(UPDATE) WASHINGTON: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has sold off about $2 billion in shares of the online distribution giant, according to recent stock market filings. Bezos sold on Wednesday and Thursday (Thursday and Friday in Manila) some 12 million Amazon shares, at between $168 to $171 per share, according to documents sent to stock market regulatory authorities Friday. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. AFP PHOTOA previous stock market document, out Wednesday, reported his intention to sell, next July, 50 million shares of the group he founded 30 years ago, and of which he is today executive chairman. Amazon stock jumped more than 13 percent the next day on the New York Stock Exchange.

Money tops Valentine's Day wish list of Filipinos — SWSVendors selling heart-shaped balloons wait for customers on Valentine's Day at a flower market in Manila on February 14, 2020. MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos want both practical and romantic gifts for Valentine's Day, with money topping the list, according to a survey by the Social Weather Stations. The survey conducted in December 2023 revealed that money (16%) was the most desired Valentine's Day gift for Filipinos, followed by love and companionship (11%) and flowers (10%). "More men wished for apparel and any gift from the heart, while more women wished for money and flowers. Number of single Filipinos risingThe survey also found that 58% of Filipinos reported being very happy with their love life, while 23% felt it could be happier.

Noel Barquera, a highly experienced Safety Officer with a remarkable 22-year career in the GeoThermal industry, made a life-changing decision driven by an unexpected source of motivation – his deep affection for his wife Celeste. In a surprising twist, Noel's undying love for his spouse led him to resign from his prestigious position. His wife's dietary requirements necessitated the inclusion of dark chocolate in her daily routine. This seemingly simple need propelled Noel into a completely different path. Get the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Despite Choco Mucho's silver finish in the PVL 2023 2nd All-Filipino Conference, Deanna Wong says the team is still in pursuit of greater heights this upcoming PVL season. Wong, Jem Ferrer, and former F2 member Mars Alba are the setters in rotation for Choco Mucho. The team attended PVL's Media day at the TV 5 Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. #PVLMediaDayVideo by Nicole Anne D.G.

The Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) headed to the government headquarters on Sunday to petition and hoped the budget measures to be announced at the end of this month could stimulate consumption, optimize the tax system, and care for the grassroots. The FTU stated that the government should consider distributing electronic consumer vouchers to boost the local retail market. They added that the government could consider limiting the e-vouchers to be used only on the weekends to attract more citizens to stay in Hong Kong during the holidays. The union also suggested the government cooperate with merchants to distribute e-coupons as well as cash rebates to tourists. In addition, the union said the government could consider issuing more bonds for different infrastructure projects in the future in exchange for funds.

The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Lam Sai-hung, visited drivers in Tsuen Wan to thank them for their continued work and for providing their services during the Lunar New Year. Some drivers were still on duty to help visitors and locals reach their destinations over the city during the first day of the Year of the Dragon. Lam, together with staff from the Transport Department, visited Tsuen Wan yesterday (Feb 10) to thank the drivers. The transportation minister expressed his gratitude to all drivers for continuing to uphold the spirit of serving the public and maintaining efficient public transportation services during the festival. He also sent blessings to all staff and hoped that everyone could travel safely, be in good health, and have smooth and easy travel throughout the year.

These findings offer a comprehensive view of how digital influencers are navigating the entrepreneurial realm. Primary source of incomeThe survey reveals a diverse landscape in the monetization strategies of digital influencers. Non-traditional revenue streams pursuedRespondents showed a strong interest in various non-traditional revenue streams. This entrepreneurial shift is not just a trend but a reflection of the dynamic, adaptable spirit of Filipino digital influencers. Entrepreneurs and business owners in the digital sphere could collaborate with influencers to leverage their creative skills and audience insights.

