Manila's A Mano rises to the world's top 50

 

Local pizzeria earns global acclaim for its faithful Italian flavors

By Feliciano Rodriguez III

Published Sep 10, 2025 09:11 am 

A Mano, a homegrown Italian restaurant in Manila, has climbed the global ladder of pizza greatness. At the 2025 edition of the 50 Top Pizza Awards, the restaurant ranked 49th in the world, a leap from its 70th place finish the year before.

The recognition adds to a string of honors. Earlier this year, A Mano took the 7th spot in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific list, up from 12th in 2024. It also won the Pastificio di Martino Award in 2024, which celebrates the best pasta program in the world. “To perfection,” is how co-director Albert Sapere of 50 Top Pizza described the winners of that prize. A MANO also claimed the same award in the Asia-Pacific region last year.

Founded in 2019 by Amado Forés, A Mano has built its reputation on fresh, faithful Italian cooking crafted by Filipino hands. Amado, who also serves as CEO of AF Hospitality, said the rise in ranking is a tribute to the team’s dedication. “It’s an immense honor for us to be part of 50 Top Pizza. Rising from the 70th to the 49th spot is a feat I attribute to our hardworking team — expertly made by Filipino hands, consistently producing world-class quality — and it motivates us to keep innovating while staying true to serving fresh and faithful Italian,” Amado said in a press statement.

Amado Forés at the 50 Top Pizza stage

The 50 Top Pizza guide is considered the most influential of its kind, with rankings determined by food critics, experts, and industry professionals across the world. The awards celebrate excellence in pizza-making, whether rooted in tradition or pushing toward modern styles.

AF Hospitality, the group behind A Mano, also manages restaurants such as Ramen Ron and Steak & Frice. Since July 2025, the company has carried on the legacy of the late Chef Margarita Forés, taking stewardship of her well-loved brands including Lusso, Grace Park, Margarita Florals, and Cibo.

Forés said the recognition is a reminder of what the restaurant strives for. A Mano expressed gratitude to the 50 Top Pizza organization and to loyal guests who continue to support its pursuit of authentic Italian flavors made with the finest ingredients.

Chef Jonathan Redoblado, Amado Forés, and Chef Erick Marron

Is the Internet Worth Saving?

By Carl Javier

Published Sep 12, 2025 08:06 am

From https://siglaresearch.org/

I’m not sure how you feel, but after a quarter century of being chronically online I’m tired of the internet. Most days it’s a lot of drivel, toxicity, and negative emotion. Sometimes I put my phone down after scrolling my feeds and I feel icky. 

Maybe I am an old man screaming at clouds, reminiscing about the early days of the internet when we believed in “sharing economies”, the power of social networks (before social media of course), when we saw message boards, blogs, and micro-blogging as democratizing forces, timelines meant to help you keep in touch with your friends as opposed to endless algorithmically-driven feeds; honestly I could go on.  

In my “shakes fist at today’s internet” despair, I stumbled upon a post on IG from Sigla Research Center that advocated for the potential of online spaces. It gave me hope, providing a way forward for online engagement. 

My feelings are valid

I got to sit down with Ferdinand Sanchez II, the Head of Public Engagement at Sigla and a researcher on disinformation and deliberative democracy. He explained that, “Sigla is a third space for various sectors like academics, activists, civil society organizations, and even the public,” where the goal is to “reflect on our current socio-political realities and work collectively toward a flourishing and healthy public sphere...” 

Ferdinand Sanchez II, Head of Public Engagement at Sigla

This public sphere of course includes the entirety of the internet where we feel so much divisiveness and what we can easily call an unhealthy public square, rife with disinformation, toxic attacks based on identity politics, and more. Alongside that behavior is the increasing prevalence of AI slop. Thanks to all these factors, you’re more likely to see boosted posts, ads, and triggering posts from strangers than you are posts from your actual friends. 

These things also contribute to real people posting less. Your post gets no traction because it doesn’t feed the algorithm. And if it does get traction, you run the risk of drawing the ire of the crowd, who could hate on anyone for anything at this point. Ferdz acknowledges that he hears this a lot, that there is a “palpable anxiety when it comes to posting online” because of anticipated reactions from other people. So why risk posting and engaging if you might get mobbed? So what happens is that people are posting less, and if they do post, they are mostly talking within their own silos or echo chambers. 

