Alex Eala jumps to career-high No. 70 in WTA rankings

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published May 05, 2025 11:42 am | Updated May 05, 2025 11:43 am

At A Glance

• Alex Eala boosted her Women's Tennis Association (WTA) rankings this week following her previous performance at the 2025 Madrid Open.  

Alex Eala boosted her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings this week following her previous performance at the 2025 Madrid Open.

The 19-year-old Eala jumped two notches to post a career-high No. 70 after finishing in the Round of 64 of the said WTA1000 event.

In that tournament, the Filipina tennis sensation yielded to world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in three sets.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka eventually captured the crown after a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over American Coco Gauff.

Earlier this week, Eala decided to withdraw at the Catalonia Open, a WTA125 tournament, in Spain where she was seeded sixth, to compete at the Italian Open set this week.

The draw has yet to be released at press time where Eala was reportedly second on the alternate list in the main draw after Caroline Dolehide.

Reportedly seeing action in the tournament are defending champion Swiatek, last year’s bridesmaid Sabalenka, and other Top 10 seeds like Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Jasmine Paolini, Mirra Andreeva, Zheng Qinwen, Paola Badosa and Emma Navarro.

The Italian Open served as the last WTA1000 event before the Roland Garros scheduled on May 25 where Eala already earned a main draw berth -- her first in a Grand Slam tournament.

Eala hopes to weave the same magic she did at the Miami Open late last March where she finished in the semifinals after toppling Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Keys and Swiatek.

A tough three-set loss to Pegula ended her Cinderella run.

Puregold OPMCON 2025 is coming: Tickets drop this May at Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention

By Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Mark your calendars! Tickets for Puregold OPMCON 2025 will be sold from May 16 to 17 at the Tindahan ni Aling Puring Sari-Sari Store Convention at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The event gives Filipino music fans first dibs at passes to one of the country’s biggestcultural events of the year. Set for July 5 at the Philippine Arena, Puregold OPMCON2025 will feature an unbeatable lineup of today’s brightest OPM superstars andPuregold collaborators—SB19, BINI, Flow G, Sunkissed Lola, G22, Skusta Clee, andKAIA—as part of its wildly successful Nasa Atin Ang Panalo campaign.

The epic night of music, talent, and Pinoy pride is one of the high points of Nasa AtinAng Panalo campaign’s second year as it continues to champion Original Pinoy Music.Check out Nasa Atin Ang Panalo’s all-new roster of the most talked-about names in theFilipino music scene—G22, Skusta Clee, and KAIA—who will bring their own sound,grit, and panalo story to the stage.G22, dubbed P-POP’s alpha females, continues to stun audiences with theirpowerhouse vocals, intensity, and unstoppable energy.

Since debuting in 2022,members AJ, Alfea, and Jaz have serially released a slew of hits such as “Bang,”“Boomerang,” “Limitless”—and their latest, “Pa-Pa-Pa-Palaban.”G22’s music video collaboration with Puregold, “Pagpili,” dropped on April 9 and quicklyracked up over 3 million views in just two weeks. The song’s empowering messagereminds everyone to choose boldly and say it loud.

Meanwhile, Skusta Clee, one of the most influential names in Filipino hip-hop today,dropped a powerful track titled “Sari-Saring Kwento” on May 8, an explosivecollaboration with fellow rap phenom Flow G, with sharp bars, infectious beats, and amessage that cuts deep for every Pinoy listener.

Also joining the movement is KAIA, the five-member P-POP girl group known for strikingvisuals and emboldening anthems. Members Angela, Charice, Alexa, Sophia, andCharlotte are set to release their “Kaya Mo” music video on June 12—perfectly timed forIndependence Day to celebrate Filipina pride, independence, and strength.“Nasa Atin Ang Panalo has evolved into something more purposeful than a campaign.

It’s now a crusade—one that celebrates the strength, dreams, and talents of Filipinos,”Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, shares. “Through thisplatform, we hope to showcase our homegrown artists and inspire Puregold membersand customers as they relish original panalo music on a world-class stage.”

Ticket mechanics for OPMCON 2025 will be posted soon via Puregold’s official socialmedia channels—so stay locked in and ready.

The photo shows the Puregold OPMCON 2025, featuring performances from SB19, BINI, G22, KAIA, Skusta Clee, Flow G, and Sunkissed Lola, will light up the Philippine Arena on July 5. 

