Miss Universe 2024 winner to wear Filipino-made crown

Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua is crowned by Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — This year’s Miss Universe 2024 winner will be the first to wear the Filipino-crafted crown made by international brand Jewelmer. 

The brand announced its new project via an Instagram post on Wednesday. 

“Jewelmer makes history with the first Filipino-crafted crown for Miss Universe. Countless hands have contributed to this masterpiece — from Jewelmer’s dedicated pearl farmers to the Filipino master craftsmen — making it a striking emblem of the magic that transpires when man works in harmony with nature,” the brand wrote on its Instagram post. 

Jewelmer is renowned for its South Sea pearls. The brand was established in 1979 by a French pearl farmer and a Filipino entrepreneur. 

The brand’s chief executive officer, Jacques Christophe Branellac, posted about the company’s feat in his Instagram account. 

“From Palawan to the Universe! Off we go to Mexico City to launch the new crown of Ms Universe by @jewelmer ! First time for the Universe to have a crown made in the Philippines adorned by our national gem, the golden south sea pearl! Para sa bayan!” Branellac wrote on Instagram. 

In 2022, Miss Universe unveiled a new crown designed by luxury jeweler Mouawad. Named "The Crown Number 12: Force for Good,” the Mouawad crown was pear-shaped with blue sapphires surrounded by diamonds. It was valued at approximately $5.58 million (about P332 million).

Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel was the first to wear the Force for Good crown when she was crowned the winner of the 71st Miss Universe Competition on January 14, 2023 held in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. R’Bonney was succeeded by Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios who will crown her successor on Sunday (Manila time) in Mexico City. 

3 foreigners arrested for shooting Chinese, illegal drugs possession in Parañaque City

BY JEAN FERNANDO

Nov 14, 2024 11:59 AM

  

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Three foreign nationals involved in the shooting and wounding of a Chinese national and for illegal drugs possession were arrested by members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation on Nov. 13.

The confiscated drugs and firearm from the arrested suspects. (Photo from Parañaque City Police)

 

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang identified the suspects as alias “Shi,” 31, a resident of Makati City; alias “Sui,” 31, of Parañaque City, both Chinese nationals, and alias “Edwin,” 31, a Cameronian national and a resident of Pasay City.

Yang said the victim, identified as alias “Li,” 35, a money changer employee and a resident of Parañaque City, suffered gunshot wound in the body and was rushed to San Juan De Dios Hospital for treatment.

He said the incident occurred at a residential complex around 7:30 a.m. in Barangay Don Galo, Parañaque City.

Based on the investigation, a witness, identified as alias "Syncell," 32, an online agent residing at the same residential complex, called for police assistance after hearing argument inside the victim's residence which was followed by a gunshot.

Members of the Parañaque City Police Sto. Nino Substation conducted a hot pursuit operation and collared the suspects who yielded 15 sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 200 grams and worth P1,200,000.

Aside from the shabu, the police also recovered two sachets and one bottle containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, one bottle containing an unidentified liquid, four tooters, two flasks, two bottles of unidentified tablets, five tubes, one 9mm Glock 19 with ten live ammunitions, three butane gas canisters, and two pointed weapons.

The arrested suspects were charged with frustrated murder, violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Manila Bulletin honored by country's cardiologists at PHA Media Awards 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 14, 2024 07:29 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Founded on March 26, 1952, the PHA is recognized as one of the largest and most successful subspecialty associations in the nation.

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Photo shows Robert Requintina (right), Manila Bulletin Entertainment Editor, and Calvin Cordova, Manila Bulletin Reporter based in Cebu City, posing with their awards from the Philippine Heart Association - Philippine College of Cardiology during annual ceremonies held at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City on Nov. 13.

The Manila Bulletin received two awards from the country's cardiologists at the Philippine Heart Association Media Awards 2024 held at EDSA Shangri-la in Mandaluyong City on Nov. 13.

The first award was presented to the Manila Bulletin Entertainment, received by its editor, Robert R. Requintina. The citation read:

"As a constant PHA Lady Advocacy champion, your powerful pen and voice have given the association's mission to curb cardiovascular deaths through preventive cardiology habits invaluable mileage," it stated.

In his short acceptance speech, Requintina praised the PHA for its advocacy in promoting a healthy heart.

"Magandang gabi po. I'm Robert Requintina, entertainment head for the Manila Bulletin. Thank you so much for this recognition.

