NO TSUNAMI THREAT IN THE PHILIPPINES
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake was recorded at 9:43 am on Tuesday.Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, it does not bring a tsunami threat to the country, according to PHIVOLCS. (TMN)(Photo courtesy of PHIVOLCS)See originalRate this translation
Ian Laqui - Philstar.com
March 25, 2025 | 9:42am
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The STAR / Miguel de Guzman
MANILA, Philippines — Some portions of Mindanao on Tuesday, March 25, may experience cloudy skies with rain due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the state weather bureau PAGASA said.
In its weather forecast, PAGASA stated that the Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM may expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the ITCZ.
PAGASA has warned residents in these areas about the possible risk of flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains at times.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country may expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.
The state weather bureau warned residents of these areas to be affected by the easterlies of flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.
Heat index
According to the March 24, 5 p.m. heat index bulletin from PAGASA, two areas in the country may experience scorching temperatures of up to 43°Celsius (°C) on Tuesday.
Dagupan City, Pangasinan may experience a heat index as high as 43°C, while CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur may experience temperatures up to 42°C.
PAGASA classified other areas under "extreme caution," with expected temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C, and 'caution,' with temperatures between 27°C and 32°C.
Tiratira’s and Sinuto’s superb performances proved to be enough to earn the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Players of the Week, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, nod for the dates March 20 to 22.
Arellano University needed two big hitters to solve the riddle against Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the NCAA Season 100 volleyball tournament.
With a few games left before the first round ends, rookie Sam Tiratira and sophomore Jan Will Sinuto delivered key contributions to help Arellano bounce back and regain momentum in the women's and men's side of the league, respectively.
Tiratira’s and Sinuto’s superb performances proved to be enough to earn the Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Players of the Week, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, nod for the dates March 20 to 22.
“Ngayong game po no pressure and gagalaw lang po kami nang sa’min lang,” said Tiratira, who steered the Lady Chiefs to a 25-20, 22-25, 25-23, 25-20 stunner over erstwhile undefeated Colegio de San Juan de Letrán.
The 5-foot-11 middle blocker unleashed 16 points built on 12 attacks and four blocks, complementing the 19-point output of Laika Tudlasan for the Obet Javier-guided team, which now holds a 3-3 slate at sixth spot.
It was a huge victory for the Lady Chiefs, who came from back-to-back losses, knowingly the Lady Knights were fresh from their fifth straight win prior to their game.
According to Tiratira, a fan of collegiate-stars-turned-pros Alyssa Valdez and Bea De Leon, familiarity was also a key in Arellano’s upset triumph over Letran at JRU Gym.
“Nakalaban ko na po before ‘yong Letran, then parang ngayon as a rookie po may pressure po, so ngayon tinanggal ko lang po talaga,” continued Tiratira, a third-year financial management student.
Not bad for Tiratira, who just started to play volleyball in high school in Morong, Rizal, and waited for two years before she could suit up for the Lady Chiefs.“Worth it po talaga, kahit lagi po ako nagrereklamo, worth it lahat po.”
For the weekly plum backed by World Balance and Discovery Suites, Tiratira bested Letran's Judiel Nitura, Perpetual's Jem Menor and her teammate Laika Tudlasan.
Meanwhile, Sinuto, playing off the bench, unleashed timely hits that ultimately boosted the Arellano Chiefs to a 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21 victory over the Letran Knights.
Jan Will, together with his younger brother Jiwen, displayed their brotherly connection to power Arellano to its third win against three defeats (3-3) at fifth spot. Jan Will had 13 points to go with 14 excellent receptions, while his brother top-scored with 15 points.
“No’ng una, kaya kami nakuhanan ng set kasi wala pong masyadong ingay, hindi sila nagce-celebrate, sinabihan po ako ni coach (Bryan Vitug) para palitan si AC (Guinto),” said Jan Will.
“And gawin ko lang i-celebrate ta’s i-lead sila para mabuhay, ‘yon po ‘yong pinaka naging role ko, ‘yong mag-cheer up sa kanila,” he added.
Jan Will was the top choice after receiving more votes over De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's Christian Aguilar, San Beda's Axel Van Book, Letran's Lorenz Vicente, and Mapua's Arjay Ramos and Barbie San Andres.