As Sanchez explains, “...now we're more polarized communities or societies where just one word would trigger a lot of things, right?” But he believes the challenge is to "pause and reflect and engage,” and to avoid “dehumanizing others or trying to disregard others just because they hold a different viewpoint than us.”  

He explains,  "I guess that's how the internet reflects our everyday society…all the expectations, the cultural norms are bounced into these…spaces…And it's because of the way it is framed or structured,...The platforms or the algorithms incentivize” emotional and vitriolic things.

So why stay online?

From https://siglaresearch.org/

If it’s so toxic there, if everything makes us feel so awful, then why hang around? Sanchez reminds me that the internet isn’t some monolithic thing, “It’s still man-made” so it can be reclaimed. 

In the syllabus that Sigla has created, which focuses on disinformation, their last lesson is on the ongoing potential of online spaces. For example, he points to LGBTQ+ communities who have used platforms to connect in ways that conservative societies offline would not allow. 

The main way we make the internet better is understanding our agency. I was ready to quit because I felt I had no power. But Fedz tells me, “We can reclaim, we need to recognize what’s working and criticize what’s not working.” He says one thing that we can see working is user moderation in spaces like Reddit. 

He says we need to reimagine technology, “not for profit, not for human exploitation, but in ways that are centered on our needs.” He invites us to imagine a rebuilt internet where “each and every one of us has a voice and everyone has a stake.” We both end with the idea that a good internet culture doesn't polarize, but serves as a space where societies can flourish.

PAGASA warns of heavy rains over VisMin, parts of Southern Luzon this weekend due to LPA

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 12, 2025 08:53 am   

A low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) will likely bring “significant rainfall” over the Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Southern Luzon this weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Friday, Sept. 12.

As of 3 a.m., the LPA was spotted 540 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Its trough or extension is already bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Oriental.

“Although its chance of developing into a tropical depression in the next 24 hours remains low, we are not discounting the possibility of intensification beyond that period,” PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said.

She explained that PAGASA is monitoring two possible scenarios: the weather disturbance may cross the Visayas and Mindanao as an LPA, or it may strengthen into a tropical cyclone before reaching land.

Regardless of its development, the LPA is expected to bring significant rainfall to affected areas this weekend, de la Cruz-Galicia said.

In addition, the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, may continue to affect Aurora and Quezon, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.

Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, and the rest of the Visayas may also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, while localized thunderstorms are likely over the rest of Mindanao.

PAGASA urged the public to stay alert for possible flash floods and landslides, especially during moderate to heavy rainfall or severe thunderstorms.

These thunderstorms typically last up to three hours and may bring intense rain, strong winds, lightning, and sometimes hail.

Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle McDonnell shares her best life lessons

By Robert Requintina

Published Sep 11, 2025 11:23 am

Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2025 Annabelle McDonnell is all set to represent the country at the Miss Globe beauty pageant in Albania.

During a send-off held on Sept. 10, Annabelle's loved ones, supporters, members of the press, pageant enthusiasts, and fellow Binibini queens gathered at the one-of-a-kind World Kitchens in Araneta City for a special tribute and celebration before she leaves for Albania next month.

"I am excited to compete internationally. Now I can be more relaxed. It's not that I am taking anything for granted, but just enough to trust myself and trust the process of training for queens," said Annabelle when asked about her excitement for the international pageant during the Q&A portion.

Annabelle, 25, expressed her desire to promote the Philippines upon arriving in Albania.

"Aside from our hospitable nature, I want to promote Philippine textiles. We have so many textiles from different regions. However, it's said that sometimes we end up patronizing foreign brands when, in fact, our own can stand on their own in the international market if given the chance. That's something I am working on, and I want to integrate local textiles into my wardrobe," the beauty queen said.

The Iligan City-based beauty serves as a role model of resilience and determination. She was born in the United Kingdom and was raised by her Tito Tata in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte.

She began working at a young age, balancing modeling, hosting, and other endeavors to support her loved ones.

