PEF tightens biosecurity after bird flu outbreak in Cotabato

 

By Keith Bacongco

Published Nov 4, 2025 02:22 pm  
 DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Eagle Foundation has stepped up its biosecurity measures at the Philippine Eagle Center here following the reported outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu in M’lang, Cotabato province two weeks ago.

The PEF, in a public advisory through its Facebook page, advised guests to follow strict biosecurity measures when visiting the PEC, which hosts at least 30 critically-endangered Philippine Eagles and other animal species.

The PEF reminded guests at the PEC to observe measures such as stepping into the foot bath upon entry, sanitizing hands before and after visit, and follow designated visitor pathways.

It emphasized that guests should avoid touching or feeding the animals. “The safety of our national bird is in your hands,” the PEF said.

PEF added that these measures aim to minimize the risk of virus entry and spread.

It added that the heightened measures also aim to ensure the health and welfare of animals and protect the overall integrity of the conservation program.

Other measure that will be implemented at the PEC is the removal of all display birds.

All birds will be placed in cages to limit their direct contact with visitors and other animals, PEF added.

“This measure is crucial in controlling movement and reducing the risk of avian influenza exposure within the facility. By keeping the birds in cages, cleaning and disinfection can be carried out more easily and consistently, ensuring that the environment remains sanitary and controlled.”

About 1,000 ducks were depopulated in Barangay New Antique in M’lang last month. The barangay is approximately 154 kilometers from PEC by land and about 55 kilometers by air.

Dr. Jayson Ibañez, PEF director of operations, said that like many viruses, bird flu can strike without warning. “Much like a thief in the night,” Ibañez emphasized.

Thus, the best defense is to be prepared, he added. “That’s why we’ve raised our biosecurity alert level and activated preventive measures to protect our animals and facilities.”

The PEF, Ibañez said, is asking for the public’s understanding and cooperation as these steps are part of efforts to keep the Philippine Eagle and other wildlife safe.

He said that those who are planning to visit the PEC should check the heightened biosecurity guidelines posted on PEF’s official page: https://www.facebook.com/phileaglefdn.

K-pop girl group KiiiKiii to release new song 'To Me From Me'

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Nov 4, 2025 03:02 pm  

K-pop girl group will be releasing a new digital single titled “To Me From Me” on Nov. 4, a retro-tinged song that shares the same fictional universe with their web novel, “Dear.X.” 

“‘To Me From Me” will be released simultaneously with the launch of the web novel, which will unveil all 53 episodes exclusively on Kakao Page. 

Gentle melodies that evoke nostalgic memories, paired with sincere lyrics delivered through KiiiKiii’s bubbly voices, come together in the song to highlight its retro mood.    

With the song, the members vividly unfold the story of five girls who suddenly find themselves transported to another world – yet still discover strength and comfort within themselves. In this way, “To Me From Me” offers a new layer of emotional depth that KiiiKiii has not explored before. 

K-pop girl group KiiiKiii (Starship Entertainment)

"Dear.X" (Starship Entertainment)

K-pop girl group KiiiKiii (Starship Entertainment)

The song was produced by Epik High’s Tablo, who was behind the success of multiple hits, including “Umbrella (Feat. Younha)” by Epik High, and “Song Request (Feat. Suga of BTS)” by Lee So-ra. 

The web novel, also set to premiere on Nov. 4, follows the five KiiiKiii members as they unexpectedly step into a reality-like yet unfamiliar world while listening to the same song in different places. 

It portrays how they confront solitude and fear in their mission to return to the world they belong to, as well as the close-knit friendship they form along the way.  

The characters in the novel were created based on the members’ personalities captured during interviews, adding a sense of realism and vitality. 

“Dear.X” is written by Kimbbang, best known as the author of the original novel that inspired the hit drama “Lovely Runner,” starring Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok. 

In addition, ‘Dear.X’ includes KiiiKiii's comments and other fan-dedicated content, along with a KiiiKiii-recorded web novel prologue and an epilogue audiobook, both scheduled for release on Nov. 12.  

The latest project highlights the synergy-boosting collaboration between Kakao Entertainment’s music and story divisions. KiiiKiii, represented by the company’s music label Starship Entertainment, teams up with its story unit to create a fascinating blend of sound and text with global resonance. 

KiiiKiii made their official debut with the mini-album “Uncut Gem” in March.

How can I help someone who is depressed?

By Cheshire Que

Published Nov 3, 2025 09:50 pm

At A Glance

• What depressed people need is not unsolicited advice, rebuke, insults, and negativity from loved ones. They need empathy, love, patience, and understanding.   When we are struck with unprecedented difficult situations in life, it is normal to feel sad or even grieve over the loss of someone or something. In fact, it is healthy to allow ourselves to feel bad or grieve as part of the process. Depression is another issue. It may be a common mental health condition that is characterized by mood disorders causing sadness, loss of interest in things and activities that one used to enjoy, difficulty in thinking and making decisions, memory loss, changes in appetite, and sleep problems. These symptoms of depression are not merely sadness or grief. They affect one’s daily life, including productivity at work or studies, and even relationships. Symptoms of depression are present every single day for at least two weeks or more.

