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Spotlight Publication, 900 San Marcelino Street, Manila (2025)

09/12/2025

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 | 𝗣𝗡𝗣 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 ₱𝟭𝟬.𝟲𝗠 𝘁𝗼 𝟯𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀

A handover of monetary reward over P10.6 million in cash was given to over 30 informants who provided information that led to the arrest of suspects involved in different heinous crimes across the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on December 9, 2025.

“This is an incentive for those who can give information on the solution to the case, in this case, for the arrest of a wanted person. Siyempre mapapabilis. Mahihikayat natin ang ating mga kababayan,” PNP Acting Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“Of course, ito, there are 30 recipients of this reward money,” he added, referring to the P10.6 million monetary reward. Police officials clarified that the reward money distributed on Tuesday came from the PNP’s intelligence fund, with approval from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

According to PNP, the highest reward given to an informant was P5.3 million for the arrest of a suspect in the case of seven counts of multiple murders and 25 counts of frustrated murder. Another informant received ₱500,000 for helping solve a kidnapping and serious illegal detention case along with a related murder charge. Other cases involved were r**e, kidnapping, illegal detention, among others.

Furthermore, the PNP stated that it was open to supporting a potential government-issued reward for the arrest of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, who is wanted for corruption and malversation charges.

Nartatez said such a reward could aid authorities in locating Co and other individuals implicated in the alleged flood control anomaly in Oriental Mindoro.

The PNP also presented to the press 25 loose fi****ms and several ammunitions belonging to the criminals that were surrendered to the authorities:

(1) caliber 5.56 C**t M4 rifle

(4) caliber 7.62mm M14 rifles

(12) 12-gauge shotguns

19mm SIG submachine gun M10

(3) caliber .45 Grease submachine gun

(4) caliber .30 high performance rifles

(3) pieces of fragmentation gr***des

12 rounds of 40mm gr***de launcher ammunition

(2) magazines of caliber 7.62 rifles

(2) magazines of caliber 30 rifles

30 rounds of caliber 5.56 ammunition

40 rounds of caliber 7.62 ammunition

References:

De Guzman, K. (2025). PNP hands out P10.6-million reward to 30 informants who led cops to high-value fugitives. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/12/9/pnp-hands-out-p10-6-m-reward-to-30-informants-who-led-cops-to-high-value-fugitives-1256

Rita, J. (2025). PNP: Over P10.6 M rewarded to informants on heinous crime suspects. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/968908/pnp-over-10-6m-rewarded-to-informants-on-heinous-crime-suspects/story/

Written by: Jasmine Margaret Tawacal

08/12/2025

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Every December 8, the Church returns to a beginning so quiet it could almost be missed: the conception of Mary, a moment wrapped not in spectacle but in grace. Long before Bethlehem drew its first breath of winter, before an angel ever spoke her name, something luminous was already unfolding. God was preparing a young girl from Nazareth to carry hope into a weary world.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is often misunderstood, yet its heart is simple. It tells us that grace can move ahead of us—clearing a path, steadying our future, shaping our lives long before we understand what’s being asked of us. In Mary’s story, there is purity, yes, but also courage, possibility, and a tenderness that feels startlingly human.

Across the globe, the day is marked in ways as varied as the people who celebrate it. In Nicaragua, “La Purísima” fills the streets with songs that rise like blessings. In European churches, candles flicker against old stone, carrying quiet prayers upward. In the Philippines, the feast folds into early Advent, where processions and devotion soften the edges of long days. These traditions, vibrant or hushed, all trace back to the same truth: gratitude for a woman whose life began in grace so that she might give grace to the world.

As Advent deepens, the story of Mary’s beginning nudges us to remember our own. To think of the quiet mercies that steadied us, the second chances that arrived when we didn’t expect them, the light placed in us before we even knew how to name it. Mary’s life reminds us that the beginnings that shape us most are often the gentlest—and that hope often grows long before we notice it is there.

Written by: Akemi Aochi
Layout Artist: Kimi Jenson Tuason

08/12/2025

𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 | 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗔 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝟯-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟵

The transport group Manibela announced that it will hold a three-day nationwide transport strike beginning on December 9 in protest against excessive fines and alleged extortion against jeepney drivers.

