Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 Crash Results in 179 Fatalities

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, resulting in 179 fatalities out of 181 passengers and crew. 

Flight Details and Crash Sequence

The flight originated from Bangkok, Thailand, and was on its final approach to Muan International Airport when it encountered difficulties. At 8:59 a.m., the pilots issued a "mayday" call, reporting a bird strike and indicating plans to attempt a landing from the opposite direction. Tragically, at 9:03 a.m., the aircraft crash-landed on its belly, skidded off the runway, collided with a concrete fence, and burst into flames. 

Investigation and Preliminary Findings

Investigators have retrieved the cockpit voice recorder, while the flight data recorder, damaged in the crash, is being sent to the United States for analysis. Initial reports suggest that a bird strike may have led to mechanical issues, including problems with the landing gear and engines. However, aviation experts caution against drawing premature conclusions, indicating that multiple factors could have contributed to the disaster. 

Victims and National Mourning

Among the 179 victims, the majority were South Korean nationals, with two Thai citizens also among the deceased. The only survivors are two flight attendants who are currently receiving medical treatment. The South Korean government has declared a seven-day mourning period, during which traditional New Year's celebrations have been subdued or canceled. Memorial altars have been set up nationwide, and citizens have participated in moments of silence to honor the victims. 

Impact on Aviation and Public Response

In the wake of the crash, there has been a significant increase in flight cancellations with Jeju Air, with tens of thousands of reservations being called off. The airline has announced a reduction in flights for the winter season to conduct maintenance work. South Korean authorities have ordered inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines to ensure safety and prevent future incidents. 

Ongoing Investigation

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with both South Korean and U.S. aviation agencies involved. Authorities are analyzing flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and other evidence to determine the sequence of events leading to the disaster. The damaged flight data recorder has been sent to the United States for further analysis, as local extraction was not possible. 

The Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 disaster stands as South Korea's deadliest aviation accident in recent history, prompting nationwide grief and a reevaluation of aviation safety protocols. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the factors that led to this tragedy to prevent future occurrences.

We're there Filipinos among the victims?

According to the Philippine Embassy in Thailand, there were no Filipino nationals among the passengers or crew of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which tragically crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on December 29, 2024. 

The flight, originating from Bangkok, Thailand, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members. Among the passengers, 173 were South Korean nationals, and two were Thai nationals. The crash resulted in 179 fatalities, with only two survivors, both flight attendants. 

The Philippine Embassy has expressed condolences to the victims and their families and continues to monitor the situation closely.

Green Bones Review: A Thought-Provoking Masterpiece Worth Every Second

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

When a film resonates deeply, lingers in your thoughts, and leaves you asking existential questions long after the credits roll, you know you've just witnessed something special. Green Bones is exactly that—a simple yet profoundly impactful film that explores humanity's eternal struggle with morality, redemption, and hope. It’s no wonder it swept multiple awards at this year’s MMFF—it deserves every single one.

At its core, Green Bones grapples with a deceptively simple question: How can you really tell who is good and who is bad? It’s a theme that feels timeless yet incredibly fresh in this narrative, made even more compelling by the stellar performances of its cast and the thought-provoking script.

One of the most memorable moments for me was a line delivered by Ruru Madrid: “Are people born inherently evil?” It’s the kind of question that sticks with you because it doesn't have an easy answer. Can someone who has done terrible things truly change? Can redemption ever be fully earned? These questions aren’t merely philosophical musings in Green Bones—they’re woven into the lives and struggles of its characters, making you feel every ounce of their pain, guilt, and hope.

The Parallels with The Shawshank Redemption

The narrative reminded me of The Shawshank Redemption, particularly the character arc of Brooks, an elderly inmate who struggles with freedom after decades behind bars. In Green Bones, there’s a similarly poignant scene where one character reflects on life beyond prison walls. “When a person has been caged for so long and is finally set free, they won’t just leave right away.” It’s a chilling truth about institutionalization—the way prison walls become a false sense of comfort, and freedom transforms into an unfamiliar and terrifying abyss.

The Mystery of Green Bones

The titular “green bones” phenomenon serves as both a literal and metaphorical anchor for the film. Scientifically, it’s explained as a chemical reaction caused by antibiotic use in childhood, resulting in a greenish hue during cremation. But the folklore behind it—this belief that having green bones signifies being a good person—adds layers of mysticism and meaning to the narrative. It forces you to confront your own legacy: If I die, will my bones have even a speck of green?

It’s questions like these that make Green Bones stand out. It doesn’t just tell a story; it pulls you into an introspective space where you begin to evaluate your own life, choices, and morality.

A Film That Stays With You

Few MMFF films have left such a lasting impression on me over the years. Green Bones isn’t just entertainment—it’s an experience. The screenplay is tight, the direction masterful, and the performances—especially from Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid—are unforgettable. Their raw vulnerability pulls you into their world and makes you feel every emotion coursing through their characters.

Support Philippine Cinema

While Green Bones will eventually make its way to streaming platforms like Netflix, it’s a film best experienced on the big screen. There’s something magical about sitting in a dark cinema, fully immersed in the visuals, the sound, and the silence that fills the room after a particularly gut-wrenching scene.

It’s also an opportunity to support Philippine cinema, which has been evolving and producing world-class films. Every ticket bought is a vote for more stories like Green Bones to be told—stories that challenge, inspire, and leave you forever changed.

If you haven’t seen Green Bones yet, don’t wait for it to hit streaming services. Watch it while it’s still in cinemas. Trust me, it’s worth every peso and every second of your time.

DepEd eyes tighter collaboration with DBM, DOF to secure additional budget

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Education (DepEd) is exploring collaborative measures with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Finance (DOF) to efficiently execute key basic education programs, following the signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2025 on December 30. 

While the education sector secured the largest allocation in the 2025 GAA at P1.055 trillion, DepEd aims to augment funding through unprogrammed appropriations and other constitutional mechanisms to support its key programs, including the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP).

Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed optimism about addressing funding gaps, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation. 

“Education remains a top priority for this administration, and we will be working closely with the DBM and DOF to explore funding mechanisms that will enable us to deliver our mandate. Education is everyone's business and we're aiming for closer collaboration,” Secretary Angara said. 

The Education Chief then emphasized the roles that DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and DOF Secretary Ralph Recto will play in securing additional funding for the agency.

“Titiyakin namin na mananatiling prayoridad ang Social Services, kasama na po ang Edukasyon, ayon sa mandato ng ating Saligang Batas, pati na rin ang Kalusugan," Sec. Recto said.

Sec. Pangandaman also noted that additional funding remains a viable path for affected priority programs. "As long as mayroon tayong (we have an) additional revenue from the DOF, we can actually augment or increase the budget of DepEd, specifically for computerization program," she said during a press briefing on December 30.

Sec. Angara likewise lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for exercising maximum prudence in signing the 2025 GAA and prioritizing responsive and sustainable programs. 

“This budget reflects our collective commitment to transforming economic gains into meaningful outcomes for every Filipino. It is designed not just to address our present needs, but to sustain growth and uplift the lives of generations that are yet to come,” President Marcos Jr. said during the signing ceremony of GAA 2025.

DepEd expressed gratitude for the President’s deliberate approach, noting that this provides a strong foundation for ensuring that the education sector continues to receive strategic support to fulfill its mandate.

“DepEd remains hopeful that its partnership with government agencies and stakeholders will help address ongoing challenges and ensure that critical initiatives address the needs of Filipino learners," Angara said.