Controversy greets 2025 Miss Universe candidates in Thailand

By Robert Requintina

Published Nov 3, 2025 08:57 pm

Some of the candidates for the 2025 Miss Universe Competition pose upon arrival in Thailand on Nov. 3. (Images courtesy of Facebook)

A controversy is brewing at the 2025 Miss Universe Competition, currently underway in Thailand, following the official statement of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) that the special dinner and talk show previously announced by Miss Universe Thailand are unauthorized.

But on Monday, Nov. 3, the MUT said that "as the officially licensed host organization, we hold the rights to manage and execute such promotional activities within our territory."

On Nov. 2, the MUO reminded the public that "any event, activity, or online initiative not announced through our verified channels is unauthorized."

It all began when Nawat Itsaragrisil, the National Director of Miss Universe Thailand and Executive Director of the MUO, encouraged pageant fans to vote for the Top 10 candidates who would join him for the Special Dinner and Talk Show.

Nawat Itsaragrisil (2nd from left), the National Director of Miss Universe Thailand and Executive Director of the MUO, joins some of the candidates for the 74th Miss Universe pageant for a photo.

As of Nov. 3, the Philippines led the poll. Delegates from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Côte d'Ivoire, Chile, Venezuela, Cambodia, and Mexico were also on the list.

However, the MUO stated, "Any independent or third-party activity using the Miss Universe name, logo, marks, or related branding without prior written authorization is considered a violation of intellectual property rights and brand integrity."

It added that the MUO reserves all legal rights to take appropriate action against any individual, company or entity found to be using its intellectual property, trademarks or brand assets without permission, including but not limited to the Miss Universe name, logo, imagery or official event designations.

The full statements of the MUO and the MUT:

Schedule of activities

More than 120 candidates have arrived in Thailand for the 74th Miss Universe Competition on Nov. 21. As of Nov. 3, here is the schedule of activities of the pageant:

Nov. 2-3 – Arrival Day: Contestants receive a warm Thai welcome at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and begin their journey with fittings, photoshoots, and registration.

Nov. 4 – Welcome to Thailand Fashion Show: A spectacle at Thailand Fashion Week, officially introducing this year’s contestants.

Nov. 5-6 – Bangkok City Tour & Gala Dinner: Exploring Thailand’s vibrant capital before an elegant evening of dining and cultural exchange.

Nov. 9-12 – Phuket Island: Iconic paradise island, with unique charm, stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. Witness the Peranakan Costume Fashion Show and Swimsuit Fashion Show in the vibrant city of Phuket.

Nov. 13-16 – Pattaya City Activities & Swimsuit Fashion Show: A stunning beachfront showcase at a world-class water park, celebrating confidence and grace.

Nov. 19 – National Costume Event at 12 pm, followed by the Preliminary Competition at 7 pm: The excitement builds as contestants compete in their national costumes, followed by the evening gown and swimsuit rounds.

Nov. 21 – The 74th Miss Universe Final live from Bangkok

Fuel prices to soar Tuesday: Diesel up ₱2.7/liter, gasoline ₱1.7/ liter

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Nov 3, 2025 11:56 am

by ₱1.7 per liter, diesel by a steeper ₱2.7 per liter, and kerosene by ₱2.1 per liter, marking the second straight weekly hike for both diesel and kerosene.

The adjustments will take effect starting Tuesday, Nov. 4. Chevron Philippines Inc. (Caltex) and Shell Pilipinas Corp. will implement the changes at 6 a.m., while Cleanfuel will follow at 4:01 p.m. Cleanfuel will apply the increases for gasoline and diesel.

The price hikes were broadly in line with projections from the Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB), which had forecast increases of over ₱1 for gasoline and kerosene, and more than ₱2 for diesel.

The surge in prices is being primarily attributed to new sanctions imposed by the United States (US), the United Kingdom, and the European Union targeting Russia’s major oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, which have created “significant compliance risks and uncertainty” in the market, according to Jetti Petroleum President Leo Bellas.

Rosneft and Lukoil collectively account for over five percent of global oil output.

Moreover, the expected easing of trade tensions between the US and China, coupled with growing seasonal demand, is driving an uptick in consumption.

