How to spend the next 52 weeks

 Here’s a week-on-week guide to make 2024 your year of transformation

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jan 1, 2024 03:20 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• In 2024, let’s commit to 52 weeks of activities that not only enhance our lives but also contribute positively to the world around us.

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By JACQUELINE LUCERO

Embarking on a journey of self-improvement doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, it can be an exciting and fulfilling adventure. In 2024, let’s commit to 52 weeks of activities that not only enhance our lives but also contribute positively to the world around us. From learning new languages to fostering gratitude and kindness, each week brings an opportunity for personal growth. So, let’s dive into a year full of transformative experiences!

Weeks 1–4
Learn a new language
Start the year by embracing a new language. Whether it’s Spanish, Mandarin, or French, learning a language not only expands your cultural horizons but also boosts cognitive abilities. Practical applications? There’s a lot!
Consider the practical advantages and envision yourself effortlessly navigating Seoul, seamlessly blending into the bustling scenes like a character from a K-drama, fluently expressing yourself in Hangul as if you were a native to the place.

Weeks 5-8
Read one book a week
Dive into the world of literature and challenge yourself to read a book each week. Mix genres for a well-rounded experience and gain valuable insights that can shape your perspective. The pages you turn aren’t just stories. They’re gateways to understanding the human experience in all its complexity. Rediscovering the joy of reading is like rediscovering old friends and making new ones with every turn of the page, a personal odyssey that enriches your mind, broadens your horizons, and reignites the magic of storytelling in your life. 

Week 9–12
Practice kindness and gratitude
Cultivate a habit of kindness and gratitude. Small acts of kindness and expressions of gratitude can have a profound impact on your well-being and that of those around you. Kindness, expressed through simple acts like holding the door open for a stranger or offering a sincere compliment, radiates positivity that extends far beyond the initial gesture. It creates a ripple effect, uplifting not only your own spirits but also those of others who witness or receive these acts of goodwill.

Week 13–16
Tithe time to worthwhile missions
Dedicate time to volunteer for or support a cause you believe in. Contributing to worthwhile missions not only helps others but also brings a sense of purpose to your life.  Take time to check on what advocacies that resonate with your beliefs and contribute to the cause in whatever shape and form you can impart yourself in that mission.

Week 17-20
Tithe to uplift spiritual journeys
Allocate a portion of your resources to support institutions or initiatives that contribute to spiritual growth. This could involve supporting a local church, meditation center, or any organization aligned with your beliefs. Tithing money to support institutions or initiatives aligned with your spiritual growth is a significant step toward fostering a harmonious balance in your life. Financial contributions play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding the reach of organizations dedicated to spiritual development.

Week 21–24
Spend time with parents
Family is invaluable, and spending quality time with parents fosters stronger connections. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a simple dinner, cherish moments with your loved ones. Beyond the joy of shared experiences, spending quality time with your parents is an investment in the emotional wealth of your family bonds.

Week 25–28
Grow your own food
Explore the joy of gardening by growing your own fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Not only is it rewarding, it also promotes a healthier lifestyle. Explore plant-based cooking and learn new ways to use herbs in your healthy food.

Week 29-32
Challenge yourself
Step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s learning to wakeboard, trying a new sport, taking on a challenging project, or even asking for forgiveness (yes, it is this random), embrace the thrill of stepping into the unknown. Just dare to do something you haven’t done before and put a big check mark on that item on your bucket list.

Week 33-36
Explore local history and museums
Discover the richness of your own town by exploring local museums and delving into its history. Uncover hidden gems and gain a deeper appreciation for your community. No, visiting museums is not just for field trips! It is there for anyone to visit, enjoy, and experience the rich culture of their hometown.

Week 37–40
Declutter and recycle
Continue the decluttering journey. Donate items you no longer need and embrace a lifestyle of dynamic cycling and recycling to promote sustainability. A surprise awaits us for all those unopened boxes under the stairs and those that are tucked away high up in those cabinets that need dusting.

