Author: INQUIRER.net

PHILADELPHIA — Norman Powell scored 32 points while Kel’el Ware had 20 points and 16 rebounds to help the Miami Heat win their fourth in a row with a 127-117 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday in the NBA.

Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 22 points, and Bam Adebayo contributed 18 for the Heat.

READ: NBA: Heat overpower Bulls behind balanced offense

Norman Powell powers the @MiamiHEAT to their 4th straight win!

🔥 32 PTS🔥 4 3PM🔥 11-18 FGM pic.twitter.com/QzVt4EDSOS

— NBA (@NBA) November 23, 2025

Tyrese Maxey had 27 points to pace Philadelphia, which played without former MVP Joel Embiid for the seventh straight game. Embiid (right knee injury management) has missed 10 of 16 contests this season. Maxey, who. entered second in the NBA in scoring at 33.4 points per contest, was coming off a career-high 54 points in Thursday’s 123-114 overtime win at Milwaukee.

Andre Drummond added 14 points and 23 rebounds for the 76ers. Rookie VJ Edgecombe (left calf tightness) also was sidelined for Philadelphia.

This was the first of three contests between the clubs.

READ: NBA: Heat surge late, defeat shorthanded Warriors

Miami controlled the contest throughout, but the 76ers got within 105-103 with 8:28 left after Trendon Watford’s layup. The Heat then scored 13 of the next 15 points, capped by Powell’s running layup with 4:40 remaining, to go ahead by 13.

The 76ers honored the 25-year anniversary of the 2001 Eastern Conference champions by wearing replica black jerseys from that era. Allen Iverson, who was named MVP that season, was in attendance. Theo Ratliff rang the ceremonial Liberty Bell prior to the contest. Ratliff helped the 76ers to a 41-14 record before a midseason trade sent him to Atlanta for Dikembe Mutombo.

Up Next

Heat: Host Dallas on Monday night.

76ers: Host Orlando on Tuesday night.

As a way of supporting his girlfriend, Janine Gutierrez, who recently lost four family members successively, Jericho Rosales said he invited the actress and her sisters to spend time at the beach.

“They needed time to relax. But of course, that’s just one effort. Just sitting down, listening, and understanding her… I know that means a lot,” said Jericho, who has been dating Janine since August 2024.

Janine’s difficult year began in April with the passing of her paternal grandmother, singer Pilita Corrales. Four days later, her maternal grandmother, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, who was the adoptive mother of Lotlot de Leon, also died.

The losses continued in May with the death of her uncle, actor Ricky Davao, the former husband of her aunt Jackie Lou Blanco. Most recently, her longtime nanny, Yaya Pat, whom she regarded as a second mother, also passed away.

“It’s been hard for her,” Jericho told reporters during a party organized for him by a digibank company.

“I cannot imagine what the family is feeling right now. I see them, and as a unit, they are very loving and very supportive of one another. They’re incredibly tight as a family, and I guess that helps a lot.”

He continued, “I recently asked Janine to come with me to the beach with her sister. I also told her, ‘You don’t need to work. You just have to process this. If you need the rest of the year to take a break, then do it.’”

“That’s the kind of support I give because I know I can’t take the pain away,” he added. “Just being with her is enough. I’m so impressed by her. I’m learning so much about the family. For the first time, I’ve seen a family outside my own that is this tight.”

Quezon’s success

Meanwhile, Rosales said the Jerrold Tarog biopic “Quezon” in which he plays the titular role, still has a long way to go in reaching more Filipino audiences.

Rosales was asked about the box-office performance of the movie, and whether the controversy surrounding the film contributed to its momentum.

“Yes, we’re on our sixth week. We also have international screenings starting today. We have screenings in the Middle East and, hopefully, more here again for school tours. The journey is still long. It’s been a while since I’ve had a movie stay this long in cinemas. It shows that it’s an important film and peopleappreciate it.”

He said promoting the film was not easy, especially with the challenge of bringing audiences back to theaters. “It feels like we’re promoting movies the way we did in the ’90s, the 2000s, and the 2010s. It’s a mix of social media and being physically present—going to cinemas and surprising people. But the success of ‘Quezon’ made everything worth it. Thank you to everyone who supported the film.”