DOE-OIMB Director Rodela Romero noted that while stronger demand typically signals a positive economic outlook, the Russian sanctions are likely to result in supply disruption.

The latest round of increases follows last week's adjustments of ₱1.2 for gasoline, ₱2 for diesel, and ₱1.70 for kerosene.

These latest hikes further solidify the year-to-date trend of rising fuel costs for Filipino consumers. As of Oct. 28, 2025, the cumulative net price adjustments stood at a net increase of ₱16.50 per liter for gasoline.

Diesel’s net increase is ₱19.15 per liter, and kerosene's net increase is ₱6.55 per liter.

So stark erhöht die Grippe das Risiko für Herzinfarkt und Schlaganfall

Stand: 03.11.2025Lesedauer: 3 Minuten

Infektionen wie Grippe oder Corona können sich auf das Herz auswirkenQuelle: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF/SEBASTIAN KAULITZKI

Herzinfarkt oder Schlaganfall nach der Grippe? Neue Zahlen zeigen, wie dramatisch manche Infektionen das Risiko für schwere Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen erhöhen – und wie man sich effektiv schützt.   

Grippeviren und Coronaviren erhöhen Forschern zufolge kurz nach der Infektion deutlich das Risiko für akute Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen. So steigt das Risiko eines Herzinfarkts oder eines Schlaganfalls nach einer Infektion mit einem Grippevirus auf das Vier- bis Fünffache.

Bei Sars-CoV-2 erhöht sich das Risiko eines Herzinfarkts oder eines Schlaganfalls jeweils auf etwa das Dreifache, wie ein Forschungsteam um Kosuke Kawai von der University of California in Los Angeles im Fachmagazin „Journal of the American Heart Association“ in einer Überblicksstudie berichtet. Andere Viren führen zu geringeren, aber längerfristigen Risiken.

Es ist inzwischen bekannt, dass Humane Papillomviren (HPV), Hepatitis-B-Viren und andere Viren Krebs auslösen können. „Der Zusammenhang zwischen Virusinfektionen und anderen nicht übertragbaren Krankheiten wie Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen ist jedoch weniger gut verstanden“, wird Kawai in einer Mitteilung der American Heart Association zitiert.

Neue Regeln für Rentenbesteuerung: Wer profitiert am meisten?

Stand:03.11.2025, 16:00 Uhr

Von: Samantha Bellenbaum

Die Reform der Rentenbesteuerung bringt Änderungen. Doch nicht alle Jahrgänge profitieren gleichermaßen. Ein Überblick zur aktuellen Lage.

Die Besteuerung der Renten ist seit Jahren umstritten, besonders wegen der Gefahr einer Doppelbesteuerung. Neue Gesetze sollen diese beheben, doch die Umsetzung bleibt komplex. Einige Jahrgänge können spürbar entlastet werden, während andere kaum Vorteile haben. Experten haben die Auswirkungen der Reform analysiert und liefern erste Ergebnisse dazu, wer profitiert und wer weiterhin benachteiligt bleibt.   

Neue Regeln für Rentenbesteuerung: Wer profitiert am meisten? © Wolfilser/IMAGO

Die Regierung hat beschlossen, die Doppelbesteuerung der Renten durch das Wachstumschancengesetz zu vermeiden. Seit 2023 steigt der steuerpflichtige Rentenanteil jährlich nur noch um 0,5 Prozentpunkte, wodurch die volle Besteuerung erst 2058 erreicht wird. Laut Finanzmathematiker Werner Siepe profitieren die Jahrgänge 1975 bis 1980 am meisten. So können 1975 Geborene je nach Einkommen bis zu 23.522 Euro Steuervorteil erzielen, während die Jahrgänge 1960 und 1990 nur geringe Vorteile haben.   

Ratgeber Steuertipps – so sparen Sie im Alter richtig Geld

Unser kompakter Ratgeber bietet Ihnen die wichtigsten Tipps zum Thema Steuern sparen. Von Steuerfreibetrag bis zu Besteuerung im Ausland: Klicken Sie rein, dann haben Sie mehr auf Ihrem Konto. HIER können Sie das kostenlose PDF herunterladen.

