DUTERTE URGES PINOYS TO 'KEEP NATIONALISM ALIVE' ON RIZAL DAY MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to "strengthen and protect" their freedom and keep nationalism alive as the country commemorated the 123rd death anniversary of hero Jose Rizal. Duterte hailed Rizal's "ardent love of country" and desire to cultivate his and the nation's intellect that "led to a reawakening of the Filipinos' patriotism and sense of responsibility." "May his shining example to always think of the greater good be emulated by generations of our youth who look up to him today," Duterte said in his Rizal Day message. "Let us keep the embers of nationalism alive as we courageously face the challenges of apathy and divisiveness, and triumph over them just like what Rizal tenaciously did more than 120 years ago." Duterte again skipped the observance of Rizal Day in Rizal Park, Manila and was represented by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. He joined his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, in offering flowers to the hero's monument in their hometown. The President would rather pay tribute to other Filipino heroes who do not have special days dedicated to them, such as the young general Gregorio del Pilar, his spokesman Salvador Panelo earlier said. Sison offers to meet Duterte 'in any country' near PH MANILA - Exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison refused calls by Malacanang for him to come home for the peace negotiations, but emphasized he was "willing to meet the President in any country near the Philippines." Should the government and communist rebels concur on an interim peace agreement, Sison said he can meet with President Rodrigo Duterte in a nearby nation. "It’s not yet time for me to go to the Philippines because (that would be) putting at risk the peace process but we can go further after the interim peace agreement to completing CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms)," Sison told ANC's Early Edition. "After that I can go to Manila and meet the President there." The Philippine Army, however, assured Sison of his security. "The President has guaranteed his safety and the Armed Forces will guarantee his safety. If him coming home is a solution for us to end this 50-year-old insurgency then we welcome it," Philippine Army public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala told ANC's Headstart. "He should also be sincere of coming home. I think 50 years, he seemed disconnected already." Sison believes the formal resumption of peace negotiations between government and communist rebels may be achieved within January or February next year of 2020. P8.6 MILLION AID RELEASED FOR TYPHOON VICTIMS ILOILO CITY — The government has released a total of P8.64 million in assistance for families affected by Typhoon Ursula in the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz. Of the amount, P7.8 million was sourced from the funds of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The remaining amount came from different local government units (LGUs), according to May Rago-Castillo, information officer for DSWD-Western Visayas. The assistance was given in the form of financial, food and non-food items. At least P2.6 million was used to provide financial assistance to families who lost their property and loved ones during the typhoon. The town of Pontevedra in Capiz recorded 272 displaced families, who each received P5,000 in financial assistance. Two families who lost their loved ones each received P20,000. The town of Balasan in Iloilo has 218 displaced families, who each received P5,000. Four others received 20,000 each due to the death of their relatives during the typhoon. The town of Carles posted two families that lost their relatives. Each family received P20,000 in financial assistance. DON'T OPEN THAT MESSAGE: PINOYS WARNED VS SCAM HOLIDAY GREETINGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA MANILA - A cyber security non-profit firm on Monday warned the public against malicious holiday greetings on social media. Once opened, the holiday greetings would redirect the user to a website asking for their data, and will then send a similar message to the victim's contacts, according to the Cyber Security Philippines - Computer Emergency Response Team. It warned Filipinos against the following websites: https://wish-you.co https://wish4u.co https://my-msg.co https://look-me.co https://surprise4u.me https://hookgist.com https://see-magic.co https://mera-style.com https://whatsapp-style.co https://see-magic.co https://my-love.co If victimized, the group urged users to immediately change their passwords for bank and social media accounts, reset their browsers, update their anti-malware, and scan their devices. ARMY: NPA SURRENDER PHOTOS AUTHENTIC BUT MERGED MANILA — The Philippine Army stressed that the photo of rebel