Ralph-Will, Shuvee-Klang, Mika-Brent make final duos of ‘PBB Celebrity Collab Edition’

Singer Klarisse de Guzman (right) and host-actress Shuvee Etrata are the final duo for the 'Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition.' Screenshot from Pinoy Big Brother

Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com

June 8, 2025 | 12:27pm

MANILA, Philippines — "Academic rivals" Ralph de Leon and Shuvee Etrata have chosen their “unexpected” final duos for the upcoming finale of the reality show "Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition."

Tagged as “academic rivals” by fans for their consistent competitive streaks and frequent top finishes in house tasks, Ralph and Shuvee were granted the privilege of choosing their final duos for the show's big night.

This edition’s format allows the public to vote for the winning pair, with one star from ABS-CBN and one from GMA-7 emerging as the “big winners.”

It also marks the first time that "Pinoy Big Brother" features GMA-7 talents, as the reality show celebrates its 20th anniversary since premiering on ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN and Star Magic talent Ralph surprised fans by choosing Will Ashley as his final duo, instead of AZ Martinez, the GMA-7 star widely paired with him in a love team.

“'Di pa nagkakaroon ng opportunity to become a duo with Will. Naka-duo na si AZ before,” Ralph said during his interview with Big Brother or Kuya in the confession room. 

Like the fates of former evictees in past “PBB” editions, Ralph successfully re-entered the house with the help of his fans and online polls after exiting it briefly in May. The other housemates who were evicted but were given a chance to enter the house in past editions included Paco Evangelista and Wendy Valdez. 

GMA-7 and Sparkle artist Shuvee Etrata also surprised fans as she picked her final duo as the Top 2 of the final duo formation task. 

Low pressure area enters PAR, may strengthen into first storm of 2025—PAGASA

 

(PHOTO: PAGASA FACEBOOK PAGE)

By Jel Santos

Published Jun 6, 2025 11:25 am

 | 

Updated Jun 6, 2025 02:08 pm

A low pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Friday morning, June 6, and may develop into the first tropical cyclone of 2025 within the next 24 hours, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

“Nakapasok na po ng Philippine Area of Responsibility yung ating mino-monitor na low pressure area dito sa may Pacific Ocean as of 2 a.m. (The low pressure area we’ve been monitoring over the Pacific Ocean entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of 2 a.m.),” PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja reported.

As of 3 a.m., the agency said the system was spotted 945 kilometers east of the Visayas. 

Etareja noted that the chance of it intensifying into a tropical depression is now “moderate.”

“Base sa ating latest analysis po, kung kahapon ay mababa pa ‘yung tyansa na ito ay maging isang ganap na bagyo, ngayon ay moderate na po yung tyansa o katamtamang tyansa (Based on our latest analysis, if yesterday the chance of it becoming a full-fledged storm was low, today the chance is moderate),” he said.

Should the system develop into a tropical depression by Saturday or Sunday, it will be named “Auring”—the first named storm of both June and the year 2025.

Rain expected in multiple regions

Estareja said the LPA is expected to move closer to the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas on Friday, and approach land by the weekend.

“So possible pang mabago ang scenario na nakikita natin for this weather disturbance pero ang sure tayo magpapaulan ito in many areas of Bicol Region, Visayas, and CARAGA Region (The scenario for this disturbance may still change, but what’s certain is that it will bring rain to many areas in the Bicol Region, Visayas, and CARAGA Region),” the weather specialist said.

He added that as the system moves closer to land, it will enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, bringing rains not just to Luzon but also to western portions of the Visayas and Mindanao.

Monsoon rains in Metro Manila, Luzon

“Ngayong araw po, dahil sa epekto ng southwest monsoon at trough of the low pressure area, mataas ang tyansa ng ulan sa Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region at MIMAROPA (Today, due to the effects of the southwest monsoon and the LPA’s trough, there is a high chance of rain in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, and MIMAROPA),” Estareja said.

PAGASA said light to moderate rains, occasionally heavy, are expected especially in Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, where residents are warned to be alert for possible flooding and landslides.

Meanwhile, the bureau said Northern and Central Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.

“May tyansa pa rin po ng mga pulo-pulong pag-ulan at pagkidlat, paglukog dulot po iyan ng habagat at wala namang kinalaman sa low pressure area (There’s still a chance of isolated rain and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon, and these are not related to the low pressure area),” the weather specialist clarified.