Steuertipps für Rentnerinnen und Rentner: Alle wichtigen Infos finden Sie im Ratgeber. © IPPEN.MEDIA

Langfristige Auswirkungen der neuen Regelungen in der Rentenbesteuerung

Das Wachstumschancengesetz zielt darauf ab, die Belastung für Rentner sozialverträglicher zu gestalten. Die schrittweise Einführung verlängert die Übergangszeit, was den steuerfreien Anteil der Rente erhöht. Trotzdem gibt es weiterhin Doppelbesteuerungsfälle, insbesondere bei Selbstständigen und Alleinstehenden, da ihre Rentenbeiträge oft schon einmal versteuert wurden und im Ruhestand erneut besteuert werden.   

In einer von Werner Siepe durchgeführten Fallstudie von 2022 zeigt sich, dass die Jahrgänge unterschiedlich von den neuen Regelungen profitieren. Die Berechnungen basieren auf einer geschätzten jährlichen Steigerung des Besteuerungsanteils um 0,5 Prozent. Während die Jahrgänge 1975 und 1980 durch die verlängerte Übergangszeit Steuervorteile von bis zu 23.522 Euro erzielen können, sind die Auswirkungen für andere Jahrgänge weniger positiv. Die Jahrgänge 1960 und 1990 profitieren am wenigsten, mit einer Steuerersparnis von maximal 5.259 Euro. Kritiker betonen, dass diese Ersparnisse lediglich eine Korrektur früherer Benachteiligungen sind und nicht als echte Steuervorteile gelten.   

Die Reform ist ein Fortschritt, doch sie löst nicht alle Probleme. Einige Gruppen bleiben von der Doppelbesteuerung betroffen. Experten raten Rentnern, Steuerunterlagen und Rentenmitteilungen aufzubewahren, um im Fall von Streitigkeiten ihre Rechte zu sichern. Die Diskussion über eine faire Rentenbesteuerung wird wohl weitergehen, auch wenn erste Verbesserungen umgesetzt wurden. Auch interessant: Droht Deutschen im Ausland die Doppelbesteuerung? Wirbel um Papier aus dem Finanzministerium.

What problems did you face while living in Germany without being fluent in German?

 

 Jana Stalevska

· 

Lived in Germany (2013–2016)6y

In everyday life, I honestly did not need German that much. My classmates were all from abroad so we spoke English among each other. The people at the bank, at the university, at the immigration office, at the phone company etc., all spoke some degree of English so none of the important things were ever an issue. I had university provided accommodation in the first two years, so I didn’t have to worry about that, but if I didn’t have a place to stay I guess that’s where I would need German the most.

The part where I started actively needing German was when I started applying for internships. I even applied in English at first. My would be supervisor at the time accepted the CV, however made it clear that I would need to speak German to be able to communicate with the other employees in the company, many of whom did not speak any English. With my Master Thesis, I was thankfully allowed to write it in English, but the rest of the time I spoke to my colleagues exclusively in German. To make an unnecessarily long story short, you definitely need to know some level of German in your professional life. But I promise you, with practice comes vast improvement.

 

Waste spill at protected Tañon Strait widens 

BY CARLA GOMEZ

NOVEMBER 1, 2025

MURKY WATER Mangroves close to the shore of Manjugod, Negros Oriental, is surrounded by murky water on Thursday due to a wastewater spill triggered by a collapsed wall of the 20-hectare wastewater lagoon of Universal Robina Corp.’s Bais Distillery on Sunday. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Gospel: November 1, 2025

BACOLOD CITY—The area at the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape polluted by the wastewater spill caused by a breached lagoon of a distillery company has increased to about 3,000 hectares, from the initial estimated 400-hectare affected site, the Environment Management Bureau-Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) reported.

This developed as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas (BFAR-7) has advised against collecting and consuming dead fish and other aquatic organisms from the affected coastal waters off Bais City and Manjuyod town in Negros Oriental.

Vicente Losbañes, EMB-NIR acting director, said that a boat survey conducted on Thursday of the strait’s discolored waters determined the increase in the affected area.

