Winter solstice 2024: Philippines to have longest night on Dec. 21

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Dec 20, 2024 01:13 PM

  

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Photo from Pixabay

As the world turns and the year draws closer to its end, the Philippines will soon experience its longest night of 2024. 

This year’s December or winter solstice, which falls on Dec. 21, marks a moment when the Sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, signaling the start of winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the northern hemisphere experiences the shortest day and the longest night of the year during the December solstice. 

While the difference in day length is less noticeable in tropical countries like the Philippines, the solstice still offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the Earth’s journey around the Sun.

In Metro Manila, on Dec. 21, the sun will rise at 6:16 a.m. and set at 5:32 p.m., giving the region 11 hours and 15 minutes of daylight.

After the December solstice, the nights will slowly get longer, and the days will start to get shorter, bringing more darkness as we move toward the new year.

K-pop girl group Kiss of Life goes to Europe for first world tour

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Dec 20, 2024 01:31 PM 

K-pop girl group Kiss of Life announced the European leg of their first world tour “Kiss Road” that will start on Feb. 20 next year. 

The European and UK leg will kick off at The Alcatraz in Milan, Italy, following their sold-out North American tour. 

Kiss of Life will perform in 13 cities from February to March, with additional dates to be announced, promising to be a tour that fans won't want to miss featuring unforgettable performances, impressive stage production, and an extensive setlist.

Kiss of Life 

Tickets will go on sale on Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. local time HERE. 

“Kiss Road” in Europe Tour Stops

February 20 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz

February 21 – Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex 457

February 24 - Utrecht, Netherlands - TivoliVredenburg

February 26 - Berlin, Germany - Columbiahalle

February 27 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer 

March 1 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Rockhal

March 3 - Munich, Germany - Tonhalle

March 4 - Hamburg, Germany - Grosse Freiheit

March 6 - London, United Kingdom - Indigo at The 02

March 8 - Glasgow, United Kingdom - O2 Academy 

March 10 - Paris, France - Zénith

March 12 - Madrid, Spain - Palacio Vistalegre 

March 13 - Lisbon, Portugal - Campo Pequeno

PHILIPPINE PROVINCES AND IT IS BEST KNOWN FOR!🇵🇭

PHILIPPINE PROVINCES AND IT IS BEST KNOWN FOR!

Cebu City– Oldest City in the Philippines; Gateway to a Thousand Journeys

Davao City – Largest City in the Philippines; Fruit Basket and King City of the South

Aklan – Oldest province in the Philippines

Iloilo – Province with most number of barangays

Negros Occidental – Province with most number of cities

Palawan – Largest Province in the Philippines

Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro – Largest Municipality in the Philippines

Miagao, Iloilo – Municipality with most number of barangays, Onion Capital of Visayas

Nueva Ecija – Rice Granary of the Philippines

Pampanga – Culinary Capital of the Philippines

Marinduque – Heart of the Philippines

Iloilo City – The First queen City of the South, City where the Past is always present

Dumaguete – City of Gentle People

Cagayan de Oro – City of Golden Friendship

Quezon City – City of Stars and New Horizons

Manila – Ever Distinguished Loyal City

Roxas City – Seafood Capital of the Philippines

Antique – Province where the mountain meets the sea

Negros Occidental – Sugar Bowl

Romblon – Marble Capital

Rizal – Cradle of Philippine Arts

Cavite – Cradle of Phil. Revolution

La Union – Surfing Capital of the North

Biliran – Shipyard of Antiquity

Camiguin – Island Born of Fire

Bacoor – Band Capital of the Philippines

Gen. San City – Tuna Capital

Isulan – Oil Palm Capital of the Philippines

Pangasinan – Saltmaking Capital

Negros Occidental – Sugar Bowl

Romblon – Marble Capital

Rizal – Cradle of Philippine Arts

Cavite – Cradle of Phil. Revolution

La Union – Surfing Capital of the North

Biliran – Shipyard of Antiquity

Camiguin – Island Born of Fire

Siquijor – Island of Fire

Makati – Manhattan of the Philippines

Marikina – Shoe Capital of the Philippines

Masbate – Great Wild West of Phil.

