LeBron James commits to partnership with Doncic

February 3, 2025 | 7:44 pm

LEBRON JAMES will embrace the Los Angeles Lakers’ franchise-altering roster overhaul and is committed to remaining with the team beyond Thursday afternoon’s NBA trade deadline, according to multiple reports on Sunday, including one from NBA insider Chris Haynes.

The team’s decision to pair James with Luka Doncic is now a go, after the Lakers sent James’ superstar partner Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a late Saturday trade that shook basketball to its core.

The James-Davis duo earned the franchise an NBA title in 2020, but in four full seasons since, Los Angeles advanced to one Western Conference final in 2023, was eliminated in the first round twice and missed the playoffs completely in 2022.

The Lakers are 28-19 this season and in fifth place in the Western Conference at the start of play on Sunday.

James is in the first season of a two-year extension that includes a no-trade clause. He also is playing for the first time with his son Bronny, who has been up and down between the G League and the Lakers this season.

While LeBron James looks like he will see out his seventh season in Los Angeles, the team’s chances of a deep playoff run could be dependent on what other trade additions the Lakers are able to make in the coming days.

While James was close with Davis, by all accounts, he has praised Doncic in the past, calling him his favorite player in a 2022 social media post. Doncic, in turn, has said he idolizes James.

The debut game of the James-Doncic partnership remains unknown. Doncic reportedly is close to returning from a calf injury that occurred on Christmas Day.

Doncic, who turns 26 later this month, is averaging 28.1 points with 8.3 rebounds and 7.8 assists this season. In seven NBA seasons, the native of Slovenia has averaged 28.6 points with 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 rebounds in 422 games (all starts).

Doncic was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2019 after beginning his career at the age of 19. He has finished in the top eight of MVP voting in each of the past five seasons, with his highest finish of third last season.

James, 40, is scoring 24 points with 9.1 assists and 7.6 rebounds in 44 games of his 22^nd NBA season. The four-time MVP and four-time champion has averaged 27 points with 7.4 assists and 7.5 rebounds in 1,536 career games (1,534 starts).

The Lakers have won six of their past seven games and are 4-1 on a six-game road trip that concludes with a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday at Inglewood, California. — Reuters

DepEd partners with Milo in sports programs for Filipino families

February 3, 2025 | 7:44 pm

MILO and the Department of Education (DepEd) announced collaboration and new sports programs through Milo Active Pilipinas.

Milo Active Pilipinas is a nationwide campaign designed to energize and inspire Filipino families to lead an active lifestyle. Under this campaign is a wide variety of on-ground and online sports programs, such as the National Milo Marathon, Sports Clinics and Barangay Liga, which encourage learners to participate in sports and enhance their physical literacy. Many of these programs are strongly supported by DepEd, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and local government units.

At a sports day held at Mandaue City Central School, more than 4,000 students, parents, teachers and representatives from key sports stakeholders came together to experience the excitement of Milo Active Pilipinas through sports clinics, sports demonstrations, and meet and greet with ambassadors such as six-time marathon queen and homegrown talent Mary Joy Tabal and Southeast Asian Games Gold Medalist and Sports Clinics graduate Jamie Lim.

With the support of DepEd, Milo aims to bring sports clinics, grassroots programs, and inclusive activities closer to more communities, aligned with the DepEd “Sports for All” policy, which targets to make physical fitness and sports accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, talent, and capabilities, in all organized sports competitions. Milo will support DepEd in its mandate to organize sports clubs, and is committed to remain as its partner in the Palarong Pambansa.

By 2025, Milo intends to reach three million Filipino children to show the benefits of sports and an active lifestyle by expanding the scale of its programs. The National Milo Marathon will grow to 25 legs, tapping more provinces and cities nationwide to participate in the country’s longest-running footrace.

The Milo Sports Clinics will grow from 800 to over 1,000 clinics to offer access to a wide range of sports disciplines and skilled coaches. The number of Milo Barangay Ligas will increase to 400 nationwide, fostering camaraderie, teamwork, and community spirit among kids at the grassroots level.

Cavaliers rout Mavericks in aftershock of blockbuster trade

February 3, 2025 | 7:42 pm

SAM MERRILL came off the bench to hit nine 3-pointers for a career-high-tying 27 points as the host Cleveland Cavaliers coasted to a 144-101 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon.

It was a brutal start to a new era for Dallas, which sent shock waves through the sports world about 15 hours before tipoff by sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for fellow star Anthony Davis as part of a blockbuster trade.

