BY ALEX ALAGON
MANILA —As uncertainty continues to shape the world, I am MAD (Making A Difference) Volunteers Inc. is ushering in a season of renewed faith and hope with the return of its signature “hugot” event, MAD Talks.
Set to take place this December in celebration of National Volunteer Month, the gathering highlights the Philippines’ enduring tradition of volunteerism, charity, and bayanihan, the timeless spirit of helping others without expecting anything in return.
Marking its 15th year, I am MAD will hold MAD Talks Puhon: Faith & Hope in Volunteerism on Dec. 6, 2025, at SM Megamall Cinema 3, made possible through the support of SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls.
The event is officially endorsed by the National Youth Commission and backed by the Mental Health Youth Hub, further strengthening the organization’s mission to empower young volunteers across the country.
This year’s theme embraces “puhon,” a Visayan expression meaning “in God’s perfect time” or “when the time is right.” It reflects the quiet faith behind every act of service and to trust the natural unfolding of their own becoming.
For 15 years, I am MAD has quietly but powerfully shaped the lives of Filipino youth, weaving stories of hope, laughter, tears, and transformation. Formerly known as MAD Talks Padayon, the organization now evolves into a gentler yet deeper expression of its mission: puhon.
A new rhythm for a new season
MAD Talks Puhon invites volunteers to trust their God’s unfolding and embrace the moments that are still forming with deep faith and high hopes.
“There’s so much happening in our world right now, and many of us feel the weight of it. But even in uncertain times, we stay committed to doing what we can, right where we are. Every small act matters because, in time, these simple efforts build into real, lasting change. As volunteers, we keep moving forward, anchored in two things: pananampalataya at pag-asa (faith and hope). Malayo pa, pero malayo na, we have a long way to go, but we’ve already come so far—and that steady rhythm of choosing to serve is what we celebrate,” shares Maco Ravanzo, co-founder of I am MAD.
Stories of faith, hope, and love
This year’s speakers bring stories shaped by timing, resilience, and grace. Ymari Kristia Pascua, National Youth Commission mental health coach and I am MAD’s resident speaker, will share how her own healing journey grew into a mission of hope. She will be joined by volunteer leaders Heini Borromeo, Wino Dela Cruz, and Kaye Maguddayao, who will each offer insights rooted in service, leadership, and faith.
Together, their narratives form a collective portrait of surrender, purpose, and becoming—a reflection of puhon, and a reminder that transformation often unfolds in the quiet, unseen moments of life.
Arrive exactly as you are—and it’s free
At its core, MAD Talks Puhon is a reminder that showing up matters most. Trusting one’s timing is not passive waiting, it is the courage to arrive exactly as you are, to release what you cannot control, and to believe that your becoming is already taking shape in God’s perfect time. Volunteerism lives in every Filipino, and every act of service begins with simply showing up.
Admission to MAD Talks Puhon is completely free. I am MAD invites volunteers, dreamers, and everyday heroes to hayaán, to let things be and allow what is meant to unfold, and to embrace the sacred rhythm of service, faith, and timing. Registration is now open at bit.ly/MADTalksPuhon2025.
I am MAD continues its volunteer outreach programs focused on values formation, education, and community-building for children in underserved areas nationwide. To join, support, and be updated, follow fb.com/IamMakingADifference or email iammadph@gmail.com.
MANILA — Leading consumer finance app Billease has launched its Bagong Simula Promo (Christmas Amnesty 2025), a nationwide campaign giving eligible customers a chance to start over by removing accumulated penalties on overdue accounts.
Running until Dec. 31, 2025 the initiative offers a 100% waiver on late fees for qualified customers who fully repay their principal, interest, and regular charges during the campaign period. The program is expected to benefit over one million customers, covering an estimated amount worth billions of pesos in waived penalties.
“We understand that many Filipinos have faced financial challenges over the past years. This campaign is our way of helping customers make a fresh start, free from the weight of accumulated fees,” said Georg Steiger, CEO and co-founder of Billease. “By removing these barriers, we aim to rebuild trust, improve repayment recovery, and re-engage customers who want to restore their financial standing.”
With the Bagong Simula Program, Billease helps customers with long-overdue accounts get back on track and enjoy a new beginning. Customers will receive an official notice through email, push notification, or in-app message containing a unique offer code. By visiting billease.ph and completing their payment, all accumulated penalties will be automatically waived, no manual processing needed.
Beyond clearing past dues, Bagong Simula also helps customers rebuild their financial standing. Settling overdue accounts can positively impact their credit record and future credit score growth. Customers seeking assistance may reach out via the Billease in-app chat or email info@billease.ph for further support.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) secured third-place honors in the Police Regional Office XI Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) Challenge 2025, held on Dec. 3, at the PRO XI parade grounds in Buhangin.
