Mr. Kini Yakoria was among the few lucky names who recently scored big in the ongoing Maggi Golden Ticket Promotion.The Mt Hagen resident was doing his usual errands, shopping for groceries and happened to purchase six packets of Maggi Noodles. Little did he know one of those noodle packets would contain a Maggi Golden Ticket for K50, 000. He explained that he had prior knowledge about the promotion through social media posts but didn’t think much of it. “I was just going to the supermarkets and purchased noodles there.” “One day I was cooking and when I opened one of the noodle packets, I discovered the ticket inside.” He then contacted Nestle with the contact details provided, confirming the legitimacy of the promotion. He expressed immense gratitude towards the outcome and stated that the winnings will benefit his life. “I was looking for school fee funds, and this promotion came at the right time. It will give me the help I need.” “I am grateful to God for this win.”

Tribal conflict and lack of support did not stop the implementation of Ependa School of Evangelism’s latest construction project. Located 10km outside of Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, the school run by Evangelist David Paki, begin training students in May 2023 after the building of classrooms. Two years and several graduations later, the school now has a building complex under construction – a place where many transformed individuals will be trained to deliver God’s message effectively. The lack of financial support was and still is a major challenge the school faces. According to Mr. Paki, much of the finances come from student fees and community support. Additionally, the school borders a tribal fighting zone, which caused occasional disruptions to classes initially. In spite of these challenges, Mr. Paki and Ependa School of Evangelism has shown incredible resilience and adaptability. Since its establishment, the school has graduated over 160 students from various backgrounds. One of its greatest impacts the school has had was acting as a rehabilitation center for community outcasts. In earlier interviews Mr. Paki stated that his initial audience was laymen who were passionate about preaching but lack theological education; however, overtime the training attracted others as well. “We’ve had teachers, villagers, tribal war lords and drug addicts attending.” Currently, work on the 2nd floor of the Ependa School of Evangelism’s 3-storey building complex, is making steady progress, despite the challenges they face. With the roofing nearing completion, the focus has now shifted to preparing the second-floor flooring, where skilled workers are hard at it, ensuring everything is ready for the next phase of concrete pouring. Ependa School of Evangelism stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and unwavering faith. Despite the challenges of tribal conflict, financial constraints, and limited resources, Evangelist David Paki and his dedicated team have turned a vision into an institution that not only equips individuals with spiritual knowledge but also offers hope and rehabilitation to those who need it most. The impact of this institution will undoubtedly resonate for years to come, as it continues to shape lives, heal wounds, and spread the message of God’s love to a broader audience. It is more than just a school; it’s a beacon of hope, showing that with faith, determination, and community support, anything is possible. For those wishing to sponsor a participant can contact Pastor David Paki on Ph/WhatsApp: +675 79331828.

Cervical Cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, but also one of the most preventable cancers. In Papua New Guinea, access to screening and treatment is improving, thanks to initiatives like the Her Health Hub in Port Moresby. As part of marking Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action on November 17th, 2025, here’s why every woman in PNG should make cervical cancer screening a priority.1.    Early Detection Saves Lives Cervical cancer when detected early is treatable. With regular screenings, women can detect unusual changes in the cervix before they become cancerous. The earlier it’s found, the easier it is to manage and treat. Her Health Hub provides quick, affordable screenings that can give women peace of mind and, in many cases, save their lives. 2.    Affordable and Accessible Screening at Her Health Hub Gone are the days when women had to worry about the cost of screenings. Her Health Hub, launched by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation in partnership with CPL Foundation Inc., offers cervical cancer screenings for just K20. The clinic uses the GeneXpert diagnostic system, providing rapid and reliable results, frequently within hours. 3.    HPV is a Common, Preventable Cause of Cervical Cancer Most cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that often shows no symptoms. While most HPV infections are cleared by the body’s immune system, in some cases, the virus can lead to cancer if left untreated. Screening allows for early detection of any harmful strains of HPV, helping to prevent cancer before it starts. 4.    Reduces Stigma Around Women's Health In PNG, reproductive health has often been a taboo subject. By coming forward for cervical cancer screenings, women can help reduce the stigma around women’s health issues. 5.    Protecting Your Future and Your Family Getting screened isn’t just about your health; it’s about your future. By taking steps to detect cervical cancer early, you’re protecting your future and the well-being of your family. Screening helps ensure that you can live a long, healthy life, enabling you to be there for your loved ones and continue contributing to your community. Cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a silent killer. With accessible, affordable screening options available at Her Health Hub, there’s no excuse not to get tested. Together, we can prevent cervical cancer and create a healthier future for women in Papua New Guinea.

