Our clan has been described as far back as the late 1800s to be ‘as loud as an orchestra,’ especially on occasions like Noche Buena and Media Noche Now put a bunch of Romualdezes together with differing opinions and you get a full-on philharmonic! We all have our fair share of family dramas and this becomes more evident come Christmas time when we are all forced by holiday circumstances to gather in one place. The Romualdezes have been described as far back as the late 1800s to be “as loud as an orchestra.” To this day, when together, we are not only loud but strong and independent in mind and soul. We are as my great uncle, the first native Filipino Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, writer, composer, musicologist, politician, and statesman Norberto L. Romualdez, described as “people who are brought up to be the captain of one’s soul.” Looking for the meaning of this, I read that, “captain of my soul” suggests you're in charge of your deepest feelings, desires, and beliefs. In a world full of distractions and expectations, staying true to yourself can be challenging but essential. This is so true and runs strong in some more than others belonging to our clan. Now put a bunch of “Rs” together with differing opinions and you get a full-on philharmonic! You know the saying, be careful what you wish for. Well, I curiously wanted to know what it must have been like at family gatherings during major political events in our country’s history, such as during the turning point from Spanish to American colonial rule and from being an American colony to a republic. I have public documents and correspondence detailing the thoughts and opinions of a number of family members with opposing views and I wondered how they dealt with one another during those times. Were they successful in curbing their emotions when faced with family members with opposing sentiments at a family gathering? From my experience and, as a witness, yes there would be some “dead-mahan (not minding each other)” or avoidance or a cold shoulder here and there, but at least they would show up. After all, isn’t that what the spirit of Christmas is all about? Still, some family members do opt to skip the Christmas events, including the Noche Buena. Do I regret making that wish to know how it feels? To know what it’s like? No, I was there to bear witness to how this family overcomes inter-familial adversity. I am not the first to do this in my family. This “burden” was bestowed upon me by previous family historians and “geneologists. My late cousin Nonoy Abella was filled with utmost relief when he turned over all the family documents to me, “Now I can die,” he says. I thought he was overly dramatic but realizing the responsibility of finding someone in the family who would be up to the task of recording our family history, I know now how he felt. Nonoy was designated by our Auntie Loring Romualdez-Ramos, who, in turn, was tasked to be the family historian by Nonoy’s father, Dr. Domingo Abella (1906-1976), a scholar, historian, and later director of the Bureau of Records, which was known from 1967 up until the early ’70s as the National Archives. Before him, it was his mother, Dona Trinidad Talintin Lopez, who played the role. My family story is no different from that of other families with the usual family dynamics at play. Maybe, most other family stories do not play so publicly but the template is the same. After Noche Buena, we have Christmas Day and the many days that follow, on which we think up occasions to eat the leftovers, leading up to New Year’s Eve. The Christian tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve can be traced back to the implementation of the Gregorian calendar, which was established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. It officially declared Jan. 1 as the first day of the New Year, whereas Old Year’s Day, which is now called New Year’s Eve, was declared as the last day of the year (Dec. 31). Filipinos have established their own way of celebrating the coming of the New Year. This includes, among Christian Filipinos, attending mass before partaking of a midnight meal called Media Noche, during which 12 round fruits are served to represent the 12 months of the year. It is believed that fruits circular in shape, resembling coins and money, will bring good fortune. This is a derivative of the Spanish New Year’s Eve tradition of eating 12 grapes or las doce uvas (the twelve grapes of luck) at midnight to ensure fortune and prosperity for the coming year. The wearing of polka dots is also quite a tradition, as is placing coins on windowsills to invite good fortune, opening doors and windows (despite the smoke from the firecrackers) for good luck to enter the home, jumping at midnight (for children), which is believed to make children grow tall. To be completely honest, I have my doubts with this one. Other traditions include making a lot of noise at midnight to drive away negative energy and bad spirits and starting fresh. What you do at the start of the New Year will follow you in the rest of the year, so make friends, avoid debt, and keep on loving. Happy New Year everyone! Here is to peace, prosperity, and “love among all creatures on this earth.” May God bless us and keep us safe in the palm of His hand.
