uttamchandani, General Manager of Newtrends International Corp., warmly expressed his gratitude to the media and key opinion leaders (KOLs) for their invaluable support in making the Daniel Wellington launch at Watch Republic a remarkable success. He acknowledged their role in amplifying the brand’s message and connecting with a wider audience.
A Global Leader in Accessories, with sustainability at its core
With a vision to become the world’s leading accessory brand, Daniel Wellington continues to deliver stylish, high-quality products that stand the test of time. Daniel Wellington is committed to building a sustainable future, creating watches and accessories designed for both durability and style while upholding responsible practices.
Explore the Collection: Enduring elegance and exceptional craftsmanship
Daniel Wellington combines authenticity and originality to create pieces that transcend trends and stand the test of time. Each design is a modern classic — refined essentials that complement any look for any occasion. Known for precision and Italian leather straps, Daniel Wellington is the perfect balance of craftsmanship, style and durability
Classic Watch Collection: Featherlight Elegance
Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, the Classic Collection is a testament to understated luxury. With an ultra-thin metal bezel and beveled case back, these watches offer a featherlight feel and a near-seamless profile — making them a perfect balance of comfort and style.
Petite Collection: Everyday Elegance
The Petite Collection redefines contemporary minimalism with its delicate design and elegant mesh bracelet. Created to be your everyday companion, these versatile watches add a subtle touch of sophistication to any look, effortlessly elevating your style.
Quadro Collection: Bold Rectangular Designs
For those who dare to stand out, the Quadro Collection offers a distinctive twist on traditional round watches. With bold rectangular cases, these timepieces make a striking style statement while staying true to Daniel Wellington’s refined aesthetic.
Classic Jewelry Collection: Timeless Craftsmanship for Every Occasion
Our Classic Jewelry collection is a true celebration of the impeccable craftsmanship behind all of Daniel Wellington’s timeless designs. With a casual yet tasteful allure, our jewelry is designed to be worn everyday, no matter the occasion.
To learn more about Daniel Wellington and explore the latest collections, visit www.watchrepublicshop.com. Daniel Wellington watches and jewelry are also available in Watch Republic Shops nationwide.
Stay connected and be part of the journey with #DWatWatchRepublic. For more stories and updates, find us on Facebook at Watch Republic Shop Ph and follow along on Instagram at @watchrepublicshop.ph.
About Daniel Wellington
Founded in 2011 by Filip Tysander, Daniel Wellington is a globally recognized watch and accessories brand celebrated for its minimalist, timeless designs. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the brand offers a range of iconic timepieces and accessories that blend sophistication with everyday versatility. Known for their clean dials, interchangeable straps, and classic appeal, Daniel Wellington products are designed to suit any style or occasion. With a commitment to quality and an eye for detail, the brand has garnered a loyal following across more than 25 markets worldwide.
About Newtrends International Corp. (NIC)
Newtrends International Corp. (NIC) is the exclusive distributor and retailer of Daniel Wellington watches and accessories in the Philippines. The company is committed to provide a wide selection of Daniel Wellington products reflecting the rich legacy and innovation of the brand. NIC’s mission is to provide exceptional customer service and ensure that every Daniel Wellington watch and accessory embodies reliability and style, inspiring Filipinos to embrace life’s moments with confidence.
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.
Almost 5,000 students of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental will benefit and receive a big boost in their robotics and programming skills because of the training hosted by BingoPlus Foundation last November.
BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of Digiplus Interactive Corp., gave the students of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, a significant boost in their robotics and programming aspirations by organizing a workshop that will develop their skills and deepen their knowledge in the robotics and programming field.
Held last November, celebrating Children’s Month, the training brought together elementary to senior high school students from Dr. Vicente F. Gustillo Memorial National High School, Sped High School, Cadiz West Elementary School I and II, Cadiz East Elementary School I and II, Caduha-An National High School, Villacin National High School, Tiglawigan National High School, Sped Training Center and DepEd Cadiz, offering them hands-on experience in building and programming robots.
An estimated 4,853 students will benefit from the robotics and programming initiatives to be implemented at the different schools led by the students who took part in the initial seminar.
Students from 10 schools and DepEd across Cadiz City enthusiastically dive into learning at the Robotics and Programming workshop, showcasing their curiosity and passion for innovation.