Director: Spencer BairdRelease Year: 2024 Duration: 5 minutes Genre: Comedy Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) A student driver unwillingly gets involved in a high stakes bank robbery and must also pass her driving test. The film uses CGI animation and a bright palette, a great combination for a lot of lighthearted animation. Characters’ movement is both fluid and exaggerated adding to the gaiety. The pacing starts off slow capturing the mundane pace of everyday life but speeds up as soon as it reaches to the conflict. Although there wasn’t a lot of voice acting, the film itself ‘showed the story’, from the nervousness of the student driver to the risky bank robbery and the indifference of the driving instructor. A good time-passer. Watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn0QWdiWLqk

Director: Ramanathan UndiapahCast: Julius Silas, William Bereung, Majorie Noan, Theodore Tei Rating: PG | Genre(s): Drama | Run Time: 1hr 30mins (appr.) A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES FOR FILM CRITICS AND A TRUE TREAT FOR PNG’S GRASSROOTS “Ples Man 2, a sequel to the film Ples Man, continues the story of the resilient character Eric in his journey to bring change to his community.” After bringing change to his community and establishing a family of his own, young Eric (Julius Silas) decides to run for the up-coming by-elections as a member for Rural Development. But tensions are high as he comes face-to-face with a serious political rival, Victor (William Bereung) who will do anything to prevent Eric from taking a position of power. Julius Silas commonly known by his social media persona, Tuli Mahn, delivered an average performance at best. Although he was the main character, the spotlight was stolen by William Bereung a.k.a Bata Rat through his performance as the villainous character, Victor. Silas’ acting was flat and emotionless compared to Bereung’s which was passionate and natural. Although both individuals are known for comedy content, Bereung appeared to have more range, being able to play both serious and funny characters. The script had no buildup and especially in critical moments. Characters accepted major events or choices without much resistance or debate. For instance, when the character Eric says that he wants to stand during the upcoming by-elections, his buddies immediately agree to his decision immediately. Realistically such major decisions will be thought through before coming to an agreement. On the other hand, characters such as the Prime Minister (Theodore Tei) delivered his dialogue with zest especially in scenes depicting political speeches. Filming prisoners wasn’t the best creative choice. Inmates’ faces had to be blurred for privacy purposes. In the case of filming for entertainment, getting actors to play the part of prisoners would’ve been the best choice. The prison scene amidst the fictional scenes was out of place and put the film in a state of disarray, making you question whether Ples Man 2 is a feature film for entertainment or a documentary. Captions were used unnecessarily and in big bold lettering drawing attention away from the scene. Small, simple fonts would be more effective to communicate locations or using establishing shots. In spite of its flaws, Ples Man 2’s cinematography, editing and direction has improved greatly from the last film thanks to the input of individuals such as TJ Agua and SP William Wangare. Compared to Ples Man 1, Ples Man 2 has made efforts to ‘show the story’ instead of just ‘telling the story’. The first installment of the franchise was characterized by means of long dialogues and monologues whereas Ples Man 2 focused more on actions complemented by appropriate interchanges to communicate its message. Issues such as sorcery accusation related violence, payback killing, political struggle, and grief are topics that the average Papua New Guinean will relate to be able to empathize with. Final Thoughts: Ples Man 2 is unwatchable to the educated Papua New Guinean, however to the grassroots, it is a voice – a window to their soul and livelihood. No, it wasn’t the best PNG film, but it certainly will open doors to more films in the future. Rating: 3/10 Best enjoyed for educational purposes.

