McKinley Hill’s iconic Grand Christmas Parade

Get ready for the return of Metro Manila’s one and only holiday parade spectacle

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Dec 10, 2024 01:09 PM 

McKinley Hill’s iconic Grand Christmas Parade will once again light up the streets, bringing back the joy and wonder of the holiday season in one of Metro Manila's most anticipated celebrations this December 14. The beloved event made its grand return last year after a short hiatus, and it promises to deliver an even grander spectacle this time around.

The Grand Christmas Parade is the only one of its kind in the metro, and has become the signature celebration for the McKinley Hill community, uniting families and visitors for a magical experience at the most romantic mall in the country.

McKinley Hill's Grand Christmas Parade draws inspiration from the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, epitomizing the grandeur of holiday parades worldwide. Guests can expect a captivating display of holiday cheer, featuring 15 larger-than-life floats, towering 25-foot character balloons, and a dazzling array of over 1,000 street performers who brought the festive spirit to life. Last year, it drew thousands of attendees, all eager to witness the magic unfold in McKinley Hill in its grand return. 

The festive spectacle was met with widespread excitement as families, friends, and holiday enthusiasts from all over the metro gathered to take part in this unparalleled celebration. This year, visitors can once again experience the familiar grandeur of floats, balloons, performances, and holiday spectacles, now reimagined with the distinct warmth and charm of Filipino Christmas traditions. This celebration puts a spotlight on the joyful and inclusive nature of the holiday season in the Philippines, re-establishing the parade’s position as Metro Manila’s premier Christmas celebration.

Prepare for a season of wonder, joy, and the timeless spirit of the holidays at the one and only Grand Christmas Parade at McKinley Hill.

For more updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call their hotline at 8-462-8888 or follow their social media accounts on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/megaworldlifestylemalls).

The silent threat of that tingling feeling

BY ALLAN POLICARPIO

DECEMBER 10, 2024

From left: Health experts Dr. Francis Pasaporte, Dr. Bien Matawaran, Dr. Rizaldy Pinzon, and Dr. Li Yan of P&G Singapore —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Read Next

The hidden dangers of invasive meningococcal disease

Many of us are familiar with that tingly sensation we get on our palms in cold weather. Or that rush of pins and needles in our legs and feet that makes us stagger ever so slightly when we abruptly stand up after sitting in an awkward position.

Usually, we dismiss them as random natural body phenomena. And that’s what they are most of the time. But what if these sensations happen, persist, or worsen with no apparent reason?

You may have developed a condition called peripheral neuropathy (PN), a nerve disease that impairs sensation and movement, and whose symptoms include numbness, prickling, and stabbing or burning pain—mostly in the hands or feet.

Chelsea Manalo is back in PH, shares secret to bagging the Miss Universe Asia title

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Dec 10, 2024 09:23 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• The "Bulacan Barbie" said she is looking forward to eating adobo and spending Christmas with her family after being away for almost two months. 

The first Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo being interviewed about her duties

Newly proclaimed Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Anne Manalo flew back to Manila last night after successfully representing the country in Mexico City. The "Bulacan Barbie" said she is looking forward to eating adobo and spending Christmas with her family after being away for almost two months.

Chelsea arrived via PR flight 113 from Los Angeles wearing a black leather jacket. "Ang init ha. Ang init bigla! From LA, now I'm here in the Philippines. Grabe yung weather. I can feel the support. Maraming salamat po for coming here," she told the media and some fans who gathered to greet her at the arrival area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. 

(It's hot. From LA, now I'm here in the Philippines. The weather's suddenly hot. Thank you very much for coming here.) 

In a press release, Miss Universe Philippines announced that Chelsea will go to Thailand and Europe "around May or June"  next year. As the first Miss Universe Continental Queen for Asia, part of her duty will be to "oversee projects and charity programs" of the Miss Universe Organization in different parts of the world. She will be traveling with the other winners, notably Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark who is also scheduled to visit the Philippines. 

Chelsea believes her win has opened "more doors to women who want to pursue pageantry differently, that it's not all about how we look, but rather our personality, intentions, our advocacy."

She noted that showing the judges her "best personality" became the main goal during the Miss Universe competition. One of the judges asked her to sing during the closed-door interview since it's widely known that Filipinos love karaoke. Chelsea gamely sang "A Whole New World," which is the theme song of the Disney movie "Aladdin."

Newly proclaimed Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo is flanked by her supporters and the media after arriving at NAIA Monday night.

"I sang my heart out for 'A Whole New World', they saw the personality there and they really liked it so I guess that's why we have Miss Universe Asia now," she revealed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Chelsea said she's also "very happy" to win the Best in National Costume award for the "Hiraya" creation by Bulacan-based designer Manny Halasan, reflecting the Philippines' different religious influences.

