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

Isha Ponti, Andrea Gutierrez ready to prove they’re ‘The Next Ones’

 

Isha Ponti, Andrea Gutierrez ready to prove they’re ‘The Next Ones’

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

October 31, 2025 | 12:00am

Emerging artists Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez come together for their first-ever concert, “The Next Ones,” on Dec. 13, 8 p.m. at the Music Museum. Isha is a singer-songwriter, while Andrea is a singer. Pop is the former’s choice of genre, and bossa nova is the latter’s.

Isha and Andrea promise music enthusiasts a showcase of their strengths and potential as performers and not a showdown.

Although both have already recorded and released songs, Isha and Andrea will introduce themselves and their music to the public. The show’s director is Calvin Neria, while the musical director is Adonis Tabanda.

“It’s mixed emotions,” said Andrea of her initial reaction upon learning of such a career endeavor in a recent chat with The STAR. “Siyempre, may takot po kasi first time namin gagawin ‘to and then siyempre, happy and thankful (of course, there’s fear because we will be doing this for the first time and then there are feelings of happiness and gratefulness).”

As for Isha, she agreed to the idea because it’s “like a way for us to pave (the) way for other artists because we started out as front acts and guests. Sila naman po yung i-ni-encourage ngayon (they are the ones being encouraged to share and show their talents this time).”

Isha was referring to their singer-friends who, like them, carry on in chasing their singing dreams.

The two Pinay singers got to know each other when they attended voice lessons. They also participated in the same singing competition, “Asia’s Best,” and became grand champions. Years ago, they met again and graced shows of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists such as Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga. And another OPM legend and songwriter, Rey Valera, will also grace their concert.

“There are duets and production numbers,” said Andrea about what the audience can look forward to aside from the solo segments. “And the songs that we haven’t sung before, we’ll get to do them.” As front acts, their choices of songs were limited and based on the show’s theme.

Isha added that they’re “more on modern” songs, but old tunes are also part of their repertoire. They will give them a contemporary touch.

According to director Calvin, the concept for “The Next Ones” is to showcase the artists’ versatility, “but I also want the people or their audience to get to know them through their music and genres.” With that, the show will be somehow story-driven, which means “there’s a takeaway” after one watches it, added he. “The main focus is their artistry and the repertoire. There are more than 17 songs.”

They might also sing songs of their music influences. Isha said she has grown up listening to the records of Sarah Geronimo, Kyla, Nina, Regine Velasquez and Sharon Cuneta. Andrea likes Lani Misalucha and Sitti, the local recording scene’s Queen of Bossa Nova.

Andrea has recently launched the ditty, Mestizong Gwapo. The most recent singles of Isha, on the other hand, are Dyahe and You Loved Me First. She has two more to release this year: They are Kabanata and Kung Maalaala Mo Ako.

After “The Next Ones,” they see themselves recording new songs, releasing an album and topbilling shows, plus content on their social media platforms.

“I do my storytelling when it comes to the songs I write, the lyrics I write,” Isha gave her two cents on singers as storytellers. “With the sounds, you can feel the emotions through sounds. When you like interlock all of them, it becomes (or they produce) a whole story that people can interpret and they can feel a lot of emotions, a lot of meaning behind it.”

“From there, I’d also see myself as a storyteller. I feel like it’s because of the way other artists deliver their performance or music (that also makes them a storyteller),” added she.

That’s why Andrea needs to “feel the emotions, the story (of the song). Minsan, diba, kapag na-a-areglo, nawawala yung essence nung song (sometimes, the song arrangement affects its essence). I want to feel the lyrics and the story.”

Since their show is timed during Christmas season, they consider it their gift to family, friends and fans and those people who believe in and trust them.

As they unwrap the musical gift, Isha and Andrea will show what they’ve got as artists in “The Next Ones.”

They are also game to the idea of guesting in the OPM countdown show, “Vibe,” on TV5, which airs weekdays, weeknights and weekends. They can talk about their songs, music and journey as artists in the segment “Uprising.”

For ticket inquiries, visit https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=NEXTONES25.

Gone, but the music remains

SOUNDS FAMILIAR - Baby A. Gil - The Philippine Star 

October 31, 2025 | 12:00am

Gone, but the music remains

We pause to remember and say a prayer for our loved ones who have left this world. Let us think, too, of the artists who are now gone. We feel the loss and will always be grateful for the music they left behind. Among the well-loved artists who passed away this year are (clockwise, from top left) Pilita Corrales, Cocoy Laurel, Louie Reyes, Davey Langit, Freddie Aguilar, Hajji Alejandro and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor.