surrenderees are authentic but there was a mistake in "merging" the image. The Army's 9th Division earlier admitted that the photo released to the media on December 26 was manipulated. Philippine Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the 9th Infantry Division wanted to show a photo of its accomplishment of having a series of surrenders in Masbate. "The photo that they showed is two authentic photos of firearms and rebels, former rebels, but they merged it together so that's where the problem and mistake lies," Zagala told ANC's "Headstart" Monday morning. The 2nd Infantry Battalion recorded a total of 306 surrenderees in Masbate following negotiations that started in October. "They are real surrenders. There are 306 surrenders in Masbate and this is a worthy accomplishment of the 9th Infantry Division and we stand by our units especially in their efforts for local peace negotiations for surrenders," Zagala said. Zagala stressed that the two separate photos are authentic but they were merged. PUT AWAY PHONES AT MEALTIMES AND TALK TO EACH OTHER, SAYS POPE FRANCIS VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis on Sunday urged people to talk to each other at mealtimes instead of using their mobile phones, citing Jesus, Mary and Joseph as an example for families to follow. They "prayed, worked and communicated with each other," the pope told the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square during his weekly Angelus address. "I ask myself if you, in your family, know how to communicate or are you like those kids at mealtables where everyone is chatting on their mobile phone ... where there is silence like at a Mass but they don't communicate," the pope said. "We have to get back to communicating in our families," Francis said in his unscripted remarks. "Fathers, parents, children, grandparents, brothers and sisters, this is a task to undertake today, on the day of the Holy Family." During his Christmas message, the pope also encouraged communication with God, and urged the faithful not to let the Church's failings lead them away from accepting God's love. Let us contemplate the Child and let ourselves be caught up in his tender love. Then we have no further excuse for not letting ourselves be loved by him," Francis said. "Whatever goes wrong in our lives, whatever doesn't work in the Church, whatever problems there are in the world, will no longer serve as an excuse. It will become secondary, for faced with Jesus' extravagant love, a love of utter meekness and closeness, we have no excuse," he said. 65% OF FILIPINOS THINK MARTIAL LAW IN MINDANAO SHOULDN'T BE EXTENDED BEYOND DECEMBER 31 DEADLINE — SWS MANILA — A large majority of Filipinos believe that martial law in Mindanao should expire by the end of 2019, results of a new Social Weather Stations survey suggest. Of the 1,200 adults surveyed, 65% said martial law in the southern Philippines should not be extended beyond its December 31 deadline. Only 34% believe it should be extended for a longer period while 1% did not give an answer. The polling firm noted that the proportion of those who call for the termination of martial in Mindanao by year-end is high in all areas: 67% in Metro Manila, 67% in Visayas, 66% in Balance Luzon and 61% in Mindanao. Of those who support the extension of martial law, 22% said it should be prolonged in the whole of Mindanao, 7% said it should be extended only in Marawi City and the province of Lanao del Sur while 5% believe it should be extended in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and nearby provinces. 110,460 JEEPNEY OPERATORS GET FUEL SUBSIDY MANILA — A total of 110,460 public utility jeepney operators nationwide have received fuel subsidy of P20,514 each from the government this year. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the cash grants were given to the jeepney operators under the Pantawid Pasada program. The DOTr had asked P2.372-billion funding for the program this year under the General Appropriations Bill. This year’s fuel subsidy is almost four times granted by the government in 2018, which only stood at P5,000. The subsidy aims to cushion the higher fuel prices following the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law. The government launched the Pantawid Pasada program in July last year. DRUG SURRENDEREE SHOT DEAD IN ILOCOS MANILA — A drug surrenderee and former barangay councilman was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte on Saturday. Rodante Corales, 40, was on a motorcycle when he was killed in Barangay San Jose at around 10 a.m. Corales was a former councilman of Barangay Medina in Dingras town. The victim died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds in the back. Probers recovered nine bullet shells at the crime scene. Police have yet to determine if the killing was related to the victim’s previous involvement