A woman protects her head during a heat wave, Monday, June 30, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
By The Associated Press
Published Jul 1, 2025 12:48 pm
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A heat wave covered much of Europe on Monday, with a record-hot first day of play at Wimbledon and high winds fanning forest fires in Turkey.
Heat warnings were issued for parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany and the U.K., with new highs expected on Wednesday before rain should bring respite to some areas.
Extreme heat is no longer a rare event — it has become the new normal, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres tweeted from Seville, Spain, where temperatures hit 42 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit). He called for action to fight climate change, saying the planet is getting hotter & more dangerous.
Dr. Hans Kluge, head of the World Health Organization's Europe office, warned in a statement that the scorching heat silently threatens the people who need protection most: older adults, children, outdoor workers and anyone living with chronic health conditions.
Portugal
Portuguese authorities issued a red heat warning for seven of 18 districts as temperatures were forecast to hit 43 C (109F).
Spain
Spain's national weather service said no relief from the first heat wave of the year is expected until Thursday. Sunday's national average of 28 C (82F) set a new high temperature for June 29 since records were started in 1950.
France
In France, where air conditioning remains relatively rare, authorities were taking extra effort to care for homeless and elderly people. Misting stations doused passers-by along the River Seine in Paris.
France's first significant forest fires of the season consumed 400 hectares (988 acres) of woods Sunday and Monday in the southern Aude region. Water-dumping planes and some 300 firefighters were mobilized, the regional emergency service said.
Turkey
In Turkey, forest fires forced the temporary closure of the airport in Izmir, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Authorities evacuated four villages as a precaution, the Forestry Ministry said.
Firefighters battled a blaze that broke out Monday near residential areas in Hatay province, near the border with Syria, that prompted 1,500 people to evacuate.
Italy
In Italy, the Health Ministry put 21 cities under its red alert, which indicates emergency conditions with possible negative effects on healthy, active people as well as others. Regional governments in northwestern Liguria and southern Sicily put restrictions on outdoor work.
There were torrential rains in the north, and parts of Bardonecchia near Turin were covered in sludge after the Frejus river burst its banks. RAI state television said one person was killed.
Britain
Britain's national weather service said the Wimbledon tennis tournament was facing what could be its hottest start, with temperatures just under 30 C (85F). Tournament rules allow players to take a 10-minute break when the heat goes above 30.1 C mid-match.
Germany
Temperatures in southern Germany were forecast as high as 39 C (102F) on Wednesday. Some towns and regions imposed limits on how much water can be taken from rivers and lakes.
At the Berlin zoo, elephants were showered with water and bears treated with blocks of ice containing fruit.
By Jinggoy I. Salvador
Davao del Sur is the gateway to the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo, where thrill-seekers climb for leisure and athletes compete in the Boulder Challenge, one of the country’s most challenging events. Towering at 2,954 meters above sea level, the mountain rewards its victors with breathtaking vistas imprinted in memory to last a lifetime.
Mt. Apo is just one of the many gifts that the “Maanyag nga Paraiso” (beautiful paradise) of Davao del Sur can offer. Spanning nine municipalities and one component city, this province is a land of rich natural resources, destinations, an art sanctuary, and a well-preserved cultural heritage. It’s a tourist’s paradise—and an investor’s promised land.
Since its founding day in 1967, Davao del Sur has become one of the most progressive provinces in the Philippines. Thanks to good governance and empowered citizens, it has achieved its vision of becoming an agri-industrialized, commercial, eco-tourism, and risk-resilient province—and it continues to grow.
Under the administration of the first lady governor, Gov. Yvonne Roño Cagas, the province remained true to its mission and vision. Over the past year, significant progress has been made in expanding and modernizing Davao del Sur’s medical, educational, sports, and agricultural programs and facilities.
Serving Davao del Sur for another term, the lady governor shared her plans on the 58th Anniversary Foundation Day celebration. “This year, one of my major plans is to hasten the purchase of relocation sites in the different areas of the province,” she said. “These shall be turned into villages and awarded to the landless.”
Among the many festivals and events in the province, the most anticipated is the annual foundation day. It’s when the entire population takes part in the exciting week-long celebration that the provincial government has organized. The most popular and well-attended affair is the Mutya ng Davao del Sur pageant, where citizens from all over the province fill the stadium to support their candidates.
