Han Lamarroza is PH bet for Mrs. Asia Pacific 2025 pageant

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Dec 4, 2025 09:07 am

Mrs. Asia Pacific Global Philippines 2025 Han Lamarroza has left for Singapore to compete in the Mrs. Asia Pacific 2025 beauty pageant.

Mrs. Asia Pacific Global Philippines 2025 Han Lamarroza (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Before she left for the competition, Han met several members of the pageant press during a media conference where she enthusiastically answered questions on topics ranging from pageantry to current issues.

Media: If you could delete one thing from our world to make it a better place, what would it be?

Han: If I could delete one thing from our world, it would be indifference. When people start caring, injustice grows, inequality deepens, and compassion disappears, but when we choose to care, whether for our community, our environment, or for one another. We create a world where no one is left behind. And even small acts of care can spark extraordinary change.

Media: In your opinion, what makes a person beautiful?

Han: A person becomes wonderful when their character shines brighter than their appearance. Beauty is found in kindness, resilience, and the courage to rise after failure. It is the ability to inspire others through authenticity and compassion. For me, beauty is not just seen...it is felt through the goodness a person shares with the world.

Media: If you were the president of the Philippines, what would you do to corrupt officials?

Han: To those involved in corruption, I would ensure that justice is served, no extensions, no exceptions; every case must be investigated, and every guilty individual must be held accountable because true leadership means protecting the people, not the corrupt.

Media: If you were given the chance to teach children about something, what would it be and why?

Han: I would teach them resilience, because a child who believes in themselves can change their future and even the world.

Media: What qualities do you possess as the next Mrs. Asia Pacific title holder?

Han: I carry the qualities of resilience, purpose, and heart. I’m resilient because life tested me, yet I rise stronger each time. I have a purpose not just to represent beauty, but to inspire courage and hope. And I lead with heart, knowing that true leadership begins with compassion.

Mrs. Asia Pacific Global Philippines 2025 Han Lamarroza and family in Singapore.

Media: Why do you consider yourself an empowered woman?

Han: I consider myself empowered because I choose growth over fear and purpose over perfection. As a mother, professional, and advocate. I use my voice to uplift others, and when a woman empowers others, she becomes unstoppable.

Media: How do you balance humility with the confidence required to compete in a pageant?

Han: I balance confidence and humility by knowing who I am and why I am here. Confidence comes from preparation, and humility from gratitude. And together they let me honor my purpose while carrying the hopes of those who believe in me.

Media: If you could introduce one new category in pageantry, what would it be?

Han: I would introduce a 'community impact challenge' to show how candidates create real change. Pageantry should reflect action, compassion, and leadership because a crown shines brightest when it lights someone else's life.

‘Kuripot’ economics

BY MAHAR MANGAHAS

DECEMBER 6, 2025

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The power of ‘place’ in the Filipino story

The recent claim by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque that a family of four can prepare a noche buena meal for only P500 was immediately attacked as detached from reality, unrealistic, and insensitive. “What planet is she on?” asked several party-list representatives. Not enough for even a simple spaghetti and cheese, said economic watchdog Ibon Foundation. Insulting to Filipino workers, said labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno.

Roque fought back, saying, based on a DTI price guide released in November, a total budget of P374.50 would buy the following: Christmas ham, P170 for 500g; spaghetti sauce, P48.50; spaghetti noodles, P30 for 250g; fruit cocktail, P61.75 for 432g; all-purpose cream, P36.50 for 110ml; and pandesal, P27.75 for 10 pieces, leaving P125.50 of the P500 DTI budget for other items (“DTI stands pat on ‘insulting’ P500 noche buena budget,” News, 11/29/25).

The P500 would provide 10 sandwiches with 50g (half a “guhit”) of ham per pandesal bun. The spaghetti and fruit cocktail are half-size, just enough for one meal for a small family. There is no queso de bola, which costs from P210 to P470, according to DTI, and would already break its budget.

