Germany, Iceland withdraw from 2025 Miss Universe beauty pageant

By Robert Requintina

Published Nov 9, 2025 08:40 am

The candidates from Germany and Iceland have withdrawn from the 74th Miss Universe beauty pageant, which is ongoing in Thailand.

The candidates who withdrew from the competition were Diana Fast, Miss Universe Germany, and Helena O' Connor, Miss Universe Iceland.

Writing over a photo of herself on her Instagram Stories, Diana touched on the honor of representing her country as Miss Germany, saying that it had been "one of the most meaningful and empowering experiences of [her] life," per a screenshot shared online, according to a report by people.com, a popular entertainment site.

"I am endlessly grateful to be part of the Miss Universe family, surrounded by incredible women who inspire, uplift, and embody true purpose," Diana said.

Miss Universe Germany 2025 Diana Fast (Images courtesy of Instagram)

However, "after deep reflection, I've decided that this year, I will not be traveling to Thailand."

Diana cited her role as a "devoted" mother as a factor in her decision, saying that, as she is "currently building a new home by myself for my family," she has "chosen to stay close to my son during this important phase of our lives."

"It's a conscious choice made from strength, love, and alignment," the German beauty queen wrote. She added that she will continue to carry the Miss Universe mission forward.

Miss Universe Iceland 2025 Helena O'Connor

"Together with my organization, we've started by donating 30,000€ to a Thai animal sanctuary called Heartpawject, to give back to the beautiful Thai people and to honor the spirit of this year's host country," she said.

In a separate video message announcing the news of her donation, shared jointly by Diana and the official Miss Germany Instagram account, the pageant queen further confirmed that she would not be able to be in Thailand "in person."

"To all the amazing Miss Universe sisters competing in Thailand, I'm cheering for you with pride and admiration," Diana concluded her message, according to people.com.

Additionally, Helena announced that she had withdrawn from the competition due to illness. The full announcement:

The official statement from Miss Universe Iceland

More than 100 candidates are vying for the title of 2025 Miss Universe. The grand coronation will be broadcast live from Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 21.

Aiai Delas Alas revives recording career with new single 'Haliparot Delulu'

By Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Published Nov 9, 2025 09:06 am

Aiai Delas Alas

Seasoned GMA star Aiai Delas Alas steps back into the music scene as AADA, who just released her novelty song, “Haliparot Delulu” under the Kapamilya label StarPop in celebration of her 35th year in the industry.

The multi-awarded actress, comedienne, and singer, whose legacy spans film, music, and television, brings her signature humor and charisma to her comeback dance-pop single after 11 years.

“After 11 years bilang lucky number ko siya,” shared Aiai, who is celebrating her birthday on Nov. 11.

The bold and fun pop anthem boasts of a reminder to stop chasing ghosters and turns modern dating chaos into a playful empowering moment.

It was composed by StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos and ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo and arranged, mixed, and mastered by Theo Martel.

AADA’s “Haliparot Delulu” is now available on music streaming platforms. (Robert Requintina)

Prepare to shelter in place

 

Prepare to shelter in place: Time for learning, storytelling, and bayanihan

As the nation braces for another supertyphoon expected to make landfall in Central or Northern Luzon by Monday, families across the country are once again preparing for long hours without electricity, unstable communications, and the suspension of classes. In these moments, let us not only secure our physical safety but also nurture learning, strengthen family bonds, and the spirit of bayanihan. Read more

Meanwhile, in the latest weather report, the Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) has intensified further as it continues to move closer to the Bicol region, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 over Catanduanes late Saturday, November 8. Read more

“Wisdom is better than strength”

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THAT’S from the Book of Wisdom, (cfr. 6,1) simply telling us that true wisdom, the one that comes from and is a participation of the wisdom of God, is obviously far superior over whatever human strength and power we may have. 

True wisdom guides us in our decision-making and provides us with lasting benefits, builds stronger relationships among ourselves, and gives us a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world in general.

For us, Christian believers, wisdom is understood as a divine “gift which perfects the virtue of charity by enabling us to discern God and divine things in their ultimate principles, and by giving us a relish for them.”

In the Book of Revelation, it is described as the light that abides in a person, such that “night shall be no more, and they shall not need the light of the lamp, nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall enlighten them.” (22,5)

To be sure, wisdom can be had by anyone, anytime, anywhere. Everything can be made use of to find, develop and exercise wisdom. The poet and the farmer, with God’s grace received with the proper disposition, can have it. They can arrive at the same truth even if pursued through different ways.

What we have to do to make use of this divine gift is for us to regularly reflect on our thoughts, feelings and actions in order to gain a deeper understanding of our own selves and of our motivations. We need to be aware of our strengths, weaknesses and biases in order to make good decisions.

We can also make use of our life experiences—our successes and failures—to gain valuable insights, even using our mistakes and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.

And yes, we need to continually seek knowledge by reading and studying, and guidance by availing of the help some reliable persons, mentors and spiritual directors can offer. We have to practice mindfulness and patience, cultivate virtues—especially humility, empathy and compassion—so we can better navigate the complexity of human experiences.

In the end, we always need to pray, meditate, do regular reflections, and enliven our spiritual and supernatural life, knowing that it is only with God that we can have true wisdom. Indeed, it is through faith and obedience to God’s will that we can enjoy the essential components of wisdom.

We just have to be wary of our tendency to have everything that truth stands for—joy, peace, beauty, harmony, etc.—to be almost always abducted and frustrated by an endless number of causes and factors.

We tend to get stuck at a certain point, or at a certain level. We don’t want to go on, since we tend to be held captive perhaps by comfort, laziness, ignorance, lack of faith, pride, greed, attachments to worldly things, anger and the unruly movements of our passions, etc. In short, we tend to use our powerful faculties not to seek and love God, who is the ultimate and constant truth for all of us, but to seek and love ourselves.

We have to do everything to keep and protect this divine gift of wisdom. This we can do if we regularly reflect on our experiences and decision to reinform our understanding of things. Yes, regular reviews of decisions made and making adjustments when needed are helpful in this regard.

It also is helpful to stay curious always for new ideas and perspectives, even considering alternative viewpoints. This will enrich our understanding of things and definitely contribute to make our wisdom channel the very wisdom of God.

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.