Police authorities in the BARMM have intensified their disaster response efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and ensure public safety as Typhoon Inday continues to affect parts of the region. Some 400 police personnel have been deployed for disaster response in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, which have been affected by heavy rains over the past two days. At least 100 families have been affected by flash floods in Parang following heavy downpour since Wednesday.
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Friday, July 10, 2026
ABS-CBN Entertainment tops 55 Million YouTube subscribers, extends digital reach
By Neil Ramos
At A Glance
- ABS-CBN Entertainment has surpassed 55 million YouTube subscribers, cementing its position as Southeast Asia's most-subscribed media and entertainment channel as audiences continue to support its digital content.
ABS-CBN Entertainment has surpassed 55 million subscribers on YouTube, extending its lead as Southeast Asia's most-subscribed media and entertainment channel on the video-sharing platform.
As of July 3, the channel has accumulated 76 billion lifetime views, according to data from Tubular and YouTube Analytics.
The milestone highlights how audiences have continued to follow ABS-CBN's programs online, helping the company build one of the region's largest entertainment channels on YouTube despite no longer operating a free-to-air television network.
Among the programs available on the platform are the primetime series "Coco Martin's Sigabo," "Blood vs Duty," and "The Alibi: Ang Buong Katotohanan," along with "It's Showtime," "ASAP XP," "TV Patrol," "Kapamilya Deal or No Deal," and "Everybody Sing."
The network has also expanded its lineup of digital-first offerings through YouTube-exclusive programs such as the celebrity podcast "Hot Takes," Melai Cantiveros' Bisaya talk show "Kuan on One," and "The Next Big Band," ABS-CBN's first music docu-reality series produced exclusively for YouTube.
The latest milestone reflects the continued support of viewers for ABS-CBN's programs, allowing the company to reach new heights on digital platforms years after losing its broadcast franchise.
By Neil Ramos
Published Jul 9, 2026 06:54 pm
For generations of Filipinos, few karaoke moments have been as unforgettable as someone passionately belting out "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
Whether performed at family reunions, birthday parties, neighborhood gatherings, or late-night videoke sessions, Bonnie Tyler's timeless power ballad became more than just an international hit—it became part of the soundtrack of countless Filipino celebrations.
On Thursday, fans around the world mourned the loss of the legendary Welsh singer, who died on July 8 in Faro, Portugal.
Her family announced the news through social media.
"Bonnie's family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.
"We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy."
Tyler had been battling serious health complications in recent months.
In May, reports emerged that she had undergone emergency intestinal surgery and was in critical condition at a hospital in Faro. Her family later shared that she was no longer in a coma but remained in intensive care as supporters from around the world continued to send prayers and well wishes.
She celebrated her 75th birthday on June 8 from her hospital bed.
Born Gaynor Hopkins in Swansea, South Wales, Tyler was discovered while performing in a nightclub before rising to international fame with her unmistakable raspy voice.
She would go on to record some of the biggest anthems of the 1980s, including "Total Eclipse of the Heart," "Holding Out for a Hero," and "It's a Heartache."
Among them, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" found an especially enduring home in the Philippines.
For many Filipinos, Bonnie Tyler wasn't just a global music icon. She was the voice behind one of the songs that brought families and friends together around a microphone.
Tyler is survived by her husband, Robert Sullivan, whom she married in 1973. The couple had no children.
Though her powerful voice has fallen silent, it is unlikely that "Total Eclipse of the Heart" ever will.
Long after the lights dim on stages around the world, her music will continue to echo through karaoke machines, reminding generations of listeners why her voice remains one of the most unforgettable in pop music history.
Local festivals, national impact: A blueprint for the Filipino Fiesta
By Mayor Francis M. Zamora
METRO MATTERS
As President of the Metro Manila Council and the National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, I have come to appreciate that local festivals are more than cultural celebrations. Drawing from lessons and best practices shared by our sister cities, I have seen how festivals can preserve heritage while creating opportunities for growth.
This vision guided us in San Juan as we celebrated our Wattah! Wattah! Festival 2026.
As Mayor, I have always believed that tradition and progress should move forward hand in hand. This year’s festival demonstrated that a century-old celebration can remain faithful to its roots while evolving to meet the norms of a modern city.
Our festivities began on June 17, coinciding with the 19th Anniversary of San Juan’s Cityhood. Beyond celebration, the occasion became an opportunity to advance programs that matter to our people.
We awarded the winners of our “Cleanest Barangay" and "DIY Rainwater Catchment” initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability and encouraging communities to take an active role in protecting our environment.
We also strengthened access to healthcare through a Memorandum of Agreement with Cardinal Santos Medical Center through the Caring Keri Foundation for the PhilHealth Z Package, alongside our “Dugo ng San Juaneño, Para sa San Juaneño” bloodletting drive. Most notably, we launched the “Right to Care Card,” making San Juan one of the first local government units in the country to recognize the medical decision-making rights of members of the LGBTQIA+ community by allowing them to designate a healthcare proxy through a Special Power of Attorney.
