Petro Gazz Advances to PVL Reinforced Conference Finals After Thrilling Five-Set Victory

In a gripping showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Petro Gazz Angels secured their spot in the PVL Reinforced Conference Finals after a tense five-set win against the Akari Chargers, with final scores of 25-19, 25-17, 15-25, 22-25, and 15-13. This victory marks the Angels' much-anticipated return to the finals of the conference they previously dominated, winning the championship three years ago. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday at the Big Dome, where Petro Gazz will aim to claim their third title in this import-laden tournament and the fourth overall for the franchise. This season also marks the debut of the coaching duo Gary and Lisa Van Sickle, who have taken the helm as head coach and assistant coach respectively. Gary Van Sickle expressed confidence in the team, saying, \"I got good players and it\'s easy to coach this team because they\'re closely knit.\" His daughter, standout spiker Brooke Van Sickle, delivered a stellar performance with 23 points, including 20 kills, while import Lindsey Vander Weide contributed 16 hits, playing a crucial role in clinching the match. Brooke Van Sickle looks to add a second championship title to her resume this year, having previously led her team to an All-Filipino title earlier in the season. Vander Weide, whose presence was instrumental in the team\'s past success, reiterated the team\'s determination, stating, \"I said in the beginning when I returned here that we needed to win it back.\" Petro Gazz initially dominated the first two sets, powered by strong efforts from Vander Weide and Van Sickle. However, the Akari Chargers rallied impressively, winning the next two sets and forcing a decisive fifth set. Despite a fierce fight from Akari, Petro Gazz capitalized on late-game errors by the Chargers, including seven unforced mistakes in the final set, to secure the match. The loss was a tough blow for Akari, who hoped to return to the finals after reaching the threshold last year but ultimately falling to the eventual champions. Petro Gazz\'s victory sets the stage for an intense championship clash as they pursue continued success in the PVL Reinforced Conference.

UK Temporarily Halts Pork Imports from Spain Following African Swine Fever Detection

The United Kingdom announced on Friday a temporary suspension of pork imports from affected regions in Spain after the first African swine fever (ASF) cases were identified in more than three decades. This decision comes as Spanish authorities declared emergency protocols in Catalonia, a key hub for pig farming. Britain, a major consumer of Spanish pork, stated through its Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that "following an outbreak of African Swine Fever in Spain, all fresh pork and other affected products from Spain will be held at Border Control Posts until further notice." DEFRA confirmed that the situation will be closely monitored and protective measures regularly reassessed. In 2025, Spain has exported approximately 37,600 metric tons of fresh and frozen pork to the UK, valued at over 112 million euros ($129.93 million). This represents a 17% increase in volume and a 9.5% rise in value compared with the entire year of 2024, according to data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar, although it does not pose any threat to human health. The virus lacks an effective vaccine or treatment and often results in large-scale culling to contain outbreaks. The disease has been spreading westward across Europe in recent years, causing significant disruptions to the pork industry and resulting in trade restrictions. Notably, Germany’s outbreak in 2020 triggered widespread bans from major importers such as China, while Croatia has been contending with ASF infections in recent months. Spain, the European Union's largest pork producer, had maintained a ASF-free status in domestic pigs since 1994. The recent detection of the virus in wild boar populations near Barcelona raises serious concerns for Spain’s pork industry, which is valued at around 8 billion euros ($9.28 billion), and its international export markets. Earlier this year, the UK government also prohibited the personal importation of ham, meat, and dairy products from all EU countries to curb the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, following an increase in reported cases.

