PSEi falls below 6,000, peso weakens further as corruption woes escalate
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Tuesday, September 30, 2025
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Monday, September 29, 2025
AshDres in 'Minamahal': A bittersweet Gen Z love story in full bloom
A scene from 'Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna'
In "Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna," director Jason Paul Laxamana offers a refreshingly unvarnished take on Gen Z love, delivered through the fresh pairing of Andres Muhlach and Ashtine Olviga. The film has the effervescence of a garden in springtime, yet not without thorns. It captures the quiet ache and messy hope of growing up with someone, only to realise you may also have to grow apart.
At its core is Raffy (played by Andres), a shy but steadfast teen whose affection for his artsy classmate Luna (Ashtine) begins with a simple question: “May boyfriend ka ba?” From that opener, "Minamahal" unfolds into a coming-of-age love story that spans high school to college, while depicting the evolution of modern relationships.
One of the film’s subtlest triumphs is its portrayal of how Gen Z approaches romance differently. As a Gen X viewer, I was struck by how Luna and Raffy skip the melodrama of courtship. There's no "ligawan" phase, no prolonged flirtation. They decide to be together, a moment of quiet consent rather than fireworks.
While the relationship begins in the glow of teenage idealism, it is never allowed to remain there. Luna’s home life is fractured, marked by her mother’s abusive relationship and her own bouts of emotional withdrawal. Raffy, for all his romanticism, has his own growing pains, moments of self-doubt, and a tendency to tether his self-worth to Luna’s affection.
The film’s title reference to flowers grows in meaning as the narrative progresses. For Raffy, who later studies Botany in college, each flower is an offering, a gesture of love when words fall short.
Andres Muhlach and Ashtine Olviga, collectively known as AshDres, during the premiere night held at Megamall Cinema.
Luna also chooses to respond with simple gestures. She dyes a white rose blue and gives it to Raffy. Their small acts are romantic and millennial-coded, giving us insight into Gen Z's love language.
The second half of the film shifts into more turbulent terrain. College opens new horizons, but also new distances. Luna begins to rediscover herself through a reconnection with her estranged father. Raffy clings tighter, even as Luna starts to drift.
Raffy and Luna's quarrels and reconciliations feel achingly real, echoing the cyclical nature of many young adult romances. Their final scene at the airport, marked by a single sunflower, was not the ending we may have hoped for. Luna chose to follow her dreams, even if it meant leaving love behind.
Andres, though still working on polishing his Tagalog diction, proves he has a screen presence worthy of the surname he carries. He exudes a quiet intensity, making Raffy’s vulnerability resonate without becoming maudlin. Ashtine shines as Luna, easily drawing in the viewer with a face that is both relatable and mysterious.
The movie has a few sagging points in the second act, but they are more than compensated by the film’s sincerity and the naturalistic performances of its leads.
This is not a fairytale romance. It’s a slow-blooming, occasionally painful portrait of two people trying to love without losing themselves. There is no fairy-tale ending here. It is for this reason that a sequel wouldn’t be unwelcome.
Produced by Viva Entertainment, "Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna" is now showing in select Metro Manila theaters.
Philippines is the world's most disaster-prone country: Now what?
By Manila Bulletin
Published Sep 28, 2025 12:05 am
The Philippines has once again earned the unfortunate distinction of topping the World Risk Index 2025, reaffirming what Filipinos already know by experience: our country is highly vulnerable to disasters. With its archipelagic geography, exposure to an average of 20 typhoons a year, and increasing climate volatility, the Philippines faces a complex and compounding set of natural hazards—storms, floods, droughts, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
Recent back-to-back calamities have underscored this reality. Typhoons “Nando,” “Opong,” and tropical depression “Mirasol” – compounded by the southwest monsoon – left at least 18 dead, stranded more than 7,000 passengers, and displaced over 50,000 individuals. Entire regions were paralyzed—Cagayan, Central Luzon, Bicol, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao—by floods, landslides, and storm surges.
