Dr. José Rizal returns as a playable video game character

Strategy game Sid Meier’s Civilization VII includes the iconic hero in its upcoming lineup

BY POCH EULALIA

Feb 7, 2025 11:14 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Keeping your nation happy under Rizal’s lead will also grant the player bonuses that will give players a tactical advantage.

---

A TRUE LEADER Dr. José Rizal's in-game appearance for Sid Meier’s Civilization VII

 

From writer, scientist, educator, and artist, what hasn’t our heroic icon done? It comes as no surprise that Dr. José Rizal returns, this time in video game form. Rizal has been included as one of the selectable leaders in the upcoming strategy game Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. 

As of the release announcement, several comments have expressed a positive reaction to the hero’s inclusion in the much-anticipated title. In the brief trailer, the game hints that Rizal’s strength as a leader will be evident in providing cultural and diplomatic bonuses for the player. Keeping your nation happy under Rizal’s lead will also grant the player bonuses that will give players a tactical advantage. Among these bonus traits is the “Kapwa” effect, which allows for an increased beneficial relationship toward fellow civilizations in-game. He also provides bonuses for successful narrative events. For an extra perk, players who select Rizal are also granted a tropical location bonus.

 

UNTOUCHED BEAUTY Bohol's Chocolate Hills as featured in Civilization VI

 

Prior to Civilization VII, the Philippines has already made special appearances in its fifth and sixth edition. In Civilization V, Manila appears as a maritime City-State that provides a food bonus upon befriending its citizens. Bohol’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chocolate Hills also shows up in Civilization VI as a natural wonder tile that provides food, production, and scientific bonuses. There have also been fan-made mods for both titles which allow players to include the Philippines in game, represented by leaders like former Presidents Emilio Aguinaldo, Manuel Quezon, and Corazon Aquino, plus revolutionary figures like Lapulapu, Dayang Kalangitan, and Sultan Kudarat. 

 

 

Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise has long been a favorite among strategy gamers and history enthusiasts. Since its release in 1991, it has become a staple in the industry as players look forward to the new set of leaders and nations included upon each release. Among its most popular characters is Indian revolutionary figure Mahatma Gandhi, lovingly referred to by fans as a nuclear overlord after a rumor spread that a glitch in coding accidentally made him the most violent character in the game. Other notable appearances include US President Abraham Lincoln, the Roman Empire’s Julius Caesar, Zulu warrior king Shaka kaSenzangakhona, and England’s Queen Elizabeth I. You can embark on your journey with Rizal at the helm starting Feb. 11 once Civilization VII is released on Steam.

BLACKPINK finally making anticipated group comeback; 2025 World Tour teaser revealed

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Feb 6, 2025 10:23 AM

  

---

Members of BLACKPINK--Jennie, Rosé, Lisa and Jisoo--are finally making their comeback as a group this year with the release of a teaser of their world tour. 

On Feb. 5, YG Entertainment uploaded the BLACKPINK 2025 World Tour teaser video on YouTube. 

This is the first teaser video announcing BLACKPINK's full group comeback in about a year and six months after their “Born Pink” tour. The video showcased footage from BLACKPINK’s last concert tour. 

The teaser video has garnered one million views on YouTube as of this writing.  

Teaser video for BLACKPINK's 2025 World Tour (YG Entertainment)

"In order to support BLACKPINK's wide-ranging group activities this year, we have internally established a separate project organization, and preparations for their comeback are progressing quickly. This will be a year filled with large-scale projects worthy of BLACKPINK's unrivaled global status, so please look forward to it,” YG Entertainment, Korean media reported. 

In July last year, YG Entertainment’s Yang Hyun-suk announced in a YouTube video about the plans for BLACKPINK. 

“There will be a highly anticipated comeback from BLACKPINK and it will also be the year BLACKPINK starts their world tour,” he said of BLACKPINK’s 2025 tour.  

BLACKPINK set a new world tour record for a K-pop girl group by attracting an audience of over 1.8 million through the “Born Pink” tour, which had 66 concerts in 34 cities from October 2022 to September 2023. 

Getting a taste for cognac

BY ALLAN POLICARPIO

FEBRUARY 6, 2025

Remy Martin ambassador and master class host Kris Ong. —ALLAN POLICARPIO

Read Next

Hayop! Filipino flavors unleashed in SG

Getting wasted on premium spirits can be such a waste.

If your goal is to simply reach Drunksville as fast as possible, there are cheaper, surefire ways to get you to your destination, say, a couple of pints of beer or swills of generic gin. But if it’s the journey you’re after—with the occasional aromatic detours or leisurely stopovers to savor the flavors—then by all means reach for the top shelf.

