Ever since my aortic valve replacement in 2017, I have been on the beta-blocker metoprolol. This is mostly to prevent possible heart arrhythmia but also helps control my blood pressure. It seems to be working fine and I have no noticeable side effects, other than my heart rate doesn’t seem to go up quite as high during exercise. Wednesday showed its effects more dramatically. I had finished my prescription bottle and Wednesday morning I could not find the replacement bottle. I usually take it first thing in the morning before any activity. I decided to go on my ride anyway and look for it later. Wednesday was scheduled to be a harder ride, a long brisk tempo ride followed by an interval session and on-bike strength training. I wore my chest strap for heart-rate monitoring, which I know is accurate.
During the tempo portion of the ride I noticed my heart rate was more then 10 beats higher than I expected, approaching an average of 120, despite the fact that my perceived level of exertion was similar to recent such rides, and I passed the “talk test” so my breathing wasn’t too labored. (so people don’t get concerned that I’m talking to myself going down the road, I use the alternative of reciting the alphabet). Then during the interval session I noticed I reached heart rates into the 150s, which I haven’t seen in a while. I found the replacement bottle after I finished the ride and belatedly took my dose. But this incident planted a seed of curiosity. I noticed the bottle says to take it “in the morning”, not necessarily first thing in the morning. Researching on the web, I could not find any reason why it is not OK to exercise early in the morning and then take metoprolol. It just seems to be a good idea to take it the same time each day. So I will start taking it consistently later in the morning after my workout.
I was also curious about what is known about it’s effect on athletic performance. It is mentioned in this video by a renowned cardiologist in the UK that beta-blockers like metoprolol impair performance by keeping heart rate lower during exercise. This seems logical. If I’m doing an interval and my legs are screaming for oxygen, it seems I might not be able to go quite as hard if my heart rate remains in the 130s instead of the 150s.
Lately I’ve been researching topics like this on Google’s Gemini. If you click on “deep research” in the “ask Gemini” box, instead of just answering your question, it will search a bunch of relevant sites on the internet, then go through the results and make a report. This is a fun use of AI. So I did this, and typed in “Metoprolol’s Impact on Athletic Performance”. It came up with this detailed report, from which I learned a lot. It does appear that metoprolol affects endurance performance, such as a slight lowering in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). My taking metoprolol is necessary for the prevention of possible arrhythmia. But for anyone who is taking this or another beta-blocker solely for preventing high blood pressure, there are alternative blood pressure medicines, discussed in the report, that have much lower effect on performance.
There is also a good discussion about beta-blockers and exercise on this website. The bottom line is it is perfectly safe to exercise vigorously while taking metoprolol, and it doesn’t seem to matter whether you take it before or after, as long as you take it the same time each day.
I’m not really worried about some slight impairment in performance. And since I’ve been on the drug since 2017, and mostly interested in competing “against myself”, all my recent performances I’d be comparing against were equally affected.
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Published by BionicOldGuy
I am a Mechanical Engineer born in 1953, Ph. D, Stanford, 1980. I have been active in the mechanical CAE field for decades. I also have a lifelong interest in outdoor activities and fitness. I have had both hips replaced and a heart valve replacement due to a genetic condition. This blog chronicles my adventures in staying active despite these bumps in the road.
View all posts by BionicOldGuy
Just like any other new year we start off with good intentions however the difference between success and failure depends on how hard we work at our resolutions. Sitting down and planning our goals for the year ahead is important and this planning time can help us achieve our goals. .
Goal setting helps us to visualise what we want to achieve in our business and what steps need to be taken to achieve these. Visualising what can happen if you don’t make goal planning a priority can be a good motivator for you to take positive actions.
Visualise this; what happens if you are constantly overspending in your business and personally life? The stress of not being able to pay your bills on time is one, which can then lead to penalties and interest being applied. It’s never pleasant when your holiday savings need to be used to pay down business debt.
Creating a budget and sticking to it. (check out our article on budgeting to help and the resource section for budget templates). It doesn’t matter whether you need to buy groceries or a new computer for the office. You want to make sure every spend is a good one. If you have created a budget where you can track income and expenses, you’ll know exactly what you can and cannot afford. For those on Xero check out the Xero Budget Manager .
What can you do to be able to afford what you want? Work on your business plan.
This new financial year make it a habit to work on your business plan and if you don’t have one yet, the best way forward is to create a business plan to help achieve your goals.
Your business plan will help you to look at all areas of your business from marketing to financials so you can set yourself goals to achieve. For example, if you need to increase revenue what actions can you take? Write them all down in your business plan as SMART goals. A business plan is a live document which means you can update it and improve as you go. Check out our article on Business planning tools to find an option that can help you.