Week 41–44
Learn a new skill
Pick up a new skill that interests you—whether it’s photography, coding, or cooking. Lifelong learning keeps the mind sharp and opens up new opportunities. Continue to be interested in things you love doing but don’t have the time to do. Now is the moment you have been waiting for.

Week 45–48
Attend conventions and events
Immerse yourself in knowledge and networking by attending conventions related to your interests or industry. Connect with like-minded individuals and stay abreast of the latest trends. You will be surprised that new knowledge will spark your fire anew.

Week 49-52
Family albums, carpentry, swimming, and reflection
Wrap up the year by tackling that long-lost to-do list. Spruce up family albums, do that carpentry work in your kitchen you have been longing to do, conquer your fear of water by learning to swim, and take time for self-reflection. Celebrate your growth and become a better version of yourself every day.

As we embrace these 52 weeks of personal development, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Each week presents an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute positively to the world.

Let 2024 be a year of transformation, self-discovery, and becoming the best version of yourself. Cheers to a year filled with purpose and personal fulfillment!

Happy 2024, everyone!

Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios reveals New Year's resolutions

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 30, 2023 10:35 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "The new year not only marks the beginning of 2024 for me, but signifies a fresh start on this brand new journey as Miss Universe. Therefore, my New Year’s resolutions this year have become Miss Universe resolutions.

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Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios (Images courtesy of Miss Universe Organization)

Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios has expressed her love for New York while discussing her New Year's resolutions.

"I love the excitement of New York City, especially for Christmas. All the decorations reminded me of that feeling of joy we all experience during the holidays as a child. And I saw snow for the very first time!" said Sheynnis, who was crowned Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador last Nov. 18. She flew to New York where she will fulfill her reign as 72nd Miss Universe.

She added: "Reflecting back on my first month as Miss Universe, it is impossible to choose a favorite moment. It was a month full of surprises and new experiences. I explored New York, traveled to Indonesia, and I had my first official photoshoot as Miss Universe…plus a whole lot of unofficial ones!" 

Sheynnis with her fellow Miss Universe sisters in Mexico

"I remember arriving in my new apartment for the first time – the rooms are decorated with pictures of former Miss Universes on the walls, and as I placed the crown on my bed it really sunk in, “Wow. I am Miss Universe." 

The Nicaraguan beauty queen also shared her New Year's resolutions.

"The new year not only marks the beginning of 2024 for me, but signifies a fresh start on this brand new journey as Miss Universe. Therefore, my New Year’s resolutions this year have become Miss Universe resolutions. 

Sheynnis during her trip to Indonesia

At the top of the list is removing the stigma of mental health, so we can eliminate the fear of talking about our emotional well-being. I want to help people feel confident and comfortable opening their hearts and allowing themselves to talk without fear.  

"That is the only way we can take responsibility and control of our mental health. I look forward to doing more with this platform in the coming months – do you want to help? Let us know!

"I want to thank all of the people who have shown their affection through social media, and all of the fans who celebrated my triumph with me. They are a huge source of motivation for me," she said.

Miss Universe Lebanon 2023 Maya Abou El Hosn, Miss Universe Venezuela 2023 Diana Silva, Miss Universe Germany 2023 Helena Bleicher, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, and Miss Universe Thailand 2023 Anntonia Porsild enjoy Mexico together following the 72nd Miss Universe Competition

Sheynnis also thanked her countrymen for their love and support during her pageant journey.

"I also want to thank my family for their unconditional support, and my country Nicaragua for filling me with so much love and happiness. Thank you for celebrating this collective triumph with me, I hope it has filled you with the same pride and joy that I feel," she also said.

New Year thru Mary

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone! Once again, we begin a new year and let’s hope that as another year starts, we can truly say that we are getting stronger in our resolve to pursue the real purpose of our life here on earth.

Liturgically, January 1 celebrates the divine motherhood of Mary which tells us a lot of amazing things. From the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, for example, we are told this wonderful, if incredible, truth about ourselves, about who we really are:

“When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law: that he might redeem them who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father. So, you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God.” (4,4-7)

We need to process these words slowly so they may sink into our very consciousness and start to live them out. Hopefully, we can little by little overcome whatever disbelief and awkwardness we can feel about this truth about ourselves.