And perhaps a glass of cognac to set things afoot?

BINI emotionally renews contract with ABS-CBN, thanks Blooms for support

BINI is made up of members (clockwise) Aiah, Maloi, Stacey, Gwen, Colet, Jhoanna, Mikha and Sheena

The STAR / File

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

February 5, 2025 | 1:22pm

MANILA, Philippines — "Nation's Girl Group" BINI emotionally renewed their contract with ABS-CBN.

At the contract signing held in Dolphy Theater yesterday, Jhoanna, Stacey, Maloi, Aiah, Sheena, Gwen, Colet and Mikha thanked ABS-CBN for trusting them since the beginning. 

“Kinakabahan, natutuwa and sobrang grateful lang kami for this day. This contract signing is not just a milestone, it’s a promise that palagi naming gagalingan," Jhoanna said. 

“We will continue working hard and grow as artists. Thank you so much, ABS-CBN, dahil kasama namin sila sa mga susunod naming taon sa pagtupad nang mas marami pa naming pangarap,” she added. 

“Thank you because you are the very first ones who believed in us when we were still in our teenage years. Mostly sa amin away from our family and friends and it was really hard for us," Aiah said. 

“We trusted you po and thank you so much for trusting us as well. We are going to keep trusting you until we are on our 30s or how many years to come… Thank you so much because you allowed us to be us,” she added. 

Mikha thanked Blooms around the world for supporting them in their journey. 

“Kita niyo naman na-appreciate namin ‘yung ginagawa niyo ‘di ba? Sobrang nakakatuwa lang kasi never naming in-expect na may mga Blooms na makakapansin sa mga bagay na hindi namin in-expect na mapapansin nila na they really show genuine care sa amin," Mikha said. 

“To have you guys in this journey of us, we would just like to say, thank you Blooms!” she added. 

Stacey recalled their journey to become the hottest female P-pop group right now. 

“Grabe din kasi ‘yung journey naming BINI, ‘yung talagang pinaghirapan namin kung nasaan kami ngayon.

“Grabe, kasi lahat kami ‘yung nakikita niyong walo rito, nag-audition talaga kami, pinilahan namin kung nasaan kami ngayon. Super thank you sa mga nagtiwala sa amin.

“'Yung mga pangarap namin na mina-manifest namin before unti-unti na siyang natutupad. Thank you so much for the blessing and — walo hanggang dulo,” she said. 

Apart from Blooms, Maloi thanked her co-BINI members for the friendship. 

“Hindi namin kayo kilala isa-isa, ‘di namin kayo nakakausap, nahahawakan, nayayakap pero 'yung pagmamahal na ibinibigay niyo sa kahit anong way, nararamdaman namin. Maraming, maraming salamat Blooms," she said. 

“Gusto ko lang din magpasalamat sa BINI,  thank you for this life, thank you for giving me life. Thank you for being part of my life. And let’s live this life happily kahit marami tayong pagdadaanan. Alam ko na itong buhay na ito, ito ang ikukuwento natin sa lahat. Thank you so much,” she added. 

BINI is set to release their new single "Blink Twice" next week before performing in the Philippine Arena for the first stop of their world tour. 

Deepfakes: Fighting another form of fake news

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Feb 6, 2025 00:05 AM

  

---

 

Not too long ago, a photo or video images could confirm the existence of a person, situations or locations. But technology has changed that0 and can now place a fake person in a manipulated situation at a created location to make statements — creating deepfake content.  

“Deepfake” refers to synthetic media where artificial intelligence (AI) is used to create hyper-realistic but fabricated images, videos, or audio recordings. Making its entry as a form of entertainment, deepfakes have evolved into tools for deception, manipulation, and fraud, posing significant challenges to individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide.

These fake images exacerbate the problem of fake news that has permeated into people’s lives through their mobile phones and other gadgets.

The announcement of the Department of Information, Communication, and Technology (DICT) that it has acquired a software tool capable of detecting deepfake videos within seconds is welcome news.  According to cybersecurity analyst Marco Reyes of the DICT Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the application can be installed on computers and, upon running a video through it, determines its authenticity in about 30 seconds. If the video is identified as a deepfake, a red “X” will appear on the screen. This tool is envisioned to assist law enforcement agencies in identifying and combating deepfake-related scams.

The DICT initiative is timely, as deepfakes are increasingly being used in fraudulent schemes. For instance, in the US, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)                                                                                                                                              has reported that scammers are leveraging generative AI tools to create synthetic identification documents and deepfake images to open fraudulent brokerage accounts and take over existing ones. These sophisticated scams are projected to lead to industry fraud losses reaching $40 billion by 2027, a Wall Street Journal report said. 