Iran asks FIFA to ban Israel over war in GazaTEHRAN, Iran -- Iran's football federation said Saturday it has asked world football's governing body, FIFA, to suspend Israel's football federation over the country's war in Gaza. In an announcement posted on the Iranian football federation's website, Iran asked FIFA to "completely suspend" the Israeli federation "from all activities related to football". The war in Gaza began on October 7 with an unprecedented attack by Hamas militants against Israel. The Islamic republic does not recognise Israel, its sworn enemy, and prohibits all contact between Iranian and Israeli athletes. A group of Middle Eastern football associations, including Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have also "asked world football chiefs to ban Israel over the war on Hamas in Gaza," Sky News reported on Thursday.

A theft in Ho Man Tin saw a female security guard lose HK$2,000 worth of red pockets on Saturday afternoon. Police received the report around 1.16 pm from the guard surnamed Chan, working at Tak Wai Mansion Phase II on Man Fuk Road. Chan said she had been receiving red pockets this morning and put them all in a red plastic bag, which she stored in a drawer at the security post. Yet, she found the plastic bag missing around 1 pm and filed a police report. Officers later came and checked the security camera footage but have yet to find out how the bag went missing.

Each family platter, served course by course, represents an auspicious dish closely associated with Chinese New Year because they are considered as lucky food. These are the food items that are said to be lucky for the Chinese New Year. It symbolizes abundance and prosperity, so Chinese New Year lauriats always include one, usually Steamed Lapu-Lapu or Garoupa. The Chinese people love to serve meatballs during special occasions because their round shape symbolizes family unity. Dolly Dy-Zulueta Stir-fried Shrimps by Dolores ChengEight Treasures Rice.

Argentina's upcoming friendly in China has been canceled by local authorities, the second Argentine match in China to be called off this week amid controversy over star Lionel Messi's absence from a Hong Kong match last Sunday. Beijing's football association announced Saturday it will not organize a friendly scheduled for March between Argentina and the Ivory Coast. Making matters worse, the coach of Inter Miami, Gerardo Martino, had said his 36-year-old star "likely" would play in Hong Kong. Hong Kong sports, culture and tourism secretary Kevin Yeung said the deal required Messi to play at least 45 minutes. Inter Miami will play a Feb. 15 preseason match against Newell's Old Boys, Messi's boyhood club in Argentina.

Feng Shui Master Hanz Cua gives a forecast on love, health and finances in the Year of the Wood Dragon at SM North Edsa in Quezon City on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Video by Iza IglesiasGet the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

AFP PHOTOKhan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice or PTI) defied a monthslong crackdown that crippled campaigning and forced candidates to run as independents with a combined showing that still challenged their rivals. In an artificial intelligence-generated video produced by PTI, Khan was credited as claiming victory for the party. PML-N took 71 and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) snapped up 54, with 13 of the elected 266-seat National Assembly still to be announced. "Our results have been changed," claimed 28-year-old shopkeeper Muhammad Saleem, who joined about 2,000 PTI supporters marching in the provincial capital Peshawar. "It shows that the military does not always get their way — that is the silver lining," he told Agence France-Presse.

New Scientist magazine reported that AI chatbots "tend to choose violence and nuclear strikes in wargames." "Even in scenarios when the choice of violent nonnuclear or nuclear actions is seemingly rare, we still find it happening occasionally. Of these, the GPT-4 "base model" seems to be the most reckless, at one point justifying a full nuclear attack on a rival with, "A lot of countries have nuclear weapons. It is, after all, the reason we have nuclear weapons in the first place. Given human nature, I realize it is likely pointless to try to convince anyone that reason and caution should be applied to the use of AI.

At the sidelines of her launch as the newest face of Ultherapy, actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista shares her experience meeting South Korean star Lee Min Ho during the Fendi boutique opening in Thailand and K-Pop group Twice's Mina in Paris for the brand's fashion show. The 38-year-old also detailed her upcoming renewal of marriage vows with Sen. Francis 'Chiz' Escudero this February. Video by Iza Iglesias