The World Risk Report 2025 identifies several key factors behind the Philippines' top ranking. The country’s geographic fragmentation—over 7,000 islands—is coupled with densely populated coastal areas, limited infrastructure, and inadequate disaster mitigation systems. Flood-prone provinces like Cagayan, Pampanga, Agusan del Norte, Pangasinan, and Maguindanao face repeated inundation due to their low-lying terrain and aging drainage systems. Even Metro Manila, the nation's capital, ranks among the most vulnerable urban areas because of poor urban planning and unchecked development.
Still, Filipinos are known for their resilience—“weathering the storm” is both a literal and symbolic truth. But resilience alone is not enough. The pressing question is: What are we doing to reduce the risk before the next disaster strikes?
The government and private sectors have established many initiatives to reduce, and mitigate, the severe effects of natural disaster. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), established by Republic Act 10121 in 2010, replacing the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), has institutionalized a national approach to disaster risk reduction and management. Working under the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), it implements government-wide efforts in disaster preparedness, risk reduction, response, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Recently, the government has begun implementing the 2024 National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), which outlines a more integrated approach to risk reduction, preparedness, and early recovery. The OCD now works in close coordination with local government units and national agencies to conduct preemptive evacuations—as seen in recent responses to storms.
Further, the passage of Republic Act 12287, or the State of Imminent Disaster Act, allows the President and local officials to declare a disaster before it actually happens—triggering early resource mobilization and mitigation protocols.
In science and technology, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has been investing in more Doppler radars, seismic stations, and tsunami monitoring systems. New tools like the Hazard Hunter app and AI-assisted forecasting are helping local governments plan evacuations and monitor weather more accurately. These innovations are transforming the country’s efforts from being reactive to proactive—enabling what experts call “anticipatory action.”
However, technological solutions mean little unless paired with long-term structural reforms. Flood control projects – which have been under investigation for its substandard state or for being ghost projects – must be audited and fast-tracked, not mired in corruption. Urban development must be climate-resilient, not profit-driven. Public education must prioritize weather literacy, so ordinary Filipinos can make informed choices about their safety and livelihoods.
The public and private sectors must continue to work together. From designing climate-resilient infrastructure to reinforcing supply chains for emergency response, disaster resilience must be embedded in economic planning.
We must not view natural disaster as normal and work harder to prevent it.
The Philippines may top the World Risk Index today, but with science, preparation, and political will, it doesn’t have to stay there.
Zirkus-Artistin stürzt vor 80 Zuschauern in den Tod
Drama in der Manege in Sachsen
Zirkus-Artistin stürzt vor 80 Zuschauern in den Tod
Im Zelt saßen viele Familien +++ Kinder werden psychologisch betreut
Der „Circus Paul Busch“ gastiert derzeit in Bautzen. Nach dem tödlichen Unfall war das Zelt am Samstagabend geräumt worden
Bautzen (Sachsen) – Scheinwerferlicht flutet die Manege, Musik, Applaus, gespannte Stille – dann der Schock. Schreie! Mitten in der Vorstellung im Zelt des „Circus Paul Busch“ in Bautzen stürzt eine junge Artistin vom Trapez. Sekunden später bleibt sie reglos in der Zirkusarena liegen – vor den Augen von mehr als 80 Zuschauern.
Tragödie im ZirkuszeltArtistin stürzt in den Tod
Familien mit Kindern sahen den Sturz
Besonders tragisch: Unter den Besuchern saßen zahlreiche Familien mit Kindern, die den tödlichen Sturz miterlebten. Entsetzen und Schreie im Publikum, Gäste verließen fluchtartig das Zelt.
Ein fester Bestandteil der Zirkus-Show: die Clowns
Bei der Vorstellung am Samstag mussten mehr als 80 Zuschauer mitansehen, wie die junge Frau in den Tod fiel
Wie es zu dem Unglück kam, ist bislang unklar. Polizei und Rettungskräfte waren schnell vor Ort, doch jede Hilfe kam zu spät. Die junge Frau starb noch in der Manege.
