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Thursday, July 30, 2026
PLDT turns back gritty Choco Mucho in Vigan
Kianna Dy steps up for PLDT. (PVL Images)
By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar
The High Speed Hitters drew strength from their solid offense anchored on Kianna Dy, Savi Davison, Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron to notch their first win in the tournament.
PLDT overcame a second-set hiccup to turn back Choco Mucho, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, and start its PVL On Tour campaign on a high note at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on Saturday, July 25.
The High Speed Hitters drew strength from their solid offense anchored on Kianna Dy, Savi Davison, Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron to notch their first win in the tournament.
Dy erupted for 16 kills to finish with 17 points for PLDT, while Davison was equally unstoppable by pumping in 13 points.
Reyes also shone by posting 10 attacks and two blocks for 12 points, even as Baron chipped in 10 points.
PLDT waxed hot at the attack line by pouring 66 kills compared to Choco Mucho’s 55 -- big thanks to the playmaking skills of Kim Fajardo, who delivered 26 of the team’s 31 excellent sets.
While Davison and Reyes stepped up in the offense, the dynamic duo also took charge in the team’s net defense by combining for five of the squad’s eight blocks.
Caitlyn Viray and Isa Molde led the Flying Titans with 16 and 14 points, respectively, but their efforts went futile as Choco Mucho absorbed its second straight defeat in as many outings.
Jerome Lorico's 'Alembong' reclaims stories of womanhood, heritage, and self-expression
By John Legaspi
It is an image of a woman bathing, lounging in a lush rainforest that immediately captures your attention. Her enigma and sensuality will remind anyone who has witnessed Rody Vera’s "Ang Unang Aswang" play that reimagines the origin story of a Philippine folkloric character. But there is grace and poetry in the way she poses, much like the subjects of early Filipino paintings.
Jeromo Lorico's 'Alembong' collection (Photos: Jerick Sanchez | Make-up: Zidjian Paul | Muse: Sidney Flores)
The image we are talking about is part of Jerome Lorico’s editorial campaign for his latest collection, dubbed “Alembong.” Captured by photographer Jerick Sanchez, the photos transport viewers to a time when freedom was not just a spoken word, but something lived and expressed without prejudice.
“It's a little ironic that, although we are living in an era where there should be more freedom, our culture still seems to censor a lot of different things. Part of this problem, I noticed, is the inability of a Filipino woman to freely express herself sexually and physically. Being brazen or aware of one's energy and confidence still seems to merit a few disapproving opinions within the Filipino community,” Jerome tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “A century ago, Filipinas could bathe in the river with complete freedom, their golden-brown skin shining under the summer sun, as depicted in many of the works of our National Artist for Visual Arts, Fernando Amorsolo.”
“Alembong,” for Jerome, is an interpretation of the raw and naked beauty of the country's islands and women. He quotes curator and typography designer Ric Gindap of Design for Tomorrow, who says, “‘Alembong’ is a word that, in its modern aftertaste, carries the sly curl of a lip: flirt, coquette, frivolous.”
“Historically and anthropologically, before the weight of colonization and the catechism of virtue, it was something else,” the designer muses. “‘Alembong’ was ebullience itself, a feminine street-smartness that brightened the barangay.”
Mirroring the sense of liberation embodied by the word, Jerome translates Alembong into garments that balance softness with strength. Airy silhouettes, sheer layers, hand-finished textures, and fluid draping evoke the effortless beauty of island living while celebrating the confidence of the modern Filipina.
To create something that is truly Filipino, it was only natural for Jerome to present a collection crafted by Filipino hands using materials sourced from across the country. For at least a month, the designer experimented with artisanal materials. The collection features elements such as brass buttons specially made by an anting-anting craftsman in Lipa, Batangas. The pineapple and cotton yarns came from Iloilo and the Philippine Textile Research Institute. Meanwhile, the woven abaca and cotton yarns are sourced from the place where the designer grew up—Albay in the Bicol Region.
“I believe it is very important to support whatever has a deep connection to our culture, heritage, and history,” Jerome explains. “Artisans create with soul, and that is why I always love working and collaborating with them. Creation, for me, is a sacred ritual that connects the past and the future.”
Accessories are just as important as the clothes because they are also part of the collection’s story. “Alembong” spotlights pieces made from mother-of-pearl sourced in Cebu. Although they echo natural and organic shapes, they are designed through a contemporary lens, allowing them to be both abstract and utilitarian.