Siquijor under state of calamity due to power crisis

 

SIQUIJOR Gov. Jake Villa discusses the power crisis in the province during a press conference at the Provincial Capitol on Thursday, June 5. (Calvin Cordova)

By Calvin Cordova

Published Jun 5, 2025 08:20 pm

CEBU CITY — A state of calamity has been declared in Siquijor due to the power crisis that the province is currently experiencing.

Gov. Jake Villa announced that the declaration of state of calamity was unanimously approved during the regular session of the provincial board on Tuesday, June 3.

“We want the public to know, especially the Siquijodnons, that the challenge has become unbearable. We have been experiencing daily blackouts for almost a month already,” Villa said in a press conference at the Siquijor Provincial Capitol on Thursday, June 5.

Villa lamented that for the past month, the province has been experiencing blackouts from four to six hours a day.

He said among the reasons for the power supply problem in the province was the malfunctioning six generators of Siquijor Island Power Corp. (SIPCOR).

SIPCOR, the island’s power provider, is under the Prime Asia Venture Inc. (PAVI) and joined Siquijor in 2015 through a 20-year deal with the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (Prosielco).

Villa said some generators need overhaul.

With some generators not functioning, the province is experiencing two megawatts short of their total demand of 9.4 megawatts of power supply.

These generators are diesel-operated, independent, and are not connected to the grid, which means that other provinces cannot augment their power deficits.

“We are off-grid, we are dependent on the generator itself,” Villa said.

With the declaration of the state of calamity, the province will be able to release calamity fund to address the power crisis

The province has a calamity fund of P14 million.

Villa explained that the immediate measure that the province could take following the state of calamity declaration is the rental of two generators from Cebu.

The province needs to shell out P2.8 million to rent to generators for two months.

The two generators have a capacity of two megawatts, enough to address the province’s power crisis, said Villa.

The governor’s press briefing was interrupted by a blackout.

Prosielco has purchased a generator with a capacity of two megawatts from Palawan.

Villa said the state of calamity will be lifted once the power supply becomes stable.

As a long-term solution, Villa said Prosielco will conduct a competitive selection process by inviting more power players to the province.

A solar power plant is being constructed in the town of Maria that is expected to augment additional power supplies in the coming years.

Fortunately, Villa said, the province’s hospital is not affected by the power crisis as it has its own generator and solar panels.

Villa explained that the power crisis has to be addressed immediately as it might affect the province's economy, especially tourism.

Tourism has been a vital player in the province’s economy.

“Last year, our tourist arrivals hit 1.3 million,” Villa said. “If we lose our tourists because they are not satisfied with the services of the establishments, this would interrupt and disrupt our economy. It is tantamount to economic sabotage.”

Without elaborating further on economic sabotage, Villa said that the province is looking into the possibility of taking legal action against SIPCOR.

The power crisis may also affect the province’s peace and order situation, Villa said.

The governor said he is being unfairly blamed for the province’s unstable power supply.

“People are blaming me. In fact, I have been receiving threats through text messages because the power crisis is being blamed on me,” said Villa.

Unprotected sex, online porn, dating apps driving HIV cases among youth — DOH chief

 

By Jel Santos

The rise in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases among young Filipinos is driven by high-risk sexual behavior, including unprotected sex, online pornography, and dating apps, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said Thursday, June 5.

As of the first quarter of 2025, the health department has recorded an average of 57 new HIV cases per day.

“Tumaas ang risky behavior. So, number one, easy access to pornography online; number two, mga dating apps; number three, hindi gumagamit ng protection, unprotected sex (Risky behavior has increased. First, easy access to online pornography; second, dating apps; third, lack of protection, unprotected sex),” Herbosa said during a media briefing, when asked about the reasons behind the rise in HIV cases.

Such behavior, he noted, makes testing and prevention more difficult, especially among adolescents.

Per Herbosa, the youngest reported HIV case is a 12-year-old child from Palawan who is already sexually active.

The DOH chief also raised concerns about the impact of social stigma on testing uptake.

“Napansin ko, tumataas iyong HIV kasi mataas pa rin ang stigma sa atin (I’ve noticed HIV cases are rising largely because of the stigma),” said Herbosa.

To improve access, he said the DOH has lowered the age of consent for HIV testing to 16. 

However, Herbosa pointed out that treatment still requires parental consent, which remains a barrier for minors who test positive.