“At BingoPlus Foundation, we believe in empowering the youth with skills that prepare them for the future. By providing access to robotics and programming training, we’re sparking their curiosity and equipping them with tools to innovate and lead in a technology-driven world,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, executive director of BingoPlus Foundation.
Roxan Cosico, founder of the Robotics and Programming Guild of the Philippines, led the robotics discussion, providing participants with the skills to create robots and program them for specific tasks. In addition to students, 213 teachers also gained valuable knowledge to guide future generations.
Aside from the robotics and programming training, the city also received robotics kits which will be housed at the Cadiz Public Library, one of the adopted PLUS centers of BingoPlus Foundation.
Cadiz City Students empowered with robotics and programming skills by BingoPlus Foundation
Going the Extra Mile for Youth
BingoPlus Foundation’s initiatives reached further, providing 50 students from the Carol-an IP Community in Kabankalan with tablets to enhance their learning experience. Meanwhile, 60 scholars attended the second session of the FutureSmart Leadership Assembly last Nov. 30 at the DigiPlus headquarters.
The session, titled The Power of Habits, focused on helping students develop positive routines to improve academic and personal growth. With a hybrid format, the assembly brought together scholars onsite and virtually, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and actionable plans for success.
Holistic Support for Health and Welfare
BingoPlus Foundation also extended aid to children’s health and basic needs. In Kalaklan, Olongapo, 350 kids received free medical checkups, vitamins, and essential medicines. Additionally, orphans at Saint Rita Orphanage in Parañaque City were provided with food and baby essentials, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the nation’s youth through education, health, and care.
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.
Cocolife executives (L-R) Ma. Rowena Asnan, FVP-Head of Marketing and Research; Teresa Bose, VP-Head of Customer Experience; and Ma. Rowena Enojo, Head of Systems and Project Management, proudly receives the award trophy on stage.
Cocolife, the biggest Filipino-owned stock life insurance company, has been honored with the prestigious CXP Best Customer Experience Award 2024, strengthening its position as a leader in customer service excellence in the Philippine insurance industry. Cocolife also holds the distinction of being the only Filipino company to receive the award among its Southeast Asian contemporaries.
Awarded by CXP Asia, the region’s premier body recognizing excellence in customer experience, the event celebrates organizations that set benchmarks in service and innovation across Asia.
Cocolife executives Ma. Rowena Asnan, Teresa Bose, and Ma. Rowena Enojo with CXP Representative, Mr. Rick Tiw
Cocolife executives Ma. Rowena Asnan, First Vice-President, Marketing and Research; Teresa Bose, Vice-President, Customer Experience; and Ma. Rowena Enojo, Head, System and Project Management received the trophy during the awards night recently held at the One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The CXP Best Customer Service Awards Asia 2024 highlighted the theme “Beyond Expectations, Beyond Experimentations, Beyond Excellence, and Beyond Edges.”
“This award is a testament to our efforts in elevating customer satisfaction, redefining the expectations of what an insurance provider can offer. We constantly enhance products and services through adaptive technologies while maintaining a strong emphasis on personal connections. This has reinforced Cocolife position as a leader in providing top-tier customer experiences, Ms. Asnan stated in her acceptance speech.
Ms. Bose added, “This prestigious award will serve as an inspiration for us to continuously make excellent Customer Experience our priority. In Cocolife, Customer Experience is very important as the customers are the reason for our being. We will strive to maintain our passion of providing seamless and exciting journey for our customers”
Cocolife‘s CXP Best Customer Experience Awards 2024 trophy and certificate
Cocolife’s various customer service initiatives were evaluated through the proprietary CXP Velocity Model, which focuses on four critical elements of the customer experience spectrum: Effort, Experience, Engagement, and Evangelism. This comprehensive approach assesses the entire customer journey, from ease of service to complaint resolution and post-purchase satisfaction.
Cocolife executives Ma. Rowena Asnan and Teresa Bose proudly carries the award trophy and certificate.
Cocolife places its customers at the forefront of everything it does, celebrating their aspirations through initiatives designed to help them achieve a secure financial future. These efforts are grounded in the company’s core belief: “Believing in the Filipino.” By championing the Filipino dream of freedom from financial burdens and inadequacies, Cocolife strives to provide support through exceptional customer service, all while staying true to Filipino values.