Director: Joachim RønningCast: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters Rating: PG-13│Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi │Run Time: 1hr 59mins A VISUAL TREAT; NOT EVERYONE’S FAVORITE THOUGH “Tron: Ares deviates from the original storyline involving the Flynn Family introducing new plots and characters.” Ares (Jared Leto) – a highly sophisticated AI program escapes from the digital universe into the real world, defying Julian Dillinger’s (Evan Peters) wishes in order to pursue a dangerous mission. Unlike the first two films, Tron: Ares deviates from the established storyline of the Flynn family line and instead focuses on Ares and character Eve Kim (Greta Lee). Audiences who have followed up in the previous films may find this disjointed and unsatisfying, perhaps hoping to see more of the Flynn storyline. On the other hand, Tron: Ares’ plot introduces an AI into reality – something fresh into the Tron franchise. Soundtracks produced by Nine Inch Nails brilliantly capture the aesthetic of Tron Universe. Although there may be personal preferences to Daft Punk from initial release, Tron: Legacy. Lessons taken from the film include, not letting reckless pursuit of technological advancement overpower one’s humanity otherwise consequences could be fatal. This is demonstrated when Julian Dillinger, CEO of Dillinger Systems witnesses the death of his mother who is killed by Athena – another AI Program created by his company. Another important lesson is the power of empathy. In the film, although Ares was built to be an emotionless obedient program, exposure to humankind and emotion causes it to malfunction according to technology’s standards. Ares’ defiance to Dillinger’s orders demonstrates the power of choice based on values. Visually the film is stunning and lives up to the current era of cinematographic technology. Final Verdict: Audiences who are not followers of the franchise may perceive this film as a brilliant cinematic masterpiece. However, fans of the Tron series may have opposing views. Much of it is due to nostalgia and past storylines. Rating: ★ ★ ★ ⯪ (6.5/10) Best enjoyed with zero expectations.

Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Ltd. officially launched Global Handwashing Day 2025 today, on October 14, through its Protex Brand. In collaboration with the National Department of Health, the initiative aimed to encourage individuals to dedicate 20 seconds to washing their hands regularly, as a simple but effective step toward better health for all. The main event took place at South Bridges International School, Port Moresby where 200 students and staff participated in handwashing. More than 370,000 people across the country, including participants from 527 schools, registered to take part in the campaign. Since starting off in 2012, the Clean Hands Good Health (CHGH) program has reached over 2 million children in the country, making a lasting impact on the country’s health and hygiene practices. The program emphasized the importance of washing hands at key moments to prevent the spread of infections and diseases, including: - After using the toilet - After coughing or sneezing - Before preparing or touching food - After handling animals The initiative also educated participants on the four simple steps to effective handwashing: - Use soap and water - Scrub and rub hands for 20 seconds - Rinse with clean water - Dry with a clean towel According to health experts, effective handwashing can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by 30% and lower respiratory infections by up to 20%. Hand hygiene plays a critical role in preventing the transmission of communicable diseases, helping reduce the number of unhealthy infections in communities across the country. This year’s theme, "Be A Handwashing Hero", encourages individuals to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing by adopting regular handwashing habits. The campaign calls upon government bodies, businesses, schools, families, and individuals to come together and practice proper hand hygiene. Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Ltd. emphasized that the launch of Global Handwashing Day is part of its continued commitment to improving public health and wellbeing through proper hygiene practices. The company aims to foster healthier communities and reduce the spread of preventable diseases. Everyone is encouraged to take part in this important initiative and become a Handwashing Hero. By doing so, they contribute to building a healthier future for all.

