Global pilgrimage of Christmas: Home is where the heart is

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 22, 2024 06:37 AM 

 

Today, millions of people around the world are on their way home to join their families for Christmas.

From bustling airports to crowded bus terminals, the desire to reunite with loved ones transcends borders, religions, and cultures, reflecting humanity’s shared yearning for connection, tradition, and celebration. In our culture, this is the time when the extended family comes to life, adding close friends to the clan.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects some seven million passengers to flock to bus terminals, airports and sea ports around the country to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with their families.

To ensure public safety, nearly 40,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide to secure bus terminals, ports, places of worship, tourist destinations, and other places of convergence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Christmas, for many, is a time of reflection and joy, symbolizing love, gratitude, and togetherness. These universal values draw people back to their roots. 

Globally, billions of people participate in this seasonal migration. In the United States, a record for holiday travel will be made with 120 million people traveling at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year's Day in 2024, the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicted. 

In the Philippines, holiday travelers plus the influx of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) create a surge in air travel and domestic transport systems.  In response, 956 special permits were granted for public utility vehicles (PUVs), especially passenger buses, in anticipation of the increased number of passengers from this weekend to Jan. 10 next year, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Dec. 19.

The holiday season’s dramatic movement of people places immense pressure on transportation systems worldwide. Airports operate at full capacity, airlines add extra flights, and roads become congested.  Although the government responds with measures deploying additional personnel, and enhancing traffic management, private citizens should do their part to ensure safe and efficient travel.  Road courtesy will help make travel safer and smoother.

What awaits these travelers at home are cherished traditions that have been passed down through generations. Among these is the traditional Noche Buena, a grand Christmas Eve dinner where families gather to feast on a traditional menu. This meal is not just about food but about the warmth of togetherness, laughter, and storytelling.

Gift-giving is another strong element of the season, symbolizing thoughtfulness and love. Filipino children do not only wait for gifts from Santa Claus and their parents, but also from their ninongs, ninangs (godparents), and relatives.

Beyond material traditions, the deeper reason for the journey home lies in shared experiences and making memories. For Christians, the center of the Christmas celebration is the birth of Jesus Christ, a time to reflect on faith and gratitude. Many memories will be made in churches where traditions of Christmas celebration are performed – like the Simbang Gabi and the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

From the Philippines to other parts of the world, the annual pilgrimage home shows humanity’s shared values of love, gratitude, and togetherness. Whether it’s for a grand feast, or simple meal, exchanging gifts, or simply sitting around the table laughing, Christmas reminds us all of one thing: Home is where the heart is, and family – which also includes friends as adopted members – is what makes it a whole family.

Invite a friend to join your family for Christmas Eve. Be extra courteous to a motorist and pedestrian. Reach out to a stranger with a kind act. 

Wird das Fliegen nochmal teurer? Flugsicherung hebt Gebühren kräftig an

Stand:20.12.2024, 17:31 Uhr

Von: Leon Fasse  

Die Deutsche Flugsicherung hat ihre jüngste Gebührenerhöhung vehement verteidigt: Es würden lediglich EU-Vorgaben umgesetzt werden, heißt es aus der Chef-Etage. Kunden müssen höhere Kosten erwarten.

Langen - Die Deutsche Flugsicherung erhöht die Gebühren für ihre Lotsenleistungen zum Jahreswechsel erneut deutlich. Überflüge werden für die Fluggesellschaften 27 Prozent teurer, für Starts und Landungen sind sogar 40 Prozent höhere Gebühren fällig als im laufenden Jahr. 

Finanzierungslücke von über einer Milliarde Euro soll bis 2028 abgebaut sein

Die bundeseigene Gesellschaft setze damit lediglich verbindliche EU-Vorgaben um, sagt DFS-Chef Arndt Schoenemann. Diese verlange in einem genau festgelegten Verfahren, die in der Corona-Zeit aufgelaufenen Mindereinnahmen in den Folgejahren wieder hereinzuholen. Pro Flugticket machten die Flugsicherungsgebühren insgesamt maximal sechs Euro aus. 

