'Blood moon' lunar eclipse visible in HK on Mar 3

 

This is how the 'blood moon' will look like to billions of people all over the world

Weather permitting, Hong Kong residents (and billions of people around the world) will again be able to see with the naked eye the red “blood moon,” indicating a total lunar eclipse, on Tuesday, Mar. 3.

The rare phenomenon will start at 4:43pm but can only be seen in Hong Kong before the moonrise at 6:22pm, when part of the moon is already in the earth’s umbra or shadow. This can be viewed about 83 degrees toward the east.

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The moon will be completely engulfed by the umbra at 7:04pm and remain covered until 8:03pm, when it begins to move away from the earth’s shadow.

The total eclipse will last for 59 minutes, leaving the moon glowing in deep red during this period.

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Astronomists say this is the effect of the blue light from the sun being scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere and the remaining red light being refracted onto the lunar surface.

Details of this total lunar eclipse are as follows:

Date	Time	Phenomenon	Elevation	Direction (Azimuth)
March 3 (Tuesday)	4.43pm	Moon enters penumbra	Below the horizon	Not visible in Hong Kong
	5.50pm	Moon enters umbra	Below the horizon	Not visible in Hong Kong
	6.22pm	Moonrise	-1 degree	East (83 degrees)
	7.04pm	Total eclipse begins	9 degrees	East (87 degrees)
	7.34pm	Maximum eclipse	15 degrees	East (90 degrees)
	8.03pm	Total eclipse ends	22 degrees	East (93 degrees)
	9.18pm	Moon exits umbra	38 degrees	East (101 degrees)
	10.25pm	Moon exits penumbra	53 degrees	East-southeast (112 degrees)

The whole process can be viewed by all via a webcast webpage, jointly hosted by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Hong Kong Space Museum and three other groups.

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For the latest weather conditions and the astronomical observation conditions on March 3, please refer to the Hong Kong Observatory's 9-day weather forecast webpage and the Weather Information for Astronomical Observation webpage.

The next lunar eclipse that can be seen with a naked eye in Hong Kong will be a penumbral lunar eclipse on Feb. 21, 2027. The next total lunar eclipse is expected in the latter part of 2028.

 

 

Pinoy gets 3 months jail for operating gambling den

 

Entrance to the building where gambling establishment was operating

A Filipino who listed his occupation as a restaurant manager, was sentenced to three months in jail after he pleaded guilty twice to managing a gambling establishment.

Roel Galanza, 42 years old, faced the charge of violating section 5(b) of the Gambling Ordinance.

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He was arrested twice working in the same establishment, located at Room B. 1/F, Fok Ying Building, 379-381 King's Road, North Point.

Magistrate Ko Wai-hung sentenced him to two months in prison for the first offense, for which he as arrested by anti-triad police officers on Oct. 28 last year.

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Magistrate Ko sentenced him to 10 weeks for the second offence, after his arrest on Dec. 16 last year.

However, the first six weeks of the sentence for the second offense will run at the same time as the first sentence, leaving four weeks to be added to the first sentence.

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Under the Gambling Ordinance, “any person who on any occasion… manages or otherwise has control of a gambling establishment… commits an offence and is liable—

(i)         on summary conviction to a fine of $5,000,000 and to imprisonment for 2 years; or

(ii)        on conviction on indictment to a fine of $5,000,000 and to imprisonment for 7 years.”

DMW forges global alliance to protect OFWs from scams

 

Hanley and Cacdac (1st and 2nd from left) at signing of MOU

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) as part of its continuing effort to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families from online scams and digital fraud.

The agreement was signed in Bonifacio Global City earlier today, Feb. 19, by DMW Secretary Hans  J. Cacdac and GASA Director for Asia Pacific Brian Hanley.

Through this initiative both parties aim to strengthen digital safety initiatives, improve cross-border intelligence sharing, and expand access to tools and resources that will assist migrant workers in detecting and avoiding fraudulent schemes.

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OFWs are often targeted by scammers, given their vulnerability due to long hours of work, preventing easy access to reliable information; and their improved financial capacity.

In Hong Kong, for example, OFWs are often preyed upon by money launderers who offer them cash tokens in exchange for surrendering control over their bank accounts, which are then used as conduits for money derived from crimes.

Cacdac said the partnership is not merely a campaign for awareness.

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“We entered this agreement not only to campaign against scams, but to address the underlying causes - whether it's a lack of jobs or opportunities — and to respond with real solutions. By boosting our information efforts and connecting victims to employment options, we aim to take both preventive and corrective measures,” he said.

For his part, Hanley stressed the importance of collective action to combat a global menace.

