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 Since I fell in my gardens. Broke my wrist in 2 places hurt my back. After all that has happened. This is my happy place

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Wild pair of Philippine Eagles spotted in Bukidnon

 

DAVAO CITY – A wild and untagged pair of Philippine Eagles was spotted somewhere in the hinterlands of Bukidnon province.

By Keith Bacongco

Published Aug 16, 2025 11:32 pm

The Philippine Eagle Foundation said they were the first confirmed sighting in nearly two decades.

The pair was sighted last week but the PEF did not disclose their exact location for their safety.

“This remarkable rediscovery happened within the Buhita (Bukidnon Higaonon Tribal Association) ancestral domain,” the PEF said.

The PEF added that they were soaring mutually, which is an indication of a graceful courtship ritual where two lifelong partners glide side by side. “Together, they mark their territory while reaffirming their bond. It’s a beautiful and powerful dance in the sky, signaling that a new nesting season may be on the horizon.”

PEF Director for Operations Dr. Jayson Ibañez said that the last time a pair of eagles and their eaglet were validated by PEF and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) within the Buhita ancestral domain was in 1996.

“And succeeding annual checks detected only single birds, until monitoring efforts stopped because of security and personnel safety issues,” Ibañez said.

He said that the sighting was due to the month-long expedition of a composite team of PEF, DENR, and local volunteers.

The seasoned PEF conservationist said that the expedition was launched following the increased reports of eagle sightings.

“The old nest used in 1996 was still standing but appeared abandoned. The team did daily observations until they detected the eagle pair in an elegant aerial courtship display within the last week of the expedition.”

This most recent confirmed sighting brings the number of pairs to at least 21 in Bukidnon, which is the home to the highest number of eagle pairs in the country, Ibañez said.

He added that the provincial government has passed an ordinance declaring the Philippine Eagle as their flagship species and allotting funding for their conservation.

The province is one of the focused areas of the PEF in their conservation program.

Ibañez attributed the success of the expedition to the combination of indigenous knowledge and the customary rules of Buhita members.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Buhita ancestral domain leaders and elders to keep their forests intact that have benefited wildlife and people.

“We’ve always suspected that a pair may still thrive in the area because it remained intact across the years. The results of the expedition have once and for all validated that suspicion,” Ibañez said.

According to the PEF, a pair of Philippine Eagle needs about 4,000 to 11,000 hectares of forest land to thrive in the wild, depending on the number of prey items in the area.

The PEF credited the rediscovery of the critically-endangered bird to the Buhita trail masters, forest guards, PEF biologists and monitoring staff, and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO)-Valencia team.

“This is a good sign that despite everything, our Philippine Eagles are finding ways to survive in the wild. Let’s make sure to do our part in helping them thrive,” the PEF said.

· Kriezl Jane Torres Crowned Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2025

 

Mindanao Daily News

Kriezl Jane Torres of Talakag, Bukidnon, has proudly brought home the Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2025 crown, showcasing the beauty and richness of her hometown on a national stage. The coronation night, held at Okada Manila, saw Kriezl standing out among the country's most stunning and eco-driven women, proving that beauty with a purpose thrives in the highlands.

A Shining Moment for Bukidnon

Kriezl's win puts Talakag and Bukidnon in the spotlight for its rich culture, breathtaking natural wonders, and passionate people. Her triumph is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the province's potential in eco-tourism. With her new title, Kriezl is set to share the story of her home with the world, promoting the beauty and charm of Bukidnon.

Full Elemental Court Announced

The Miss Philippines Earth 2025 pageant also announced its Full Elemental Court, with Kriezl joining other talented women in various categories. The winners include Joy Barcoma as Miss Philippines Earth 2025, Maria Flordeliz Mabao as Miss Philippines Air, Angel Rose Tambal as Miss Philippines Water, and Jaymie Strickland as Miss Philippines Fire.