Last January, Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a landmark Administrative Order establishing an institutional mechanism for Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) within the department. This initiative aims to systematize the measurement and accounting of environmental assets—both biotic and abiotic—including water, minerals, energy, timber, fish, ecosystem assets, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
Natural Capital Accounting represents a paradigm shift in environmental governance. By quantifying the value of natural resources and ecosystem services, NCA integrates environmental considerations into economic planning and policy development. This approach ensures that the depletion or degradation of natural assets is accounted for, promoting sustainable resource management and long-term economic resilience.
The Philippines faces two pressing environmental issues that underscore the importance of NCA.
Historically, the Philippines was almost entirely covered with forests. However, due to deforestation and unsustainable practices, the country has lost a significant portion of its forest cover. This loss has led to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and disrupted ecosystem services.
Despite being an archipelago, the Philippines grapples with water scarcity. One-third of Philippine river systems are considered suitable for public water supply, and it is estimated that by 2025, water availability will be marginal in most major cities and in eight of the 19 major river basins. Factors such as pollution, over-extraction, and watershed degradation contribute to this crisis.
The DENR’s adoption of NCA has several critical implications.
First: informed decision-making. By providing a clear picture of the nation’s natural assets, policymakers can make informed decisions that balance economic development with environmental sustainability.
Second: resource management. Accurate accounting of resources like water, minerals, and forests enables better management practices, ensuring that exploitation does not exceed regeneration capacities.
Ecosystem preservation. Valuing ecosystem services—such as water purification, flood regulation, and carbon sequestration—highlights their importance, fostering initiatives aimed at their preservation and restoration.
To enhance the effectiveness of NCA, the Philippines can draw inspiration from international best practices.
Australia’s Environmental-Economic Accounts: Australia has developed comprehensive environmental-economic accounts that integrate environmental data with economic indicators, aiding in sustainable policy development.
Botswana’s Wealth Accounting: Botswana incorporates natural capital into its national accounting systems, ensuring that natural resource depletion is reflected in economic assessments.
Costa Rica’s Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES): Costa Rica has implemented PES schemes where landowners are compensated for maintaining forest cover, recognizing the value of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
Implementing NCA in the Philippines may encounter challenges, including data availability, capacity constraints, and the need for inter-agency coordination. To address these, the following steps are essential:
First: Capacity building involves investing in training and resources to equip DENR personnel and stakeholders with the skills necessary for effective NCA implementation.
Second: Data integration calls for establishing robust data collection and management systems to ensure accurate and up-to-date environmental information.
Third: Stakeholder engagement promotes collaboration with local communities, private sectors, and other government agencies to foster a shared commitment to natural capital preservation.
The DENR’s Administrative Order on Natural Capital Accounting marks a transformative step toward sustainable environmental governance in the Philippines. By recognizing and valuing the nation’s natural assets, this initiative lays the foundation for policies that harmonize economic growth with ecological integrity. Embracing NCA not only addresses current environmental challenges but also ensures that future generations inherit a resilient and bountiful natural heritage.
What women want
When I think about the different kinds of female beauty, the 2005 flick The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants often comes to mind. It centers on four friends, each unique yet beautiful in her own way. Apart from their friendship, what makes the story stand out is how an article of clothing becomes a witness to their coming-of-age moments. That piece is a pair of magical jeans that somehow fit each of them perfectly, despite their different body types.
That scene alone reflects what fashion should be for women—a tool that inspires bravery, instills confidence, and unites rather than divides. As the Philippines celebrates March as National Women’s Month, fashion brands went all out to make Filipinas everywhere feel heard, valued, and empowered. Through a series of forums, activities, and gatherings, these brands gained insights into the diverse lives Filipinas lead every day and how the pieces they produce can become dependable partners in their journeys.
As the fashion industry’s primary consumers, women deserve clothing that captures their diverse styles, unique identities, and evolving needs. Below are some key takeaways.
Women deserve support
Gone are the days when “beauty is pain” was the norm. In today’s world, creating beautiful clothes isn’t enough—they must also support women, whether at work or on a casual day. Take Uniqlo’s latest bra top, for example. Designed with molded cups and an elastic underband that centers the bust, it offers a flattering silhouette that seamlessly transitions between work and play.
