Isha Ponti, Andrea Gutierrez ready to prove they’re ‘The Next Ones’

 

Isha Ponti, Andrea Gutierrez ready to prove they’re ‘The Next Ones’

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

October 31, 2025 | 12:00am

Emerging artists Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez come together for their first-ever concert, “The Next Ones,” on Dec. 13, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum. Isha is a singer-songwriter, while Andrea is a singer. Pop is the former’s choice of genre, and bossa nova is the latter’s.

Isha and Andrea promise music enthusiasts a showcase of their strengths and potential as performers and not a showdown.

Although both have already recorded and released songs, Isha and Andrea will introduce themselves and their music to the public. The show’s director is Calvin Neria, while the musical director is Adonis Tabanda.

“It’s mixed emotions,” said Andrea of her initial reaction upon learning of such a career endeavor in a recent chat with The STAR. “Siyempre, may takot po kasi first time namin gagawin ‘to and then siyempre, happy and thankful (of course, there’s fear because we will be doing this for the first time and then there are feelings of happiness and gratefulness).”

As for Isha, she agreed to the idea because it’s “like a way for us to pave (the) way for other artists because we started out as front acts and guests. Sila naman po yung i-ni-encourage ngayon (they are the ones being encouraged to share and show their talents this time).”

Isha was referring to their singer-friends who, like them, carry on in chasing their singing dreams.

The two Pinay singers got to know each other when they attended voice lessons. They also participated in the same singing competition, “Asia’s Best,” and became grand champions. Years ago, they met again and graced shows of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists such as Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga. And another OPM legend and songwriter, Rey Valera, will also grace their concert.

“There are duets and production numbers,” said Andrea about what the audience can look forward to aside from the solo segments. “And the songs that we haven’t sung before, we’ll get to do them.” As front acts, their choices of songs were limited and based on the show’s theme.

Isha added that they’re “more on modern” songs, but old tunes are also part of their repertoire. They will give them a contemporary touch.

According to director Calvin, the concept for “The Next Ones” is to showcase the artists’ versatility, “but I also want the people or their audience to get to know them through their music and genres.” With that, the show will be somehow story-driven, which means “there’s a takeaway” after one watches it, added he. “The main focus is their artistry and the repertoire. There are more than 17 songs.”

They might also sing songs of their music influences. Isha said she has grown up listening to the records of Sarah Geronimo, Kyla, Nina, Regine Velasquez and Sharon Cuneta. Andrea likes Lani Misalucha and Sitti, the local recording scene’s Queen of Bossa Nova.

Andrea has recently launched the ditty, Mestizong Gwapo. The most recent singles of Isha, on the other hand, are Dyahe and You Loved Me First. She has two more to release this year: They are Kabanata and Kung Maalaala Mo Ako.

After “The Next Ones,” they see themselves recording new songs, releasing an album and topbilling shows, plus content on their social media platforms.

“I do my storytelling when it comes to the songs I write, the lyrics I write,” Isha gave her two cents on singers as storytellers. “With the sounds, you can feel the emotions through sounds. When you like interlock all of them, it becomes (or they produce) a whole story that people can interpret and they can feel a lot of emotions, a lot of meaning behind it.”

“From there, I’d also see myself as a storyteller. I feel like it’s because of the way other artists deliver their performance or music (that also makes them a storyteller),” added she.

That’s why Andrea needs to “feel the emotions, the story (of the song). Minsan, diba, kapag na-a-areglo, nawawala yung essence nung song (sometimes, the song arrangement affects its essence). I want to feel the lyrics and the story.”

Since their show is timed during Christmas season, they consider it their gift to family, friends and fans and those people who believe in and trust them.

As they unwrap the musical gift, Isha and Andrea will show what they’ve got as artists in “The Next Ones.”

They are also game to the idea of guesting in the OPM countdown show, “Vibe,” on TV5, which airs weekdays, weeknights and weekends. They can talk about their songs, music and journey as artists in the segment “Uprising.”

