Mereyl del Puerto Forever an Earth Queen.

Some dreams are measured by crowns, but the most meaningful ones are measured by the lives they touch and the history they create.

Although I did not bring home the national crown, I carry home something equally priceless—the honor of making history as the first-ever National Pageant Representative of the Municipality of Dangcagan Bukidnon. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to represent a community that welcomed me with open hearts and believed in me from the very beginning.

This journey would never have been as meaningful and fruitful without the incredible people who stood beside me.

To the Municipality of Dangcagan, thank you for embracing me wholeheartedly and supporting my journey in every possible way. To Mayor Mark Vincent Dandasan, Municipal Secretary Ma'am Leah Dandasan and Sir Jhun Cuizon Bernabe—Municipal Tourism Coordinator, thank you for your unwavering trust, generosity, encouragement, and genuine love. Your confidence in me gave me the strength to keep moving forward.

To my major sponsors—Governor Oneil Roque of the Province of Bukidnon, Congresswoman Inday Audrey Zubiri Representative of the 3rd District of Bukidnon, Vice Mayor Jan-Jan Malack Tan Malack and to everyone who extended their financial support—thank you for believing in my dream. Your generosity made this journey possible. Special thanks also to Sir Cornelio Melan II Laplap Cruz for extending help and for the warm support.

To my mentors—Sir Mark Anthony Amolo, Sir Nickelson Solano, Sir Karl Sobrecarey, and Mami Cerlyn Precillas, thank you for your unwavering guidance and all-out support since Day One. Thank you for constantly reminding me of my worth, believing in my potential, and lifting me up during the moments when I struggled to believe in myself.

To my wardrobe sponsor, Mami Jessy Magaway Matandag, thank you for the breathtaking gowns and the elegant pieces that made me feel confident, empowered, and beautiful on every stage.

To Sir Jonniel Salientes Ruel, Ma'am Ariana Hermo, and Kuya Ryan Bunac, thank you for allowing me to wear your exceptional creations. It was an honor to represent your artistry.

To my beauty partners—CG Wellnesshub, AK Tàm, @M&D Medical and Spa, and my dental partner, RC Dental Center by Dr. Roy Chavez, thank you for your unwavering support and for helping me present my best self throughout this incredible journey.

To my incredible glam team—Papshy EJ Baconguis and Mamang AL D IN, thank you for making me look and feel my very best. More than the beauty you created, thank you for your patience, your care, your comforting words during difficult moments, and for constantly reminding me of what I am capable of. Your sacrifices will always have a special place in my heart.

To my KF Crown.Glory.Legacy family, especially to Tito Rodin Gilbert B.flores and Coach Enan, thank you for welcoming me into your family and for giving me mentorship that extends far beyond the pageant stage. The lessons, friendships, and memories we've built together will stay with me forever. My heartfelt gratitude as well to Ate Sweet Olea and Kuya Marlon Cañas for helping make this incredible opportunity possible.

To my Earth sisters, thank you for making this journey even more meaningful. Sharing this experience with such empowered, inspiring, and beautiful women is something I will always treasure. Thank you for the friendship, the laughter, the encouragement, and the memories that will forever remain in my heart.

To my gawshie, Juneil Selma thank you for standing by me from Day One. Thank you for your constant love, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout this journey.

To Kuya Korns Betita Abellojr, Sir Evan Fernandez, and all my pageant friends who supported me in any way possible, thank you so much po!

And finally, my Family, mama and papa, and to everyone who prayed for me, cheered for me, shared my journey, and celebrated every step with me—thank you from the bottom of my heart. This achievement belongs to all of us.

This may be the end of one chapter, but it is certainly not the end of my story. I believe that God has written even greater things ahead, and I will continue to walk forward with faith, grace, and purpose.

No crown can ever define my worth, because the greatest victory has always been becoming a woman who inspires, serves, and represents with heart.

Forever an Earth Queen. Forever grateful. Forever proud to have represented Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

This has been Mereyl Del Puerto, your Miss Philippines Earth Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

+26

BARMM exec stresses official information on peace rally

 

By Tristan Lozano

Published Jun 29, 2026 04:07 pm

A Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao official appealed to people on Sunday to rely on official information about a recent rally in Cotabato City.

Bangsamoro Minister of the Interior and Local Government Jordan Bayam, in a statement, warned the public against fake and misleading reports on the June 26 gathering organized by the United Bangsamoro Justice Party.

He said reports claiming that about 400,000 people attended the rally were inconsistent with the official crowd estimate of the Philippine National Police at around 30,000.

“The public deserves truthful reporting, not exaggerated narratives designed to create a false impression of overwhelming public support,” Bayam said.