Pantone announces its 2026 Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer

 

By John Legaspi

Published Dec 4, 2025 10:28 pm

Every December, the Pantone Color Institute leads the way in predicting the trending hue for the coming year. For 2026, it veers away from deep and vibrant tones as it announces Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as its top pick.

A lofty white described as “a symbol of calming influence in a society,” Cloud Dancer promotes deep calm and concentration, giving the mind space to drift and creativity to flourish, opening the door to new ideas.

“At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute. “The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences."

According to the Color Institute, Cloud Dancer “invites a space where function and feeling intertwine to build atmospheres of serenity and spaciousness, providing a refuge of visual cleanliness that inspires well-being and lightness.”

In selecting the Color of the Year, Pantone’s global team of experts studies color influences from various fields such as the film and fashion industries, travel destinations, design trends, and socio-economic conditions. More recently, they have also considered new technologies, materials, textures, and social media, among other factors, to determine the perfect hue for each year.

Yearender: YouTube reveals top 10 music videos in PH for 2025

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Dec 4, 2025 09:27 am

YouTube revealed the top 10 music videos in the Philippines in 2025, showcasing diverse songs that captured the country’s attention throughout the year. 

Filipino rapper Skusta Clee earned the No. 1 spot with his viral song “Kalimutan Ka,” which was uploaded on YouTube on Feb. 14 this year. The music video has garnered 126.99 million views on YouTube as of this writing.

Other OPM songs also made it to the top 10.  Earl Agustin’s “Tibok” ranked No. 4; Nateman’s “IMMA FLIRT” ft. Lucky at No. 5; Ryouji’s “b4 i let u go” ft. CK YG at No. 6; Guddhist Gunatita’s “Sulitin” at No. 9; and Supafly’s “Puff Me Up” at No. 10.   

"KPop Demon Hunters" (Netflix)

YouTube released its Global Culture & Trends Report for 2025 (YouTube blog)

Skusta Clee (Screenshot from YouTube)

The unique trend this year is the massive success of Sony Pictures Animation's “KPop Demon Hunters.”

Four videos from the film ranked in the top 10 in the Philippines, indicating a rising interest in music connected to animated narratives and the global appeal of K-pop-inspired sounds.

“Golden” (826.18 million views on YouTube to date) garnered second place while “Soda Pop” is at No. 3; “How It's Done” at No. 7; and “Your Idol” at No. 8.

The ranking is “based on in-country views of official music videos that debuted in 2025. Excluding live performance videos and art track videos,” according to the YouTube Global Culture & Trends Report 2025.   

The Top 10 Music Videos on YouTube in the Philippines in 2025: 

1. Kalimutan Ka - Skusta Clee

2. Golden (KPop Demon Hunters) - Sony Pictures Animation          

3. Soda Pop (KPop Demon Hunters) - Sony Pictures Animation

4. Tibok - Earl Agustin

5. IMMA FLIRT - Nateman ft. Lucky

6. b4 i let u go - Ryouji ft. CK YG

7. How It's Done (KPop Demon Hunters) - Sony Pictures Animation          

8. Your Idol (KPop Demon Hunters) - Sony Pictures Animation          

9. SULITIN - Guddhist Gunatita          

10. PUFF ME UP - SUPAFLY ft. Gat Putch, Gaspari, OG Cry, Ghoti scale, Sica

Davao City councilor warns vs fake resort social media pages

By Ivy Tejano

Published Dec 3, 2025 10:24 pm

BONGUYAN (FB)

DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor has warned over a growing number of fraudulent Facebook pages posing as legitimate resorts, rest houses, and function venues and urged the people to be more cautious during the holidays.

Public Works and Highways Committee chairperson Jessica Bonguyan said scammers are exploiting the holiday rush by creating fake pages that imitate well-known resorts and event venues.

She noted that these Facebook pages used copied photos, branding, and enticing “holiday promos” to lure victims into sending payments to personal bank accounts.

“These scams are getting more advanced, made to look real, updated, and believable.”