Women deserve duality
Romantic yet edgy. Classic yet modern. Kind yet fearless. There are countless layers to being a woman, and true beauty lies in how these contrasts make each one unique. A perfect example of this is how Zara and Mango reimagine the perennial floral look—transforming it into something edgy and moody while maintaining its striking femininity.
Women deserve clothes that empower
Clothing is more than just a means to cover the body—it should serve as everyday armor, empowering its wearer to embrace individuality and take bolder steps. Love, Bonito embodies this through its “Trailblazer” collection, featuring wardrobe essentials designed for power dressing. Meanwhile, ForMe’s “True to Me” collection celebrates individuality and self-expression through apparel crafted to uplift and inspire. In partnership with Girls Got Game Philippines, ForMe is also allocating a portion of the collection’s proceeds to support the organization’s initiatives.
Women deserve fashion that enhances their innate beauty
Clothes should enhance beauty—and beauty, in itself, is a broad and inclusive concept. The push for inclusivity in fashion has been an ongoing movement, encouraging brands to create clothing that promotes body confidence. One of the latest to champion this cause is TikTok Shop Philippines, which has introduced a new subcategory curating a selection of quality and authentic plus-size items. The initiative also extends opportunities to female sellers and women-led businesses on the platform, such as GZL Plusize Girly, a brand dedicated to providing fashion solutions for plus-size women.
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Hosted at Las Casas Acuzar in Quezon City, the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidates responded to questions from the press about their preparations, advocacies, and more.
The 69 official candidates representing various regions in the Philippines had the chance to showcase themselves as they competed for the prestigious crown during the two-day media event hosted by BingoPlus recently.
Hosted at Las Casas Acuzar in Quezon City, the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidates responded to questions from the press about their preparations, advocacies, and more.
To make the event enjoyable for the ladies, they were asked which celebrities they would like to meet.
Jeanne Nicole Perez Lipa (Miss Universe PH Ilocos Sur): ''I've always wanted to meet Rihanna because of how great she is, and ever since she dropped her 'Anti' album, I've been waiting for her to release another album."
Valerie Claire West (Miss Universe PH Ifugao): "As a musician, I've always dreamt of meeting John Mayer and telling him what a great artist he is."
Jazzle Taga Iba (Miss Universe PH Dipolog City): "For me, it's Pia Wurtzbach because I want to know the secret of being a beauty queen and a winner is."
Angeleyh Pasco (Miss Universe PH Davao): '" For me, I would choose Damien Chazelle. He is not very familiar with other people. He is the director of Lalaland, which is one of my favorite films, and he inspires me as a director because of his creativity. I would like to dig into his mind and learn from him."
Chella Farconer (Miss Universe PH Cebu Province): ''I've watched a lot of Netflix during the pandemic. I was like up until 7 a.m. by let me just say that I would love to meet Ian Somerhalder from Vampire Diaries he is amazing and If ever I would to him in person, I'd kiss him."
Gabriella Carbalo (Miss Universe PH Cebu City): ''I know everyone here has seen 'Wicked.' I want to meet Ariana Grande because I look up to her. Since she was a kid she dreamed of playing either Elphaba or Glinda, and she really got it, so every time I watch videos of her singing, even all the phases of her career, you could see that she manifested it and never let go of that dream. I look up to people who never gave up on something."
Jezreal De Ocampo (Miss Universe PH Cavite): '' It would be Anne Curtis. You know she is a powerful woman, and I think she can do anything. She's also a philanthropist, and I believe that I can learn a lot from her.
Bianca Ysabella Ylanan (Miss Universe PH Quirino): ''Not a celebrity but a fellow beauty queen, Dia Mate who recently won the Reina Hispanoamericana crown and I want to meet her mainly because being in this journey is tough and her being one of my inspirations is what keeps me going."
Ahtisa Manalo (Miss Universe PH Quezon Province): ''I would like to meet Jameela Jamil because she's an activist, and she is someone who is very outspoken and I think that I kinda need that skill being able to say what's on my mind and what I feel. I hope to meet her one day."