Bayam said the huge discrepancy between the police estimate and the published attendance figure underscores the importance of relying on official and verifiable information.

He said social media posts that circulated photographs and drone footage purportedly showing a massive crowd during the event appeared to have been taken from the moral governance and anti-corruption rally held on June 22 by supporters of BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

“If verified, using photographs from a different political gathering to portray another event would amount to misleading the public and undermining the integrity of public discourse,” Bayam said.

He urged people to exercise greater responsibility in verifying photographs, videos, and attendance figures before posting.

The newly refurbished facade of San Pedro Metropolitan Cathedral stands out

 The newly refurbished facade of San Pedro Metropolitan Cathedral stands out as the Archdiocese of Davao celebrates the feast of St. Peter. From a side angle it really looks like a boat, not only recalling St. Peter's occupation, but also a fitting tribute to our city's hydrologic origins and maritime identity.

Of all the cathedral's stained glass windows, the most compelling for me is that depiction of Jesus's rescue of a sinking Peter. That's me and you shown right there, sinking in many ways through sin, anxiety, and earthly pains. It is always a profound comfort to be reminded that the Lord is right there to our rescue.

St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, pray for us!

White Party Manila returns with renewed purpose in pride-powered comeback

By Neil Ramos

Published Jun 28, 2026 01:47 pm

At A Glance

• White Party Manila makes a dazzling return for Pride Month 2026 with Vice Ganda, celebrity guests, performances, fashion, and a meaningful LGBTQIA+ community donation.     The return of White Party Manila became one of the biggest highlights of Pride Month 2026, as the iconic LGBTQIA+ celebration transformed the World Trade Center in Pasay City into a dazzling showcase of love, acceptance, creativity, and community.

After more than a decade away from the spotlight, the much-awaited comeback drew thousands of proud members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, celebrities, performers, and fashion personalities for a night filled with music, glamour, self-expression, and purpose.

The celebration lasted until the early hours of the morning, proving that White Party Manila remains more than just an event. It is a vibrant movement that honors identity, inclusivity, and the power of coming together.  

One of the biggest moments of the evening was the arrival of Vice Ganda, the Phenomenal Box-Office Star who once again proved why he remains one of the most influential figures in Philippine entertainment.

Known for his blockbuster films and long-running television presence, Vice Ganda stole the spotlight with a show-stopping all-white ensemble that became one of the most talked-about fashion moments of the night.

The award-winning comedian and host also took the stage to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and recognize the allies who continue to stand with the movement.

His presence carried special significance as he became the face of White Party Manila’s revival, representing visibility, pride, and the celebration of authentic selves.  

White Party Manila’s comeback attracted some of the country’s biggest entertainment names, turning the celebration into a gathering of cultural icons, performers, and proud supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Among the personalities seen at the event were Mayor Isko Moreno, who attended as an ally; OPM icon Ice Seguerra with wife Liza Diño; comedian and host John Lapus; television personality Joey Mead-King; actor Martin del Rosario; and veteran actress Yayo Aguila, among many others.

The stage also came alive with performances from OPM artists including Maki, Gloc-9, Marina Summers, Maxie Anderson, Ben&Ben, and the legendary SexBomb Girls led by Rochelle Pangilinan.

The SexBomb Girls were also honored as the “Gay Icon of the Year” during the historic return of White Party Manila.

Beyond music and performances, White Party Manila became a celebration of style as celebrities embraced the all-white theme with unforgettable looks.

The fashion showcase featured Janella Salvador, Mimiyuuuh, Chie Filomeno, Alex Diaz, Kirk Bondad, Ron Angeles, and Teejay Marquez.   

The runway moments captured the true essence of Pride, confidence, freedom, and the celebration of individuality.

The biggest highlight of the evening was the event’s commitment to making a difference.

Vice Ganda and Mentorque Productions officially turned over a ₱1 million donation to LoveYourself PH.

The contribution came from funds raised during the celebration, with Mentorque adding support to complete the one-million-peso donation.

Mentorque CEO Brian Dy shared:

“Having Vice as the face of this year’s comeback feels more meaningful, especially as we reignite the spirit of Pride through celebration, community, and purpose while delivering a Pride night to remember.”

With its unforgettable performances, dazzling fashion moments, celebrity presence, and meaningful advocacy, White Party Manila’s 2026 comeback became a defining Pride Month celebration, proving that love, unity, and self-expression will always have a place under the spotlight.

Cagayan's Rina Andrea Delos Santos crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2026

 

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Jun 29, 2026 10:54 am

 

Rina Andrea Delos Santos of Ballesteros, Cagayan, was crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2026 during the pageant's coronation night held at the Cultural Center in Malitbog, Bukidnon, on Saturday, June 27.