Asked if the controversies surrounding “Quezon,” including protests from one of President Manuel L. Quezon’s relatives, affected public perception, Jericho said they were prepared.

“Since Day One of making Bayaniverse, Jerrold, the team, and I already expected these reactions. We don’t see it as something that helped our promo, but conversations were bound to happen, and whatever resulted from them was simply a reaction to the reaction,” he said, adding that their team has always respectful of feelings, emotions, and comments.

“Whatever they are, good or bad, we read everything. We welcome everything. It has made us wiser. Like I said before, it made us more accepting, more open, more understanding. As a filmmaker and as an actor, I feel like I’ve been stretched. Parang mas tumibay ang pundasyon ko dahil doon.” /edv

OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points in three quarters and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Portland Trail Blazers 122-95 on Sunday night to avenge their only loss of the season.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 13 of 18 attempts from the field and all nine of his free throws.

READ: NBA: Thunder use big 3rd quarter to race past Jazz

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander moves closer to Wilt Chamberlain 👀

37 PTS | 5 REB | 7 AST | 2 STL

That’s 90 straight games with 20+ PTS, three away from passing Wilt (92) for the second-longest streak in NBA history! pic.twitter.com/col9eudhIv

— NBA (@NBA) November 24, 2025

Ajay Mitchell scored 20 points on 8-for-8 shooting as the defending champion Thunder won their ninth straight after a 121-119 loss at Portland on Nov. 5. They improved to an NBA-best 17-1 and are 85-15 since the start of last season.

The Thunder continue to roll, despite injuries. They still are waiting on 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams to return from wrist surgery, and key reserve Aaron Wiggins missed the game with a left thigh strain. Still, Oklahoma City’s average scoring margin during its winning streak is 22.3 points, with a 13-point difference being the closest result.

Jerami Grant led Portland with 21 points. Deni Avdija, who led the Trail Blazers with 26 points the first time the teams met, finished with 11 points on 4-for-16 shooting in the rematch.

Portland guards Shaedon Sharpe and Jrue Holiday both were out with right calf strains. Sharpe is the team’s second-leading scorer and Holiday is one of the team’s best perimeter defenders.

READ: NBA: Chet Holmgren, Thunder roll past reeling Pelicans

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points in the first quarter to set the tone and help the Thunder take a 39-18 lead.

In the second quarter, Oklahoma City’s Mitchell drove to the hoop before Portland’s Rayan Rupert hit him in the head while going for the block. The Thunder ran down to protect Mitchell and Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein was called for a technical for escalating the situation. Mitchell made the second of two free throws on the shooting foul, then made a floater to put the Thunder ahead 49-25.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s layup in the closing seconds of the first half pushed his total to 28 points and gave the Thunder a 67-46 lead at the break. The game was never close in the second half.

The teams will meet again next Sunday in Portland.

Up next

Trail Blazers: At Milwaukee on Monday night.

Thunder: Host Minnesota on Wednesday night.

SALT LAKE CITY — Luka Doncic had 33 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James scored 17 points in his first road game of the season as the Los Angeles Lakes beat the Utah Jazz 108-106 on Sunday night.

James, who scored most of his points on fast breaks and strong drives to the hoop, added eight assists and six rebounds in 34 minutes. He had 11 points and 12 assists in a win against the Jazz on Tuesday, in the first game of his 23rd NBA season. James missed training camp and the Lakers’ first 14 games due to sciatica.

READ: NBA: Luka leads Lakers past Jazz in LeBron’s historic season debut

Luka Dončić stuffed the stat sheet once again in the Lakers’ 4th straight victory!

🪄 33 PTS🪄 11 REB🪄 8 AST🪄 3 STL🪄 3 3PM pic.twitter.com/gNcukjpmK8

— NBA (@NBA) November 24, 2025

Lauri Markkanen scored 12 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and keyed a Jazz comeback. His 3-pointer was the last of a 17-5 run that brought Utah within 107-106. After Doncic made one of two free throws, Keyonte George’s contested jumper from the corner glanced off the rim just before the final horn.

George had 27 points and eight assists for the Jazz (5-11), who led Wednesday’s game at halftime before falling 140-126. This one was more competitive from tipoff to buzzer.

