'Star Wars' actor Daisy Ridley shares breathtaking images of Palawan

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Apr 24, 2025 02:11 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• From boat rides to awe-inspiring sunsets, Daisy is soaking in the natural beauty and wildlife of one of the Philippines' most iconic destinations. 

Daisy Ridley in Palawan (Images courtesy of Instagram)

"Star Wars" actress Daisy Ridley is currently filming "The Last Resort" in the breathtaking landscapes of the Philippines. 

With the stunning backdrop of Palawan's lush greenery and turquoise waters, she fully embraces the island's natural beauty.

Daisy took to Instagram to unveil breathtaking photos of her tropical work setup, featuring vibrant scenic vistas and captivating behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set.  

In her caption, she writes: "The Philippines so far feat. paradise, monitor lizards, commuting to work by boat, sunsets, and beautiful views everywhere you look. 2 weeks into The Last Resort!!!"

The images show palm trees swaying against a bright blue sky, creating sunny landscapes that take viewers to a creative paradise. Each snap gives a glimpse into her world, combining the beauty of nature with the thrill of filmmaking.

From boat rides to awe-inspiring sunsets, Daisy is soaking in the natural beauty and wildlife of one of the Philippines' most iconic destinations. 

Also joining Daisy in the movie is fellow "Star Wars" actor Alden Ehrenreich. The film is directed by Donald Petrie and written by Karen McCullah, who was born in the Philippines. 

With international production underway, this project will shine a brighter spotlight on Palawan's pristine beaches and lush landscapes, attracting even more global attention to this tropical paradise.

Daisy Ridley

The movie centers on a hotel executive scouting a new resort location in the Philippines, where she soon meets Ben, a charming expatriate charter pilot.

Daisy is best known for her role as Rey, a Jedi trainee, in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy.

Alden, on the other hand, portrayed Han Solo in "Solo: A Star Wars Story," which is an origin story taking place 10 years before "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope."

Rachel Alejandro honors dad OPM icon Hajji Alejandro; wake and interment details remain under wraps

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Apr 24, 2025 03:42 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Hajji, 70, has passed away after a battle with colon cancer. As of April 24 at 3:30 a.m., the family has not released any details regarding Hajji's wake and funeral. 

Rachel Alejandro and her father Hajji Alejandro (Instagram)

Rachel Alejandro paid tribute to her father OPM icon Hajji Alejandro in a social media post as wake and interment details for the singer remains private.

On Instagram, Rachel described Hajji "a happy, optimistic man who valued having a good, comfortable life, yes, but more importantly, he prioritized providing for his partner, mother and children." 

Rachel also said his father was a professional entertainer who performed at two more events before he was admitted to the hospital for surgery. 

"2 months of hospital stays and spending time with him at his home, and I was still not prepared as I helplessly watched him breathe his final breath," she wrote on April 23.

Hajji, 70, has passed away after a battle with colon cancer. As of April 24 at 3:30 a.m., the family has not released any details regarding Hajji's wake and funeral.

Beloved dad and son

Hajji's demise was confirmed by Girlie Rodis, the talent management for the Alejandro family, on April 22.  The full statement:

"It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito 'Hajji' T. Alejandro.

"At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time.

"To God be the glory. - Alejandro family."

'We craved his company'

Rachel's full post about Hajji on Instagram:

"He never got old.

"What happens when the brightest star in a galaxy dies? My Dad was our sun and we were the planets, orbiting around him, basking in his warmth and light. As kids, we tagged along to all his activities, be it shows, rehearsals, basketball games — it didn’t matter what it was. We would fall asleep at Dolphy’s house if he was there for an all-night poker game. There was nowhere else we would rather be than by his side because every minute in his presence was fun.

"Even as adults, we craved his company even as we got married and went about our own lives. I hung on to his every word about politics, financial investments or the latest joke he planned on including in his next concert with the Hitmakers. He loved to make people laugh as much as he loved to sing and dance.

"My Dad was a happy, optimistic man who valued having a good, comfortable life, yes, but more importantly, he prioritized providing for his partner, mother and children. And his way of doing that from the time he had me at the young age of 19, was through his golden singing voice, which is why regardless of how he was feeling, he never cancelled shows.

