will.i.am Lands With a BOOM

By Jonathan Castillo

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will.i.am is more than just the guy behind some of the biggest hits of the century. He's worked on tech before. He co-founded a headphone brand that threw down some serious beats. He has an AI company, called FYI.AI. So his work with LG's xboom should come with no surprise.

“About a year and a half ago, LG approached me with the idea of collaborating on a line of speakers. Honestly, I was blown away, LG is one of the best consumer electronics companies in the world. I’ve always been a fan,” he shared.

"I use LG products in my own home, the TVs, the washer and dryer, the fridge, all of it. So when they walked into my studio and said they wanted to work together, I even called my mom to tell her, and she was just as excited. I’ve always had a deep love for Korea and have collaborated with amazing artists like CL, the queen of K-pop,” he explained. “So the idea of working closely with a Korean brand like LG on a project that merges tech, sound, and design was something I couldn’t pass up. I’m truly over the moon about it.”

LG Philippines’ Product Director for Media Solutions, Yongwoo Park said: “We are honored to welcome a global icon, an individual who has made an extraordinary impact not only in music but also in advocacy, championing access to creative and technological education for underserved students in Los Angeles,” he said. Mr. Park added that will.i.am’s vision was key, noting, “This partnership embodies LG’s mission to create innovations that go beyond functionality, inspiring people to live, create, and connect in meaningful ways.”

The LG introduces the xboom crew as:

The xboom Stage 301: The karaoke king of the group. It has a 6.5” woofer and 2.5” midrange drivers. This comes with mic controls.

The xboom Bounce: The compact cannon with surprisingly beefy bass.

The xboom Grab: The sleek, grab-and-go tube for life on the move.

The xboom Buds: For when you need to tune out the world with crisp, noise-canceling sound.

"I pay attention to so many details, what’s the experience? What’s the box fabric? Can you feel the ink on the print?” will.i.am said. “What key should all the sounds be in? The experience is everything,from the first touch to the first sound,” he said. “There has to be a cohesive experience throughout.”

“The only product out of the four that’s really built for musicians is the xboom Stage — and it’s my favorite,” will.i.am said. “It has an aux jack, so if you’re making beats or singing on the go, this is studio quality. I use it when I’m working on music in the studio, and even as a sound reference when I travel.”

PBB grand winner Mika Salamanca emotional as she releases her first children's book

By Robert Requintina

Published Sep 6, 2025 10:17 pm       

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition grand winner Mika Salamanca surprised fans when she published her first children's book in Quezon City recently.

Titled "Lipad," Mika expressed the challenges of writing, emphasizing that every word crafted was a journey infused with love, hope, and unwavering faith. Each sentence reflected struggles but also conveyed warmth and possibilities.

"I’ve been working on this dream with my team. Hindi naging madali, pero every step was filled with love, hope, and faith. And now, hawak-hawak ko na siya. Something that used to live only in my heart is finally real," Mika said during a media conference.

She added: "I keep reminding myself to believe na tatanggapin nyo rin ito with the same love and warmth na binuhos ko/namin dito. This book is not only for kids, kahit anong season ka ng buhay mo ngayon, I know it will find its way to your heart and give you a little resolution. Kaya sana habang binabasa nyo siya, maramdaman nyo rin yung same magic that carried me through. (I keep reminding myself to believe that you will also receive it with the same love and warmth that I/we poured into it. This book is not only for kids; no matter what season of life you are in now, I know it will find its way to your heart and give you a little resolution. So I hope that as you read it, you will also feel the same magic that carried me through.)"

Mika revealed that writing has been a cherished outlet for her since childhood, serving as a canvas for her imagination and a refuge for her thoughts.

From the moment she discovered the magic of words, she embarked on a journey of expression that has blossomed throughout her life.

"Writing was one of my outlets when I was still a kid. So yung mga stories ko pinapadala ko lang sa mga parents at sa ate ko. Sa family ko lang talaga. (So I only sent my stories to my parents and my sister. Really, just to my family.)

"But this one, before ako nakapasok sa 'PBB,' sinulat ko siya sa car. Pag nagsusulat ako, I based it sa experience ko po or sa nakikita ko sa paligid ko. (But this one, before I got into 'PBB,' I wrote it in the car. When I write, I base it on my experience or what I see around me.)"

"So, when I started writing, it was more about a school-like experience with my classmates, or the experiences of my classmates with one another," Mika also said.

Mika shared the heartfelt reasons behind her choice to pen a whimsical children's book, unveiling the inspiration that sparked her creative journey.

"It's easy to write something for my generation. When I attend events with children, I always give a message in front of them or pinapakanta rin nila ako minsan. (They ask me to sing.)"