Special Shoutout to Bukidnon Queens

Other Bukidnon representatives, including Maria Erra Ocon, Dane Amante, Aldren Ross Balaba, Ellamarie D. Andricoso, and Alexandra Pasayon, were also given a special shoutout for carrying the province's pride, beauty, and spirit with grace and strength on the national stage. Their presence and courage inspire the next generation of Bukidnon women to dream big and wear their heritage proudly.

Sharing the Story of Bukidnon

With her new title, Kriezl Jane Torres is ready to share the story of her home with the world. From the cool breeze of Bukidnon's mountains to the warmth of its communities, Kriezl's journey as Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism 2025 is set to promote the province's eco-tourism potential and showcase its unique culture and natural wonders.

165,000-classroom shortage: The long wait for solutions

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published Aug 16, 2025 12:05 am

Every school year opens with the same grim picture: children learning in cramped spaces, some sitting on the aisles for lack of chairs, others shuffling between double or even triple class shifts, and students in campus open spaces where seats are clustered to indicate different classrooms.

According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) report, 5.1 million students are now “aisle learners” — a stark symptom of the 165,000-classroom shortage confirmed by the Department of Education (DepEd). And that figure does not even count thousands of old, and disaster-damaged rooms that no longer meet basic standards.

At the current pace of construction, the backlog will take some 30 to 55 years to erase, Education Secretary Sonny Angara had warned months ago. By then, an entire generation of students will have gone through school without ever seeing a properly equipped, uncrowded classroom.

This is more than an infrastructure backlog; it is an education crisis that robs children of the time, comfort, and environment they need to learn.

The consequences are severe. When 50 to 70 students are squeezed into a room built for 40, the teacher’s ability to focus on individual learners disappears. Double and triple shifts shorten instructional hours, affecting mastery of basic skills. Poor ventilation and overcrowding expose students to illness.

How did we get here? The problem has been swelling for years. In 2013, the shortage stood at around 55,000. Twelve years later, it has nearly tripled. Rapid population growth, especially in urban and high-migration areas like NCR, CALABARZON, Region XII, and BARMM, has outpaced construction. Disasters, which routinely damage or destroy classrooms, further strain the system.

Secretary Angara has called for a whole-of-society approach to address the backlog. This means bringing in local governments, NGOs, and the private sector. LGUs can tap their Special Education Fund, while private partners can join through Public-Private Partnerships or the Adopt-a-School Program. Senate Bill No. 121, the proposed Classroom-Building Acceleration Program, seeks to authorize such partnerships with national government support.

Equally important is the call to “build smarter.” DepEd’s new classroom master plan uses demographic trends, site data, and congestion mapping to target where buildings are most needed. The designs themselves are adapting to reality: flood-resilient, stilted classrooms for coastal towns; elevated, storm-resistant rooms for typhoon-prone Bicol; reinforced concrete roofs for durability. These are not luxuries but necessities in a country battered by over 20 tropical cyclones a year.

Still, speed and transparency will decide success. This means flexible contracting rules to avoid delays when the DPWH is diverted to disaster response. It means clear cost standards to prevent price padding. And it means a centralized public dashboard to track projects, budgets, and completion rates — a safeguard against waste and corruption.

The classroom shortage cannot be solved by government alone. Businesses, civic groups, alumni associations, and faith-based organizations all have a role to play. The reward is tangible: every new, safe, and functional classroom built is a direct investment in the country’s future workforce and citizens.

Senator Paolo “Bam” Aquino points out the irony: condominiums and casinos can rise in months, yet classrooms take years. The difference is in priority, urgency, and the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks.

No nation can claim to value education while millions of its children learn in aisles or shifts. Every year we delay, millions of Filipino children pay the price — in hours of lost learning, in diminished skills, and in a future where they are less prepared.