“Ang problema, kailangan din namin ng parental consent ng start of treatment, so, that’s another legislation na kailangan namin (The problem is we still need parental consent to begin treatment, so that’s another law we n

According to Herbosa, addressing the rise in youth infections will require not just medical services, but legislative reforms, funding, and public education.

“Kita ninyo na to battle HIV ay kailangan ko ang legislation, kailangan ko ang funding, kailangan ko ng information campaign (You can see that to battle HIV, I need legislation, I need funding, and I need an information campaign),” he said.

Meanwhile, Herbosa emphasized that HIV is no longer a death sentence and can be managed like any chronic condition if diagnosed early and treated consistently.

“Hindi na po death sentence ang HIV sa panahon ngayon… Maintenance lang ang kailangan po, katapat niyan para na lang siyang high blood or diabetes (HIV is no longer a death sentence nowadays… It only requires maintenance, like hypertension or diabetes),” he noted.

The DOH chief said they have already intensified efforts to expand access to free anti-retroviral (ARV) medication and streamline patient services in public hospitals.

Philippines uses mangrove buffer zones to protect its coastlines

A couple plants a mangrove tree in San Jose town, Palawan province, western Philippines, February 14, 2010. (Reuters/Romeo Ranoco)

By

 Mariejo Ramos via Reuters

 -

 June 4, 2025 - 5:08 PM 

MANILA (Thomson Reuters Foundation) — Often battered by typhoons and floods, protecting the coastline is a priority for the sugar-producing Philippines province of Negros Occidental.

But instead of man-made defenses, local leaders have turned to reviving natural barriers with 100-metre-wide strips of vegetation, including coastal mangroves and beach forest species to counter erosion and protect from storms.

Negros Occidental began setting up its “coastal greenbelt” network in 2022, the first of its kind in the Philippines. 

It led to the establishment and protection of more than 1,000 hectares of mangroves, beach forests and wetlands across Negros Occidental, which now serve as living buffers against typhoons, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion, directly contributing to the province’s disaster risk reduction strategy.

The Negros Occidental coastal greenbelt could become a model for the country’s thousands of miles of coastline, which are threatened by climate change, urban expansion and deforestation. 

“Local government units are already aware of the benefits of coastal greenbelts in terms of saving lives and properties from destruction,” Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of ocean conservation group Oceana Philippines.

More than 90 local government units have since passed their own policies or ordinances designating parts of their areas as greenbelt zones, according to her organisation.

Negros Occidental is also home to the 89,000-hectare Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area, which hosts several endangered species, such as turtles and dolphins, and was declared as wetland of international importance in 2016.

A 100-metre strip of mangrove can reduce the energy of waves, by up to 66%, a 2012 study by British scientists said.

With 60% of Filipinos living in coastal areas and vulnerable to climate disasters, wetland experts are now pushing for a similar measure nationwide and lawmakers have introduced legislation to establish national coastal greenbelt zones.

The House of Representatives unanimously passed a coastal management bill in 2023 that would require coastal towns and municipalities across the country to create 100-m greenbelt zones similar to Negros Occidental.

But the bill is still waiting approval by the Senate as it has not been considered a priority for debate.

Threats to coastal ecosystems 

Millions of Filipinos benefit from coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, mud flats and corals in both rural and urban communities, according to Wetlands International Philippines.

But these coastal protections have suffered for decades.

By the 1990s, Philippines had already lost nearly half of its 450,000 hectares of mangroves. Kisha Muana, policy and advocacy offer of Wetlands International Philippines, said mangroves had been cut down due to “destructive projects along the coasts like reclamation”.

Muana said the bill would help the government monitor where the current greenbelts are and identify areas it could restore.

“There are areas in the Philippines where the stretch of mangroves from the coast to open waters do not reach the 100-metre requirement to block wave energy, so the law can compel territories to supplement them with beach forests,” she said.

Julie Ann Bedrio, the provincial environmental officer of Negros Occidental, said proposed developments in coastal areas such as land reclamation and wind power projects had a bigger impact than individuals cutting back vegetation.

“Cutting mangroves wasn’t really our biggest concern, but the conversion of mangrove areas to fishponds and infrastructure that are being proposed in the mangrove areas without proper planning,” Bedrio told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Aside from development projects, Bedrio said coastlines had also suffered from weak enforcement of coastal laws and pollution from marine litter, including plastics that wrap around mangrove stems and trunks.

