Another tough test awaits Alex Eala in Cincinnati

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Aug 123 2026 03:08 pm

At A Glance

• Eala awaits the winner between Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Magda Linette -- two players whom she has previously faced.

Philippines' Alexandra Eala hits a return to United States' Caty McNally during a National Bank Open tennis match in Toronto on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)

Another stern test awaits Alex Eala as she finds herself in the bottom half of the draw at the Cincinnati Open in Ohio, which fires off on Thursday, Aug. 13 (Friday, Aug. 14, Philippine time).

The 21-year-old Filipina secured an opening-round bye after being seeded 17th in the WTA 1000 tournament, which serves as a prelude to the season’s final Grand Slam, the US Open, set later this month.

Eala awaits the winner between Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Magda Linette -- two players whom she has previously faced.

Eala played against Ruse in their first and only meeting at the  2024 US Open third qualifying round, where the Filipina lost in three sets.

The world No. 20 has also won her last two meetings with Linette, taking their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 Miami Open and their quarterfinal encounter at the ASB Classic in New Zealand.

Eala, however, dropped their first two encounters at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open and the 2025 Nottingham Open.

A potential showdown against reigning Wimbledon champion and sixth seed Linda Noskova also awaits Eala deeper into the draw, while other notable players in her bracket are two-time Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova, No. 27 Clara Tauson, No. 15 Sorana Cirstea and third seed Jessica Pegula.

Ranked No. 20 in the world, Eala is riding the momentum of her breakthrough WTA Tour title at the Mubadala DC Open last week and her fourth-round finish at the National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada early this week.

Death toll from 'habagat,'

 

Death toll from 'habagat,' cyclones hits 21 while 3.1M Filipinos affected nationwide – OCD

Motorists and pedestrians experience near-zero visibility amid heavy rain and strong winds in Taytay, Rizal, on August 9, 2026 due to the effect of the southwest monsoon (habagat). (John Louie Abrina / MANILA BULLETIN)

The combined effects of "habagat" and tropical cyclones "Luis" and "Maymay" have left 21 people dead, 14 injured, and one missing, with the fatalities recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Calabarzon (Region 4A). A total of 3,148,255 individuals or 909,133 families across 10 regions have been affected. Read more

Fake dentist arrested in Butuan City

 

By Mike Crismundo

Published Aug 13, 2026 10:16 am

BUTUAN CITY – The Butuan City police shut down a dental clinic and arrested a 63-year-old woman who was caught illegally practicing dentistry in Barangay Mahogany here on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) Director Police Col. Richie M. Yatar, identified the arrested suspect as a certain “East.”.

The suspect was taken into custody during a joint police operation led by M/Sgt. William T. Estañol, under the direct supervision of Police Maj. Namra P. Arimao Jr., station commander of BCPO Station 1, in coordination with the City Intelligence Unit (CIU).

Initial reports indicated that operatives served a search warrant at the suspect's clinic at about 4:03 p.m. on Tuesday, for violation of Republic Act 9484, also known as the “Philippine Dental Act of 2007.”

Operatives confiscated dental equipment and medical supplies, suggesting a large-scale illegal dental practice.

Among the items confiscated were 350 pieces of local anesthesia carpules, dental needles, syringes, and various antibiotics and painkillers (Amoxicillin, Mefenamic Acid), Plaster of Paris, alginate impression materials, resins, and several sets of artificial teeth and removable dentures, two portable dental trimming machines, dental forceps, and five pieces of extracted human teeth.

Col. Yatar said "the health and safety of the public are non-negotiable, and practicing dentistry without a license is not only a violation of the law but a grave danger to the community."

“We urge our citizens to only visit accredited and licensed dental clinics to avoid serious health complications. Your BCPO remains vigilant in our mission to protect Butuanons from those who exploit the public's trust," Col. Tayar added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jennifer S. Ometer, chief of Regional Public Information Office of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13-RPIO) said the arrested suspect is now currently being held at BCPS-1.

“Appropriate charges are being prepared for filing before the court, and all seized items have been properly inventoried and secured as evidence,” Ometer added.

PRO 13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado lV commended the Butuan police.

