2026 Bundak Music Festival in Surigao City generally peaceful - PNP

 

By Mike Crismundo

Published Sep 10, 2026 11:38 am

SURIGAO CITY – The 2026 Bundak Music Festival held at the Central Public Market Grounds here was generally peaceful yesterday, police official reported Thursday, Sept. 10.

“Thank God that no untoward incident happened,” stressed Regional Public Information Office chief of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13-RPIO) Police Lt. Col. Jennifer S. Ometer.

The festival featured distinguished national and local artists whose exceptional performances enriched and enlivened the annual fiesta celebration in this city’s Island of Adventures.

Ometer said Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) Director Police Colonel Warren E. Dablo deployed a total of 123 personnel to ensure maximum police visibility as part in maintaining peace and order.

Demonstrating Surigao del Norte PPO’s steadfast commitment to public safety at large gatherings, all police forces here ensured full security and preserved peace and order during the said event, Ometer added.

Dablo also said the deployed police force is also to maintain constant vigilance, uphold the highest standards of professionalism, and strictly adhere to established security protocols; all to safeguard the safety and security of festival attendees, performers, event organizers, and the general public.

The top police official of Surigao del Norte also reminded all deployed personnel to remain vigilant yet approachable, and to maintain consistent awareness throughout the activity; and particularly in extending assistance to the public.

He likewise emphasized the critical importance of courtesy, discipline, and immediate responsiveness to any security concerns that may arise during the duration of the event.

“This security operation concluded successfully with no untoward incidents, reflecting the strength of our comprehensive planning and close inter-agency collaboration,” Dablo said, adding “Our special thanks also to all Surigaonons for their help to make this event most peaceful and orderly”.

Dablo affirmed that every event in this province and this city in their priority remains clear: the safety and security of the people”.

In another development, the Tandag Component City Police Station, in Surigao del Sur also reported that the 14th Sangkaan Festival 2026 celebration in Tandag City was also generally peaceful with no untoward incident on Monday, September 7.

Ometer also said the Tandag City Component Police station under leadership of Lt. Col. Junyd D. Marohom deployed more personnel to ensure public safety, security, and the orderly which a big plus factor in contributing to a peaceful and successful celebration.

Reina Filipinas queens on what winning the crown really means

 

By Carissa Alcantara

Published Sep 10, 2026 05:24 pm

Reina Filipinas Queens visits the Manila Bulletin Head Office (John Louie Abrina)

Reina Filipinas queens Angelica Lopez, Alexie Brooks, and Anne Patricia Lorenzo are more than just pretty faces with glittering crowns on their heads. They also have a purpose: to serve as role models for modern Filipinas.

We got a glimpse of that recently when the three queens shared what winning their respective titles means to them.

“For me, winning the crown is to really live my purpose. I've been an advocate for underprivileged kids since I was 17 years old. And whenever I tell my story of growing up in a humble household, I was very intentional about it,” Lopez, who is Reina Filipinas Grand International 2026, told us during a recent visit to the Manila Bulletin office.  

As a pageant veteran, Lopez hopes to use her story to inspire the younger generation to invest in themselves and strive to become better and more productive individuals.

“At 17 years old, I told myself, you know what? I don't want other kids to experience the same way. So winning the title for me is not just about myself. It's for every kid out there that I want to really empower. For them to grow up as better and more productive individuals. Like I've said, my victory is not mine alone. It's for my purpose,” she added.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo, the Reina Filipinas 2026 MGI All Stars titleholder, hopes to pave the way for the transgender community in the Philippines.

“The transgender woman community here in the Philippines is small, so I’m very happy that Reina Filipinas allowed me to represent my community on that stage as the only transgender woman in the pageant.   

“After my reign, I want the young trans women who are watching me to remember me as someone who never gives up and never lets other people’s perceptions define me,” Lorenzo said.

Reina Filipinas Miss Grand International 2026 Angelica Lopez and Reina Filipinas MGI All Stars 2026 Anne Patricia Lorenzo (John Louie Abrina)

Lorenzo also said that even after her reign ends, she plans to continue supporting the Trans Pinay community in her own way.

Reflecting on her pageant journey, Brooks shared how her experiences taught her that winning a crown should mean more than personal achievement.

“When I competed in my first national pageant, I had been through so much in my childhood that I hoped I could achieve something for myself. But I didn’t win,” she recalled.

Her perspective changed when she began competing internationally and eventually joined Reina Filipinas. She realized that her purpose was not simply to win for herself, but to represent her community and inspire young people.