“This is the time for the public sector and private entities to come together, because scams are no longer just a government concern — they are now recognized as a global concern and as a cybercrime,” he said.

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The partnership will cover expanded public awareness campaigns, digital literacy programs, joint training sessions, and research initiatives aimed at equipping OFWs and their families with the knowledge and tools to recognize and avoid scams.

It is hoped that the collaboration will enhance the Philippines’ role in the global effort against cybercrimes.

GASA is a global coalition dedicated to protecting consumers worldwide. It consists of leading technology and financial institutions, including Globe Telecom, Gogolook, Meta, Google, and Mastercard.

 

Consulate to open on Saturday

 

The Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong will open on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 8am to 12 noon at the 18^th and 29^th floors of the United Center in Admiralty to provide consular services. 

This is part of its pledge to set aside one Saturday each month to assist Filipinos, especially the migrant workers,  who need consular services and are off only on this day.

To pre register and secure an appointment, applicants  click this link: https://forms.gle/MCfwxqQmZpAinei38, or scan the QR code:

Walk-ins will still be accommodated, but priority will be given to those with pre-registered appointments.

The next schedule for the Saturday Consular Services will be on March 28.

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Services to be rendered at the OFW Global Center, 18/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty:

• Philippine Consulate General's Passport Services, Notarial Services (including NBI), Civil Registry and Legal (CRL) Services, Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Section
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): Welfare Case Services

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Services to be rendered at the Migrant Workers Office, 29/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty are:

• Philippine Consulate General: Overseas Voter Registration
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): OWWA Membership Renewal
• Migrant Workers Office (MWO): Issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), Verification of Individual Employment Contract, Assistance to Workers (police and legal concerns)/
• Pag-IBIG Fund - Hong Kong
• Social Security System (SSS) - Hong Kong

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Details on fees charges for the service can be seen here: https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/2014-02-27-11-28-41/saturday-consular-services.

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Duterte asks ICC to allow him to skip pre-trial hearing

 

Duterte appeared at the ICC in March last year to confirm his identity

Jailed former President Rodrigo Duterte has waived his right to attend the hearing for the confirmation of charges against him at the International Criminal Court, citing his refusal to recognize the chamber’s jurisdiction over him.

He made his position known through a letter he sent to the ICC dated Feb. 17.

“I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person,” his letter read.

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“I am a Filipino citizen forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to the Hague in the Netherlands in flagrant contravention of my country’s Constitution and of national sovereignty,” he continued.

He called his detention the result of a “kidnapping” facilitated by the Office of the incumbent President of the Philippines.”

Duterte was arrested by the International Police (Interpol) at the airport in Manila on March 11, 2025 on the basis of a warrant issued by the ICC.

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ICC Prosecutors alleged Duterte had committed three counts of crimes against humanity for murders during his war on drugs campaign from Nov 2, 2011 to Mar 16, 2019.

Four days after his arrest Duterte appeared before ICC judges to confirm his identity, and the court subsequently set down the next confirmation hearing for September last year. However, this was delayed for five months due to relentless efforts by Duterte’s lawyers to stop him appearing in court again.

A recent document released by ICC prosecutors named incumbent Senators Ronald “Bato” De La Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go, as well as former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II among Duterte’s alleged co-perpetrators in the mass killings.

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The court document dated Feb 13 said Duterte and his alleged co-perpetrators “shared a common plan or agreement to neutralize alleged criminals in the Philippines,” as well as those perceived or alleged to be linked with drug use, sale or production through violent crimes, including murder.

Duterte has denied any wrongdoing, and for months, his lawyers had tried to ask for his temporary liberty or get him declared unfit for trial due to old age, to no avail.

The pre-trial hearings have been set for Feb. 23 and 24, and Feb 26 and 27.

In his application to waive his right to appear, in person or online, during the trial, 80-year-old Duterte cited age-old infirmities, and a plea for the court to respect (his) peace.

“I do not wish to follow these proceedings from outside the courtroom through the use of communication technology,” he also said in his letter.

“I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget within minutes.”

“I am old, tired and frail. I wish for this Court to respect my peace inside the cell it has placed me.”

Duterte said he realized he could die in prison, but his detractors should know that “ my heart and soul will always remain with the Philippines.”

Sara declares bid for presidency

Vice President Sara Duterte

Vice President Sara Duterte announced today she was running for president in 2016, confirming what she has been hinting at over several years.

"Ako si Sara Duterte, tatakbo bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas (I'm Sara Duterte, running as president of the Philippines)," she said in a prepared speech.

She brushed aside fears that her early announcement would jinx her candidacy, as what happened to then Vice President Jejomar Binay, who declared he was running for president five years before the election, which was won by Duterte’s father, Rodrigo.