Eugene Villaluz has been making beautiful music with the angels in heaven these past seven years. But he has been unable to sing one of his most memorable recordings, Nothing I Want More.

Arranged as a duet, it needed a very special partner. So why not bring in Louie Reyes, a fantastic singer, jazz artist, vocal coach, voice teacher and former New Minstrel.

So, Louie was called in to join that gathering of singers in the great beyond. She passed away in her home in the US last Oct. 26. She was married to New Minstrels founder Cesar de la Fuente for almost 50 years and had two sons.

Time now for her to join Eugene and sing again that showstopping chorus, “I don’t understand the reason/ I told you so before/ for when I’m with you there’s nothing I want more/ I want more…”

The grim reaper has had quite a time harvesting well-loved people in the music scene this year.  As the old joke goes, somebody up there must be forming a band to provide entertainment for some heavenly event. And some of the best were taken to be in that forever gig.

The talented singer and songwriter Davey Langit, 37, also said goodbye last Oct. 21 from a rare form of infection of the spine. Among his works were Paratingin Mo Na Siya and Dalawang Letra.

As we do during this time of the year, we pause to remember and say a prayer for our loved ones who have left this world. Let us think too of the artists who are now gone. We feel the loss and will always be grateful for the music they left behind.

And now for this year’s star-studded departure list, which I pray will not get any more additions:

Quincy Jones, 92, on Nov. 3, 2024. One of the greatest American composers and producers. Q, as he was fondly called, steered Michael Jackson to the top of the world with the albums “Thriller” and “Off the Wall.”

Marianne Faithful, 78, on Jan. 30, 2025, was the British rock and pop singer best known for As Tears Go By.

Roberta Flack, 88, on Feb. 24. The pop and R&B singer popularized The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with Your Song.

Richard Chamberlain, 90, on March 27. An actor and singer, he was Doctor Kildaire and later Father Ralph de Bricassart of “The Thorn Birds,” whose theme Three Stars will Shine Tonight was his big hit.

Johnny Tillotson, 86, on April 1. The rock and roll singer from the ‘60s was known for Poetry in Motion and Tears on my Pillow.

Pilita Corrales, 87, on April 12. A singer, actress and comedienne, she was Asia’s Queen of Songs, who gave a new spin to native music with her album “Philippine Love Songs.”

Nora Aunor, 72, on April 17. As the Superstar, she went from singing champion to global acclaim. She dominated the charts with her songs and the box office with her films. She was the country’s first Best Actress winner in a major film festival, “The Flor Contemplacion Story” in Cairo.

Hajji Alejandro, 71, on April 4, 2025. The member of the Circus Band-turned-pop idol was dubbed the “Kilabot ng mga kolehiyala.”

Freddie Aguilar, 72, on May 27.  Olongapo folk singer whose song Anak became the first Filipino song to hit big internationally.

Sly Stone of the funk band Sly and the Family Stone, 82, on June 9. Big hits were Everyday People and Dance to the Music.

Brian Wilson, 83, on June 11. Founder of the Beach Boys, the American rock and roll band who introduced the Surfin’ sound.

Cocoy Laurel, 72, on June 14. The multi-talented actor, singer, songwriter, poet and painter was The Engineer in “Miss Saigon” and Nora’s leading man in “Lollipops and Roses.”

Lalo Schifrin, 93, on June 26. A pianist, arranger and conductor, he provided music to “Mission Impossible” and “Enter the Dragon.”

nnie Francis, 87, on July 16. She was the girl singer of the ‘60s era with hits like Who’s Sorry Now and Pretty Little Baby.

Alan Bergman, 99, on July 17. He and his wife, Marilyn, composed The Windmills of Your Mind and The Way We Were.

Cleo Laine, 97, on July 24, was a British jazz singer and actress.

Chuck Mangione, 84, on July 22, was the instrumentalist who introduced the flugelhorn to pop music with Feel So Good.

Ozzy Osbourne, 77, on July 22, was Rock’s Prince of Darkness and creator of heavy metal sounds.

Jane Morgan, 101, on Aug. 4, was the singer and actress of the iconic recording of Two Different Worlds.

To all of them, let us say, thank you for the music.

Davao City Welcomes 500 GSM E-Taxis

 Davao City Welcomes 500 GSM E-Taxis

A fleet of 500 VinFast Green GSM electric taxis has just arrived at Davao Port, marking a major step toward cleaner and smarter transportation in the city.