Yana Falleris

 Yana Falleris

 

Yana Falleris

#aiyanafalleris

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Aiko Melendez parts ways with Ogie Diaz

Aiko Melendrez (Facebook) 

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Aug 12, 2026 02:36 pm

Actress and politician Aiko Melendez has officially parted ways with talent manager, Ogie Diaz.

"My manager Ogie Diaz and I have reached a crossroads in our business life, and we have chosen to take separate roads,” she announced via social media.

Despite going their separate ways, Aiko assured that she and Ogie remain friends.

"[O]ne thing remains unchanged: we are still good friends. I deeply value the friendship we have built through the years,” she added.

Aiko expressed gratitude for their long friendship and reaffirmed her love for Ogie.

"Always grateful, Ogie, for the friendship, trust, and memories we’ve shared and will share. Mahal pa din kita, alam mo yan mader,” she concluded.

Their professional partnership began in 2023.

Ogie also managed other stars, including Liza Soberano, whom he parted ways with in 2022.

Aiko began her acting career as a teen and appeared in several films and series, earning awards along the way.

She has since entered politics, serving as  Quezon City councilor from 2001 to 2010 and again since 2022, representing the fifth district.

Dignified and enlightened Filipino education

 

By Fr. Shay Cullen, Founder since 1974

Every day, when we wake up, see the new light of day and acknowledge that we are still alive, we become better, more aware, more alert and more fulfilled people if we affirm our personal worth and dignity as human persons and give thanks to the Creator. Few people are aware of their own dignity and self-worth and, as a consequence, they may have a reduced awareness and recognition of the dignity, value and rights of other persons. What a more peaceful, more just and happier world it would be if most people each had this self-awareness of his or her infinite value and dignity as a human person and recognized the inherent dignity of other people, one that can never be taken away. It is only when we, as humans, acknowledge, respect and treasure our own value will we value and respect others and their rights and dignity. Thus, transforming our society to be more humane, just and dignified for all starts with ourselves. The word “education” is derived from the Latin word “educere,” which means “to lead out,” “to draw out,” or “to bring forth.” In education, the student is not an empty bucket to be filled with facts, figures, and other information; and the teacher, not a “pay loader” dumping information into that bucket. Instead, a wise teacher must recognize that the student has inherent abilities, latent potential, natural gifts, knowledge, and even wisdom that must be given an opportunity to pour out and be discovered. A teacher’s purpose is to make a student aware and know not only about himself or herself but also all other things in the world around us. To know and value and respect all people and all things in our world. This knowledge is at the heart of being human, and it is this that unites us to every other human being. This is the heart of true education. Being educated is more than having talents, gifts, intellectual abilities, knowledge and skills. It is being a fully human person with concern for other people’s needs and feeling compassion and a sense of duty to help others in need. Educational success is not measured by the accumulation of accolades, but by the level of one’s commitment to helping those in need. The role of the teacher is to affirm, approve and recognize the abilities of students that need encouragement and opportunity to be developed and have a harmonious experience in learning and understanding things. The teacher should be an expert “gardener,” encouraging students to explore and hone their abilities and pursue more knowledge and understanding. Teaching is like tending to various plants and flowers, allowing them to grow. Enlightened law I had the opportunity to share insights with the students of The Manila Times College of Subic at Subic Bay Freeport. Their participation and response were excellent. We shared about children’s rights and education. This is a progressive high school and college that has anticipated the new educational provisions in Republic Act 12322, or “An Act that allows the DepEd the flexibility to determine the pedagogical approaches to be implemented in the basic education curriculum.” This is an enlightened law designed to free the creative abilities of gifted teachers to inspire and stimulate their students to develop self-awareness and self-knowledge, as well as knowledge of things and of society and the world and express themselves and encourage their natural curiosity in creative ways. This law gives greater freedom to creative teachers and autonomy to the Department of Education to choose the most enlightened teaching techniques and strategies that will excite and encourage students to engage in self-learning, participate in group learning, and explore learning. It starts with self-study, knowing oneself, and having a commitment to defend their rights and dignity and those of others, and do their duties to self, family and society. This freedom given to teachers as a result of this law enables them to develop their own creative teaching methods, bringing their enthusiasm, commitment and personality into their teaching. Teachers are no longer forced to use traditional and rigid teaching styles. They now have the freedom to employ the exact pedagogical tools that will inspire and create enthusiasm for learning among their students. Gifted teachers are free to give attention and focus their expertise in specific fields and areas of knowledge that will most benefit students, such as advanced mathematics and science. The days of endless, soul-destroying repetition must be dumped in the dustbin of educational history. Traditional teaching methods are hardwired into the system, and many teachers know no other method at present. Intensive retraining will take a long time. Traditional teaching methods are highly generalized and have multidisciplinary content, and that tends to slow down the learning process of students who need new and varied stimuli and entertaining teaching methods. The best kind of learning is enjoyable learning. Participatory learning encourages students to think for themselves, to have the freedom to express their opinions and insights. When students feel they are truly respected and valued, and that their insights are given value and respect, they learn all the more with understanding and self-confidence. It helps them develop the ability to understand their own emotions, relationships, inner strengths, and human weaknesses. True education nurtures personal values among students, like respect for each other and nature. It guides, encourages and challenges students to think critically for themselves and understand their society and the world. Such an education gives students a compass to distinguish what’s right from wrong, what is true and false, good from bad and have a moral compass for life, enabling and empowering them to choose to do good and oppose evil and wrongdoing. This kind of education gives students the enhanced ability to be an independent, reflective person with strong moral opinions and be confident and self-aware in society. It also helps develop in students a sense of concern for others — especially the poor and marginalized — as well as empathy, ethical reasoning, and a sense of justice. Parents have an equally important role in this, too, teaching their children by showing kindness and support, and by being a good example of a moral life. That is education at its best. The freedom of gifted teachers to improvise, promote creative learning and team learning is the future of a more enlightened teaching curriculum for the Philippines. shaycullen@gmail.com