Bureau of Customs Introduces Digital Portal to Streamline Public Complaints

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has unveiled an innovative online portal designed to modernize the processing of public complaints regarding customs services and operations. Named "Isumbong kay Commissioner," the system was developed under the guidance of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and draws inspiration from the Office of the President’s "Isumbong sa Pangulo" platform. This new digital initiative aims to bolster accountability and facilitate more direct and efficient communication between the BOC and its stakeholders. Emphasizing security and user accessibility, the portal aligns with the bureau’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. Replacing the former manual email-based complaint submission method, the new platform centralizes the reporting process, enabling users to file complaints more swiftly and monitor progress in real time. This enhancement is expected to reduce processing delays while promoting greater transparency and responsiveness. Complaints submitted through the portal are automatically forwarded to the Office of the Commissioner for thorough review and appropriate action. Commissioner Nepomuceno stated, \"Isumbong kay Commissioner is proof that the Bureau of Customs is for clearer, faster and sincere interaction with the public. We would like to hear your grievances, and we assure you that every complaint has a corresponding solution.\" The bureau highlighted that this advancement supports its broader commitment to safeguarding borders, streamlining trade procedures, and maintaining public confidence through more accessible and accountable service delivery.

DoubleDragon to Launch Hotel101 in Milan as Part of Global Expansion

DoubleDragon Corporation, a publicly listed property developer led by Edgar "Injap" Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, announced the launch of Hotel101 in Milan, Italy, reinforcing its ambitious international expansion efforts. Through its subsidiary, Hotel101 Global Holdings Corp., DoubleDragon has entered into a joint venture with binding agreements to develop a Hotel101 property in San Donato Milanese, a strategic district of Milan. The project will feature approximately 429 rooms and is anticipated to generate around 85.8 million euros (roughly P5.8 billion) in sales revenue based on a projected sale price of 200,000 euros per unit. Situated on a prime 1.4-hectare site, the hotel will serve as a key location for both leisure and business travelers, offering convenient access to Milan’s cultural landmarks and commercial centers. The development will provide four-star accommodations at competitive rates, aligning with Hotel101’s commitment to delivering quality hospitality globally. The project is subject to national, regional, and municipal regulatory approvals and emphasizes sustainable urban hospitality by incorporating energy-efficient designs, solar energy solutions, and community-focused amenities. Scheduled for completion by 2028, Hotel101-Milan is expected to bolster Milan’s local economy through job creation, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing tourism. The hotel will also appeal to both domestic and international purchasers through Hotel101’s unique unit ownership model. Highlighting the significance of this move, DoubleDragon stated, "This expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s European growth strategy, bringing its novel globally standardized condotel business model to one of the world’s most dynamic cities." The Milan property is part of Hotel101 Global’s broader global expansion plans, which include ongoing developments in Niseko, Japan; Madrid, Spain; and Los Angeles, USA. In May, Hotel101 also entered into an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Horizon Group to explore a joint venture to develop up to 10 hotels in the region, pending further contracts. Hotel101 aims to manage one million rooms across 100 countries, focusing on 25 priority countries in the medium term. It operates on an asset-light, prop-tech model, pioneering a standardized international condotel concept. Hotel101 Global is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange and held a market capitalization of approximately $1.9 billion as of November 27, 2025.

Authorities Confiscate P250,000 Worth of Illegal Vape Products in Manila

Authorities have seized approximately P250,000 worth of smuggled and unregistered vaping devices and e-liquids from two separate retail outlets in Manila. This action followed surveillance operations and test purchases carried out by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Ross Jonathan Galicia, head of the NBI Dangerous Drugs Division, emphasized the potential dangers of the confiscated devices, stating, \"These vape devices can be used to contain cannabinoids or other harmful chemicals and illicit drugs without detection, especially by parents who may only believe that their children are simply using vapes, unaware that they might be developing an addiction to illegal substances.\" Further investigations revealed that the 800 confiscated products lack registration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), indicating they failed to meet required safety and quality standards. The proprietors of the two establishments have not yet responded to requests for comment. The NBI has confirmed that the individuals involved will face legal proceedings for violating the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act as well as the Consumer Act of the Philippines. An employee taken into custody by the NBI is currently being questioned, with authorities continuing their investigation into the matter.