"Even when he was already in considerable pain, he performed in 2 more events before he was admitted into the hospital for surgery. For Dad, every show is a blessing and performing for you all is our highest calling as singers.

"2 months of hospital stays and spending time with him at his home and I was still not prepared as I helplessly watched him breathe his final breath.

"What happens to those a star of this magnitude leaves behind? I don’t have answers for that yet as I struggle to grasp living in a universe without our Daddwaps. But I intend to make him proud in everything I do, to live by his code of honor and goodness, to perform for you all with everything I’ve got and leave it all on the stage every single time.

"I will now just be singing and dancing with Dad in my dreams…"

 

Filipino Cardinal Tagle among top candidates, or 'papabili', to succeed Pope Francis

BY ART SAMANIEGO

Apr 21, 2025 10:19 PM

  

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There's an old saying in the Vatican: "He who enters the conclave as pope, leaves as a cardinal." It's a reminder of the unpredictable nature of papal elections. 

While media outlets and Vatican watchers may list papabili, or those seen as likely successors, history has shown that the College of Cardinals often chooses someone unexpected—guided by the Spirit more than by speculation.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Manila Bulletin file photo)

Cardinals like Luis Antonio Tagle are frequently mentioned due to their visibility, influence, or alignment with Pope Francis's vision. But these lists are just educated guesses. The true outcome of a conclave is shaped behind closed doors—through prayer, reflection, and quiet deliberation—not headlines or betting odds.

In the end, the next pope may very well be someone whose name isn’t on any shortlist—until the moment the white smoke rises.

With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church is preparing for a conclave to elect his successor. Among the cardinals considered strong contenders, or papabili, are:​

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)
Aged 67, Cardinal Tagle is a prominent figure in the Church, known for his compassionate approach and alignment with Pope Francis’s progressive vision. He has served as the former Archbishop of Manila and Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. If elected, he would become the first Asian pope, reflecting the Church’s growth in Asia. ​

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy)
At 70, Cardinal Parolin serves as the Vatican’s Secretary of State, effectively acting as the Holy See’s chief diplomat. He is considered a moderate and a continuity candidate, having played key roles in diplomatic relations, including the Vatican-China agreement. 

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana)
Cardinal Turkson, 76, has been a significant voice on social justice and environmental issues within the Church. He previously led the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. His election would mark the first African pope in modern times.

Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary)
Aged 72, Cardinal Erdő is the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest and a respected canon law scholar. He is viewed as a conservative candidate who could appeal to those seeking a return to traditional values. ​

Cardinal Mario Grech (Malta)
At 68, Cardinal Grech serves as the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. He has been instrumental in promoting synodality and inclusivity within the Church, aligning with Pope Francis’s vision. ​

The upcoming conclave will convene 138 eligible cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis—potentially influencing the direction of the Church’s future leadership.

Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about papabili—those considered likely to become pope—who were not elected in the past three papal conclaves (1978, 2005, 2013):

2013 Conclave (Pope Francis elected) 

Cardinal Angelo Scola (Italy): Then Archbishop of Milan, considered a front-runner. Seen as a bridge between conservative and reformist camps.

Cardinal Odilo Pedro Scherer (Brazil): Archbishop of São Paulo. His candidacy represented the growing Church in Latin America.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet (Canada): Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. A theologically conservative candidate with strong Vatican experience.

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): Known for social justice and environmental advocacy. His potential papacy would have made history as the first African pope in modern times.

2005 Conclave (Pope Benedict XVI elected)

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Argentina): The future Pope Francis reportedly came in second place. Known for his humility and pastoral style.

Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini (Italy): Jesuit and biblical scholar, popular among progressive circles. His health issues weakened his chances.

Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi (Italy): Archbishop of Milan and a strong voice on social issues.

Cardinal Francis Arinze (Nigeria): A top contender from Africa, known for liturgical expertise and interfaith dialogue.

October 1978 Conclave (Pope John Paul II elected)

Cardinal Giuseppe Siri (Italy): A staunch conservative, rumored to have been a leading candidate in multiple conclaves.

Cardinal Giovanni Benelli (Italy): A top contender in 1978. Seen as a pragmatic and capable administrator with strong Vatican ties.