Depression can affect anyone at any age. There are several types of depression, and the American Psychiatric Association’s “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition” classified depressive disorders into five types.

The first one is clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder. This is one of the most common yet also considered the most severe forms of depression. Someone with clinical depression shows signs of sadness, feelings of worthlessness, sleep problems, changes in appetite, and loss of interest in activities for at least two weeks.

Specific forms of major depressive disorders include seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression that usually occurs during the fall and winter seasons, prenatal and postpartum depression that happens during pregnancy and after giving birth, respectively, and atypical depression, which shows a temporary improvement in mood, as well as other symptoms such as appetite in response to something positive.

The second form of depression is the persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Its symptoms are less severe or milder than clinical depression. However, this type of depression may last for at least two years.

The third type of depression is the disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). This is more common among children, which begins at the age of 10. Symptoms include intense irritability and angry outbursts that are frequent and chronic.

The fourth type of depression is the premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. Women may typically experience premenstrual syndrome due to hormonal fluctuations during their monthly period. This type of premenstrual syndrome, however, can be accompanied by extreme irritability, depression, and anxiety. Thus, it becomes premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a type of depression. While these symptoms of depression only last a few days during a woman’s menstrual period, they could be so severe that they interfere with her life.

Lastly, there is the depressive disorder due to another medical condition. Changes occur in the body as a result of illnesses. Medical conditions that affect the thyroid, heart, nervous system, and immunity can cause depressive disorders. These medical conditions include hypothyroidism, cancer, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and more.

It is very difficult for an individual to battle depression on their own. Good nutrition, exercise, nature, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications may help in their healing journey, but what they need more of is a support system. A nurturing environment that will promote healing. If you have someone in your life who is battling depression, you are part of that nurturing environment that individual so badly needs.

While it is challenging to help someone overcome depression, we can all do our part, whether big or small. It all starts with empathy. The ability to look beyond ourselves and see things from another person’s perspective. Oftentimes, we may not truly understand or feel what the depressed individual is going through. Showing empathy, however, is acknowledging their thoughts and feelings without being judgmental. Issues may seem trivial to you, but for a person who is battling depression, what seems trivial to others can be overwhelming to him or her.

A person who is clinically depressed cannot be expected to think and feel like someone who is mentally healthy. He or she is undergoing chemical imbalances in the brain, among others. What depressed people need is not unsolicited advice, rebuke, insults, and negativity from loved ones. They need empathy, love, patience, and understanding.

One of the ways to help someone who is depressed is to stay silent and listen. Encourage them to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. In a world where everything is fast-paced, we strive to solve problems immediately, so we tend to give unsolicited advice. A depressed person needs help in sorting through their thoughts and emotions. They don’t need another practical solution to their problems.

Showing empathy is being there, physically present, in silence. To offer words of encouragement when needed without being condescending and insincere. If you have nothing good to say, just stay silent. Your presence is more than enough to let them know that they are not alone in this battle. You can pray for them or with them, offer God’s word when needed, but never use or quote Bible passages for the sake of spiritual pride or self-righteousness. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted and not to condemn. God’s word encourages, gives hope, and convicts the mistakes but never condemns the person. Neither should you.

When a depressed individual talks about the desire to die, it is important to ask about his or her plan. Suicidal ideations must not be taken lightly. This is a very urgent situation. A person who has a plan on how to commit suicide is likely to try. Therefore, help the person seek professional help right away. Take him or her to the emergency room if you have to, or inform loved ones and never leave the person alone.

All of us are capable of showing empathy. It is a matter of whether or not we have the desire to help someone in need. Let us all do our part in helping people battle depression in our own little ways.

cheshireque@gmail.com

'Tino' batters Visayas, Northern Mindanao

 

NDRRMC: 26 dead, thousands displaced as 'Tino' batters Visayas, Northern Mindanao

Clearing operations personnel move fallen tree branches off the national highway after Typhoon "Tino" battered Leyte. (Photos by Marie Tonette Marticio / MANILA BULLETIN)

Typhoon “Tino” left at least 26 persons dead, most of them in Central Visayas (Region 7), and forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes across the Visayas and parts of Northern Mindanao, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Read more

Meanwhile, Tino made five landfalls on Tuesday, first hitting Silago, Southern Leyte at 12 a.m., followed by Borbon, Cebu at 5:10 a.m.; Sagay City, Negros Occidental at 6:40 a.m.; San Lorenzo, Guimaras at 11:10 a.m.; and Iloilo City, Iloilo at 1:20 p.m. Northern Palawan is in its projected path early Wednesday, Nov. 5, raising the possibility of a sixth landfall. Read more

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.