Bedrio said establishing a network of greenbelt zones in Negros Occidental also helped encourage dialogue among local leaders, NGOs and environmental experts to monitor, and block if needed, projects that could harm the coastal environment.

First line of defense

As early as 2007, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a conservation group, recognised the importance of greenbelts as a natural solution for some coastal problems, including sea and wind erosion.

In disaster-prone Philippines, the proposed national policy would mandate the designation of coastal greenbelts based on vulnerability to storm surges, tsunamis and other threats, as well as creating a plan to protect coastal biodiversity.

As the Senate sessions resume in June, Oceana’s Ramos said she was confident the bill would be passed soon, with Oceana invited to the technical working group that would look at the current version of the bill.

With local governments using their own limited funding to implement coastal greenbelt policies, Bedrio said it would help them sustain the initiative if the national government supported them with funding or technical assistance.

Still haunted by the thousands killed by the 2013 super typhoon Yolanda, or Haiyan, the environmental officer hopes coastal greenbelts will become a priority for legislators.

“We don’t want another Yolanda to happen again and waste lives of Filipinos living in coastal communities because we failed to protect them by putting up greenbelt zones,” said Bedrio.

—Reporting by Mariejo Ramos. Editing by Jack Graham and Jon Hemming

What is the reason for Bratwurst's popularity in Germany? Does it have something to do with tradition and history?

Volker Eichener

First, some statistical data:

• Germans eat 31 kg of meats and sausages per year (average).
• This includes 2.7 kg of bratwurst, so the share is 8.7 %.
• Among sausages, bratwurst ranks number four after salami (5.5 kg), boiled sausages (4.3 kg), boiled ham (2.7 kg).

So, bratwurst is not as popular as people from other countries may think. And the consommation of bratwurst is shrinking.

Bratwurst is historically documented in Germany for about 800 years. It is a tasty way to make use of the lesser parts of the pig. It is a tasty way to eat considerable amounts of fat (which was important in former times when food was scarce and people were working hard). It is cheap and filling.

Today, bratwurst is a popular snack and also a favourite at BBQs. It is not so much something that we would make for dinner. This includes currywurst which is bratwurst with a tomato-based sauce with curry powder.

Expect suffering if we follow Christ

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT’S how the cookie crumbles. If we choose to follow Christ as consistently as possible, we should expect suffering along the way and at the end. In fact, suffering would be an abiding companion in our life. 

We can draw this conclusion from that gospel episode where Christ asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. (cfr. Jn 21,15-19) After Peter professed his love for Christ in a most fervent way after being asked for the third time, Christ told him what would happen to him.

“Amen, amen I say to thee, when you were younger, you girded yourself, and walked where you wanted. But when you shall be old, you shall stretch forth your hands, and another shall gird you, and lead you where you would rather not go,” Christ told him. “And this he said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him: Follow me.” (Jn 21,18-19)

What can immediately come to mind is that to be truly in love with Christ and to follow him as we should, we should not be surprised if suffering would come our way. In fact, we have to expect it and be prepared for it, understanding it as the clearest sign of love, of being with Christ. A love without suffering is not true love.

And this suffering comes in the first place from our own selves, from our own wounded flesh that would always try to go on its own way and law even if it goes against our very own nature and against God’s law. This predicament will always be with us all the way to our death, no matter how determined we are in trying to live a holy and chaste life.

Besides, we have to contend with the many problematic things in this world—a lot of misunderstanding, persecution, injustice, etc. And there’s also the devil who will never take a break from tempting us. He will always cling to us like a leech.

We need to be clear about this truth of our faith. If we really want to truly love, we should be willing to suffer out of love for God and for all souls. We need to realize that the willingness to suffer is the ultimate proof that our love is genuine. Love should not just be a matter of goodwill, of benevolence, of doing some good to others. It has to go all the way to an eagerness to suffer for the others.

This is what Christ has done for us and has commanded us to do. Being both God and man, Christ should be seen by us as the epitome of true love which is the very essence of God that is also meant for us since we are supposed to be God’s image and likeness.

In showing us that love where the willingness to suffer is highlighted, St. Paul made this description of Christ: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.

“Rather, he emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2,5-8)

We have to be willing to suffer the way Christ suffered for all of us. That is what true love is. No wonder that Christ himself said: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15,13)

Just breathe

 

Just breathe  “So when are you going to take a break?” I looked her squarely in the eye and replied, “I will, after I finish my commitments.” She shook her head and said, “That was your line the last time we had a reunion. When are you going to learn how to incorporate the word ‘no’ in your vocabulary?” By Fatima Gimenez

With rainy season, heat index alerts suspended

 

A delivery rider motors his way through rain in La Trinidad, Benguet yesterday. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration officially declared the start of the rainy season on Monday. - Andy Zapata Jr.