For ticket inquiries, visit https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=NEXTONES25.

Gone, but the music remains

SOUNDS FAMILIAR - Baby A. Gil - The Philippine Star 

October 31, 2025 | 12:00am

Gone, but the music remains

We pause to remember and say a prayer for our loved ones who have left this world. Let us think, too, of the artists who are now gone. We feel the loss and will always be grateful for the music they left behind. Among the well-loved artists who passed away this year are (clockwise, from top left) Pilita Corrales, Cocoy Laurel, Louie Reyes, Davey Langit, Freddie Aguilar, Hajji Alejandro and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor.

Eugene Villaluz has been making beautiful music with the angels in heaven these past seven years. But he has been unable to sing one of his most memorable recordings, Nothing I Want More.

Arranged as a duet, it needed a very special partner. So why not bring in Louie Reyes, a fantastic singer, jazz artist, vocal coach, voice teacher and former New Minstrel.

So, Louie was called in to join that gathering of singers in the great beyond. She passed away in her home in the US last Oct. 26. She was married to New Minstrels founder Cesar de la Fuente for almost 50 years and had two sons.

Time now for her to join Eugene and sing again that showstopping chorus, “I don’t understand the reason/ I told you so before/ for when I’m with you there’s nothing I want more/ I want more…”

The grim reaper has had quite a time harvesting well-loved people in the music scene this year.  As the old joke goes, somebody up there must be forming a band to provide entertainment for some heavenly event. And some of the best were taken to be in that forever gig.

The talented singer and songwriter Davey Langit, 37, also said goodbye last Oct. 21 from a rare form of infection of the spine. Among his works were Paratingin Mo Na Siya and Dalawang Letra.

As we do during this time of the year, we pause to remember and say a prayer for our loved ones who have left this world. Let us think too of the artists who are now gone. We feel the loss and will always be grateful for the music they left behind.

And now for this year’s star-studded departure list, which I pray will not get any more additions:

Quincy Jones, 92, on Nov. 3, 2024. One of the greatest American composers and producers. Q, as he was fondly called, steered Michael Jackson to the top of the world with the albums “Thriller” and “Off the Wall.”

Marianne Faithful, 78, on Jan. 30, 2025, was the British rock and pop singer best known for As Tears Go By.

Roberta Flack, 88, on Feb. 24. The pop and R&B singer popularized The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with Your Song.

Richard Chamberlain, 90, on March 27. An actor and singer, he was Doctor Kildaire and later Father Ralph de Bricassart of “The Thorn Birds,” whose theme Three Stars will Shine Tonight was his big hit.

Johnny Tillotson, 86, on April 1. The rock and roll singer from the ‘60s was known for Poetry in Motion and Tears on my Pillow.

Pilita Corrales, 87, on April 12. A singer, actress and comedienne, she was Asia’s Queen of Songs, who gave a new spin to native music with her album “Philippine Love Songs.”

Nora Aunor, 72, on April 17. As the Superstar, she went from singing champion to global acclaim. She dominated the charts with her songs and the box office with her films. She was the country’s first Best Actress winner in a major film festival, “The Flor Contemplacion Story” in Cairo.

Hajji Alejandro, 71, on April 4, 2025. The member of the Circus Band-turned-pop idol was dubbed the “Kilabot ng mga kolehiyala.”

Freddie Aguilar, 72, on May 27.  Olongapo folk singer whose song Anak became the first Filipino song to hit big internationally.

Sly Stone of the funk band Sly and the Family Stone, 82, on June 9. Big hits were Everyday People and Dance to the Music.

Brian Wilson, 83, on June 11. Founder of the Beach Boys, the American rock and roll band who introduced the Surfin’ sound.

Cocoy Laurel, 72, on June 14. The multi-talented actor, singer, songwriter, poet and painter was The Engineer in “Miss Saigon” and Nora’s leading man in “Lollipops and Roses.”