Millien Joy Cabigas (Miss Universe PH Siargao): "I really look up to Catriona Gray, because she is the epitome of beauty, grace, and brains."
BingoPlus has been a key sponsor of the MUPH organization for the past two years. Last year, the brand supported Chelsea Manalo on her journey from the national to the global stage. Nevertheless, BingoPlus remained at the forefront of supporting the dream-making pageantry.
The ladies also demonstrated sisterhood and what female empowerment looks like. Emphasizing that although they are competing with each other, they value the bond they have created. In this manner, the queens are engaged in healthy competition, aiming for one goal: the crown.
Supporting the Miss Universe PH 2025, the candidates were also asked what makes them #SobrangFilipina as part of BingoPlus official hashtags.
Sasha Lacuna (Miss Universe PH Tarlac): ''I guess one thing that really represents a Filipina for me is the cuisine. Personally, my favorite dish is sinigang because it has all the nutrients that keeps us energized throughout this journey that's why I believe that Filipino cuisine makes us sobrang Filipina."
Yllana Marie Aduana (Miss Universe PH Siniloan, Laguna): "I think what makes us 'Sobrang Filipina' is because we are the representation of women who are really committed, passionate, and purposeful."
Chelsea Fernandez (Miss Universe PH Sultan Kudarat): "I would say, we are not afraid of embracing changes and I could also say that Filipinas are like butterflies that even though we fly so low, we can still soar forward."
Angela Cabel (Miss Universe PH Tacloban): "I believe what makes us 'Sobrang Filipina' is having the capability of balancing responsibilities. I'm a mother and a teacher, and now a beauty queen. I can balance these responsibilities."
Ma. Katrina Llegado (Miss Universe PH Taguig): "Filipinas are powerful representations across the universe, we have business women here, we have women in science, and we have people in the entertainment industry. It just shows the power of women that anything is possible, anything that we dreamed of with the power of hard work is very achievable."
Danelle Ann Catalan (Miss Universe PH Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur): "What makes us 'Sobrang Filipina' is the bravery. Because when you get to see a Filipina they always stand out, they are never afraid of taking and facing the challenge, and through that bravery, we are also able to showcase our beauty, talent, and the rich qualities of a Filipina."
The MUPH 2025 grand coronation will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 2, where one winner will be crowned to represent the Philippines on the global stage in Thailand on Nov. 21.
InadditiontoManila,MariahwillgotoKobeandYokohama in Japan, Bangkok in Thailand, and Shanghai, China.
It's time!!!
Grammy award-winning singer Mariah Carey is returning to the Philippine stage for a one-night concert on Oct. 14 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The global superstar announced via social media Monday morning (Manila time) as she shared the venues for "The Celebration of Mimi" world tour.
"We’re taking The Celebration of Mimi worldwide! I can’t wait to see you all during this special anniversary year of the Mimi album," Mariah wrote in her post.
"More dates to be announced soon!" she added.
In addition to Manila, Mariah will go to Kobe and Yokohama in Japan, Bangkok in Thailand, and Shanghai, China. The upcoming concert is presented by Willbros Live.
Mariah last performed for her Filipino fans in 2018, during her "Mariah Carey: Live in Concert" tour.
Mariah is known for her hits "Emotions", "One Sweet Day," "Without You," "We Belong Together," and more, making her one of the most successful female performers of all time.
She also recorded "All I Want For Christmas Is You," one of the celebrated holiday songs in history.
Sunshine Cruz took to social media recently to open up about her being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that causes certain muscle groups to weaken and fatigue quickly.
In Instagram, the actress shared, "It's been a real roller coaster these past months. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis, which has made building muscle a real struggle."
Despite the diagnosis, Sunshine bravely appeared in a recently held fashion show, stunning fans in a red two-piece bikini.
She maintained, "Walking for Bench was a powerful reminder of what's possible even when things are tough."
"To all my fellow moms and Gen Xers, never give up on your dreams," she added.
Friends and family, including her daughters Angelina, Sam, and Angel Francheska, lauded Sunshine in the comments section.
Vina Morales, Rufa Mae Quinto, and Donita Rose cheered her as well.