"Sobrang happy ako kasi nakita ng organization yung story that I have to put in my costume," she pointed out. 

Competing in the Miss Universe made Chelsea realize how the Philippines and Mexico have many things in common regarding culture. The 25-year-old beauty said she really liked Mexican food, especially tacos and guacamole, although now that she's back home, she can't wait to taste "adobo and puto bumbong."

As the first Filipina of African-American descent to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe, Chelsea thanked everyone who supported and prayed for her. "I didn't make it by myself. Hindi lang to dahil sa organization and sa judges, but it's because of all of you, yung support na binigay nyo sa akin. I won because of the votes of every Filipino and those people who supported me, kaya maraming maraming salamat."

The Miss Universe Philippines organization has lined up a homecoming parade, a victory press conference, and a slew of TV guestings for Chelsea in the next few days.

Why newcomer Nella Dizon doesn't want to throw lines with her father award-winning actor Allen Dizon

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Dec 10, 2024 08:07 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Nella also said she dreams of doing action movies. 

Nella Dizon

Newcomer Nella Dizon expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with actress Rhian Ramos in the film "Huwag Mo Kong Iwan," produced by BenTria Productions under engr. Benjie Austria.

"Most of my scenes were with Ate Rhian Ramos. She was so nice. Hindi niya ako tini-treat as iba. She's bubbly. Ate Pinky Amador is also nice," said Nella during an interview in Quezon City recently. "I hope tuloy tuloy na ito."

Nella started acting at seven when she had a cameo in her father's film "Marino."

"My first movie was 'Marino' kung saan anak ako ng dad ko (Allen Dizon). I was seven years old. Isang line lang yata ako roon. 

"Wala talaga akong alam sa mga movies niya noon hanggang nakasama ako sa 'Marino.' That time mahiyain talaga ako. 

Nella Dizon and her dad award-winning actor Allen Dizon

"When I was 12 or 13, I wanted to pursue acting. Yung sister was in a movie. 

'And she did well in a movie. I told myself kaya ko rin gawin yun. Siya (sister) ang naging inspiration ko," Nella said.

ADVERTISEMENT

One movie project led to another. After 'Marino,' Nella appeared in "Rainbow Sunset," "Persons of Interest," "Beauty Queen," "Abe Nida," "Lola Magdalena," "Apo Hapon," and "Huwag Mo Kong Iwan."

Dennis Evangelista, Nella's talent manager, recognized her potential after watching her in a stage play.

"Nakitaan ko siya ng potential when I watched her in a school play. Sa stage kasi live. I told myself, 'May future siya sa showbiz,' " Dennis said.

Nella Dizon 

Nella, 22, confessed that she never wanted to rehearse her lines for movies with her father.

"Feeling ko baka matawa lang ako eh. Mas gusto ko ibang tao ang ka-throw lines ko," she said.

Of the movies of her dad, she admired him in the films 'Magkakabaong' and 'Bomba' where Allen won many awards. 

Nella mentioned that her father always provided her with valuable advice about acting.

"One thing he always tells me is to imagine my character. Huwag mong iisipin na you're an actor playing a character but think about the character para mas effective ang portrayal ng role. Act as natural as possible. Do your best," she said.

Nella Dizon and her family

Allen, 47, is said to be the Philippine actor with the most acting awards in the country. Recently seen in the No. 1 drama "Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap" on GMA Network, Allen has received more than 50 action g trophies here and abroad.

Of the stars in the country, Nella hopes to work with Primetime Queen Marian Rivera. "Ang ganda niya pero hindi ko pa siya nakita in person. Ang ganda din ng mga mata niya. Gusto ko rin makahingi ng advice kay Marian when it comes to career."

Nella also said she dreams of doing action movies.

Beauty queen

Nella was crowned Mutya Ning San Fernando in Pampanga. She plans to join a national beauty pageant soon.

"I just tried pageant last year. I am still determining when I will continue to pursue pageants. The only pageant I watched before was Miss Universe. I wasn't aware of the other pageants," she said.

Nella and Allen

Nella said since she joined a local pageant, it taught her about elegance.

Comparing her looks to popular beauty queens, Nella is a dead ringer for Jennifer Cortez and Precious Lara Quigaman.

 "Nakaka touch ang comments nila kasi ang gaganda nila. Pero maganda rin ako," Nella laughed. "My idol is Catriona Gray"

Nächster Renten-Schock! Schon fast 8 Mio. Senioren liegen unter der Grundsicherung

 Nächster Renten-Schock!