Bonguyan revealed that she herself encountered an attempted scam involving a resort promotion that initially appeared legitimate.

She said she decided to verify the offer through the resort’s official page, where she learned that the account she had been interacting with was fake.

“Had I not taken that extra step, I would have been another victim,” she said, encouraging Davaoeños and tourists to observe strict precautions when making online reservations.

Bonguyan stressed that no one is immune to these scams, emphasizing that fraudsters are strategic and highly skilled at imitating real businesses. “When in doubt, stop and verify,” she added.

She reminded everyone to verify the authenticity of pages, contact establishments through their official websites or verified phone numbers, be wary of offers that seem “too good to be true,” and scrutinize payment instructions, mainly when deposits are directed to personal accounts.

The councilor called on the public to stay alert throughout the Christmas season, saying that scammers often thrive when people are rushing to secure bookings for their families.

“Awareness is our strongest defense,” she said. “We must encourage our constituents to be discerning and deliberate when engaging in online transactions.”

Bonguyan moved to pass a resolution urging heightened public vigilance against online resort booking scams.

Here's what went down during Blackpink's 'Deadline' concert in Bulacan

From high-energy anthems to intimate solos, Blackpink delivered a show that showcased both growth and gratitude

By John Legaspi

Published Dec 1, 2025 05:25 pm

It started with a countdown. And as the numbers came close to the end, all I could think about was: after years of listening to their songs and writing about their journey, I’m about to witness Blackpink perform live. When Rosé, Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie emerged onstage with their anthem “Kill This Love” in the background, the Philippine Arena wasn’t just filled with pink twinkling lights, but with pure joy and a celebration of how music moves people and transcends language—and I couldn’t believe I was part of that moment.

Blackpink members Rosé, Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie send hearts to Blinks.

Pre-concert excitement

This is the third time South Korean girl group Blackpink has included the Philippines as one of its stops for their world tour, the first one in 2019 with “In Your Area,” followed by “Born Pink” in 2023. Like their last show, the “Deadline” World Tour was a two-day event, much to the delight of Filipino Blinks. I was lucky enough to be part of the first day of the concert on Nov. 22, 2025.

That day, the Philippine Arena in Bulacan was dressed in pink and black courtesy of the creative ensembles of fans. Despite the heat, everyone was all smiles, checking out their looks and applying makeup while sitting on the grassy lawns. Their giddiness was hard to hide, which eased my nerves as it was my first time attending their concert—and doing it alone.

Purchasing Blackpink merch made easier with Maya Black Visa Credit Card and Pink Glitter Edition Maya Visa Card

Visa and Maya’s photobooths

Visa and Maya’s photobooths

When the gates opened, some ran as fast as they could to get into the arena. Others, like myself, took time to check out the different booths in the venue. Visa and Maya set up various booths where Blinks could take snaps of their “Deadline” weekend and score a Vee bag charm after. I also made sure to visit the merchandise stall outside the arena and got a shirt, which I easily purchased with my Maya Visa card.

An ocean of pink hearts lit up the Philippine Arena.

Inside the arena, fans gathered to take photos and share stories and laughter. The perfect pregame, of course, was listening to Blackpink’s hits, which were played in the arena, hyping up everyone’s energy. Come 6 p.m., everyone in my section was seated, phones ready, and light sticks glowing, creating a sea of pink hearts. Then the lights dimmed and the countdown began.

Special moments on stage

Blackpink kicked off the concert’s Act 1 on a high note with hits such as “Kill This Love,” “Pink Venom,” and “How You Like That.” Flames, pyrotechnics, smoke machines, graphic backgrounds, and laser lights added spectacle to their performance.

Act 1 of the ‘Deadline’ concert featured many of Blackpink’s iconic anthems.

Act 2 put the spotlight on Jisoo and Lisa, as they performed their solo hits like “Earthquake” and “Your Love” for the former, and “Thunder” and “When I'm With You” for the latter.