A great tip for business planning and budgeting is to find a business advisor. The person you have to answer to when you don’t do what you say you’re going to do. It could be a business coach or your accountant, but it’s a great motivator when you have to answer to someone besides yourself.
Remember to include tax planning (income tax, GST, FBT, and provisional tax etc), which includes when you need to have returns done by, and ensure your payment plan is included in your budget. There is nothing worse than thinking you have enough money to book a great holiday to realise that you have a provisional tax payment due to next week and don’t have enough money set aside!
Need helpful templates and guides? Take a look at these informative resource links:
Life insurance is a topic usually associated with adults since it provides peace of mind for those who have someone depending on them financially. But there is life insurance coverage for minors as well, known as child life insurance or juvenile life insurance.
It can sound unnecessary or even a little morbid, but child life insurance offers an array of benefits, including financial planning and future insurability for your child. Let’s dive into what child life insurance is, its purpose and the key considerations when exploring this option.
Understanding Child Life Insurance
Child life insurance is typically a permanent policy designed to serve multiple purposes. Its primary function is to offer a death benefit in the tragic event of a child’s passing. While no parent wants to contemplate that scenario, it can ensure financial support for your family during an emotionally challenging time.
Another common reason parents (or grandparents) get coverage for their child is to build cash value over time. This cash value is not only a monetary asset, but also a tool for supporting their future financial needs.
Who Benefits from Child Life Insurance?
Child life insurance can help with a few key things: guaranteeing your child’s future insurability, forming a fund for major expenses later in life through the cash value and providing a death benefit if needed.
Future insurability:
It can’t be overstated how important this first part is: securing your child’s future insurability. Unfortunately, you can’t predict what health conditions may impact your child as they age. Depending on the situation, they could be uninsurable later in life. If they’re insured now, they’ll be able to keep that permanent policy for life regardless of any health issues that may arise.
Plus, life insurance premiums are typically more affordable the younger and healthier you are. By getting coverage for your child at a young age (as early as two weeks old), you can safeguard your child’s access to insurance and get a better policy at a more affordable rate than if they tried to get that same coverage as an adult.
Cash value:
Secondly, child life insurance acts as an investment for giving your child a strong financial start in life. The cash value that accumulates in the policy can be tapped to fund major life milestones, like getting their first car, paying for college or even a down payment on a house later on. The beauty of child life insurance lies in its flexibility—the cash value can be utilized at the discretion of the policy owner for any purpose you wish.
Death benefit:
If the unthinkable were to happen while a child is still young, the life insurance death benefit would be there to provide financial support for things like a funeral, medical expenses or leaving a legacy. Take the Koonsman family, for example, who made the fortunate decision to purchase permanent policies for both of their daughters when they were young. Their plan was to gift the policies to their girls once they were grown. Instead, they used Hope’s policy to pay medical bills and start a foundation in her honor after she died unexpectedly at age 19 from a birth defect that they thought was long in the past.
Getting a Child Life Insurance Policy
Purchasing a child life insurance policy is relatively straightforward. Through a licensed agent, parents (or grandparents with parental consent) can initiate the process of life insurance planning for their child. Generally, healthy children can be covered with ease, involving a questionnaire and a medical record check. In most cases, there’s no requirement for a physical examination if the child is born healthy. However, if a child is born prematurely or with health concerns, there might be a waiting period until they’re a year old or older.
Child life insurance policies are permanent, providing coverage throughout their lifetime, but flexibility remains a hallmark of these policies. They can be canceled at any point through cash surrendering, cashing out the policy’s value or discontinuing premium payments. If cashed out, there might be tax implications for permanent policies. Notably, these policies also enable policyholders to take out loans against the cash value, so it’s important to consult an insurance professional about your options.
In conclusion, the benefits of child life insurance extend far beyond its surface. It’s an investment in your child’s future insurability, a vehicle for financial planning and a means of establishing a strong foundation for life’s milestones. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, exploring child life insurance could be key to unlocking a brighter future for the ones you love.
Why Gilt Fund NAV fall after RBI rate cut? Understand why NAVs dropped despite a 0.5% repo rate cut, with insights on yields, RBI policy, and market reactions.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently reduced the repo rate by 0.50%, marking the third consecutive rate cut. Naturally, many debt fund investors—especially those invested in Gilt Funds and Gilt Constant Maturity Funds—expected a rally in NAVs. After all, bond prices and interest rates generally move in opposite directions. When interest rates fall, bond prices rise, leading to capital gains, especially in long-duration bonds like those held by gilt funds.
But what surprised many investors was the exact opposite: on the day the RBI announced the rate cut, the NAVs of constant maturity gilt funds actually fell.