The event, which tested the discipline, readiness, and tactical proficiency of regional police units, was graced by PRO XI regional director, Brigadier General Leon Victor Z. Rosete.
Under the leadership of acting city director Colonel Mannan C. Muarip, the DCPO contingent was among the seven units from across the region competing in the prestigious annual challenge.
The participating contingents included the Regional Mobile Force Battalion XI, Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Davao Norte Provincial Police Office, Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office, Davao Occidental Provincial Police Office, Davao Sur Provincial Police Office, and Davao de Oro Provincial Police Office.
Tactical scenario and execution
The competition involved three phases, culminating in a rigorous test of operational capability.
After an initial inspection (Phase 1), the contingents demonstrated mastery of eight standard CDM formations, including the Column, Line, Umbrella, Wedge, Arrow, and Box (Phase 2).
In the final, most demanding phase, the teams were presented with a scenario requiring them to withstand attacks from aggressive mock protesters and effectively disperse the crowd.
The DCPO was specifically tasked with managing a situation where protesters attempted to assault their formation while simultaneously ensuring the protection of a “Prime Minister” figure.
After the spirited performances, the Regional Mobile Force Battalion XI emerged as the overall champion, followed by the Davao Norte Provincial Police Office and the DCPO.
Consolation prizes were presented to the Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Davao Sur Police Offices.
The Provincial Government of Davao de Oro on Tuesday, December 2 formally turned over ₱4.5 million in financial assistance to the Province of Cebu as support for residents affected by the recent earthquake.
Cebu Province Governor Pamela “Pam” Silagan Baricuatro, together with local officials, personally received the assistance from Davao de Oro.
This initiative was endorsed by Governor Raul Mabanglo, Chairman of both the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), during the joint PDRRMC-PPOC meeting held in October, shortly after the devastating earthquake hit the province.
After the endorsement of the resolutions, the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the budget during its 18th Regular Session on October 27.
The assistance was sourced from the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) of Davao de Oro, intended to support affected provinces in their disaster recovery efforts.
Leaders from Cebu expressed their gratitude for the substantial aid extended by Davao de Oro, which was personally delivered by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.
On November 25, the Province of Davao de Oro also provided ₱1.5 million in assistance to Davao Oriental, which sustained significant damage in five municipalities due to the earthquake.
BY MENG FANZHE, PEOPLE’S DAILY
AT A recently held home service robot conference, humanoid robots captivated audiences with lifelike demonstrations across a variety of household scenarios – preparing sandwiches, cleaning tables, folding clothes, and even teaching children English. These advanced technologies offered a vivid preview of how innovation is reshaping everyday life.
China has long viewed improving people’s well-being as the central aim of scientific and technological innovation. In recent years, an increasing number of “small yet beautiful” innovations have been seamlessly integrated into daily routines, reflecting the public’s growing aspiration for a better quality of life.
On farmlands, intelligent harvesters now process up to 600 kilograms of grain per minute, significantly enhancing harvest efficiency. In operating rooms, Chinese domestically developed orthopedic and endoscopic surgical robots are now in active use. At eldercare institutions, smart wristbands and canes are improving the quality and responsiveness of services for seniors.
As German philosopher Friedrich Engels once observed, “Once a technical need arises in society, it will advance science more than ten universities would do.” With a population of over 1.4 billion and a middle-income group exceeding 400 million people, China boasts a vast market and rich scenarios for application. As everyday demands grow and industries seek innovation, the synergy between supply and demand fuels rapid technological advancement, unlocking new opportunities for emerging industries.
The introduction of the Fuxing CR450 high-speed train is expected to significantly boost travel efficiency and help China’s rail equipment sector surpass the trillion-yuan ($140.37 billion) threshold. Frequent satellite launches by commercial space enterprises are enabling smarter agricultural practices, with China’s commercial space industry projected to reach 2.8 trillion yuan by 2025. Meanwhile, nuclear power units such as the Hualong One and Guohe One each generate over 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power millions of households.
These developments underscore how a market-oriented approach, driven by application, integration, and iterative advancement, transforms scientific and technological capabilities into tangible development advantages, ensuring broader access to innovation.
“China is investing more and more resources to ensure that people with disabilities can live the lives they want,” said Jose Maria Viera, executive director of the International Disability Alliance. His observation highlights how technological applications are opening up new paths for improving public well-being.