The girls gathered again onstage for Act 3. It started with some of Blackpink’s fiercer, high-energy hits. But for me, the highlight of the act was their performance of “Stay” and “Lovesick Girls,” which presented a softer side of the members, somehow setting the tone for the upcoming moments.

Blackpink members sharing a moment onstage.

Jennie took the stage on her own to begin Act 4 with her “Starlight” and “Like Jennie” performances. Rosé’s solo set was more stripped down. Before taking the stage, she tried a Filipino snack, turon, and gave it a thumbs up. Perhaps the most vulnerable part of the concert was when Rosé powered through her “Number One Girl” with the help of Filipino Blinks. The singer confessed to being sick the night before and not having the confidence to be onstage.

“We took a little break, but now we are back,” Rosé said. “I must say, sometimes, I forget how to do things live. Some days, I don’t feel like Blackpink… But as we are rising, and you guys are cheering for us, it reminded me. You guys made me feel like Blackpink.”

Act 5 brought the girls back to the stage to perform their latest hits.

That was one of the many moments of the evening when Filipino Blinks were able to show love and support to Blackpink. Sometimes, it is not about them hitting every note or executing every move flawlessly onstage. Rosé, Jisoo, Lisa, and Jennie have touched their hearts beyond music, inspiring fans with their authenticity, resilience, and passion.

Act 5 was a party with their “Jump” song. In these last moments, the members took time to acknowledge the crowd, looking at the unique and quirky signboards, getting closer to fans, and waving as high as they could to make everyone feel seen. And when everyone thought it was over, the girls returned to the stage to give everyone a proper goodbye and thank you with “See U Later.”

Back together, stronger than ever

The “Deadline” World Tour was a special moment for Blinks as it marked the reunion of the four members after briefly pursuing solo paths. Each act of the concert was woven together with short videos of the girls on a road trip, from the urban jungle and Las Vegas to the Wild West. Throughout the concert, Blackpink also took fans on an emotional ride—one that reminded everyone of the power of music and coming together, no matter the situation.

Jennie, Rosé, Lisa, and Jisoo taking a bow and bidding Blinks farewell.

The Philippine Arena glowed in pink to celebrate the success of the ‘Deadline’ concert’s Day 1.

The concert’s first show in Bulacan was a shared space and moment filled with cheers, chants, and moments of pure bliss, proving that the bond between Blackpink and their fans remains unshakable—and I’m sure nobody can kill that love.

Gloria Diaz breaks silence on Miss Universe controversy: 'Too many cooks'

By Annalyn S. Jusay

Published Dec 3, 2025 07:14 am

Actress Gloria Diaz finally broke her silence on the Miss Universe 2025 controversy, acknowledging that the pageant she once considered reputable is now facing credibility issues.

Miss Universe 1969 and actress Gloria Diaz (Instagram)

“It’s unfortunate. Miss Universe had a very credible reputation before,” Miss Universe said when interviewed before the mediacon of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry "Rekonek," directed by Jade Castro.

Calling the situation “one of a kind” and “a little bit off the proper track,” she attributed the disorder to new management within the Miss Universe Organization.

“Maybe they’re just beginners,” she remarked. “Parang nowadays, it’s very… I think magulo sila (they’re disorganized). Unfortunately, it’s that way. Kasi hindi naman sila ganun dati (the org was not like that before).”

Gloria, as Miss Universe 1969, didn’t mince words about what she believes is happening internally. “I feel that there are too many cooks. Ang daming nakikialam (too many people are meddling),” she said. “Dapat, there’s one president who makes the rules, whether it be biased or not, para hindi magulo. (There should be one leader who makes the rules so that it's not chaotic.)"

The country's first Miss Universe also urged the organization to return to using judges who are “credible” and “beyond reproach,” saying that, in her era, those selected had no agenda. “ They should get more credible judges. During my time, the judges were really beyond reproach. No agenda. Parang ganun eh. But this has been going on for some time. It’s only now that it seems a little bit more obscene.”