Extreme heat causing machines to reject ballots — Comelec

Cristina Chi - Philstar.com

May 12, 2025 | 1:48pm 

MANILA, Philippines — Some automated counting machines deployed for the midterm elections on Monday, May 12, appear to be rejecting ballots due to the extreme heat, according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia told reporters that the ballots are eventually accepted when reinserted into the machines but this is slowing down the voting process. 

"Due to the heat, it's really the machines – just a few of them – are heating up. These don't shut down, but they spit out the ballot," Garcia said in mixed English and Filipino.

While voting, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also encountered a brief glitch when his ballot was initially rejected by the automated counting machine, but it was successfully accepted on his second attempt.  

Garcia said the poll body is sending "contingency machines" to affected areas, including the precinct in New Era Elementary School in Quezon City, where some machines are reportedly rejecting ballots inserted on numerous attempts. 

"This is unusual. We didn't anticipate today's extreme heat and humidity. Inside the precincts, it's extremely hot," the Comelec chairperson added.

The Comelec chairperson also mentioned that some voters at priority polling places are insisting on personally feeding their ballots into machines, contrary to protocol, which is further slowing the process.

"For example, at BuCor, ballots should be brought to the precinct and fed into the machine by staff. But some voters are insisting on bringing their ballots to the precinct themselves," he said, referring to the voting process for persons deprived 

Garcia advised voters to bring water and stay hydrated while casting their votes at polling precincts. 

He also appealed for patience as long queues formed throughout the day, noting that some senior citizens and persons with disabilities, who did not avail of the early voting option, joined the regular 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. voting period.

At least 68 million voters are expected to participate in the midterm elections, which will decide, among others, 12 Senate seats, 63 party-list seats, hundreds of district representative positions, and more than 18,000 local government posts across the country. 

DA: Imported onions test positive for salmonella, heavy metals

By Dexter Barro II

Published May 10, 2025 14:40 pm | Updated May 10, 2025 18:12 pm

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel is warning consumers against buying imported white onions, following the recent seizure of smuggled onions that tested positive for salmonella and heavy metals.

"If possible, please don’t buy imported onions because they may be contaminated with salmonella. These contaminated onions are not fit for human consumption,” said Laurel in a statement.

Laurel said the DA has not authorized the recent importation of foreign-sourced white onions, which are typically larger than locally grown varieties.

In fact, the DA's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has not issued sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for onions since February.

On Friday, May 9, Laurel led the inspection of two container vans carrying 34 metric tons of smuggled white onions from China in Mexico, Pampanga.

Tests conducted by the BPI’s Plant Products Safety Services Division (PPSSD) and the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) showed that the produce was positive for heavy metals and salmonella.

Heavy metal poisoning has been attributed to cancer and damage to major body organs, while salmonella bacteria could cause food poisoning and various infections.

The shipments—misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips—were allegedly consigned to Manila-based Leksei B. Specialized Goods Trading, arriving at Subic Port on April 20 aboard the SITC Hochiminh. 

The two containers were then transported to a warehouse in Mexico town, where it was seized by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on April 26.

BPI said the agency accredits neither the importer nor the warehouse. 

One container held 1,800 red mesh bags of white onions, while the other contained 1,600 bags, each weighing 9 kilos—bringing the total to around 34,200 kilos.

In total, the smuggled onions had a market value of approximately ₱4.1 million.

Initial investigation by the CIDG suggests that the shipments were planned to be distributed to Divisoria and parts of Nueva Ecija. 

Laurel has since requested the CIDG to investigate the “recurring preference” of smugglers to utilize Subic Port for such illegal activities.

“Preventing the entry of misdeclared agricultural goods is crucial not only to ensure food safety but also to stop the potential spread of plant diseases and pests,” he added.

Laurel is urging the public to report any sightings of unauthorized white onions in markets as a measure to safeguard public health.

A traveler’s guide to affordable and fun adventures

From take-off to touchdown, make your next travel worry-free with BDO

Going on vacations is one of life’s greatest joys—from exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures, to creating unforgettable memories with friends and family. It should not be derailed by unexpected mishaps and last-minute changes.