SPECIAL REFLECTIONS

“MY SPECIAL reflections” refers to your own deep, personal thoughts and feelings about your life, experiences or a particular topic. It is an inward look at what matters most to you.

Simply put, self-reflection—also known as personal reflection—is the practice of taking time to think about, meditate on, evaluate and seriously consider your behavior, thoughts, attitudes, motivations and desires. That is what I am doing now.

Not long ago, I reached a milestone: 65 years since my first article was published in a daily newspaper. I have kept every clipping since then. Believe me, together they could fill a book. As I reread my earliest articles, I was amazed that I had kept writing for so long. Now, however, you could not pay me to stop.

Nowadays, all my published works are stored in my electronic archive.

Back to my clippings. Can you imagine that keeping them has its benefits? Looking back on my life experiences, I see that both progress and failure have been part of my journey. Most of my columns offer a view into a mirror. When I reread what I wrote about how God helped me find solutions to my problems, I am reminded of His grace. I also gain insights from past struggles that help me deal with the challenges I face today. I remember one of my previous columns, entitled “If Failures Get Results.”

Indeed, God has been faithfully at work in my life.

I once read a story by Dennis Fisher, who did not keep clippings of published articles but maintained a spiritual journal. He advised: “Journalism may be useful to you too. It can help you see more clearly what God is teaching you on life’s journey. To begin a journal, record your struggles, reflect on a verse that is especially comforting or challenging, or write a prayer of thankfulness for God’s faithfulness.”

Reflection means pausing to look inward, evaluate your actions and understand the deeper reasons behind your thoughts and feelings. It connects raw experiences with personal purpose, helping you learn from the past and choose a better path forward.

A reflection has three parts. First, retell the facts by summarizing the main points and describing the significant concepts or details. Next, relate them to your previous experiences by giving examples and making connections. Finally, compare and contrast what you have retold with your prior knowledge and experiences.

***

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com; follow me on Facebook or LinkedIn; or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN

No limit in the sky

 

By Klaus Döring

“No limit in the sky” is a popular phrase and lyrical theme meaning that success and potential are endless. It appears in various creative works, including songs by artists like ChaptrTwo and Vict Molina, as a motivational expression of freedom and boundless opportunity.