in the illegal drug trade. In Cavite, a couple was arrested following a sting that resulted in the recovery of shabu with an estimated street value of P34 million in Imus. 9 HOSPITALIZED IN PASIG DUE TO DEFECTIVE AIRCONDITIONER MANILA — Nine employees of an online school in Pasig City were hospitalized due to suffocation after an airconditioner in their office malfunctioned on Saturday. The patients, whose names were not immediately available, are workers of 51Talk Philippines, an online school located on the ninth floor of JMT Building in Barangay San Antonio. They suffered difficulty in breathing, dizziness and vomiting, police said. Police and firefighters responded to the scene after they were informed by school officials that nine of their co-workers got sick due to a gas leak. City police chief Col. Moises Villaceran Jr., however, said the incident was not a result of a gas leakage. VICE GANDA AT ION, NAGBAKASYON SA TAIWAN Nagpalipad ng sky lantern sina Vice Ganda at Ion Perez habang nagbabakasyon sa Taiwan. Ilan sa mga wish na isinulat ni Vice Ganda sa lantern ay successful projects para sa 2020 at more power para sa ABS-CBN. May wish din siya para sa mga kasamahan sa "It's Showtime." WAYS TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR AT THE HEART OF THE HOLIDAYS The Heart of the Holidays at Solaire elevates your holiday festivities with its luxurious offers that will entice your palates and senses, making the family New Year celebration worth remembering. Here are luxurious features to watch out for while anticipating the upcoming year at Solaire: 1. All Hearts Come Home to Solaire All Hearts Come Home to Solaire—a special hotel stay package—is the prized offering for Solaire guests wishing to experience luxurious comfort this Christmas. Package includes a buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids (6 y.o. and below) at Fresh International Buffet, meal credits worth P2,000 to be consumed at one of Solaire's signature outlets, in-room massage for 2, complimentary voucher for 2 kids at K-Park. Rates start at P25,000++ for a Deluxe Room. The deal can be enjoyed until January 31, 2020. 2. Fresh International Buffet At Fresh, a hearty holiday feast awaits the entire family. Savor an extensive spread of fresh lobsters, crabs, and prawns along with traditional staples such as rich honey glazed ham, roasted turkey, and luscious desserts. On December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020, buffet prices for lunch start at P2,400+ per person and dinner at P3,800+ per person, inclusive of beverage buffet. 3. Finestra Italian Steakhouse Families can expect creative offerings over live music to complement the dining experience at Finestra Italian Steakhouse; from amuse bouche-an explosion of truffle and foie gras to Josper-grilled USDA beef tenderloin with potato mousseline and roasted baby root vegetables. The New Year's Eve dinner set-menu is at P5,000+ per person. A special New Year's lunch and dinner a la carte menu will also be available. All menus come with beverage options. 4. Red Lantern Over at Red Lantern, experience a sumptuous Cantonese meal with servings of Red Lantern's signature roasted duck, deep-fried butter prawns with salted egg yolk, braised USDA beef short ribs with Chinese herbs and seasonal vegetables in hot Szechuan spicy sauce and a finisher served as an indulgent champagne cremeaux with dehydrated forest fruits, Grand Marnier caviar, and strawberry sorbet. On December 31, 2019, they will offer the Festive Dim Sum lunch buffet at P1,988+ and delectable New Year’s Eve dinner set-menus starting at P3,000+ per person. To complete the meal, avail a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte for P3,000+. 5. Yakumi Chef Norimasa brings a taste of culinary perfection in the art of Japanese cuisine at Yakumi. Sample the holiday Kaiseki-style appetizer with fresh seafood flown in from the famous Toyosu market in Tokyo, and USDA beef ribeye with truffle teriyaki sauce. The New Year's Eve dinner set-menu is at P5,000+. 6. Waterside Latin Inspired Cuisine Waterside's heartwarming Latin-inspired specialties bedazzle with its signature paellas, tapas such as Fine de Claire oysters, Pulpo Salpicon, and selection of home-cured meat and cheese, and delectable desserts. Beverage options of cocktail pairing for P500+ • NYE Happy Hour (free-flowing Cava, Red Wine, White Wine, selected cocktails, spirits, and draft beer) for P1,200+ • 10% savings on Sommelier Selection, are sure to make any grandiose night more stirring. A New Year's Eve Set Menu for dinner and Happy Hour will kickstart the festivities for P3,500+ and P1,200+ per person. Enjoy the 2020 countdown feast while you listen to live music featuring the hits of the past decades up to the chart toppers of today. 