That’s where BDO Insure Travel Insurance steps in, ensuring your trip is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. Whether medical emergencies, baggage delays, or flight disruptions, BDO Insure expertly selects packages from different insurance partners to provide only the best options tailored to your needs.

Affordable options are available for travelers aged up to 75 years.

Planning a four-day visit to Asia? Coverage for emergency medical treatment benefits of up to Php500,000 starts at Php350. Want more protection? Boost your coverage to Php1.5 million for just Php463. That’s a small price to pay for a big peace of mind.

Heading to the United States for 15 days? Enjoy up to Php1.5 million in emergency medical treatment for as low as Php917.

Planning to explore the Eiffel Tower in France? We’ve partnered with an accredited insurance provider whose plans are fully Schengen visa-compliant which is Php2.5M in Emergency Medical Treatment for as low as Ph1,749 for a 15-day trip.

Apart from these benefits, travelers can now opt in for a more comprehensive cover which includes emergency treatment of pre-existing conditions and extreme activities, reimbursement of rebooking fees, and additional benefit for first 4-hour delay and baggage delay for return flights.

For a more seamless experience, purchase your travel insurance in the Philippines at least four hours before your departure.

Next time you pack, remember to include peace of mind with an insurance package that lets you travel safely and enjoy every moment worry-free. BDO Insure Travel Insurance includes COVID-19 coverage, travel inconvenience benefits, and access to a 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance Hotline.

BINI tells fans: 'Nagkamali kami'

 

By Robert Requintina

P-pop girl group BINI has released a statement addressing the controversial video involving three of its members.

The full statement:

"We know that the past couple of days have been triggering and disappointing for all of you. Sincerely, we understand where all of those feelings are coming from.

"The video shows a private moment of us with friends. We definitely did not intend to hurt anyone in the process. We offer no excuse for our actions, reactions, and choice of words. We take full accountability.

"Nagkamali kami.

"We deeply regret our mistake and sincerely apologize to our Blooms, friends, families, and the general public.

"We humbly ask for a chance to reflect on and learn from our mistakes and continue to work on becoming better versions of ourselves.

"Maraming salamat po sa inyong malasakit, suporta, at pag-unawa."

Colet/Stacey/Jhoanna/Aiah/Maloi/Gwen/Mikha/Sheena."

Why do we have to love even our enemies

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WHY? Because, first of all, Christ said so. In no unclear terms, he said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5,43-45)

And he walked his talk by being always compassionate with the sinners of his time. And ultimately, while still on the cross, just a few breaths away from death, he offered forgiveness to those who crucified him, who in the end, are actually all of us. (cfr. Lk 23,34) That’s because every sin we commit contributes to Christ’s crucifixion.

But we may still ask, why should we love our enemies? Isn’t it against our nature? I believe the final answer to that is because in spite of how we are to each other and to God himself, we still are all children of God, brothers and sisters among ourselves, meant to care and love one another.

Irrespective of how we behave and develop our life, that basic truth cannot be erased. It’s a truth of our faith that was hinted in the following passage from the Book of Isaiah that says, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (49,15)

Of course, this does not mean that what is wrong is right. The sharp distinction between the two is never denied by the love that we are asked to have. Rather, because of that love, we still should try to uphold that distinction as best that we can. 

Yes, we should try our best to clarify the issues, but knowing how imperfect we are even in our best conditions, we should just go beyond that distinction, and offer forgiveness the way Christ did so on the cross. Christ did everything to clarify what is right, but in the end, he sort of “failed” and had no other recourse than to offer his life as the ultimate testament of his love for us.

This is, of course, a tall order, an impossible thing for us to follow. But we should just try and try, never giving up. We obviously have to exert all the effort we can give, but first of all, we should ask for the grace of God, since only in that way can the impossible be made possible for us.

Let’s try to develop a lifestyle where in spite of our unavoidable differences and conflicts we can manage to have no enemies, since we would love everyone. More than that, it should be a lifestyle where the more unlovable a person in the natural level is given more love. That’s when we can truly say that we are entering the supernatural level of God which is actually meant for us.

