How dumpsites threaten ancestral lands and ecosystems

 

Image of dumpsite by Tom Fisk via Pexels

By Sean Fernando

Published Oct 18, 2026 11:12 am

The forests of Sitio Tibag in Barangay Naugsol, Subic, Zambales have long been an important part of the lives of the Aeta Ambala community. As part of their ancestral domain, the area provides clean water, food, medicinal plants, and other natural resources that support daily life. Beyond its environmental value, the forest also holds cultural and historical significance, reflecting the community's long-standing relationship with the land and its traditions of caring for natural resources.

In recent years, the area became the subject of national attention because of allegations that an open dumpsite had been operating within the ancestral domain. The issue was widely publicized through Ibinasurang Paraiso, an I-Witness documentary by journalist Kara David.

The documentary reported that municipal waste had allegedly been transported to the site beginning in 2019. It also presented accounts from residents who said garbage trucks regularly entered the area after a road was constructed, eventually leading to the accumulation of large amounts of waste in parts of the forest.

Community members interviewed in the documentary described foul odors, concerns about the quality of nearby streams, and changes to the surrounding environment that they said affected their health, livelihoods, and access to natural resources.

The controversy highlighted the importance of environmental management and Indigenous rights under Philippine law. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003) establishes the country's framework for proper waste management. Among its provisions, the law prohibits open dumpsites and requires local government units to adopt environmentally sound methods of waste collection, treatment, and disposal. The law aims to reduce pollution, protect public health, and encourage sustainable waste management practices.

The case also drew attention to the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371), which recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples over their ancestral domains. The law affirms their rights to possess, manage, and protect these lands according to their customs and traditions while also promoting their participation in decisions involving the use and development of their territories. It also seeks to preserve Indigenous cultures, knowledge, and the natural environments that support their way of life.

Following the public attention generated by the documentary, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ordered the closure of the reported dumpsite. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and members of Congress also initiated investigations to examine the allegations, determine whether environmental and Indigenous rights laws had been violated and assess the reported effects on the Aeta Ambala community. These investigations formed part of the government's process for establishing the facts, identifying any legal responsibilities, and recommending appropriate actions.

The controversy also prompted broader discussions about the responsibilities of local governments, private entities, regulatory agencies and communities in managing solid waste. It underscored the challenges of balancing development, public services, environmental protection, and respect for Indigenous rights. Environmental experts have long noted that improper waste disposal can affect water quality, soil, wildlife, and public health, making effective waste management an important concern for both urban and rural communities.

As authorities continued to investigate the allegations, the events in Sitio Tibag became an example frequently discussed in conversations about environmental governance and the protection of ancestral domains in the Philippines.

Regardless of the outcome of legal and administrative proceedings, the case has contributed to greater public awareness of the importance of complying with environmental laws, safeguarding Indigenous rights, and ensuring that waste management practices protect both people and ecosystems for present and future generations.

 

BEST IN ASIA. Palawan takes the top spot in the Best Islands in Asia list by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. (Photo by Leon Macapagal | Pexels)

Palawan tops luxury magazine's list of best islands in Asia

In the recent release of the UK edition of the Condé Nast Traveler's Readers’ Choice Awards, Palawan has taken the top spot for Best Islands in Asia with a score of 98.99. Placed in second and third are Phu Quoc, Vietnam (scoring 98.26), and Koh Lanta, Thailand (scoring 97.50). Boracay also landed in the top 10, placing seventh with a score of 94.29. Read more

IT'S THE SMALL THINGS

By Alex M. Eduque

Published Oct 18, 2026 12:05 am

We are well into the second weekend of October. It is already October, which means we ask ourselves, “Are we all ready for the holidays?”

Before we talk Christmas though, as a Catholic, there is a lot in October that I personally feel adds a lot of meaning into our lives if we choose to notice, and that substantiates our spiritual and holistic health. October is the month of our holy rosary – a reminder to us not only to pray. More importantly, that prayer is not only about asking and waiting for our wants to be granted, but just as much about giving thanks for what has been, and what is to come.

The month of October also celebrates a lot of feast days of saints I pray to. The month actually begins with the Feast Day of Saint Therese de Lisieux who is known as the “little flower of Jesus.”

Saint Therese is revered because of her “Little Way” philosophy. Her life and the manner in which she chose to live reminds us all that whether it is holiness, or success, can be achieved through small everyday acts for as long as they are done rooted in love, and with intention, rather than more grand deeds.

This resonates so much with what this column chooses to celebrate and highlight – that at the end of the day, it is the small things we should place emphasis and focus on because in the grander scheme of things, they are what constitute and build greatness, and thus, matters most.