Porac Mayor Jaime Capil Surrenders Amid Graft Charges Linked to Illegal POGO Operations

Mayor Jaime Capil of Porac, Pampanga, voluntarily turned himself in on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, following graft accusations tied to an illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) established within his jurisdiction. He was accompanied by his legal counsel as he appeared before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court and subsequently posted bail amounting to ₱630,000. In a statement to reporters, Capil affirmed his compliance with the legal process, saying, \"As I have faced every challenge, I do not hide from the law. I am grateful for the love and support from my family, friends, and especially the unwavering understanding of my constituents. I remain open and committed to serving the people of Porac.\" The court has set the arraignment and pre-trial hearing for December 11. Capil faces seven graft charges, primarily relating to his alleged failure to regulate the operations of Lucky South 99, an illegal POGO establishment that was raided in Porac in June 2024. During the raid, authorities apprehended at least 186 foreign and Filipino workers at the POGO site, including four individuals identified as kidnap victims. Disturbingly, two victims exhibited signs of physical abuse, still handcuffed with visible bruises and marks of torture when found. Investigations revealed that Capil had approved the 2019 Mayor’s permit and a 2019 municipal resolution that served as a notice of no objection for Lucky South 99’s license application, permit, and franchise. In April 2025, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Capil from his mayoral position for gross neglect of duty. Nonetheless, he regained public trust and was re-elected in the May 2025 national and local elections.

Filipino IT Leader in Saudi Arabia Challenges Stereotypes, Highlights Executive Capabilities

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – John Michael Panghulan, a Filipino IT professional based in Saudi Arabia, has addressed the common stereotype that associates Filipinos primarily with domestic and hospitality roles. As Assistant Vice President for IT Project Delivery at a leading Saudi sovereign investment firm, Panghulan asserts that Filipinos are equally competent in managerial and executive positions. "Many Filipinos in Saudi Arabia are still seen in domestic and hospitality sectors," said the 37-year-old native of Tanauan City, Batangas. "I deeply respect these roles for their dignity and resilience, but I also want to broaden this narrative to include leadership and strategic roles in technology and management." Panghulan recounted experiences where he felt underestimated, such as being treated differently in luxury stores or questioned about his profession outside work. "On casual occasions, I am often recognized as a Filipino and sometimes not given due respect. However, when I wear a professional suit, I am often mistaken for a non-Filipino," he explained. He acknowledged that these experiences are personal and do not represent the entire Filipino community but hopes to dismantle the stereotype that Filipinos excel only in support roles. According to the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Filipinos number nearly 900,000 in the kingdom, making them the sixth-largest expatriate group. While many remain employed as domestic helpers, an increasing number are entering sectors such as oil and gas, transportation, telecommunications, and healthcare as Saudi Arabia's economy diversifies. Filipino workers first arrived in Saudi Arabia in the 1970s, initially filling engineering, construction, domestic help, and nanny positions. Today, professionals like Panghulan exemplify their expanding presence in leadership positions. Having worked in the UAE since 2014, Panghulan was recently the sole Filipino honored at The Intelligent Data, AI, and Automation Summit in Riyadh. He views this recognition as a collective achievement for Filipinos striving for visibility in competitive global industries. Panghulan leads large-scale IT and digital transformation projects focused on modern workplace technology, smart infrastructure, and enterprise systems that contribute to national development. His role involves coordinating with technical teams, consultants, and stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions. His path to leadership was not without obstacles. During college, he worked various jobs including at McDonald's and a call center. In 2015, while in the UAE, Panghulan faced severe personal challenges, including a major medical crisis that led to partial paralysis and a period of homelessness after losing his job. Financially strained, he received critical support from friends and family, which helped him recover. "The fear of returning to those hardships motivates me to give my utmost effort," he shared. Emphasizing the absence of a universal formula for success, Panghulan encourages others to reject self-doubt and pursue opportunities that reflect their true potential. He also advises tech professionals to remain proactive and constantly seek growth to avoid stagnation. "Belief in your own value unlocks the opportunities you deserve," he concluded. Through his story, Panghulan challenges prevailing perceptions about Filipinos abroad and underscores their capacity for leadership across diverse sectors.