This, of course, would require a lot of faith and hope for the charity meant for us to blossom. It should be a faith that should lead us to develop a certain toughness that can bear all things, as St. Paul once said. (cfr. 1 Cor 13,7)

Everyday, let’s hope that we can manage to love everyone, especially those who clearly are in error. These people can be considered as “one of the least of my brethren” as Christ once said, (cfr. Mt 25,40) to whom we should give a completely gratuitous love. For such is true love. It is completely gratuitous, expecting no reward nor compensation.

SURVIVING WITHOUT CELLPHONE?

I remember the time, when one of my first Japanese friends kept on complaining, why I didn't operate a cellphone. Believe me, during that time, sometime in 2000 or 2001, I was even typing my articles on an old typewriter from Germany.

My Japanese friend then bought me a computer - and a cellphone! Some other friends congratulated me: "Welcome back to the world!"

Now we are living in May 2025.

Last Sunday, I really got mad. Attending mass, I observed a family (father, mother, boy and girl) keeping on using their cellphones during almost the whole ongoing mass. Heaven forbid! Even while falling in line receiving the holy communion, the father kept on texting and browsing Facebook. Step by step. Just in front of me! Heaven forbid! Guys, why are you still attending mass? Later on, the children kept on playing video games... .

Sometimes, I observed (business-)people operating with two or even more cellphones at the same time. Even while taking lunch in a restaurant. I asked them: "How did you survive doing business before without these units?" Believe me or not. The answers have been mostly: I really don't know!

Doing business nowadays without a cellphone? Even in a very private life? Many people can't imagine it anymore. I can! Though Philippines' cellphone companies really provide us with the widest distribution and the broadest coverage to very affordable charges. I really enjoy, for example, the unlimited call experience - just to mention one. But, not at any time!

But then it happened! I thought I had lost my cellphone. I panic, losing all my important connections. This "thing" really has a special meaning for me. And here we are: not only for business. Just even for a short "Hi - kumusta ka?" I really felt lonely!

.

A couple of hours later, I found IT. Misplaced somewhere in the bathroom under a towel in a silent mood. Four miscalls (yipee!), several text messages. Not only "Hi - kumusta ka?" A special evening meeting had to be confirmed... .

Allow me to quote Philippine Star columnist Igan D'Bayan, who wrote a couple of years ago: "We don't speak like Hamlet any more. Most of us speak Taglish and write in Filipinized English. And while holding a mobile phone, we type '2b or not 2b'. And that's supposition!"

Btw ('by the way'), during night time, I turn off my cell phone. How about you? And, I really get mad if my students keep on using their "machine" during class.... .

Alert your family, friends and sports club/society members when you can, and tell them how to reach you in emergencies. Make plans with friends and family in detail ahead of time. Do something different with the time you'd usually spend on your phone – read, go for a walk, go to the gym, study, cook. So do I.

All reactions:

1Klaus Doring

Mothers take the spotlight at this event centered on empowerment and connection

 

Get ready to celebrate, mga nanay! Kamay ni Nanay is bringing a special treat to all the amazing mothers out there with “Araw ni Nanay—A Celebration of Love, Care, and Opportunity.” This exciting event, powered by Kamay ni Nanay, will transform SM City Sta. Mesa into a Mother's Day wonderland on May 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TV actress Dianne Medina-Ilustre will host the day, guiding participants through a heartwarming program packed with fun and inspiration. This isn’t just your ordinary event—it’s a full-blown celebration of everything that makes mothers so special.

Here's a sneak peek:

Wisdom for nanay

Top speakers will share their expertise on topics close to every mom's heart. Dr. Emehly Sevilla of Vine Aesthetics will give the lowdown on self-care (because moms need pampering too!). MK Bertulfo of FH Moms will help the audience navigate the digital world, and MJ Aspacio of CityDanse Academy will reveal how art can work wonders for kids.

Dra. Em Sevilla

Entertainment galore

Audiences are in for a treat with a lineup of heartwarming and awe-inspiring performances. The much-anticipated “Haphow Musical” takes center stage—not just as a show, but as a moving experience that encourages reflection on life, love, and the values we hold close. Adding grace and charm to the program, Sophie and Herbie’s ballet performance will enchant guests with elegance. The celebration continues with appearances by other talented special guests, and to make the moment even more magical, singer-director Jeffrey Hidalgo will serenade the crowd with his soulful voice.