Der Flughafen Frankfurt: Millionen von Menschen fliegen jährlich über deutsche Flughäfen. Ihre Ticketkosten dürften sich in Zukunft erkennbar erhöhen. © Andreas Arnold / dpa

Schoenemann beziffert die Finanzierungslücke auf 1,2 Milliarden Euro. Sie soll bis 2028 stufenweise abgebaut werden. Bereits in den Vorjahren hat die DFS die Gebühren hochgesetzt. Für Starts und Landungen berechnete sie im laufenden Jahr bereits mehr als doppelt so hohe Gebühren wie im Jahr 2020.

Tickets werden teurer: Steigende Kosten treffen Kunden

Der Luftverkehr in Deutschland hat sich im europäischen Vergleich nur sehr langsam von der Corona-Krise erholt. Die Branche macht dafür in erster Linie die hohen staatlich veranlassten Gebühren und Steuern verantwortlich. Eine Airline drohte sogar damit, sich von deutschen Airports zurückzuziehen. 

Neben den Flugsicherungsgebühren sind das die Luftverkehrssteuer sowie die Luftsicherheitsgebühr, die für die Kontrolle der Passagiere und ihres Handgepäcks erhoben wird. Hier steigt die Obergrenze zum Jahreswechsel von 10 auf 15 Euro pro Passagier. Sämtliche Kosten werden über die Ticketpreise an die Kunden weitergegeben.

DFS: Finanzierung funktioniert nur bei steigender Zahl der Flüge

Schoenemann kritisiert das europaweite „Schönwettersystem“ der Flugsicherungsgebühren. Es funktioniere nur bei stetig steigenden Luftverkehrszahlen. Tatsächlich werde man in Deutschland erst im Jahr 2029 wieder das Vor-Corona-Niveau aus dem Jahr 2019 erreichen.

„Es wird nicht weniger geflogen, weil die Gebühren so hoch sind“, sagt der DFS-Chef. „Vielmehr sind die Gebühren so hoch, weil so wenig geflogen wird und sich so die Kosten auf weniger Flüge verteilen.“ Er fordert eine Reform der Finanzierung, an deren Ende der Bund einen Sockelbetrag von bis zu 25 Prozent der DFS-Basiskosten tragen könne. Die Flugsicherung sei schließlich ein wichtiger Teil der kritischen Infrastruktur. (dpa, lf)

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

Bringing the best of what the Philippines has to offer

Tourism Promotion Board Philippines participates at IBTM World 2024 in Spain

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Dec 17, 2024 10:22 PM 

AT A GLANCE

• The Philippines continues to rise as a fast-growing economy and an attractive destination for global business events.

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TAKING THE LEAD The Philippine delegation at the IBTM World 2024, featuring representatives from the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, The Manila Hotel, Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc., Uni Orient Travel, Inc., and Travelite DMC Philippines

 

Showcasing the best of what the Philippines has to offer as an ideal Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E.) destination, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines participated in IBTM World 2024 from Nov. 19 to 21 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, which yielded 203 million sales leads. 

IBTM World is one of the leading global M.I.C.E. events held annually in Barcelona, Spain. The event brings together M.I.C.E. professionals from around the world, including event organizers, suppliers, M.I.C.E. practitioners to connect, network, and do business.

 

This prestigious global M.I.C.E. event provided an unparalleled platform for the Philippines to highlight its world-class offerings and exceptional delegate experiences. 

IBTM World features exhibitors that showcase destinations, venues, and services for hosting events. Pre-scheduled appointments are also facilitated between buyers and seller participants to discuss possible partnerships and event opportunities. There were also thought-leadership panels, workshops, and discussions on industry trends, innovations, and best practices for the delegates to learn from.