Schon fast 8 Mio. Senioren liegen unter der Grundsicherung

Wenn im Alter das Geld nicht reicht: 42,1 Prozent bekommen bereits eine Rente, die unter 950 Euro liegt

Foto: Photothek via Getty Images  

Sie haben ihr ganzes Leben geschuftet und sind trotzdem arm. Immer mehr ältere Menschen bekommen eine Rente, die noch unter dem Niveau der Grundsicherung im Alter liegt.

Das geht aus neuen Zahlen der Bundesregierung hervor, die BILD vorliegen. Thema des Dokuments: Wie viele Menschen in Deutschland eigentlich eine Rente erhalten, die unter dem Bruttobedarf von Empfängern der Grundsicherung im Alter liegt, bezogen auf 2022 und 2024.  Das durchschnittliche Brutto-Niveau der Grundsicherung im Alter, die das Existenzminimum sichern soll, betrug laut Bundesarbeitsministerium Ende des Jahres 2022 genau 865 Euro, am Endes des Jahres 2023 waren es 942 Euro.

Dann folgen Zahlen, die es in sich haben …

LESEN SIE AUCH

Exklusive ZahlenImmer mehr Rentner MÜSSEN arbeiten!

Aus Freude am Job länger arbeiten? Das ist für immer mehr Rentner ein Märchen.

Wie viel Geld bleibt?Das sagt Ihr Rentenbescheid

BILD erklärt, was die 6 wichtigsten Punkte auf Ihrem Bescheid bedeuten.

Rund 7,9 Millionen Menschen bekamen Ende des vergangenen Jahres eine monatliche Rente von unter 950 Euro, lagen damit also auf oder sogar noch unter dem Niveau der Grundsicherung.

Das entspricht bereits 42,1 Prozent aller Altersrenten in Deutschland!

Das Ministerium von Arbeitsminister Hubertus Heil (52, SPD) gab Antworten zum Thema Rentenhöhe.

Foto: Martin Schutt/dpa

Und der Trend weist nach oben, denn im Jahr 2022 waren es noch 7,2 Millionen Rentner, die mit ihren monatlichen Bezügen unter dem damaligen Niveau der Grundsicherung im Alter lagen (38,8 Prozent). Im Vergleich ist die Zahl der armen Rentner innerhalb eines Jahres also um fast 800.000 (+9,5 Prozent) gestiegen.

Die Zahlen gab die Bundesregierung als Antwort auf eine Anfrage des AfD-Abgeordneten René Springer (45) heraus. Der kritisiert: „Immer mehr deutsche Rentner werden mit Armutsrenten abgespeist.“ Aus den nachfolgenden Zahlen gehe auch hervor, dass der Sozialstaat sich durch „Armutsmigration“ ruiniere.

Ausländer sind besonders betroffen

Den Regierungsangaben zufolge sind von den zuletzt insgesamt 7,9 Millionen Rentnern, die unter Grundsicherungsniveau liegen, 1,5 Millionen Ausländer sind. Laut Auskunft der Bundesregierung bekommen damit 73,5 Prozent der ausländischen Rentner eine Rente unter dem Niveau der Grundsicherung. Aus dieser Gruppe kommen 999.965 aus der EU, weitere 22.822 aus Asyl-Ländern wie Afghanistan, Eritrea, Irak oder Nigeria und Pakistan. Der Armuts-Anteil unter deutschen Rentern ist deutlich geringer, liegt bei 38,2 Prozent.

Die Parlamentarische Staatssekretärin des Arbeitsministeriums, Kerstin Griese (58, SPD), weist in ihrer Antwort dagegen darauf hin, dass man aus der Höhe der Altersrente allein nicht auf die Bedürftigkeit schließen könne, da weitere Einkommen und die Zusammenhänge im Haushalt nicht berücksichtigt würden. Gerade bei kleinen Renten gebe es oft Ansprüche in anderen Sicherungssystemen.

Over 3.6-million SSS pensioners receive early 13th month pay

BY DERCO ROSAL

Dec 9, 2024 09:44 AM 

State-run Social Security System (SSS) announced that it had released P32.19 billion in 13th month and December pensions to over 3.6 million pensioners, starting as early as Nov. 29.

In a statement on Monday, Dec. 9, Voltaire P. Agas, SSS officer-in-charge, said the early release of the 13th month and December 2024 pensions as a pre-Christmas gift for SSS and Employees’ Compensation (EC) pensioners.

“We are also aware of the plight of our pensioners who were not spared by the recent tropical cyclones that lashed the country in less than a month. The early crediting of these pensions can help address some of their financial needs as they try to rebuild their lives after a series of calamities struck the country,” Agas said.