Audi Crooks' winning shot leads No. 8 Iowa State to 80-78 win over Drake
Aaron Rodgers is off the market. The NFL star revealed during Monday’s “The Pat McAfee Show” that he has a new girlfriend, telling co-hosts Pat McAfee and A.J. Hawk that her name is Brittani. Rodgers, 41, dropped the bomb while talking about shopping for Christmas presents online. While he didn’t share many details about his new love interest, he said she “doesn’t watch” the show or “have social media” — and that she’s “not Britney Spears” as she spells her name with an “i.” However, it sounds like Rodgers’ romance with Brittani may be the real deal. When McAfee joked about just learning that Rodgers is “in love,” the star athlete did not disagree. “It’s a good feeling, boys,” he said in response, smiling. The Jets quarterback has had his fair share of high-profile romances over the years. He’s previously dated actress Olivia Munn, race car driver Danica Patrick and “Divergent” star Shailene Woodley. He recently referenced his love life — and all of the media attention its received — in his new Netflix docuseries, “Aaron Rodgers: Enigma.” “I always find it interesting when people say, in reference to the off-the-field attention, ‘Well, this is what you signed up for,’” the former Green Bay Packers player, who was named MVP in 2011, said in the series. “I say, ‘F–k that, I never signed up for that.’” Rodgers clarified that he “signed up for football” due to his love of the game — not to become famous. “I got great at it because I’m hyper-competitive and super-motivated,” he explained. “But there’s this whole other part that comes with it that’s a lot of great stuff and a lot of f–king weird stuff.” One of those “weird” things, he recalled, was the paparazzi attention he received from dating women who were also famous. “I didn’t do myself any favors with some of the girls I dated after that that were in the public eye,” he admitted, referencing exes like Munn, Patrick and Woodley. “I definitely hated it at first — like, really despised it. I enjoyed my private life. I enjoyed being able to go places. But from Super Bowl MVP, MVP, State Farm commercials, that got a little bit more difficult.” Rodgers dated Woodley during the COVID-19 pandemic and announced their engagement in 2021. However, the two split in early 2022 , which the “Big Little Lies” star dubbed the “darkest” time in her life. Rodgers was most recently linked to Mallory Edens , the daughter of Milwaukee Bucks majority owner Wes Edens.
The National Capital Commission is giving away prizes to those who correctly guess the opening date of the Rideau Canal Skateway. The NCC said in a post on X , formerly Twitter, that three people who get the date right will be selected to win an official Skateway toque, beanie and a pair of mitts. Users are being asked to comment on the social media post with their prediction. You must be in Canada to be eligible. The opening date for the canal has varied widely in the last few years. Crews have started flooding the ice to prepare for the skating season this week, but there is still no word on an opening date. Last season, the canal opened on Jan. 21, 2024. It did not open at all in 2023. It has opened three times in December in the last 20 years, Dec. 28, 2004, Dec. 31, 2013 and Dec. 28, 2018. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Our Guide To The Best Winter Boots You Can Get In Canada 16 Cozy Home Essentials That Cost Less Than $100 Home Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) 13 Of The Best Fidget Toys For Adults Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals The Altitude Sports Boxing Day Sale Has Begun — Here's What We're Shopping For PSA: The Michael Kors Boxing Week Sale Is Happening Right Now The Silk & Snow End Of Year Sale Is Officially On — Here's What To Add To Your Cart Ottawa Top Stories Ottawa mayor speaks on transit funding, federal turmoil in year-end interview SNOWFALL WARNING | Pre-Christmas storm forecasted in Ottawa with up to 20 cm of snow tonight What's open and closed in Ottawa over the holidays Man handed 5th distracted driving charge for using cellphone on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa You can win a prize if you guess the Rideau Canal Skateway opening day No injuries in Overbrook fire inside 22-storey apartment building Brockville, Ont. cafe giving hundreds of Christmas dinners to people in need The Papery returns to historic home in Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood after fire CTVNews.ca Top Stories Quebec fugitive killed in Mexican resort town, RCMP say RCMP are confirming that a fugitive, Mathieu Belanger, wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he's picking fights even before taking office. Canada regulator sues Rogers for alleged misleading claims about data offering Canada's antitrust regulator said on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc, for allegedly misleading consumers about offering unlimited data under some phone plans. Pioneering Métis human rights advocate Muriel Stanley Venne dies at 87 Muriel Stanley Venne, a trail-blazing Métis woman known for her Indigenous rights advocacy, has died at 87. Bill Clinton hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington after developing a fever. Multiple OnlyFans accounts featured suspected child sex abuse, investigator reports An experienced child exploitation investigator told Reuters he reported 26 accounts on the popular adults-only website OnlyFans to authorities, saying they appeared to contain sexual content featuring underage teen girls. King Charles ends royal warrants for Ben & Jerry's owner Unilever and Cadbury chocolatiers King Charles III has ended royal warrants for Cadbury and Unilever, which owns brands including Marmite and Ben & Jerry’s, in a blow to the household names. Man faces murder charges in death of woman who was lit on fire in New York City subway A man is facing murder charges in New York City for allegedly setting a woman on fire inside a subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames, police said Monday. 