The festival likewise served as a platform for economic growth. Through the Wattah! Wattah! Bazaar, our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were given opportunities to showcase their products and connect with residents and visitors, transforming tourism activity into tangible support for local businesses.
Throughout the week, San Juan celebrated the diversity of its people through activities that combined culture, sports, arts, and public service. These included the National Bonsai Exhibit, Hip-Hop Dance Competitions, the Mayor’s Cup volleyball and basketball finals, and “Diwataz Night,” which honored our LGBTQIA+ community while promoting public health through free HIV testing services.
Our traditions remained at the heart of our celebration. During the Kasalang Bayan, my wife Keri and I were honored to serve as Ninong and Ninang to couples beginning a new chapter in their lives. The Archdiocesan Shrine of St. John the Baptist organized a Traslacion and Karakol parade in honor of St. John the Baptist. Even our beloved pets became part of the festivities through the “Pet Blessing and Eco Pawshionista 2026,” which highlighted creativity and environmental awareness.
For the first time, the festival was celebrated for two days, from June 23 to 24. June 23 featured the Cultural Performance Competition, Street Dance Competition, and Festival Queen Competition, while June 24 showcased the Santong Tao Float Competition, Barangay Booth Competition, our street party, concert and basaan, and the Fiesta Mass celebrated by Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.
Behind every successful festival is effective governance.
This year’s celebration was the result of careful planning, collaboration, and willingness to improve upon past practices. Through the implementation of City Ordinance No. 14, we established a designated “Basaan Zone” along Pinaglabanan Road. Rather than diminish the tradition, this approach allowed us to preserve its spirit while ensuring greater order and public safety.
By centralizing the activities within a clearly defined area and time frame, we ensured that those going to work or school, as well as those who preferred not to get wet, could remain dry, while those who wanted to take part in the traditional Basaan could fully enjoy the celebration within the designated Basaan Zone.
Implemented for the past two years, the Basaan Zone has successfully balanced tradition with public order, with zero reported violations since its implementation. More than 470 police personnel were deployed to help keep our celebration safe and secure while preserving the festive atmosphere that San Juan residents have long cherished.
The Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign reminds us of the richness of our culture and communities. Yet I believe we are also called to discover more reasons to love our own localities by supporting local enterprises, participating in community traditions, and celebrating the unique stories that define us.
This is why I continue to advocate for local festivals as instruments of governance and national building. They preserve cultural heritage, stimulate economic activity, strengthen social cohesion, and showcase the best of our communities. More importantly, they offer a blueprint for a Filipino fiesta that is world-class, inclusive, sustainable, and economically empowered.
I invite you to visit San Juan, but more importantly, I encourage you to explore the various festivals in the different provinces, cities, and municipalities all over the Philippines. By celebrating our identity and supporting our local economies, we contribute to a larger goal: building stronger communities and a stronger nation.
Davao City dad cites bus project
By Ivy Tejano
DAYANGHIRANG (FB)
DAVAO CITY – A councilor here has defended the Davao City Bus Project from critics.
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, said that the city government ensures that economic displacement is addressed through transition measures.
He said the public transport initiative benefits far more commuters than the number of drivers and operators who may be affected, in response to concerns that around 24,000 public utility vehicle drivers and operators could lose their livelihood due to the project.
He said that buses helped several passengers.
"The first question should be how many passengers will benefit from the buses compared with the number being cited," Dayanghirang said, adding that significantly more commuters in the city stand to gain from the project, especially during peak hours.
He said the government should pursue a "win-win solution" by helping affected drivers return to the mainstream economy through employment opportunities, including becoming bus drivers, or by strengthening transport cooperatives and associations.
The councilor cited ongoing social preparation programs, including scholarship assistance for children of affected drivers, and added that while any major transport reform would have an impact, the number of buses currently operating remains limited.
"Davao City is very large, so 20 or 30 buses will not displace everybody," he said, adding that the city's transport demand remains high as many commuters continue to wait for available rides during peak hours in different parts of the city.
Dayanghirang said concerned transport offices are implementing social preparation programs in line with the bus project's rollout.
He noted that current bus deployment represents only an initial phase of a broader transport improvement plan that includes additional buses, bypass roads, and other mobility projects.
Dayanghirang said the city must continue preparing affected sectors while addressing commuters' transport needs. He added that from the finance committee's perspective, the project should be viewed as a public service rather than a profit-generating venture.
"Government is here for public service. Government is not here to make a profit," the councilor stressed, adding that the city continues to consult with affected drivers and operators while studying ways to assist them in the transition phase.
On reports that some commuters, including senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities, and pregnant women, wait hours for buses, Dayanghirang said the issue must be addressed by transport authorities, including implementing offices headed by lawyer Dwight Domingo.
He acknowledged that the current number of buses remains insufficient to meet demand, saying more units are needed, as the city bus service was introduced before the full implementation of the national transport modernization program.