De La Salle Forces UAAP Men’s Basketball Semifinal Decider with Win Over National University

De La Salle University secured an 87-77 victory against top-ranked National University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, leveling the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball semifinal series and setting up a decisive rubber match. Jacob Cortez led the Green Archers with 13 points, four assists, and two steals, while Mike Phillips contributed a double-double of 12 points and 17 rebounds, along with two blocks. Fourth-seeded De La Salle will aim to clinch a Finals berth in Game 2 scheduled for Saturday. Notably, Kean Baclaan returned from an MCL injury, and EJ Gollena came back from suspension for the Green Archers. “We’re extremely grateful and blessed to be here. Again, we just tried to prolong the series,” said head coach Topex Robinson. “Kean only resumed practice last week, so the players put in extra effort with the new lineup. Facing the No. 1 team means it’s always going to be a tough battle,” he added. With contributions from Mason Amos, JC Macalalag, and Cortez, the Green Archers extended their lead to 71-54 in the fourth quarter. Cortez acknowledged the impact of their returning players, stating, “Thank God Mason and Kean are back with us. Mason hit a couple of big shots, and Kean played composed. We’re focused on the next game, which is a do-or-die. We know NU is going to come hard, so it’s up to us to concentrate on our game plan.” Gollena and Vhoris Marasigan added 11 and 10 points respectively, while Macalalag and Pablo chipped in nine points each. Amos contributed eight points, including two triples in the final frame. For NU, Figueroa led with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, followed by Omar John with 12 points and five rebounds. In women’s action, defending champion National University narrowly defeated Ateneo 67-66, setting up a championship clash with the undefeated University of Santo Tomas. Ranked second in the stepladder playoffs with a 12-2 record, the Lady Bulldogs will be making their 11th consecutive finals appearance. NU executed a crucial 9-1 run led by Ann Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Marga Villanueva that tied the game at 66-all with one minute remaining. Angel Surada then split her free throws against Nigerian center Sarah Makanjoula to seal the win. “First, I want to thank the coaches and teammates for their effort. We dedicate this game to Coach DA. I’m proud of my teammates for not giving up until the final buzzer,” said Surada, who tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, six steals, two assists, and one block. Although NU’s seven-year title streak was interrupted when UST won Season 86, the Lady Bulldogs reclaimed the crown last season. Head coach DA Olan expressed his pride: “Speechless. We weren’t at our best during the game, but the positive aspect is our players never quit. They showed incredible desire to win until the very end, even when things weren’t going our way.” Villanueva paced the team with 16 points including four triples, along with three rebounds, two steals, and a block. Cayabyab added 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Pingol contributed 10 points, six rebounds, five steals, and one assist. Ateneo’s Kacey dela Rosa posted 18 points, 22 rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Camille Malagar scored 18 points with six rebounds and two steals, helping the Blue Eagles improve to third place after three straight finishes at fourth.

