Unite, prepare to cushion impact of rainy season

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is joining preparations to help cushion the impact of the rainy season—the floods, the landslides and, at worst, the tragedy and massive displacement that usually come with it.

In fact, the military is now in close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure prompt disaster response as part of its civil defense duties. This a welcome development coming from the military which is preoccupied with its duty to defend the country from external forces.

The past few days, we have witnessed the impact of the rains. Sporadic as they come, the rains have caused immediate flooding in low-lying areas and disrupted travel, affecting work and businesses. What more if it becomes more frequent.

As the rainy season brings the country once again on the brink of vulnerability and in this age where climate change amplifies the volatility of natural events, preparedness is a necessity.

Every drop of rain should serve as a wake-up call. The government, private sector, and each Filipino must act—not out of fear, but out of responsibility. Because behind every flooded street is a child unable to go to school, an employee and an executive unable to report for work. Behind every landslide is a family whose home has vanished in an instant. Behind every casualty is a life that could have been saved.

The government must be proactive, and not reactive. Budget allocations for disaster preparedness should be increased, not just during or after disasters, but long before the rains arrive. We hope these were submitted in the budget proposals for 2026. Infrastructure such as drainage systems, floodways, and slope protection must be upgraded and maintained. Local government units (LGUs) must strictly enforce zoning laws to prevent settlements in danger zones, while barangays should be equipped with real-time warning systems and evacuation protocols tailored to their communities.

Moreover, the Department of Education should roll out school-based disaster preparedness programs, teaching students the value of readiness. Agencies like the NDRRMC must maintain constant coordination with LGUs and ensure that emergency supplies, rescue equipment, and trained personnel are always ready.

Companies must see themselves not just as businesses, but as pillars of national resilience. Corporate social responsibility should go beyond token relief efforts. Telecommunications companies must ensure stable lines of communication before, during, and after storms. Construction and real estate developers must uphold—and be held accountable for—resilient design standards.

Beyond infrastructure, the private sector can offer logistical support, fund local community-based disaster education, and provide employees with flexible work arrangements during severe weather, minimizing travel risks and ensuring safety without sacrificing productivity.

And finally, the role of the individual cannot be overstated. Each Filipino must embrace a culture of preparedness. We are all stakeholders here. Households should have go-bags ready, know their nearest evacuation centers, and follow advisories from trusted sources. Community participation is crucial—neighbors helping neighbors, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those living alone.

Social media should not only be used to share photos of floods, but to spread timely information and coordinate aid.

To cushion the impact of the rains, the government, private industry, and the public must work in harmony. Information must flow freely. Resources must be shared efficiently. Trust must be built continuously.

We cannot stop the rain, but we can stop the tragedies that come with it. Now is the time to act—not when the waters have already risen, not when the damage is already done. Let our unity and preparedness be stronger than any storm.

The rains have come. So must our resolve.

Gasoline, diesel to rise by ₱1.8/liter on Tuesday

 

By Gabriell Christel Galang

Published Jun 16, 2025 11:39 am

 

Motorists will need to tighten their belts once more as fuel prices are set to increase this week.

Effective Tuesday, June 17, gasoline and diesel prices will both inch up by ₱1.80 per liter, while kerosene will go up by ₱1.50 per liter.

These adjustments have been announced by Shell Pilipinas, Caltex, Seaoil, CleanFuel, and PetroGazz.

Last week, analysts forecasted these price hikes based on the recent trade signals between the United States (US) and China, as well as trade negotiations between the US and Iran.

Concerns over supply disruptions and rising oil demand persisted, but prices remained moderate due to stable gasoline and diesel benchmarks in the Asian region.

So far this month, gasoline prices have increased by ₱2.80 per liter, while diesel prices have risen to around ₱3.05 per liter for June.

Kerosene was also raised to ₱1.70 per liter.

Amid recent tensions in the Middle East, especially between Iran and Israel, the Department of Energy (DOE) has downplayed the risk of significant disruptions to global oil supply and transportation, as former Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla explained that this would have a minimal effect on the Philippines’ fuel supply and prices.

Nonetheless, he assured that oil prices will not go up to their alarming rates.

Overseas remittances surge to $2.7 billion amid stable global employment

 

By Derco Rosal

Published Jun 16, 2025 04:05 pm

Cash sent home by Filipinos working and living overseas continued to increase in April, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed, reflecting stable global employment abroad.

Money sent in by overseas Filipinos (OFs) increased by four percent to $2.7 billion in April from $2.6 billion in the same month last year, the BSP reported.

Cash remittances for the first four months also rose by three percent to $11.1 billion from $ 10.78 billion posted in the same period last year.

Cash remittances coursed through banks in the first four months were predominantly from the United States (US), followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, according to BSP’s statement released on Monday, June 26.

As such, remittances for these countries were the drivers of the overall increase during the period.

By source, the US remained the top source of cash remittances during the period at 40.4 percent, followed by Singapore (7.3 percent) and Saudi Arabia (6.3 percent).

Several money transfer centers in countries abroad send money through partner banks, known as correspondent banks, most of which are based in the US, the central bank noted.

It added that remittances sent through money couriers are recorded under the country where their main offices are based—often the US—rather than the actual country of origin.