“This achievement reminds us of the importance of our mission: to serve others more and find ways to be better. We hope to make Cocolife a world-class insurance company, a beacon of hope that Filipinos can truly be proud of,” President and CEO Atty. Martin Loon expressed.
The 2024 CXP Best Customer Experience Award recipients with their trophies; Cocolife is the only Filipino company to receive this prestigious award.
This latest award from CXP Asia further solidifies Cocolife’s commitment to delivering the highest level of service excellence and strengthening its relationship with the Filipino people.
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.
When it comes to retirement planning, we often hear the same advice: save and invest. But how do you ensure that the money you’ve worked hard to save will provide a steady income in your retirement years? InLife offers an answer to this question through InLife Retire Assure.
Designed as the first true retirement insurance product in the Philippines, InLife Retire Assure takes the guesswork out of retirement planning as it goes beyond the traditional lump-sum benefits offered by other companies. Instead, it offers a stable monthly income that can last from age 60 until 100. It’s like receiving a paycheck even after you have stopped working, ensuring that you can maintain your lifestyle and freedom without worrying about your future expenses.
Monthly Income Matters in Retirement
One key to financial security in retirement is to have a regular income stream. It’s not just about how much you have saved; it’s also about ensuring that your savings can provide for you in a manageable, consistent way. The goal is to replace your lost income once you retire, so you don’t have to worry about running out of money during the most crucial times.
InLife Retire Assure’s guaranteed monthly income helps protect retirees from the risks of overspending or outliving their savings. This type of steady cash flow, combined with potential dividends to keep up with the cost of living, allows for a true sense of financial independence and peace of mind.
Addressing a Real Need for Filipino Retirees
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show that 80% of Filipinos over the age of 60 are not financially equipped to meet their basic needs in retirement. While government programs like the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) provide support, the average monthly pensions, P5,123 for SSS and P18,525 for GSIS, may not be enough to sustain a retiree’s desired lifestyle.
InLife Retire Assure offers a disciplined way to prepare for the future. By allowing you to set aside a portion of your income over a period of five or ten years, or through regular payments until the age of 59 or 64, it ensures that your money grows with you. The best part? You don’t have to go through stringent medical evaluations to qualify for an InLife Retire Assure policy. This means every Filipino can secure a stable financial future especially after retirement.
Flexibility and Security Built into Your Plan
InLife understands that every person’s financial journey is unique. With InLife Retire Assure, policyholders have flexible payment options to make contributions annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly, based on what suits their lifestyle. And when it’s time to receive the benefits, payouts are easily accessible through a designated bank account.
Additionally, InLife Retire Assure provides a life insurance component, giving peace of mind that your family will be protected even if unforeseen events occur. This dual benefit means that, beyond retirement, your loved ones are also cared for financially.
Empowering Filipinos to Retire Without Worries
InLife’s Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez, explains the driving force behind InLife Retire Assure: “We want our fellow Filipinos to retire without worries. Retirement should be a time to relax, reconnect, and explore. People deserve to live their lives to the fullest without the stress of outliving their savings.”
Retirement can be a rewarding chapter in life, full of experiences that we often postpone in our working years. InLife Retire Assure makes it possible to truly enjoy those years, secure in the knowledge that there is a plan to support the life you’ve dreamed of. By planning ahead with InLife Retire Assure, you’re investing in your future self—a future where your only worry is deciding which adventure to pursue next.
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.
Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, the Classic Collection is a testament to understated luxury. With an ultra-thin metal bezel and beveled case back, these watches offer a featherlight feel and a near-seamless profile — making them a perfect balance of comfort and style.
The Petite Collection redefines contemporary minimalism with its delicate design and elegant mesh bracelet. Created to be your everyday companion, these versatile watches add a subtle touch of sophistication to any look, effortlessly elevating your style.
For those who dare to stand out, the Quadro Collection offers a distinctive twist on traditional round watches. With bold rectangular cases, these timepieces make a striking style statement while staying true to Daniel Wellington’s refined aesthetic.
Our Classic Jewelry collection is a true celebration of the impeccable craftsmanship behind all of Daniel Wellington’s timeless designs. With a casual yet tasteful allure, our jewelry is designed to be worn everyday, no matter the occasion.