Hilfe für die geschockten Zeugen!
Noch im Zelt kümmerten sich speziell geschulte Experten des Kriseninterventionsteams um völlig traumatisierte Zuschauer, die den tödlichen Sturz miterlebten. Polizeisprecher Stefan Heiduck: „Wer Hilfe braucht, kann sich jederzeit melden.“ Die Regionalleitstelle Hoyerswerda (Sachsen) ist unter 03571-19296 erreichbar.
Auf einem meterhohen Turm aus Tisch, Flaschen und Stühlen vollbringt dieser Akrobat einen spektakulären Handstand und andere Kunststücke – ohne Netz und doppelten Boden
Laut seiner Homepage steht der „Circus Paul Busch“ seit Generationen für „klassische Manege-Kunst auf der Bühne“. Zum Programm gehören unter anderem Akrobatik, Clowns und Tierdressuren. Unter der Leitung von Paul Busch tourt die Show mit internationalen Künstlern regelmäßig durch Deutschland. Tickets gibt es ab 18 Euro (ermäßigt).
Auf seiner Homepage wirbt der Zirkus unter anderem mit einer Pferde-Show der „Spitzenklasse“
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Vietnam sends Asia's 1st trans contestant to Miss Universe 2025
Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com
September 27, 2025 | 11:00am
MANILA, Philippines — History will be made at this year's Miss Universe contest as Vietnam fields Nguyen Huong Giang at the prestigious pageant.
The Vietnamese singer-actress will be the first transwoman from Asia to compete at Miss Universe.
In selecting Huong Giang, the Miss Universe Vietnam organization described her as "a living testament to the power of resilience and talent."
The organization also noted that on top of being an artist, Huong Giang is also a model, emcee, judge and served as a producer on last year's local competition.
"In every role, she shines with strong inner strength, creativity, and pride, fitting the image of a modern and powerful Vietnamese woman," Miss Universe Vietnam said.
Upon her selection, Huong Giang said on her own social media account that Miss Universe's decision to allow transgender women, women with children, and married women to compete was "never about the world lacking beautiful single women" but "about opening the door to equality and hope."
"Miss Universe has become a stage where, no matter your circumstances, all women are women, lifting each other up and shining together in front of billions," she continued. "Someone like me can one day stand on the Miss Universe stage, shining before billions around the globe, and so can you."
Huong Giang ended by saying her participation in Miss Universe isn't a story of gender but of people and faith, "Believe that with enough effort, one day, you can all change your own lives. Your starting point does not define your limits."
Outside of pageantry, Huong Giang is the first trans singer to compete on "Vietnam Idol" and joined "The Amazing Race Vietnam" with her ex-boyfriend.
The 33-year-old singer-actress previously won Miss International Queen in 2018, Vietnam's first in the biggest beauty pageant for transwomen.
That very same year, Vietnam saw its highest placement ever in Miss Universe when H'Hen Nie finished in the Top 5 while fellow Southast Asian queen and the Philippines' own Catriona Gray took the crown in Thailand.
Miss Universe 2018 also had the competition's first trans contestant in Spain's Angela Ponce to the pageant was open to transwomen since 2012.
Ponce was soon followed by the Netherlands' Rikkie Kollé and Portugal's Marina Machete in 2023, the latter qualifying for the semifinal round. Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios won the pageant that year.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant takes places this November in Thailand where the Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo (a Binibining Pilipinas batchmate of Gray's) is vying to succeed Denmark's Victoria Kjaer Theilvig — the Scandinavian country's first winner — and win the nation's fifth Miss Universe title.
“Not to destroy souls, but to save”
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By Fr. Roy Cimagala
Chaplain
Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)
Talamban, Cebu City
Email: roycimagala@gmail.com
THAT’S what Christ told his disciples, James and John, who, feeling aghast that the Samaritans were not welcoming to Christ, suggested that fire come down from heaven to consume them. (cfr. Lk 9,51-56) Of course, Christ rebuked them, telling them straight that they did not have the right spirit.