“Therefore, the US would appear to be the main source of OF [overseas Filipino] remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source,” the BSP said.

Personal remittances, or the sum of transfers sent in cash or in-kind via informal channels, also increased by 4.1 percent to $3 billion in April from $2.9 billion in the previous year.

Year-to-date personal remittances also climbed by three percent to $12.4 billion from the $12 billion registered in January-to-April period last year.

The BSP attributed the increase in personal remittances to the rise in both land-based and sea-based OFs

John Paolo Rivera, senior research fellow at state-run policy think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), said that the increase in cash remittances “shows underlying strength in remittance flows, driven by stable overseas employment, particularly in the US, Middle East, and parts of Asia.”

“Moving forward, remittance growth is likely to remain steady, supported by demand for OFWs abroad, especially in healthcare, logistics, and domestic services,” Rivera said.

Rivera noted that weaker peso may encourage more US dollar remittances, but risks such as inflation in host countries, geopolitical tensions, and potential policy changes like remittance taxes in key markets like the US could weigh on future inflows.

Paradox on a page

 

Speculative fiction finds a bold new home

The three books are proof that Filipino speculative fiction is stepping into the spotlight with confidence. FAMILY THREE From left: Nikki Alfar, Ryo Alfar, and Dean Francis Alfar.

By Johannes Chua

In a country known for realist literature, social dramas, and poetic musings, speculative fiction has long been on the fringes as it quietly thrived in anthologies, literary events, and niche bookstores. But no longer.

A new literary imprint named Paradox, under Vibal Foundation, is putting the spotlight on speculative fiction. It’s giving space to the “multiverse of Filipino imagination” by changing the narrative one magical, mythical, or monstrous page at a time.

Speculative fiction encompasses fantasy, science fiction, horror, alternate histories, dystopian futures, and more. It is the genre that dares to ask, “What if?” What if magic exists in modern Manila, what if the apocalypse comes with a karaoke soundtrack, what if the past never ended?

The genre has thrived thanks to writers who believed in its power to enchant readers. Chief among them is Dean Francis Alfar, a Palanca-winning author and Filipino Critics Circle chair who has tirelessly pushed speculative fiction into the literary mainstream. He now leads the editorial team behind Paradox.

Alfar emphasized Paradox’s mission, to welcome all kinds of speculative fiction. From high fantasy and space opera to post-apocalyptic narratives and speculative memoirs, no idea is too far-fetched. The goal? “To showcase Filipino imagination in its most unbridled form.”

Aside from having published some noteworthy titles in recent months, there are ambitious projects in the pipeline, including a 100,000-word speculative novel in English. Paradox, it seems, is not just dreaming—it’s publishing.

Family goal

Paradox has recently unveiled three noteworthy titles penned by the Alfar family, a trio of voices united not just by blood, but by a shared love of myth, metaphor, and magic.

Dean Francis Alfar returns with “Moon Sun Stars,” a selection of his best stories from the past two decades. Whether retelling Filipino folklore with a cosmic twist or weaving lyrical tales of longing, Alfar proves once again why he is a leading voice in Philippine speculative fiction.

His wife, Nikki Alfar, delivers “Doomsday Dance Party,” a delightfully offbeat collection that explores personal and planetary endings with humor and poignancy. The apocalypse, in her hands, is less about destruction and more about reckoning, resilience, and sometimes… dancing.

Their son, Ryo Alfar, makes a stunning debut with “Fragile Magics,” a sweeping 432-page fantasy novel centered on three young spell-wielders navigating a world of folded-paper enchantments and aerial duels. With this work, Ryo establishes himself as a bold new voice and the torchbearer of the next generation.

The three books are proof that Filipino speculative fiction is stepping into the spotlight with confidence. In fact, just last April, Paradox hosted its first speculative fiction writing workshop, led by Dean and Nikki, drawing aspiring writers from across the country.

The workshop is part of the imprint’s broader commitment to nurturing fresh talent and building a strong, inclusive community of storytellers who dare to imagine beyond the ordinary. As Gelo Lopez, Vibal’s Chief Product Officer, noted during the launch: “We invite readers to explore the boundless creativity of the Alfars as their books showcase the breadth and depth of speculative fiction.”

In a publishing landscape often rooted in the familiar, Paradox dares to be different. It champions the strange, the surreal, and the speculative not as a niche, but as a vital expression of the Filipino creative spirit. With the Alfars at the helm and a new generation of writers rising, the future of local speculative fiction looks anything but ordinary.

Our hospitality industry, where it's heading!

 

By Philip Cu Unjieng

Published Jun 15, 2025 12:05 am

The HSMA, an association of hotel sales and marketing professionals, will be holding their third Sales and Marketing Summit this June 19, at the City of Dreams (COD) Grand Ballroom. Having attended the two previous iterations, I’m certain it will once again be an illuminating “snapshot” of our hotel industry – with speakers and panels discoursing on where the hospitality industry is headed, what improvements are needed, and what roadblocks still persist.

Entitled “Leading the Shift: Redefining Sales and Marketing for the Next Generation,” the media gathering held the other week was the HSMA’s teaser of what to expect, and why this emphasis on the next generation. Foremost in the mindset of the organizers was the recognition that the composition of the present HSMA Board are primarily filled with “veterans” and long-standing luminaries of the industry. While that is fine and good, the issue of succession, of enabling the next generation of leaders, has become a pressing concern. Plus, it is about making the Summit relevant to the younger HSMA members, who now make up the majority of the Association’s membership.

It’s about embracing innovation, and creating future-ready teams. It’s about seeking solutions from fresher minds, and new voices. The figures of our inbound foreign visitors for the first four months of 2025 remain sluggish, to say the least. We are tracking 2.1 million visitors for January to April. And to put it into perspective regionally, Vietnam had 7.6 million visitors for that same period, and Thailand 11.3 million. So you can’t pull out the “coming back from pandemic” excuse; and we have to face the reality that winning Best Dive Destination, Best Beach Destination, and all the awards we’ve collected over the years, have still not translated into a sudden upsurge in foreign visitors.

The visitors who come do spend when they’re here; and generally, are all praises for the Philippine experience. So I do hope the Summit will come up with an analysis, and some answers/solutions, on why we still get “trickles,” and what we should do to change that scenario. While one eye should be set on the long term, and most definitely include infrastructure issues and concerns; given the vital role tourism plays in our national development, some “quick fix” measures can be proposed and adapted. Otherwise, we’re looking at a hospitality industry and tourism sector that will remain too dependent on the domestic market, while we enviously cast our eyes at our ASEAN neighbors.

Nice to note that Manila Hotel’s Kim Tan is on a panel to be moderated by Jenny Santillan, HSMA Director of Programs, and Director of Sales & Marketing, City of Dreams.

Nice to note that Manila Hotel’s Kim Tan is on a panel to be moderated by Jenny Santillan, HSMA Director of Programs, and Director of Sales & Marketing, City of Dreams.

As it is, the one-day summit is packed with potentially illuminating dialogues and discussions. The Impact of Government Policies on the Hospitality Business is one such talk, and between the DOT, the DILG, the Department of Transportation, and even the DICT; it’s easy to observe that their policies impact on tourism and hospitality. Channel Management and Distribution Strategies should bring out experiential best practices, and how the Summit can act as a sounding board for adapting new strategies, and optimizing efficiencies in the industry.

Then there’s Revenue Optimization and AI Driven Marketing. This should be especially useful for those ready to embrace AI and technology, while appreciating how tenure, experience, and the human touch are still irreplaceable. There’s Leadership Development for the Next Generation of Professionals, and this echoes the growing concern about succession. Building Meaningful Industry Relationships that Drive Conversions is one broad topic, and would emphasize how the industry has to work as a community, and not so much as competitors. I’m sure Online Travel Agencies (OTA) will be called on as resource speakers; as globally, it’s impossible to ignore the reach and business generated by the OTAs.

“The HSMA Summit is where industry leaders and rising stars come together to shape the future of Philippine Tourism. The next generation of sales and marketing professionals must attend; not just to learn, but to lead. This summit gives them the tools, insights, and inspiration they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” says Loleth So, HSMA President, and Group Commercial Director of MEGAWORLD Hotels and Resorts.

Two other major activities of the HSMA each year are their September Online Sale, and the Virtus Awards. The Online Sale is a nationwide travel fair that’s popular for offering the best deals for accommodations. The Virtus Awards is the HSMA honoring their own, recognizing deserving individuals and stellar marketing campaigns.

Thursday, June 19 is the date; and there’s a discounted registration fee for HSMA members, while non-HSMA individuals can also attend. Just visit the HSMA official FB Page and Instagram account for details. It promises to be a lively discussion; with a ton of learnings offered up by those who are at the front line of the hospitality industry.

Happy Father’s Day!

Puregold's OPM Con 2025 is this year's destination music event

 

by Robert Requintina

Published Jun 13, 2025 01:54 pm

Puregold’s OPM Con 2025 is set to light up the Philippine Arena on July 5, generating global excitement as fans worldwide plan to witness this historic music festival live.

Concert enthusiasts are reportedly flying in from Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, while overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are also eager to come home.

The much-anticipated OPM Con is shaping up to be a lavish celebration and homecoming event all in one.Across the archipelago, there is a growing excitement related to the ongoing global attraction. Puregold stores in Butuan, Bacolod, and Leyte have reported early ticket sell-outs, with shoppers booking flights and long-distance bus rides to participate in this musical milestone. 

The Philippine Arena is anticipated to welcome not only fans but also a surge of local tourists eager for a large-scale concert experience.

“More than anything, we organized the Puregold OPM Con 2025 as a service for all our shoppers and music fans,” says Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s Senior Marketing Manager. “Expect a powerful lineup and heart-pounding performances. Whether you’re a stan for today’s hottest artists or grew up on classic OPM, join us as we make music history together.”

Regardless of how it unfolds, the extraordinary interest in Puregold’s retailtainment highlights its significant impact. The event embodies a blend of passion, tradition, and performance. 

With a lineup featuring some of the most iconic OPM artists today, OPM Con 2025 aims to make world-class entertainment accessible to all Filipinos. It’s not just a major music event of the year; it’s a celebration of our identity. As we count down to July, one thing is sure: the world is watching.

Fight for affordable food; let's all break our backs

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Jun 13, 2025 12:05 am

The country’s inflation dropped to a 66-month low in May. Unfortunately, food prices remain high.

This should be a cause for concern. We must bear in mind that in the heart of every Filipino home, the dining table holds more than the meals we take—it symbolizes dignity, aspirations, and the enduring hope for a better life.

But for millions today, especially those living on the fringes, that table is slowly emptying. The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that inflation has dropped but this macroeconomic victory is not being felt inside the kitchen and the dining area of the average Filipino. On the contrary, the PSA said food prices remain elevated, volatile, and unforgiving—especially for the very people who can least afford them.

Meat prices rose by a staggering 7.9 percent in May 2025, largely due to prohibitively expensive pork. Fish and other seafood, long a staple of Filipino diets, posted an inflation of 5.7 percent. Mind you, these are not mere statistics. They represent mothers who stretch meals thinner than ever before, workers skipping breakfast to make ends meet, and children consuming less nutritious food that affects their learning, growth, and future.

We are not just dealing with inflation. We are dealing with food insecurity, a silent creeping crisis that strikes hardest at the middle-income earners and the marginalized—the very people who form the backbone of our economy, our schools, our hospitals, and our cities.

The government cannot afford to be complacent.

Yes, it is commendable that inflation has been curbed in general. But unless policies directly target the cost of basic food items, the data means little to hungry stomachs. The government must act decisively and with compassion. Subsidies for local farmers must be ramped up. Price ceilings must be imposed at the earliest sign that hoarding or price manipulation occurs. Agricultural supply chains need radical reform. Logistics, storage, and distribution systems should be modernized to reduce wastage and middleman-driven markups.

Importation may offer temporary relief, but it cannot be the cornerstone of our food strategy. We must produce, protect, and empower local food systems. We need better crop insurance, smarter irrigation, and comprehensive training for farmers to shift to climate-resilient and high-yield practices.

But this fight does not rest on the shoulders of the government alone.

The private sector, particularly large agribusinesses and retailers, must view food affordability not just as a business variable, but as a moral obligation. Supermarkets and food corporations can play a crucial role by sourcing from local farmers, controlling excessive profit margins on basic goods, and investing in community-based agricultural programs. Retail chains and restaurant groups should embrace transparency and resist the temptation to exploit scarcity for gain.

Every Filipino, too, holds a piece of the solution. We must support local producers when possible, waste less food, and become more mindful consumers. Urban gardening, cooperative buying, and community-based food programs can offer grassroots solutions that multiply when adopted en masse.

This is both an economic issue and a national moral test. What kind of country are we if a mother working two jobs cannot afford a decent meal for her children? What future do we shape if our children are fed mere calories without nutrition?

Let us not be lulled by the macro numbers. Let us instead demand leadership that sees beyond charts to the faces of real families. Let the government act with urgency. Let the private sector lead with conscience. And let every Filipino stand not just as a consumer, but as a steward of a more just and nourished nation.

Because when food becomes unaffordable, freedom itself begins to starve.

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.

Muslims celebrate Eid'l Adha in Zamboanga City

 

MUSLIMS gather at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City for their congregational prayers in celebration of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice on June 6.  (City Hall PIO)

By Liza Jocson

Published Jun 6, 2025 03:04 pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Thousands of Muslim residents celebrated Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice by participating in community prayers and visiting family and relatives here on Friday, June 6.

A big group trooped to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in the morning to participate in congregational prayers.

Similar gatherings were held in hundreds of mosques all over the city.

In his message, Mayor John Dalipe asked all Muslims to also honor the diverse traditions being celebrated in Zamboanga City as they mark this significant occasion in the Muslim religious calendar.

“May this occasion bring peace, prosperity, and unity to our beloved city,” Dalipe said.

Republic Act 9849 declares the 10th day of Zhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Adha.

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.

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.

Filipino films leave an impact at the Cannes Film Festival

Creating cinematic milestones between France and the Philippines

By Rica Arevalo

Published May 31, 2025 08:18 am

With the co-production agreement, cultural exchange and collaborative productions enable the French and Filipinos to be on equal footing.

Last month, we were at the Marché du Film of the Cannes Film Festival in France to meet film industry professionals from 140 countries, attend conferences, and watch films with passionate cineastes all over the world.

The highlight for us Filipinos was the co-production agreement between the Philippines and France, the world premiere of Lav Diaz’s “Magalhães (Magellan),” starring Gael Garcia Bernal, and the Filipino entry in the short film competition entitled “Agapito,” from directors Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero.

With the co-production agreement, cultural exchange and collaborative productions enable the French and Filipinos to be on equal footing. Their co-produced films are recognized as national productions in both countries, as well as qualifying for incentives from both the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'ImageAnimée (CNC).

France has been at the forefront of film preservation and heritage, and sees the Philippines as a key partner in co-production collaboration between Europe and Asia.

In the last 25 years, only three short films from the Philippines have been selected in the competition: “Animo” by Raymond Red in 2000, “Imago” by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez in 2016, and this year’s “Agapito” by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero.

At the Philippine Pavilion, we met Arvin, and he shared how his Cannes experience was marred by challenges. “Sa akin sobrang divine intervention (It was divine intervention),” said Arvin. He erroneously got a rejection letter from the organizer stating that his short film did not get in. On the way to Cannes, his luggage was stolen too. “Ginawa lang naming siya to test the actors kasi si Nour (Hooshmand) din ang ‘Ria’ ko (We made this short film to test the actors because Nour is the lead in ‘Ria’),” he confessed. “Ria” is Arvin’s much-awaited full-length directorial debut, which will start filming on June 9, 2025. “It’s just for me to have this relationship at work because it’s a full-length.” They submitted “Agapito” to different festivals. “Dito (Cannes) kami lumanding (We landed in Cannes).”

At the Cannes Premiere section, “Magalhães (Magellan)” was well-applauded at the Debussy Theatre. After the end credits, Lav Diaz said to the crowd, “Thank you very much.” The mic was given to Gael Garcia Bernal, and he replied, “Muitoobrigado (Thank you very much), obrigado, Lav.” There was mutual respect between the two accomplished men.

“Magalhães (Magellan)” follows Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his marriage to Beatriz Barbosa, before traveling on the Spanish crown's expedition to Southeast Asia, propagating Christianity, and scouting for spices and treasures—Lav’s ending questions the existence of Lapu-Lapu based on his seven years of research.

Actor Bong Cabrera, who plays Rajah Kolambuwas, was educated in independent filmmaking by watching the Gael-starrer, “Y tumamá también,”“Amores Perros,” and “Bad Education.” “‘Yung films ni Gael, iyon ‘yung mga first independent films na napapanood ko (Gael’s films were the first independent films I saw,” said Bong. “He’s (Gael) a cool guy, mahilig siya sa karaoke.” The first time they met, they sang Yoyoy Villame’s “Magellan.” “Sobrang nakakatawa siya kasi after naming kumanta, sabi ba naman niya (He is so funny, after singing he said), ‘This is sacrilege! Mother, mother I am sick.’”

The Cannes experience for Bong was surreal. “From shooting sa mga mapuputik sa Pilipinas, tapos bigla kasama si Gael, tapos nandito na kami biglang nag walk sa red carpet in Cannes, medyo nakakataba ng puso (From shooting in the muddy areas of the Philippines, being joined by Gael, then walking down the red carpet in Cannes, it’s heartwarming) with all the support from Filipino community.”

For “Magalhães (Magellan),” we hope for Filipinos to see it in local theaters before the year ends. Nour Films acquired the distribution rights of the film in France. “For one, there is this statement in the film that is very controversial,” said Bong. “But I think the purpose of Direk Lav is to create a discourse with what’s going on.”

While at the airport on our way back to Manila, Lav cornered us to say that the film will go on a festival run tour, and he hopes to finish a nine-hour-long director’s cut. We wish him all the best as he is one of the innovators of the slow cinema movement.

2,954 balikbayan boxes turned over to DMW in Davao City

 By Ivy Tejano

Published May 29, 2025 06:08 pm

DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) formally turned over 2,954 “balikbayan” (returning Filipino) boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) during a ceremonial turnover on Thursday morning, May 29, at the Terminal Facilities and Service Corp., Port of Davao, Barangay Ilang, Tibungco here.

The BOC said in its official Facebook page that all the abandoned boxes, sent by overseas Filipino workers from various countries, were left unclaimed after being mishandled and neglected by unreliable freight forwarding firms, then held at the Port of Davao.

In an interview with the Davao media, 42-year-old OFW Lorna de Grasya from Kuwait could not contain her happiness upon hearing about the turnover of the balikbayan boxes. She said she is close to receiving the packages she prepared for her family after two years and eight months.

Lawyer Francis Ron de Guzman, DMW assistant secretary for the Reintegration Service, assured that the 2,954 packages from 12x40 containers they received at the BOC Port of Davao will be delivered directly to OFWs' homes. He said that the DMW will shoulder the delivery fee.

“It’s not the box we’re honoring. We’re honoring the hard work, sacrifices, and love behind each and every package. Rest assured, your government remains steadfast in ensuring that all these balikbayan boxes, along with the hope they carry, will reach your homes,” De Guzman said.

He said balikbayan boxes, often packed with food, clothes, and other gifts, are heartfelt symbols of love and sacrifices of the Filipino workers abroad. He added that for OFWs, these boxes help them stay connected with their families and show their dedication to giving them a better life.

De Guzman emphasized that the turnover of the packages means more than just handing over boxes. He said that the turnover of these balikbayan boxes represents a significant milestone in government accountability, compassion, and solidarity with OFWs and their families.

On the part of the BOC, it said the turnover of the packages marks the culmination of months of dedicated coordination and groundwork that began in 2024, when Customs officials proactively reached out to the DMW to address the issue of mishandled and abandoned packages.

The BOC said that from securing legal permissions to handling documentation and logistics, they worked to ensure that the balikbayan boxes could be released through lawful and proper means. It added that the DMW will facilitate the distribution and delivery of the packages.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the BOC vowed to continue to pursue reforms that go beyond trade and enforcement. It said that by aligning its efforts with the needs of the people, the bureau only showed that its service can be both efficient and compassionate.

The classroom shortage needs a nation's effort

 

The problem of a shortage in classrooms has been around too long. Every school opening, we read about that and we see photos of overcrowded classrooms and campus open spaces converted into makeshift learning areas.

This week, the gravity of the crisis was laid bare by Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara: The country is short by 165,443 classrooms — and at current budget levels, it would take the Philippines 30 years to close that gap.

The implications are staggering. For every year this backlog persists, millions of Filipino children are denied quality learning environments. Many of them study in cramped, hot rooms or outdoors under temporary structures. In some places, children do not go to school every day because of the absence of classrooms. This isn’t just an infrastructure problem — it’s a learning and national development crisis.

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With a reduced budget in 2025, the department is left to do more with less, even as the number of students continues to grow. At a time when other countries are investing heavily in education to build globally competitive workforces, the Philippines continues to face a basic education problem – lack of classrooms.

With these limitations, the DepEd has pursued public-private partnerships (PPPs) to speed up the construction of additional classrooms.

The initial goal is to build 15,000 classrooms by 2027. That’s just a fraction of the total need—but it’s a start.

The private sector has long been a sleeping giant in national development. Many private companies have donated school buildings and classrooms as their corporate social responsibility program.

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President Marcos has expressed support for PPPs to accelerate classroom construction, particularly in underserved regions. That endorsement must translate into more enabling policies, streamlined regulations, and incentives for private players to participate more deeply in education infrastructure.

An initiative to gather more private sector support was launched recently as Generation HOPE, a collaboration between DepEd, social enterprise HOPE, and a coalition of well-known brands. This partnership empowers consumers to directly contribute to classroom construction every time they make a purchase of participating products.

During the launch of Generation HOPE, Angara emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the classroom crisis.

“Education is not just a duty — it’s a solemn responsibility we all share,” he said.

By enabling the public to take part in funding education through daily consumption, DepEd is helping Filipinos translate their goodwill into real-world impact. Angara said, this initiative is not just about funding classrooms; it’s about “nation-building.” And in the absence of sufficient government funding, such grassroots, consumer-driven support could be a game-changer.

This model of citizen-powered development is not new, but its application to education in such a systematic way is bold and commendable. It reflects a growing recognition that education is not solely the government’s responsibility — it’s everyone’s.

The learning crisis brought on by the classroom shortage is not insurmountable — but it demands urgency, creativity, and unity. DepEd’s openness to partnerships, and the people’s willingness to engage, show that there is hope.

This is the moment for Filipinos — government, business, and everyday citizens — to come together for education. Every classroom built today is an investment in the dreams of tomorrow.

Kuh Ledesma speaks about the perseverance of a mother's love

 

By Robert Requintina

Published May 28, 2025 10:10 pm

Mother's Day has passed, but pop diva Kuh Ledesma believes that we should celebrate Mother's Day every day.

"One of God’s greatest blessings is the love of a mother for her child. It is selfless. It is enduring.  A mother is willing to sacrifice without expecting anything in return. She forgives without hesitation and prays constantly for her child," said Kuh as she prepares for a special post-Mother’s Day celebration, "Mamma Mia," at the Hacienda Isabella on May 31.

Kuh believes that a mother’s love is steadfast, especially when life becomes messy. It doesn’t give up, it doesn’t give in—it continues to hope and believe even when others no longer do. It is a love that stands the test of time, just like the bond between Kuh and her daughter, Isabella.

Kuh revealed that their journey hasn’t always been easy, adding that deep personal challenges marked the years. 

It came as an unexpected blow when Kuh’s marriage fell apart—a painful and turbulent season that deeply affected Isabella.

The trauma of witnessing her parents’ separation, twice, left lasting emotional and mental wounds. The mental anguish was further aggravated by prescribed psychotropic medication, which Isabella took for years.

Kuh said that it took time, faith, learning from the experiences of others with the same challenges who had overcome similar situations, and biblical counseling to realize that true healing would not come from medicine alone. 

It was through Kuh’s unwavering relationship with Jesus Christ that she found the strength to see her daughter through.

She would not believe that the psychotropic drugs were the solution to Isabella's healing, but in the power of prayer and holding on to the promises of God and God's faithfulness, and most of all, in Isabella's obedience to the word of God.

Kuh remained steadfast, prayerful, and immovable."It was in those hardest months that her love for Isabella proved deepest. In meals prepared with care, in conversations filled with God's word, in prayers—countless, unrelenting prayers," she said.

But most of all, in her decision to stay and endure the process and not let the psychotropic drugs and psychiatrists handle the situation, walking away would have been easier, but not beneficial. "And without a doubt, believing that God can do the impossible and that God is the true healer."

Today, Kuh continues to minister to other parents going through the same trials, offering comfort, wisdom, and the reminder that they are not alone. "That healing is possible. That God is very able."

"And by God's grace, after a long break, Isabella is once again sharing her incredible talent through her music and her art," Kuh added. 

With her recent very successful concert and return to the recording studio, Isabella isn’t just going back to what she used to do—she’s stepping into a new chapter with a deeper purpose, becoming who God designed her to be and using her God-given talent to the fullest.

Kuh also believes that there is no shame in sharing their story. "The process was not simple, but it was God's plan and purpose for both of them to learn how healing happens and how God can use their experience to encourage others who are going through similar challenges."