Hospitals have launched AI-assisted navigation systems to streamline medical visits. The widespread adoption of digital social security cards allows individuals to access benefits, transfer pension accounts, and apply for payments online, reducing in-person visits and enabling data-driven efficiency. Through pragmatic innovation, China is addressing everyday challenges and long-standing livelihood issues, steadily enhancing people’s sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security.
At a deeper level, advancing technology for the public good is not only about improving living standards but also defines the trajectory of innovation itself.
Emerging technologies such as AI, biomedicine, and gene editing are becoming new growth engines while also raising complex ethical and governance challenges. Large language models, for instance, may pose privacy risks, and technologies like face-swapping or voice cloning carry the potential for fraud or misinformation.
As a result, technological innovation is no longer merely a technical endeavor. It carries ethical, governance, and societal implications. To maximize the benefits of innovation while managing its risks, a commitment to “technology for good” must be paired with sound legal and regulatory frameworks.
Ultimately, innovation must serve humanity. China continues to prioritize the practical application of advanced technologies to ensure the benefits of progress are widely shared, building a foundation for a better life for all.
MAJOR developments now pave the way for long-awaited improvements in electricity service for Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
On Nov. 24, 2025, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) conducted a hearing on the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). This permit ensures that only qualified companies can operate power services that genuinely serve the public interest.
Once granted, the CPCN will allow Davao Light to legally expand into new areas. Under Republic Act 12144, the power distributor will extend its franchise to Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal, Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, Talaingod, and San Isidro in Davao del Norte, as well as the entire province of Davao de Oro.
For consumers, this means that households and businesses in the expanded franchise area will soon gain access to Davao Light’s services – reliable and affordable electricity, improved customer service, and stronger support for local growth.
We commend the local chief executives and business leaders who attended the hearing for amplifying the voice of consumers, whom the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) has continued to dismiss and ignore.
At the same time, we express disappointment that the second hearing has been scheduled for January 13, 2026, instead of December this year. While less than two months away, this delay prolongs the hardship of consumers awaiting a change in power service providers. We understand the realities of government bureaucracy, but such postponements hinder true progress.
Meanwhile, we commend the Davao del Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee of the Whole for passing, on November 24, 2025, a resolution opposing NORDECO’s franchise renewal bid. The resolution will now move to the provincial board for deliberation.
The measure, filed last month by Board Member Al David T. Uy, cited mounting complaints from residents, particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal, over what they described as poor service from Nordeco.
We thank the seven board members who voted against Nordeco’s franchise renewal bid. Your decision reflects the voice of consumers in Davao del Norte and aligns with the call for change and progress in the province’s power service.
Lastly, we commend the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for passing two resolutions – 1181 and 1182 – that will further advance the efforts to support the power transition in Davao del Norte.
Resolution 1181 calls for urgent action for a smooth, orderly, and uninterrupted transition of electrical services in Davao del Norte pursuant to Republic Act No. 12144.
Resolution 1182 expresses dissatisfaction with Nordeco’s electric distribution services due to their unreliability despite expensive charges. It requests the House of Representatives and the Senate to seriously take these sentiments into consideration in evaluating its application for franchise renewal.
Ultimately, these developments are about ensuring reliable, affordable electricity for the people of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, empowering communities to share in their provinces’ growth. #
Ryan Amper
Convenor
Davao Consumer Movement
0905-5634083
MANG INASAL, the Philippines’ Grill Expert, is welcoming the Christmas season with its ChristmaSAYA Deals, Family Fiesta bundles, and the limited-time 4 Cheese Halo-Halo, offering Filipinos more affordable and festive dining options as the Christmas season approaches.
Customers nationwide can enjoy ₱10 savings with Mang Inasal’s ChristmaSAYA Deals from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2025, available for dine-in and takeout. Combo A includes Chicken Inasal Regular, Palabok, a drink, and an eight-ounce Extra Creamy Halo-Halo for ₱219, while Combo B features Pork BBQ with Palabok and a drink, also paired with an eight-ounce Extra Creamy Halo-Halo for ₱149.
Diners may choose to replace the Extra Creamy Halo-Halo with Crema de Leche Halo-Halo for a different dessert experience.
Mang Inasal president Mike V. Castro said the holiday offerings were created to help people bond over food. “The holidays are a time for connection, and we want every celebration to be filled with great food that brings people together. Our ChristmaSAYA Deals, Family Fiesta, and 4 Cheese Halo-Halo capture that spirit of togetherness and the joy of sharing,” he said.
The perfect feast for every gathering
Designed for gatherings big and small, the Family Fiesta brings Mang Inasal favorites like Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, and Grilled Liempo together in one festive bundle. It’s a complete feast made for sharing, whether at a family reunion, office party, or casual holiday get-together, giving everyone a chance to enjoy signature flavors straight from the grill with minimal hassle.