At a press conference on December 4, Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena said the strike will cover not only Metro Manila but also nearby provinces in Luzon, as well as regions in the Visayas and Mindanao joining their call.

Manibela is protesting against the Land Transportation Office (LTO), including fines that allegedly reach over ₱12,000, license suspensions, and demerit points, saying that they push small-time drivers and operators into deeper poverty and threaten their families’ livelihood.

The group also accused some LTO enforcers of maintaining a “payola system” and engaging in bribery. They raised concern over repeated delays in the release of vehicle registrations, despite payment of corresponding fees. A backlog that has prevented many from renewing their registrations.

Manibela warned that the strike could be extended if the issues remain unaddressed.

“Hangga’t pinapahirapan po kami, magtutuloy-tuloy ito,” Manibela Chairperson Mar Valbuena said.

(As long as they continue to make things difficult for us, this will continue.)

References:

Laqui, I. (2025). Manibela to hold three-day strike starting December 9. The Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/12/04/2491870/manibela-hold-three-day-strike-starting-december-9/amp/

GMA Integrated News. (2025). MANIBELA to hold 3-day transport strike starting December 9. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/968455/manibela-transport-striker/story/?amp

Written by: Callie Issey Marabolas

07/12/2025

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 | 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 5-𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶-𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝗨 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗘𝗨-𝗗

Adamson Baby Falcons stumble against FEU-D Lady Baby Tamaraws’ tripping smashes in the UAAP Season 88 High School Volleyball Semi-finals at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym on December 6, 2025.

The Lady Baby Falcons were already geared up and bowed down on the first set as the Lady Baby Tamaraws unleashed their smashes, not letting the AdU step up and clinch the win for the first set, 22–25.

After being eaten alive, the Falcons tried to catch up and turned the court upside down for the Tamaraws, 25–18, in favor of AdU.

Another sigh of relief swept over the Baby Falcons as they continued to dominate the game for another set, keeping the burning sensation alive for victory, 25–23.

AdU lost its control of possession after FEU-D’s great momentum, 25–27, finally letting the Falcons feel the taste of what’s to come.

A bittersweet play welcomed AdU on the last set, making them fall short as the fire of revenge had completely taken over with an impressive 7–13 finish by FEU-D.

The game is far from over—the AdU Lady Baby Falcons are bound for another exciting semi-finals against the FEU-D Lady Baby Tamaraws this December 8, 2025, at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.

Continue to smash with pride and keep the passion and faith alive, ladies!

Written by: Cristalene Capispisan
Photo by: The UAAP Media
Layout by: Kirsten Abarientos

07/12/2025

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

Every new year paints its own story, but this coming 2026, another color rises as a blank canvas symbolizing new beginnings and serving as a reflection of every color. We welcome the color Cloud Dancer! Many may consider this color as plain white. However, it carries a hopeful meaning behind it.

For these past years, the world has come through battles and continues to endure pain from all aspects of life. This sparked inspiration for Pantone, to unite the world with the simple concept of colors. Cloud Dancer exactly captured this—a calm yet motivating color to predict the year ahead. A blank canvas, something we consider to resemble a fresh start, and making room for something new and potentially better.

As a new year starts, we are reminded that true beginnings start with ourselves and continue as a community, striving for hope and peace—not only for ourselves but also for the people and the world.

Written by: Aprille Gueco
Layout by: Jamie Cristine Paat

07/12/2025

𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 | 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝘀𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗮

“Kung tutuusin, ₱500 makakabili na kayo ng ham. Makakagawa ka na ng macaroni salad, makakagawa ka na rin ng spaghetti. Depende rin po 'yan kung ilan 'yung taong kakain." Pahayag ni Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque

Isang sampal sa mukha ng mamamayang Pilipino ang marinig ang mga salitang ito. Lalo na mula sa taong hindi naman kinakailangang pagkasyahin ang ₱500 sa kahit anong salu-salo.

Sa papalapit na pagdating ng kapaskuhan, pumutok ang pahayag ni DTI Sec. Roque matapos sabihin na ang ₱500 ay sapat na para sa Noche Buena. Ang kanyang pahayag ay binatikos ng nakararami dahil nagmistula itong pagpapakita ng matinding insensitibidad at kawalang-alam o ignoransya sa totoong kalagayan ng buhay at kahirapan na nararanasan ng mga Pilipino.