October second is the feast day of Holy Angels which honors the significance of our Guardian Angels and divine protection – the notion that the Lord assigns a heavenly guardian to guide and watch over each one of us from birth until death. Again another reminder to all of us to give thanks for the divine protection bestowed upon us, and to carve out even a small amount of time everyday to pray.

October the seventh was the feast day of Saint Gerard, known as the patron saint of mother’s and children. I remember praying fervently to him during my pregnancy, and I truly felt that he helped me traverse such a stressful and tumultuous time. His feast day is a reminder to all of us to always honor our mothers because of what they went through to bring us into this world.

Toward the end of the month on the twenty-fourth is the feast day of Saint Raphael the Archangel who is a reminder to all of us that God heals, and that even in the face of evil, our protectors will slay and we will make it through. And then on the twenty-eighth is the feast day of Saint Jude Thaddeus, he who is known as the saint of the impossible. A representation that nothing is impossible with prayer, and if we truly believe.

Of course, the month ends with Halloween. For the kids, and kids at heart, here is another excuse to dress up, play around, and enjoy the treats. Moreover, it is a reminder to all of us to take the time to honor those who have gone ahead of us; to pray for their memory and to find even the smallest ways to continue their legacy.

If there is a realization I want to end with this week it is, of course, to always stop, and take a pause to be grateful as that is the key to contentment and ultimately, happiness. Let us always keep an open mind because there is something new to learn everyday. And with that, let us also make the conscious effort to rid ourselves of bad habits, and to choose kindness always. It is hard enough to learn things, yes. But what we tend to forget over time, and take for granted is the difficulty that comes with unlearning them – the bad habits, the clutter, and the unnecessary, most especially.

As with a lot of things in life, cleaning up our everyday starts with the small things. And there is no better time to start than now. Always keep a prayer in your pocket, consistency is key, and remember that sometimes, our prayers are not answered exactly in the way that we request and that we expect, but trust that God listens and will always work to grant it in the way that is best for us.

The right time in life

 

The right time in life

By Klaus Döring

"The Right Time" is a song by Celtic folk rock band the Corrs, the third single from their debut album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten (1995). It was released in 1996 and the track was remixed for airplay. The remix replaced a light and breezy rhythm with a hard, pounding beat coupled with reggae-style bass. The remix was produced by Per Adebratt, Tommy Ekman, and Douglas Carr, who had previously worked with Ace of Base. The song was featured in Corr's live sets for several years.

"The Right Time" was targeted at pop radio by Atlantic US, hence the video theme of 1960s pop tinged with psychedelic, and the band's new haircuts and publicity photos. The new style lasted around a week before the Corrs' classic look returned. The video for the track was originally filmed and released with the "Radio Edit – Dance Mix" version; promotion was done with this version too. The album edit video can be found on the Best of The Corrs DVD.

A "once-in-a-lifetime" event is something so rare or exclusive that it happens only a single time for a person—or within a specific historical or cosmic span—and can never be repeated.The idiom "to have the time of your life" means to enjoy yourself very much, experiencing an extremely fun, exciting, and memorable occasion or period.

 While some listeners connect the melancholic lyrics to personal experiences of grief, many fans speculate that the track references his ex-partner, Maggie Thurmon, or the emotional toll of sudden celebrity.

Do we really know the right tine about anything in your or my life?  Who knows

Viva Hot Babes on being sexy then and now

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

October 18, 2026 | 12:00am   

MANILA, Philippines — No matter what they do, the members of the pop girl group Viva Hot Babes will always be associated with their sensual appeal and sexy image.

Some of them tried to distance themselves from that image, especially those who entered public service, but as time passed, they simply learned to accept and embrace it.  

“Actually, I tried na malayo from the sexy image because getting into public service medyo kailangan mong mawala ng kunti dun sa image na yun para hindi ka rin ma-bash ng constituents mo,” began Jaycee Parker during a presscon for their upcoming concert, “Bulaklak Viva Hot Babes Reunion Concert.” She is currently serving as a councilor in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“But kahit anong gawin ko ganun pa rin. They know that I’m part of the Viva Hot Babes. Before, I tried to distance myself from that image. But now, I’ve learned to accept it and ginagamit ko siyang talaga na dati akong Viva Hot Babes, that’s why they remember me. So instead of staying away from that image, I’ve decided to accept it and embrace it.”  

Actress and former beauty queen Andrea del Rosario shared a similar experience when she was elected vice mayor of Calatagan, Batangas, in 2016.