“I realized that I wasn’t just competing as the woman people saw on stage. I was also representing the little girl who was bullied, lost her family at a young age, was raised by her grandmother, and sold fruits and vegetables in the market,” she said.   

Reina Filipinas 3rd Runner Up Zeah Pala and Reina Filipinas MGI All Stars 2026 Alexie Brooks (John Louie Abrina)

For Brooks, winning the crown became an opportunity to share her story with people who could relate to her journey and draw inspiration from it.

She said she hopes to be remembered not only for her name, but also for the advocacy she championed and the people she inspired along the way.

“I’m grateful that this victory wasn’t just for me. It helped pave the way for children who dream big but are told their dreams are impossible because they are poor or lack opportunities and connections,” she said.

Looking back on her Reina Filipinas journey, Brooks said the people who believed in her became a major source of motivation.

“If I were doing it only for myself, I don’t think I would have had enough reason to win. But when I looked at the people who believed in me, I realized they saw my story and potential,” she said.

DOE Sec. Garin: Panay worst hit in Visayas power crisis

By Tara Yap

Published Sep 10, 2026 11:28 am

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin (Photo by DOE)

ILOILO CITY—Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin considers Panay Island to be the worst hit in the Visayas power crisis with almost daily rotational blackouts.

“Pag may problema, sila ang worst case kasi sila yung huli mabibigyan ng electricity (If there is a problem, they are the worst case because they are the last to be given electricity),” explained Garin in a virtual press briefing this week.

Garin pointed out that the Visayas inter-connection of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has Panay Island at “end of the line”.

This meant power being transported via the Visayas grid would reach Panay Island last.

Among areas affected are Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo provinces as well as the regional capital of Iloilo City.

Since the end of August, local power distributors have to implement daily rotational power blackouts with NGCP not having enough supply during peak hours with several major power plants shutting down.

The rotational power blackouts—an average of three hours per day–have disrupted work, businesses, and daily lives of local residents.

Garin, a native of Iloilo, has assured that DOE is prioritizing the stability of the Visayas grid, and announced that five power plants are scheduled to be energized again this month.

Meanwhile, the DOE is tapping power plants in Mindanao to augment power supply to the Visayas as the NGCP has been able to interconnect the grid in 2023.  

Luzon Economic Corridor projects to attract $20-B worth of investments; protesters rally against it

 

The protesters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig on Sept. 10 (Photo from KMP on Facebook)

The Philippines is looking to secure more than $20 billion worth of investments for the initial slate of projects under the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). LEC is an initiative led by the US and Japan, which also includes Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Union (EU) as partners. Read more

Meanwhile, a protest rally was held against the 2026 Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig on Sept. 10 where three paralegals were arrested by police. Read more

The Southern Police District (SPD) said police officers suffered bruises, scratches, and bleeding injuries after some protesters resisted their intervention. Read more

7 Phrases that changed my life for the better

1. If you're serious about changing your life, you'll find a way - if not, you'll find an excuse.
2. Spend money on experiences, not things.
3. Don't listen to what people say, watch what they do.
4. Some losses set us free.
5. A year from now, you'll wish you had started today.
6. Motivation gets you started, habit is what keeps you going.
7. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Beethovens Porträt: Warhols letzte Ikone

 

Anastassia Boutsko

vor 16 Stundenvor 16 Stunden

Zwei rebellische Genies: Die Ausstellung "Beethoven by Warhol" im Beethovenhaus Bonn präsentiert Warhols spätes Meisterwerk, die Beethoven-Serie.

https://p.dw.com/p/5MLHs

Meisterwerk von Andy Warhol in der Ausstellung

"Mona Lisa des Beethovenhauses": Meisterwerk von Andy Warhol in der AusstellungBild: Meike Böschemeyer/Beethovenhaus

ANZEIGE

Der Künstler Andy Warhol prägte ein neues Bild von Ludwig van Beethoven. Sein Siebdruck aus dem Jahr 1987 zeigt nicht den grimmigen Mann historischer Porträts und Denkmäler. Warhols Darstellung zeigt einen präsenten Beethoven, bunt und verfremdet in Pop-Art Manier. So wirkt Beethoven eher wie ein Zeitgenosse.

