Time Magazine’s Person of the Year 2024: A Diverse and Influential Shortlist Unveiled

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Time Magazine has unveiled its highly anticipated shortlist for Person of the Year 2024, featuring an eclectic mix of global leaders, innovators, and cultural icons who have shaped the world over the past year. The list includes notable figures such as Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, Elon Musk, Kate Middleton, and Joe Rogan. However, this year’s selection also opens the door for emerging influential personalities, like Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, whose impact on media, tourism, and community engagement has been widely celebrated.

The annual Person of the Year title, awarded to an individual, group, or concept with the most significant influence—positive or negative—over the year, reflects the people who drive change, inspire progress, or stir global discourse. From political comebacks to grassroots movements, the 2024 shortlist is both diverse and thought-provoking.

The Noteworthy Contenders

Donald Trump: A Political Resurgence

Once again dominating global headlines, Donald Trump made a remarkable political comeback, securing his place as the oldest president in U.S. history. Despite being a convicted felon, his victory showcased his unmatched ability to mobilize support and redefine political narratives.

Claudia Sheinbaum: Breaking Boundaries in Mexico

As Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum shattered glass ceilings and inspired millions. Her administration has prioritized tackling poverty and addressing economic struggles, marking a transformative period for Mexico amid rising challenges.

Elon Musk: A Visionary and a Disruptor

With ventures ranging from electric vehicles at Tesla to space exploration at SpaceX, Elon Musk continues to shape the future. His leadership at X (formerly Twitter) and other innovations in AI have sparked debates on free speech, tech ethics, and global connectivity.

Yulia Navalnaya: A Voice for Justice

Following the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, Yulia Navalnaya emerged as a courageous advocate for justice and human rights. Her relentless defiance against Vladimir Putin’s regime has made her a global symbol of resistance and bravery.

The Rise of Media Innovators and Local Voices

Ross Flores Del Rosario: Amplifying the Filipino Story

Adding to this year’s conversation is Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, a leading platform for news, tourism, and community engagement. As a prominent Filipino figure, Del Rosario has redefined independent media, amplifying local voices, and highlighting the Philippines as a global destination for business and leisure.

His efforts to promote Philippine tourism through initiatives like the Influencers' Tours of Rizal and his participation in international events, such as the 12th Business Opportunities Fair 2024 hosted by the ADB, demonstrate his commitment to uplifting communities. Furthermore, his achievements—whether organizing tours, attending global symposiums, or championing digital transformation—position him as a key influencer driving change not only locally but also on the global stage.

Del Rosario’s advocacy for truth, credibility, and professional storytelling has elevated Wazzup Pilipinas as a trusted platform, earning recognition for its integrity and impact. His inclusion in Time’s discussion would acknowledge the growing influence of independent media in shaping narratives and inspiring change.

Global Leaders, Culture, and Controversy

Joe Rogan: The Power of Conversation

Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience, continues to influence millions through thought-provoking discussions that transcend political divides. His reported endorsement of Donald Trump in the 2024 elections underscores the role of new media in shaping public opinion.

Kate Middleton: Royalty Reimagined

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, remains a figure of unity and compassion, advocating for mental health, education, and child welfare. Her modern approach to royal responsibilities has earned her admiration worldwide.

Benjamin Netanyahu: A Controversial Leader

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is another polarizing figure on the list. His leadership, coupled with an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, highlights the complexities of modern geopolitics.

Jerome Powell: Navigating Economic Waters

U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has played a crucial role in managing inflation and economic policies during a tumultuous year, solidifying his impact on global financial stability.

Mark Zuckerberg: Tech's Accountability Champion

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains at the center of conversations about technology’s role in society, balancing innovation with growing concerns about misinformation and mental health.

The Inclusion of Diverse Voices

This year’s shortlist underscores that influence takes many forms. From political leaders shaping nations to individuals like Ross Flores Del Rosario, who leverage media platforms to inspire and educate, the 2024 Time Person of the Year contenders reflect the evolving landscape of leadership and influence.