“There was a time na especially nung nakaupo ako wherein I tried my very best to remove the stigma of being a sexy symbol,” she recalled. “So talagang I worked hard for it. I turned down a lot of shows and movies ‘cause I owed it to my constituents to somehow mabigyan ng respeto yung position at that time. So that was my path and I tried to stay on that path. As a matter of fact, the last movie I did, medyo nag-iinarte ako kasi medyo, ako yun. It was my fault.”

The group formed by Viva’s Vic del Rosario became known not just for their sexy image, gracing magazine covers and starring in movies, but they also rose to fame with novelty pop-dance music, including hits such as Bulaklak, Kikay and Basketbol.

But over time, she realized that sensuality was something innate to her. “That’s why I think that’s something that we should embrace and not feel that’s something bad. And yeah, it’s either you have it or you don’t. And I think the Hot Babes have that, innately, that sensuality. For this show, we’re embracing it and embracing it confidently.”

“Siguro po nakatatak na talaga yung Hot Babes sa aming kaluluwa. Haha!” actress Katya Santos remarked. “Even if we take on mother, tita roles, lagi pa ring nandun yung sexy tita, sexy mommy, ganun. There’s always this connection to being a Hot Babe. I think it will never be gone.”  

She doesn’t mind being labeled as such. Instead, she takes it in stride and embraces it. “I think it’s a compliment for us because it means that we still maintain our looks. And I’m still thankful for that.”

Sheree, on the other hand, admitted that she is hesitant to take on mother roles in acting projects. “Pag sinabi ng handler ko, ‘Girl, are you ready to be a mom?’ Iniisip ko parang hindi ko pa kayang maging mommy because I feel that I haven’t found my forever yet. So I feel that I want to stay being a Hot Babe for now.

“But lately, parang naisip ko na parang, ‘Why not?’ Pero namimili pa rin ako. Wag naman yung ka-edad ko na tapos magiging nanay ako. But yes, we’re accepting it right now,” she said, adding that she still hopes to find her prince charming.

“Actually, I don’t think that sensuality can ever really be separated from us dahil tumatak sa tao. That’s how people see us,” added Gwen Garci.

Gwen said she’s open to exploring mother roles, although some people feel that she does not quite fit those roles just yet. “They are finding roles for us that would fit us like being an ate or tita. But for me, I’m OK with mother roles. Pero para sa kanila, hindi daw talaga bagay sa akin. They tell me to wait a few more years before I’m given a mother role.”

Their fun and nostalgic interviews, which revisit their heydays, will soon be available on Philippine STAR’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilippineStar

Photos from Russell Palma

For Jennifer Lee, it “depends on whose perspective” when it comes to being part of a sexy group. “But the sexy image was just a part of it. There’s actually more. We are also known as a pop group who are loved by kids, mommies and grandmothers.”  

“I don’t think it ever left. Haha!” declared Maui Taylor, adding that she often plays sexy kontrabida roles in her acting projects.

“I was even begging to be given mom role but hindi talaga. Even Boss Vic (del Rosario) told me, ‘Hindi ka pwede.’ So the sexy genre is still there but it’s more on the kontrabida side. Hindi na yung katulad nung pa-sexy like before. Kumbaga sexy na lang sa damit, ganun lang.”

Maui also stated that there is no need to compare them with fellow girl group SexBomb Girls, who recently held their own reunion concert. She likewise shared that one of the reasons they decided to stage their own reunion show was that they were inspired by the SexBomb Girls.

“They are actually good friends of everyone. So when they found out that we were having this reunion concert, they already sent a congratulatory message to the group.”

Acknowledging that comparisons will always be inevitable, Maui stressed that their ‘Bulaklak’ concert will offer something different from the SexBomb show. “We want to showcase the celebration of the 23 years of friendship and this is not just an ordinary concert. It’s going to be an experience for everyone. Ipaparamdam namin sa lahat na ito yung Viva Hot Babes.

“This is what we’ve gone through after all these years. This is what we’ve achieved. These are the years of friendship. And everyone’s gonna feel that all throughout the concert.”

Directed by GB Sampedro, the ‘Bulaklak Viva Hot Babes Reunion Concert’ will take place on Oct. 23 at the New Frontier Theater.

Words carry weight

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Oct 18, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Oct 18, 2026 09:29 am

Words can heal, inspire, and bring people together. They can also wound, humiliate, and deepen divisions. Once spoken, especially before an audience, they cannot always be taken back. This is why freedom of expression, however fundamental, must be exercised with responsibility.