Some people have money to burn! Every time I observe them, I feel that their money is going down the drain. Yes, “money talks.” The more money you have, the more avaricious you might become. Every time we have to dig deeper into our pockets, we might long to be like those people who don’t see the difference between a PHP 500 or PHP 1,000 bill.

I am really not rich! I also wouldn’t hesitate to say that I would like to be! Being rich means having wealth. Wealth is abundance, opulence, and affluence. Affluence can quickly become an influence. Dyed-in-the-wool millionaires or even multimillionaires often lose their view of reality. They can’t even see the horizon, which could be the demarcation of their real estate. They don’t even recognize the wonderful flowers growing and blooming in their gardens.

Money calms us down! Sure. No doubt at all! We all need an income to survive and meet our daily needs — and maybe a little bit more. Many of us struggle through life and work like slaves for a pitiful daily minimum wage. If you’re rich, you might be on top. But believe me, once you are on top, you will have some unwelcome, though mostly unavoidable, companions such as loneliness, so-called friends (!), parasites, and freeloaders.

These companions will make you scream in pain because you will start missing the things you expected from them: real friendship, love, care, comprehension, understanding, sympathy, and appreciation. Remember such things? Miss such things?

Yes, money can give you a wonderful sleep, and you might stay in one of the most luxurious beds — yet be awake while your poorest neighbor sleeps better and more peacefully on the floor. There are many sayings about money. I like this one: Money can buy books but not brains. You might study a lot and gain a great deal of experience; it’s just a pity if you don’t use it at the right time for the right people around you.

Money can buy food but not appetite. Who reaps the benefits of it? A store room filled to overflowing will never be satisfying if sour freeloaders join your table and push away your real friends.

Our last earthly dress has no pockets. The remembrance of how we acted and lived together with our fellow human beings will remain forever. With money, we might be able to let the devil dance. But money alone doesn’t make us happy. Money kills more people and friendships than a cudgel.

The more money, the more problems.

The more money we have, the more we have to pay, and the higher our bills become.

+++

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook or LinkedIn or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.

Month-long Kadayawan Festival kicks off in Davao City

By Ivy Tejano

Published Aug 7, 2026 01:56 pm

DAVAO CITY – Top officials here called on the people to celebrate the 2026 Kadayawan Festival with gratitude, unity, and pride as month-long festivities traditionally opened with the Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo on Friday morning, Aug. 7.

The first traditional sunrise ceremony since 2019

reenacted the shared history and cultural heritage of Davao's indigenous community and the Bangsamoro people through cultural presentation and a symbolic boat parade on the Davao River at the Tionko Soccer Field.

Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Councilor Myna Dalodo-Ortiz, welcomed people and visitors and said the celebration honors the indigenous and Muslim communities whose settlements, cultures, and traditions laid the foundation for the city's identity.

“This year's theme, 'We Are One, KadayawONE,' reflects the heritage of Davao's 11 ethnolinguistic tribes and the unity of Davaoeños,” Duterte said, encouraging residents to continue honoring their culture, celebrating diversity, and promoting peace and progress.

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, in his message, described Kadayawan as more than a festival, saying it is a celebration of the city's cultural identity and a reminder of the resilience, generosity, and unity of the people of Davao City.

He urged people to thank God for the city's blessings while recognizing the contributions of farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and families to Davao's continued growth.

Vice Mayor Duterte assured Davaoeños of his commitment to building a city that is safe, progressive, and compassionate and invited visitors to experience not only Davao's attractions but also the warmth and hospitality of the people.

Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Tourism and Beautification, hoped that this year's festival would bring blessings and unity and lead to the successful staging of festival activities.

Ortiz cited the opening of Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo led by the deputy mayors of Davao City representing the Bangsamoro and Indigenous Peoples communities as a symbol of the Kadayawan's cultural significance.

First district Rep. Paolo Duterte described Kadayawan as a celebration of Davao City's culture, unity, and resilience. He encouraged the people to welcome visitors with respect and hospitality, work together, and celebrate the festival responsibly.

He recognized the contributions of farmers, fisherfolk, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, Indigenous cultural communities, government employees, barangay officials, uniformed personnel, and volunteer responders in the city's continued progress.