This anomaly has created confusion and concern among investors. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into this counterintuitive outcome, analyze what really drives gilt fund NAVs, and understand the broader macro factors influencing the debt market—especially why a rate cut doesn’t always mean rising gilt fund NAVs.
Why Gilt Fund NAVs Fell Despite RBI’s 0.5% Rate Cut?
What Are Gilt and Gilt Constant Maturity Funds?
Before diving into the reasons, let’s clarify what gilt funds and constant maturity gilt funds are:
Gilt Funds invest primarily in government securities (G-Secs) of varying maturities (minimum 80% in G-secs, across maturity). They are zero-credit-risk products, meaning the principal and interest are backed by the Government of India.
Gilt Constant Maturity Funds are a subtype of gilt funds that only invest in G-Secs with a constant maturity of around 10 years (minimum 80% in G-secs, across maturity), as mandated by SEBI. These funds are highly sensitive to interest rate changes due to their long duration.
Because of this sensitivity, they are typically expected to perform very well during a falling interest rate cycle.
The General Rule: Interest Rates vs Bond Prices
When the repo rate—the rate at which the RBI lends to banks—falls, it signals an easing monetary policy. This typically results in a fall in yields across the bond market and a rise in bond prices.
Here’s why:
Bonds issued earlier (at higher interest rates) become more attractive.
New bonds will be issued at lower yields, making existing high-yield bonds more valuable.
This pushes prices of long-duration bonds (like 10-year G-Secs) higher.
So, NAVs of gilt funds, especially constant maturity funds, usually rise when rates fall. Then why didn’t this happen recently?
What Actually Happened on the Day of the Rate Cut?
Let’s analyze the market behavior on the Friday when the RBI announced the 50 basis points cut.
Bond Yields Spiked Instead of Falling
Despite the rate cut, the 10-year G-Sec yield rose by around 5–7 basis points. This means bond prices fell, since yield and price are inversely related.
This is the primary reason why NAVs of constant maturity gilt funds fell on that day. These funds are directly linked to the 10-year G-Sec, so any spike in the yield translates into a fall in NAV.
But why did yields spike on a day when they were supposed to fall?
Deeper Analysis: 5 Key Reasons for the Gilt Fund NAV Fall
1. Bond Market Anticipation Was Already Ahead
The bond market is forward-looking. It had already priced in the rate cut well in advance. When the actual announcement was made, there was no surprise factor.
In fact, many traders had already booked gains on expectations of the cut and started selling to lock in profits, leading to selling pressure and rising yields.
2. Dovish Rate Cut, But Hawkish Commentary
The RBI’s monetary policy statement matters as much as the rate cut itself.
While the rate cut was dovish, the accompanying commentary was neutral to slightly hawkish, which spooked the bond market. Here’s what made investors nervous:
No clear future guidance about further rate cuts.
Caution regarding inflationary risks.
Increased emphasis on fiscal concerns, which could lead to higher government borrowing.
These concerns reduced expectations of an extended easing cycle, thereby causing yields to rise.
3. RBI’s Silence on Open Market Operations (OMOs)
The bond market was expecting the RBI to announce Open Market Operations (OMOs) to absorb excess supply of government bonds.
But the RBI didn’t mention any new OMO calendar.
This disappointed the market. Without RBI support, there’s a risk of bond oversupply, which leads to falling prices and rising yields.
In a simple way to explain, when the government borrows money (by issuing bonds), there’s a lot of supply of bonds in the market. If too many bonds are available and not enough buyers, bond prices fall and yields go up. This is bad news for gilt funds, as their NAV drops when bond prices fall.
To prevent this, the RBI sometimes steps in and buys bonds from the market through something called Open Market Operations (OMOs). This is like a big buyer entering a market to support prices.
But in this case, although the RBI cut the repo rate, it didn’t say anything about buying bonds through OMOs. This made investors worry:
“If the RBI doesn’t step in, who will buy all these bonds? Prices might fall!”
So, due to this lack of support from RBI, the bond market reacted negatively, bond prices fell, and as a result, gilt fund NAVs dropped.
4. Concerns Over Fiscal Deficit and Borrowing
The government’s borrowing program and fiscal health play a crucial role in bond markets.
Due to rising subsidies, welfare schemes, and tax revenue shortfalls, the market expects a higher fiscal deficit, which means more bond supply.
More supply leads to:
Lower prices
Higher yields
Negative impact on gilt NAVs
Remember, constant maturity gilt funds invest heavily in 10-year bonds. So, any indication that the government will flood the market with bonds causes their prices to fall.
5. Global Cues and U.S. Bond Yields
Indian bond markets are not immune to global interest rate trends.