When asked about Ahtisa Manalo's third runner-up placement in Miss Universe this year, Gloria advised: "She can try again next year. Yun naman ang uso. Pwede ’yan. Kahit sampung beses ka pa (That’s the trend now. It’s allowed, even up to 10 times).”

Ms. Gloria Diaz (fifth from left, seated) is the senior star of 'Rekonek,' the official MMFF entry of Reality Studios, which follows six families spending Christmas Eve without internet due to a worldwide outage.

She also weighed in on Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch’s win, saying beauty pageants often come down to elements that extend beyond facial beauty.

“Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. But many times, it’s not because you’re beautiful or you’re not beautiful. It’s because you’re lucky. So maybe she was the lucky one,” she noted.

Gloria added, "It's sad." The new Miss Universe faced a lot of backlash. “She’s also beautiful. Pero pinagtulungan din siya (people ganged up on her). Maraming nag-abandon sa kanya. (A lot of people abandoned her.)”

Speculation has circulated online about the possibility of Bosch's dethronement or resignation, but Gloria observed that the new Miss Universe should hold on to her crown.

“Bakit siya mag-dethrone? Kung ako ’yan, kapit-tuko (I’d cling to it),” she said with a laugh. “Lahat naman sila deserve (They all deserve it). Pero tayong mga Pilipino, siyempre we love our own. (For us Filipinos, of course, we love our own).”

A sweet, simple twist for the Christmas table

Gulaman brings color, nostalgia and creativity to Filipino holiday feasts

By Feliciano Rodriguez III

Filipino Christmas gatherings are built on memory, passed down through handwritten recipes and stories told in warm kitchens. Among those traditions, gulaman has always had a quiet but cherished presence. I remember making brightly colored jelly with my late mother, the two of us stirring patiently as red and green liquid thickened in a pot. We cut them into shapes once they cooled, a simple holiday ritual that felt like an activity and a treat all at once. Those moments taught me that food need not be elaborate to carry meaning.

That sentiment continues today, especially with pantry staples like Mr. Hat Gulaman finding new life during the holidays. With seven flavored and six unflavored variants, it offers room for creativity, whether one prefers familiar desserts or something new. It sets quickly and requires no baking, which suits the season when the oven is full and the table is already heavy with lechon, roast chicken and pasta. A no bake dessert becomes an easy win for busy hosts.

Classic dishes such as Cathedral Window Jelly still anchor dessert spreads, but more modern ideas are gaining space beside them. Some home cooks now prepare Coffee Delight Jelly Cake or Coconut Langka Jelly, bringing lighter textures after a rich noche buena. Others serve No Steam Chocolate Pudding Cake, smooth and indulgent without extra steps. Even drinks are evolving, with Mango Tapioca Jelly or Thai Iced Milk Tea studded with soft cubes for a refreshing finish.

Families with young children may enjoy Merry and Bright Ornaments Jelly, made with strawberry and pandan flavored gulaman simmered with sugar then molded into festive shapes. After chilling, the jellies unmold like glass ornaments and brighten any Christmas table without much effort.

For a more refined option, Lychee Brulee blends lychee flavored gulaman and condensed milk before chilling in ramekins. A thin layer of sugar on top caramelizes under a flame, giving a delicate flavor and the satisfying crack of brulee without the need for baking.

These desserts travel well, store easily and can be prepared ahead. They are ideal for potlucks and family visits, staying intact even after long drives. Adjusting water measurements changes the texture from firm to gentle wobble, depending on preference.

Gulaman may be modest, but it carries memory, color and joy. On a table filled with tradition, it adds something light and festive. It honors the past and leaves room for new rituals, one jewel toned slice at a time.

Coming of age in the Philippines

 

BY CARL LORENZ CERVANTES

NOVEMBER 24, 2025

Photo by Simon Maage/Unsplash

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Iam turning 31 soon, and at this point, people might tell me that I am about to be dropped from the calendar—that is, because a calendar month only goes up to 31! At this age, I feel “more adult” than I was at 21, so whenever I look at a 21-year-old, especially pictures of myself at that age, I cannot help but think: “They are still so childlike!”

