Beware of cyber scams, ‘clickbaits’ this holiday season

Published December 15, 2022, 12:02 AM

by Manila Bulletin

The most wonderful time of the year need not be the most horrific, traumatic, and exhausting experience of your life, especially when you get the shock upon discovering that your credit card has already been “maxed out” with purchases that you didn’t do.

It is this time of the year that the Philippine National Police (PNP), led by its Anti-Cybercrime Group, is warning the public to be more cautious against online scams and clickbaits — those used by virtual scammers to lure victims, knocking on their generosity (and vulnerability) in this season of giving. 

“Scammers will take advantage of special days or major events like Christmas to fleece people of their money or personal information,” according to a statement from the PNP. “Be cautious every time you get an email (that) asks you to click on a link. Exercise due diligence especially this holiday season as you are making online purchases. Make it a season of awareness to everything around you. Do not easily trust.” 

The PNP reminds netizens of the various popular holiday season scams that they should look out for. There are “online shopping scams,” where scammers will set up fake online stores or post goods for sale in buy swap-sell groups or online classified sites to trick people into buying items that do not exist.

“Many of these websites offer luxury items such as popular brands of clothing, jewelry, and electronics at very low prices. Sometimes you will receive the item you paid for but they may be fake. At times, you may receive nothing at all. A newer version of online shopping scams involves the use of social media platforms to set up fake online stores,” according to the PNP. 

Tugging at the heart of innocent victims, the PNP warns of a high volume of “fake charities scams” this December. “Fake charities are among the most popular holiday scams, soliciting from consumers over the phone, email, and through direct mail. Scammers will pose as either agents of legitimate well-known charities or create their own charity name. Scammers set up fake websites, which look similar to those operated by real charities.” Some scammers may call or email you and request for donations or even ask for your credit card details.

ADVERTISEMENT

Awareness is just half of the battle. The PNP further advises the public to exercise due diligence — going directly to the official website of a hotel or airline; researching about the charity before sending a donation; withholding of personal info, credit card details, or online passwords to strangers; avoiding clicking on dubious links that promise easy money or fast return of investments, etc. 

Just 10 days before Christmas, scammers are working double, even triple time to siphon your hard-earned 13th month pay and bonuses. They are even working 24 hours as effective Dec. 27, 2022, users are required to register their SIM cards within 180 days from the effectivity of the law, with an extended registration period of not longer than 120 days.

Being extra generous this season may be acceptable, but not to online scammers, fraudsters, and hackers who are on Santa’s “naughty” list. May they be gifted with the full punishment of the law and celebrate future holidays behind bars.

Kim Chiu energized for the holiday season

Published December 15, 2022, 7:25 AM

by Robert Requintina, MB

KIm Chiu

The holiday season is one of Kim Chiu’s most favorite times of the year because it’s when she
starts decorating her house, including her much awaited Christmas tree. Growing up not having
a tree has made her want to go all out and personally put one up every year.

Her theme previously was white Christmas and decked her 12-foot tree with white ornaments because for her, the color white symbolized hope and she missed traveling to wherever there was snow.

This Christmas will be extra special because this will be the first time since the pandemic when we can all finally get together with minimal restrictions. “This holiday season is the time for get together, more reason to meet up and celebrate with friends and family, get together, exchange gifts and a lot of food!” says Kim. “Plus, I get to have my holiday vacation! Feeling excited and body must be ready for all the happenings!” 

The holidays are also Kim’s busiest time because of work commitments and projects she has to attend to. “I am doing series of projects now and that’s what makes me busy these days plus I have just started my bag business and I am very happy with the result. I can’t wait for the restock and people want more of house of little bunny bags! “she adds. “I need to spark up my energy and be prepared for the coming holiday season! Feeling good! Feeling excited!

To carry herself through all this, she makes it a point to drink Berocca to help spark her energy. Berocca boasts a unique combination of vitamins and essential minerals, like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, that work in synergy to improve your mental performance and physical energy throughout the day.

“Even if I lack sleep or have an early call time, I make sure I always have some Berocca,” Kim shared enthusiastically. “I get all the vitamins and nutrients my body needs, and it tastes great too.”

Like Kim, you can spark your energy to help you stay energized and focused throughout the holiday season.

Ballet Philippines brings back the magic this holiday season with ‘The Nutcracker’

Published November 25, 2022, 11:54 AM

by Feliciano Rodriguez III

After two years of lockdowns, it’s time to go back to the theatre and enjoy this treasured holiday show

Ballet Philippines closes the year 2022 with a full-length, on-site, ballet of “The Nutcracker,” a first since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be performances at the CCP Main Theater on Dec. 17, 8 p.m., and on Dec. 18, 2 p.m and 8 p.m.

“It’s time to go back and watch,” exclaimed Ballet Philippines’ President Kathleen Liechtenstein, at a media preview of the ballet, which was held at the beautiful and historic Mira-Nila House in Quezon City.

After two years of just watching shows remotely, Lichtenstein told guests that it was high time to get out again and enjoy ballet, and that “The Nutcracker” is the perfect piece for the “new normal” holiday season.

The Mira-Nila House was the perfect venue for the press preview. The old, genteel mansion was a suitable backdrop for the minutes-long ballet preview. The skillful Ballet Philippines dancers pranced, twirled, and wowed guest at the mansion’s courtyard. The ballet company also showed off the wondrously designed costumes that are to be featured in this year’s “The Nutcracker.”

Ballet Philippines’ Artistic Director Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk was also present, “The uniqueness of our performance is its high level of musicality. Every scene is built precisely to the rhythm of the composer’s work.”