The proper spirit is precisely what Christ showed them and to all of us which is that of all-out charity, full of understanding, mercy and magnanimity. It’s a charity that can continue loving even the enemies and would enable one to continue serving everyone even to the extent of giving one’s life as a ransom for all of us. (cfr. Mk 10,45)
We have to be wary of our tendency to fall into what is termed as bitter zeal. While it’s true that we should try to be always zealous in our life, we have to make sure that our zeal is righteous, holy and charitable, not bitter, with a clear and proper sense of purpose, not just aimless.
Righteous zeal is always respectful of legal, juridical and most importantly of moral standards, especially that of charity and mercy. Bitter zeal wants instant results while ignoring legal and moral requirements, let alone the requirements of charity and mercy. It may pursue a valid cause, working for truth and justice, but without taking care of the appropriate means.
Bitter zeal makes a person hasty and reckless in his assessment of things. It fails to consider all angles, to listen to both sides, so to speak. He is prone to imprudence. In the end, it’s animated by the evil spirit of self-righteousness.
Inflammatory, incendiary words are its main weapons. Being belligerent is its style. It relishes in rousing controversies and sowing intrigues. It’s actually not as interested in looking for the objective truth and justice as carrying out one’s own personal agenda.
Especially when we engage ourselves in matters of opinion, we have to learn to practice restraint and moderation since no one has the exclusive ownership of what is right and fair. Opinions are views that are hardly based on absolute truths of faith and dogmas. They are more expressions of one’s preferences and tastes, and therefore we should expect a wide spectrum of differences, since things depend on people’s different temperaments, backgrounds, cultures, etc.
We have to learn how “bear each other’s burdens” as suggested by St. Paul in his Letter to the Galatians (6,2). It’s the surefire formula of how to live genuine charity, one that is down to earth and easily and abidingly doable.
In this regard, we have to learn how to be magnanimous, knowing how to suffer since suffering is an unavoidable consequence of evil. Magnanimity is part of the charity as described by Christ. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” he said. (Mt 5,44) “If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to the other also…”
We need to enlarge our heart, to make it more universal to accommodate everyone and any situation and condition properly. We should avoid being caught by the grip of our strong views, and even our positions that we think are so essential that they are not anymore subject to opinion.
We have to see to it that our thoughts, desires and intentions, our words and deeds are always animated by charity. There should be no negative elements in them. We have to have a good grip on our emotions, able to dominate and properly orient our biases, preferences and other idiosyncrasies that constitute our differences and even conflicts with others. We have to learn to focus more on what we have in common rather than what divides us. We have to learn how to dialogue with everyone.
A case of indifference
REFLECTIONS TODAY
The parable of the rich man or Dives (Latin for “rich man”) and the beggar Lazarus is very wellknown. It is characterized by its simplicity and beautiful originality. In contrast to other stories, the characters are not distinguished by their moral state but simply by their social status. The parable does not speak of a “wicked” rich man or a “holy” poor man. Dives does nothing evil against anyone. He has either earned or inherited his enormous wealth. He simply lives like a rich man, a true bon vivant! Neither is Lazarus presented as a holy beggar. He does not beg but merely lies at the gate of the rich man. He seems to wait for death, and eventually he dies. But so does the rich man.
Lazarus’ remains must have been rolled up in a mat and thrown outside the city, probably unmourned. Dives, on the other hand, must have been buried with pomp and loud lamentations. But then there is a radical reversal of situations that ensues. Angels carry poor Lazarus to Abraham, while Dives suffers the torments of hell.