Ang ideya na sapat na ang ₱500 para sa isang masaganang Noche Buena ay tila isang pantasya na malayo sa realidad ng panahong ito. Ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin na tinapatan ng mababang pasahod ay ang katotohanan.

“Bilyon-bilyon ang ninakaw, pero pag sa Noche Buena ng masa, ₱500 sapat na?”

Sa umuusbong na ebidensya ng limpak limpak na perang ibinulsa ng mga taong nakaupo sa gobyerno, ang ₱500 ay hindi manlang aabot sa 1% ng bilyones na ito. Kaya ang pahayag ni DTI Sec. Roque ay nag-udyok ng pagkadismaya dahil tila ito ay naglalayong balewalain ang mas malaking isyu: Ang sistema ng pamamahala na pumapayag na may nagpapakasasa sa yaman ng bansa habang ang karamihan ay patuloy na naghihikahos sa laylayan.

Ang reaksyon ng publiko ay hindi lamang tungkol sa presyo ng ham. Ito ay isang pagtutol sa insensitibidad at double standard ng mga nasa kapangyarihan. Ito ay isang panawagan para sa pananagutan at isang pangarap na magkaroon ng isang gobyerno na tunay na nakikita at nararamdaman ang pagdurusa ng taumbayan, sa halip na nagbibigay lamang ng mga payo na malayo sa realidad ng buhay.

Written by: Louen Venice Pilar
Layout by: Jamie Cristine Paat

06/12/2025

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 | 𝗢𝗳 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀, 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗶𝘁?: 𝗢𝘅𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿

What is “rage bait?" According to Oxford University Press, rage bait is an intentional way to anger or outrage someone by being frustrating or provocative. It is typically used to increase engagement with a particular web page or social media account.

The term itself came from two well-established English words: “rage," meaning a violent burst of anger,” and “bait," meaning “food used to entice animals or so-called prey." Together, the word “rage bait” describes something that lures people not with curiosity, but with outrage.

Today, rage bait is usually used for social media posts or viral content. The earliest online use of the phrase dates back to 2002, when Usenet described how a driver might react with anger when other drivers flashed them to pass.

Ever since, “rage bait” has become one of the common internet slangs for content that aims to provoke anger or suggest conflict.

Written by: Phillip Judiel Miñas
Layout by: Jamie Cristine Paat

05/12/2025

𝗦𝗰𝗶-𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 | 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗡𝗔 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗡𝗔 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱𝘀

The origin of life remains a mystery, but one theory, Pansepermia, suggests that life’s building blocks may have come from space. While this does not prove that life exists beyond Earth, scientists have found essential chemicals for forming RNA, such as ribose and amino acids, in extraterrestrial materials.

Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched a spacecraft called OSIRIS-REx, which stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretations, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer. The sole purpose for launching the spacecraft is to find original substance samples related to the early formation of the solar system and life, which is the aim of the Administration’s ongoing research.

Yoshihiro Furukawa, a lead scientist on the research, examined the materials brought by the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and discovered two substances that can be seen in RNA, which are the five-carbon sugar ribose and six-carbon glucose. The role of five-carbon sugar ribose is one of the main components of the backbone of nucleic acids along with phosphate groups, while the six-carbon glucose is a source of cellular energy.

The presence of nucleobases from both DNA and RNA, which are adenine, thymine, uracil, guanine, and cytosine, has already been discovered in Bennu samples. These Bennu samples are the samples bought from asteroid Bennu, and these samples contain rocks and dust. Upon studying and analyzing the materials, scientists discovered amino acids, which are responsible for making proteins; the five nucleobases in genetic information; and minerals.

Although there are only a few details regarding the finding of these samples, the evidence is present in the biological and chemical form of life, which slowly proves the panspermia theory. These building blocks of life, or the ingredients of life, are assumed to be mixed, resulting in why other substances, structures, or compounds can be seen in other existing things outside the Earth.

What does it indicate in the world of sciences?

This evidence contributes to the understanding of the relation of molecules on the Earth and the extraterrestrial. The chemicals or substances found in asteroids interpret and theorize the concept of where life begins in outer space.

With the continuous exploration, researchers would be able to unravel the complexity that builds up life and finally land on a conclusion with the support of theories.