The Mavericks also shipped Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles in the deal, which included a third team, the Utah Jazz. Guard Max Christie and the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2029 were part of the return for Doncic.

Davis was not active on Sunday due to the pending trade and an abdominal muscle strain. Christie also was not available.

Being in the spotlight throughout the wee hours of the morning and early afternoon seemed to distract the Mavericks from their meeting with Cleveland.

The Cavaliers wasted little time turning the contest into a blowout, going 9-for-11 from 3-point range in the first quarter to build a 50-19 lead by the end of the frame. It marked the most points that Cleveland has scored in any quarter all season.

Franchise history would soon be made for Cleveland, which got 3-pointers from Caris LeVert, Max Strus and Donovan Mitchell during a 13-2 run to close the second quarter. That outburst capped the Cavaliers’ best half ever in terms of scoring, as Cleveland took a commanding 91-46 advantage into the break.

Jarrett Allen put the Cavaliers over the century mark with a hook shot at the 8:08 mark of the third quarter to make it 101-54, and Cleveland led by at least 40 the rest of the way.

Evan Mobley (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Darius Garland (17 points, 10 assists) recorded double-doubles for the Cavaliers, who had eight scorers in double figures. Allen finished with 14 points and nine boards.

Cleveland made a whopping 26 3-pointers (on just 45 attempts).

Reserve Jaden Hardy netted a team-high 21 points as Dallas dropped its second straight game. Dante Exum chipped in 14 points.

Kyrie Irving (shoulder) was out for the Mavericks. — Reuters

Boston Celtics overcome 26-point deficit to stun Sixers

February 3, 2025 | 7:42 pm

JAYSON TATUM delivered 35 points and 11 assists as the visiting Boston Celtics rallied from a 26-point, second-half deficit to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-110 on Sunday.

Boston outscored Philadelphia 54-20 over the final 14-plus minutes to take control of a game that was initially dominated by Philadelphia. In doing so, the Celtics avenged a home loss to the Sixers on Christmas Day and improved to 2-0 on their road trip, which concludes on Tuesday with a showdown against the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jaylen Brown had 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Boston, while Kristaps Porzingis notched 18 points, seven rebounds and five blocks. The Celtics made 21 3-pointers, including 14 on 22 attempts in the second half.

Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 34 points, while Guerschon Yabusele chipped in with 21 points against his former team. Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 18 points and 13 boards for Philadelphia, which continued to play without Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (finger).

Maxey made three 3-pointers during a 16-point first quarter as Philadelphia took a 29-21 lead into the second. — Reuters

China to propose restoring 2020 ‘Phase 1’ trade deal with US — WSJ

February 3, 2025 | 5:49 pm

China US Flags — US and Chinese flags are seen in this illustration. — REUTERS

CHINA’s initial proposal to tariffs imposed by US President Donald J. Trump’s administration will center on restoring the “Phase 1” trade deal signed in 2020 during Mr. Trump’s first term, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources.

Other parts of China’s plan will include a pledge to not devalue the yuan, an offer to make more investments in the US and a commitment to reduce exports of fentanyl precursors, according to the WSJ report.

On Saturday, Mr. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and most Canadian imports and 10% on goods from China over fentanyl, a deadly opioid, and illegal immigration.

China denounced the imposition of tariffs on its imports and pushed back on fentanyl, but left the door open for talks with the US that could avoid a deepening conflict. In contrast, Canada, a long-time ally of the US, slapped retaliatory tariffs of 25% on C$155 billion ($105.17 billion) of US goods.

The Phase 1 trade deal Mr. Trump signed with Beijing in 2020 ended a nearly two-year tariff war at that time. The deal required China to increase purchases of US exports by $200 billion over two years, but Beijing failed to meet the targets as the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Reuters reported in January that Mr. Trump had directed the US Trade Representative to assess China’s performance under that trade deal.

The Journal report also added that Beijing planned to treat TikTok largely as a “commercial matter,” meaning it would let investors in Chinese owner ByteDance negotiate a deal with interested bidders in the US.

Mr. Trump has previously said that he was in talks with multiple people over buying TikTok, including Microsoft, and would like to see a bidding war over the app.

The US Department of Commerce did not respond to a request for comment on the WSJ report outside regular business hours.