The 2025 Papua New Guinea National Short Course Swimming Championships recently took place at the Lae International School pool. Proudly sponsored by FedEx, the competition brought together competitors, clubs, families, and supporters from all over the country, from various age groups – the youngest competitor, five-year-old Georgie King, to the oldest, 60-year-old Masters swimmer Tony King. Athletes competed in various age categories, with events designed to highlight both competitive excellence and participation for all levels. Also, a participant, Ryan Pini, President of PNG Swimming Inc., stated that this year’s championships encouraged inclusivity and lifelong passion for swimming.  “It’s inspiring to see our youngest swimmers share the pool with seasoned masters like Tony King. That’s what builds the future of the sport.” The sponsorship from FedEx provided much needed support to keep the event running smoothly, which included logistics assistance, competition resources, and vibrant branding. Their collaboration demonstrates a growing dedication to promoting community development and youth sports in Papua New Guinea. The weekend ended with medal presentations and acknowledgements to coaches, officials, and volunteers responsible for making the event a success. Strong performances were seen across all age categories, signaling a promising future for PNG swimming both nationally and internationally. At the Championships, four young swimmers reached significant milestones by advancing to the Silver Intermediate Squad: From Boroko Amateur Swimming Club: - Lily Lin (12) - Dylan Papenfus (12) From Lae Amateur Swimming Club: - Cassandra Boas (14) - Elshadai Salum (13) This year’s event also featured six new PNG short course records, highlighting the rising level of competition across the country. Michelle Garbutt (43) broke three national records in the 40–44 age category : • 100m Freestyle – 1:19.44 • 200m Freestyle – 2:55.44 • 400m Freestyle – 6:42.72 Tony King (60) also set three national records in the 60–64 age group: • 50m Freestyle – 30.93 • 100m Freestyle – 1:09.92 • 100m Butterfly – 1:22.82 These exceptional results reflect the dedication and experience of PNG’s Masters swimmers, inspiring the younger generation to aim for their own achievements. PNGSI expresses its appreciation to the Lae Amateur Swimming Club for hosting the championships at their facility and extends heartfelt thanks to major sponsor FedEx for its ongoing support of swimming in Papua New Guinea.

Screenings of the film Ples Man kicked off in 2024, drawing praise and criticism from audiences online and offline. Many criticized the film’s production technique, pointing out editing mistakes and bad acting.Recently in May 2025, Jona Film Productions went ahead and released the trailer for Ples Man 2, focusing on the realities of politics and developmental struggles in Papua New Guinea as well as sorcery accusations and violence. In every case, feedback is needed for improvement. But while improvements in film technique are necessary in the eyes of a movie enthusiast and for the people of arts, the average Papua New Guinean is more interested in the story and messages portrayed. Ples Man focused on the story of a Morobean youth who comes face to face with the harsh realities of unemployment after graduating from university. Some netizens pointed out editing errors in the film, others dubbing it the worst PNG film. On the other hand, numerous individuals have rallied behind Jona Film Productions and Director Ramanthan Undiapah for addressing serious social issues plaguing the country. Social media content creator and entrepreneur Theodore Tei also known as KAIR BII NEM, in a Facebook post on April 21 highlighted major issues and areas of interest addressed in the first instalment of Ples Man. These include unemployment and the value of land, agriculture and tourism. Of course, every person regardless of gender, education, or ethnic heritage will relate to the struggles faced by the protagonist. Since film is still a small industry here in Papua New Guinea, most audiences are unable to grasp the fact that not every piece of entertainment is for the educated, working class or technologically experienced. The Ples Man franchise are films that make the experienced cringe but inspires the ordinary.

After a successful start to Westpac's financial literacy initiative, fifteen participants at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) were fortunate to attend Westpac’s Financial Basics for My Business workshop with the university as part of the global Financial Inclusion Week celebrations.This equipped participants with essential skills in Balance Sheet preparation, Income Statement analysis, and Business Plan development, valuable for both experienced entrepreneurs and aspiring small-business starters. Joylyn Taravaru, a fourth year Psychology student explained how the session has shed a light on the financial aspects of running a business. “The knowledge I have gained is invaluable. I learnt that having savings is very important.” “A lot of us want to save money but we face problems in saving money, and the session was a reflective one because all of the things mentioned in the session are things that we face in our daily lives.” “The session has thought me the importance of saving money.” Meanwhile, Westpac Chief Executive Andrew Cairns stressed Westpac’s commitment to supporting PNG’s business community. “Financial literacy is the foundation of successful business operations.” “Through our Financial Basics for My Business program, we are empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to build sustainable enterprises and contribute to PNG's economic growth.” “We are proud to support the next generation of business leaders.” On the other hand, UPNG’s Coordinator for Peer Training & Development Beniah Nari, acknowledged the bank’s commitment to support future workforce. “Financial literacy is a vital skill that empowers students to make confident, informed choices about their future.” “These sessions are both timely and practical, providing young people with essential life tools.” “The strong engagement and enthusiasm we have seen reflects the value of the program, and we fully support its expansion to reach all students in 2026.” “Westpac PNG’s dedication to youth empowerment is a meaningful investment in the nation’s future.” Moreover, Westpac will launch its Financial Basics for My Business webinar series in October, with updates being shared on their social media platforms in Papua New Guinea. So far, over ten successful sessions have been conducted, providing essential financial knowledge to more than 200 participants from various industries across the country to help foster business growth.