To make holiday celebrations even brighter, Mang Inasal is offering a drive-thru exclusive from December 20 to 25 with the Christmas Fiesta Treat, featuring savings of up to ₱54 on the Buddy Fiesta Combo and ₱106 on the Family Fiesta Combo. This offer is available at Mang Inasal branches in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, Norzagaray, Bulacan, and JP Rizal Nangka in Marikina, making it easy to enjoy a festive feast on the go.
MANILA – Following the conclusion of the Red Bull Half Court 2025 World Finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Red Bull shifts the global spotlight to the Philippines, proudly announced as the next official host of the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals, marking the first major 3-on-3 world championship staged outside FIBA.
As the next host country, the Philippines invites the world to witness firsthand the heart and grit that define Filipino streetball in Manila. The Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals aims to showcase the Philippines’ energy, passion, and creativity for streetball on the global stage, inviting fans around the world to experience what makes 3-on-3 basketball truly one of a kind.
Red Bull Half Court’s signature format will once again take center stage, featuring its fast-paced 3-on-3 half-court system, where games run under a 12-second shot clock, capped at 10 minutes, or end when a team scores 21 points. The format demands speed, creativity, and relentless hustle, pushing athletes to showcase pure instinct and high-pressure decision-making on every possession.
Follow the journey to the World Finals for this landmark moment in Philippine basketball culture as this once-in-a-lifetime event will see the world’s top 3-on-3 teams converge on Philippine soil. Keep up with all the action by visiting the official Red Bull website and following Red Bull Philippines on social media.
Photo credit: Red Bull
MANILA – Filipino freelancers are constantly hustling – spending hours finding clients, overseeing projects, revising output, and managing invoices just to maintain a steady stream of work and income. Yet one reality remains: despite their hustle and the potential to earn in USD or other international currencies through freelancing, they rarely receive the full value of what they’ve earned.
That’s because a big chunk of their pay slips away due to platform fees, conversion charges, and transfer costs. Then, they have to deal with delays and chasing overdue payments from their clients. By the time their money reaches their accounts, delayed na, bawas pa.
It’s a story that many freelancers know all too well, and for years, they’ve had to live with these delays and deductions as just part of the job. But what if there was a way to keep full earnings and access it instantly with no delay? This is exactly what GCash is delivering with the launch of the new GCash Virtual US Account. Designed precisely for freelancers to keep more of their hard-earned pay. With this new feature, freelancers can now get paid in full, in real time, and at the best possible forex rates.
Breaking barriers for Filipino freelancers
With the new GCash Virtual US Account, freelancers can now receive their USD pay directly into their accounts, eliminating high withdrawal or transfer fees. Unlike other platforms that automatically convert USD to PHP, GCash also gives users full control, allowing them to choose the best time to convert their USD as forex rates change. With live, updated forex rates displayed in the app, freelancers always know exactly how much they will get.
Through the Virtual US Account, users also receive their earnings instantly – no more waiting 1–3 days to cash out, as payments are reflected in real time.
Powered by technology company Meridian1, a US-based provider for real-time global payment transfers, the GCash Virtual US Account provides each user with their own ACH and Wire Routing Number, separate from their regular GCash account details, which can be shared directly with US employers to facilitate direct transfers. Now, freelancers don’t need to rely on costly third-party services or long transfer chains just to get paid!
Once received into their accounts, freelancers can withdraw their earnings in PHP to their GCash e-wallet, ready to use for everyday needs like bills, groceries, or new work equipment.
“With over 2 million Filipino freelancers working with international clients, they are a major force in today’s economy, yet they’ve had to live with the compromise of costly transfer fees, unfavorable forex rates, and delayed payouts. With the GCash Virtual US Account, we’re finally removing those barriers. Our goal at GCash is to empower Filipino freelancers to keep the full value of what they earn and have immediate access to it so they can use their money for their everyday needs,” said Paul Albano, General Manager for GCash International.
The launch of the GCash Virtual US Account reinforces the mission of GCash to create financial solutions that empower every Filipino, from everyday consumers to the country’s growing community of remote and independent workers.
How to open your GCash Virtual US Account
Creating a GCash Virtual US Account is easy in just a few steps.
- Open the GCash appTap US Accounts in the Explore the App section
- Tap Continue and verify your information
- Complete your account creation
Once completed, you can start receiving your payments in USD instantly.
For years, Filipino freelancers have had to settle, but those days are finally over. With the new GCash Virtual US Account, there are no delays and no fees. Just pure, hard-earned pay, instantly within reach. It’s a new power move.