Of great help to us in this regard is to have a deepening devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother. If we try our best to imitate her faith in God, we too, despite all the difficulties and effort involved, can somehow also incarnate Jesus in our own lives. We are actually meant for that, since we are patterned after him and he is also the savior of our humanity that has been wounded by our sins.

With Mary always in our mind and heart, we would always be led to Christ. She would teach us how to find Christ in everything that we do, no matter how mundane things are. Even the little ordinary things we deal with everyday can be an occasion to have an encounter with Christ as well as a chance to be like Christ as we should. As one saint had put it, Mary is the shortest, surest and safest way to Jesus.

If we truly have Mary in our mind and heart, then we can learn how to always ponder the truths of our faith and to act on them. (cfr. Lk 2,19) Yes, we can develop a contemplative life even right in the hustle and bustle of our earthly affairs. Yes, we are all meant to be contemplatives because we need to be aware that we are meant to live our life with God and with everybody else.

We are never alone. Feeling alone is an anomaly in our life. As persons, endowed with intelligence and will, we are meant to be always in relation with God and with everybody else. This potential of ours should be actualized. We need to find ways of how to actualize such potential.

We need to see to it that we should always feel the urge to pray, to engage with God, to be with him. If we do not feel that urge yet, let’s convince ourselves that we have something most important to work on. Thus, like the disciples of Christ, impressed by how Christ was to them, we should beg him to teach us how to pray. (cfr. Lk 11,1-4)

Again, Happy New Year, everyone! And good luck!

Why is it hard for people to speak German fluently? Is it easy to read and understand German?

Nick Schön

100% European.

11,296 followers

129 following

German has six words for "the".

There are three genders, and they are not logically assigned. The word for "girl" ("Mädchen") is not feminine. Each has to be memorised (although there are some categories which help).

There are four cases.

I could go on.

if you are from a country in the Anglosphere, this all makes German difficult. The superficial similarities to English mask a grammar that is both flexible and precise but quite complicated.

A MOVIE WITH DEPTH

ReniMV Valenzuela

During his execution by garrote, Father Jose Burgos, as he was being strangled with an iron collar around his neck, raised his tied hands in great pressure, showing resistance (still) to injustice, oppression and ruthlessness until his last breath.  It was a gripping scene. 

Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora (Gomburza), though defiant of the colonizing Spanish government, were innocent of orchestrating the Cavite mutiny of 1872, of which they were accused and found guilty (by fabrication).  "Even Christ was innocent," mocked his executioner, while Father Burgos sat in a garrote chair. Cruel. 

Now I know why Gomburza garnered the most awards, including the 2nd best picture in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival. To me what makes the movie great and what sets it apart from the others is that it will bore you in the first half, but it will make you cry in the end and revolt inside, realizing that our contemporary times are no different. 

At first I wondered why the majority of the scenes had to be dark or taken during night time. It was only upon watching the movie (last night) - until the end that I got to know why. And it was for the same reason perhaps that Jose Rizal dedicated his novel, El Filibusterismo, to the three martyred friars. Best Actor Cedric Juan was so natural (near perfect in acting) in his portrayal of Father Burgos. 

Gomburza is a movie with depth. Watching it is like dissecting a poetry, with depths of meaning you will never know until you finish watching it. It's boring segments, I realized in the end, are part and parcel of the movie plot's profundity and directorial job's brilliance. 

There were several themes that I saw in the movie from which the viewers can learn and be challenged to be better human beings and better Filipinos - e.g., betrayal, brutality, dictatorship, deception, selfishness, injustice, dirty politics, religious hypocrisy, cowardice, heroism, sacrifice, gallantry, selflessness, martyrdom, patriotism, fortitude, love of country, piety, hope, faith in God.

Father Burgos cannot be more correct and direct when he said, "Despite the darkness, nobody can snuff out the embers of light." 

The clap of the people before they left the theater was well-deserved. I didn't join the clapping, though, because I was already clapping and applauding inside (teary eyed) ahead of them.

Viva Los Filipinos! 

P.S.