Delos Santos bested 31 other candidates to win the coveted crown under this year's theme, "Love in Action."

Aside from the title, she also received the Miss Hana special award.  

During the Top 5 question-and-answer round, Delos Santos was asked, "People often remember what a queen says, but even more, they remember what she does. In the spirit of love and action, how would you honor the responsibility that comes with the crown?"

She answered:

"As a community tour guide, I'm not just ready for the crown, but I am ready for the environmental and global responsibility that comes with it. I guide it every single day in working towards putting the Philippines in a position that is not just a model for sustainability and environmental stewardship, but also a destination of beauty.

"And for me, that exactly what is love in action. Remember, love changes nothing unless it moves, and when it moves, it truly changes everything. Thank you."  

Although Miss Philippines Earth 2025 Joy Barcoma was unable to make her final walk and formally pass on the crown, reigning Miss Earth Natalie Puskinova, who flew in from the Czech Republic, took part in the coronation ceremony.

The pageant also crowned its Elemental Queens.

Prima Joy Alamban of Tumauini, Isabela, was named Miss Philippines-Air, while Alyssa Mildred Villariña of Mandaluyong City won the Miss Philippines-Water title.

Patricia Anne Nichole Bangug of Agoo, La Union, was crowned Miss Philippines-Fire, while Roveelaine Eve Castillo of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, was named Miss Philippines-Ecotourism.

The decline of parental discipline

By Fr. Rolando V. De La Rosa, OP

Published Jun 28, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Jun 27, 2026 03:51 pm

THROUGH UNTRUE

The recent tragic school shootings in Tacloban involving minors have prompted calls for stricter gun control measures and lowering the age of criminal liability. Such initiatives may have some value, but they will accomplish little unless we confront a more fundamental problem: the steady erosion of parental discipline.

Every social crisis is ultimately a moral crisis before it becomes a legal one. Metal detectors, security guards, surveillance cameras, and harsher penalties may help protect schools from external threats, but the first and most effective defense against violence remains the moral formation that takes place at home. If we hope to build a safer society, we must begin by strengthening the family, for it is within the home that children first learn responsibility, self-control, compassion, and respect for others.

Sadly, the UP Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study reports that about one in three Filipino youth have, at some point during their upbringing, lived without both biological parents in the home. Many are left to seek guidance from relatives or, worse, from virtual “elders” who often monopolize their waking moments: The social media influencers, internet celebrities, movie and television personalities, and even video game characters whom they admire and imitate as role models.

Laws can restrain wrongdoing, but only a well-formed conscience can prevent it. The greatest safeguard of any society is therefore found in mothers and fathers who lovingly teach their children the difference between right and wrong and who have the courage to correct them when they go astray.

I once witnessed a young boy bullying one of his playmates. His mother glared at him and asked, “What’s wrong with you?” Yet moments later she gently patted him on the back without correcting or disciplining him. Such mixed signals can confuse a child. Instead of feeling guilty for doing wrong, he may conclude that something is inherently wrong with him. He will probably grow up offering this excuse for his misdeeds “I can’t help it. I was born this way.”

Many parents hesitate to discipline their children because our increasingly permissive culture places such a high premium on personal freedom, self-expression, and tolerance. Discipline is often portrayed as manipulative and authoritarian. Also, many parents want their children to treat them more as friends than as parents.

Effective discipline corrects behavior without diminishing the child's dignity. It should never be confused with punishment or the harsh enforcement of rules. Its purpose is to teach children that they cannot always have what they want, that every action has consequences, and that the rights and dignity of others deserve respect. Without such formation, they may develop an unhealthy sense of entitlement and a lack of social responsibility.

Today's Gospel offers a timely challenge to parents who hesitate to exercise their God-given authority. Jesus declares, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

These words remind us that parental love is measured not merely by its intensity but by the way it is expressed. A parent may love a child deeply, yet that love can become harmful when it is detached from the responsibility to guide and correct the child when necessary. Jesus calls parents to place truth, goodness, and God's will above even their strongest emotional attachments.

A child’s character must be formed early in life because harmful habits, once deeply ingrained, are difficult to unlearn. Poor choices leave lasting scars, and destructive ideas, once firmly rooted, are not easily uprooted. Disciplining children may be unpopular today, but, as the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us, “The Lord disciplines the one he loves” (Hebrews 12:6). Discipline is not the opposite of love; it is one of love's highest expressions.

For parents who abdicate their sacred responsibility to guide their children along the right path and instead entrust that task to virtual “elders,” like cellphones, television, and the internet, God has this stern warning: “If you do not tell the wicked to turn from their ways and save their lives, I will hold you accountable for their blood” (Ezekiel 3:18–20).