 

Led by the Office of the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Marketing and Promotions acting head Teresita D.L. Landan, the TPB also spearheaded initiatives to promote the country’s M.I.C.E. capabilities, including a hosted breakfast for over 100 international buyers and media attendees. Delegates were treated to Filipino dishes arroz caldo and lumpiang shanghai and Filipino delicacies like banana chips, polvoron, and dried mangoes.

 

 

 “Our mission is to establish the Philippines as a premier M.I.C.E. destination where global events thrive, supported by our world-renowned Filipino hospitality,” emphasizes TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles through a pre-recorded message. During the hosted event, the TPB also unveiled the banner program “M.I.C.E. Philippines: We Take Your Business to Heart.” 

 

MAKING CONNECTIONS Travelite DMC Philippines general manager Matt Poonin during one of the B2B appointments with an M.I.C.E. buyer

 

A robust and growing M.I.C.E. destination

The Philippines continues to rise as a fast-growing economy and an attractive destination for global business events. With its strategic location in Asia, English-speaking workforce, and state-of-the-art venues, the country offers unmatched opportunities for hosting events of all sizes. Plus, with its distinct blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage, the Philippines caters to delegates seeking memorable workation activities.

 

The Philippines at IBTM World 2024

The TPB delegation, which included four co-exhibitors from the Philippines, engaged in business-to-business meetings with international stakeholders during the three-day event. These interactions generated over 200 million in projected sales leads, reinforcing the Philippines’ growing prominence as a competitive M.I.C.E. hub.

 

The four co-exhibitors are The Manila Hotel, represented by vice president for sales and marketing Marvin Kim Tan, Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc. group director of marketing Margarita Patricia Valdes, Travelite DMC Philippines general manager Matt Poonin, and UniOrient Travel and Tours vice president for product and business development Wilson Technico.

 

TALKING ASSETS Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc. group director of marketing Margarita Patricia Valdes discusses with an M.I.C.E. buyer what the Philippines can offer.

 

Commitment to excellence

Through its participation at IBTM World 2024, the TPB demonstrated its unwavering commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ presence on the global M.I.C.E. stage. With the support of strong government-private partnerships, the Philippines is ready to welcome international events, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. The Philippines invites the world to experience where business meets heart, promising exceptional hospitality, unique experiences, and a destination unlike any other.

PAGASA monitors LPA near Mindanao

3 more weather systems to bring cloudy skies with rains over parts of the country

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Dec 17, 2024 10:23 AM 

A low pressure area (LPA) near Mindanao and three other weather systems are expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains to many parts of the country on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

(MB Visual Content Group)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the four weather systems may bring cloudy and rainy weather to parts of the country within the next 24 hours.

In its latest weather forecast, PAGASA said the LPA was estimated to be 155 kilometers east-southeast of Tagum City, Davao del Norte.  

The LPA, it added, is “embedded” along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the Visayas and Mindanao.

Due to the LPA, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected in Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and the Davao Region.

The shear line, on the other hand, will affect the Bicol Region and Quezon, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms.

The rest of the Visayas and Mindanao may also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the ITCZ. 

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or “amihan” may bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains to the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Aurora, Metro Manila, and the rest of Luzon.

PAGASA warned that flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains remain possible.

Ensuring ample, affordable rice supply for all Filipinos

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Dec 17, 2024 05:34 AM 

Determined to ensure the stability of the price of rice at the retail level, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has been doing the rounds of Kadiwa ng Pangulo kiosks where the staple is selling at ₱40 per kilo.

This comes on the heels of latest projections made by the US Department of Agriculture. The USDA  eyes a looming increase in rice imports, spurred by production declines caused by La Niña and a series of natural disasters that have hit the country’s rice-producing areas, drastically reducing yields at a time when demand is on the rise. This confluence of factors presents not only economic but also social ramifications, particularly for the lowest income classes, who are most vulnerable to price hikes and food insecurity. 