The responsibility becomes even greater for those who command a public following. In an age when a passing remark can travel across social media within minutes, what is dismissed as a joke by one person may be repeated, normalized, and accepted by thousands of others.

The controversy surrounding the podcast Machong Chismisan is a troubling reminder. Its hosts have come under scrutiny after offensive remarks were made about Josh Aquino, the eldest son of television personality Kris Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum. The National Bureau of Investigation has issued subpoenas to five hosts as it examines possible violations of laws protecting persons with disabilities, as well as possible cyberlibel.

The investigation must proceed fairly, with due process for everyone concerned. But whatever its legal outcome, the episode raises a moral question that cannot be brushed aside: Since when did a person's disability become acceptable material for public amusement?

Humor has a place in public discourse. Satire can expose hypocrisy, challenge authority, and help people confront uncomfortable truths. But ridiculing someone for a condition beyond that person's control accomplishes none of these things. It merely turns vulnerability into entertainment.

Nor can the words “just for fun” erase the hurt they cause. For persons with disabilities, such remarks can reinforce prejudices that have kept them excluded from schools, workplaces, and opportunities. For families who have spent years fighting for acceptance, they are reminders of how much further society must go.

Our laws recognize that dignity deserves protection. Republic Act No. 9442, which amended the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, expressly prohibits public ridicule and vilification based on disability. Violations may carry fines or imprisonment, subject, of course, to the findings of the proper authorities and the courts.

Yet responsible speech should not depend solely on fear of punishment. Respect should be practiced even when no law is watching, no complaint is filed, and no outrage erupts online.

This is especially important for podcasters, entertainers, influencers, and other personalities whose words reach young audiences. They help shape what listeners consider funny, acceptable, or worth imitating. When ridicule becomes a source of laughter and applause, cruelty risks passing from one generation to the next.

The same responsibility belongs to ordinary citizens. We need not have millions of followers to hurt another person. A remark at home, a joke among friends, or a careless comment online can either challenge prejudice or perpetuate it.

As this Sunday invites reflection on the week that has passed, perhaps we should examine not only what we have said, but also whom our words may have hurt. We can defend free expression without surrendering compassion. We can disagree without demeaning. We can entertain without making someone else's dignity the price of admission.

Words carry weight. Let us use them to lift people up, not push them further to the margins. At a time when divisions already run deep, the least we can do is speak in ways that help build a more decent and inclusive society.

Kalimantan, #Indonesia's sky have turned #Orange due to the ongoing #HazeChaos in South East Asia and Forest Fire in the country.

The eerie orange haze reported in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, on October 14–16, 2026, is linked to severe smoke from forest fires. Air quality has reached dangerous levels, with PM2.5 concentrations reportedly peaking at 2,512 µg/m³ on October 14, posing a serious risk to public health.

PM2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. Wildfire smoke can also reduce visibility and affect neighboring countries.

Protect yourself:

• Stay indoors if the air is smoky or smells of burning.

• Keep windows and doors closed; use an air purifier if available.

• Wear a well-fitting N95 mask if you must go outside.

• Seek urgent medical care for severe breathing difficulties or chest pain.

Images from GeoNews and Threads via Mothership

May be an image of motorcycle, road and fog. May be an image of fog. May be an image of one or more people and street. May be an image of fog

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'Cirque Alice': A wild, high-flying take on Wonderland

 

By Ian Ureta

Published Oct 17, 2026 05:25 pm

Wonderland gets a circus makeover in "Cirque Alice," which opened at The Theatre at Solaire on Oct. 16.

Based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s "Adventures in Wonderland," the show swaps a straightforward retelling for a series of aerial stunts, acrobatics, contortion, puppetry, and larger-than-life characters.

Having seen the show yesterday, what stood out was just how much was happening onstage. The aerial acts and acrobatics were especially impressive, with performers pulling off stunts that made you wonder how they managed to do them.

Add the colourful costumes, playful characters, and remixed classical music, and the whole thing feels like stepping into a particularly chaotic fever dream, and I mean that in a good way.

It’s less about following Alice’s story beat by beat and more about enjoying the spectacle. Some moments are there to make you gasp, others to get a laugh, and the shifting acts keep things moving.

In case you need the disclaimer: you don’t need to know every detail of Carroll’s story to appreciate what’s happening in front of you.

Produced by Simon Painter and Tim Lawson, "Cirque Alice" features creative direction by Ash Jacks McCready and Kirsty Painter, choreography by Dane Bates and costumes by Angela Aaron.

The show runs until Oct. 25 at The Theatre at Solaire, making it a limited-time option for anyone looking for something a little different from a traditional stage musical or play.