While “Alembong” celebrates the beauty of the Filipina and the richness of the country's natural resources, Jerome also treats it as a form of rebellion—a call to reconnect with what is primal, natural, and human.
“Our skin is like a landscape of stories, histories, and possibilities. The modern Filipina is someone who is now more aware of her own energy and capabilities. She knows that nothing can set boundaries for her and that the world is waiting for her. This collection is a way to help her express herself in any way that she wants,” Jerome concludes.
Collects fish of every kind
REFLECTIONS TODAY
What is striking about the parable of the dragnet as a metaphor for the Kingdom is that it does not simply “catch” the good fish, but also the bad or undesirable ones. The net catches all sorts of fish and non-fish in the process.
This implies that the Kingdom is offered to everyone, both good and bad. Which reminds us of Jesus’ pointing to the sun and the rain which shines or falls upon everyone, both good and bad.
However, while on the one hand, the Kingdom welcomes everyone, the parable also warns of the day of “sorting out,” of separating between the good fish and bad fish, or the fish and the non-fish, like weeds, pieces of wood, garbage, etc.
This hides, therefore, an invitation to reflect on what kind of “fish” we are, or what kind of life we are living.
At the same time, it should also awaken us to the fact that in this world we need to know how to navigate in the sea where bad fish also abound or co-exist with us.
Nowadays, the call and desire for inclusivity is very strong—which is a good thing.
But this does not mean eliminating discernment or attentiveness as we relate with various types of people.
At the same time, we also have the responsibility to be good examples so that more “good” fish can be sorted out for the Kingdom.
First Reading • Jer 18:1-6
This word came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Rise up, be off to the potter’s house; there I will give you my message.
I went down to the potter’s house and there he was, working at the wheel.
Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.
Then the word of the Lord came to me: Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done? says the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 146
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.” or “Alleluia.”
Gospel • Matthew 13:47-53
Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.
“When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.
“Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.”
And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”
When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
Nadine Lustre announces music comeback with new single 'PERSONAL'
By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- Nadine Lustre is ending her three-year music hiatus with the release of her new single "PERSONAL" on July 31, marking her long-awaited return to the recording scene.
After three years away from releasing new music, Nadine Lustre is finally making her long-awaited return to the recording scene.
The actress-singer announced that her new single, "PERSONAL," will be released on July 31, sending fans into a frenzy and marking her first official music release since 2023.
Nadine made the announcement on Instagram with a striking close-up portrait that immediately caught the attention of her followers.
The post quickly gained traction online, with fans flooding the comments section to express their excitement over her comeback.
Even celebrities joined in the anticipation.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray wrote, "Can't wait!!!" while content creator Sassa Gurl also showed support for the highly anticipated release.
"PERSONAL" will be Nadine's first single since "Overgrown," which came out in 2023.
Before that, she earned praise for her 2020 visual album "Wildest Dreams," released under Careless Music.
Although she has kept a low profile musically in recent years, Nadine remained busy with acting and other creative pursuits.
Rente im August 2026: Diese vier Änderungen betreffen Millionen Rentner direkt
Im August 2026 greifen mehrere Änderungen für Rentner: höhere Bezüge, steigende Krankenkassenbeiträge, neue Jahrgänge in der Altersrente und ablaufende Steuerfristen. Was wirklich zählt.
München – Der August 2026 bringt für Millionen Rentner gleich mehrere Veränderungen auf einmal. Die Rentenerhöhung vom Juli wirkt erstmals einen vollen Monat, die IKK classic hebt ihren Zusatzbeitrag an, bestimmte Jahrgänge können erstmals in Rente gehen – und wer seine Steuererklärung für 2025 noch nicht abgegeben hat, riskiert Verspätungszuschläge. Content-Partnerschaft
Dieser Artikel entstand in einer Content-Partnerschaft mit Business Punk
Nicht alle vier Punkte sind neue Gesetze, die am 1. August in Kraft treten. Teilweise werden Beschlüsse aus dem Juli erst jetzt auf dem Konto sichtbar oder durch ablaufende Fristen spürbar.
Im Juli 2026 steigen die gesetzlichen Renten um 4,24 Prozent. Der aktuelle Rentenwert kletterte von 40,79 Euro auf 42,52 Euro. Bei 1.000 Euro Bruttorente bedeutet das ein Plus von 42,40 Euro, bei 1.500 Euro sind es 63,60 Euro mehr. Was tatsächlich ankommt, hängt von Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung sowie möglicher Steuerlast ab.