Austin Reaves scored 22 points and Rui Hachimura added 13 for the Lakers (12-4), who have won four in a row.

Neither team led by more than nine points until the Lakers went on a 13-0 run that was punctuated by Doncic’s 3-pointer with 6:06 remaining to give Los Angeles a 98-85 lead.

READ: Lakers’ LeBron James begins record 23rd NBA season vs Jazz

The largest advantage before that was when the Lakers were up 67-58. The Jazz went on a 16-2 run for a 74-69 lead midway through the third.

Deandre Ayton scored two points in 13 minutes before leaving midway through the second quarter with a knee bruise.

Maxi Kleber made his 1,000th career field goal, his only basket of the game. It was a crucial dunk and the Lakers’ last field goal to make it 107-101 with 1:21 to play.

Up next

Lakers: Host the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.

Jazz: Visit Golden State on Monday.

I am turning 31 soon, and at this point, people might tell me that I am about to be dropped from the calendar—that is, because a calendar month only goes up to 31! At this age, I feel “more adult” than I was at 21, so whenever I look at a 21-year-old, especially pictures of myself at that age, I cannot help but think: “They are still so childlike!”

In times long past, we used to have rituals that distinguished the threshold between child and adult. This is called a “rite of passage,” because a person transitions from one status to another. This means that they get more benefits as part of the adult world, but it also means that they have more responsibilities. Around the time a person turns 18 to 21, they can now buy alcohol and cigarettes, enter a casino, and watch R-rated movies.

But they are usually also expected to get a job, pay taxes, get married, and eventually, start a family. They are expected to be able to make clear decisions. Yes, there are benefits, but also responsibilities.

READ: Coming-of-age films about finding your way in life

Meaningful life transitions

Many Indigenous cultures around the world still have their own rites of passage, but for urbanized and globalized people, these rituals have become superficial performances of meaningful life transitions. If anything, many Indigenous traditions are at risk of extinction precisely because of how Westernized we are becoming—through influences from Hollywood and our social media feeds!

Religions have been very consistent with these rites. In Catholicism, the Rite of Confirmation that children go through at age 12 is meant to be a meaningful transition from growing up in a Catholic household to actually accepting Catholicism as their personal faith.

But not everyone is Catholic, and not everyone finds Confirmation meaningful. I was raised Catholic, and, sorry, I do not even remember my own Confirmation.

Filipino rites of passage

So it got me thinking: What are some rites of passage we still practice today? What rituals do we actually do in our modern-day lives that most Filipinos are expected to celebrate? (Though this does not mean that every Filipino will go through it the same way, as there might be some societal pressures to do it.)

First, I immediately think of a girl’s debut in the Philippines, which happens when she turns 18. It’s supposed to celebrate the blossoming of a woman, but this might also reinforce old ideas of “femininity” (pagkababae). Of course, it is also an avenue for a family to showcase their wealth. Imagine all the magnificent debuts you have been to, and think about how much one of those costs—sometimes it can be just as expensive as a wedding!

After all, the suppliers and locations are usually the same. In a way, blowing candles on birthdays is a rite of passage, but this just marks the completion of a year. A debut is the clear transition from child to adult.

But even when we agree that 18 is technically a legal adult, older adults know that it is still too young to start engaging in “adult things.” I cannot think of an equivalent of a debut for boys, even when they turn 21, but I do think of tuli (circumcision) as a rite of passage.

When I was much younger, there was a stigma attached to the uncircumcised (supot), implying that they are ignorant about the ways of the world because of their rawness. Being supot is like being an unripe fruit that still has its covering (“supot” is also the term for a plastic bag). But if we think about the mental, physical, and social development of children, the age of circumcision is too young to actually call them a “man,” and yet, older men will say, “Lalaki ka na!”

Markers of maturity

Apart from these two, most Filipinos might consider graduating a rite of passage, whether that is from senior high school or from college. This is probably because we still hold the idea that education is the key to a good life, and most jobs (even those that do not need the complexity of a college degree) still expect applicants to have graduated from college.

After college, the emerging adult begins to navigate the “real world” by joining the workforce and becoming serious tax-paying members of society.

And yet, writing this as a 30-year-old, I still feel like I did not get a true rite of passage. I was too young to find any meaning in tuli or the Rite of Confirmation, and, as a man, I did not get a debut.