References:
AK Lecture. (n.d.). Composition of nucleic acid. https://aklectures.com/lecture/rna-and-dna/composition-of-nucleic-acids

Cooper, G. M. (2000). The molecular composition of cells. The Cell - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9879/

Madrid, A. (2021, January). Ultraviolet Astronomy and The Quest for the Origin of Life. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/edited-volume/pii/B9780128191705060012

NASA’s asteroid Bennu sample reveals mix of life’s ingredients - NASA. (n.d.). NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-asteroid-bennu-sample-reveals-mix-of-lifes-ingredients/

Ribonucleic acid (RNA). (n.d.). Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Ribonucleic-Acid-RNA

Tabor, A. (2025, December 2). Sugars, ‘Gum,’ Stardust Found in NASA's Asteroid Bennu Samples - NASA. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/missions/osiris-rex/sugars-gum-stardust-found-in-nasas-asteroid-bennu-samples/

Written by: Alfha Kathleen Macalintal
Layout by: Jamie Cristine Paat

03/12/2025

𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

As Christmas draws near, Filipino families start preparing for one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the country, Noche Buena, which is a symbol of unity, gratitude, and one of the few times a family gets to be whole. However, in 2025, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) mentioned that a family could celebrate the occasion with just a ₱500 budget, which triggered backlash from the people. DTI Secretary Cristina Roque explained the proposal further by adding that “₱500 is dependent on the number of the family,” a remark described by critics as tone-deaf and bereft of reality (Philstar 2025). In fact, the outrage was not at all just an emotional reaction but a collective recognition of how inflation has made even the most modest preparation of holidays financially overwhelming. The issue surfaced and revealed the increasing distance between official economic narratives and everyday struggles faced inside the households of Filipinos.

The increasing prices of basic Noche Buena food products-such as pasta, sauce, sliced bread, ham, cheese, soft drinks, and bottled beverages-make the estimate of ₱500 hardly achievable. For a simple spaghetti dish alone, noodles, sauce, cheese, onions, and at least a small portion of meat are needed. Buying all these would already consume most, if not all, of the suggested budget. This proves that ₱500 can no longer cover a full meal, let alone a holiday feast that should supposedly serve an entire family. Lawmakers and social commentators likewise criticized the proposal for belittling the true incidence of inflation and disregarding the financial sacrifices of families in order to make ends meet amidst the economic crisis (Philstar 2025).

While Filipino resourcefulness remains strong, resiliency should not be mistaken for evidence that families can thrive on severely unrealistic budgets. Many households now find themselves stretching their holiday meals through fewer portions, shared contributions from relatives, or community-based handaan efforts. Larger families often face even sharper constraints, reducing celebration to symbolic rather than substantial meals-not by choice but by necessity.

Noche Buena may still be celebrated, but the tradition is increasingly powered by compromises rather than comfort. The real issue, as this country celebrates the holiday season in 2025, is not whether a family can celebrate with ₱500 but whether it should be expected to. A meaningful celebration requires acknowledgment of inflation's impact, realistic economic assessments, and policies that reflect lived experiences rather than simplified averages. Traditions bind Filipino families, but rising prices should not be what breaks them.

Illustrated by: Zoey Brioso
Layout by: Jamie Cristine Paat

02/12/2025

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝘄 | Grade 12 HUMSS and STECH students gather at the St. Theresa of Avila Chapel as Vocation Awareness Week unfolds with the theme “Bokasyon: Tawag at Tugon” at the vocation forum today, December 2, 2025.

Written and Photographed by: Beatres Joy Rosatace

01/12/2025

𝗣𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗮 | Kinapanayam ng Spotlight Publication ang mga estudyante mula sa Grade 12 - SENG upang malaman ang kanilang opinyon tungkol sa bagong inilabas na iskedyul para sa ikalawang semestre.

Layout by: Kurt Nikko Ganaden at Fayza Ahmed Khokhar

30/11/2025

Make way for the Spotlight Staffers celebrating their birthdays this November! 🎃

The Spotlight Publication would like to greet each and every one of you a Happy Birthday! Thanks to your passion, hard work, and dedication, the publication continues to stand strong—spreading factual information, documenting events, and providing entertainment for our Klasmeyts.

xoxo, Spotlight Publication

Written by: Fayza Ahmed Khokhar
Layout by: Jamie Cristine Paat

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