I dream of Oscars for PH

By Robert Requintina

Published Aug 15, 2025 12:05 am | Updated Aug 14, 2025 06:11 pm

EDITORS DESK

As the calendar rolls toward the new year, a buzz of excitement fills the air among Filipino movie enthusiasts, all eagerly anticipating the nation’s entry in the prestigious Oscar Awards in 2026.

While the Academy will unveil its coveted winners in March of next year, the nomination process has already commenced for the Best International Film category, previously known as Best Foreign Film.

This category celebrates films that transcend geographical boundaries, offering a window into diverse cultures and narratives.

An international feature film is defined as a motion picture that runs longer than 40 minutes, is produced outside the United States, and features a dialogue track that is predominantly non-English, with over 50 percent of the dialogue spoken in non-English languages. This definition also encompasses captivating animated and thought-provoking documentary features.

To be eligible, films must have made their theatrical debut in their respective countries between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025. The deadline for submissions to the Academy will be on Oct. 1, 2025.

On Dec. 16, 2025, the 15 finalists will be unveiled, leading up to the high-stakes reveal of the final five nominees on Jan 22, 2026.

Reflecting on the Philippines' journey in this cinematic arena, it’s evident that the nation has faced challenges since it began submitting entries in the 1950s.

The Philippines has yet to receive an Oscar nomination despite its vibrant filmmaking history.

The film “Mga Munting Tinig,” which represented the Philippines in the Best Foreign Language Film category in 2002, made waves by achieving the highest ranking for any Filipino entry, securing a commendable seventh place. With only five films nominated each year, this accomplishment remains a point of pride.

Critics and cinephiles alike believe that the Philippines is a treasure trove of world-class talent. Yet, the daunting financial obstacles associated with mounting a successful campaign — money typically allocated for advertising in prominent US publications and organizing exclusive screenings for Academy voters — have hampered its chances. In previous years, voters even received DVDs of competing films, adding another layer to the competitive landscape.

Other nations, such as Israel and Portugal, share similar struggles. Israel has garnered 10 nominations but has yet to claim a win, while Portugal holds the record for the most submissions — 37 — without a nomination to its name.

The countries adorned with the most Oscar victories in the Best International Feature Film category include Italy, with a remarkable 14 wins, followed closely by France, which boasts 12, and Japan, with five accolades.

But the question lingers: do we truly need an Oscar trophy to validate our cinematic endeavors? An Oscar statuette, a gleaming emblem of achievement in filmmaking, could serve as a powerful catalyst, elevating Philippine cinema to new heights and broadening its global reach. Filipino director Benedict Mique envisions a future where he receives an Oscar nomination, expressing unwavering belief that it’s only a matter of time.

Among the potential Philippine entries for the 2026 Oscar Awards are promising titles such as “Green Bones,” “Food Delivery,” “Sunshine,” “Espantaho,” “Magellan,” and “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking.” We eagerly await the official announcement from the Film Academy of the Philippines, hopeful for the bright future of Filipino cinema.

The Philippines has a vibrant history of submitting films to the Oscars, a journey that has unfolded over several decades. The inaugural entry came in 1953 with “Genghis Khan,” marking the country’s bold step onto the global cinematic stage. Since then, a tapestry of remarkable films has represented the Philippines, each telling its own unique story.

Among these, “Heneral Luna” (2015) stands out as a passionate portrayal of a hero’s struggle, while “Transit” (2013) offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Filipino immigrants. The classic “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” (1976) weaves a vibrant narrative that reflects the cultural landscape of its time.

Additionally, “Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin” (1995) captivates audiences with its dramatic intensity, and “Dekada ’70” (2003) serves as a powerful commentary on political upheaval. Finally, “Anak” (2000) touches hearts with its emotional depth, exploring the complexities of family and sacrifice.

Each submission not only showcases the artistic talent of Filipino filmmakers but also highlights the diverse stories and rich heritage of the nation.

Like many Filipino movie fans, I dream of an Oscar for the Philippines.