"Hindi po ito marites but rest assured that the Manila Bulletin will continue to promote the advocacy of the Philippine Heart Association - Philippine College of Cardiology. 

"It's an honor to be working in tandem with the PHA. Mabuhay ang Philippine Heart Association! Maraming salamat po!" the MB entertainment editor said.

The second award for the Manila Bulletin was presented to Calvin Cordova, of the Manila Bulletin Cebu. Mr. Cordova flew in from Cebu to receive the prestigious award. 

Last year, Mr. Cordova was also cited by the PHA. However, he was not able to attend the event.

Cordova also thanked the PHA for the recognition and promised to continue promoting its advocacy to help curb cardiovascular deaths. 

The citation was signed by Dr. Rodney M. Jimenez, President, PHA-PCC; Dr. Luigi Pierre S. Segundo, PHA Director 1, Chair, Social Media Committee; Dr. Avelino L. Aventura, PHA Director III, Chair, Advocacy Committee; and Dr. Lourdes Ella G. Santos, PHA Director II, Chair, Communications, Committee.

Aside from the Manila Bulletin, the doctors also honored television and radio programs and individuals strongly promoting good health.

At the same event, the PHA also presented new programs and plans to effectively curb cardiovascular deaths in the country.

Founded on March 26, 1952, the PHA is recognized as one of the largest and most successful subspecialty associations in the nation.

It remains firmly dedicated to its mission of reducing the impact of heart disease in our country. The focus is on realizing its vision of making the Philippines a leading center for cardiology in the region.

In its tagline, the PHA stated: 

"Everyone deserves a healthy heart and a healthy life. This is why the PHA makes it its mission to improve cardiovascular health. Every Filipino’s heart health matters to us. 

"A healthier heart is important so that you can live longer - to enjoy life’s little pleasures: cherish the special moments, enjoy those summer getaways, travel and fulfill that bucket list, spend those weekend mornings playing a round or two of golf with friends, enjoy beautiful and perfect sunsets in your favorite hideaway, relish dining out experiences with family and friends, and take great delight in the company of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
 
"Throughout our existence, our programs, our advocacies, our campaigns, and efforts are poured toward one goal- to improve cardiovascular health. Every Filipino’s heart health matters to us."

Dua Lipa turns Philippine Arena into biggest party night club

 Dua Lipa during her 'Radical Optimism' tour in Philippine Arena

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

November 14, 2024 | 11:21am

MANILA, Philippines — International pop star Dua Lipa turned the Philippine Arena in Bocaue into a night club as thousands of Filipinos danced the night away all throughout the Manila-leg concert of her "Radical Optimism" tour, presented by Live Nation Philippines.

Dua opened the concert with "Training Season," "One Kiss," "Illusion," "End of an Era," "Break My Heart," "Whatcha Doing" and "Levitating."

The Grammy Award winner said that she's excited to perform once again in the Philippines.

"I'm very excited to be here tonight because it's been a long time since I've been here in Manila," she said. 

@jmilsev22 Dua Lipa performs New Rules X Electricity in Philippine Arena. #Fyp #LiveNationPhilippines #DuaLipa ? original sound - JMilSev 22

In her second act, Dua performed "These Walls," "Be The One," "Love Again" and "Pretty Please." 

Dua continued the party with "Hallucinate," "New Rules," "Electricity" and "Cold Heart."

"Thank you so much, thank you for your energy, thank you very much for being so loud. It's been so much fun. It's been so long since I've been here. Six years? Six years. And to be welcome so warmly means a lot," Dua said during her break.

The English-Albanian singer then sang an acoustic "Anything for Love" and "Happy For You."

For her encore performance, Dua finished the concert with "Physical," "Dance the Night," "Don't Start Now" and "Houdini."

RELATED: Dua Lipa visits Intramuros, Toyo Eatery ahead of Philippine Arena show

Zusätzliche 2000 Euro für Rentner:

So sieht der CDU-Vorschlag für die Rente nach der Neuwahl aus

Stand:13.11.2024, 12:24 Uhr

Von: Amy Walker  

Sollte die CDU die Wahl gewinnen, plant sie, ihre Rentenkonzepte in Deutschland zu realisieren. Diese umfassen neben einem neuen Bonus auch eine Anhebung des Renteneintrittsalters.