Cardinal Sebastiano Baggio (Italy): Head of the Congregation for Bishops, but was not widely loved by his peers.

Cardinal Franz König (Austria): Progressive and ecumenically minded, helped build support for Karol Wojtyła (John Paul II) during the election.

In each case, the conclave defied expectations—reminding us once again that the Holy Spirit doesn’t follow the odds.

𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 10 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 10 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

The City Government of Davao finalizes the contract to procure ten (10) units of 12-meter low floor buses as part of its commitment to improving the city’s public transport landscape.

The buses are low-floor city buses designed for convenient passenger use, with modern amenities, offering seating for approximately 40 passengers along with provisions for standing commuters.

On Monday, April 21, following the regular procurement processes, a ceremonial contract signing for the DC Bus Interim Bus Service or DC Bus was held between the City Government of Davao and the winning bidder, AutoKID Truck Solutions for 10 Yutong ZK6126HG buses.

“With the purchase of these new buses by our city, we aim to provide an interim measure to the public transport challenges that we have,” Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo, Project Manager of the Davao Bus Project said.

Domingo said that as early as 2023, amidst the delays happening with the bigger transport project, which is the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, also known as the Davao Bus Project, Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte had tasked them with exploring the expansion and institutionalization of the city’s longstanding Peak Hours Augmentation Bus Service (PHABS).

“Following this directive and backed by the wealth of data and insights coming from the PHABS operation, it became evident that there is a need for additional dedicated buses for the public.”

He added that the data they had also proved to be helpful in identifying the routes and level of service in the operation of the dedicated buses.

“Once we had the data and information we needed, the city then proceeded to allot the much needed funds for the 10 new buses procured as well as the necessary amenities required for its efficient operation and maintenance.”

The buses procured by the city are expected to arrive by September, and operations are eyed to start by the fourth quarter of this year.

The DC Bus will initially be free for Dabawenyo commuters. CIO

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In photos: The highlights of Pope Francis’ 2015 Philippine visit

From his Eucharistic Mass at Luneta to his time in Tacloban, here are some highlights from the Pontiff’s visit, as captured in the pages of the Manila Bulletin.

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Apr 21, 2025 06:29 PM

  

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Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first pontiff from Latin America, passed away peacefully in the Vatican early this morning at the age of 88. The Holy See confirmed his death in an official statement, noting that he died surrounded by close aides and in the presence of prayer.

Photo by Mark Balmores/The Manila Bulletin

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, the Pontiff captured the hearts of countless devotees—many of them Filipinos. That’s why, in January 2015, Filipinos went all out to see and hear Pope Francis during his first visit to the country. As “The Exponent of Philippine Progress,” the Manila Bulletin followed him wherever he went, chronicling the inspiring moments of his five-day visit.

Day 1: Jan. 15, 2015
Former President Benigno Aquino III, together with nine-year-old Lanie Ortillo, welcomed Pope Francis at Villamor Airbase. 

The Manila Bulletin Jan. 16, 2015 front page

Day 2: Jan. 16, 2015
Pope Francis visits Malacañan Palace.

The Manila Bulletin Jan. 17, 2015 front page

Pope Francis waves at the crowd from the Popemobile on his way to Manila Cathedral.

The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan. 17, 2015

Filipino prelate Luis Antonio Tagle with the Pontiff during a Mass at Manila Cathedral.

The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan. 17, 2015

Day 3: Jan. 17, 2015
Pope Francis steps down from a Philippine Airlines plane to visit the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte.

The Manila Bulletin Jan. 18, 2015 front page

The Manila Bulletin - Visayas News section. Jan. 18, 2015 

“I will walk with you all with my heart… I have no words to tell you,” Pope Francis said. “Let us look to Christ. He is the Lord. He understands us because He underwent all the trials that we have experienced.”

Day 4: Jan. 18, 2015
Around six million people attend Pope Francis’ Eucharistic Mass at Luneta.

The Manila Bulletin - Papal Visit 2015 issue, Jan. 17, 2015

Day 5: Jan. 19, 2015
Pope Francis walks up the ramp to board a Philippine Airlines direct flight to Rome.

The Manila Bulletin Jan. 20, 2015 front page

Rest in paradise, Pope Francis.