Except for the needless P.I. cursing in some scenes, I could have rated the movie 11.

Rizal’s life in exile

How Dr. José Rizal spent his days in Dapitan City

BY POCH EULALIA

Dec 30, 2023 10:23 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• I rise early in the morning, at five, visit my plants, feed the chickens, awaken my people, and prepare our breakfast. At half past seven, we eat our breakfast, which consists of tea, bread, cheese, sweets, and other things. — Dr. José Rizal

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EXILED TO ISOLATION Hoping to silence Rizal, the Spanish Government had Rizal exiled to the isolated City of Dapitan in 1892

In fear of Dr. José Rizal’s growing influence among the people due to his calls for social reform, the Spanish colonial government hoped to extinguish Rizal’s reach by sending him off to the City of Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao. He arrived via boat on July 17, 1892. Ever the optimist, rather than lamenting his newfound fate, Rizal put his time in exile to good use by helping improve the isolated city.

Using his share of winnings from a lottery ticket, Rizal bought a plot of land in Talisay, a seaside barangay in Dapitan. There, he lived a simple life, using his time to tend to his farm, treat his patients, teach children, read, and write. He detailed how his morning starts in a letter to his dear friend, Ferdinand Blumentritt, “I rise early in the morning, at five, visit my plants, feed the chickens, awaken my people, and prepare our breakfast. At half past seven, we eat our breakfast, which consists of tea, bread, cheese, sweets, and other things.”

MI CASA, SU CASA Although now only a replica of Casa Redonda, this octagonal hut served as Rizal’s clinic for treating patients and a dormitory for his young pupils

As relaxing as his letter made it out to be, Rizal was a busy man, always on the move to try and improve things for Dapitan. Hoping to pass on his extensive knowledge, Rizal started a school to provide basic education to young children. As most of his students came from further provinces, he took them in as boarders and let them stay in two dormitories on his farmland—Casa Redonda and Casa Cuadrada. In exchange for their schooling, the students assisted Rizal in his chores and farming. 

SHARER OF KNOWLEDGE Rizal’s tools in teaching, a table and blackboard, were used in his makeshift school in Dapitan

Curious as ever, Rizal spent a lot of his time exploring the nature of Dapitan. Collecting various seashells and butterflies, he amassed a wide collection of wildlife during his stay. This curiosity led him to discover four new species—a tree frog, a flying lizard, and two beetles. Using some knowledge of engineering, Rizal also managed to create an irrigation system to bring water from surrounding springs and rivers to the farmlands. 

HIS FINAL LOVE Josephine Bracken, an Irish national, won the heart of Rizal and went on to be his wife

Dapitan also served as a place where Rizal found true love. It was here that he met Josephine Bracken, an Irish woman born in Hong Kong. Their paths crossed due to many speaking highly of Rizal’s skills as an ophthalmologist in Hong Kong. Hoping to have George Taufer, her adoptive father, undergo treatment for his double cataracts, they headed for Dapitan. While Rizal realized there was nothing he could do for Taufer, he found that he had fallen for Bracken. The two were said to spend their days sitting with a view of the sea on a heart-shaped rock, referred to as Mi Retiro Rock, after the series of poems Rizal supposedly wrote on the rock. After only a few months, Rizal hoped to make it official by marrying Bracken.

ROCK HARD LOVE Bracken and Rizal supposedly shared many romantic moments on the heart-shaped rock referred to as Mi Retiro Rock

Unfortunately, with Rizal being excommunicated from the Catholic Church for joining the Masons, he was unable to marry Bracken in a traditional sense. Instead, they would exchange their vows in a common-law marriage. It’s later claimed that the two would get a proper marriage before his execution, but much of its validity is still debated among historians. Perhaps the most tragic part of their romance is the death of Rizal and Bracken’s would-be son after a premature birth. 

Rizal’s four years in Dapitan would come to an end after the hero hoped to embark on a journey to Cuba to serve as a voluntary military doctor in Cuba. Sadly, he would never make it to Cuba after the Spanish government had him arrested mid-travel and sent back home for sentencing. His properties in Dapitan were confiscated by the government. 