Churches across the country will benefit from a K1 million funding commitment announced by Jason Peter, Member for Huon Gulf and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, during the closing ceremony of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) Malaclo Circuit’s 50th Anniversary celebrations held in Salamaua LLG, Morobe Province. The three-day event was held at Buakap Primary School from 3rd to 5th October 2025. It brought together church leaders, circuit pastors, and community members to reflect on five decades of faith and service. The event was held under the theme “Let your light continue to shine for God’s glory” (Matthew 5:16). In his keynote address, Minister Peter repeated the National Government’s commitment to supporting churches, announcing that K1 million has been allocated through the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion for the rehabilitation of rundown church buildings across the country in 2025. He also emphasized that the Department is working towards reviving mission stations operated by various church denominations, acknowledging their ongoing role in community service, moral guidance, and social development. The Minister urged pastors and church elders to remain faithful to their calling and to serve God’s people with integrity and humility. He reminded church leaders to avoid becoming involved in politics for personal gain and to focus instead on their mission to promote faith and unity in their communities. In addition to the national commitment, Minister Peter, through the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD-DDA), has also delivered K729,000 in 2025 towards church-related programs within the district. Of that amount, K649,000 was allocated for infrastructure maintenance, while K45,000 supported ministerial activities. Additional funds remain available for use before the end of December. The ELC Malaclo Circuit, the host of the anniversary celebrations, received K249,000 in direct support. This includes: - K180,000 – Infrastructure Maintenance - K10,000 – ELC Mama Geyamsao Support - K10,000 – 50th Anniversary Celebrations - K5,000 – ELC Malaclo Circuit SAM Support - K20,000 – Church Bell Setup Materials - K4,000 – Labour & Transportation Highlights of the celebration included the opening and closing ceremonies, the dedication of the historical Malaclo Church, the launch of the Geyamsao Conference Hall, and a Sunday worship and ordination service. The event was attended by senior church leaders, including the Yabim District President and Wampar District President, as well as local officials and members of the wider ELC-PNG community. Minister Peter commended the ELC Malaclo Circuit for its 50 years of committed service, encouraging the congregation to continue being a light of faith, unity, and hope in the Huon Gulf District and beyond.

Governor of East New Britain province Michael Marum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with churches across the province, calling them key allies in service delivery, and community development. In a funding presentation held on Sunday, October 5, Governor Marum delivered financial support to two churches in the Gazelle District, K20, 000 to the Valaur United Church and K10, 000 to the Vunagamata United Church. The Governor described the church as a “frontline service provider,” particularly at the ward level, noting its critical role not only in meeting physical needs but also in nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and social wellbeing of communities. “With the current law and order issues we are facing in the province, we believe the churches are the way forward.” “That is why the East New Britain Provincial Government will continue to support church programs and initiatives that strengthen our communities and uphold positive values.” He also stressed that the financial assistance aims to build the institutional capacity of the churches, empowering them to play an even greater role in driving peace, unity, and sustainable development across East New Britain. Receiving the support on behalf of both congregations, Reverend Bellie thanked the Governor and the people of East New Britain for their continued trust and backing. “We are deeply grateful for this assistance.” “It shows that the Government values the work of the Church in transforming lives and building stronger, more peaceful communities.” “We will continue to pray for Governor Marum and his leadership as we work together for a better East New Britain.” The Valaur and Vunagamata United Church congregations expressed great appreciation and pledged their ongoing support to the Government’s broader vision for peace, progress, and unity in the province.