China’s commerce ministry was not immediately contactable for comment on the report due to the Lunar New Year holiday. — Reuters

Canada to take legal action vs US for tariffs

February 3, 2025 | 5:48 pm

OTTAWA — Canada will take legal action under the relevant international bodies to challenge the 25% tariffs imposed by the United States on most Canadian goods, a senior government official said on Sunday, calling the tariffs illegal and unjustified.

The comments come a day after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a wide array of retaliatory levies of 25% on US goods in response to the tariffs announced on Saturday by President Donald J. Trump.

“We will obviously pursue the legal recourse that we believe we have through the agreements that we share with the United States,” the official said, briefing reporters in Ottawa on condition of anonymity.

Mr. Trump applied a 25% import tariff on all Canadian goods, except energy products such as oil and gas and electricity, which will carry a duty of 10% while entering the United States. The 25% tariff will be in effect starting on Tuesday, while the energy tariff will be implemented starting on Feb. 18.

In response, Canada has imposed tariffs on 1,256 products, or 17% of all the products imported from the United States, starting on Tuesday. The products, including orange juice, peanut butter, wine, beer, motorcycles, cosmetics and more — which will add up to up to C$30 billion.

Some of the big ones are cosmetics and body care of C$3.5 billion, appliances and other household items of C$3.4 billion, pulp and paper products C$3 billion, the official said.

The Canadian government will publish another list in three weeks’ time that will include products such as passenger vehicles and trucks, including electric vehicles, steel and aluminum products, certain fruits and vegetables, aerospace products, the government said in a statement. The imports have a total value of C$125 billion, it added.

The official said the Canadian government considered the move by Mr. Trump illegal and said it violates the trade commitments between the two countries under their free trade agreement and under the World Trade Organization.

“If other legal avenues are available to us, they will be considered as well,” the official said.

The US tariffs and the counter measures taken by Canada will have an effect on the Canadian economy, the official said. The official declined to give specifics on the impact.

Earlier on Sunday, the government said it will provide a mechanism for Canadian businesses to obtain relief from retaliatory tariffs. Under the so-called “remission process,” Canadian businesses could apply for tariff relief or refunds, provided they meet certain conditions.

Mr. Trump ordered sweeping tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, demanding that the countries curb the flow of fentanyl — and illegal immigrants in the case of Canada and Mexico — into the United States. Mr. Trump’s action began a trade war that could hamper global economic growth and reignite inflation.

Mexico and Canada are the top two US trading partners.

Mr. Trump launches trade war with tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China.

Mr. Trump says Americans could feel ‘pain’ in trade war with Mexico, Canada, China. — Reuters

EU leaders to huddle on defense against Russia and handling Trump

February 3, 2025 | 5:48 pm

BRUSSELS — European Union (EU) leaders gather on Monday to discuss how to bolster the continent’s defenses against Russia and how to handle US President Donald J. Trump after his decision to impose tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.

At a royal palace-turned-conference center in Brussels, the leaders of the EU’s 27 nations will also lunch with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte and dine with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council of EU leaders, has billed the one-day gathering as a “retreat” devoted to defense policy rather than a formal summit, aiming for an open discussion without any official declaration or decisions.

The first session focuses on geopolitics and relations with the United States, meaning Mr. Trump’s sweeping weekend move on tariffs is certain to come up — particularly as EU officials fear they may soon face similar measures.

Mr. Trump, who began his second term as president on Jan. 20, will also be a major factor in the talks on defense, as he has demanded that European nations spend much more on their own protection and rely less on the United States via the NATO security alliance.

Mr. Trump’s call for EU member Denmark to cede Greenland to the United States — and his refusal to rule out military action or economic pressure to force Copenhagen’s hand — has also added strains to transatlantic ties.

The EU leaders are expected to discuss what military capabilities they need in the coming years, how they could be funded and how they might cooperate more through joint projects.

“Europe needs to assume greater responsibility for its own defense,” Mr. Costa said in a letter to the leaders. “It needs to become more resilient, more efficient, more autonomous and a more reliable security and defense actor.”

FINDING FUNDING
The funding discussion will be especially tough, according to diplomats, as many European countries have little room in their public finances for big spending hikes.

Some countries, such as the Baltic states and France, advocate joint EU borrowing to spend on defense. But Germany and the Netherlands are staunchly opposed.

One compromise could be to borrow to finance loans rather than grants for defense projects, according to some diplomats.

European countries have ramped up defense spending in recent years, particularly since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which brought war to the EU’s borders.

But many EU leaders have said they will need to spend even more. Mr. Trump has said NATO’s European members should spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defense — a figure no member of the alliance including the United States currently reaches.