Tarlac – Melting Pot of Central Luzon

Bataan – History Hub of Central Luzon

Bulacan – Manila’s Gateway to the North

Palawan – Philippines’ Last Frontier

Guimaras – Mango County of Visayas

Manduluyong – Shopping Capital

Muntinlupa – The Emerald City

Valenzuela – The Only Divided City

Lanao del Sur – Cradle of Muslim Art

South Cotabato – Conference Capital of Mindanao

Dinagat Island – Mystical Province of Love

Surigao del Norte – Surfing Capital

Batangas – Diving and Shipping Capital

Batanes – Land of True Insulars

Quirino – Forest Heartland of Cagayan Valley

Zambales – Chromite Capital

Aurora – Land of Golden Sunrise

Zamboanga del Norte – Province of South’s Twin City

Bukidnon – Pineapple Capital

Eastern Samar – Gateway to Phil. Discovery

Cam Sur – Wakeboarding Capital

Lanao del Norte – Land of Beauty and Bounty

Pateros – Balut Capital

San Juan – Tiangge Capital

Navotas – Fishing Capital of Greater Manila

Laguna – The Silicon Valley

Catanduanes – Land of the Howling Wind

Maguindanao – Seat of Muslim Mindanao

Sitangkai, Tawi Tawi – Venice of the South

Cotabato – Land of Mightiest Mountain

Neg. Oriental – Whale and Dolphin Haven

Paranaque – Fashion Capital

Pasay – Travel Capital

Lucena, Quezon – Biofuel & Biopalm City

Samar – Spelunking Capital

Davao del Norte – Durian and Banana Capital

Baguio City – Summer Capital/ City of Pines

San Fernando, Pampanga – Lantern Capital

Misamis Occidental – Christmas Capital of Mindanao

Benguet – Salad Bowl of the Philippines

Kalinga – White Rafting Capital of the North

Isabela – Rice Granary of the North

Nueva Vizcaya – Watershed Haven of Cagayan Valley

Ilocos Sur – Heritage Haven of the Far North

Oriental Mindoro – Harbor Gateway to the South

Agusan del Norte – Land of Antiquated Finds

Tacloban City – City of Hope

Tagbilaran – City of Peace and Friendship

Tuguegarao – Premier Ybanag City

Butuan – Timber City of the South

Gingoog – City of Good Luck

Dapitan – Shrine and Historic City of the South

Pagadian – Little Hong Kong of the South

Zamboanga City – Asias Latin City, Sardines Capital, City of Flowers

Mati – Coconut City of the South

Catbalogan – City of Captivating Contrast

Tagum – Music Capital of the South

Sulu – Land of Exotic Fruits

Bacolod – City of Smiles

Passi – Sweet City at the Heart of Panay

Antipolo – City in the Sky

Calbayog – City of Waterfalls

Las Pinas – Salt Center of Metro Manila

Taguig – The ProvinSyudad

Valenzuela – Vibrant City of Discipline

Maasin City, Southern Leyte – The Religious City

Lingayen – The Most Romantic Place

Alimodian, Iloilo – Banana Capital of Panay

Dagupan – Bangus Capital

La Trinidad, Benguet – Strawberry Capital

Cauayan, Isabela – Mushroom City of the North

Donsol, Sorsogon – World’s Whale Shark Capital

Legazpi – City of Fun and Adventure; ATV capital

Naga – Bicols Queen City

Mandaue, Cebu – Furniture Capital

Borongan – King City of the East

Dipolog – The Phil. Orchid City

Gutalac, Zamboanga Norte – Pebble Capital

El Salvador, Misamis Oriental – City of Divine Mercy

Iligan – industrial City of the South

Pototan, Iloilo – Christmas Capital of Visayas

Lantapan, Bukidnon – Vegetable Basket of Mindanao

Malaybalay, Bukidnon – Summer Capital of the South

Oroquieta – City of Good Life

Digos – Clay Capital of Mindanao

Malita – Banana Capital of Davao

Samal – Phil. Island Garden City

Kidapawan – City at the foot of Mt Apo

Koronadal – Ilonggo City of the South

El Nido – Heaven on Earth

Puerto Galera – Poors man Boracay

Puerto Princesa – EcoTourism Capital

Cainta, Rizal – Bibingka Capital

Calamba – Hot Spring Capital

Imus – The Philippine Flag Capital

Lipa, Batangas – City of Pride

Molo, Iloilo – Athens of the Philippines

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Say goodbye to paper: Philippines' new banknotes are here!

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 19, 2024 05:44 PM 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has introduced the First Philippine Polymer (FPP) Banknote Series featuring enhanced security and durability, which will be available in circulation starting the first quarter of 2025.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the unveiling of the FPP series in a ceremony at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace. The polymer banknotes are in denominations of P500, P100, and P50. 