"So naisip ko lang kung ano yung something na pwede kong maitulong sa mga bata Naka-smile naman sila pero ano kaya yung pwede kong iwan sa kanila na maalala nila kahit matanda na kami or hindi na nila alam ang pangalan ko. Doon ko naisip na perfect ang book para kapag pupunta ako sa bahay ampunan, meron akong iiwanan sa kanila. (So I just thought about what I could do to help the children. They were smiling, but what could I leave with them that they would remember even when we were old or they didn't know my name anymore? That's when I thought the book would be perfect so that when I go to the orphanage, I can leave something with them,)" Mika said.

Growing up, insecurities

Mika became emotional while reading the book, as she also revealed her insecurities from growing up.

"Isa talaga yung height. Sa appearance yun lang po talaga. Pero ang pinaka-insecurity ko ay hindi kami magkakasama ng family ko ko. Lagi ko itong nababanggit sa interviews before. Kapag nakakakita ako ng buong pamilya, insecure ako kasi nasa malayo ang parents ko. (Height is one thing. That's only for my appearance. But my biggest insecurity is that my family and I aren't together. I've always mentioned this in interviews before. When I see my whole family, I'm insecure because my parents are far away.)"

Mika remembered fondly that her sister was the first to dive into the book.

"Unang nakabasa nito ay ang ate ko. Masaya naman siya noong nabasa niya. Noong nasa US pa po ako, sinasabi ko na talaga sa kanila na gusto kong gumawa ng libro. Outlet ko talaga ang pagsusulat, sketch and paint. Gusto kong makita ng mundo yung puso at isip ko. (My sister was the first to read it. She was happy when she read it. When I was still in the US, I was really telling them that I wanted to write a book. Writing, sketching, and painting are really my outlets. I want the world to see my heart and mind)," she also said.

Mika dedicates this heartfelt book to children who dream of endless possibilities and to those who struggle with insecurities. It offers hope and understanding to everyone who seeks acceptance and confidence.

"I want to dedicate this book to all those who are afraid to try in life. It's really easy to cage ourselves because of insecurities. Sometimes, we limit ourselves, but I hope they won't be afraid to fly," she added.

"Lipad" will make its official debut at the Manila International Book Fair 2025, which will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay from Sept. 10 to 14. She will also have a reading session and a book signing at the event.

Why the Tubbataha Reefs National Park is a mecca of Philippine diving

Exploring the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Sep 4, 2025 09:31 pm

At A Glance

• The Philippine reef system is gorgeous. I am lucky and spoiled as a Filipino diver to access it at my convenience.    

By Jenna Sy

Underwater images by Anthony Ober

GUARDIANS OF THE REEF The author with the Tubbataha rangers, and her dive buddies

If there is one thing to be proud of about the Philippines, it is definitely the Tubbataha Reefs National Park, our rainforest of the sea. It was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1993. No wonder that the Philippines' highest denomination of banknotes, the ₱1,000 polymer banknote, shows an image of the Tubbataha and the most lovable pawikan (sea turtle). For local divers, Tubbataha is a mecca of Philippine diving. Foreign divers have it on their bucket list as well. But what, a Filipino non-diver may ask, is all the fuss about diving in Tubbataha? I had no idea until I experienced it myself.

HOME ON THE RANGE Tubbataha Ranger Station

After some meticulous planning, I found myself at the port in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, one morning, poised to embark on my Tubbataha trip. Along with other divers, I boarded a boat on a trip that took six hours before we reached the nearest Tubbataha atoll, the Jessie Beazley. Having rested on the boat and waking up in the Sulu Sea, we started the series of dives for the week, which took place all around the three atolls of Tubbataha… Jessie Beazley, the South Atoll, and the North Atoll.

BEAUTIES OF THE SEA Corals spotted within the Tubbataha Reef

Beautiful corals spanned the atolls. The Philippine reef system is gorgeous. I am lucky and spoiled as a Filipino diver to access it at my convenience. I was surprised at the number of reef fish we encountered in the days we were diving. It did not occur to me that the Philippines is part of the coral triangle, and Tubbataha is a marine protected area. Schools of sweetlips, snappers, groupers, barracuda, jackfish, and batfish are only a few of the fish species I can remember. We even had the privilege of witnessing a huge school of bumphead parrotfish (numbering by the hundreds!) feeding.

CLASS IS IN SESSION A school of yellowfin barracuda

UNBOTHERED KING An undisturbed sea turtle taking a quick snooze

MIND THE TEETH Clown triggerfish are notorious for being territorial and aggressive in nature

SMOOCHES, ANYONE? Sweetlip fish get their name from their thick lips

I shouldn’t forget to mention the rays and the sharks. Oh, how lovely it was to witness the manta ray, eagle ray, and the limitless number of juvenile reef sharks gliding around the deep ocean. It was a party underwater! I would have loved to have sighted huge pelagic sharks, but seeing the abundance of juvenile reef sharks was also special. It only meant that Tubbataha is a safe place for the common whitetip and blacktip reef sharks to reproduce.