Lalo Schifrin, 93, on June 26. A pianist, arranger and conductor, he provided music to “Mission Impossible” and “Enter the Dragon.”

nnie Francis, 87, on July 16. She was the girl singer of the ‘60s era with hits like Who’s Sorry Now and Pretty Little Baby.

Alan Bergman, 99, on July 17. He and his wife, Marilyn, composed The Windmills of Your Mind and The Way We Were.

Cleo Laine, 97, on July 24, was a British jazz singer and actress.

Chuck Mangione, 84, on July 22, was the instrumentalist who introduced the flugelhorn to pop music with Feel So Good.

Ozzy Osbourne, 77, on July 22, was Rock’s Prince of Darkness and creator of heavy metal sounds.

Jane Morgan, 101, on Aug. 4, was the singer and actress of the iconic recording of Two Different Worlds.

To all of them, let us say, thank you for the music.

Davao City Welcomes 500 GSM E-Taxis

 Davao City Welcomes 500 GSM E-Taxis

A fleet of 500 VinFast Green GSM electric taxis has just arrived at Davao Port, marking a major step toward cleaner and smarter transportation in the city.

Following its successful Metro Manila launch last June, the Davao rollout will soon bring zero-emission, long-range e-taxis—offering quiet, efficient, and comfortable rides for passengers.

This milestone builds on the earlier Maligaya E-Taxi project, pushing Davao ahead as the first city in Mindanao to embrace an all-electric taxi fleet.

With Green GSM’s entry, Davao continues to drive toward a modern, eco-friendly, and future-ready transport system—truly living up to its title as the Crown Jewel of Mindanao.

Padayon lang ta!

Vilma Santos at 60 years in showbiz

 

By Annalyn S. Jusay

Published Oct 27, 2025 06:42 am

Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto thanks everyone for her awards (Facebook)

Star For All Seasons and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, fondly called "Ate Vi" by most, has been in the showbiz limelight since she was 10. After six decades and counting, she shows no signs of slowing down.

Last Saturday, Oct. 25, Ate Vi was honored with the Best Actress recognition for "Uninvited" at the 27th Gawad PASADO Awards given by the Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro - a national organization of film educators, teachers, and academics from various schools and universities in the Philippines.

In the event held at Manila Tytana Colleges, she was also inducted into the Hall of Fame for being recognized as Best Actress by Gawad Pasado five times. She was previously cited for her performances in "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?" (1998), "Anak" (2000), "Dekada ’70" (2002), and "Everything About Her" (2016).

Asked what keeps her relevant after more than six decades in the business, Ate Vi attributes her attitude and work ethic.

“Hindi ako natakot to reinvent myself, to learn more. Just because I won Best Actress, does that mean I'm the best? Of course not. You're only as good as your last film. After that, there's someone better than you," she pondered.

Ate Vi pointed out that the lessons she would like to impart to others in the industry are the following: "non-stop learning, willing to take the risk, love your career because it will love you back. The same people you meet on the way up are the same people you will meet on the way down, so learn to be grateful to everyone around you."

Even after playing nearly every imaginable character in six decades of acting, the veteran actress still has dreams to fulfill.

“May dream pa ako na gusto kong gumanap na isang Muslim,” she shared. “‘Yung ginagawang kultura ng isang Muslim. At ‘yung pagiging mentally challenged, although baka mukha ng awkward sa edad ko. (I still dream of playing a Muslim woman and portraying their culture, and maybe a mentally challenged person, though that might look awkward at my age.)"

Although her focus now is serving the province of Batangas, Ate Vi admitted to always missing her first love.

Ate Vi with officers of Gawad Pasado, composed of film educators from leading universities.

“I will be serving Batangas for three years, pero sana kahit maka isang pelikula, ipapakiusap ko sa mga Batangueño. Nami-miss ko rin, hinahanap ng katawan ko talaga. (I’ll be serving Batangas for three years, but I hope to make at least one film. I miss it; it’s something my body really longs for)," she said.