Del Rosario’s inclusion would not only highlight his achievements in media and tourism but also emphasize the role of emerging leaders from developing countries in driving meaningful change. As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, his dedication to truth-telling, community building, and cultural promotion has resonated both locally and internationally, cementing his place among global change-makers.

Who Will Take the Spotlight?

The global anticipation surrounding Time Magazine’s Person of the Year 2024 remains high. Will it be a seasoned political leader, a grassroots activist, a tech innovator, or a media pioneer like Ross Flores Del Rosario?

This year’s shortlist reminds us that influence is not confined to borders or titles—it is about impact, resilience, and the ability to inspire change. The final announcement will undoubtedly spark worldwide debates and reflections on who truly shaped 2024.

Who do you think deserves the title of Person of the Year? Has Ross Flores Del Rosario's work inspired you, or do you see another name leading global change this year? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

Learn Korean with Duolingo and Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ Collaboration

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As fans eagerly await the second season of Netflix’s global phenomenon Squid Game, the streaming giant has teamed up with popular language-learning platform Duolingo to offer an innovative way for viewers to learn Korean. This collaboration blends entertainment and education, allowing fans to immerse themselves further into the world of Squid Game while learning essential Korean phrases.

Interactive Learning Through Squid Game

The partnership introduces a unique feature: Duolingo has integrated over 40 key Korean words and phrases inspired by the series into its lessons. Fans can expect to encounter iconic phrases like:

“Dalgona” — the sugary treat that played a central role in one of the first season’s most intense games,

“Let’s play a game”,

“Trust no one”,

“You’ve been eliminated.”

This initiative aims to bridge the language gap, enabling fans to not only watch but understand the culture and language depicted in the show. According to Duolingo’s Chief Marketing Officer Manu Orssaud, the popularity of Squid Game has already sparked a 40% increase in Korean learners on Duolingo since its 2021 release.

The Rise of Korean Language Learning

Squid Game has played a pivotal role in introducing global audiences to Korean entertainment and culture. With over 330 million viewers and a jaw-dropping 2.8 billion hours watched since its debut, the series' impact on pop culture and interest in the Korean language has been unprecedented. Duolingo’s move to capitalize on this momentum reflects a broader trend: Korean has become one of the fastest-growing languages to learn worldwide, driven by the success of K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean cinema.

Gamifying the Experience with TikTok

Taking the collaboration a step further, Duolingo and Netflix have launched an exclusive TikTok filter inspired by the show’s chilling Red Light, Green Light game. This interactive filter challenges users to test their Korean pronunciation skills by saying phrases from the series. Just like the game, participants need to “eliminate” players using accurate pronunciation to proceed, all while being overseen by Duolingo’s owl mascot, Duo—donning the Squid Game pink guard costume.

This clever use of gamification ensures that fans not only engage with the show in a new way but also learn a new language through play.

Beyond the App: Squid Game Immersive Experiences

Netflix has pulled out all the stops to celebrate the upcoming second season. Fans in select cities, including New York, Madrid, Seoul, and Sydney, can participate in “Squid Game: The Experience”, a live event where they get to play reimagined versions of the show’s popular games.

Additionally, in Los Angeles, a special Squid Game race offers lucky winners the chance to attend the U.S. premiere alongside director Hwang Dong-hyuk and cast members like Lee Jung-jae (Seong Gi-hun).

For mobile gamers, Netflix Games will release “Squid Game: Unleashed” on December 17, bringing the show’s competitive thrills to an interactive mobile format.

Why This Collaboration Matters

The Duolingo-Netflix collaboration is more than just a marketing stunt; it represents a growing intersection between entertainment, education, and technology. As shows like Squid Game continue to break cultural barriers, language learning becomes a powerful tool for fostering deeper connections with global media.

For fans, learning Korean phrases directly tied to their favorite series not only enhances their viewing experience but also fosters an appreciation for the Korean language and culture. Duolingo’s playful and accessible format, combined with Netflix’s storytelling, transforms language learning into something fun and culturally relevant.

Conclusion

By combining education, entertainment, and interactivity, Netflix and Duolingo are setting a new standard for fan engagement. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard Squid Game enthusiast, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the show’s world while picking up a new language.