Yes, I graduated from university, and I eventually graduated again after completing my master’s degree. But these are just completions of programs, not necessarily markers of maturity. I had to develop in my own way as I navigated the very strange adult world—what we call “adulting,” which sounds like something you are trying to do, not necessarily something you are doing well.

Maybe this is why so many adults are still “isip bata,” and why many men still carry a very childish, “toxic” masculinity. We need serious rituals—events that really mark a level of maturity and allow people to be functioning, responsible members of a larger society.

For now, most of what we have is very kaniya-kaniya. There are barely any more masters to learn from or meaningful guidebooks that can help us survive and thrive. We need better parental figures—or, since we are the new adults, we must take it upon ourselves to be the adults that would have really helped our younger selves.

GENEVA — Washington and Kyiv said Sunday that any eventual deal to halt the war with Russia must fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty, after “constructive” talks between US, Ukrainian and European officials in Geneva.

After a day of meetings that kicked off based on a US proposal that was criticised as being in Russia’s favour, negotiators have drafted “an updated and refined peace framework,” a US-Ukraine joint statement said.

US President Donald Trump had given Ukraine until November 27 to approve his plan to end the nearly four-year conflict, which began after Russia launched a full-scale invasion.

READ: Ukraine would cede Donbas to Russia under 28-point US plan

But Kyiv was seeking changes to the draft that accepted a range of Russia’s hardline demands, with the 28-point plan requiring the invaded country to cede territory, cut its army and pledge never to join NATO.

“The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace,” the joint statement said.

“They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace,” it said, noting “meaningful progress”.

READ: Ukraine, US head for talks on Trump’s plan to end war

Both sides pledged to keep working on joint proposals “in the coming days.”

But even as the White House said in a separate statement that the talks marked “a “significant step forward”, a Russian drone strike on the major Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed four people, its mayor said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio boasted “tremendous” progress after a day of meetings, while the head of Ukraine’s delegation Andriy Yermak also told reporters the sides had made “very good progress”.

Rubio, whose delegation included Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff, told reporters that the work to narrow the areas of disagreement had advanced “in a very substantial way”.

“I can tell you that the items that remain open are not insurmountable,” he said, adding “I honestly believe we’ll get there.”

Rubio stressed that any final agreement would “have to be agreed upon by the presidents, and there are a couple issues that we need to continue to work on” before trying to bring onboard the Kremlin, which welcomed the original proposal.

“Obviously, the Russians get a vote.”

‘Zero gratitude’ claim

His comments came after Trump earlier lashed out at Ukraine.

“UKRAINE ‘LEADERSHIP’ HAS EXPRESSED ZERO GRATITUDE FOR OUR EFFORTS,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, also accusing European countries of not doing enough to stop the war, but offering no direct condemnation of Moscow.

Not long after, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X that his country was “grateful to the United States… and personally to President Trump” for the assistance that has been “saving Ukrainian lives”.

Announcing a deadly Russian drone strike, Kharkiv mayor Igor Terekhov said on Telegram Sunday it was “truly horrible” that despite the negotiations, “Russian troops are attacking civilian objects, civilian infrastructure, residential buildings”.

The Ukrainian delegation had referred to a new version of the US draft plan, which has yet to be published, saying it “already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities”.

At the end of the day, Rubio said he thought Trump was “quite pleased at the reports we’ve given him about the amount of progress that’s been made”.

Asked about whether he believed a deal could be reached by Thursday, as demanded by the US president, he said “the deadline is we want to get this done as soon as possible”.

“I think we made a tremendous amount of progress. I feel very optimistic that we’re going to get there in a very reasonable period of time, very soon.”

European ‘centrality’

Rubio said that his delegation had met Sunday with “national security advisors from various European countries”.

Ukraine’s delegation also met high-level officials from Britain, France and Germany.

The US plan was drafted without input from Ukraine’s European allies, who were scrambling Sunday to make their voices heard and boost Kyiv’s position.

“Ukraine must have the freedom and sovereign right to choose its own destiny. They have chosen a European destiny,” EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement, stressing that the “centrality” of the European Union’s role must be “fully reflected” in any peace plan.

