NEWS
PH women’s team takes pride in its heart, fighting spirit
WELLINGTON – Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and midfielder Tahnai Annis were both asked what Filipino word came to mind in describing the Filipinas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup monumental 1-0 upset of the Ferns in front of a packed hometown crowd at the Wellington Stadium here Tuesday night.
“Puso (heart)” both McDaniel and Annis replied in separate interviews moments after their milestone triumph that kept them alive in Group A to bounce back from a 0-1 loss to Switzerland in their first match last week in Dunedin.
“It was a huge privilege for me to finally get to play in the World Cup. A moment to remember and to be cherished. We fought hard with heart,” said Annis, who came off the bench in the second half after sitting out the first game.
Chandler, who took Player of the Match honors, echoed her teammate’s sentiments of the collective big fighting heart they displayed not only against their rivals but also in the face of a jammed arena of over 30,000 animated local fans who rooted for the hosts to win.
It was left to Australian coach Alen Stajcic to elaborate and explain what both players said.
“Of heart and spirit, this team has got it in spades. In all those factors, they are 10 of 10,” said Stajcic, who tried to hold back his own emotions during the post-match conference, while relishing their huge achievement.
“They (the Filipinas) are one of the best teams in the world for unity, collective effort and playing above themselves as a unit. When you see that and you know what you have, that is what makes it really special,” the two-time World Cup veteran mentor stressed.
He amplified the significance of the win in just the squad’s second game of the World Cup, comparing the feat to what other countries had to go through in attaining one.
“For New Zealand I think it was their 15th or 16th match or five or six World Cups,” he recalled of the hosts’ record of futility until they scored a breakthrough 1-0 triumph over Norway at Eden Park in Auckland last week.
“While watching Colombia and (South) Korea before our game, the commentator said they have one win each. Korea has been at least in five or six world cups and Colombia three or four,” he pointed out.
“To think that we have done it in our second match in our first World Cup. You can’t really appreciate how far we’ve come back in the pack compared to where those countries where in terms of their football history, their culture and investment,” the Australian tactician explained.
Likening the New Zealand game to a boxing match, Stajcic said “that there was no doubt if this was a boxing match, they (the Ferns) were the better team but we earned that win with other qualities,” he said.
Or in a word – “puso.”
Caption: Goalie Olivia McDaniel (left) leads the other Filipinas in saluting the crowd after their upset of the Ferns. With her are: Sofia Harrison (second from left), Ryley Bugay, Isabella Flanigan and Quinley Quezada.
NEWS
Agoda: Cebu is tourist favorite to welcome ‘The Year of the Snake’
10:30 a.m. January 13, 2025
As the Lunar New Year approaches, digital travel platform Agoda unveils Cebu to be the most sought-after destination for international visitors celebrating the start of ‘The Year of the Snake’ in the Philippines. Agoda further reports that, based on accommodation searches made on the platform, Manila is the top-searched domestic destination, with Hong Kong being the most popular among Filipino travelers looking to spend the Lunar New Year holiday abroad.
International travelers are increasingly looking to the Philippines as a Lunar New Year destination, with accommodation searches growing 19% compared to the previous year. The archipelago draws the most visitors from South Korea, United States and mainland China. Cebu, with its world-renowned beaches, marine life, and cultural heritage continues to charm as the top destination for international travelers during the holiday period, with accommodation searches rising 15% from last year.
Domestic travel during the Lunar New Year holiday is also increasingly popular in the Philippines as witnessed by a 52% rise in accommodation searches on Agoda. The most popular destination for domestic travel is Manila, with a nearly 50% increase in searches compared to last year. The capital is a favorite among Filipinos looking to usher in the Lunar New Year in what is said to be one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, featuring traditional dances, lantern-lined streets and festive fare.
For Filipinos looking to celebrate ‘The Year of the Snake’ abroad, Hong Kong slithers into the lead with a 120% growth in accommodation searches compared to the previous year, overtaking Tokyo. With its impressive skylines and melting pot of cultures, Hong Kong offers an exciting array of festivities including fireworks, parades and performances to usher in a prosperous new year. Overall, outbound accommodation searches increased by 67%, indicating Filipino travelers’ growing desire to spend the holiday period abroad.
Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda said, “The Lunar New Year holiday is one of Asia’s most popular travel periods and it’s great to see growing interest in the Philippines from international and domestic travelers alike. Cities like Cebu and Manila showcase the wonderful diversity of experiences in the Philippines, from stunning island escapes to cultural festivities in the heart of the capital city. Whether celebrating the new year from the Philippines or traveling abroad, Agoda offers travelers great deals on flights, accommodations and activities to usher in the Year of the Snake.”