(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)

High Speed Hitters shock Cool Smashers, seal title clash vs Crossovers

 

PLDT stormed into its first-ever Premier Volleyball League Finals in thrilling fashion – rallying from a 1-2 set deficit against a dynastic Creamline side and stunning the crowd-favorite Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set classic, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-10.

By Manila Bulletin Sports

Published Aug 15, 2025 10:28 pm

Even more remarkable, the High Speed Hitters punched their ticket to the PVL On Tour one-game championship match on the back of a flawless seven-game sweep, silencing critics and shaking up the league’s power structure in one unforgettable night at the Araneta Coliseum Tuesday.

Creamline, poised to march into another Finals appearance after going up two sets to one, looked in control. But PLDT’s grit and resilience took over – a team that had never before lost two sets in a single match during their perfect run now used that very moment of adversity as fuel.

They roared back with a dominant fourth set, flipping the script, then tore through the Cool Smashers in the fifth – leaving a stunned crowd in disbelief as the 10-time league champions collapsed under pressure.

Savi Davison provided the finishing touches in the decider, erupting for eight of her 34 points in Set 5 alone, including the first three and the final four – capped by a booming crosscourt kill that pierced through two Creamline defenders and sealed the emotional win in two hours and 12 minutes of fierce action.

The Cool Smashers had clawed within one, 9-10, after an Alyssa Valdez kill that briefly reignited the Creamline faithful. But Davison answered with three clutch hits, each blow silencing the crowd a little more until only PLDT’s cheers remained.

A Valdez attack error put PLDT at match point, and although Michele Gumabao saved one, Davison would not be denied – slamming the door shut with a final, emphatic strike.

“This is hard work, sweat and tears,” exclaimed Davison, who claimed the Best Player of the Game honor amid a roaring PLDT celebration. “It’s a very light feeling and I love every part of it.”

Despite being outcheered by the sea of Creamline supporters, Davison praised their own fan base for standing firm:

“It’s a community win,” she said, pointing to the unwavering support that carried the High Speed Hitters through the pressure-cooker of the preseason tourney.

Awaiting PLDT in Sunday’s one-game finale at 6:30 p.m. are the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, who earlier dispatched the Cignal HD Spikers in four sets to clinch the first Finals berth.

Creamline and Cignal will battle for bronze at 4 p.m.

Kim Dy provided ample support to Davison’s explosive outing with 14 points, while Majoy Baron chipped in nine markers, highlighted by three solid kill blocks. Jovie Prado and Mika Reyes added eight points apiece in PLDT’s balanced offensive effort.

Davison not only delivered on offense but also showcased her all-around game, finishing with nine excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.

At the heart of PLDT’s composed execution was veteran setter Kim Fajardo, who stood toe-to-toe with Creamline’s Kyle Negrito. Fajardo tallied 25 excellent sets, just edging Negrito by one, to anchor PLDT’s smooth offensive flow.

Statistically, the two teams were nearly dead even in scoring, with PLDT narrowly outgunning Creamline in attacks, 61-58. The Cool Smashers edged the High Speed Hitters in blocks, 10-9, and had more service aces, 7-5.

But where PLDT made the real difference was in capitalizing on free points, scoring 33 off Creamline’s errors while yielding just 26 of their own.

Creamline’s big guns delivered as expected – Jema Galanza and Valdez each finished with 18 points, Gumabao had 16, and Pangs Panaga added 11. On any other night, those numbers would have been enough.

But not against a PLDT side that, even after dropping two sets for the first time all tournament, refused to crack under pressure and proved it simply doesn't know how to lose in this preseason run of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Nonoy Zúñiga marks 50 years in music with 'Beyond Gold' concert

 

Nonoy Zuniga (Facebook)

By Annalyn S. Jusay

Published Aug 14, 2025 09:31 am

The Philippines’ King of Pop Ballads, Nonoy Zúñiga, is set to celebrate five decades in the music industry with a milestone concert Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime, on Sept. 5 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, joined by an all-star lineup of guests and a program designed to revisit every era of his career.