Winning the crown in this prestigious pageant means embracing civic duties and promoting the province. “The Mutya ng Davao del Sur is one of our strategic ways to promote tourism, particularly in mounting world-class events where people can enjoy and be enticed to come and visit the province,” said Kervin Joseph Elijay, provincial tourism officer. “It gives an economic opportunity and benefit, particularly to MSMEs and private investors, who build their business for tourism purposes.”
judges Designer Edgar Buyan, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar, shoe designer Jojo Bragais, COO of Joji International Schools Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, Theia Gems founder Kristine Joy Agcopra, and the author
Judges Designer Edgar Buyan, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar, shoe designer Jojo Bragais, COO of Joji International Schools Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, Theia Gems founder Kristine Joy Agcopra, and the author
Vice Governor Mark Cagas and Governor Yvonne Roña-Cagas
2024 Mutya passes her crown to 2025 Mutya Angela Yvonne H. Wabingga as Governor Yvonne Roña-Cagas looks on
From every town and sector, empowered, beautiful, intelligent, and eloquent women rise as storytellers, dreamers, and symbols of the resilient Davsuranon spirit. Besting 21 other candidates, Angela Yvonne H. Wabingga earned the coveted Mutya ng Davao del Sur 2025 crown. Completing her court were Hannah Mary G. Kolencheril (first runner-up), Fredelma Nova T. Corporal (second runner-up), Danna Mitchelle Ruelo (third runner-up), and Nichole P. Mandalones (fourth runner-up).
Adding even more sparkle to the evening were Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who served as an inspiring co-host, and singer Michael Pangilinan, who serenaded the candidates and the cheering crowd.
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The Supreme Court (SC) asked the Court of Appeals (CA) in Mindanao to determine if the construction of the P23 billion Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) project is a threat to the environment in the area. The SIDC project is a bridge that will connect Barangays Vicente Hizon, A. Angliongto Sr. and R. Castillo in Davao City, and Barangay Limao in the Island Garden City of Samal. Read more |
By Mark Rey Montejo
Published Jul 1, 2025 04:44 pm
Alas Pilipinas imposed its will for an emphatic 25-13, 25-15, 25-20 win over Australia to make it two in a row in the 2025 VTV International Women's Volleyball Cup at the Vinh Phuc Gymnasium in Vietnam Tuesday, July 1.
Coming off a four-set win over Sichuan of China, the Nationals dazzled anew as they put on a clinic from start to finish and denied the Australian their first win in the week-long meet.
Alas is currently at second place in Pool A with a 2-1 win-loss record, with the group standings and the quarterfinal pairings expected to change after the evening match between Vietnam (2-0) and Sichuan (1-1).
The Jia De Guzman-led squad will face Thailand’s Est Cola in the quarters.
Australia, for its part, might battle reigning champion and Russia-based squad Korabelka or Chinese Taipei.
As expected, Brooke Van Sickle powered the Nationals with her scoring prowess, while Vanie Gandler impressed with 11 points off eight attacks and three aces.
De Guzman also shone as she provided the plays that Gandler, MJ Phillips, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido and Dell Palomata relied on. Justine Jazareno showed promise as well as a backup for seasoned libero Dawn Catindig.
At A Glance
Handsome Actor (HA) and Beautiful Woman (BW) called it quits.
When netizens noticed the closeness of Handsome Actor (HA) and Beautiful Woman (BW), they assumed the two were on their way to building a relationship. True enough, the two eventually ended up together.
The relationship was positively received given that the circumstances of HA and BW were unusual.
Social media indicated that HA and BW shared many things in common. Both loved engaging in activities that are healthy. They accepted each other’s pains and triumphs.
They had unique experiences growing up. Hence, both could understand their current personalities.
Although many wished the two would be each other’s forever, sadly the signs show they have broken up. No announcements were made. However, the lack of photos of HA and BW together on social media was enough for fans.
According to the grapevine, something was troubling the couple. Allegedly, HA had a foul mouth. Who bore the curses? BW.
Abuse, punishment, suppression, abuse, scream.
Abuse, punishment, suppression, abuse, scream.
Other than that, their inner circle maintained HA does not possess good traits. Consequently, they found him an enigma, that is, his pretty face does not give a hint of his unsavory personality.