In times long past, we used to have rituals that distinguished the threshold between child and adult. This is called a “rite of passage,” because a person transitions from one status to another. This means that they get more benefits as part of the adult world, but it also means that they have more responsibilities. Around the time a person turns 18 to 21, they can now buy alcohol and cigarettes, enter a casino, and watch R-rated movies.

But they are usually also expected to get a job, pay taxes, get married, and eventually, start a family. They are expected to be able to make clear decisions. Yes, there are benefits, but also responsibilities.

Meaningful life transitions

Many Indigenous cultures around the world still have their own rites of passage, but for urbanized and globalized people, these rituals have become superficial performances of meaningful life transitions. If anything, many Indigenous traditions are at risk of extinction precisely because of how Westernized we are becoming—through influences from Hollywood and our social media feeds!

Religions have been very consistent with these rites. In Catholicism, the Rite of Confirmation that children go through at age 12 is meant to be a meaningful transition from growing up in a Catholic household to actually accepting Catholicism as their personal faith.

But not everyone is Catholic, and not everyone finds Confirmation meaningful. I was raised Catholic, and, sorry, I do not even remember my own Confirmation.

Filipino rites of passage

So it got me thinking: What are some rites of passage we still practice today? What rituals do we actually do in our modern-day lives that most Filipinos are expected to celebrate? (Though this does not mean that every Filipino will go through it the same way, as there might be some societal pressures to do it.)

First, I immediately think of a girl’s debut in the Philippines, which happens when she turns 18. It’s supposed to celebrate the blossoming of a woman, but this might also reinforce old ideas of “femininity” (pagkababae). Of course, it is also an avenue for a family to showcase their wealth. Imagine all the magnificent debuts you have been to, and think about how much one of those costs—sometimes it can be just as expensive as a wedding!

After all, the suppliers and locations are usually the same. In a way, blowing candles on birthdays is a rite of passage, but this just marks the completion of a year. A debut is the clear transition from child to adult.

But even when we agree that 18 is technically a legal adult, older adults know that it is still too young to start engaging in “adult things.” I cannot think of an equivalent of a debut for boys, even when they turn 21, but I do think of tuli (circumcision) as a rite of passage.

When I was much younger, there was a stigma attached to the uncircumcised (supot), implying that they are ignorant about the ways of the world because of their rawness. Being supot is like being an unripe fruit that still has its covering (“supot” is also the term for a plastic bag). But if we think about the mental, physical, and social development of children, the age of circumcision is too young to actually call them a “man,” and yet, older men will say, “Lalaki ka na!”

Markers of maturity

Apart from these two, most Filipinos might consider graduating a rite of passage, whether that is from senior high school or from college. This is probably because we still hold the idea that education is the key to a good life, and most jobs (even those that do not need the complexity of a college degree) still expect applicants to have graduated from college.

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After college, the emerging adult begins to navigate the “real world” by joining the workforce and becoming serious tax-paying members of society.

And yet, writing this as a 30-year-old, I still feel like I did not get a true rite of passage. I was too young to find any meaning in tuli or the Rite of Confirmation, and, as a man, I did not get a debut.

Yes, I graduated from university, and I eventually graduated again after completing my master’s degree. But these are just completions of programs, not necessarily markers of maturity. I had to develop in my own way as I navigated the very strange adult world—what we call “adulting,” which sounds like something you are trying to do, not necessarily something you are doing well.

Maybe this is why so many adults are still “isip bata,” and why many men still carry a very childish, “toxic” masculinity. We need serious rituals—events that really mark a level of maturity and allow people to be functioning, responsible members of a larger society.

For now, most of what we have is very kaniya-kaniya. There are barely any more masters to learn from or meaningful guidebooks that can help us survive and thrive. We need better parental figures—or, since we are the new adults, we must take it upon ourselves to be the adults that would have really helped our younger selves.