Real talk with real moms

Don't miss the panel discussion featuring Pamela Joy Estonilo-Lumagbas, the powerhouse CEO behind Kamay ni Nanay, along with other inspiring women. They’ll dive into everything from baby care to building a business—and how to keep your sanity in the process. Panelists include Leanne Dela Cruz of K Gold Beauty, Kristina Po of Shinjiru Wellness Trading Corp., Antonette Del Rosario, one of Kamay ni Nanay’s brand ambassadors, Dra. Em Sevilla, MK Bertulfo, and MJ Aspacio.

Mode Devi events team

Celebrating nanay’s stories

Get ready for touching and unforgettable moments as we recognize the inspiring winners of the “Cutest Baby” and “Best Aruga Mom” contests, as well as the heartfelt entries in the “Testimonial Contest.” The event will also celebrate the achievements of the Top 5 Kamay ni Nanay Affiliates—women whose dedication and compassion truly embody the spirit of a nanay.

Freebies and fun all day

Of course, there will be booths and activities where participants can snag freebies, discover new products, and simply have a great time. These booth activities will be open and available throughout the day.

Kamay ni Nanay is here for all mothers, their families, and anyone who wants to join in the love. This is your chance to celebrate the heart of every home and honor the incredible contributions of our nanay.

For more details and updates, be sure to check out Kamay ni Nanay's Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.

Be cyber safe; fight digital fraud

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published May 09, 2025 00:05 am

Suspected fraud rate affecting digital transactions of Filipinos was at 13.4 percent in 2024, placing the Philippines at an alarming second place behind India (19 percent) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (10.9 percent).

To underscore this, global risk information provider TransUnion reported that over seven in every 10 or 74 percent of Filipinos said they had been targeted by fraudsters through email, online, phone call, or text messaging between November and December 2024. This is much higher than the 53 percent across 18 countries and regions surveyed. In the same survey period, 34 percent of Filipinos claimed to have lost money due to any of the above schemes, higher than the 29 percent global rate.

This unsettling development poses a serious threat not only to our national security and economy but to the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. While we continue embracing digital transformation—from e-commerce and digital banking to online government services—we must also confront its dark side: the rise in cybercrime.

We must take note that digital fraud manifests in various forms—phishing, identity theft, online scams, and financial fraud, among others. The impact is far-reaching. Businesses lose revenue, investors become wary, the government’s credibility is weakened, and ordinary Filipinos find their hard-earned savings and personal data compromised. If left unchecked, this epidemic of digital fraud could undermine the very progress we strive for in becoming a modern, digital-ready nation. And this is not a problem any one sector can solve alone. Combating digital fraud demands a united front, with the government, private sector, and citizens all playing active roles in building a secure digital environment.

The government must take the lead by strengthening legislation and enforcement. While laws like the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 exist, they must evolve rapidly alongside new digital threats. A more proactive stance is necessary—one that includes a centralized cybercrime task force, increased funding for digital infrastructure security, and swift prosecution of offenders. Equally important is nationwide public education on digital safety, ensuring that every Filipino, from students to senior citizens, understands how to protect themselves online.

The private sector, particularly those in fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications, has an equally critical responsibility. Businesses must invest in advanced cybersecurity systems, regularly update their defenses, and be transparent with their users about potential threats. Collaborating with government agencies to share data and intelligence about fraud patterns can help create a nationwide security network. In the long run, maintaining consumer trust and investor confidence is impossible without robust digital safeguards.

But even the most comprehensive laws and sophisticated systems will fall short if the public remains unaware or complacent. We must keep in mind that digital fraud is real. We must not allow ourselves to be caught in the web of digital fraud. Every Filipino must take digital responsibility seriously. This means exercising caution when clicking links, securing passwords, reporting suspicious activity, and continuously learning about online threats. A single careless click can compromise an entire network. Conversely, one informed user can stop a scam from spreading.

Unity is our strongest defense. Be wary, the battle against digital fraud is a whole-of-nation responsibility. It demands a concerted effort and a shared commitment to security, integrity, and vigilance. Just as we unite in times of natural disasters or public health crises, we must now rally as a nation against this digital epidemic.

Beyond being a technology problem, digital fraud is an economic threat, a business liability, and a personal threat to everyone. But with coordinated action, mutual trust, and a spirit of bayanihan, we can protect our digital future. Opt for collective action over silence, vigilance over vulnerability, and unity over division.