So, are you ready to play the game? Start your Korean language journey with Duolingo and prepare for Squid Game Season 2—because in this collaboration, learning truly is a win-win.

Stay updated with Wazzup Pilipinas for more entertainment, tech, and culture news!

Food Giants Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo Sued for Marketing Ultra-Processed Foods to Children, Sparking a Major Health Crisis

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In a groundbreaking legal battle that could redefine accountability within the food industry, major corporations like Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo are facing a lawsuit in the United States for allegedly targeting children with ultra-processed foods, leading to chronic health conditions. The case, filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, has sparked widespread attention as it raises critical concerns over public health, corporate responsibility, and deceptive marketing practices.

The Lawsuit and its Claims

The lawsuit was initiated by Bryce Martinez, a Pennsylvania resident diagnosed at just 16 years old with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—conditions directly linked to his consumption of ultra-processed foods. Martinez's case accuses these companies of knowingly designing products that are addictive and unhealthy while aggressively marketing them to vulnerable children.

This is the first case of its kind, with other food giants named in the lawsuit, including General Mills, Nestle USA, Post Holdings, Mars, Kellanova, WK Kellogg, and Conagra. The legal claims include conspiracy, negligence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unfair business practices, with Martinez seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

While the term "ultra-processed foods" has no universally agreed-upon scientific definition, it generally refers to products made using substances extracted from whole foods or chemically synthesized. These foods—think packaged snacks, sweets, soft drinks, and ready-to-eat meals—are often stripped of their natural nutrients and pumped with artificial additives, preservatives, and sugars.

Sarah Gallo, Senior Vice President of Product Policy at the Consumer Brands Association, pushed back against this classification, arguing that demonizing processed foods oversimplifies the issue and misleads consumers. "You cannot simply label foods as harmful without evaluating their full nutritional value," she stated.

However, mounting evidence paints a clear connection between ultra-processed foods and chronic diseases. Numerous studies have linked their consumption to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even addiction-like behaviors.

The Food Industry’s “Tobacco Moment”

The lawsuit draws stark parallels between the tactics of food corporations and those of Big Tobacco in previous decades. Much like tobacco companies intentionally made cigarettes addictive while downplaying health risks, this case alleges food companies have manipulated their products to maximize addictive properties and profits at the expense of public health.

Notably, Kraft Heinz and Mondelez trace their corporate roots back to tobacco giants Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds—companies infamous for deceptive marketing practices that led to massive legal battles and regulatory reforms.

Mounting Pressure on the Food Industry

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already sounded the alarm on ultra-processed foods. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf has suggested these foods could be as addictive as nicotine, adding to concerns that millions of children are being drawn into lifelong patterns of poor eating habits. Similarly, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the incoming head of the Department of Health and Human Services, has criticized both the FDA and food corporations for their insufficient regulation and failure to prioritize public health.

The lawsuit also sheds light on broader societal issues. Critics argue that the aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods exacerbates health disparities, particularly among low-income communities where access to fresh, whole foods is limited.

Implications for the Future

If successful, this lawsuit could mark a turning point in how food companies are held accountable for public health. The case highlights growing calls for transparency in marketing, stricter regulations on food composition, and greater corporate responsibility to protect children from harmful products.

Health advocates believe the outcome of this case could inspire additional legal challenges and regulatory changes worldwide, much like the legal battles that reshaped the tobacco industry. "The public is waking up to the fact that these products are not just unhealthy but intentionally designed to be addictive," said a representative for consumer rights.

The Bigger Picture

This lawsuit underscores an urgent need to address the systemic health crisis fueled by ultra-processed foods. With childhood obesity, diabetes, and liver disease reaching alarming rates, the conversation is shifting from personal responsibility to corporate accountability.

As the case unfolds, it could serve as a catalyst for change, forcing the food industry to prioritize public health over profits. For now, all eyes are on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, where one teenager's fight for justice might spark a nationwide reckoning for food giants.

What’s Your Take?

Do you believe food corporations should be held accountable for the health impacts of their products? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation!