Kayla Sanchez bags 3rd gold in SEAG; San Beda reclaims NCAA crown

 

Kayla Sanchez (left), San Beda Red Lions celebrating after their victory over Letran (right)

Olympic swimmer Kayla Sanchez made sure to give her father a birthday to remember by winning her third gold medal in the women's 100-meter backstroke in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the SAT Swimming Pool on Saturday, Dec. 13. Read more

Meanwhile, San Beda climbed back to the NCAA summit after beating archrival Letran Knights, 83-71, in Game 2 to reclaim the crown in Season 101 men's basketball Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Dec. 13. Read more

Finding the Christmas spirit — even in holiday traffic

By Manila Bulletin

Published Dec 14, 2025 12:05 am

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very December, Metro Manila gears up for the familiar holiday rush: fuller roads, slower drives, and the chorus of horns echoing the season’s peak energy. Holiday traffic may test our patience, but this time of year also reminds us of what makes Christmas uniquely Filipino—our ability to bring warmth, cheer, and generosity into even the most challenging situations.

Yes, the congestion is predictable. Year after year, we brace for it, and year after year, it seems to grow tougher. Payday weekends merge with bonus season, malls brim with shoppers, and deliveries multiply by the hour. None of this comes as a surprise. And yet, our traffic responses still feel reactive—quick fixes rolled out like holiday decorations, just in time for the rush but never lasting long enough to create real change.

The truth is simple: holiday traffic is not tradition; it is the result of structural issues that have long needed attention. Our road network has not grown in proportion to the number of vehicles. Enforcement varies across local governments. Long-term planning often gives way to seasonal stopgaps. The MMDA reports around 450,000 vehicles on EDSA daily—far beyond the highway’s intended capacity. These pressures existed long before the first parol lit up the streets.

But Christmas is not the season for blame. It is the season for hope—and for all of us to do what we can, however small, to make our shared spaces more bearable, more cheerful, and more humane.

And there is much that individuals can do.

We can begin simply by practicing small courtesies on the road—gestures that lighten the load for everyone. Letting another car merge, avoiding the temptation to counterflow, keeping intersections open, parking responsibly, and following traffic rules even when enforcement officers aren’t around. These aren’t just good habits; they are acts of kindness, especially during the busiest time of year.

Pedestrians, too, play a role by keeping sidewalks clear and crossing responsibly, helping maintain a predictable, safer flow for all. Commuters and motorists can plan errands more wisely, carpool when possible, take P2P buses or trains, or choose non-peak hours for gift shopping.

These small choices may not erase gridlock, but they can prevent it from becoming the full-blown standstill we’ve all come to dread.

Still, the responsibility cannot fall solely on the public. Even with our best intentions, no amount of courtesy can replace long-term planning, continuous enforcement, and coordinated traffic management. Government must deliver solutions that last beyond the holiday season, addressing the long-standing gaps that make December feel like a yearly exam in patience.

But while we push for structural improvements, we can also choose to embrace the season with a bit more grace and generosity. After all, Christmas is about community. It is about sharing space—not just at home or at gatherings, but on the roads, in terminals, in parking lots, and along every crowded stretch of the city.

This year, instead of letting traffic dampen the spirit, we can meet it with the very values we celebrate during Christmas: patience, kindness, and goodwill. A courteous driver can change the tone of an entire intersection. A considerate pedestrian can make a commute safer. A small act of respect can ripple into a smoother, calmer journey for dozens of others.

Traffic may be predictable each year, but so is the Filipino capacity for cheerfulness and compassion. If anything, the holiday rush gives us daily opportunities to practice the very spirit of the season.

And that may be the sweetest Christmas gift we can give each other—no wrapping required.

Quo vadis?

By Dr. Florangel Rosario Braid

Published Dec 13, 2025 12:05 am | Updated Dec 12, 2025 06:26 pm

PAGBABAGO

This Latin phrase which means “Where are you going?” aptly describes the state we are in today. Are we in a state of impasse because of slow response or inaction on our expectations? I hope not, and that we must not stop striving till we reach our goal. Let me share my own thoughts based on my experiences while facing a major crisis in our nation’s history.

I am fortunate to have been involved in two initiatives toward drawing a blueprint for national development in the country.

The first is the 1987 Constitution where I was one of the 47 members of the body and chaired the article on General Provisions. It was here where we were forced to envision priorities and strategies that had guided legislation in our country for the past 39 years. I had to refer to it again following the recent crisis over the flood control mess which again brought up the need to implement new laws, among them an acceptable anti-dynasty law, a party-list system, and freedom of information.

As we know, the constitutional provisions of accountability and transparency in governance, among others, provided guidance in restructuring critical systems in budgeting and brought to light the inadequacy of our current systems in keeping track of critical processes such as monitoring implementation of large-scale projects, malpractices and unlawful expenditures.

Now, we are again at a crossroad. The question on amending or merely implementing new laws as remedies have surfaced. While many including myself would disagree with Senator Lacson who recently stated that the Constitution has failed to serve national interest, we may have to think twice whether we need to amend the Constitution or shift to a parliamentary form of government and the like.

A reality that came out when I went through another review was that we had not truly taken advantage of the full strength of our Charter over past charters and over other Constitutions of the world. I am referring to the heart of the Constitution which is “social Justice.”

As former Supreme Court justice Reynato Puno pointed out, ours is not merely social justice in form like that of other countries, but one of “substance.” He meant that when we talk of social justice, it is not merely providing each man equal access and opportunity but in addition, providing him equal opportunity at the starting line. It means that there is considerable inequality in our society and therefore a boy from the hinterlands would find it difficult to compete with one from a family with adequate means at the starting line. This unique state provides our country a positive image of real democracy at work and could help us move forward.

Another area that could be re-examined is the priority we have given to our land resources. Despite being an archipelago, we have a Department of Agriculture but only a Bureau of Fisheries and thus, have given the former more resources. Today, we are still even in conflict over ownership of our own waters in the West Philippine Sea.

We are aware of our deficiencies but after the recent unpleasant mess, we shall perhaps be more motivated to turn these negatives just as long as we arrive at a consensus on where we ought to go and are confident support by the majority.

The other opportunity although limited, is having been a part of earlier initiatives on multi-sectoral consultations. This was 37 years ago when six of us, social scientists in economics, culture and communication, political science, public administration, and development studies, went around the country to gather what we described as “visions from below.”

We held focus group discussions with local government and nongovernment sectors, organized panel discussions on varied development issues with colleagues in the academe, government and business sectors. The need to focus on “the common good,” revitalization of indigenous cultural practices, creating spaces for greater participation of marginalized sectors, and decision-making based on an inclusive human development framework The two years of consultation yielded a comprehensive report, “The Philippines at the Crossroads: Some Visions for the Nation.”

Some of us who have had similar experiences could share their learnings on future directions. The difference between then and now is that while we need to act now, the outcome we desire can happen only within a time frame of two decades. Many are aware of the desired changes in the Constitution, laws to be amended and a radical restructuring of existing governance policies and practices.

It is now a matter of how we are able to sustain needed action so that we can reach our goal without getting sidetracked. It is identifying how each of us and each sector to which we belong can organize into a collective.

It means evaluating our current resources – advances in technology like artificial intelligence, and motivated human resources that can help us find the way towards 2045, at the rate of socio-political technological change, we are not able to imagine what to expect.

But we trust that the insights we have gathered over the years would help us navigate our way forward. (Florangel.braid@gmail.com)

TWICE to proceed with Hong Kong concerts

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Dec 4, 2025 12:19 pm

TWICE in Taiwan (X)

K-pop girl group TWICE will proceed with their two-day “This Is For” concert on Dec. 6 and 7 in Hong Kong, their agency announced on Dec. 4. 

“First and foremost, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims of the recent incident in Hong Kong, as well as to their families and loved ones. Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” JYP Entertainment said in a notice. 

It added, “Regarding the TWICE This Is For Hong Kong concerts scheduled for December 6 and 7, we held many discussions and gave careful consideration to whether it would be appropriate to proceed under such heartbreaking circumstances.”   

TWICE in Taiwan (X)

“Together with our concert promoter, Live Nation, we have been closely monitoring the situation. After thoughtful deliberation, we have decided to proceed with the concerts at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong,” it said. 

The agency added, “Given the gravity of the situation, we will approach the performances with sincere respect and remembrance. We truly hope that these concerts can offer, even in a small way, comfort and strength to those finding their way forward after the tragedy. This hope guided our decision to move forward.”

“Once again, we express our deepest sorrow for the victims of this devastating incident and extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families and to all those affected. We sincerely hope for a swift and steady recovery,” it said. 

Fire hit the Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po District in Hong Kong on Nov. 26.     

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced that as of Dec. 3, 159 died in the fire. 

Fixing firecracker industry: Be on the side of safety

By Manila Bulletin

Published Dec 10, 2025 12:05 am

Manufacturers and distributors, on the other hand, must understand that safety is not a bureaucratic hoop but a business imperative. An explosion does not merely injure workers—it destroys inventory, cripples operations, and permanently tarnishes the reputation of the industry. Companies must craft OSH policies tailored to the unique hazards of pyrotechnics work: chemical handling, heat exposure, combustible dust, storage protocols, and emergency procedures. Investments in proper ventilation, blast-resistant structures, personal protective equipment, and fire-suppression systems are moral obligations. Likewise, safety committees must be real, not symbolic—composed of empowered workers and managers who meet regularly, inspect actively, and intervene decisively.

Workers in the pyrotechnics sector also bear a shared responsibility. Compliance should be selective, especially in a field where one person’s shortcut endangers everyone. Workers must participate in training, report hazards without fear, and adhere to safety procedures even when production deadlines loom. But their ability to comply hinges on a culture of trust. They must be assured that reporting violations will not cost them their jobs, and that protective equipment will be provided, not deducted from their wages. Empowerment, not intimidation, is what turns workers into partners in prevention.

Citizens, too, play a role that is often overlooked. Every year, the demand for dangerously powerful—and often illegal—firecrackers pushes small manufacturers into unsafe, unregulated production. Consumers must reject products that are clearly unauthorized or suspiciously cheap, because bargain pyrotechnics often come at the cost of workers’ limbs or lives. Communities must also be vigilant—reporting unsafe factories, supporting local education efforts on firecracker safety, and favoring businesses known for compliance.

Ultimately, real safety cannot be enforced through fear—neither fear of explosions nor fear of corrupt inspectors. It is built on accountability, transparency, and shared responsibility. When the government regulates honestly, when businesses invest responsibly, when workers comply diligently, and when citizens choose conscientiously, the country can celebrate year-end traditions without sacrificing lives.

Davao travel agencies reveal major events in 2026

 THE Davao Travel Agencies Association unveiled travel events for 2026 during their year-end gathering dubbed ‘Class of 2025’ on Dec. 6 in Davao City. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)

By Ivy Tejano

Published Dec 8, 2025 10:17 pm

THE Davao Travel Agencies Association unveiled travel events for 2026 during their year-end gathering dubbed ‘Class of 2025’ on Dec. 6 in Davao City. (Photo via Ivy Tejano)

DAVAO CITY – The Davao Travel Agencies Association has unveiled a packed lineup of travel events for 2026, offering Mindanao travelers greater access to international destinations and major airfare and tour discounts.

The first event on the calendar is the Davao Mega Travel Sale, as announced by DTAA President Gian Carlo Caguiat, from Feb. 27 to March 1.

Long known for slashing prices on travel packages, Caguiat said the DMTS is expected to draw strong interest with its selection of high-demand “bucket list” destinations, including Turkey, Africa, Georgia, Brazil, Antarctica, and Morocco.

In June, Davao will host a travel milestone, as the Travel Tour Expo VisMin Edition, jointly organized by the DTAA and the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, will be held in the city for the first time.

Scheduled for June 5 to 7 at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, Caguiat said the expo is expected to gather travel agents, operators, and airlines from across the Visayas and Mindanao.

The DTAA president said the two major events will showcase Mindanao’s position as a fast-growing tourism hub and strengthen Davao City’s role as a premier gateway for both leisure and business travel.

He added that the activities are poised to boost local tourism, stimulate business activity, and draw in thousands of visitors from outside the region.

“These are significant milestones for the industry,” Caguiat said, noting that the travel sale will expand next year with more partners and airlines on board.

“We are expecting 2026 to be a breakthrough year not only for Davao’s travel market but for the entire Mindanao region,” he added.

Caguiat urged DTAA members to give their 100 percent full support, emphasizing that the organization is preparing for its biggest year yet.

He said the TTE VisMin Edition could even rival its Manila counterpart, as it will directly cater to the concentrated market of the Visayas and Mindanao.

The announcements were made during the DTAA’s year-end gathering with the theme “Class of 2025” on Saturday evening, Dec. 6, at Lanang Business Park in Davao City.

Caguiat shared a reflective message for fellow travel agents. He likened their profession to multiple roles rolled into one, from caretakers to memory-makers.

“Travel agents are on-call memory makers,” Caguiat said. “We monitor our passengers around the clock." He emphasized that being a travel agent is more than a job, it’s a calling.

Arnold Vegafria says foreign backers want a Filipino to run Miss Universe

By Annalyn S. Jusay

Published Dec 7, 2025 10:38 pm

Could the next owner of Miss Universe be a Filipino? This question emerged as Arnold Vegafria of ALV Pageant Circle confirmed that he has been approached by several international investors urging him to take over the global pageant brand.

ALV Pageant Circle owner Arnold Vegafria (middle) with his Miss Grand International queens CJ Opiaza (2024) and Emma Mary Tiglao (2025)

"We have the network. We have the capacity. We have the capability. If Thailand can do it, the Philippines can do it even better," Arnold declared in an interview after the contract signing between Beauty&U Philippines and Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao at Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City.

