Startup Cities in the Philippines

 Congratulations to the Top 5 Startup Cities in the Philippines according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index!

1. Manila (#95)

2. Cebu (#468)

3. Cagayan de Oro (#661)

4. Naga (#904)

5. Davao (#951)

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Creamline, PLDT eye big win in AVC quarters

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Apr 23, 2025 03:05 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Coming off a three-set loss to Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu in their final Pool A match, the Cool Smashers are ready to bounce back against Group D leader Thailand's Nakhon Rachasima Qmin C at 7 p.m.

Coming off a three-set loss to Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu in their final Pool A match, the Cool Smashers are ready to bounce back against Group D leader Thailand's Nakhon Rachasima Qmin C at 7 p.m.

Raising the curtain for the quarters action is a 4 p.m. showdown between the High Speed Hitters and Kazakh-based Zhetysu.

The victors of each match will earn semis berths.

Motivated to bounce back after its recent PVL finals defeat, Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses knew his wards will be able to prove themselves once again as they try to give the hometown fans some reasons to celebrate.

Russian reinforcements Anastasiya Kudryashova and Anastassiya Kolomoyets are expected to stand at Creamline’s frontline alongside mainstay Erica Staunton. 

Bannering the Filipina hitters are Jema Galanza, Bernadette Pons, Jeannette Panaga and Alyssa Valdez, who will be reunited with her former Ateneo teammate – under the tutelage of Roger Gorayeb – and now Nakhon’s manager and assistant coach Jang Bualee.

Nakhon, meanwhile, has Anyse Smith, Evangelia Chantava, and Thai volleyball superstar Onuma Sittirak.

PLDT, which came from a five-set defeat to Nakhon, is expected to go all out with imports Savannah Davison and Wilma Salas, and Filipina star Kianna Dy leading the charge.

The Kazakh side banks on its seasoned players in Karyna Denysova, Valeriya Yakutina and Tatyana Nikitina.

Meanwhile in other quarters brackets, PVL All-Filipino Conference champions Petro Gazz Angels battle the top seed Beijing Baic Motor Friday, April 25, at the same venue.

Taipei’s Kaohsiung Taipower, on the other hand, tussles with Vietnam’s VTV Binh Dien Long An.

Rekindling the reading habit in a scrolling world

BY PINKY CONCHA-COLMENARES

Apr 24, 2025 00:09 AM 

DRIVING THOUGHTS

 

In a world where attention spans are shrinking and screens dominate our leisure time, the quiet act of reading a book feels almost like a rebellion. When was the last time you, or someone you know, chose to read a book over Netflix or Facebook?

Once a treasured pastime, reading for pleasure is now competing with endless reels, bite-sized memes, and algorithm-fed distractions. Generations once grew up with bedtime stories and library visits, but today’s youth are growing up with TikTok trends and rapid-scroll consumption. The question is not whether reading has changed, but whether we are losing it altogether.

The decline of deep reading is not just anecdotal—it’s measurable. The 2023 National Readership Survey commissioned by the National Book Development Board in the Philippines showed that fewer than four in 10 Filipinos read books regularly, and the numbers are even lower among younger age groups. That’s 42 percent of adults and 47 percent of children reading regularly. This represents a significant drop from a 2017 peak where 80 percent of adults and 93 percent of children were regular readers.

Globally, similar patterns emerge: Traditional reading is declining, replaced by shorter, dopamine-driven content consumed in seconds. Social media, while a useful tool, often fragments our attention and shifts our preference toward instant gratification.

But reading still matters, perhaps even more than ever. Beyond being a source of entertainment, reading builds critical life skills. It enhances vocabulary, strengthens concentration, and fosters deeper cognitive processing. More importantly, sustained reading promotes empathy, allowing readers to experience lives and perspectives beyond their own. In a time when polarization and misinformation run rampant, the ability to think critically and understand others is not just valuable—it is vital. 

So why has reading taken a back seat? The barriers are real. Children grow up in overstimulated environments, often lacking strong reading role models at home or school. Digital fatigue from constant screen exposure makes sustained attention harder. And with so many options available online, books are easily overshadowed. And the cost of books have also been shown as a factor that keeps the young from reading books.

Still, hope is not lost. Rekindling the reading habit starts with collective effort. Parents and educators can take an active role by reading aloud to children, setting aside time for reading, and creating book-friendly environments. Schools can integrate reading challenges or silent reading periods. Libraries, both physical and digital, should be made accessible, welcoming, and engaging for all ages.

Technology itself doesn’t have to be the enemy of reading—it can be an ally. E-readers, audiobooks, and interactive storytelling platforms can attract tech-savvy readers. Listening to an audiobook during the drive home is entertaining as well as informative, it will take your mind off crawling traffic and bad drivers.

Just a thought: If influencers and public figures can promote reading, books can be “cool” again. And perhaps, book recommendations can trend on social media the same way dance challenges or viral recipes do.