Around the same time, U.S. Treasury yields were rising due to:
Strong economic data
Reduced expectations of U.S. Fed rate cuts
Foreign investors (FIIs), who hold significant portions of Indian bonds, often react to global movements. Rising U.S. yields reduce the attractiveness of Indian G-Secs, leading to FII outflows, selling pressure, and rising yields domestically.
Should Investors Worry About Gilt Fund NAV Fall?
Not necessarily. Here’s why:
Do note that Gilt Funds are highly volatile in nature (even though they invest in government bonds). Hence, explore Gilt Funds only for your long term goals. Hence, never use Gilt Funds by looking at past returns for your short term goals (or even for medium term goals).
Volatility is normal in debt markets, especially in long-duration products like constant maturity gilt funds.
Even though short-term NAVs may fall, the long-term return potential remains intact, especially if the interest rate cycle continues to ease gradually.
Gilt constant maturity funds are suitable for investors with a time horizon of more than 5–7 years (Gilt Constant maturity funds are best suitable if your goals are mothan 10 years away), who can tolerate interim volatility.
What Should You Do Now?
If You’re Already Invested:
Don’t panic due to short-term NAV movements.
Stay invested if your time horizon is long and you’re aware of the volatility.
Constant maturity gilt funds are not for short-term parking or for conservative investors.
If You’re Planning to Invest:
Be clear that duration risk is high in these funds.
These funds work best when interest rates are expected to fall steadily over time.
Consider entering in phases (SIP/STP) rather than lump sum, especially during volatile times.
Conclusion
The fall in gilt fund NAVs, despite the RBI’s rate cut, may seem confusing, but it’s a classic example of how market expectations, fiscal concerns, and global cues can override straightforward monetary policy logic.
While the repo rate is a key driver, the bond market reacts to a range of factors—RBI’s guidance, future rate outlook, supply of bonds, and global interest rates.
As always, debt fund investing—especially in long-duration categories like gilt constant maturity—requires a solid understanding of risk, patience, and a long-term approach.
For Unbiased Advice Subscribe To Our Fixed Fee Only Financial Planning Service
After many years of ideas, visions, dreams, & hard word, we opened our own Studio!!
Let me introduce you to True Training Studio right here in Bristol, Rhode Island.
I honestly can’t believe we’re already 2 months in as time is truly flying by (especially when you’re having fun).
We’ve put literal blood, sweat, tears, and hard work into this space and it wouldn’t even be a thing without my amazing husband, clients, friends, & family that have truly supported us along the way.
Not sure they even realize how truly thankful I am for each and every one of them.
If you’ve been a long time reader of my blog, you’ll know that I’ve always signed off at the end of each post with “be true to you” as “sincerely, Kasey” always felt a bit too formal for me.
The word true has always been something I’ve come back to whenever I feel like I might be doubting myself or doubting a decision….just come back to what feels “true” to me.
When it came to naming my studio, I had played around with so many different names and one day in the car with Corey I said out loud “True Training Studio” and we both looked at each other like yeah, that’s it.
We started putting the studio together, piece by piece, in July and opened our doors August 14, 2023.
(Outfitted in the best: adidas sneakers for on my feet all day, shorts, & crop tank).
To say this has been a full circle moment, is just the short version of this meant to be story.
When we moved to Rhode Island in 2015, I remember Corey and I saying “oh we’ll just be there for a few years and come back” but we quickly fell in love with the state, the people, and the small town community so having a “home” here just feels right.
As a Personal Trainer, you learn to be creative with whatever space you’re given. I’ve taught classes in parks, basements (thanks, Dana!), backyards, streets, driveways, over zoom, facetime, & in many gyms throughout the years.
Every single one of those sessions was a stepping stone towards one day having a space to call my own.
At the studio we offer Personal Training, Buddy Training, Large Group Training, Small Group Training, Youth Athlete Strength & Conditioning, Group Fitness Classes, Fuel Coaching,Physical Therapy, Massage, & more!
Photos by Mikayla Pushor
I couldn’t be more excited to keep this journey going and can’t wait to see what another 8 years looks like surrounded by the most amazing clients and community.
If there’s one thing I can say to hopefully inspire someone else is to take the leap scared.
(Slightly obsessed with this jacket to throw on to and from the studio).
You’re never going to feel “fully ready” or “fully prepared” to make a big change and there will be days of anxiety (many days lol) and doubt, but at the end of the night, you do the best you can, and I swear things flow into place.
Thank you all for always being a continued source of space that I can share my wins, struggles, and stories.
Every business owner knows cash is king. But many find themselves on the back foot managing their cash flow just to keep their head above water.
What if you have growth ambitions? How do you set the business up financially to make strategic investments or seize opportunities?