Nonoy’s 50-year journey began long before he became famous with his legacy hit "Doon Lang.". Not many people know that this medical doctor started as a folk singer. 

"Forty plus years na ako as a recording artist. Count to that five years sa banda and two years sa folk singing,’ he recalled. Before he entered showbiz, Nonoy was part of the Family Birth Control Band, and it was in one of their gigs that a bomb explosion occurred in 1980.

He survived that tragic incident with an amputated leg and transitioned to a solo career. With this move, he became known for singing some of OPM’s most iconic ballads such as Never Say Goodbye, Kumusta Ka, Doon Lang, and Love Without Time, among others. Nonoy's powerful voice and heartfelt delivery earned him the title “King of Pop Ballads” and a loyal following that spanned generations.

For his Beyond Gold concert, Nonoy is bringing back songs that reveal lesser-known parts of his career. One highlight is his performance of Basang-basa sa Ulan, which many associate with Aegis. ‘Hindi ko naman na-promote yon, e. Pero ako ang original ng kantang yan (I didn't promote it, but I sang the original of that song),’ he said.

Also on the setlist is Ako Ay Ikaw Rin, which is a sentimental choice for him. ‘It’s a song that's very personal for me. This is my song for the disabled, which I don’t normally sing,’ Nonoy shared, recalling how the late Willy Cruz discovered him when he performed it as a guest in the 4th Metropop.

Singer Nonoy Zúñiga with his concert special guests (from left): Raymond Gorospe, young artists Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez

At the age of 71, Nonoy’s voice remains solid. Still, he is mindful of the realities of time, especially with the passing of his contemporaries from their group "The Hitmakers" - Hajji Alejandro and Rico J. Puno. 

"Yung mga nauna, ay nakakalungkot. Kasi sabi ko, bakit ganun? Mga bata pa sila," he said of Rico and Hajji. ‘Kailangan talaga, may yearly o twice a year nag-check-up. Parang maagapan."

(It's sad that they had to die early because they were still relatively young. A health check-up once or twice a year is necessary for preventive maintenance.)

Staying relevant

Nonoy acknowledged that it is challenging to remain relevant after 50 years in showbiz, and expressed gratitude to Vice Ganda for giving veteran performers like him a platform on Tawag ng Tanghalan in "It's Showtime," where he is a judge. 

‘Thankful ako kay Vice. Yung mga Gen Z, at least nakikita pa ako ( I am thankful to Vice.At least the Gen Z still see me),’ he said.

Public warned against fake 'refund' messages from scammers

 

By Jel Santos

Published Aug 14, 2025 03:31 pm

(PHOTO: DOH)

Scammers are targeting the public with fake text messages claiming to be from the Department of Health (DOH) and promising refunds for alleged hospital overpayments, the agency warned on Thursday, August 14. 

Recently, there have been reports of individuals receiving text messages claiming they had received over P8,000 from the “DOH zero billing plan” and urging them to click a suspicious link to claim the refund.

“Ang transaksyon sa larawan ay isang uri ng SCAM. Ito ay hindi galing sa DOH o sa anumang sangay ng gobyerno (The transaction in the image is a type of scam. It did not come from the DOH or any government agency),” the agency said in an advisory.

The DOH said neither the agency nor its hospitals send links to the public, and urged people not to click suspicious links in scam messages.

According to the agency, legitimate benefits under the Marcos administration’s “Bayad na Bill Mo” or “No Balance Billing” program are free of charge for basic services and accommodation in all DOH hospitals nationwide.

The DOH reminded the public to remain vigilant against text scam messages, stressing that these schemes often use official-sounding names and false promises to trick recipients into clicking harmful links or sharing personal information.

The health department encouraged Filipinos to verify health information through its official website and social media accounts before believing or acting on it, as a safeguard against scams.