Last year, EU countries spent an average of 1.9% of GDP on defense — about €326 billion ($334.48 billion), according to EU estimates.

That is a 30% increase from 2021, according to the EU. But it also masks wide divergences among EU countries.

Poland and the Baltic states are among the biggest defense spenders in GDP terms, with Warsaw leading the pack at more than 4.1%, according to NATO estimates. But some of the EU’s biggest economies such as Italy and Spain spend much less — about 1.5% and 1.3% respectively. — Reuters

North Korea criticizes Rubio, says it will respond strongly to US provocations

February 3, 2025 | 5:46 pm

North Korea flag — MICHA BRANDLI-UNSPLASH

SEOUL — North Korea on Monday criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for calling it a “rogue state” in a media interview, saying his comments do not help US interests, state media KCNA said.

North Korea’s foreign ministry said the country will respond strongly to hostile US provocations, KCNA reported.

It is North Korea’s first criticism of the Trump administration since President Donald J. Trump reentered the White House on Jan. 20, Yonhap news agency said.

The ministry also condemned United States’ new missile defense shield plan, saying that it makes it necessary for North Korea to strengthen its own military power, KCNA reported.

Mr. Trump last week signed an order that “mandated a process to develop an ‘American Iron Dome,’” a next-generation US missile defense shield against ballistic, hypersonic, cruise missile and other forms of aerial attack.

“The idea of a new missile defense system, which recalls the specter of the dangerous ‘Star Wars’ plan of… the Cold War, poses a risk of justifying an arms race under the pretext of coping with the ‘threat’ of adversaries, regardless of its feasibility,” North Korea’s foreign ministry said, according to KCNA.

“The increasingly harsh global security environment urgently calls for us to constantly develop self-defense capabilities based on nuclear deterrence.” — Reuters

The Mobile Marble Race: Pushing the boundaries of augmented reality gaming

February 3, 2025 | 3:36 pm

In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, South Korean developer Joon Yung Min is making waves with his latest creation, Mobile Marble Race. This innovative platform, which integrates augmented reality (AR) with interactive gameplay, has captivated millions of players worldwide, positioning Min as a rising star in the tech industry.

From Hospitality to High-Tech

Min, 35, initially pursued a career in hospitality but soon realized his true passion lay in the gaming industry. Determined to turn his dreams into reality, he spent years honing his skills in coding, graphic design, and game development. His dedication paid off when he launched Mobile Marble Race in 2024, a game that has since become a global sensation.

A Game Unlike Any Other

At its core, Mobile Marble Race is designed to be more than just a game — it is an immersive experience. Players can design custom racecourses, interact with evolving virtual environments, and engage in community-driven challenges. With global leaderboards and team-based competitions, the platform fosters both creativity and camaraderie among users of all ages.

A Global Phenomenon

The game’s rapid success has attracted investment from major tech firms, further fueling its expansion. Min credits Mobile Marble Race’s widespread appeal to its accessibility and emphasis on community engagement.

“Creating Mobile Marble Race allowed me to build a virtual world where everyone feels welcome,” Min stated. “It’s a dream come true to see players from different cultures connecting and competing.”

Looking Ahead

With Mobile Marble Race continuing to grow in popularity, Min has no plans of slowing down. He is actively working on expanding the game’s AR features and introducing new elements that will push the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

As the gaming industry embraces the next generation of immersive experiences, Joon Yung Min’s Mobile Marble Race stands at the forefront, redefining what’s possible in the world of digital play.

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Tagaytay Highlands unveils visionary long-term blueprint

February 3, 2025 | 3:00 pm

Tagaytay-HIghlands-OL — Horizon Terraces Garden Suites and Garden Villas

Tagaytay Highlands, an expansive 1,200-hectare mountain resort community — spanning the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas, has remained synonymous with distinction, luxury, and exclusivity for over 30 years. As Tagaytay Highlands continues to prepare for future generations, Highlands Prime, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings, envisions to bring the estate to even greater heights.

“We see Tagaytay Highlands transforming into a fully integrated, sustainable, and self-sustaining mountain resort community complemented by commercial, service, and recreational amenities,” stated SM Leisure Resort Residences Executive Vice-President and Business Unit Head Shirley Chua Ong. “This integrates Tagaytay Highlands’ four districts — The Highlands, Midlands, Midlands West, and Greenlands — into a seamless, mixed-use destination for elevated lifestyle experiences.”