7. Oasis Garden Café Indulge in Oasis Garden Cafe's Advent Afternoon Tea for P1,488+ with live music to accompany you, followed by the family-style Balikbayan's Festive Favorites featuring Filipino dishes like the soulful tinola, classic bistek Tagalog, heartfelt adobong manok and the holiday staple puto bumbong for P5,900 per set. 8. The Patisserie Complete the deal with The Pattiserie's festive hampers filled with decadent delights and gourmet goodies starting with the Classic Hamper at P4,688+. Apart from the hampers, enjoy the convenience of having an exquisite feast at home with the outlet's Festive Takeaway. Choose any from the cold selection such as Foie Gras Pate, Black Truffle, and Mini Brioche for P1,000; main course such as Roasted U.S. Turkey with cranberry sauce, Roasted Jus, and Chestnut Stuffing for P7,000, and wide array of side dishes and desserts. 9. The Royal Affair A dazzling evening of great entertainment with a sumptuous buffet awaits at the anticipated The Royal Affair, a New Year's Eve party featuring Concert King Martin Nievera and Concert Queen Pops Fernandez as they reunite for an exclusive performance of their best songs and duets. Tickets are available at TicketWorld priced at P8,000++ for Silver and P10,000++ for Gold, and P15,000++ for Platinum. 

NBA SCORES DEC 28 FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Grizzlies 12-21    11    28    29    42    110 team logo Nuggets 22-9    26    24    32    37    119 SCORING LEADERS     J. Jackson Jr. MEM 20 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST     N. Jokic DEN 31 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Pacers 21-12    32    13    23    30    98 team logo Pelicans 10-23    19    29    38    34    120 SCORING LEADERS     A. Holiday IND 25 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST     B. Ingram NO 24 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Raptors 22-10    36    23    30    24    113 team logo Celtics 22-8    25    29    25    18    97 SCORING LEADERSK. Lowry TOR 30 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST K. Walker BOS 30 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Knicks 9-24    33    26    27    21    107 team logo Wizards 9-22    23    35    20    22    100 SCORING LEADERS     J. Randle NY 30 PTS, 16 REB, 6 AST     I. Thomas WAS 20 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST FINAL/OT     1    2    3    4    OT    T team logo 76ers 23-12    33    26    20    29    8    116 team logo Heat 24-8    28    26    31    23    9    117 SCORING LEADERSJ. Embiid PHI 35 PTS, 11 REB, 2 AST J. Butler MIA 25 PTS, 9 REB, 9 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Cavaliers 10-22    27    22    18    27    94 team logo Timberwolves 11-20    21    22    17    28    88 SCORING LEADERS     D. Garland CLE 18 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST     J. Teague MIN 18 PTS, 0 REB, 4 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Nets 16-15    20    34    25    19    98 team logo Rockets 22-10    42    21    25    20    108 SCORING LEADERSS. Dinwiddie BKN 17 PTS, 2 REB, 11 AST J. Harden HOU 44 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Hawks 6-27    19    24    22    16    81 team logo Bulls 13-20    35    29    19    33    116 SCORING LEADERS     J. Collins ATL 34 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST     L. Markkanen CHI 25 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Pistons 12-21    28    27    25    29    109 team logo Spurs 13-18    30    29    42    35    136 SCORING LEADERS     D. Rose DET 24 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST     D. DeRozan SA 29 PTS, 5 REB, 8 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Magic 14-18    25    21    28    26    100 team logo Bucks 29-5    37    19    22    33    111 SCORING LEADERS     E. Fournier ORL 23 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST     K. Middleton MIL 21 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Mavericks 21-10    41    31    45    24    141 team logo Warriors 9-25    41    33    24    23    121 Highlights: Mavericks at Warriors 2:17 SCORING LEADERSL. Doncic DAL 31 PTS, 12 REB, 15 AST D. Russell GS 35 PTS, 4 REB, 6 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Suns 12-20    31    28    22    31    112 team logo Kings 12-20    30    19    28    33    110 SCORING LEADERS     D. Booker PHO 32 PTS, 3 REB, 10 AST     B. Hield SAC 23 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Lakers 25-7    34    37    32    25    128 team logo Trail Blazers 14-19    32    32    31    25    120 SCORING LEADERSK. Kuzma LAL 24 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST D. Lillard POR 31 PTS, 2 REB, 9 AST FINAL     1    2    3    4    T team logo Jazz 20-12    22    39    32    27    120 team logo Clippers 23-11    32    31    29    15    107 SCORING LEADERSD. Mitchell UTA 30 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST P. George LAC 20 PTS, 10 REB, 2 AST