Educate yourself. It is not enough to say, “oh, my accountant does it.” No matter how much we value their input, it is really up to us. Only we can make the decisions of how we allocate cash (and time) to what projects.
Make sure you take advantage of the myriad of courses available for you to skill yourself up and become cash flow confident.
What does it mean to becoming cashflow ‘confident’?
An understanding of cash flow
Knowing where your cash is
Channelling the cash appropriately to extract the best value
Your time (and energy) are as important. Keep your eye on the big picture and make sure you’re investing your own time where it has the most impact. Perhaps you could think of this a ‘ROTI’ (Return on Time Invested)
You have probably heard of the adage, “work on the business, not ‘in’ it.” But what should you do when you find yourself on the treadmill?
I often say, you know, who owns your business? Do you own the business or does it own you? And if it owns you, it’s really time to have a talk to yourself.
By channelling your cash into operations or investment, you can choose who and what time to make available.
These choices enable you to outsource the elements of your business that you loathe and assist you to focus on the ones you love where time is money and money is time.
I’ve got a lot more to say on this topic. You can dig deeper with this recent video interview I did with Airwallex. I hope these insights work as well for you as they did for me.
The announcement we made at Cisco Live represents Cisco’s most significant networking innovation in a decade—and the biggest partner opportunity we’ve seen in just as long.
The Network Reality Customers Can’t Ignore
Today’s enterprise networks are being pushed to their limits—not just by what’s coming, but by what’s already here. As organizations rely more heavily on bandwidth-intensive, latency-sensitive applications like real-time collaboration, ERP, and CRM, performance expectations are rising fast. At the same time, AI workloads are introducing entirely new demands: bursty, unpredictable traffic patterns and massive east-west data flows that legacy infrastructure simply wasn’t built to handle.
This dual pressure—optimizing the performance of critical business applications now while preparing for the exponential demands of AI—is creating a strategic inflection point. And with many customers nearing end-of-service on key networking components, the urgency to modernize is real.
For our partners, this moment presents a unique opportunity: to help customers evolve from infrastructure that’s struggling to keep up, to a future-ready foundation that delivers today and scales effortlessly for tomorrow.
Beyond Hardware: Complete Architecture Sales
What makes this announcement different is architectural completeness. While competitors focus on individual components, Cisco is delivering the full solution: next-generation hardware powered by our Silicon One technology, AI-driven management, built-in quantum-ready security, and end-to-end visibility with embedded ThousandEyes.
For partners, this means you’re not just selling switches and routers anymore. You’re selling business transformation. You’re offering the foundation that enables AI initiatives while ensuring operations remain secure and resilient. That translates to larger deal sizes, deeper customer relationships, and strategic advisor status.
The Differentiated Advantage: Built for What’s Next
What sets Cisco’s AI-Ready Secure Network Architecture apart isn’t just what we’ve built—it’s how we’ve redefined what’s possible. This launch represents the only end-to-end architecture engineered for the AI era, across three foundational pillars:
Operational Simplicity Powered by AI
As enterprise networks face exponential demand from AI agents, real-time analytics, and dynamic workloads, traditional IT operations can no longer keep up. Cisco’s AgenticOps model transforms operations from reactive to proactive. Our AI Assistant and AI Canvas bring natural language diagnostics and cross-domain troubleshooting into a unified experience, while our unified Meraki Dashboard gives IT teams a single view and control across switching, wireless, routing, WAN, and industrial environments. This is AI managing AI—accelerating resolution and restoring confidence.
Scalable Devices Ready for AI
AI workloads require a new class of infrastructure—engineered for low latency, high throughput, and edge-ready computing. Cisco delivers purpose-built hardware across every domain: Smart Switches with sub-5 microsecond latency, Wi-Fi 7 access points for dense AI-device environments, and Secure Routers with integrated SD-WAN and quantum-ready encryption. These are not upgrades—they are foundational elements built for tomorrow’s digital operations, available today.
Security Fused into the Network
In the age of AI, the attack surface is expanding rapidly—and bolt-on security is no longer enough. Cisco embeds protection into every layer of the architecture, from quantum-safe Secure Boot at the device level to post-quantum MACsec encryption in transit and AI-aware segmentation that detects and stops lateral threats at machine speed. This is security that’s not added after the fact—it’s built into every connection, every flow, and every interaction.
When you walk into a customer meeting with Cisco’s AI-Ready architecture, you’re not pitching isolated products. You’re offering the only truly integrated, scalable, and secure foundation built for the AI-powered enterprise. That’s what gives you—and your customers—a competitive edge.
For a deeper technical dive into how this architecture addresses the fundamental challenges of AI-driven enterprises, I encourage you to read Anurag Dhingra’s blog on the AI-Ready Secure Network Architecture.