'Serious safety issues': Edmonton building where security guard was killed evacuated An apartment building where a security guard was killed earlier this month is being evacuated. Atlantic Court of appeal certifies class action lawsuit against health authority, former nurse A New Brunswick mother who is the lead plaintiff in a court case has received an early Christmas gift after the province’s top court certified her class-action lawsuit. No need to dream, White Christmas all but assured in the Maritimes An early nor'easter followed by a low-pressure system moving into the region all but ensure a Maritime White Christmas Man and woman from New Canada charged for impaired driving: N.S. RCMP Lunenberg District RCMP has charged a man and a woman, both from New Canada, N.S., with impaired driving. Toronto DEVELOPING | Parts of Ontario under snowfall warning Monday as holiday travellers hit the road Holiday travellers and commuters could be in for a messy drive on Monday morning as a significant round of snowfall moves into the region. Here are live updates on the situation in Toronto. Everything you need to know about what’s open on Christmas in the GTA Here's what you need to know about what's open and closed in the GTA over the Christmas holidays. Books of condolence set up for Toronto police officer who died in the line of duty Montreal Quebec fugitive killed in Mexican resort town, RCMP say RCMP are confirming that a fugitive, Mathieu Belanger, wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder. Guzzo Group says it wants to protect its 500 employees Although the Guzzo Group is currently in turmoil, it is reassuring its employees and customers about the year ahead. Snow on the way as Montreal is put under weather advisory A weather advisory has been initiated for the Greater Montreal area, with 10 to 15 cm of snow expected to hit the ground. Northern Ontario Fatal snowmobile crash in northern Ont. near Parry Sound A 30-year-old has died following a snowmobile crash near Parry Sound on Sunday. Teen passed out at coffee shop with bottle of booze on the table, northern Ont. police say A 19-year-old from Blind River is facing several charges following incidents at a coffee shop and in jail. Man charged with damaging downtown Sudbury eatery A man free on probation has been charged with causing significant damage to a restaurant on Elgin Street in downtown Sudbury over the weekend. Windsor Restaurant staff aid in rescue of two men that fell into the frigid waters of the Detroit River Windsor police say that shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 20, officers were called after a man fell into the water while standing too close to the marina wall. A second man jumped in to help him. Child luring investigation sees Windsor resident charged According to Essex OPP, 45-year-old Sean Oulette is facing charges of luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication. 'I’d rather be ahead than behind': Windsor's acute care hospital project ahead of schedule The highly anticipated acute care hospital project is officially ahead of schedule, which means shovels could hit the ground sooner than expected. London 91-year-old harness driver victorious at The Raceway in London, Ont. A 91-year-old harness driver raced his way to victory on Friday night with his horse, Willy Strike. SIU concludes LPS was justified in striking a man in August arrest Following an incident in August, the province’s police watchdog has concluded that a London Police Service officer did not commit a criminal offense. Anonymous $2 million donation given to St. Joseph’s Health Care St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation has received an anonymous $2 million donation from a local community member. Kitchener Parts of southern Ontario under travel advisory Anyone planning to travel today is being urged to be prepared as 5 to 15 cm of snow could hit a large portion of southern Ontario. Beloved bookstore in Uptown Waterloo forced to close for months following fire A beloved bookstore in Uptown Waterloo is bearing the brunt of some holiday misfortune. Must-see moments of 2024: A superstar surprise, roundabout resident and CKCO studios come down From a WWE surprise for a Guelph superfan, to the recovery of a lost aviation artifact, to a reporter getting the story right from the goose's mouth, here are some of our can’t-miss moments from 2024. Barrie Several collisions reported along Highway 11 as driving conditions deteriorate Highway 11 was closed briefly in Oro-Medonte on Monday afternoon as driving conditions deteriorated, causing multiple collisions. Student charged, firearms seized after threats against school: police Police say officers found several firearms during a search at a teen’s home after he allegedly made violent threats against a secondary school. Single-vehicle crash in Springwater Twp. One woman was taken to the hospital following a single-vehicle crash in Springwater Township. Winnipeg An alleged sniper, pair of animal claims featured on MPI’s top five fraud list for 2024 From hitting animals that weren’t there to a sniper that didn’t exist, Manitoba Public Insurance has released its top five frauds of 2024. Manitoba government to make permanent cut to gas tax Manitobans can expect to see a permanent change at the gas pump as early as next week Snowmobile crash leaves 10-year-old dead: RCMP A 10-year-old boy is dead following a snowmobile crash near Rosebank, Man., on Sunday. Calgary Low Canadian dollar a 'double-edged sword' as more Americans travel north: economist A Calgary economist says the low Canadian dollar is a mixed blessing, with data showing that more Americans are travelling north to make the most of their spending. Taxpayers Federation unveils its annual spending 'Naughty and Nice List' A media president and the Prime Minister have topped the Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s annual 'Taxpayer Naughty List' for 2024. Roughriders acquire quarterback Maier's rights from Stampeders for '25 draft pick The Saskatchewan Roughriders acquired the rights to veteran quarterback Jake Maier from the Calgary Stampeders on Monday for a 2025 eighth-round draft pick. Edmonton 'Serious safety issues': Edmonton building where security guard was killed evacuated An apartment building where a security guard was killed earlier this month is being evacuated. City of Edmonton to lift Phase 1 parking ban Monday evening The City of Edmonton will lift the Phase 1 parking ban on Monday at 5 p.m. 2 Alberta men charged with sex crimes involving children in separate investigations Two registered sex offenders are facing charges after separate investigations in northern Alberta. Regina Estevan police officer arrested following SIRT investigation An officer of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) is facing several charges following an investigation by the province’s police oversight agency. Heavy fog descends over Regina, most of Saskatchewan Dense fog is being reported across much of the province to begin the week of Christmas, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Riders acquire quarterback Jake Maier in trade with Stampeders The Green and White finalized some Christmas shopping ahead of the holidays, acquiring quarterback Jake Maier in a trade with Calgary on Monday. Saskatoon 'There are lines': In year-end interview, NDP leader says Moe went too far in election campaign Saskatchewan’s two main political leaders had agreed before October's provincial election not to target the families of candidates during the campaign, says Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck. Sask. RCMP on the scene of rollover on Highway 40 The Saskatchewan RCMP said Highway 40 was closed Monday afternoon following a rollover just west of Hafford, a village just under 100 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. Saskatoon woman arrested following machete attack A 55-year-old woman was arrested following a stabbing with a machete early Monday morning. Vancouver Cleanup underway after rockslide derails train in B.C. No injuries were reported after a rockslide derailed a freight train, sending railcars into British Columbia's Fraser River, on Sunday night. Stolen vehicle leads to wanted suspect carrying loaded gun, drugs: Kelowna RCMP A stolen vehicle recently led Kelowna RCMP officers to a wanted suspect carrying a loaded gun and a "substantial" amount of drugs, according to their detachment. 1 person in critical condition after crash in New Westminster, B.C. One person was taken to hospital in critical condition Monday after a crash involving a flatbed truck in New Westminster, B.C. Vancouver Island Cleanup underway after rockslide derails train in B.C. No injuries were reported after a rockslide derailed a freight train, sending railcars into British Columbia's Fraser River, on Sunday night. 1 person in critical condition after crash in New Westminster, B.C. One person was taken to hospital in critical condition Monday after a crash involving a flatbed truck in New Westminster, B.C. More than 280M trees planted in 2024 in B.C., focus on fire-damaged areas British Columbia's forests ministry says more than 280 million trees were planted in the province this year. Kelowna Forfeited Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C., sold to the city A former Hells Angels clubhouse that was seized by the British Columbia government in 2023 after years of fighting in court has been sold to the City of Kelowna. Death of woman found in Kelowna's Waterfront Park in June deemed 'non-criminal in nature': RCMP Police in Kelowna say a death they began investigating back in June has now been confirmed as "non-criminal in nature." B.C. man sentenced for 'execution-style' murder of bystander in drug trade conflict A B.C. man convicted of the "intentional and ruthless killing of a bystander" while acting as an enforcer in the drug trade has been sentenced for a second time in the slaying. Stay ConnectedNVIDIA Co. (NASDAQ:NVDA) Stake Decreased by Argus Investors Counsel Inc.