Moreover, Tagaytay Highlands has long epitomized eco-friendly practices, with 40% of its residential areas preserved as open space. Its commitment to environmental stewardship is seen in conservation initiatives that help maintain the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity. One of the estate’s standout programs is the One Tree at a Time reforestation initiative, which aims to plant one million trees by 2044. With over 490,000 trees already planted, Tagaytay Highlands continues to build a verdant, eco-conscious community, future-proofing its development for generations to come.

Innovation and evolution are at the heart of Tagaytay Highlands’ development philosophy, and recent residential projects are a testament to its forward-thinking approach.

Trealva at Midlands West stands as a model of wellness-oriented, eco-centric living, providing spacious residential lots for those looking to immerse themselves in eco-conscious, luxury mountain living.

Highlands Residences, a low-density condominium development, features exclusive, world-class amenities designed to promote wellness and open-air living.

Primrose Parks, a low-density community with just 99 lots spread over 6.3 hectares, offers residents an abundance of green space and year-round scenic views.

Horizon Terraces Garden Suites and Garden Villas, a collection of five-storey, low-density residential condominiums and three-bedroom townhomes, provides panoramic views of the estate’s natural beauty, making it ideal for growing families seeking privacy and tranquility.

The Grove at Plantation Hills redefines countryside living by seamlessly integrating a leisure residential lifestyle with the charm of sustainable farming.

As it steps boldly into 2025 and beyond, Tagaytay Highlands redefines mountain resort living, setting new standards in sustainable, integrated township development and creating a vibrant community that will be cherished for generations.

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Comprehensive Sexual Education: Protects youth from abuse, says advocate

February 3, 2025 | 2:58 pm

The advocate of the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Bill explains the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), one of the key components of the bill, in curbing teenage pregnancy.

“Dapat alam ‘yan ng lahat ng tao at bata (Everyone, including children, should know about it). This concept will protect them from experiencing sexual abuse and will guide them to have better relationships,” Au Quilala, Deputy Executive Director of Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development said.

Interview by Edg Adrian A. Eva
Video editing by Jayson John D Marinas

Online safety 101: Gogolook shares tips for UST students to protect their digital identity

February 3, 2025 | 2:45 pm

A global leader in TrustTech, Gogolook recently visited the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to provide students with valuable tips on protecting their personal identity online.

During the Self-Defense Awareness and Familiarization Exercises (S.A.F.E.) seminar, attended by Senior High School (SHS) students, Gogolook Philippines Country Head Mel Migriño delivered an insightful talk on “Securing Your Identity in the Digital Age.”

“It is crucial for us to be mindful of our online behavior and take proactive steps to safeguard our digital identities,” Ms. Migriño emphasized.

“Be cautious with links from unknown contacts, verify identities carefully, and double-check who’s reaching out to you — especially when it involves financial matters,” Ms. Migriño added.

Gogolook Philippines Country Head Mel Migriño received the certificate of appreciation for joining the Self-Defense Awareness and Familiarization Exercises (S.A.F.E.) seminar.

She also shared practical security tips for students, particularly for staying safe on social media.

“Limit how much personal information you share, avoid posting sensitive details, and think twice before making anything public. Adjust your privacy settings, control who can follow you, and don’t hesitate to block or report suspicious accounts. If you encounter inappropriate behavior, report it through the Whoscall app or the CICC hotline at 1326,” she suggested.

During the program, students had the opportunity to ask Ms. Migriño about online security.

She highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being misused by scammers.

“AI is a powerful tool that helps us in many ways, but online scammers are using it to profile potential victims,” she said.

Furthermore, Gogolook’s Country Head highlighted key features of Whoscall, the global anti-scam application developed by Gogolook, including Message and Caller ID, Web Checker, and Number Blocker.

Gogolook Philippines Country Marketing Head Gabe Barrios with UST students during the Self-Defense Awareness and Familiarization Exercises (S.A.F.E.)

“Be notified when any incoming unknown numbers are flagged and reported as spam or scam from our extensive database of 2.6 billion reported numbers,” she explained, discussing Whoscall’s Message and Caller ID feature.

“Scan unknown URLs sent to you and instantly assess their risk level using the built-in URL scanner in the Whoscall app. For Android users, the scanner can even integrate with your messages, eliminating the need to copy and paste links,” she added, referring to Whoscall’s Web Checker feature.

Regarding the Number Blocker feature, she said, “Easily block incoming calls and messages flagged as spam or scams, ensuring you no longer have to worry about unwanted disruptions.”

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