Several notable deepfake scams have caused significant financial losses. In one case, scammers created deepfake videos featuring public figures to promote fraudulent schemes, leading unsuspecting individuals around the world to invest substantial sums. Last year, deepfakes were identified as creating problems in elections in several countries with deepfake videos of candidates making malicious statements.

To combat the proliferation of deepfakes, various tools and applications have been developed to act as an AI-threat detection platform that provides real-time assessment of digital media, including videos, images, audio, and identities.

Despite these technological advancements, the fight against deepfakes continues.  In fact, authors of articles providing how-to tips on detecting deepfakes warn that this malicious technology is developing so fast that the tips may not work a few months later.

Governments and the private sectors need to collaborate on a multifaceted approach.  A public awareness campaign is needed to educate citizens about the existence and potential dangers of deepfakes. Governments need to establish and enforce laws that penalize the creation and distribution of malicious deepfake content. Social media platforms and tech companies should implement stricter verification processes and employ AI-driven detection tools to identify and remove deepfake content promptly.

It is important that there is continuous investment in research to develop more advanced detection methods as deepfake technology continues to evolve.

The emergence of deepfakes represents a significant challenge in the digital age. While tools are  essential, a comprehensive strategy involving technology, legislation, and public education is vital to effectively combat the threats posed by deepfake technology.

Style Weekend: Exploring the factors that make Filipinos feel happy

‘Don’t think that if you’re not happy, you’re a bad person. It’s natural to be unhappy. Think of others’ happiness first, and your happiness will come.’

BY JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Feb 5, 2025 10:59 PM

  

---

Filipinos are known as some of the most resilient people in the world. Despite facing various adversities, they smile, laugh, and find joy in the smallest and simplest things in life. This is evident in the videos that foreign tourists upload on their social media accounts, often mentioning that one of the reasons they keep returning to the Philippines is the warmth and genuine happiness of Filipinos, who always greet them with smiles.

Photo by Jonathan Ramalho (Unsplash)

This happiness is even supported by scientific studies. Since the first release of the World Happiness Report in 2012, the Philippines has risen in ranking from 103rd out of 156 countries to 53rd in 2024. The World Happiness Report is an annual study conducted in partnership with Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR’s Editorial Board, which examines the state of happiness worldwide.

The report considers various determinants of happiness, including income, work, community and governance, values, and personal factors such as mental and physical health. However, does the country’s improved ranking truly reflect the happiness of Filipinos? And what factors influence an individual’s or a community’s happiness? To explore these questions, Style Weekend spoke with Dr. Gerry Lanuza, a professor from the University of the Philippines’ Department of Sociology.

Poor vs. rich: Defining happiness

According to Dr. Lanuza, it is important to recognize that the meaning of happiness varies for each individual, especially across different socio-economic backgrounds.

“Filipinos have diverse cultures, and we hold different concepts of happiness,” he said. “I also think it’s a misconception that finding joy amid tragedy is unique to Filipinos. This happens in other countries as well. We call it the ‘social function of humor’—even in times of crisis, people use humor to lighten the moment and ease the burden.”

He further explained that people, regardless of their financial status, do not base their happiness solely on material wealth. For those living in poverty, happiness is often measured by the concept of togetherness—having family members stay united and support each other through life’s challenges. Meanwhile, middle-class and wealthy individuals often find happiness in opportunities to give back and help others.

However, the reality remains that before individuals can reflect on their happiness, their basic needs—food, shelter, clothing, and security—must first be met.

“In The Sane Society, Erich Fromm said that happiness is not about possession or material wealth—it is about ‘being’ rather than ‘having,’” Prof. Lanuza explained. “Meanwhile, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs emphasizes that basic necessities must be fulfilled first. Once that is achieved, happiness shifts towards self-actualization and helping others.”

The role of society

Dr. Lanuza also emphasized the significant role that society plays in shaping happiness, including the fulfillment of spiritual needs. This is why individuals who actively participate in religious activities, regardless of their specific beliefs, tend to be happier and more content.

“Well-being is holistic—it should encompass both internal and external aspects,” he noted. “Tayong mga Pinoy, hindi tayo masaya kapag ‘yung kapitbahay o kaibigan natin ay hindi masaya. (We Filipinos are not happy if our neighbors or friends are unhappy.) Our happiness is collective.”

He also pointed out that religion can serve as a buffer for mental health, promoting both psychological and physiological well-being. “When people engage in worship, the brain releases oxytocin, which increases happiness. As a result, they tend to live longer, happier lives,” he added.

For those who are not religious, Dr. Lanuza suggested finding other meaningful outlets for happiness. Additionally, he stressed the importance of government and other institutions in creating communities where people feel safe, secure, and have access to opportunities that meet their basic needs.

