Meta’s Zuckerberg Declares a Free Speech Revival

January 1, 2025

Headliner News

In a surprising move, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced the end of the platform’s controversial fact-checking program. Zuckerberg vowed to restore free expression on Facebook and Instagram, a shift many conservatives are celebrating. The decision comes amid ongoing criticism of Big Tech’s role in shaping public discourse. While some see it as a win […]

Prayers, Hopes & Good Changes For 2025!

January 1, 2025

G-Mail

  By: Maria Girlie Pascual   Deadlines for January include an office move to a more modern building, conveniently steps away from Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, packing my grandson Kenzo’s luggage for his first trip to the islands next month, finishing the renovation and finding a renter for our new investment in Schaumburg by February […]

The $800 Shower Interruption

January 1, 2025

James DC

By: James DC   A woman was stepping out of the shower when the doorbell rang. Her husband was getting ready to shower, so she quickly wrapped herself in a towel and answered the door. It was Bob, the neighbor. Without skipping a beat, Bob said, “I’ll give you $800 to drop the towel.” After […]

Then and Now

January 1, 2025

Faye Mendiola

By: Faye Mendiola   Rachel Maralit Flores THEN: Rachel Maralit grew up in Canada, born in the Philippines. NOW: Married now to Felix Flores. With 2 daughters Kayla & Natalie. Rachel was PADT Mrs. Chicago Philippine Lions Club 2011. Presently working now with Aurora Advocate Health.   Karen Gutierrez Flores Songco THEN: Miss Asia World […]

LA Wildfire Soars

January 1, 2025

Headliner News

Firefighters battled to control a series of major fires in the Los Angeles area that have killed at least five people, burned at least 10,000 structures from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their homes. Firefighters struggled against blazes that have hopscotched across the sprawling region, including massive ones […]

Diocese of Joliet Simbang Gabi Western and Eastern Cluster

January 1, 2025

Press Release

Diocese of Joliet Simbang Gabi Western Cluster Coordinator Joanne Turija, PLFI Board of Director RJ Turija with Bishop Ronald Hicks. Bishop Ronald Hicks with Diocese of Joliet Clergy together with the Western Cluster Simbang Gabi Coordinators and officers. Diocese of Joliet Simbang Gabi Final Night atSt. Walter Church, Roselle, IL. Diocese of Joliet Simbang Gabi […]

Bally’s Chicago

January 1, 2025

VT Advertisers

We’re Number 1 Voted Best Casino

Psalm 90: A Prayer for 2025

January 1, 2025

Edward Cortez

By: Edward Cortez   My grandfather lived past 100 years old, and his favorite Bible verse is Psalm 90:1, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.” This is indeed a powerful prayer that underscores God’s unfailing love and His faithfulness throughout our lives. We thank God that He has brought us to […]

Saying Goodbye 2024 and Welcoming 2025

January 1, 2025

Publisher's Notes

By: Veronica Leighton   Saying goodbye, particularly to an old year, is always hard to muster, and welcoming the new year is always an exciting thing to do. Here we are, bright and early, delightfully looking forward to the new year, resolving so many things to do until the finish line, and be triumphant and […]

Bart SG. Tubalinal, JR January 18, 1949 ~ November 10, 2024

January 1, 2025

Obituaries

Bart SG. Tubalinal Jr, age 75, beloved husband of 49 years to former Yoly Tumangan; loving father of Bart Xavier (Darya), Paul (Lynn) and Madelene (Mark) Sheaffer; cherished Lolo of Quincy, Mikayla, Xander and Simon; dear brother of Oscar and Imelda and predeceased siblings Conchita, Emilila, Agnela,Felina Honesto and Solita, joined his creator on November […]

Julian Lobigas, Jr. February 24, 1941 ~ December 23, 2024

January 1, 2025

Obituaries

Vicky Justo’s only brother, Julian Lobigas, Jr. passed away Monday, December 23, 2024. The only boy of eight siblings. He was 83 years old. Julian was single, no wife, no children but had several nephews, nieces and grand nephews and nieces!!! He was loved for his kindness and generosity. He will be dearly missed by […]

Rogaciano Magtanggol “Tang” Bacatan Dela Cruz Oct. 26, 1953 ~ Jan. 9, 2025

January 1, 2025

Obituaries

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rogaciano Magtanggol “Tang” Bacatan Dela Cruz, 71, who departed this life peacefully on January 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 26, 1953, Tang was a loving Father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He spent his life bringing warmth and kindness to […]

Kanlaon Volcano emits ash, logs earthquakes

January 1, 2025

Headliner News

Kanlaon Volcano displayed increased activity, emitting ash and recording 23 volcanic earthquakes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The ash emission lasted for 111 minutes, and the recorded earthquakes included three volcanic tremors, which varied in duration from four to 111 minutes. On the same day, the volcano released 3,469 tonnes […]

State of California Shuts Down Operations of Pretend Lawyer

January 1, 2025

Richard Hanus

By: Richard Hanus   As we near a second Trump administration entering office and implementing yet to be determined muscular immigration enforcement measures, expect to hear a steady increase in alarming stories of vulnerable immigrants getting scammed by charlatans. As the scams become more frequent and more brazen, it is incumbent on the public and […]

2025: To More Beautiful Memories!

January 1, 2025

Kayla Tejero

By: Kayla Tejero   This must be a great year for us! As always, we welcome the new year with fresh wishes. We embrace it with exciting goals. We will claim 2025 as the best year yet we have! While the year 2024 was quite a rollercoaster for me, I cannot miss counting the many […]

Sofronio Vasquez, the first male Asian to win The Voice USA talent competition

January 1, 2025

Balitang Artista

Sofronio Parojinog Vasquez III (born November 9, 1992) is a Filipino singer based in the United States. He is the winner of season 26 of the American talent competition The Voice. Vasquez is the first Filipino to win the competition, as well as its first male Asian winner. Vasquez previously competed on the second season […]

Navigating the Thought of Divorce During the Holidays

January 1, 2025

Janice Dantes

By: Janice Dantes   The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, celebration, and family togetherness. However, for many individuals, it can also bring to the surface deep-seated unhappiness and a growing realization that their marriage might no longer be working. If you find yourself grappling with thoughts of divorce during the […]

Thomas Elsey

January 1, 2025

VT Readers

Former past Lions Governor Thomas Elsey, District 1-A.

New Year, New You: Prioritizing Wellness In 2025

January 1, 2025

Health Matters

By: Melody Rabor-Dizon   As we welcome 2025, many of us reflect on what matters most—our health. The New Year brings fresh opportunities to prioritize wellness, set meaningful goals, and invest in preventive care that can improve our quality of life. At Vital Signs Wellness (VSW), we believe that wellness is not just about managing […]

The Value of Professional Advice: The Benefits of Having a Financial Advisor on Your Side

January 1, 2025

Financial Topics

By: Jan Paul C. Ferrer   In today’s complex and volatile markets, making sound investment and financial decisions is a challenge. Investing on your own can be complicated, overwhelming and risky. In fact, studies have shown that self-directed investors can often be their own worst enemies, entering and exiting the market at inopportune times in […]