Christine Boton - The Philippine Star 

June 4, 2025 | 12:00am

With rainy season, heat index alerts suspended

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday announced the suspension of its daily heat index advisories, following the official declaration of the rainy season.

In a Facebook statement, PAGASA said the issuance of daily heat index information has been paused and will resume on March 1, 2026, in time for the hot and dry season in many areas of the country.

“During this period, it is important to focus on providing accurate and timely information related to hazards and potential impacts associated with the rainy season,” the agency said.

Despite the suspension, PAGASA assured the public that heat index data from its automatic weather stations, as well as the iHeatMap, remain accessible through the Department of Science and Technology’s official website.

Authorities also advised residents in regions still experiencing warm weather conditions to stay updated with local government advisories and take appropriate precautions to safeguard health and safety.

The heat index measures the apparent temperature felt by the human body, factoring in both air temperature and humidity. It is commonly used to assess risks of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration, especially during peak summer months.

With the rainy season now underway, PAGASA is shifting focus to monitoring rainfall, potential flooding and other weather hazards that typically accompany the wet months.

Rains in Luzon, Mindanao

The southwest monsoon and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) are currently influencing weather conditions in the Philippines, bringing rains to parts of Luzon and Mindanao, according to PAGASA.

There are no tropical cyclones or low-pressure areas within or near the Philippine area of responsibility, but these two weather systems are producing significant rainfall across the country.

The monsoon remains dominant over Luzon, bringing scattered to widespread rains to provinces such as Ilocos, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Benguet and Abra.

Metro Manila is also expected to experience isolated showers, with clearer skies in the morning giving way to localized thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

These conditions are typical of the southwest monsoon, which pulls in warm, moisture-laden air from the West Philippine Sea and causes prolonged rainfall, particularly on the western side of Luzon.

In Mindanao, the ITCZ continues to trigger rain over the southern region, particularly in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental. The persistent convergence of winds in this area is causing heavy downpours and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous and low-lying communities.

lsewhere in the country, including Palawan, the Visayas and other parts of Mindanao, fair weather is expected for most of the day. However, localized thunderstorms remain a possibility in the late afternoon and evening, particularly in areas where heat and moisture are high.

Air temperatures across the country remain within seasonal ranges. Metro Manila is experiencing temperatures between 25 to 33 degrees Celsius. In Tuguegarao, temperatures are rising to 35 degrees, while Baguio City remains cool with a low of 16 degrees and a high of 21. Other key cities such as Legazpi, Tagaytay, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga and Davao are reporting highs between 31 to 34 degrees Celsius.

Communities in flood- and landslide-prone areas are advised to take precautionary measures and remain alert for emergency advisories.

Prepare for monsoon

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government directed local government units (LGUs) to prepare for the impact of the monsoon in their communities.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla ordered LGUs to adopt proactive measures anchored on the Operation Listo protocols for hydrometeorological hazards.

Remulla said local chief executives should ensure their emergency operations centers are functional and with adequate personnel and equipment.

They should also activate their local incident management teams.

Local governments must also identify and prepare evacuation centers with essential facilities such as sanitation, medical aid and designated areas for senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.

Apart from evacuation centers, LGUs must also revise their contingency and action plans based on assessments of areas prone to flooding, storm surges and landslides.

To ensure readiness, Remulla said simulation drills and community exercises should be conducted to test response and evacuation procedures.

The DILG urged local officials to strictly implement no-build zones in high-risk areas, and ensure that emergency services and supply chains remain operational. — Emmanuel Tupas

Philippine mangoes break into Italian market in first-ever export

 

Dominique Nicole Flores - Philstar.com June 3, 2025 | 4:49pm

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine mangoes have officially arrived in Italy, marking the first commercial shipment of the fruit to the country, with over half a ton exported, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Pangasinan farms supplied the mangoes for the first export batch, it added.

In a statement on Tuesday, June 3, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the latest export should “encourage” local mango farmers “to aim for premium quality” as it would also generate more jobs and increase income for the agricultural sector.  

The Department of Trade and Industry said the mango industry is a source of livelihood for around 2.5 million farmers.