 

The BSP previously announced that these polymer banknotes will circulate alongside the existing paper banknotes. The new series boasts "smarter, cleaner and stronger" features.

"Unlike the current paper banknotes, which showcase the country’s heroes and natural wonders, the polymer series highlights the Philippines’ rich biodiversity," the BSP said in a Facebook post.

"This shift reflects the BSP’s commitment to promoting national pride through numismatic artistry while fostering an appreciation of Filipino identity,” the central bank added. 

The BSP added that the polymer banknotes offer several practical benefits, including enhanced resistance to counterfeiting and improved durability.

"These features ensure that the new notes are not only aesthetically significant but also cost-efficient and secure," the BSP noted.

The best gift we can give the next generation: A better future

BY ANNA MAE LAMENTILLO

Dec 20, 2024 00:54 AM 

NIGHT OWL

I’m writing this far away from home, sitting in Oxford, still carrying the awe of last night’s Advent carols at University College. It started in complete darkness—a deliberate reminder of the darkness in the world and the need for Christ. The first notes of “The Advent Prose,” drawn from traditional Advent liturgical texts and paired with Judith Weir’s hauntingly beautiful music, filled the space. Then came the familiar and stirring  “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “This is the Truth” by R. Vaughan Williams. It was solemn, uplifting, and deeply moving.

Being at Univ, as University College is affectionately called, added another layer of reflection. This college has seen centuries of history, starting small with just four theology Fellows. Over time, through benefactors and determination, it grew into one of Oxford’s leading institutions. From its medieval roots to admitting women in 1979, Univ’s journey is one of perseverance and progress. It’s a powerful reminder of how legacies are built over time—a theme that resonates with what we can leave for future generations.
 

A world worth inheriting

What does it mean to leave a better future? For me, it’s imagining a world where clean air is a given, where the oceans aren’t choked with plastic, and where forests thrive alongside human progress. It’s about creating societies where education, healthcare, and opportunity are not privileges but rights—regardless of where you’re born. It’s a future where diversity is celebrated, justice is upheld, and collective well-being takes precedence over personal gain.

This might sound idealistic, but it’s not out of reach. The choices we make today—big and small—can shape the trajectory of the world we’ll pass on.
 

Investing in sustainability

If there’s one thing we owe the next generation, it’s a livable planet. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s here. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and the loss of biodiversity are realities impacting millions. Tackling this starts with prioritizing sustainability.

That might mean embracing renewable energy, reducing waste, or choosing businesses that prioritize green practices. It means rethinking the way we consume and advocate for policies that put the planet first. Even small actions—walking instead of driving, cutting down on single-use plastics—add up when multiplied across communities. Together, these choices can secure a future where nature and humanity coexist in harmony.
 

Nurturing education

Education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer the next generation. But it’s not just about traditional learning; it’s about equipping young people with critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and an understanding of how interconnected the world is.

Innovation, too, has a central role. Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy systems, and biotechnology hold incredible promise. But they must be guided by ethics and inclusivity. When innovation serves the greater good and not just a privileged few, it can truly transform societies.
 

Championing equity and justice

A better future is one where everyone has the chance to thrive. That means addressing inequalities rooted in gender, race, and socioeconomic status. It means amplifying voices that have long been ignored and crafting policies that reflect the needs of all communities—not just the elite.

Equity and justice aren’t just moral imperatives; they’re the bedrock of stable, peaceful societies. By fostering empathy, understanding, and collaboration, we can build communities that stand strong in the face of division and conflict.

The role of hope and action

Hope is powerful. But hope without action is just wishful thinking. The greatest gift we can give future generations is not just the vision of a better world but the tangible steps to achieve it. This means taking responsibility—for our consumption, our votes, our voices. It means holding leaders accountable and inspiring others to join the cause.
The path forward isn’t without challenges. But it’s a journey worth taking. By planting the seeds of change today, we can nurture a future where the next generation looks back with gratitude, knowing we chose to act when it mattered most.
 

A gift beyond measure

As we exchange gifts this season, let’s remember the one that can’t be wrapped or placed under a tree. It’s a legacy of hope, progress, and possibility. A better future isn’t just a gift for the next generation; it’s a responsibility we all share.

So let’s give generously—not just to those we know, but to those who will inherit this world. Together, we can create a future that is brighter, kinder, and more just. And that, above all, is the ultimate gift.