Today, Rizal’s life lives on as we dedicate Dec. 30, the date of his execution at Bagumbayan, to commemorate his lifelong achievements.

On this special day, may we learn to live by his example, serving as a man for others and always hoping to improve the lives of our countrymen. 

Filipinos as default basketball and volleyball fans: 2023 in record crowd

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Philippine sport saw fans come in droves whether it was in Metro Manila or outside of it to shatter record attendance in the country’s historic and busy sports year.

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Basketball and volleyball never lacked support from Filipinos in 2023.

Basketball and volleyball tournaments set record attendance in 2023. 

Year 2024 should only continue to get more of it. 

Philippine sports saw fans come in droves whether it was in Metro Manila or outside of it to shatter record attendance in the country’s historic and busy year. 

It started off strong as PBA fans greeted the new year braving traffic and the long drive to witness the Game 7 finals showdown between the Ginebra Kings and the foreign guest team Bay Area Dragons in the Commissioner’s Cup on Jan. 15. 

The game drew a PBA all-time attendance of 54,589 fans inside the Philippine Arena with Ginebra emerging triumphant over Bay Area to clinch its 15th franchise title, keeping the trophy on local shores. 

The Tim Cone-coached Kings shattered the six-year-old record 54,086 it previously shared with the Meralco Bolts in the largest indoor arena during their Game 7 duel in the 2017 Governors’ Cup. 

When the FIBA World Cup rolled all the way to August, Filipino basketball loyalists also did not disappoint and showed up for the Gilas Pilipinas and filled the same venue. 

Tournament co-host Philippines set the record for most attended FIBA game with 38,115-strong crowd as the Nationals kicked off the quadrennial meet in historic fashion against the visiting Dominican Republic. 

Although the Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominicans overcame the basketball-crazed Pinoys, 87-81, it proved the undying love of the country for the game and its national team which was spearheaded by another NBA star in Jordan Clarkson. 

A huge chunk of the FIBA local organizing committee’s preparations was directed towards setting the said record among other things, the attendance eventually reached 700,665 during the course of the tournament which was simultaneously held at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Ultimately, the Philippines broke a 29-year record held by Team USA and Russia in the 1994 title contention. 

Before the year ended, basketball scored another one, this time from the collegiate scene. 

De La Salle ended its seven-year title drought against University of the Philippines in their historic UAAP Season 86 championship battle before the massive 25,192 new tournament crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Dec. 6. 

In a closely-contested Game 3 affair, the Green Archers turned back the Fighting Maroons with a hard-fought 73-69 win that saw MVP Kevin Quiambao explode with 24 points to make their 10th title dream come true.  

Both squads definitely saved the best for last as their series-tying games both ended in decisive wins before the decider. 

La Salle and UP’s first-ever finals showdown in league history edged out the 25,138 record then shared between National University Bulldogs and Far Eastern University Tamaraws in Season 77. 

More than a week shy of Christmas, Creamline and Choco Mucho took their sister act to the finale of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference. 

The screaming colors of pink and purple erupted for a new PVL gate attendance 24,459 in Cubao, Quezon, City as the Cool Smashers held off finals debutants Flying Titans in Game 2 of the season-ending conference to claim their seventh overall franchise title on Dec. 16. 

The mammoth crowd, though, was expected as both squads have respective legion of fans who would flock the venues even on regular games. 

Creamline ultimately went all the way through its third All-Filipino title undefeated as volleyball received its fair share of local support this year.

PH to China: Respect, sincerity are key to sea row dialogue

By: Frances Mangosing - Reporter / @FMangosingINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer 

The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Sindangan isblocked by a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in October. china sea row dialogue

HARASSMENT The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Sindangan is blocked by a China Coast Guard vessel during a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in October. —GERALDFORD TICKE

China should first stop its hostile actions at sea before it enters into a dialogue with the Philippines, an official of the National Security Council (NSC) said on Tuesday, amid worsening tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The territorial disputes between the two countries have grown more tense this year as Beijing seeks to assert its maritime dominance in the South China Sea.