Berlin – Die Ampel-Koalition ist Geschichte, am 23. Februar soll es in Deutschland Neuwahlen geben. Der neue Bundestag wird eine ganz neue Zusammensetzung haben als die alte, das lassen Umfragen vor der Bundestagswahl schon vermuten. Die Union aus CDU und CSU dürfte stärkste Kraft werden und damit die neue Bundesregierung anführen. 

Für Millionen Menschen im Land ist es besonders von Interesse, was die Union in Sachen Rente und Altersvorsorge plant. Dazu hat die CDU in den vergangenen Wochen und Monaten schon oft Stellung bezogen. Jüngst gab auch CDU-Generalsekretär Carsten Linnemann im Interview mit der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung einen Ausblick.

2000 Euro steuerfrei für Rentner, die im Alter weiterarbeiten

Im Gespräch mit der FAZ sagte Linnemann wörtlich: „Wir müssen in Deutschland generell mehr Anreize dafür setzen, damit Arbeit in Deutschland positiver gesehen wird. Mehrarbeit wollen wir steuerlich belohnen. Außerdem planen wir eine Aktivrente, sodass Personen, die das gesetzliche Rentenalter erreicht haben, aber sich fit fühlen und freiwillig weiterarbeiten wollen, bis zu einem Betrag von zum Beispiel 2000 Euro monatlich steuerfrei etwas hinzuverdienen dürfen. Das wird Hunderttausende aktivieren.“ 

Nach der Neuwahl will die CDU schnell ihre Renten-Pläne auf den Weg bringen. © Imago

Das hat die CDU so auch in ihrem Grundsatzprogramm vom Frühjahr niedergeschrieben. Das Programm geht aber in dieser Sache auch weiter: So sollen Menschen, die 45 Jahre lang zum Mindestlohn gearbeitet haben, Kinder erzogen haben oder andere Angehörige gepflegt haben, eine höhere Rente erhalten können. Sie soll „deutlich oberhalb der Grundsicherung im Alter“ liegen. Wie viele Menschen das betreffen würde, ist nicht ganz klar. Die Grundsicherung im Alter liegt etwa auf dem Niveau des Bürgergeldes.

Höheres Rentenalter für bestimmte Gruppen – private Altersvorsorge als Pflicht

Auch zum Rentenalter schreibt die CDU in ihrem Grundsatzprogramm. Demnach soll es ein höheres Rentenalter für diejenigen geben, die lange arbeiten können (zum Beispiel, weil sie im Büro arbeiten). Für alle, die aus gesundheitlichen Gründen nicht möglich ist, länger zu arbeiten, soll es „passgenaue Lösungen“ geben. 

Damit die Kosten für die gesetzliche Rente nicht aus dem Ruder laufen, soll es eine Reform der privaten Vorsorge geben. „Da die gesetzliche Rente allein eine auskömmliche Alterssicherung in vielen Fällen nicht garantieren kann, wollen wir für alle eine verpflichtende kapitalgedeckte Altersvorsorge einführen. Dabei werden bestehende kapitalgedeckte Altersvorsorgen berücksichtigt. Für Menschen mit geringem Einkommen braucht es dabei staatliche Zuschüsse“, so die CDU in ihrem Plan.

Letzteres könnte in die Richtung gehen, die bereits Ex-Finanzminister Christian Lindner (FDP) vorgeschlagen hatte. Vor dem Bruch der Koalition hatte er eine staatliche Förderung der kapitalgedeckten Altersvorsorge vorgeschlagen, die unter günstigen Bedingungen und bei langer Anlagezeit bis zu 3500 Euro Netto-Rente ergeben könnte. Dieser Plan wird von der Ampel nun nicht mehr umgesetzt.

Abschaffung der Frührente: Nicht klar, was die CDU hier plant

In der Vergangenheit hat die CDU die Abschaffung der Frührente (genannt „Rente mit 63“) gefordert. Davon ist aber seit längerer Zeit nichts mehr zu hören – vermutlich weil eine solche Maßnahme in der Bevölkerung nicht gut ankäme. Von Ökonomen, wie dem Rentenexperten Martin Werding, wird das Ende der Rente mit 63 aber immer wieder mit Nachdruck gefordert. 2023 haben fast 280.000 Menschen die Frührente ohne Abschläge genutzt. Weitere 212.000 haben eine frühere Rente mit Abschlägen in Kauf genommen.