Despite complaints from some PUV operators and youth groups, the councilor maintained that existing jeepneys continue to operate at full capacity during peak hours, citing the Mintal-to-city-proper route as an example.
He said jeepneys and buses remain insufficient to meet commuter demand and said the current number of buses has not significantly reduced the livelihood of existing transport operators, especially during peak travel hours.
"Governance must balance public service and livelihood," Dayanghirang said. "The city is not trying to destroy anyone's source of income, but we also need to help commuters who wait for rides every day to ease their burden."
Dayanghirang said several programs funded under the 2026 budget have shown results, including the Davao City Bus Project, which helps reduce commuters' transportation costs; the new sanitary landfill, and continued improvements to health facilities in far-flung areas.
The councilor emphasized that the city continues to sustain growing expenditures without increasing local taxes or resorting to borrowing. He said the city's major expenses include waste management, security, and healthcare, among others, as demand for the services continues to grow.
He said revenue-generating activities, such as derbies, contribute to local income through amusement taxes and to increased economic activity in hotels, restaurants, and transport services. "As far as local taxes are concerned, we do not plan to increase taxes," he added.
Dayanghirang said the city continues to invest in social services to help reduce future government expenses, adding that there are no plans to increase local business taxes despite national tax issues involving real property valuation.
The councilor said that the City Council expects disaster mitigation and resettlement efforts to remain among the priorities in the next budget cycle, given recurring flooding and other calamities affecting Davao City. He added that the city is studying long-term flood mitigation measures.
‘Inday’ and ‘habagat’ disrupt sea travel
‘Inday’ and ‘habagat’ disrupt sea travel across six regions, suspend classes in Metro Manila | ||
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Super Typhoon "Inday" disrupted sea travel in six regions, affecting 50 ports and leaving 543 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers stranded, along with 205 rolling cargoes, nine vessels, and 30 motorbancas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said. Read more | ||
Several Metro Manila cities suspended face-to-face classes on Friday, July 10, due to inclement weather brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, which is being enhanced by Typhoon Inday. Read more |
HUMAN THINKS - GOD GUIDES!
By Klaus Döring
Humans make plans, but God directs the steps. You can trust this divine GPS. You set your goals in your mind. However, the Creator lines up the path for you. To find the right way, start with prayer, seek wise counsel, and follow the peaceful nudge in your heart.
I am happy! Yes, I am! I found joy, freedom, and peace of mind, when I discovered what I believe is the secret of a happy life - as an expatriate living in the Philippines for 28 years now.
Think of a maze. You cannot see the exit from the start. You might guess which way to turn, and hit a dead end. But God sees the whole maze from above. When you ask Him for help, He gently guides you around the walls to the exit.Proverbs 16:9 reminds you that a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps. Read more about this truth on Bible Hub. When you surrender your daily choices to God, you take the stress off your own shoulders. Trust that His plan is always better than yours.
I was brought up in a religious family and lived in a parish house up to my 10th birthday. Our Christian life was a fantastic style of religion. Though I was used to it, my attitudes have been really very ungodly. Many times, I was prone to anger and did all possible unpleasant things to others. I gave more attention to worldly things until such time I was deeply immersed in what we call "worldly trend". I did those things simply to enjoy life without caring for other people around me.
But then, suddenly, "someone" (let's call him GOD) interfered. He directed my way. I received plenty of different challenges and tasks - especially, when I decided to stay in the Philippines for good.
Sure, I have always been able to travel around the globe. But, believe me, not every trip or even a single day became a satisfying success or event.
Today I am no more surprised at the painful trials I suffered in the past. Instead of being surprised I tried to rejoice, because I learned that trials are meant to test your faith! Maybe even right now during the time of Corona Covid-19.
When I got the idea to write this piece, I rummaged through some very old books of my late "Lola" (born in 1899!) and found a faded and more or less crumbled-to-dust document. It has been a handwritten piece of an unknown Dutch soldier, who must have written this in mortal agony during his last battle in World War II, dated November 1944. I like to share it with you, my dear reader, because it also reflected my past - and, maybe also yours:
"When I stopped my ungodly attitudes, I learned to pray. But when I prayed, I asked for power to become popular, and He made me weak and taught me how to be obedient. When I prayed, I asked for health to be able to do great things, and He gave me afflictions, to do better things. When I prayed, I asked for riches and abundance, and He gave me poverty to become wise instead. When I prayed, I asked for strength to receive people's glory and fame, and He gave me weakness to let me feel how much I need Him. When I prayed, I asked everything for a wonderful life without problems and trials, living like a king, and He gave me LIFE!"
I didn't receive anything about which I prayed since living in the Philippines as an expatriate. But, I received everything in time and I didn't expect it anymore. More or less against my own free will, all unspeakable and unpronounceable prayers have been answered. I am really very much blessed.
That's what I also feel right now at this moment. I am what I am right now, NOT BECAUSE I PRAYED FOR IT, but, because all unspeakable prayers have been answered.
Human thoughts - God guides!
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