Rentenerhöhung: Jetzt wirkt sie komplett
Wer seine Rente vorschüssig erhält – das betrifft alle mit Rentenbeginn bis März 2004 –, bekommt die August-Zahlung bereits am 31. Juli 2026. Bei nachschüssiger Zahlung, also Rentenbeginn ab April 2004, geht das Geld am 31. August aufs Konto. Die Rentenanpassungsmitteilungen wurden bis Ende Juli verschickt.
Wer Anfang August noch kein Schreiben hat, sollte beim Rentenversicherungsträger nachfragen. Geprüft werden müssen Bruttorente, Erhöhungsbetrag und Abzüge für Kranken- und Pflegeversicherung. Auch die Kinderzahl kann wichtig sein, weil Eltern mit mehreren berücksichtigungsfähigen Kindern niedrigere Pflegeversicherungsbeiträge zahlen.
Die Mitteilung ist eine verbindliche Entscheidung – Widerspruch ist innerhalb eines Monats möglich. Da viele Schreiben im Juli zugestellt wurden, endet die Frist in zahlreichen Fällen im August.
IKK classic erhöht Zusatzbeitrag ab August
Die IKK classic hebt ihren Zusatzbeitrag zum 1. August 2026 von 3,40 auf 3,85 Prozent an. Zusammen mit dem allgemeinen Beitragssatz von 14,6 Prozent würde das rechnerisch einen Gesamtbeitrag von 18,45 Prozent ergeben – sofern die IKK classic die Erhöhung tatsächlich umsetzt. Die Erhöhung um 0,45 Prozentpunkte trifft Beschäftigte, Selbstständige und Rentner gleichermaßen.
Bei pflichtversicherten Rentnern teilen sich Rentenversicherungsträger und Rentner den Beitrag je zur Hälfte. Der eigene Anteil steigt damit um 0,225 Prozentpunkte der Bruttorente – bei 1.500 Euro sind das rund 3,38 Euro monatlich, bei 2.000 Euro etwa 4,50 Euro. Allerdings greifen die höheren Abzüge bei pflichtversicherten Rentnern erst zwei Monate später.
Die Erhöhung zum 1. August wird regulär erst mit der Rentenzahlung für Oktober berücksichtigt. August und September werden noch mit dem alten Zusatzbeitrag berechnet. Bei freiwillig Versicherten oder weiteren beitragspflichtigen Einnahmen können andere Zeitpunkte gelten, so Gegen Hartz.
Betroffene sollten nicht nur den Rentenbetrag, sondern auch Schreiben und Beitragsbescheide der Krankenkasse prüfen. Bei Erhöhung des Zusatzbeitrags besteht ein Sonderkündigungsrecht. Für den Wechsel wird die Mitgliedschaft bei der neuen Kasse beantragt, die dann das Verfahren übernimmt.
Ein niedriger Zusatzbeitrag allein sollte aber nicht entscheidend sein. Unterschiede bei Bonusprogrammen, Satzungsleistungen, Geschäftsstellen und Erreichbarkeit können für ältere oder chronisch kranke Menschen wichtiger sein. Wer einen Wahltarif abgeschlossen hat, muss mögliche Bindungsfristen prüfen.
Jahrgang 1960: Regelaltersrente beginnt
Der Geburtsjahrgang 1960 erreicht die Regelaltersgrenze mit 66 Jahren und vier Monaten. Menschen des Jahrgangs 1960 erreichen ihre Regelaltersgrenze mit 66 Jahren und vier Monaten. Je nach genauem Geburtsdatum können sie bei erfüllter Wartezeit ab August 2026 oder in den Folgemonaten die reguläre Altersrente beziehen.
Wer genau am 1. April 1960 geboren wurde, erreicht die Altersgrenze bereits mit Ablauf des Vortages und kann ebenfalls zum 1. August in die Regelaltersrente wechseln. Voraussetzung sind mindestens fünf Jahre mit anrechenbaren Versicherungszeiten. Die Rente muss beantragt werden und beginnt nicht automatisch. Auch ein vorzeitiger Rentenstart ist im August möglich. Langjährig Versicherte mit mindestens 35 Versicherungsjahren können die Altersrente ab 63 beziehen.
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