‘To successfully create illusion, the first thing you need is trust, but to perfect an illusion, the false reality most appears as authentic as the one it hides. Careful attention must be paid to every detail. The slightest of imperfections can, like a pin to a balloon, burst the illusion . . . and the truth behind the illusion becomes revealed.’ ― Emily Thorne
Perfect un-pair
Recent observations led netizens to tease Good Boy (GB) and Talented Personality (TP).
GB and TP are aware of their fan’s playfulness and subsequently expressed praise towards each other.
However, the two are focused on their individual responsibilities.
TP, as the public knows, had just ended her relationship with Former Lover (FL).
Fans and friends believed the two were the perfect match but time proved they were wrong.
One morning, the world woke up with news that TP and FL were over and done. The two eventually moved on, finding ways to develop their craft further. Reconciliation was no longer possible.
It was then that netizens started shipping GB and TP. Romance between the two is not possible, however. TP has been keeping a secret. She has a Constant Date (CD), a non-showbiz businessman.
Even if TP was seen in an awkward situation whereby FL was dragged, she and CD were getting to know each other already.
Incidentally, CD was formerly in a relationship with a Wealthy Actress (WA), who is currently dating another non-showbiz personality.
Matching GB with TP is just an illusion. Though they would make a beautiful couple, their togetherness is just a dream. GB’s fans will have to do better finding the right partner for him.
‘Having unrealistic dreams is a very good thing. Your commitment won't be like that of a person with realistic dreams.’ ― Geoffrey Ocaya
By Manila Bulletin
Published Jul 1, 2025 12:05 am
The recent distribution of SIM cards — spearheaded by the Department of Information and Communication Technology in partnership with Globe Telecoms — to students of Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, is more than a gesture of connectivity. It is a strong statement of commitment to bridge the digital divide in the Philippines’ geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). At the same site, Kalawakan Proper, Governor Daniel Fernando also led the planting of over 1,000 tree seedlings to mark Arbor Day on June 25, reaffirming the deep link between environmental stewardship and inclusive development.
These two acts — providing students with access to digital tools and nurturing the environment — underscore a larger narrative: that true national progress cannot be achieved without uplifting the lives of our most remote and underserved communities. For the Philippines to realize the vision set out in Ambisyon 2040 — “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay,” or “a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos” — GIDAs must be brought firmly into the fold of inclusive growth.
Across the archipelago, GIDAs face a confluence of challenges: limited access to quality education and health services, unreliable infrastructure, weak internet connectivity, and minimal economic opportunities. Yet they are home to some of the most resilient Filipinos—communities often rich in culture, natural resources, and social solidarity. These areas must not be left behind.
The effort in Kalawakan, though modest in scope, presents a compelling case for how multisectoral collaboration — between local government, education stakeholders, and national agencies — can yield tangible progress. The SIM cards can serve as lifelines to knowledge, communication, and opportunity, especially in remote schools that remain outside the digital mainstream. Tree-planting initiatives, meanwhile, protect the natural ecosystems on which many GIDA communities rely, while instilling environmental values in the next generation.
To build on this momentum, several key priorities should be pursued.
First: Digital inclusion through infrastructure and training. Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury — it is a prerequisite for participation in modern life. Expanding broadband networks to cover far-flung barangays must be matched with digital literacy programs for both students and teachers.
Second: Improved transportation and mobility. Roads, bridges, and transport services are essential to link GIDA communities to markets, schools, and hospitals. Continued investment in infrastructure — especially under the “Build Better More” program—should prioritize last-mile connectivity.
Third: Education and teacher support. Special incentives for teachers assigned to GIDAs, coupled with mobile or modular learning innovations, can ensure that no child is deprived of learning simply due to geography.
Fourth: Local economic development. Livelihood programs tailored to the resources and potential of each area — such as agri-forestry, eco-tourism, and sustainable farming — can empower GIDA residents and prevent rural depopulation.
Fifth: Climate resilience and environmental protection. Arbor Day efforts like the one in Kalawakan are critical. Reforestation, watershed management, and community-led conservation must be institutionalized to combat climate risks that disproportionately affect remote communities.
Bridging the gaps in our geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas is not only a matter of equity; it is a matter of national interest. A truly resilient and prosperous Philippines depends on the full participation of all its citizens — urban and rural, central and remote. GIDA upliftment is not peripheral to Ambisyon 2040; it is central to its success.
Let the seeds planted in Kalawakan grow not only into trees but into enduring symbols of inclusive progress.