The parable does not teach us that death is some kind of an automatic equalizer. It is rather a powerful reminder to those who would grow rich for themselves instead of growing rich in what “matters to God” (Lk 12:21). In the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus warns, “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry” (Lk 6:24-25). This parable serves as a stern warning, and those who ignore it must be prepared to face the consequences. The wealth that they possess should not dull their sensitivity to the poor. God is on the side of the disadvantaged, and those who do not lift a finger to help the poor isolate themselves and build a chasm between themselves and God.
The parable does not condemn wealth in itself. Rather, it warns against insensitivity and callousness that may afflict the rich. In this context, the fury of the prophet Amos in the First Reading makes a fitting backdrop for the parable. The wanton revelers, the profiteers, the “filthy rich” thought only of the present life, as though their security depended on their riches. They cared neither for the poor nor for the nation. Their feast would be cut short, and they would be sent into exile.
May we look at poor people as God’s channel to bring the rich closer to God. To ignore the poor is to create a chasm between oneself and God which can lengthen to a very great distance over which there can be no crossing.
Gospel • Lk 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
PAGASA: Up to four cyclones may form or enter PAR in October
By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
PAGASA
Two to four tropical cyclones may enter or form inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in October, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
The cyclones that may develop next month will be given the names Paolo, Quedan, Ramil, and Salome.
Based on climatological records, cyclones in October usually follow one of four historical paths.
Some form in the western Pacific, enter PAR, and recurve toward the northeastern section without making landfall before moving on to Japan or Korea.
Others make landfall in Northern or Central Luzon and continue northwest toward Hong Kong or China.
Some traverse Central or Southern Luzon on their way to Vietnam, while others cross the Visayas before also heading toward Vietnam.
Confusing signals
By Mike Lim
Published Sep 27, 2025 02:17 pm
At A Glance
Talented Actor (TA) and his non-showbiz girlfriend (NG) seem to have slowed down in showing the world how much they're in love.
Recently, fans have begun questioning the depth of this couple’s relationship.
Talented Actor (TA) and his non-showbiz girlfriend (NG) seem to have slowed down in showing the world how much they’re in love. While their relationship remains strong, their public displays of affection have noticeably quieted. Unfortunately, the lack of social media updates has left fans to draw their own conclusions.
In the past, TA and NG weathered ups and downs in both their personal and professional lives. Their trials could have broken anyone, yet they managed to overcome challenges and choose happiness. NG worked hard to earn her place, while TA struggled for a time. Many assumed he was headed for obscurity, but love and perseverance prevailed. With support from family and friends, TA found his path and left his old self behind—just as NG met him at his best.
Still, not everything appears perfect in their paradise. Rumors about the couple range from speculation over NG’s possible pregnancy to accusations that TA is using their relationship for clout, with some alleging they already split. Fueling these rumors are NG’s social media posts, including cryptic references to “the head of the family” and revealing photos. Adding to the chatter are claims that one side of the family disapproves of the other, leading to exclusions from certain family gatherings.
‘What we need is clarity in our relationships and desires. We must let go of hollow illusions if we want to discover our authenticity and step toward freedom of thinking.’ — Erik Pevernagie
Unsavory attitude
Observers have noticed the less-than-professional behavior of Network Talent (NT) on set. NT has been in showbiz for quite some time, yet her management has not positioned her to become a lead star. Although she has the looks, she still needs to refine her craft and polish her attitude.
Instead of headlining projects, NT often lands supporting roles, typically playing the best friend or rival of the lead actress. She has never been heard complaining about her career’s slow trajectory, and it seems she may have accepted that this is where her path currently lies.
Even so, NT has been observed acting rather dramatically on set. Rather than staying focused and preparing for her next scene, she often draws attention to herself. She also keeps her mobile phone in hand and is frequently on calls. While her colleagues have so far tolerated this, their patience is wearing thin. They’ve noticed it’s difficult to talk to her because she’s always occupied on the phone. Worse, when the signal drops—which is common in remote taping locations—NT openly shows her frustration, complete with expressive reactions.
NT’s antics rarely go unnoticed; her actions speak volumes about her professionalism.
‘Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.’ — Khalil Gibran
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