Your Competitive Positioning
Most enterprise networks were designed for human-driven workflows—not for the speed, scale, and unpredictability of AI. As AI becomes central to business operations, legacy infrastructure quickly turns into a constraint. The real choice facing customers today is whether to modernize proactively to support their AI strategies—or wait until performance bottlenecks force a reactive upgrade. Cisco’s new architecture empowers customers to take control of this transformation on their terms, with confidence and clarity.
With Cisco’s new architecture, you help them choose the proactive path. The unified management platform simplifies their operations, AI-powered tools help their teams scale, and built-in security gives them confidence as they expand their digital footprint.
What This Means Right Now
This technology is available immediately through Cisco and our certified partners. Customers are actively seeking solutions to support their AI initiatives, and many are facing hardware refresh timelines that create natural selling opportunities.
The businesses that move quickly to modernize their network foundations will gain competitive advantages over those that delay. Your role is to help customers understand that this isn’t just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s an enabler of their digital transformation strategy.
The AI-driven enterprise is here. The infrastructure to support it is ready. The question is whether you’ll be positioned as the trusted advisor who helps your customers navigate this transformation successfully.
Your success in the AI era starts with the right foundation. Today, we’re giving you that foundation and the competitive edge that comes with it.
We’d love to hear what you think. Ask a Question, Comment Below, and Stay Connected with #CiscoPartners on social!
Cebu Classic in one of their MPBL games. | Cebu Classic Facebook page
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Rocky Alcoseba, son of the late Cebu basketball icon Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba, has voiced his frustration over the struggling campaign of the Cebu Classic in the ongoing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
This came after Cebu absorbed a brutal 131-65 loss to the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters on Thursday night—a lopsided result that not only drew the ire of MPBL fans but also deeply disappointed Alcoseba.
Cebu currently sits at 24th in the league standings with a 4-11 win-loss record and has lost four straight games. Worse, the team has reportedly been fielding just six players due to alleged internal issues.
Their loss to Batangas was arguably the worst beating of the season. Batangas’ Philip Paniamogan, a fellow Bisaya from Cagayan de Oro, torched Cebu with 46 points, including a whopping 15-of-24 shooting from three-point range, along with five assists.
Dennis Santos led Cebu with 22 points, eight rebounds, and one assist. Ladis Lepalam tallied a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, while John Paul Martinez added 13 points.
But for Alcoseba, the team’s current campaign is far from the Cebuano brand of basketball that once defined the island.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Alcoseba reminisced about how the Queen City of the South once prided itself on a strong basketball tradition—led in part by his father, who steered the M. Lhuillier Jewellers to numerous championships.
“Wherever Cebuanos play—be it in local leagues, Manila circuits, or international arenas—opponents know they’re in for a battle. ‘Basta Bisdak, gahi ug isug jud na.’ That saying lives on through the current generation of Cebuano standouts,” Alcoseba wrote.
“But now, it’s incredibly disheartening to witness what’s unfolding with the so-called Cebu Classic. A team that carries the name of our beloved island—and by extension, our basketball legacy—should be a source of pride. But instead, we see a roster barely filled, games lost by blowouts, and an effort that doesn’t come close to reflecting the talent and tenacity Cebuanos are known for,” he added.
“This isn’t just a disappointment. It’s a disservice.”
Alcoseba, who has an upcoming grassroots-based and women’s basketball tournament dubbed the Visayas G-Hoops here in Cebu, did not mince words in calling out the team’s management.
“This team was meant to showcase the deep pool of talent Cebu has long produced. Instead, it has become a shadow of what it should be. To the team’s management and ownership: this is your responsibility. Step up. Do better. Either rebuild this team in a way that truly honors Cebu, or drop the name entirely. Cebuano basketball deserves more than this half-hearted representation.”
Meanwhile, Jerome Calatrava, a former team official of the Cebu Sharks—the first Cebu-based MPBL team backed by International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI)—shared similar sentiments. He stressed that a Cebu team in the MPBL should be owned and operated by people who truly understand Cebuano basketball.
“As a Cebu-based sports enthusiast, I believe all teams representing Cebu should be based here and owned by Cebuano companies. It’s hard for outsiders to truly grasp Cebuano basketball culture,” said Calatrava of the Omega Boxing Gym. “If there are internal problems, they should resolve them within. At the end of the day, they’re representing our city.”
Calatrava added that the Cebu Sharks franchise is not defunct but merely on leave. He revealed they are waiting for a new and capable backer to bring the team back to the MPBL.
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As electric vehicles grow in popularity, car buyers are charting a path toward a safer, less oil-dependent future.