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“... this administration had already been destroying my name for a long time," she said in Filipino.

She also apologized for helping get her former ally and running mate, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., elected. "I'm sorry if I helped elect BBM as President of the Philippines," Duterte said.

President Marcos answered, through Palace press officer Claire Castro, with “Good luck.”

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Castro said Marcos was “smiling” when he made the remark.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Elago said she believes that Duterte’s announcement was intended to be a distraction from the impeachment complaints filed against her.

“VP Sara Duterte should first face corruption issues against her.  She’s just a VP now but the corruption of confidential and intelligence funds is already staggering; what more if she is in the highest position in the government, it might just worsen,” Elago added.

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“It may also be a desperate attempt to divert attention away from the real issue, that is, the questionable use of the confidential and intelligence funds of the OVP and the DepEd budget, the use of fake names, as well as the disregard for the process of checks and balances regarding accountability, like explaining how public funds were spent,” she added.

Meanwhile, a fourth impeachment complaint has been filed against Duterte before the House of Representatives.

Lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera filed the complaint at the Office of House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil tonight, citing her threats against ranking officials including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the alleged misuse of confidential funds (CF), non-declaration of her assets, abuse of power, bribery of officials, and others.

Cabrera segregated the grounds for impeachment against Duterte into three categories: culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.

The fourth complaint contains similarities with the first three complaints, which also tackled the CF misuse issue, Duterte’s threats, and the alleged bribery of Department of Education officials.

Night parade kicks off Lunar New Year festivities in HK

 

CE Lee (center) and other govt officials open the 2026 Chinese New Year parade

The streets of Tsim Sha Tsui were again lit up and packed with revelers on Chinese New Year’s eve for the annual Cathay Pacific Lunar New Year Parade themed “Best Fortune- World Party.”

Officiating at the opening ceremony at the Cultural Centre Piazza was Chief Executive John Lee, who told the crowd that the parade was just the beginning of local celebrations for the Lunar  New Year.

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On Wednesday, the traditional fireworks display will again light up the sky over Victoria Harbour. On Thursday, the “Year of the Horse Raceday” will be held at the Shatin race tracks and on Saturday, the Chinese New Year Football Cup, another yearly tradition, will take place.

Jockey Club float features a golden horse

The Chief Executive said the nearly 60 floats and performing groups taking part in the parade were there to party – “to sing, dance and revel in the festive joy.”

After today’s parade, the floats will be put on display at the Kai Tak Sports Park and other landmarks.

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“In Chinese culture, horses symbolise vitality, courage and progress,” said Lee. “In this Year of the Horse, I wish you and your families health, happiness and prosperity.”

Masskara dancers from Bacolod are regulars at the CNY Parade

Organized by the HK Tourism Board, the night parade opened a series of festivities that center on the theme “Everywhere a Wish”

From the Cultural Centre the procession moved on to Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, before ending at the Sheraton Hotel.

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Among the 12 floats that took part, one depicted a Cathay Pacific aircraft, another a McDonald’s classic train, a Disneyland stage, as well as popular plush toys Labubu and Molly..

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The street performers included a group from the Philippines that depicted the Masskara Festival in Bacolod City, local artists and some from the Mainland.

 

 

’26 Filipinnovaton Awards invites entries

 

Last year's awardees and finalists

The 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards has launched, to recognize Filipino innovations at early stage of commercialization and connect them to partners who can help them scale.

This will be the second year of the awards, an initiative of the National Innovation Council and organized by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.

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Last year’s awardees were: Bambujett, from Hamilton Agri Supply, an innovative bamboo treatment system using a one-size-fits-all fitting that makes bamboo poles termite-resistant, durable, and eco-friendly, turning ordinary bamboo into “Evergreen Kawayan.”

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Ediphi: AI & VR Immersive Workforce Training Platform, from Ediphi Training Programs, Inc., an immersive VR (virtual reality) training platform that transforms conventional learning into hands-on, real world simulations for education and workforce development.

Palatak Palay Seeder, from Farmwell Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing, a rice planting device that combines direct seeding and manual transplanting, featuring a lightweight stainless steel and 3D-printed design with wind deflector and soil openers for precise, efficient, and sustainable rice farming.

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The competition is open to Filipino individuals or enterprises that are at least 60% Filipino-owned and duly registered.

Applicants must have an innovation at early-stage commercialization, with a functional prototype or operational model, and proof of IP registration or an ongoing application.

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Five innovators will receive the Presidential Filipinnovation Award.

Awardees receive medallion, plaque, grant, mentorship and exposure while finalists receive grant support for commercialization.

Deadline for submission of entries is March 15. Entries can be sent through  https://filipinnovation.depdev.gov.ph/