Now in her second term as governor, Ate Vi said she has learned to impart a modern style of governance.

“Sa trabaho namin ngayon, there’s no such thing as ‘tomorrow is another day,’ kasi yesterday is the deadline,” she explained. “With technology now, pag babagal-bagal ka, walang mangyayari. Lahat dapat fast-track (In our work now, there’s no such thing as ‘tomorrow is another day,’ because yesterday is already the deadline. With today’s technology, if you’re slow, nothing gets done. Everything must be fast-track.)"

One of her major initiatives is "Capitol on Wheels," a mobile government office that brings public services directly to the people. “Kami na ang lumalapit sa tao. Hindi na sila pipila at magugutom para sa ayuda. Enough of that,” she said proudly.

(We’re the ones going to the people now. They no longer have to queue and go hungry just to receive assistance. Enough of that.)

Ate Vi on corruption

Addressing the corruption scandals that plague Philippine politics, Ate Vi stated that the issues make her feel bad.

"At the end of the day, ang nahihirapan ay ‘yung tao. Pero dapat resolbahan. I am not being self-righteous here, okay? Pero since naging public servant ako, ang isang natutunan ko, up to this day, ang sinusunod ko lang ay tatlo. Unang-unang, follow the law. Secondly, be accountable to your people. And third, be transparent. No shortcuts. Yan lang yan. (At the end of the day, it’s the people who suffer. But it must be resolved. Since I became a public servant, I’ve followed only three rules: follow the law, be accountable to your people, and be transparent. No shortcuts. That's it.)

And her advice to fellow leaders? “Lessen the greed. Enough.”

'Amihan' season is here — PAGASA

 Photo from Pixabay

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Oct 27, 2025 06:24 pm

Time to dust off those jackets as the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” season officially begins in the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, Oct. 27 declared the onset of the amihan season, following the intensification of a high-pressure area over East Asia, which has pushed cool northeasterly winds to reach the northern Philippines.

“Over the past few days, observations have indicated the strengthening of a high-pressure area over East Asia, which has caused a surge of northeasterly winds over extreme Northern Luzon,” PAGASA said in its advisory.

The weather bureau added that increasing atmospheric pressure, the cooling of surroundings, and other meteorological conditions “indicate the start of the northeast monsoon season.”

PAGASA said the amihan is expected to become more dominant in most parts of the country, bringing cool and dry air and occasional cold temperature surges.

It also warned that successive monsoon surges over the next two weeks may result in rough sea conditions over the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

The amihan season generally begins in late October or early November and lasts until early March, while the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season typically starts in the latter half of May or early June and persists until October.

Goldpreis fällt deutlich unter 4000 US-Dollar

 Quelle: picture alliance/dpa/Sven Hoppe

Schon vergangene Woche war der Goldpreis deutlich gesunken

Die Erwartung eines US-Zollabkommens mit China setzt den Goldpreis weiter unter Druck. Am Montag wurde eine Feinunze deutlich unter 4000 US-Dollar gehandelt. Risikoreiche Anlagen werden hingegen beliebter.

Der Goldpreis hat die Verluste der vergangenen Woche fortgesetzt und ist mit der Aussicht auf eine Entspannung im Handelsstreit zwischen den USA und China unter 4000 US-Dollar gefallen. Am Nachmittag beschleunigte sich der Preisrückgang deutlich und eine Feinunze (etwa 31,1 Gramm) wurde bei 3988 Dollar gehandelt. Das sind etwa 124 Dollar weniger als am Freitag. Bereits in der vergangenen Woche war der Goldpreis deutlich gefallen, nachdem er zuletzt am 20. Oktober ein Rekordhoch bei 4381 Dollar erreicht hatte.