Women on LinkedIn Alter Profiles to Expose Potential Gender Bias in Algorithm

In a recent wave of digital activism, numerous female LinkedIn users have changed their gender settings to male and even updated their photos with fake mustaches to challenge what they describe as a bias in the platform's algorithm. Users recount notable increases in visibility and interaction after adopting male identities. Some transformed their names—"Simone" to "Simon"—altered pronouns to he/him, and employed AI tools to revise their posts with language projecting a more traditionally masculine tone. To underscore the experiment with levity, several added images of themselves sporting stick-on mustaches. London-based entrepreneur Jo Dalton reported a 244% surge in reach after modifying her pronouns, stating, "I changed my pronouns and accidentally broke my own LinkedIn engagement records," and humorously added her mustached photo "purely in the interest of science to see if I can trick the algorithm into thinking I am a man." An AFP reporter who switched her LinkedIn gender to male observed a significant jump in post impressions and overall engagement compared to previous weeks, reinforcing the perception of unequal algorithmic treatment. Malin Frithiofsson, CEO of Sweden's Daya Ventures, emphasized that these actions highlight existing "gendered discrepancies" on the platform. She noted, "Women are changing their LinkedIn gender to male, swapping their names and profile photos, even asking AI to rewrite their bios as 'if a man wrote them.' And their reach skyrockets." LinkedIn, however, has dismissed claims of systemic gender bias. A company spokesperson stated, "Our algorithms do not use gender as a ranking signal, and changing gender on your profile does not affect how your content appears in search or feed." Despite this assertion, many women experiencing enhanced engagement after switching genders are demanding greater transparency around LinkedIn’s opaque algorithms, which determine content visibility. Frithiofsson clarified, "I don’t believe there’s a line of code in LinkedIn’s tech stack that says 'if female < promote less.' However, gendered bias can emerge through data inputs, reinforcement loops, and cultural norms around what a 'professional voice' sounds like." LinkedIn executive Sakshi Jain explained in a blog post that the site’s AI analyzes hundreds of variables, including user activity and network size, to decide post prominence. Jain also cited increased content volume leading to heightened competition for user attention. Nonetheless, skepticism remains on the network, especially given the significant implications of LinkedIn engagement for career advancement and income generation. UK-based journalist Rosie Taylor found that her profile’s performance improved dramatically during a week when she portrayed herself as male, with unique newsletter visitors rising 161% and new weekly subscriptions increasing by 86%. Taylor reflected, "Who knows how much more successful I might have been if the algorithm had thought I was a man from the start?" This ongoing debate sheds light on the potential influence of algorithmic design on gender dynamics within professional digital spaces, prompting calls for clearer disclosure and fairness in content promotion mechanisms.

Australia's Social Media Ban for Under-16s Faces Industry Pushback

Australia is set to enforce a groundbreaking ban from December 10, requiring major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to remove accounts belonging to users under the age of 16. The policy aims to shield children from potentially harmful algorithmic content, but has drawn sharp criticism from industry leaders, particularly YouTube. Originally exempted to allow access to educational content, YouTube reversed its stance after the government emphasized the need to protect minors from what it described as “predatory algorithms.” Rachel Lord, YouTube’s public policy manager, expressed concerns that the regulation is "rushed" and may inadvertently make Australian children less safe on the platform. YouTube plans to automatically sign out all Australian users under 16 based on their Google account ages, though such users can still access content anonymously without certain features like safety filters and wellbeing settings. Lord stated, "This law will not fulfil its promise to make kids safer online, and will, in fact, make Australian kids less safe on YouTube. We’ve heard from parents and educators who share these concerns." In response, Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed YouTube’s criticism as “outright weird,” emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting young users from the risks associated with algorithm-driven content feeds. Wells remarked, "If YouTube is reminding us all that it is not safe and there’s content not appropriate for age-restricted users on their website, that’s a problem that YouTube needs to fix. With one law, we can protect Generation Alpha from being sucked into purgatory by the predatory algorithms." The Australian government recognizes the law will have initial shortcomings, acknowledging that some underage users may slip through enforcement gaps. Nevertheless, platforms face fines up to AUD 49.5 million (approximately USD 32 million) if they do not take "reasonable steps" to comply. This new regulation will affect hundreds of thousands of young Australians, with Instagram alone reporting around 350,000 users between 13 and 15 years old. Some popular applications, including Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp, are currently exempt from the ban, although the government continues to review the list of affected platforms. YouTube confirmed it will archive accounts for under-16 users, preserving their content and data for reactivation once they reach the minimum age. Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has already begun disabling accounts based on age data submitted at account creation. Meanwhile, digital rights advocates have challenged the ban's legality in Australia’s High Court, deeming it an “unfair” violation of free speech. The Digital Freedom Project initiated the legal challenge in opposition to the sweeping new measures. As the world watches Australia’s pioneering policy roll out, regulators globally are grappling with balancing digital safety for youth against freedom of online expression.