"I know I can do it. I have the experience, and marami ring tumatawag sa akin na mga international investors that they're willing to support kung Philippines na lang ang mag-handle, na baka raw mabuti kung Filipino ang mag-handle. Kung ako ang pipiliin eh siguro pwede mo nang tanggapin, di ba? Kung iisipin ko, good opportunity ito sa akin, and good also for the country. (Many international investors have been calling me, saying they’re willing to support if the Philippines takes over, and that it might be better if a Filipino handles it. If I’m the one chosen, then maybe I can accept it, right? If I think about it, this is a good opportunity for me and also good for the country)," Arnold revealed.

MUO is currently co-owned by Raul Rocha Cantu, who is under investigation in Mexico for alleged drug, gun, and fuel trafficking, and Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip, who has been served an arrest warrant for a fraud case in Thailand. Their legal entanglements have brought the future of MUO into question, especially after they expressed interest in selling their stakes and faced rigging allegations during the 2025 edition, when Mexico's Fatima Bosch was crowned.

Arnold heads the ALV Pageant Circle, which holds the Philippine franchises for Miss World, Mister World, Miss Grand International, and Miss Asia Pacific International. His organization delivered several major global crowns for the country in 2024 and 2025, including back-to-back victories at MGI and Face of Beauty International.

Arnold said he is interested in acquiring the Miss Universe franchise because it will also promote the Philippines as a global beauty and tourism destination. Pageantry, he noted, is one of the most affordable and far-reaching platforms to promote the country. He cited tourism videos produced by lovely candidates that introduce local places to global audiences.

Arnold Vegafria and Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao with major sponsor Ralph Lim and Michael Rey Almazan of Hikari Skin Essentials

“Other countries use the pageant industry as their tourism. And here in our country, we have a lot that we can offer and showcase to the world,” he said.

Arnold also expressed hopes that the Philippine government would one day support pageantry the way it supports sports. “These beauty queens are also considered champions in their own field. Give them a little incentive, give them a grant, so that the pageant industry will grow and be respected.”

As for what it would mean to run Miss Universe itself, Arnold acknowledges the responsibility but remains enthusiastic. “Number one, it's a big responsibility. But it's good for our country that we can have one of the biggest, you know, pageant organizations,” he noted.

If he's given the chance to acquire MUO, Arnold acknowledged the complexities of handling another global brand while managing multiple franchises locally. However, he emphasized that he is willing to study the opportunity seriously if the doors open.

“It's a big responsibility, but it's good for our country, once in a lifetime. If we can grab it, we should," he closed.

What are the miracles in our daily life?

What are miracles in life? A miracle is an event that is inexplicable by natural or scientific laws and accordingly gets attributed to some supernatural or preternatural cause.

Still, there are other miracles that we tend to forget: The sun rises and sets each day; small seeds grow into mighty trees; the many components of our body work together, enabling us to breathe, run, dream, and eat.

Allow me to move your view to other wonders, to supernatural happenings or to a prodigy. A "miracle" (from the Latin "miraculum") can be actually found at any corner of our daily life. I am not yet talking about the so-called miracle plays, the popular medieval form of drama based on the lives of the Saints or on Biblical history.

Let's begin with ourselves. Can you still see the doors of opportunity just opened for you? Why is it that so many people nowadays get tired instead of discovering their own "VIP" within? The bible clearly states that God has "crowned us with glory and honour" (Psalm 8:5). "Honour" is equal to "favour"... .  To assist, to provide with special advantages and to receive preferential treatment... .

No, these are indeed and definitely miracles. This should be common sense, but it seems that many of us have forgotten it!

In November 1981, my mother was diagnosed with cancer and given just a few months to live. Spread cancer! Some doctors told me that they reached their limits on what they could do. My father left us during that time. I lived more than 500 miles away from our home in Berlin.

She passed away seven years ago at the age of 92 living in Davao together with all of us.

Can miracles happen in real life? Yes, then even in the most impossible situations, miracles can become possible. The good thing about miracles is that we don't have to wait for them to happen. They happen every day and sometimes even little changes are enough to see big miracles.

Yes. We have a supernatural God. I say this, without thinking about special religious directions or ministries. We all believe in one God. As a Christian I would explain it as follows: He is not limited to the laws of nature. He can do what human beings cannot. He can make a way in our life.

Let us not imagine how hopeless a situation looks like. We  may not be a priest, pastor or preacher, but we can mix our simple words with God's words and something powerful begins to happen. Miracles in life? Yes. But we should pray for it and believe in Him.

There is purpose and meaning in my life, even if it is chaotic. Miracles can happen in the chaos. Meaning can come out of madness

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

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.