New EVs aren’t the only driving factor here. Sales figures for used EVs soared in 2024, growing 61.3% year-over-year in November, while sales of new EVs rose by 13.6% within a similar time frame.
The General analyzed Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book data to explore this trend and share what consumers need to know before buying a used electric vehicle, as well as what EV sales growth means for the auto industry.
Though many factors determine EV purchases, cost plays a major role. According to Cox Automotive, average listing prices for used EVs have fallen by roughly 10% year over year as of November 2024. Additionally, leading EV manufacturer Tesla slashed prices multiple times in 2024.
The EV market has expanded significantly due to these lower costs, as The New York Times reported in June 2024. “We’re seeing younger people,” Alex Lawrence, a used EV dealer in Salt Lake City, told the Times. “We are seeing more blue-collar and entry-level white-collar people. The purchase price of the car has suddenly become in reach.”
New regulations are boosting the movement, too. The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act provides up to $4,000 in clean vehicle tax credits for used EV purchases, a consumer incentive that may be in jeopardy under the Trump administration.
Beyond the price tag, many consumers purchase EVs because of sustainability concerns. A survey published by Rare in April 2024 found that both current EV drivers and potential buyers were interested in electric vehicles because of environmental benefits.
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Examining the battery concerns of potential EV converts
Since batteries are essential to EVs, prospective customers should keep a few factors top of mind when considering an electric vehicle.
First, range: Drivers accustomed to stopping on any corner for gasoline may be wary of the comparative lack of battery charging infrastructure. As of April 2024, the U.S. has one fast-charging EV station for every 15 gas stations. But ubiquitous lithium-ion batteries are fast becoming more energy-dense and cost-effective, and IRA incentives have spurred car companies to further invest in EV battery development.
Vital infrastructure is also coming online, with thousands of new charging stations opening every year. In December 2024, there were 194,427 EV chargers available to the public, including 49,604 DC fast chargers—a 10.5% rise from June 2024. Plus, according to a 2024 study from Recurrent, the average American EV driver uses only 8% to 16% of their available range daily, suggesting that fears of running out of juice may often be unfounded.
Beyond range, some EV critics have also raised concerns about the relatively fast depreciation of these cars. A 2024 analysis from Wired found that certain EVs lose up to 50% of their value within a year of purchase. Additionally, most EV batteries only last around 12 to 15 years, or eight to 12 years if used often in extreme conditions.
That said, most EVs will still save consumers money in the long run. Charging an EV at home typically costs a fraction of filling up a car with gas at the pump. No engine means no oil changes or many of the other tuneups necessary for gas-powered vehicles, saving EV owners well over $1,000 annually on maintenance, according to some estimates. And while new batteries are expensive, warranties protect consumers from high replacement costs; the majority of EV makers cover batteries for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.
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Manufacturers switching gears to meet EV demand
Despite the factors in electric vehicles’ favor, the auto industry has been slow to adapt to the EV revolution. In 2024, for example, manufacturers including Tesla and Ford pushed back plans to make more EVs. Concerns regarding the volatility of lithium and the United States’ reliance on imported batteries also persist.
But volume has continued to rise. Honda and General Motors collectively sold 78,951 more EVs in 2024 than they did in 2023, according to Cox. EVs are expected to make up almost 10% of vehicle sales in 2025, with 25% of all cars sold likely to be electrified in some way. This increase in market competition hasn’t been good for everyone, though. Tesla has long been the #1 EV seller in the U.S., but in 2024, the company sold 37,854 fewer vehicles than it had in 2023.
Going forward, the federal government’s EV stance under President Donald Trump will form another piece of this puzzle. As of January 2025, the Trump administration has paused funding for the IRA and may eliminate tax credits for EV purchases.
No matter what happens, drivers still seem keen to make the switch to electric transportation. And as costs come down further and technology progresses, EVs will become even more attractive. By 2030, EVs are expected to be cheaper than gas guzzlers, and advancements like U.S.-made sodium-ion batteries will likely make EVs even more eco-friendly, reducing the production of heat-trapping gases that harm human health and cause increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
Indeed, those who care about the environment are strongly motivated to go down this road.
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Written by Mike Taylor. Story editing by Cu Fleshman. Additional editing by Elisa Huang. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Ania Antecka.
Father’s Day is a special time to show appreciation for the man who has always been there for you. While traditional gifts like ties and mugs are nice, sometimes the best presents are those that speak to your dad’s unspoken desires. This year, why not surprise him with something he secretly wants but would never ask for? Here are ten thoughtful and unexpected gifts that will show your dad just how much you care.