According to the USDA, the Philippines is set to become the world’s largest rice importer for three consecutive marketing years. This marks a troubling shift, as the country moves from a self-sufficient producer to a net importer, relying increasingly on foreign rice to meet domestic demand. While rice imports have historically played a role in balancing supply shortages, the sheer scale of expected imports — projected at around 5.4 million metric tons in 2024-2025 — highlights the growing gap between production and consumption.
This gap is widening due to a surge in rice consumption. Rice is a staple in the Filipino diet, and for many, it is the primary source of sustenance. From 14.8 million metric tons (MT) in 2020-2021, rice consumption in the Philippines is expected to rise to 17.4 million MT in the 2024-2025 marketing year. This increase is driven by several factors, including population growth, changing dietary habits, and the socio-economic realities faced by millions of Filipinos. As consumption continues to climb, the supply side struggles to keep pace, further exacerbating the need for imports.

Rice is not just a food item. It’s a cornerstone of economic stability for many Filipino families. The lowest-income classes, particularly those living in rural areas where rice is grown, are most exposed to the fluctuating prices and availability of the commodity. Typhoons and extreme weather events have already driven up production costs, and now the anticipated increase in imports will likely push domestic rice prices higher due to a combination of market dynamics and logistical challenges.

The impact on low-income families could be devastating. With rising rice prices, these households will spend an even larger proportion of their income on food. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, food accounts for more than 40 percent of household expenditure among the lowest 30 percent of income earners. A rise in rice prices would, therefore, have an out sized effect on their purchasing power, further entrenching poverty and inequality. With cheaper imports flooding the market, many small-scale rice farmers are likely to be pushed into even deeper poverty.

To mitigate the impact of these changes, the government must adopt more comprehensive measures. First, improving domestic rice production through investments in irrigation, farming technology, and disaster-resilient crops could help reduce the need for imports in the future. Second, addressing the rising cost of rice through targeted subsidies or price controls can help protect the most vulnerable populations from the worst effects of inflation. Lastly, creating more robust social safety nets for farmers, including income support and disaster relief, would provide a cushion against market volatility.

What is the biggest lesson that life has taught you?

Emil Baltman

Lived in Prague2000–0

4.3M content views100.1K this month

Knows Czech

Joined November 2018

1.Everything happens for a reason. Once you start to believe that, life will become easier.

2. Trust that when the answer is “No”, there is usually something better along the way.

3. You have never known a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

4. A good deed each day can do a lot for someone.

5. Just because someone doesn’t love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

6. You should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

7. Stop worrying about what everyone else thinks. Stop wasting time on things that are not your business. At the end of your day, just do you.

8. Trust the vibes you get, and listen to your gut. Energy does not lie.

9. Not everyone is going to like you, and that is okay.

10. You cannot control others. You can only control how you react to a situation.

11. It is okay to disagree with someone, but it is not okay to disrespect them.

12. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, “Will this matter in 5 years?”

13. You are never too old to need your parents.

14. Put your phone down for a few hours every day and interact with the people around you. You never know what you may be missing. After all, you cannot get back those hours that you are spending on your phone.

15, It is more important to have a few good friends, rather than many acquaintances.

16. Choose being kind over being right, and you’ll be right every time.

17. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

18. Remember the three R’s: Respect for yourself, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.

19. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps.

20. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up your present.

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What is the most Filipino thing ever?

 

Joshua Parin

Quoran Teen in Quarantine

4.3M content views16K this month

Active in 7 Spaces

Joined June 2019

“Hssst”

I turned around.

“Hssst”

Everyone in Filipino class turned around.

“Hssst”

Every person under the age of 21 in every island of the Philippines turned around.

That’s how you get a Filipinos attention. You have to give them a sharp,

“Hssst”

It’s like a Psst except like this.

Hiss-tuh.

It gets everyone’s attention. No matter where you are and who you’re with they will turn around. It’s how all parents get their children’s attention. In fact, it’s how you get anyone’s attention.

They have to be Filipino though.

Everyone else will just think your being rude.

So remember,

Hsst

Oh wait sorry I thought someone called me.

I’m gonna go check.