0 seconds of 6 secondsVolume 0%

 

The first batch of pensions, totaling P17.9 billion, was distributed on Nov. 29 to 2.09 million pensioners whose contingency dates fall between the first and 15th of the month, Agas explained.

Meanwhile, Agas reported that the second batch, amounting to P14.3 billion, was released on Dec. 4, benefiting 1.52 million pensioners with contingency dates from the 16th to the end of the month.

Agas also noted that the SSS disbursed approximately P41.6 million in the 13th month and December pensions to over 6,000 pensioners via non-PESONet banks and checks.

“Pensioners in non-PESONet participating banks got their pensions on December 4, meanwhile we have asked the Philippine Postal Corporation to expedite the delivery of the checks of our pensioners in their home address,” Agas said. 

Agas added that pensioners who opted for an advance 18-month pension received their 13th month pension on Dec. 4.

In a Dec. 9 statement, SSS said it has been granting the 13th-month pension to SSS and EC pensioners annually since 1988, equivalent to their monthly pension, as a recognition of their contributions.

Agas clarified that retirement and survivor pensioners receive a 13th month pension equal to their regular monthly pension, while total disability pensioners get an amount excluding the medical allowance.

He added that children receiving dependent pensions are also eligible for the 13th-month pension, while partial disability pensioners qualify if their pension lasts at least 12 months.

Mindanao’s road to peace

BY SECRETARY CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR.

Dec 9, 2024 07:26 AM

  

---

PEACE BY PEACE
 

 

(Part 1)

 

As we celebrated this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace, I traveled across the island region last week to hold dialogues with our peace partners and launch programs to further promote the culture of peace, mutual understanding, and dialogue in the region.

I had an interesting conversation with Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. when I visited his beautiful province. As we sat at his office, the first thing he asked me was, “Secretary, have you seen the holiest and most luxurious road in the country?” 

I tried to recall all the roads I’ve passed through in the country over the years. I’ve perhaps traversed all the major thoroughfares in the Philippines but I couldn’t remember setting foot on what he described as a ‘holy’ or ‘luxurious’ road. 

Then with a big smile, the governor explained, “What I meant was, ‘hole-iest’ and ‘lukso-rious’ road.” By holy he meant full of holes, and by luxurious he was referring to lukso, a Filipino word for jumping – or in this case, one’s body literally jumping up in the air when passing through the potholed highway.
According to the governor, the poor state of Agusan del Sur’s infrastructure, particularly its road network, has pushed back the area’s development for decades. He shared that it was only during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term that this concern was finally addressed.

And so, we made a commitment to him right then and there that we would be allotting around ₱210 million in funds under OPAPRU’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program to have the NRJ (Veruela) - Limot - Candiis - Davao de Oro Boundary Road rehabilitated in 2025. This road project will traverse NTF-ELCAC recommended areas — communities that have been cleared from insurgency but are still confronting the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment.

The good governor and I agree that good infrastructure and mobility networks drive economic growth and progress. Under the dynamic leadership of the province’s top executive, we have no doubt that Agusan del Sur will soon emerge as a leading agricultural and food production “hub” not only in the CARAGA region but in the whole of Mindanao.

As we were about to end our meeting, the governor pointed to a picture where he was standing shoulder to shoulder with top political figures of Agusan del Sur. He then exclaimed: “Here in Agusan del Sur, we are all united.  We work as one with the district and regional representatives.” I told the governor that I couldn’t agree more. 

On the same day, I, together with the governor and other military and provincial officials, inaugurated Agusan del Sur’s Kalinow Peace Center, a facility to be operated by the provincial government. It will serve as the ‘nerve center’ for all its peacebuilding and development interventions in the province. Because we all believe that ‘peace is the fundamental foundation of prosperity.’ 

The establishment of the Peace Center is a major milestone in the province’s quest to end the decades-long communist insurgency in the area. It symbolizes the national and Agusan del Sur provincial governments’ steadfast commitment to bring genuine peace and development to the people.

With the ₱8 million funds provided to the Agusan del Sur provincial government, the Peace Center will implement initiatives to support the transformation of former rebels (FRs) such as deradicalization programs, localized peace engagements, and livelihood projects. 

In a powerful speech delivered by Gov. Cane during the center’s launching ceremony, he lauded and thanked 64 FRs who on that day made their oath of allegiance to the nation for “giving peace and development a chance to return here in the province.” 

I was also moved by the testimony of Jonah Cossma Jumagpas, an FR who now works for the Agusan del Sur provincial government. She said the establishment of the peace center is a major step for the province in “creating a better and brighter future for former rebels like her.”

In my remarks during the program, I underscored the significance of the peace center, saying that it is not a mere facility but a collective effort to further strengthen and build on the gains of peace in the province.

 

(Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. is the presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation, and unity.)