While the beautiful reefs of the Tubbataha are without a doubt a natural Philippine national treasure, I do feel we haven't acknowledged the personnel tirelessly protecting and maintaining our UNESCO World Heritage Site enough. Though the diving window in Tubbataha is only between March and June, dedicated rangers, coast guards, researchers, and staff stay in the middle of the ocean throughout the year, away from their families, and risk their lives in the brutal typhoons and the habagat (southwest monsoon) just to safeguard the area from illegal fishing and poaching. They deserve respect and recognition; they are heroes.

INTENSE STARE A whitetip reef shark lazing at the bottom of the reef

SPREAD YOUR WINGS Manta rays' wings allow them to maneuver with ease underwater

A week of diving in Tubbataha went by quickly. Settling down on my flight back to Manila, it was only then that I was able to catch my breath and get the chance to reflect and appreciate the marine protected area. I couldn’t be any prouder to be Filipino. We are lucky to be endowed with an unspoiled marine sanctuary. Tubbataha may be far from home, but I hope we can help protect our ocean in all the small ways we can. We only have one Tubbataha after all.

Tips for Tubbataha diving:

• Gain experience. Tubbataha may have strong underwater currents–come armed with a minimum of 50 diving experience.

• Prepare essentials. The marine national park is far from land. One must stay on the boat for a week. Just so you know, there is zero mobile phone signal, and Starlink internet connection may not be available or consistent. Keep in mind that there are no establishments for supplies, either, so it’s best to bring everything that you think you will need. I suggest throwing in a medicine kit (including seasick pills) as well.

• Book early. A diving season in Tubbataha is only four months long, as it ends when the habagat season begins. Divers from all over the world book the trip one to two years in advance.

• Get insurance. The trip is weather-dependent. It is wise to get travel insurance for any trip cancellations.

 

Alex Eala wins her first WTA title. (File Photo/AP)

Alex Eala captures first WTA title in Guadalajara

Alex Eala etched her name into the history books once again, capturing her maiden Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title with a stirring 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 comeback victory over Hungary’s Panna Udvardy at the Guadalajara 125 Open on Sunday, Sept. 7 (Philippine time). Read more

Never explain yourself

 Never explain yourself

to anyone. Because the person who likes you doesn't need it. And the person who dislikes you won't believe it. It's a waste of time and energy to justify your actions or feelings to those who don't truly understand or care. Focus your efforts on building relationships with people who appreciate you for who you are, without needing explanations. Remember, your worth isn't determined by the opinions of others. Trust your instincts and live authentically, without feeling the pressure to explain every decision or action. Your energy is valuable; don't squander it on those who don't deserve it.

Zoll: Postversand in die USA um 81 Prozent eingebrochen

Stand:06.09.2025, 16:39 Uhr

Auch DHL hat seinen Paketdienst in die USA deutlich eingeschränkt. (Archivbild) © Sven Hoppe/dpa

Seit Ende August gelten neue Regeln für den Warenversand in die USA. Das hat weltweite Folgen. Eine UN-Organisation arbeitet an Lösungen.

Genf - Der internationale Postverkehr in die Vereinigten Staaten ist nach der Einführung von neuen US-Zollvorschriften um 81 Prozent zurückgegangen. Das berichtete der Weltpostverein in Bern. Die UN-Organisation verglich die Daten vom 29. August, als die Zollfreiheit für Warenimporte mit einem Wert unter 800 Dollar abgeschafft wurde, mit dem Wert von einer Woche zuvor. Bei dem Weltpostverein gehe man davon aus, dass der Einbruch bis jetzt anhalte, sagte eine Sprecherin.Als Reaktion auf die neuen Zollregeln haben nach Angaben des Weltpostvereins weltweit 88 Postdienstleister den Versand in die USA zumindest teilweise eingestellt. Unter anderem hat der Bonner Konzern DHL, der auch unter der Marke Deutsche Post auftritt, seinen Paketdienst deutlich eingeschränkt.   

Trump führte unter anderem Drogenschmuggel als Grund an

US-Präsident Donald Trump hatte den Zoll-Schritt unter anderem damit begründet, dass in zollfreien Paketen in großem Stil gefährliche Drogen in die USA geschmuggelt worden seien. In den vergangenen Jahren waren zollfreie Paketlieferungen unter anderem dank chinesischen Plattformen wie Temu und Shein stark gestiegen.   

Der Weltpostverein arbeitet nach eigenen Angaben an technischen Lösungen, um den Postverkehr mit den USA wieder in Gang zu bringen. Seit Freitag stehe Dienstleistern ein Programm zur Verfügung, mit dem die notwendigen Zölle berechnet und bezahlt werden könnten, hieß es. dpa