Globally, Tiu Laurel said the Rome debut would also attract investments from the government and private sector, boosting the competitiveness of Philippine mangoes.  

The country is also among the top exporters of fresh and dried mangoes in the international market. 

“It shows what can happen when public institutions, private initiative, and overseas Filipinos work together to elevate Philippine products to global standards,” Tiu Laurel added.

According to the Philippine Mango Industry Roadmap 2021–2025, target export markets for Philippine mangoes include China, the European Union, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Its main competitor in these markets is Thai mangoes.

The inaugural commercial shipment was backed by Filipino entrepreneurs, the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Embassy in Rome. 

This includes small Filipino business owners in Rome and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy, according to the report of Agriculture Attaché to Italy Josyline Javelosa. 

Despite lacking experience in importing fresh produce, the report said entrepreneurs were able to introduce Philippine mangoes to the Italian market with the DA’s technical support and assistance in complying with Italy's strict import regulations.

To meet Italy’s health standards, the Bureau of Plant Industry ensured that the mango farms where the goods were sourced had proper sanitary certification.

The DA said exporting Philippine mangoes also aligns with the country’s goal of building “sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural value chains.” 

Mangos have also been identified as the “flagship commodity” under the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) One Country One Priority Product Initiative. 

The Philippines has also committed to this by enrolling mangoes in the FAO’s global program that links national agricultural goals with donor and development support.

“This export milestone reflects the Philippines’ commitment to green agriculture and inclusive development,” Javelosa said. 

The DA said it also proposed a $50 million project to sustainably support 27,000 additional mango farming households during an investment pitch in Rome in October 2024.

“With this first shipment, Philippine mangoes are now poised to win over Italian consumers — not just as a tropical delicacy, but as a symbol of agricultural resilience, diaspora unity, and global ambition,” the agency said.  

HOT TEA: Wise celebrity

By Annalyn S. Jusay

Published Jun 4, 2025 07:51 am

What's in a tea?

This celebrity may be young, but she is proving to be wise beyond her years. We heard from the grapevine that she now owns a coveted piece of real estate in an upscale neighborhood in the US, where the median property price exceeds $5 million. 

This is aside from the mansions she now owns in the north and south of Metro Manila. Not one, not two, but three!  The properties were reportedly "gifts" from her much-older beau.

Our insider commented that “she now owns more homes than the number of years they’ve been together - wais talaga!" 

The feather in her cap would be when he finally gets to marry her, if he succeeds in getting some "legalities" out of his way.

✨ MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE GLAMOUR! ✨

 

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE GLAMOUR!

Proud to stand alongside my amazing team as we gear up for the MRS. EURO PHILIPPINES UNIVERSE 2025 Coronation Night!

We are more than ready to deliver an unforgettable pageant — not just for our stunning candidates, but especially for our valued guests who will be joining us for a night of elegance, empowerment, and cultural pride.

This event is the product of hard work, passion, and unity — and we can’t wait to share it with you all!

June 7, Saturday

Van der Valk Hotel Melle–Osnabrück, Germany

Tickets Still Available – Don’t Miss Out!

To my team: thank you for your dedication, talent, and heart. Let’s make magic on that stage!

#TeamDollGlam #MrsEuroPhilippinesUniverse2025 #PageantFamily #EmpoweringWomen #CulturalPride #BehindTheScenes #PageantDreamTeam #DollGlamProduction

Mrs Euro-Philippines Universe

sSrenotpodi3am74t25iuh0819ataa8l9A28998692003u 81umg2u0up39r  · 

Get ready for a night of elegance, empowerment, and cultural celebration!

We proudly present the MRS. EURO PHILIPPINES UNIVERSE 2025 Coronation Night happening this 7th of June (Saturday) at Van der Valk Hotel Melle–Osnabrück, Germany!

Join our amazing team of hosts, directors, performers, and glam squad as we crown the next queen who embodies strength, confidence, and grace!

With our reigning queen Pam, the ever-talented production and creative team, and the passionate individuals behind DollGlam Production, this event will be a true celebration of empowered women empowering others!

Mark your calendars, and don’t miss this unforgettable evening!

“Empowered Human. Empowering Others!”

#MrsEuroPhilippinesUniverse2025 #DollGlamProduction #EmpoweredWomen #CulturalDiversity #PageantPower #CoronationNight #GermanyEvent #beautywithapurpose