A number of leaders called Trump Sunday, with Downing Street saying UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the US president had agreed “that we all must work together at this critical moment to bring about a just and lasting peace”. /dl

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the administration’s strong commitment to climate action in a video message delivered marking the observance of Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week) 2025.

The President emphasized that the annual observance reflects the country’s shared aspiration to build “a climate-resilient and environmentally sound nation.” He underscored that the week-long event serves as an essential platform for policymakers, scientists, private institutions, and communities to align national priorities with global climate commitments and the broader sustainable development agenda.

President Marcos highlighted the vital role of all sectors in strengthening the country’s resilience through responsible resource use and the integration of climate intelligence in planning and decision-making.

“As Chairperson of the Climate Change Commission, I reaffirm our determination to confront the challenges of climate change with decisive action, especially now as we continue to recover from the impact of recent calamities,” the President said.

He cited ongoing government initiatives—including the National Adaptation Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, and expanded programs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate finance—as key pillars in building a more secure and inclusive future for all Filipinos.

With this year’s CCC Week theme, Makabagong Kilusan Para sa Klima at Kinabukasan, President Marcos urged Filipinos to actively support national efforts to enhance climate resilience. He called on citizens to view climate action not only as a responsibility but also as a path toward long-term prosperity.

“As we realize our vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, let us uphold climate governance, protecting the beauty and bounty of our land while ensuring the welfare of generations to come,” he said.

Climate Change Commission Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje thanked the President for his steadfast leadership and direction in strengthening the country’s climate agenda. “We thank President Marcos for his continued guidance and commitment. Under his administration, we will continue to advance policies and actions that safeguard our people and secure our future,” Borje said.

Under the Marcos Administration, the CCC was able to complete key transformative climate policy frameworks and submissions to the UNFCCC, including the Philippines’ first National Adaptation Plan, the Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, updated Greenhouse Gas Inventories, and the Philippines’ Biennial Transparency Report.

President Marcos concluded with a message of solidarity and hope, encouraging all participants to pursue meaningful engagement throughout the week’s activities. 

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by the Climate Change Commission.

Argao, Cebu — This Christmas season, Maayo Argao invites guests to experience the heartfelt spirit of Filipino holidays through two special festive stay packages designed to bring families together in warmth, comfort, and celebration.

Nestled along the serene southern coast of Cebu, Maayo Argao transforms into a coastal Christmas escape—where the glow of the season meets the  calm of nature and the joy of togetherness. 

A Holiday in full color: Yuletide getaway 

Celebrate the season with a coastal retreat wrapped in festive cheer. Book your stay from now to  December 30, 2025, for stays on December 24, 25, 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026. 

Yuletide Getaway Package Includes:  

• Overnight stay in a room or villa of your choice
• Festive Breakfast Buffet for adults + complimentary for 2 children (12 & below) • Festive Dinner or Holiday Brunch Buffet for adults + complimentary for 2 children • Yuletide Refreshment on arrival 
• Special Holiday Sweet Treat 

Promo Code: YULEGTWY 

Rates: 

• Standard Room — PHP 5,500 
• Family Room — PHP 9,400 
• 3-Bedroom Villa — PHP 13,900 
• 4-Bedroom Villa — PHP 17,200 
• Villa Suite — PHP 16,600 

Perfect for Noche Buena, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and family bonding.

Home for the Holidays: A cozy festive escape 

Plan ahead and enjoy early holiday warmth. Book from October 15 to November 30, 2025, for  stays December 1, 2025, to January 2, 2026. 

Includes: 

• Overnight stay in room or villa 
• Breakfast for adults (per room category) 
• Special Yuletide Refreshment on arrival 

Promo Code: HOM25 

Rates: 

• Standard Room — PHP 2,800 
• Family Room — PHP 5,500 
• 3-Bedroom Villa — PHP 10,200 
• 4-Bedroom Villa — PHP 12,800 

Celebrate Christmas the Maayo Way 

Slow living, family bonding, and nature-inspired holiday experiences await. From festive feasts to  waking up by the coast, every stay becomes a memory made in full color. 

For Bookings & Inquiries, contact 0908 866 3548 or email [email protected]. Let Maayo Argao be your home for the holidays—where the season’s joy shines brighter by the sea.