"Kadayawan serves as an occasion to give thanks for the city's blessings, honor its rich cultural heritage and indigenous communities, and celebrate the unity that strengthens Davaoeños," said Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold Duterte.

Harold said the festival highlights the importance of protecting the country's fisheries and maritime sectors while encouraging the preservation of culture, environmental stewardship, and collective efforts toward a more peaceful and prosperous Davao and the Philippines.

The grand opening of this year's festival will be held at Magsaysay Park on Friday afternoon. It features its biggest program to date, with the city government organizing 26 official activities, up from 16 last year, and targeting 250,000 tourist arrivals.

Angelica Lopez of Palawan wins first Reina Filipinas crown

 

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Aug 8, 2026 12:22 am

Angelica Lopez of Palawan, Alexie Brooks of Iloilo, and Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz of Manila emerged top winners at the inaugural Reina Filipinas beauty pageant held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Friday, Aug. 7.

Lopez was crowned Reina Filipinas Grand International 2027, succeeding Emma Marie Tiglao. 

Meanwhile, Brooks and Diaz were both crowned Reina Filipinas MGI All Stars.

Completing the roster of winners in the first Reina Filipinas pageant were Cleopatra Barrera of Zambales, who was named first runner-up; Isabella Ortega of Camarines Sur, who finished as second runner-up; Zeah Nestle Pala of Mandaluyong, who placed third runner-up; and Luisa Lorin Benavides of Caloocan, who was named fourth runner-up.   

During the final question-and-answer portion, the seven finalists were asked: “There are undeniably so many pageants already. What space do you hope Reina Filipinas would occupy?”

Lopez answered:

“I understand that every pageant serves a purpose, and so does Reina Filipinas.

Here, they have a business that gives women the opportunity to learn new skills, become more empowered, and grow as individuals—whether in sports, entertainment, or business. It is truly a meaningful and empowering platform, creating a win-win situation for everyone so that we can all move forward toward progress, development, and productivity.”

Over 130,000 individuals affected

 

Over 130,000 individuals affected as 'Maymay', 'Luis', 'habagat' whip six regions

AUTHORITIES inspect the water level of the Amburayan River in Sudipen, La Union as heavy rains from Tropical Cyclone "Maymay" pound the province on Aug. 6, 2026. (File photo)

The combined effects of Tropical Cyclones "Maymay" and "Luis" and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) affected 39,879 families or 132,956 individuals across six regions, with 6,215 people staying in 61 evacuation centers. Read more

Obiena clinches second straight gold medal in Germany

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Aug 6, 2026 02:09 pm

At A Glance

• The two-time Olympian cleared 5.83 meters, dominating the 12-player field on his way to his second straight tournament gold medal.     
• EJ Obiena showed his readiness in defending his Asian Games title after capturing the gold medal in the International Stabhochsprung Meeting in Jockgrim, Germany on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

The two-time Olympian cleared 5.83 meters, dominating the 12-player field on his way to his second straight tournament gold medal.

Last week, he ruled the International Stabhochsprung Meeting in Domplatz in Halberstadt also in Germany.

Qatar’s Siefeldin Abdelsalam also cleared the same height at 5.83m, but settled for the silver medal via countback.

Olympian Ersu Sasma of Turkey bagged the bronze with 5.77m.

“Was far from smooth competition and some struggles during warm up and earlier bars but happy to scrape an 80 bar. We continue to work and now a few (trainings) in before we go again,” Obiena wrote on social media.

Obiena skipped the opening 5.30m height and entered the competition at 5.45m, clearing the bar on his second attempt.

He then sailed through 5.60m and 5.70m, building enough momentum to skip 5.77m and go for 5.83m, which he topped on his first try.

After passing on 5.88m, Obiena raised the bar to 5.93m but was unsuccessful.

Ranking solons welcome US formal extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy

 

Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Founder Apollo Quiboloy is facing US sex trafficking charges and separate human trafficking cases in the Philippines. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed it received the US request for Apollo Quiboloy's extradition and endorsed it to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Lawmakers Leila de Lima and Perci Cendaña urge swift action, stressing justice for victims and warning of Quiboloy's lingering influence. Read more