“Dialogues can only succeed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. The Philippines is ready to reciprocate provided that the bullying, harassment, and aggressive actions are ended immediately,” NSC spokesperson and Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday said China was open to a dialogue, stressing her government was ready to work with the Philippines to handle maritime issues through negotiation and consultation.

But Mao, at the same time, asserted Beijing’s claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including those within the 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines.

“China will not weaken in its resolve to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” she said.

“For months, the Philippines has been making provocations on Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) and other issues and drawing forces outside the region into those issues. China is compelled under those circumstances to take necessary measures to firmly respond to it,” she said.

Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf, one of the country’s nine occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group, or the Spratlys. Chinese ships have been harassing resupply vessels to BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded warship that serves as a Philippine military outpost in Ayungin.

“We welcome China’s offer of dialogue, negotiation, and consultation but for it to prosper, China must immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the West Philippine Sea which seriously undermine… regional peace and security,” Malaya said.

A 2016 arbitral ruling voided China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing has refused to recognize the decision.

Root of tensions

According to Malaya, China is “the only country that believes its own propaganda” and no single nation has expressed support for its so-called 10-dash line that supposedly defines China’s territory.

The boundaries set by China overlap into the exclusive economic zones of rival claimants like the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

“The root of all these tensions is its non-adherence to international law, Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. As the world has seen, it is not the Philippines that has been engaged in provocations, bullying and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea,” Malaya said.

“It is not the Philippines that has been doing laser pointing, water cannoning, dangerous maneuvers, blocking, swarming, etc. In fact, the Philippines has been very restrained and responsible but the same cannot be said of China,” he said.

Chinese activities against Philippine vessels, harassment of fishermen and other activities “that infringe… upon the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea are clear violations of international law,” he added.

Last week, the top diplomats of the Philippines and China spoke by telephone where they discussed the territorial disputes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, “noted the importance of dialogue” in addressing the issues of concern.

Wang earlier accused the Philippines of “constantly provoking trouble at sea and undermining China’s legitimate and lawful rights.”

Domestic law

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, meanwhile, said Beijing was the one “committing all the violations” at sea, in response to accusations by China’s state-controlled newspaper, the People’s Daily, that the Philippines was stirring tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Philippines relies on the support of external forces, ignores China’s goodwill and restraint, and repeatedly provokes China’s principles and bottom line,” said the commentary.

But Aguilar, at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program by state-run People’s Television, said: “The Philippines is not provoking conflict. We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law, meaning the limits of our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone where we have sovereign rights.”

He accused China of starting hostile actions that sometimes risk collisions at sea.

The Philippines, Aguilar said, is boosting its alliances and has the support of other nations because its claims are backed by international law, including Unclos. —WITH A REPORT FROM REUTERS

Kim Chiu flaunts bikini body following split from Xian Lim

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com m Chiu via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya host-actress Kim Chiu appears to be enjoying the single life just mere days after confirming she and longtime boyfriend Xian Lim called it quits.

Kim is celebrating the Christmas holidays with her family in Balesin Island, with her sister Lakam sharing some snippets of their vacation.

The host-actress too posted on her own Instagram account family photos, following them up with sizzling images of herself in the beach. 

"Opacarophile," Kim wrote in the caption, which means one who loves sunsets. "Grateful for small things, big things and everything in between!" she added with the hashtag #Chiurista.

Another photo set had Kim in a patterned bikini ensemble under a denim bottom as she posed by lanterns at dusk.

"3 C's in life. Choice. Chance. Change. Up to you what comes first," Kim wrote for that post's caption alongside emojis of the crescent moon, stars, and a white heart.

Sandwiched between the bikini posts was a photo set of Kim in a white outfit that had a photo of singer Mariah Carey and her iconic holiday song "All I Want For Christmas Is You," though Kim hilariously blurred out the last word so it could read "Chiu" instead.

Kim and Xian confirmed their breakup two days before Christmas, ending a relationship that lasted 12 years.

"We shared more than a decade of love, each other's support system, and many beautiful memories," Kim said at the time. "As we close this chapter, I ask for everyone's kindness and respect. I hope this clears everything as we all move forward with our lives."