Lichtenstein also revealed that this year’s The Nutcracker will be extra special, as it will be performed to live music from the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

“Playing time-honored compositions of Peter Tchaikovsky, audiences can expect complete enchantment as music and dance transport senses to the Land of The Sugar Plum Fairy,” they shared.

Choreographed by Martynyuk, this full length performance of The Nutcracker brings the complete Christmas experience to audiences. Martynuk explains, “We are creating a fresh version while still respecting the classical version of the play. The performance will not only uphold the motives of E.T.A Hoffman’s Nutcracker and The Mouse King, it equally showcases the brilliant libretto of Marius Petipa.”

For tickets to Ballet Philippines’ The Nutcracker, visit www.ballet.ph or go to TicketWorld

Season of Homesickness

(A repost of my column "IN MY OPINION" from MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR - December 16, 2011).

+++++

Much could be written or told about all the wonderful places worldwide. A lifetime would not be enough to discover the whole world. Millions of Filipinos migrants are still working and living in many countries all over the world. But those Filipinos are so occupied and tired with work, that in a half-day of not working, they don't even have the energy to go out anymore.

They prefer to rest instead. they work until dawn. There's even no more time for letters or send emails anymore. They get up early next day to do the same activities. Again and again... . They fail to appear on dates or appointments even schedules were already set. On the last minute going out on a free half-day, but suddenly guests arrive who need to be served for example. All these and more make it very diffcult for the OFWs to find time even for themselves.

Christmas time should let uns remember and remind us of our beloved ones somewhere out there. Being "there" is something like being in a garden of roses. Everybody is free to pick up flowers, but surely everybody will not find that easy because the roses are on top of the thorns. being abroad is even more complicated then that.

Indeed, much has been written and talked about homesickness of mind and heart - especially during Christmas season and the time between yesterday and tomorrow.

Many Filipinos stay in countries, where deep winter is reigning right now. Wearing three jackets a day, warm winter clothes and, from the start one must be always on top form, but not only lively but also egantly.

Homesickness usually attacks, when 'your people abroad" receive unpleasant notes from home, as I heard many saying before: "Problema at magpadala ka ng pera!"

The loved ones overseas even try to save  a little amount for airfares just in case they need to  come immediately to their families in the Philippines. many times they consider the difficulty and complication in sending money home. Many imes they even can't afford to visit the Philippines for a long time... .

Homesickness comes, when we hear that one of the boys at home doesn't want to go to school anymore. Homesickness comes when misunderstandings between husband and wife or closed friends arise... .

How about me? Sure, homesickness comes along also for me, especially during this time. Even living in the Philippines as an expatriate for good since 1999, I still do miss my home country Germany and many people there. Season of homesickness... .

The Song of Christmas

Christmas, the song, awakens our hardened hearts and move us to create a hopefully better world. Maybe a new earth and new people at last - if we allow ourselves to be showered by the real spirit of our Lord.

Christmas, this great day bears the message that God is with us. He has not abandoned his world, and even in the darkest moments of our time.We might live in corrupt and dirty times, as we experienced daily and as many people like to preach us more and more.

Let us not despair then even if difficulties rise before us, either in our personal lives or in the life of humanity. Christmas holiday should be spent at home where love binds us together. Somebody has prepared delicious food for the Media Noche. We have brought our gifts for every one. My family and i happily arrange our gifts under the colorful Christmas tree.

On the streets everybody lingers around. Houses are well lighted, there's music, there's is laughter, noise. Enemies hopefully come into reconciliation; jealous hearts change. Rich and poor people try to overcome their mutual gaps in life for this very special season.

Next year nobody can tell how we might celebrate Christmas again. Will it be the same? Will it be with a difference? We therefore hope the best.

This will be my 10th Christmas as an expat in the Philippines. Meanwhile the culture shock has gone.

Merry Christmas to all of you my dear readers. And: PEACE all over the world!

Season is Thoughts

The most awaited season of the year has finally come. The most joyous month is here at least. At times it makes me really wonder what life would be without December. Something is indeed very special on this season, which brings about changes not only in the atmosphere but also in our zest of life and living.

Yes, the air begins to get cooler especially in the mornings when the field and remaining forests are embraced and kissed by the fog that slowly descends upon the earth. The first streak of light that pierces the darkness of earth is the sign of life. the stillness of the dawn which has long been awakened by the crowning of the fowls and singing of the birds only add more color and harmony to the many fabrics of creation, all for the beauty of life and for the joy of mankind.

Yes, we may not have snow in the Philippines to behold and touch as the music lanes blast to the tune of 'White Christmas' like I grew up in my home country Germany. But out in the grassy fields, as you feel the earth with your feet, the fog and the dew give testimony that the earth is still full of life.

December is Christmas, although Christmas in the Philippines is much more different then in Germany. I am looking forward to my 10th Christmas in the Philippines. I love it here. I learned something here: December and Christmas should be the song to awaken our hardened hearts, to touch those people around us, who might have waited a long time for such a move.

Einen frohen und besinnlichen 1. Advent!

PLDT gives twice as much!

This holiday season every member of the household gets a turn to share an update very time you call your family or friends overseas because PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company),  has slashed per minute rates to America and Canada. PLDT Budget card gives you the longest talk time when calling abroad, at affordable call rate and with ever reliable service and clear connection that only PLDT can provide.

Might sound like a promotion article, but it isn't... .

I tried it, and it's so very true. The prepaid overseas calling card allows subscribers nationwide to make financially-smart decisions about those traditional holidaya calls at the lowest per-minute-rate of 1.50 Pesos to the U.S. and Canada, with any PLDT postpaid landline and payphone nationwide. Also European countries can be reached by 5 Pesos per minute - unbeatable rates... .

Go to your nearest PLDT office or selected branches of Cebuana Lhuillier and Tambunting Pawnshops.

Happy Season Calls!!!