Vor einem geplanten Treffen von US-Präsident Donald Trump und Chinas Präsident Xi Jinping haben sich beide Länder im Zoll- und Handelsstreit angenähert und sind zu einer vorläufigen Einigung gelangt. Dies bremste die Nachfrage nach vergleichsweise sicheren Anlagen, zu denen auch Gold gezählt wird. Risikoreiche Anlagen, etwa am Kryptomarkt, werden hingegen beliebter. Der Bitcoin verteuerte sich in der Spitze um 2,5 Prozent auf 116.272 Dollar.

Mit den jüngsten Preisrückgängen ist der Höhenflug des Goldpreises vorerst beendet. Trotz des jüngsten Rückgangs ist das Edelmetall seit Beginn des Jahres um mehr als 50 Prozent teurer geworden. Neben der Flucht in sichere Anlagehäfen im Zuge geopolitischer Risiken und der Furcht vor den Folgen der aggressiven Zollpolitik der US-Regierung haben auch die Spekulationen auf sinkende Zinsen und die Goldkäufe durch Zentralbanken die Notierungen über Monate hinweg immer weiter nach oben getrieben.

Ähnlich wie beim Gold ist auch die Notierung für Silber zu Beginn der neuen Handelswoche weiter deutlich gefallen. Hier wurde die Feinunze zuletzt bei 46,24 Dollar gehandelt und damit etwa fünf Prozent tiefer als am Freitag. Auch beim Silber hatte es in den vergangenen Monaten einen enormen Anstieg gegeben, wobei der Wert seit Beginn des Jahres um etwa 56 Prozent gestiegen ist.

dpa/gub

Filipino jazz singer Louie Reyes, former member of The New Minstrels, passes away

By Robert Requintina

Published Oct 26, 2025 11:21 pm

Louie Reyes (Facebook)

OPM icon Louie Reyes, who was a member of the popular '70s vocal group The New Minstrels, has passed away.

Louie's demise was confirmed by her husband, Cesar dela Fuente, in one of the tribute posts for the Filipino jazz singer.

"Today I lost the love of my life," wrote Cesar on Oct. 26. The cause of Louie's death was not disclosed. No interment details for Louie have been announced.

Following her death, colleagues in the entertainment industry — Odette Quesada, Ivy Violan, and Leah Navarro — offered condolences and prayers.

Singer-songwriter Odette Quesada wrote on Facebook, "Bodjie and Iran into Louie Reyes at IKEA in Burbank, California, 24 years ago. She had heard that we had recently relocated to Los Angeles and welcomed us with open arms, telling us to call if we ever needed anything.

"Through the years, we saw Louie Reyes and her husband, Cesar, at every Filipino event in L.A. and grew a kinship most musicians have with each other, born of mutual respect and camaraderie.

"Louie Reyes was also there at Bodjie's memorial. We even got to do a few shows together —the last just a couple of years ago —where we had a long, meaningful, and thoughtful conversation about life after the show.

"She was always so encouraging, always so gracious, always so kind. Louie Reyes,you will always be missed. My condolences to your family and friends," Odette said.

Among the popular songs of The New Minstrels are "Smile," "I Don't Love You Anymore," "Nothing I Want More," and "Ikaw, Ako, Tayo'y Magkakapatid."

Flu cases in Metro Manila

 

Flu cases in Metro Manila rise by 22% in October; 98% are Influenza A—PSMID

Face masks are back in use amid rising flu cases.

Flu cases in Metro Manila climbed by 22 percent in October compared to the previous month, the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) bared. PSMID said a total of 2,028 influenza cases were recorded in October, up from September’s figures. Read more

Betroffene werden per Bescheid informiert: Zuschlag für Millionen Rentner endet in wenigen Wochen

Stand:26.10.2025, 17:08 Uhr

Von: Kai Hartwig    

Millionen Rentner müssen sich umstellen: Bald ändert sich die Berechnung des Erwerbsminderungsrenten-Zuschlags – die Witwenrente kann sinken.