NATION REMEMBERS

 

View in browser | Download our app ­ November 1, 2025 ­ NATION REMEMBERS   A girl scout is given the privilege of being in the midst of heroes, lighting candles and planting the Philippine flag in honor of the soldiers and other individuals interred at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Friday, the eve of All Saints’ Day. Similar homages, albeit in more crowded settings, are expected in cemeteries nationwide today.  —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA Nation

Tropical depression forms east of Mindanao, to enter PAR as 'Tino' on November 2 — PAGASA

By Merlina Hernando-Malipot

Published Nov 1, 2025 08:30 am

A tropical depression has formed east of Mindanao and is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 2, 2025. (PAGASA)

The low-pressure area east of Northeastern Mindanao has intensified into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced on Saturday, November 1.

In its latest tropical cyclone advisory issued at 5 a.m., PAGASA said the center of the tropical depression was estimated at 1,430 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), as of 4 a.m.

It currently packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h, moving westward at 15 km/h.

Once it enters the PAR, the weather disturbance will be given the local name “Tino.”

Forecast and possible track

According to PAGASA’s Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 1, “Tino” is expected to enter PAR on Sunday, November 2, either in the morning or afternoon.

Afterward, it will move generally westward across the Philippine Sea, with a possible landfall over the Caraga or Eastern Visayas regions by Tuesday morning, November 4.

The system is forecast to cross the Visayas and Palawan between Tuesday and Wednesday (November 4–5) before emerging over the West Philippine Sea.

“Tino will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach typhoon category by Tuesday (November 4),” PAGASA said.

The highest possible alert level that may be raised is Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4, depending on the storm’s eventual strength and track.

“Further intensification prior to its landfall is not ruled out. Based on the intensity forecast, the highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 4,” the weather bureau added.

Early warnings and expected impact

While still outside PAR, PAGASA said the tropical depression is not expected to directly affect local weather or sea conditions within the next 24 hours.

However, Wind Signal No. 1 may already be hoisted over Eastern Visayas and Caraga by Sunday morning or afternoon.

Residents in these regions are advised to prepare for heavy rains starting Sunday evening or Monday morning, with gale warnings possibly in effect by Monday.

PAGASA urged the public, local government units, and disaster risk reduction offices to closely monitor official weather bulletins as “Tino” continues to develop.

“Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to continue monitoring for updates related to this tropical cyclone,” PAGASA said.

Quake victims in Davao Oriental receive aid

 

By Ivy Tejano

Published Oct 31, 2025 05:31 pm

DAVAO CITY – Around 1,000 food packs and boxes of brand-new clothes were distributed on Thursday, Oct. 30, to families affected by the recent earthquake in Manay town in Davao Oriental.

The relief operation was jointly organized by Davao City first district Rep. Paolo Duterte's office, in partnership with BRENT International School Manila and its humanitarian arm, BRENT CARES.

The distribution was held at the barangay hall of Barangay Central, Manay, and was led by Barangay Captain Kim Motalizon, who thanked the timely assistance extended to his community.

“We are deeply thankful for the help that came at a very crucial time for our residents who lost so much because of the earthquake,” Motalizon said.

Donated goods include food packs containing essential groceries and brand-new clothing items collected through the BRENT CARES donation drive, an outreach initiative spearheaded by BRENT ISM’s Green Earth Ambassador Club.

According to the organizers, the drive mobilized students, parents, and faculty members to gather much-needed relief supplies for disaster-affected communities in Mindanao.

The initiative brought immediate relief to thousands of displaced residents, offering both hope and comfort to families still recovering from the devastation.

Barangay officials and local volunteers assisted in ensuring the orderly distribution of aid so that every affected household received support.

Through this collaboration between a Metro Manila-based educational institution and Davao’s local public service network, the spirit of ‘’bayanihan’’ once again shone bright, proving that compassion and solidarity know no boundaries when Filipinos come together to help those in need.

 

Nation gears up for ‘Undas’

Families and individuals visit their departed loved ones at the Valenzuela Public Cemetery in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. (Photo by Santi San Juan)

Palace Press Officer and Communication Undersecretary Claire Castro said that agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been directed to make the necessary preparations for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Read more

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Friday, Oct. 31, that it has intensified its complaint response operations to ensure commuter safety as millions of Filipinos head to provinces for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Read more