She believes in Isabella's tremendous talent in singing, thus she continues to mount concerts to encourage Isabella and unashamedly asks for the support of friends and family.

Behind that, moving up and moving forward is Kuh—the mother whose perseverance, relentless prayers, and unshakable faith have been the anchor. "Sometimes with force, sometimes with tears, but always with hope. Always with love."

Citing 1 Corinthians 13:70-8, Kuh mentioned: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

Catch this mother-daughter tandem in a very special post-Mother’s Day celebration, "Mamma Mia," at the Hacienda Isabella on May 31, 2025. Dinner at 6 pm/show at 8 pm/ snacks follow after the concert.

'As the Moth Flies' director Gayle Oblea dedicates victory to people who suffer in silence

 

By Robert Requintina

Published May 28, 2025 07:15 am

Director Gayle Oblea holds the trophies won by the short film 'As the Moth Flies' at the inaugural Famas Short Film Festival held in Greenhills, San Juan, recently. (Facebook)

"As the Moth Flies," a movie about mental illness, recently won big at the first Famas Short Film Festival 2025 in Greenhills.

The film received accolades for Best Picture, Best Actress, Mina Cruz, and Best Editing, Gaylde Oblea, and Noah del Rosario.

Gayle, writer and director for "As the Moth Flies," accepted the trophy for Best Picture during the award ceremony. She dedicated her victory to people who suffer in silence.

"'As the Moth Flies' was born from a place we spent years running from. In making it, we were forced to face every buried fear, every unspoken wound, every inner demon I thought I had silenced. And through that confrontation, we found something greater than healing—we found purpose," said Gayle as she received the award.

Gayle added: "This film is not just a story. It’s a bridge. A bridge for those who suffer in silence and those who’ve never understood what that silence feels like. Because cinema has the power to do what words alone cannot— it makes people think.

"This award is not just a celebration. It’s a responsibility. A reminder that storytelling is a calling — and that films shouldn’t just be made to entertain. It should be a medium to inspire and open topics that people fear discussing.

"Getting this award, we promise to continue to create films that make people feel. Because feeling is where understanding begins. And understanding is where the stigma ends.

"To my team who stood by me, who believed in this vision even when it was heavy — thank you. You reminded me that filmmaking isn’t just about talent. It’s about trust. It’s about courage. It’s about community.

"To the cast, Boo (Gabunada), Mina (Cruz), and Tito Epy (Quizon) who believed in this story— thank you for holding this vision with me. You didn’t just help make a film. You helped build a movement.

"To my producers, Rav and Happy, thank you for believing in this film and standing with me like brothers. You carried this vision with strength, faith, and loyalty through every high and heartbreak. I couldn’t have done this without you.

"And to my boy and the rest who see the world differently. Who feels the world differently? I dedicate this to you, and I hope this serves as a reminder that our compassion, imagination, and sensitivity are not weaknesses — they are superpowers.

"Above all, I dedicate this award to God, who authored this story long before I could write it," said Gayle.

Mina could not attend the ceremony but thanked the award-giving body in a post on social media. 

"It is humbling to be nominated alongside Ms. Via Antonio, Ms. Irma Adlawan, Ms. Sherry Lara, the young actresses Ms. Maricar Bojos, and Ms. Juvy Ann Clarito, who also directed her film.

"I hope more people get to see our work and appreciate that as actors, we continue to nurture our skills, and we work just as hard," Mina said.

The 1st Famas Short Film Festival, organized by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences and presented by REMS Entertainment, was officially launched by festival director Gabby Ramos and FAMAS president Francia Conrado.

Gabby created the short film festival because he believes that short filmmakers will be the next generation of Filipino cinema filmmakers.

The complete list of winners:

Best Picture: "As The Moth Flies"

Best Actress: Mina Cruz (As The Moth Flies)

Best Actor: Soliman Cruz (Ang Huling Liham)

Best Child Performer/Actor: Earl Quintana (Parapo)

Best Director: Jhonny Bobier (Parapo)

Best Screenplay: "Kita Mo 'To?'

Best Cinematography: "Parapo"

Best Editing: "As The Moth Flies"

Best Music & Sound Design: "Kiyaw"

Best Production Design: "One Day, Three Autumns"

Best Advocacy Film: "Hello, Mr. Jenkins" and "Benepisyo"

Best Regional Film: "Pagtaghoy sa Hangin"

Best Documentary Film: "No Man Left Behind"

Online scams via Instagram and Facebook go unchecked

By Ignacio R. Bunye

Published May 26, 2025 12:05 am

SPEAKING OUT

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported a surge in scams flooding Instagram and Facebook. According to WSJ, an internal analysis by Meta revealed that 70 percent of newly active advertisers on its platforms were promoting scams or low-quality products. The culprits? Fraud rings operating from China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

The scale of fraud on Meta’s platforms is expanding, driven by advances in AI, cryptocurrency, and organized crime networks. While regulators and financial institutions are urging stricter enforcement, Meta appears hesitant to disrupt its advertising business. Despite recognizing the issue, Meta has deprioritized scam enforcement, allowing repeat offenders to accumulate multiple violations before facing a ban.