1. A Day of Relaxation
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Many fathers work tirelessly without taking a moment for themselves. A day of relaxation, whether it’s a spa day, a massage, or simply a few hours of peace and quiet at home, can be the perfect gift. Consider booking a local spa or setting up a relaxing space at home with his favorite music, snacks, and a comfortable chair. The opportunity to unwind and de-stress is something he might never ask for, but will deeply appreciate. This thoughtful gesture acknowledges the hard work he puts in every day and gives him the break he deserves.
2. Quality Time Together
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In the hustle and bustle of daily life, quality time often gets overlooked. Dads cherish moments spent with their children, even if they don’t vocalize it. Plan a special day out doing something he loves, whether it’s fishing, hiking, or attending a sports game. These shared experiences create lasting memories and strengthen your bond. This Father’s Day, give him the gift of your time and undivided attention, showing him how much you value your relationship.
3. A Personalized Gift
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Personalized gifts have a unique charm because they show thoughtfulness and effort. Items like custom-made watches, engraved tools, or personalized photo albums can make your dad feel truly special. These gifts not only serve a practical purpose but also hold sentimental value. He might never express his desire for such items, but receiving something tailored just for him will undoubtedly touch his heart. It’s a tangible reminder of your love and appreciation.
4. A New Gadget
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Dads love their gadgets, even if they don’t always stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Consider getting him a new tech toy, like a smartwatch, a high-quality pair of headphones, or a smart home device. These gadgets can make his life easier and more enjoyable, blending practicality with fun. He might not ask for these items himself, but they can quickly become his new favorite thing. Keeping him updated with the latest trends can also make him feel more connected and tech-savvy.
5. A Subscription Service
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Subscription services are a gift that keeps on giving. Whether it’s a streaming service, a gourmet food delivery, or a magazine subscription, there’s something for every dad. These services provide continuous enjoyment and are a reminder of your thoughtful gift every time he uses them. Your father might never think to indulge in such luxuries for himself, but he will certainly enjoy the variety and convenience they bring. This is a gift that shows you understand his tastes and interests.
6. A DIY Project Kit
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If your dad loves to work with his hands, a DIY project kit could be the perfect gift. Kits for building models, crafting furniture, or even brewing beer at home can offer hours of entertainment and a sense of accomplishment. These projects allow him to immerse himself in a hobby he loves and create something tangible. He might never request such a gift, but he’ll appreciate the opportunity to dive into a new project. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time together, helping him with the project or admiring his work.
7. A Cooking Class or Gourmet Experience
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For the foodie father, a cooking class or gourmet dining experience can be an exciting gift. Classes that teach new culinary skills or experiences like a chef’s table dinner can be incredibly rewarding. These gifts cater to his love for good food and provide a memorable experience. He might never admit to wanting to improve his cooking skills or enjoy a fancy meal, but these experiences can bring him great joy. It’s a unique way to celebrate his passion for food and perhaps learn something new together.
8. Outdoor Gear
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If your dad enjoys the great outdoors, new gear for his favorite activity can be a fantastic gift. High-quality camping equipment, fishing gear, or hiking boots can enhance his adventures. These gifts show that you pay attention to his interests and support his hobbies. While he might not vocalize his need for new gear, he’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness and practicality of the gift. Encouraging his outdoor pursuits is a wonderful way to celebrate his adventurous spirit.
9. A Memory Book
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Creating a memory book filled with photos, mementos, and handwritten notes is a deeply personal and touching gift. This book can capture cherished moments from your childhood to the present, reflecting the special bond you share. Your dad might never ask for such a sentimental gift, but it’s something he’ll treasure forever. This gesture shows how much you value your shared history and the memories you’ve created together. It’s a heartfelt way to honor his role in your life.
10. An Experience Gift
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Experience gifts, like tickets to a concert, a weekend getaway, or a hot air balloon ride, offer unforgettable adventures. These gifts create lasting memories and provide something to look forward to. Your dad might not think to treat himself to such experiences, but he’ll relish the opportunity. These gifts show that you want to share in exciting moments and create new memories together. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Father’s Day with a touch of adventure and fun.
Make This Father’s Day Unforgettable
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This Father’s Day, step beyond the ordinary and surprise your dad with a gift that speaks to his unspoken wishes. Whether it’s relaxation, quality time, or a new gadget, these thoughtful presents will show him how much you care. By choosing a gift that aligns with his interests and passions, you’ll create a memorable day that he’ll cherish forever. Don’t forget to include a heartfelt message to express your appreciation and love. Make this Father’s Day unforgettable by giving your dad the surprise he never knew he wanted.
Amanda Blankenship is a full-time stay-at-home mom. Her family recently welcomed their second child, a baby boy, into the world. She loves writing about various topics, including politics and personal finance. In her spare time, Amanda loves to play with her kids, make food from scratch, crochet, and read.