Following its successful Metro Manila launch last June, the Davao rollout will soon bring zero-emission, long-range e-taxis—offering quiet, efficient, and comfortable rides for passengers.

This milestone builds on the earlier Maligaya E-Taxi project, pushing Davao ahead as the first city in Mindanao to embrace an all-electric taxi fleet.

With Green GSM’s entry, Davao continues to drive toward a modern, eco-friendly, and future-ready transport system—truly living up to its title as the Crown Jewel of Mindanao.

Padayon lang ta!

Vilma Santos at 60 years in showbiz

 

By Annalyn S. Jusay

Published Oct 27, 2025 06:42 am

Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto thanks everyone for her awards (Facebook)

Star For All Seasons and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, fondly called "Ate Vi" by most, has been in the showbiz limelight since she was 10. After six decades and counting, she shows no signs of slowing down.

Last Saturday, Oct. 25, Ate Vi was honored with the Best Actress recognition for "Uninvited" at the 27th Gawad PASADO Awards given by the Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro - a national organization of film educators, teachers, and academics from various schools and universities in the Philippines.

In the event held at Manila Tytana Colleges, she was also inducted into the Hall of Fame for being recognized as Best Actress by Gawad Pasado five times. She was previously cited for her performances in "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?" (1998), "Anak" (2000), "Dekada ’70" (2002), and "Everything About Her" (2016).

Asked what keeps her relevant after more than six decades in the business, Ate Vi attributes her attitude and work ethic.

“Hindi ako natakot to reinvent myself, to learn more. Just because I won Best Actress, does that mean I'm the best? Of course not. You're only as good as your last film. After that, there's someone better than you," she pondered.

Ate Vi pointed out that the lessons she would like to impart to others in the industry are the following: "non-stop learning, willing to take the risk, love your career because it will love you back. The same people you meet on the way up are the same people you will meet on the way down, so learn to be grateful to everyone around you."

Even after playing nearly every imaginable character in six decades of acting, the veteran actress still has dreams to fulfill.

“May dream pa ako na gusto kong gumanap na isang Muslim,” she shared. “‘Yung ginagawang kultura ng isang Muslim. At ‘yung pagiging mentally challenged, although baka mukha ng awkward sa edad ko. (I still dream of playing a Muslim woman and portraying their culture, and maybe a mentally challenged person, though that might look awkward at my age.)"

Although her focus now is serving the province of Batangas, Ate Vi admitted to always missing her first love.

Ate Vi with officers of Gawad Pasado, composed of film educators from leading universities.

“I will be serving Batangas for three years, pero sana kahit maka isang pelikula, ipapakiusap ko sa mga Batangueño. Nami-miss ko rin, hinahanap ng katawan ko talaga. (I’ll be serving Batangas for three years, but I hope to make at least one film. I miss it; it’s something my body really longs for)," she said.

Now in her second term as governor, Ate Vi said she has learned to impart a modern style of governance.

“Sa trabaho namin ngayon, there’s no such thing as ‘tomorrow is another day,’ kasi yesterday is the deadline,” she explained. “With technology now, pag babagal-bagal ka, walang mangyayari. Lahat dapat fast-track (In our work now, there’s no such thing as ‘tomorrow is another day,’ because yesterday is already the deadline. With today’s technology, if you’re slow, nothing gets done. Everything must be fast-track.)"

One of her major initiatives is "Capitol on Wheels," a mobile government office that brings public services directly to the people. “Kami na ang lumalapit sa tao. Hindi na sila pipila at magugutom para sa ayuda. Enough of that,” she said proudly.

(We’re the ones going to the people now. They no longer have to queue and go hungry just to receive assistance. Enough of that.)

Ate Vi on corruption

Addressing the corruption scandals that plague Philippine politics, Ate Vi stated that the issues make her feel bad.

"At the end of the day, ang nahihirapan ay ‘yung tao. Pero dapat resolbahan. I am not being self-righteous here, okay? Pero since naging public servant ako, ang isang natutunan ko, up to this day, ang sinusunod ko lang ay tatlo. Unang-unang, follow the law. Secondly, be accountable to your people. And third, be transparent. No shortcuts. Yan lang yan. (At the end of the day, it’s the people who suffer. But it must be resolved. Since I became a public servant, I’ve followed only three rules: follow the law, be accountable to your people, and be transparent. No shortcuts. That's it.)

And her advice to fellow leaders? “Lessen the greed. Enough.”