The Lunar New Year holiday marks new beginnings and the arrival of Spring, making it a significant travel period as people look to reunite with family and friends. ‘The Year of the Snake’ symbolizes rebirth and transformation and is said to present an auspicious opportunity for embracing self-discovery and exploring new horizons. Known for their association with good fortune, snakes inspire travelers to shed the old and welcome the new — whether by rediscovering familiar places or venturing abroad during this festive season.
Looking at the combined preferences for Asian travelers, Japanese cities in particular emerged as favorites for the Lunar New Year holiday, with Tokyo taking the crown followed by Bangkok (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), Fukuoka (Japan), and Seoul (South Korea).
As travelers prepare to shed the old and embrace the new, Agoda offers exceptional deals for their Lunar New Year holiday on over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.
NEWS
PAL Interclub’s return to Bacolod celebrates triumph of human spirit
4:22 p.m. January 10, 2025
When the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub returns to Bacolod next month, the triumph of the human spirit will be at the back of most players’ minds as the last time the event was held there, action at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club and Bacolod Golf and Country Club was one of the last events held before COVID-19 ground all of sports in the world to a halt within the next few days.
Less than a week after Manila Southwoods and Canlubang won the Men’s Regular and Seniors divisions titles, respectively, that lockdowns were ordered worldwide because of the pandemic that would drag for more than two years.
And from Feb. 7 to 21, the courses formerly known as Marapara and Binitin will again be the venues for the event’s 76th playing where Southwoods shoots for a fourth straight crown and Del Monte a repeat of the upset it posted on home turf last year in Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.
“Bacolod has been the site of many memorable Interclub championships and we are sure of having the same keen competition this year,” PAL president Stanley K. Ng said. “As we return to the City of Smiles, let’s also celebrate the triumph of the human spirit through the sport we love as we wish every team the best out there next month.”
Known as the country’s unofficial team golf championship, the Interclub was forced to take a two-year leave because of the pandemic and resumed in 2023 in Cebu where Southwoods again ruled regular play and Luisita dislodged Canlubang.
Seniors action gets going first on Feb. 10, with the men starting their 72-hole championship eight days later.
Competition in the 55-and-over division is deemed to be a wide-open race this year with some of the talents that have beefed up Cangolf and Luisita either begging off or playing for other squads.
Canlubang and Luisita have combined to win a total of 29 titles, with the Sugar Barons holding an 11-5 edge since 2006 after snapping the Luisitans’ six-year reign that started in 2006.
In 24 years, only Del Monte was able to break that dual stranglehold of Senior play, and the Bukidnon-based bets will come to Bacolod with basically the same lineup that posted that upset last year.
NEWS
TCL to Inspire Greatness at CES 2025 with latest products, innovations
4:39 p.m. January 7, 2025
TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brands, today announced its attendance at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 which takes place in January.
TCL has participated in CES for 31 years, during which the brand has consistently showcased its latest innovative display technologies and a full range of smart home products to global visitors.
As a highlight of this year’s showcase, TCL will reveal its innovative QD-Mini LED technologies and products that deliver an unparalleled visual experience.
The display innovations TCL is bringing to CES 2025 are sure to excite both professionals and home entertainment enthusiasts alike. They cover almost every form factor, from professional monitors to in-car displays, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, smart projectors, and RayNeo AR glasses. TCL will also display its award-winning NXTPAPER technology and officially unveil its revolutionary NXTPAPER 4.0 at CES 2025.
Underscoring its innovations in the AI field, TCL is bringing its latest AI advancements in new product categories as well as partnerships with world-renowned technology brands.
Additionally, TCL will unveil the integration of its smart home ecosystem with intelligent solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency and enrich the user experience, which includes air conditioners, built-in refrigerators, washing machines, smart locks, and mobile routers.
Leading up to Super Bowl LIX, TCL’s partnerships with renowned global partners, including its role as the Official TV Partner of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, will also be a major highlight of the exhibition.
Through these partnerships, TCL is developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance viewer experiences and engage fans across a range of interactive on-site activities and online campaigns that aim to build global connections and inspire greatness in everyday life.
For more details, please see below:
TCL CES 2025 Press Conference:
● Date & Time: 11:00 – 11:45 AM (PST), January 6, 2025
● Location: Mandalay Bay, South Convention Center, Ballroom E (Level 2)
TCL CES 2025 Booth:
● Date: January 7-10, 2025
● Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall, Booth #17704
Agoda: Cebu is tourist favorite to welcome ‘The Year of the Snake’
PAL Interclub’s return to Bacolod celebrates triumph of human spirit
TCL to Inspire Greatness at CES 2025 with latest products, innovations