A self-made woman and certified "raketera," Annabelle was a working student while also being a full academic scholar and a feature writer for her university publication. She graduated with a degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde.

Annabelle is a staunch advocate for children's rights and welfare. She is a volunteer for Save the Children Philippines, which focuses on empowering children to reach their full potential through education and support. Her passion and commitment reflect her desire to uplift others and create lasting change.

"I want to reintroduce to a bigger audience what championing children's rights is all about. You can do so much for your children if you give your time or render services and volunteer work.

"My experience in championing the rights of children is something I would love to share and introduce to my sisters, whom I'll be meeting in Albania very soon.

"Just basic concepts for children's rights and how to protect them. Even in social media approaches. It's something we can learn from because it is not really hard to do or get started with. We can fund a better ground because all countries are investing in the youth, who are the foundation. Hopefully, I'll meet allies there," Annabelle said.

Asked about the best lessons learned as a beauty queen, Annabelle answered, "Being open to change. Anything can happen. Surrendering everything to God makes things easier and lighter to bear.

"We make our plans, but at the end of the day, sometimes God has other plans. It doesn't mean he's denying you or rejecting you, but sometimes, it's a blessing in disguise.

"We have to be patient and trust in that blessing. That's something I have learned from all the pageants that I have been through. It keeps me humble and grounded. Not only in pageants, but life in general," she added.

Recently, Annabelle had the opportunity to meet Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne, who provided her with valuable advice and tips for competing in the Miss Globe pageant.

"I had dinner with Mauren. The gist of what I absorbed from that dinner was to be prepared for success. It's something you need to prepare for and work hard.

"It motivated me to stay on track and keep on going when it comes to training. I should not be complacent. She gave me advice on the responsibilities of the Miss Globe queen. She told me about her experiences.

"I don't think there's such a thing as overtraining. I do get a little passionate sometimes, but that's something I'll check. Not too little and not too much. Just right. That's the right approach," she added.

Annabelle is now setting her sights on clinching the Philippines' third Miss Globe crown, following the country’s previous winners, Miss Globe 2015 Anne Colis and Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne. She is ready to compete at the highly anticipated pageant on Oct. 15 in Tirana, Albania.

The Davao City Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is pleased

 The Davao City Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is pleased that senior citizens will start working in big fast food chains.

According to Lorenzo Borja, head of OSCA Davao, this job opportunity is a big help for their financial needs, especially that most of the sector do not want to depend on their families.

Based on the agreement, senior citizens will receive similar to the workers' minimum wage of ₱510 per day.

Contract of Service is also the status of senior citizens to work for three to four months, but, may be renewed depending on the company.

Borja reveals, apart from fast food chains, negotiations with the local government are ongoing with other establishments that accept senior citizens to work.

It’s particularly important that of the city’s more than 200,000 senior citizens, 30% of them are already eligible to work.

Borja warns senior citizens that even when they work, they should not forget their health.

Just this week, the local government of Davao signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the city’s two big fast food establishments to accommodate senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

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Rente mit 63 ohne Kürzungen – dank dieses Tricks kann es klappen

Stand:11.09.2025, 15:31 Uhr

Von: Beate Sturm  

Viele träumen davon, schon mit 63 Jahren den Job an den Nagel zu hängen. Lesen Sie hier, wie ein Schlupfloch die Frührente ohne Abschläge möglich macht:  

Die Rente mit 63 ist für viele ein Sehnsuchtsziel. Endlich mehr Zeit für Reisen, Enkel oder Hobbys – ohne sich ständig Gedanken um die Arbeit machen zu müssen. Doch wer früher aussteigt, muss in der Regel mit Abzügen rechnen. Das schmälert die monatliche Rente deutlich. 

Zum Glück kennt SÜDWEST24 ein Schlupfloch, mit dem sich die finanziellen Verluste vermeiden lassen.