Community-driven efforts also make a difference. Local book clubs, storytelling events, free book exchanges, and reading corners in barangays or malls can bring books back into everyday life. These don’t require massive budgets—just intention and creativity. You may be surprised at the number of people who will respond to book clubs and book exchanges.

Encouraging the reading habit is more than nostalgia for a simpler time. Reading isn’t just a hobby, it’s a necessity. 

I like to pass on these lines which I read in a book a long time ago: “In a distracted world, books offer stillness. In a noisy world, they offer reflection. And in a divided world, they offer understanding.”

Let us reclaim our focus. Let us slow down, turn the page, and rediscover the joy and power of reading—not just for ourselves, but for future generations who deserve more than just a scroll.

It’s time to make reading a revolution. Read a book. Encourage your children to read by having books around the house.  Around the dining table, talk about the stories you’ve read. 

PAL enters next chapter with new president

BY TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

APRIL 24, 2025

Richard Nuttall —PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE AIRLINES

Read Next

ACEN programs share sale to raise P 30B

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has welcomed its first foreign president as the flag carrier seeks to add to its storied past while “growing [its] business internationally” to feed travel momentum.

In a statement on Wednesday, the airline announced the appointment of British national Richard Nuttall as its new president, effective May 29.

“Appointing Richard Nuttall to Philippine Airlines is an important part of our medium-term and long-term strategy of building a robust management team and growing our business internationally,” said Lucio Tan, PAL chair and CEO.

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'Star Wars' actor Daisy Ridley shares breathtaking images of Palawan

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Apr 24, 2025 02:11 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• From boat rides to awe-inspiring sunsets, Daisy is soaking in the natural beauty and wildlife of one of the Philippines' most iconic destinations. 

Daisy Ridley in Palawan (Images courtesy of Instagram)

"Star Wars" actress Daisy Ridley is currently filming "The Last Resort" in the breathtaking landscapes of the Philippines. 

With the stunning backdrop of Palawan's lush greenery and turquoise waters, she fully embraces the island's natural beauty.

Daisy took to Instagram to unveil breathtaking photos of her tropical work setup, featuring vibrant scenic vistas and captivating behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set.  

In her caption, she writes: "The Philippines so far feat. paradise, monitor lizards, commuting to work by boat, sunsets, and beautiful views everywhere you look. 2 weeks into The Last Resort!!!"

The images show palm trees swaying against a bright blue sky, creating sunny landscapes that take viewers to a creative paradise. Each snap gives a glimpse into her world, combining the beauty of nature with the thrill of filmmaking.

From boat rides to awe-inspiring sunsets, Daisy is soaking in the natural beauty and wildlife of one of the Philippines' most iconic destinations. 

Also joining Daisy in the movie is fellow "Star Wars" actor Alden Ehrenreich. The film is directed by Donald Petrie and written by Karen McCullah, who was born in the Philippines. 

With international production underway, this project will shine a brighter spotlight on Palawan's pristine beaches and lush landscapes, attracting even more global attention to this tropical paradise.

Daisy Ridley

The movie centers on a hotel executive scouting a new resort location in the Philippines, where she soon meets Ben, a charming expatriate charter pilot.

Daisy is best known for her role as Rey, a Jedi trainee, in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy.

Alden, on the other hand, portrayed Han Solo in "Solo: A Star Wars Story," which is an origin story taking place 10 years before "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope."

Rachel Alejandro honors dad OPM icon Hajji Alejandro; wake and interment details remain under wraps

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Apr 24, 2025 03:42 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Hajji, 70, has passed away after a battle with colon cancer. As of April 24 at 3:30 a.m., the family has not released any details regarding Hajji's wake and funeral. 

Rachel Alejandro and her father Hajji Alejandro (Instagram)

Rachel Alejandro paid tribute to her father OPM icon Hajji Alejandro in a social media post as wake and interment details for the singer remains private.

On Instagram, Rachel described Hajji "a happy, optimistic man who valued having a good, comfortable life, yes, but more importantly, he prioritized providing for his partner, mother and children." 

Rachel also said his father was a professional entertainer who performed at two more events before he was admitted to the hospital for surgery. 

"2 months of hospital stays and spending time with him at his home, and I was still not prepared as I helplessly watched him breathe his final breath," she wrote on April 23.

Hajji, 70, has passed away after a battle with colon cancer. As of April 24 at 3:30 a.m., the family has not released any details regarding Hajji's wake and funeral.

Beloved dad and son

Hajji's demise was confirmed by Girlie Rodis, the talent management for the Alejandro family, on April 22.  The full statement:

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito 'Hajji' T. Alejandro.

"At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time.

"To God be the glory. - Alejandro family."

'We craved his company'

Rachel's full post about Hajji on Instagram:

"He never got old.

"What happens when the brightest star in a galaxy dies? My Dad was our sun and we were the planets, orbiting around him, basking in his warmth and light. As kids, we tagged along to all his activities, be it shows, rehearsals, basketball games — it didn’t matter what it was. We would fall asleep at Dolphy’s house if he was there for an all-night poker game. There was nowhere else we would rather be than by his side because every minute in his presence was fun.

"Even as adults, we craved his company even as we got married and went about our own lives. I hung on to his every word about politics, financial investments or the latest joke he planned on including in his next concert with the Hitmakers. He loved to make people laugh as much as he loved to sing and dance.

"My Dad was a happy, optimistic man who valued having a good, comfortable life, yes, but more importantly, he prioritized providing for his partner, mother and children. And his way of doing that from the time he had me at the young age of 19, was through his golden singing voice, which is why regardless of how he was feeling, he never cancelled shows.

"Even when he was already in considerable pain, he performed in 2 more events before he was admitted into the hospital for surgery. For Dad, every show is a blessing and performing for you all is our highest calling as singers.

"2 months of hospital stays and spending time with him at his home and I was still not prepared as I helplessly watched him breathe his final breath.

"What happens to those a star of this magnitude leaves behind? I don’t have answers for that yet as I struggle to grasp living in a universe without our Daddwaps. But I intend to make him proud in everything I do, to live by his code of honor and goodness, to perform for you all with everything I’ve got and leave it all on the stage every single time.

"I will now just be singing and dancing with Dad in my dreams…"

 

Filipino Cardinal Tagle among top candidates, or 'papabili', to succeed Pope Francis

BY ART SAMANIEGO

Apr 21, 2025 10:19 PM

  

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There's an old saying in the Vatican: "He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves as a cardinal." It's a reminder of the unpredictable nature of papal elections. 

While media outlets and Vatican watchers may list papabili, or those seen as likely successors, history has shown that the College of Cardinals often chooses someone unexpected—guided by the Spirit more than by speculation.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Manila Bulletin file photo)

Cardinals like Luis Antonio Tagle are frequently mentioned due to their visibility, influence, or alignment with Pope Francis's vision. But these lists are just educated guesses. The true outcome of a conclave is shaped behind closed doors—through prayer, reflection, and quiet deliberation—not headlines or betting odds.

In the end, the next pope may very well be someone whose name isn’t on any shortlist—until the moment the white smoke rises.

With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing for a conclave to elect his successor. Among the cardinals considered strong contenders, or papabili, are:​

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
Aged 67, Cardinal Tagle is a prominent figure in the Church, known for his compassionate approach and alignment with Pope Francis’s progressive vision. He has served as the former Archbishop of Manila and Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. If elected, he would become the first Asian pope, reflecting the Church’s growth in Asia. ​

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
At 70, Cardinal Parolin serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, effectively acting as the Holy See’s chief diplomat. He is considered a moderate and a continuity candidate, having played key roles in diplomatic relations, including the Vatican-China agreement. 

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
Cardinal Turkson, 76, has been a significant voice on social justice and environmental issues within the Church. He previously led the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. His election would mark the first African pope in modern times.

Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary)
Aged 72, Cardinal Erdő is the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and a respected canon law scholar. He is viewed as a conservative candidate who could appeal to those seeking a return to traditional values. ​

Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta)
At 68, Cardinal Grech serves as the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. He has been instrumental in promoting synodality and inclusivity within the Church, aligning with Pope Francis’s vision. ​

The upcoming conclave will convene 138 eligible cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis—potentially influencing the direction of the Church’s future leadership.

Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about papabili—those considered likely to become pope—who were not elected in the past three papal conclaves (1978, 2005, 2013):

2013 Conclave (Pope Francis elected) 

Cardinal Angelo Scola (Italy): Then Archbishop of Milan, considered a front-runner. Seen as a bridge between conservative and reformist camps.

Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer (Brazil): Archbishop of São Paulo. His candidacy represented the growing Church in Latin America.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet (Canada): Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. A theologically conservative candidate with strong Vatican experience.

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): Known for social justice and environmental advocacy. His potential papacy would have made history as the first African pope in modern times.

2005 Conclave (Pope Benedict XVI elected)

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Argentina): The future Pope Francis reportedly came in second place. Known for his humility and pastoral style.

Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini (Italy): Jesuit and biblical scholar, popular among progressive circles. His health issues weakened his chances.

Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi (Italy): Archbishop of Milan and a strong voice on social issues.

Cardinal Francis Arinze (Nigeria): A top contender from Africa, known for liturgical expertise and interfaith dialogue.

October 1978 Conclave (Pope John Paul II elected)

Cardinal Giuseppe Siri (Italy): A staunch conservative, rumored to have been a leading candidate in multiple conclaves.

Cardinal Giovanni Benelli (Italy): A top contender in 1978. Seen as a pragmatic and capable administrator with strong Vatican ties.

Cardinal Sebastiano Baggio (Italy): Head of the Congregation for Bishops, but was not widely loved by his peers.

Cardinal Franz König (Austria): Progressive and ecumenically minded, helped build support for Karol Wojtyła (John Paul II) during the election.

In each case, the conclave defied expectations—reminding us once again that the Holy Spirit doesn’t follow the odds.