Kingsview Wealth Management LLC Increases Position in Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP)Sportswriters from around Michigan have compiled the media all-state football team for 2024, with several players from the Jackson area honored for their contributions on the field this fall. Dearborn Divine Child quarterback Bryce Borgus (9) is tackled by Parma Western defensive lineman Cole Archer (23) during a high school football game at Parma Western High School on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Parma Western won the game over Dearborn Divine Child, 36-14. (Scott Mapes | For MLive.com) Scott Mapes | For MLive.com
Nevada 90, Oklahoma St. 78
Washington visits New Jersey after shootout win
STACKING CLAIMS UNDER CIPA?: Civ Pro 101 Says Not So Fast!(CNS): Sports Minister and East End MP Isaac Rankine isn’t taking the advice of the department of environment to reduce a proposed swim hole in his constituency and is hoping to steer a costal works license application through Cabinet to dredge more than 12,000 square feet of seagrass. The application relates to an area of Marine Park which has naturally, rewilded at a time when other places around the world are spending considerable sums of cash to restore essential seagrass meadows. But the minister described this as turtle grass “taking over” misunderstanding the vital role it plays in the marine eco-system. Local environmental activists Sustainable Cayman are urging the minister to think again about this onslaught on the natural environment that could have very serious consequences for the marine and coastal areas around Colliers. In a press statement the local conservation activists pointed out a catalogue of reasons why dredging this whole would be unsustainable and serious danger to the marine environment. “The Cayman Islands is not seeing the value of its own and is looking to remove a significant area of this critical species for recreation purposes,” a spokesperson for the local advocacy group has stated. “The presence of seagrass beds significantly prevents beach erosion, supports biodiversity, and protects us during hurricanes symbiotically with the barrier coral reef. The ability to swim and fish there today is because the ‘turtle grass’ blades slow wave action, prevent deadly rip currents, support wildlife, and heavily contribute to visibility.” But dredging the area and removing the seagrass which naturally offers benefits to the marine environment to create a swim hole would have the adverse effect. The Department of Environment in its review of the proposed recreational project has warned of potential sand erosion and recommended that the proposed swim hole be reduced in size, both in width and depth. But contrary to that advice Rankine has opted not to revise the size of the dredge area. According to the application the hole would be 200 feet by 60 feet with a depth of up to four feet. “We must respect the advice of our environmental scientists and, at the very least, implore Cabinet to follow the recommendations of the DoE should they decide to dredge,” the activists have stated though they believe that there is no real justification for the destructive project all let alone the size of the current proposal. “While the intention may be to enhance this community beach, the environmental and community risks far outweigh the potential benefits, and this action could have devastating consequences for the fragile ecosystems in the area. The East End coastline is home to diverse marine habitats, including coral reefs and seagrass beds that support essential marine species populations that are highly sensitive to man-made impacts, and which form the backbone of Cayman’s cultural heritage and contribute to our economy,” Sustainable Cayman has said. Seagrass is a highly unappreciated yet significantly important species that is critical to the survival of many living things and the economy, from the local turtle population to the diving industry. “Seagrass, similar to terrestrial grass, has intricate root systems that hold soil and sediment in place. Removal through dredging would cause sediment pollution that could smother nearby coral reefs, not only impacting local habitats but also accelerating the overall decline in marine life upon which our islands depend. Dredging any seagrass severely disrupts these ecosystems, risking irreparable harm to the marine life that sustains our community, environment, and economy,” the Sustainable spokesperson said With the continued erosion of Seven Mile Beach because of poorly placed infrastructure that has changed the shoreline is a clear lesson that to preserve what remains of the natural beauty of our shoreline means not erecting man-made structures on the beach or too close to the water and not to dredge the marine environment so as to undermine its natural ability to protect coastal areas. Previous instances of seagrass removal such as on Bodden Town public beach which resulted in over 40 feet of beach being lost to erosion are further lessons for our political leaders but their understanding of sustainable practices when it comes to the need to protect both terrestrial and marine environments remains severely lacking. Politicians continue to criticise the DoE team despite their expertise and well founded advice and are not learning from our past where seagrass removal has resulted in negative outcome. “Attempting to artificially recreate the swim hole dismisses the natural shifts in our coastline, ignoring the importance of allowing nature to shape these areas,” Sustainable said. “Coastal dynamics are continuously shaped by tides, storms, and natural events, and human interference through dredging often has negative impacts, such as increased coastal erosion and the loss of valuable habitats.” The activists remain deeply concerned about the risks the elected arm of government is willing to support by altering natural landscapes in the absence of any comprehensive view of the long-term impacts on the coastline. “The proposed dredging not only poses environmental risks but also threatens the livelihoods of those who depend on the health of East End’s marine environment,” the conservations pointed out. “Fisherfolk, diving and watersports operators rely on the preservation of these natural ecosystems, and any damage to the environment results in economic loss for local communities. East End is known for its natural beauty and undisturbed coastlines, and altering this for an artificially created swim hole could reduce the area’s appeal to visitors who seek out authentic, natural experiences, as well as residents reconnecting to their cultural traditions.” The area where the project is proposed is a historical and cultural site for many in the community, serving as a symbol of the nation’s relationship with its natural environment. Urging the Government to consider alternative, non-invasive ways to enjoy and celebrate the natural heritage of East End without harmful dredging practices, Sutainable Cayman said Cayman’s environment can no longer afford to allow poor ad-hoc decisions that prioritise short-term objectives over the long-term health and resilience of our natural world.