Normalerweise liegt das Renteneintrittsalter für alle, die ab 1964 geboren sind, bei 67 Jahren. Wer früher aufhört, zahlt pro Monat 0,3 Prozent Abschlag – das summiert sich schnell auf bis zu 14,4 Prozent. Besonders langjährig Versicherte mit 45 Beitragsjahren dürfen zwar etwas früher raus, müssen aber trotzdem bestimmte Hürden nehmen. Genau hier setzt das Schlupfloch an, das ein cleveres Hintertürchen bietet. Mehr dazu bei SÜDWEST24. (bs) 

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Geneva Cruz's 'Gen Evolution' concert all set for Sept. 13 at Music Museum

 

By Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Published Sep 10, 2025 02:53 pm      

Gen Xers, Gen Zs, millennials, and OPM fans will be in full party mode this coming Saturday, Sept. 13, 8 pm at the Music Museum, as Geneva Cruz finally pushes through with her ‘Gen Evolution' concert.

Put on your dancing shoes and flaunt your best moves amid a groove-inducing remix of chart-topping ‘90s hits. Get ready to sing and scream your hearts out while reprising some of your memorable OPM love songs and anthemic hits.

The much-awaited concert party celebrates her 35th anniversary in showbiz, which started when she burst into the limelight with Smokey Mountain, and eventually evolved into an electrifying concert livewire whose dynamic stage presence – not to mention her sensuous allure – gives a nod to iconic pop superstars such as Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, and Miley Cyrus.  

Geneva is sure to bridge the generational divide as her timeless originals and electrifying renditions of ‘80s and ‘90s pop hits reunite OPM fans for a night of nostalgia – with a little help from her equally talented celebrity guests.

“It’s finally pushing through!” Geneva exclaims. “I feel it’s high time to reacquaint the younger generation with my music and my brand of high-octane concert performance.”

Even beyond her string of hits, including ‘I Like You,’ ‘Kailan,’ ‘Paraiso,’ ‘Anak ng Pasig, ‘Can This Be Love,’ and many more, Geneva has managed to level up her ‘A’ game by being a poster girl for women's empowerment and social relevance.

As a fitness buff, she continues to defy age with her drop-dead-gorgeous looks and voluptuous curves – a product of rigorous workouts and a positive mindset.   

As a staunch patriot, she is currently a proud reservist who earned her rank of sergeant in the Philippine Air Force’s Reserve Command in March 2022 and continues to support the organization’s medical missions, tree-planting and cleanup sorties, and other grassroots outreach projects.

Through her social media platforms, Geneva continues to inspire others with her ‘never say never’ approach to life – bravely taking on challenges and other lifelong stumbling blocks such as taking up swimming lessons or even participating in her first-ever triathlon (the 2024 Clark Triathlon Classic).

Geneva’s longtime manager, Arnold Vegafria, lauds her for consistently reinventing herself and staying relevant, especially in an industry where new stars emerge overnight. 

He says, “Even as a young girl, she was always fierce. She was a fighter. She knew what she wanted, and she would fight for something that she truly believed in. And it’s amazing how even up to now, such a mindset has led her to accomplish so many things – not just in music, but in finding her true calling and being a light that shines bright for others.”

Directed by Jeffrey Hidalgo, ‘Gen Evolution’ is a production of ALV Events International and ALV Talent Circuit, with Nikko Rivera as musical director.

Tickets are available at TicketWorld and the Music Museum. (Contributed article by Tinnie Esguerra)

HOW TO BE ALWAYS HAPPY IN LIFE?

 HOW TO BE ALWAYS HAPPY IN LIFE?

1. Everyone has problems. You are not alone.

2. Everyone faces tough times. Only people who aren’t alive don’t have challenges.

3. Every problem can be fixed. There are ways to feel better.

4. How you think about yourself affects your happiness. Believe you are special and important. Don’t let negative thoughts win.

5. Don’t stress about what others say. Some people say mean things to hurt you.

6. Spend time with positive people who make you happy. Avoid those who laugh at you or your struggles.

7. Use your free time to enjoy hobbies like sports, games, movies, or browsing online.

8. Don’t let money or fancy things scare you. Someone who is poor today can be rich tomorrow. Change happens all the time.

9. No matter how tough it gets, don’t give up. While you’re alive, there is hope.

10. Pray often. Praying a lot can help bring good things to you faster.

11. Be brave and chase what you want. Life is about taking risks. If you don’t take chances, you won’t get what you really want. Stay true to yourself. Nobody can do what you do better than you. You’re awesome! So just be yourself. Have a great life!

 

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