Frankfurt – Zahlreiche Erwerbsminderungsrentnerinnen und -rentner müssen sich auf eine entscheidende Änderung einstellen. Ab Dezember 2025 läuft das bisherige System der separaten Zuschlagszahlungen aus. Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) stellt die Berechnung komplett um – mit weitreichenden Folgen für die Betroffenen bei der EM-Rente.  

Viele Rentnerinnen und Rentner erwartet ab Dezember eine neue Berechnung der Erwerbsminderungsrenten. © Arne Dedert/dpa

Seit Juli 2024 erhalten Rentnerinnen und Rentner mit einer Erwerbsminderungsrente zwischen 2001 und 2018 einen Zuschlag von bis zu 7,5 Prozent. Bisher floss dieser Betrag getrennt zur Mitte des Monats aufs Konto. Das ändert sich grundlegend: Ab Dezember wird der Zuschlag direkt in die reguläre Rente integriert und auf Basis der persönlichen Rentenpunkte berechnet, wie der DRV-Website zu entnehmen ist.   

Neue Berechnungsgrundlage bei EM-Rente bringt Vorteile – doch Witwenrente kann auch empfindlich sinken

Der Vorteil: Der Zuschlag wächst automatisch bei jeder Rentenerhöhung mit. Fällt die neue Berechnung höher aus, gibt es sogar eine Nachzahlung. Die DRV erklärt: „Sollte die Rente einschließlich Zuschlag im Dezember 2025 höher sein als sie es im November 2025 war, wird die Differenz mit dem Faktor 17 (für die 17 Monate von Juli 2024 bis November 2025) vervielfacht und Ihnen nachgezahlt.“

Problematisch wird es für Erwerbsminderungsrentner und -rentnerinnen, die gleichzeitig eine Witwen- oder Witwerrente beziehen. Die Deutsche Rentenversicherung mahnt: „Ab Dezember 2025 wird der Zuschlag nicht mehr auf Basis des Rentenbetrages, sondern auf Basis der persönlichen Entgeltpunkte berechnet, die der Rente zugrunde liegen.“ Weiter heißt es: „Über die Weiterzahlung des Zuschlags ab Dezember 2025 erhalten Sie einen weiteren Bescheid. Der Zuschlag wird dann zusammen mit der regulären Rente in einer Summe ausgezahlt.“   

Rente für Auswanderer: Die begehrtesten Länder für Deutsche im Ruhestand

Fotostrecke ansehen

Konkret bedeutet das: Übersteigt die Netto-Erwerbsminderungsrente inklusive Zuschlag den Freibetrag von 1.076,86 Euro monatlich, werden 40 Prozent des übersteigenden Betrags von der Witwenrente abgezogen. Bei einer Netto-EM-Rente von 1.200 Euro würde die Witwenrente um rund 49 Euro sinken, wie t-online.de berechnete.   

Bescheide zur Änderung bei der EM-Rente kommen automatisch

Alle betroffenen Rentnerinnen und Rentner erhalten rechtzeitig einen neuen Bescheid über die Änderungen. Gundula Sennewald, Sprecherin der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bund, beruhigt aber bei t-online.de: „Insgesamt wird sich die Höhe der ausgezahlten Rentenbeträge zum 1. Dezember 2025 kaum ändern.“ Demnach belaufen sich die meisten Abweichungen lediglich auf Cent-Beträge.

Betroffen sind alle Rentnerinnen und Rentner, deren Erwerbsminderungsrente zwischen 2001 und 2018 begann. Je nach Zeitpunkt beträgt der Zuschlag 7,5 Prozent (2001 bis 2014) oder 4,5 Prozent (2014 bis 2018). Laut aktuellen Zahlen der DRV wird zu rund drei Millionen Renten ein Zuschlag ausgezahlt, weil „die Verbesserungen zuvor nicht oder nur teils berücksichtigt werden konnten“. (Quellen: Deutsche Rentenversicherung, t-online.de) (kh)