“Huwag natin pag-awayin ang kaligayahan ng sarili at kaligayahan ng iba. Pwede nating pagsamahin ‘yan (Don’t compare your happiness to others, we can both be happy). You can only be happy if others are happy too. We find salvation in others' salvation in the same way others’ salvation is dependent on you. Don’t think that if you’re not happy, you’re a bad person. It’s natural to be unhappy. Think of others’ happiness first, and your happiness will come, ganyan ang mga Pinoy,” he concluded.

Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? You can—reach us via styleweekendph@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

Immer später in Rente: Eintrittsalter verschiebt sich – auch 2025 ist das passiert

Stand:05.02.2025, 06:20 Uhr

Von: Nicola de Paoli 

Die neuen Rentenregelungen zum Jahreswechsel brachten bedeutende Veränderungen mit sich. Insbesondere wurde die Altersgrenze wieder angehoben.

München – Bei der gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung hat es Anfang des Jahres einige Änderungen. Die Altersgrenze hat sich weiter erhöht. Der Rentenbeitrag bleibt stabil, hingegen ändern sich mehrere Ober- und 

Diese Neuerungen gibt es 2025 bei der Rente: Die Altersgrenzen steigen

Bis 2031 steigt die Grenze für die Regelaltersrente schrittweise auf 67 Jahre an. Ab jetzt gilt, dass Personen des Jahrgangs 1960 mit 66 Jahren und vier Monaten ihre reguläre Altersgrenze erreicht haben. Ab dem Geburtsjahrgang 1964 gilt einheitlich das 67. Lebensjahr als Altersgrenze. Wer 2025 in den Ruhestand geht, muss 83,5 Prozent seiner Rente versteuern, einen halben Prozentpunkt mehr als bisher. Bestandsrenten sind hiervon nicht betroffen. 

Ebenfalls angehoben wird die Altersgrenze für die abschlagsfreie Rente für besonders langjährig Versicherte – bekannt als Rente mit 63. Bei der abschlagsfreien Rente für Versicherte mit mindestens 45 Beitragsjahren steigt die Altersgrenze schrittweise vom 63. auf das 65. Lebensjahr. Ab dem Geburtsjahrgang 1964 gilt dann einheitlich das 65. Lebensjahr als Altersgrenze.

Höhere Abschläge für Versicherte, die früher in Rente gehen wollen

Wer mindestens 35 Jahre gesetzlich rentenversichert war, kann ab einem Alter von 63 Jahren die Rente für langjährig Versicherte in Anspruch nehmen. Die Altersrente ist mit einem Abschlag verbunden. Dieser beträgt 0,3 Prozent je Monat, wenn die Rente vor Erreichen des regulären Rentenalters in Anspruch genommen wird.  

Ein Rentner geht die Straße entlang (Symbolbild). © IMAGO / Hanno Bode

Da das reguläre Rentenalter bis 2031 schrittweise auf 67 Jahre steigt, steigt auch der Abschlag bei frühestmöglicher Inanspruchnahme dieser Rente. Für Versicherte des Jahrgangs 1962, die dieses Jahr 63 werden, liegt das reguläre Rentenalter bei 66 Jahren und 8 Monaten; bei einem frühestmöglichen Rentenbeginn mit 63 Jahren beträgt der Abschlag somit 13,2 Prozent.

Später in Rente gehen kann sich auszahlen

Zum Thema früher in Rente gehen oder doch etwas länger arbeiten, gibt die Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) einen wichtigen Hinweis: Wer das reguläre Rentenalter erreicht hat, muss nicht automatisch in Rente gehen. Eine Rente erhält nur, wer auch einen Antrag stellt. Wer seinen Rentenbeginn verschiebt und weiterhin eine versicherungspflichtige Beschäftigung ausübt, erhält für jeden Monat des späteren Rentenbeginns einen Zuschlag von 0,5 Prozent auf seine Rente. Bei einem um ein Jahr verschobenen Rentenbeginn erhöht sich die Altersrente damit bereits um sechs Prozent. Darüber hinaus erhöht sich die Rente zusätzlich um die weiter gezahlten Beiträge.

Ein Durchschnittsverdiener in den alten Bundesländern (3.780 Euro pro Monat), der bei Erreichen der regulären Altersgrenze 45 Jahre Beiträge gezahlt hat, würde auf der Basis eine monatliche Bruttorente in Höhe von 1.692 Euro erhalten (Stand 2024). Schiebt er seinen Renteneintritt um zwei Jahre auf und arbeitet weiter, beliefe sich sein Rentenanspruch demnach auf 1.979 Euro. Das entspricht einer Erhöhung um rund 17 Prozent.