Scammers employ various deceptive strategies to target users. Here are some of the most prevalent methods:

 Phishing scams: Fraudsters impersonate Instagram support, sending messages like, "Your account has been flagged for suspicious activity. Click this link to verify your identity." The link leads to a fake login page designed to steal credentials.

 Fake giveaways and lotteries: A scam account mimics a popular brand and announces, "Congratulations! You’ve won our giveaway. Just pay a small shipping fee to claim your prize." Once the victim sends the money, the scammer vanishes.

 Investment and crypto scams: Flashy posts promise, "Turn $500 into $5,000 in just a week! DM us to start investing." Victims send money, but the promised returns never materialize.

 Romance scams: Scammers build relationships with victims over weeks or months before suddenly claiming, "I need money for an emergency medical procedure. Can you help?" Once funds are sent, the scammer disappears.

 Fake job offers: Ads promote lucrative work-from-home opportunities like, "Earn $2,000 a week with no experience!" Applicants are asked to pay for training materials or provide personal details, only to realize the job doesn’t exist.

 Blackmail and extortion: Known as “sextortion,” scammers manipulate victims into sharing sensitive information or images, then demand payment to prevent exposure. A scammer might pose as a potential romantic interest, gain the victim’s trust, and encourage them to share private content. Once they have compromising material, they issue threats: "Pay up, or I'll expose your personal content to friends, family, or the public."

These scams thrive on urgency, emotional manipulation, and impersonation to deceive users. Staying vigilant and verifying sources before engaging can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes. (totingbunye2000@gmail.com)

Broken hearts

 

By Mike Lim

Published May 24, 2025 02:21 pm

Lover Boy (LB) and Alluring Woman (AW) were an unlikely pair, which made their partnership interesting. Both are smart, which probably was an added attraction.

Despite speculations, LB and AW never disclosed their relationship to the public. The non-disclosure puzzled many because neither of them have someone who would have hindered their union. In addition, AW hardly posted about LB.

It was only after some time that hints were dropped about LB and AW being in a relationship. LB would be seen in family gatherings of AW.

AW was radiant and kibitzers knew she was happy and inspired. AW completed her life goals with LB’s encouragement. Even her family members seemed to be in favor of LB for her. Thus, many wished they were each other’s forever.

Recently, the grapevine started to buzz that LB and AW were over. For undisclosed reasons, the two have allegedly called it quits, adding themselves to the list of showbiz couples who broke up this year.

But what caused the split? Did LB decode to focus on matters concerning his professional future? He is facing a controversy that could affect his reputation and what he had built. Or did the pronouncement of someone in AW’s past created ripples that damaged her relationship with LB?

‘If you face problems, face reality, even when it's hard, even when what you're saying is an ugly truth, sometimes you can wake up faster and do something to make things better.’ — Max Cavalera

Not so perfect

In the entertainment world, finding a relationship is easy but keeping it forever is not. Yet, fewer showbiz personalities do find love with non-showbiz individuals.

When Secretive Entertainer (SE) was building her reputation and growing into her career, reporters pried into her love life instead of her professional achievements.

At the time, SE showed a side that was uncommon – she stuck to an earlier decision to keep her mouth shut.

SE, unlike her contemporaries who were all-too willing to open about their love life, soon gained a reputation for being difficult. SE kept her stand and remained consistent. That is, until she introduced a Non-Showbiz man (NS) to her public.

NS won her heart, to the delight of the media. SE and NS tied the knot and raised a family. Given that NS was not part of the entertainment world, he was not as exposed to never-ending inquiries. Through the years, SE and NS were assumed to be living in domestic bliss.

Soon, SE and NS were hardly seen in society pages and seeing them together became infrequent. Consistently, SE kept quiet about her family life. No one dared to ask her about her relationship with NS. Given that NS was a private, non-showbiz personality, no one sought an update. Rumors have it that he has already moved on from SE.

Meanwhile, SE has also pursued professional endeavors and kept her private life away from her public persona. The setback has made her seemingly perfect world, imperfect, but SE has more than enough from her past to fill up the imperfection of her then relationship.

‘We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.’ — Walt Disney

Follow @FashionPulis on Twitter and @fashionpulis on Instagram. Please continue to send your comments and juicy stories to fashionpulis2023@gmail.com. Thank you very much for loving www.fashionpulis.com. Till next Sunday...

Heavy rainfall to continue across Mindanao this weekend — PAGASA

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 23, 2025 09:44 am

A heavy rainfall warning remains in effect over several provinces in Mindanao as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is expected to continue to bring widespread rain, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, May 23.

The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, forming rain-bearing clouds that bring prolonged rainfall.

On Friday, heavy rains are expected in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.

By Saturday, May 24, heavy rains may persist in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and Davao Occidental.

PAGASA warned that the sustained rainfall may cause localized flooding, particularly in low-lying, urban, and river-adjacent areas. 

Landslides are also possible in mountainous and high-risk areas.

Rainfall may be heavier in elevated areas, and impacts could worsen in places that have already seen significant rain in the past few days, PAGASA said.

Residents are advised to stay alert and coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices. 

Authorities urged the public to take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country may continue to experience warm and humid conditions. 

Batanes and Babuyan Islands will experience partly cloudy skies due to the ridge of a high pressure area.

he easterlies will continue bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies in the morning with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening across the rest of the country.