Beethovenbilder an der Wand, eine Frau schaut in eine VitrineBeethovenbilder an der Wand, eine Frau schaut in eine Vitrine

Warhols Beethoven in allen Farben: Der finalen Siebdruck-Version gingen zahlreiche Versuche vorausBild: Beethoven-Haus Bonn

Die kommerzielle Arbeit des Pop-Art-Gurus für seine New Yorker Studios "The Factory" erschien in einer limitierten Auflage von 60 Exemplaren und erwies sich als eine der innovativsten künstlerischen Auseinandersetzungen mit Ludwig van Beethoven im 20. Jahrhundert. Andy Warhol produzierte die berühmte Siebdruckserie "Beethoven" nur wenige Wochen vor seinem plötzlichen Tod am 22. Februar 1987. Die Serie gehört zu seinen letzten druckgrafischen Arbeiten.

Wie sich Warhol Beethoven genähert hat, und in welchem Kontext die Arbeit in ihren zahlreichen farblichen Variationen entstanden ist, zeigt die Sonderausstellung "Beethoven by Warhol" im Bonner Beethovenhaus. Das Haus ist das original erhaltene Geburtshaus von Ludwig van Beethoven.

Zwei Genies auf Augenhöhe

Die Ausstellung zeigt Raritäten, die Besucher sonst nie zu sehen bekommen. Das Kuratoren-Team des Beethovenhauses und des Bonner Archivs unter der Leitung von Direktor Malte Boecker hat sich drei Jahre lang mit dem Thema beschäftigt. Die Ausstellungsstücke haben sie aus den Untiefen der Archive und aus privaten Sammlungen zutage gefördert.

PH's biggest book fair returns to 'Get Lit'

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Sep 9, 2026 07:49 am

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), the Philippines' longest-running and most highly anticipated literary event, returns to the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City, from Sept. 9 to 13, 2026.

This year’s grand five-day fair embraces the energetic theme "Get Lit: Reading in a New Light," welcoming visitors daily from 10 am to 8 pm for an unforgettable showcase of books, creative culture, and learning.

Organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc, MIBF 2026 promises a vibrant atmosphere packed with massive book discounts, author signings, and interactive showcases from top local and international publishers.

Returning alongside the main fair is the School World segment, a dynamic hub designed to give educators, academic leaders, and students direct access to the latest educational technologies, learning materials, and modern teaching tools.

This year's massive floor plan boasts a powerhouse roster of participating companies and exhibitors ready to offer exclusive deals and fresh releases. Attendees can look forward to exploring giant retail spaces and flagship booths from major bookstore chains and educational publishers, including Fully Booked and National Book Store, as well as 19th Avenida Publishing House, Abiva Publishing House, Adarna House, Anvil Publishing, and Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Also joining the extensive lineup are C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions, Central Book Supply, Lampara Publishing House, Megatexts Phil., Milflores Publishing, Rex Education, Scholastic Philippines, and the Vibal Group.

Fans of pop culture, comics, and contemporary fiction will be thrilled by the collections from Comic Odyssey, Komiket Studios, Precious Pages , Psicom Publishing, and Summit Publishing.

For those seeking spiritual and inspirational reads, exhibitors like Bayard Assumption Media Foundation, Claretian Communications Foundation, OMF Literature, Paulines, and St Pauls will be present.

The international literary scene and specialty publications will also be well-represented, with major players and organizations like Alkem & Penguin Random House SEA, Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd., the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines bringing a wide selection of global bestsellers and essential heritage materials.

To help fairgoers navigate the packed schedule and discover participating vendors, the newly refreshed MIBF website is now officially live at www.manilabookfair.com. Visitors can easily browse full exhibitor lists, event timings, and venue details to plan their ultimate book fair itinerary.

Tickets for MIBF 2026 can be secured online via the SM Tickets website, with entrance passes also available directly at the venue throughout the event. Onsite admission is priced at Php 50.00 for regular attendees, while students and senior citizens can enjoy a discounted rate of Php 35.00 upon presenting a valid ID at the counter.

In honor of educators, MIBF proudly supports National Teachers Month (NTM), themed "My Teacher, My Hero," by offering free admission to all teachers upon presenting a valid School ID at the counter. In line with this celebration, Metrobank Foundation, the lead proponent of NTM, will also be hosting special activities for teachers at their booth throughout the fair.

The MIBF is mounted in cooperation with the Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Overseas Publishers Representatives’ Association of the Philippines (OPRAP), Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. (PBAI), and the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA). The event is also proudly championed by its supporting organizations, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and My Teacher, My Hero.

Helping bring the joy of reading to wider audiences are MIBF’s official media partners Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, BusinessMirror, Lifestyle Inquirer, GMA, Philippine Graphic, Click the City, and Arkadymac.com.  

WHO ARE OUR NEXT PILYAMAZING COVER GIRLS?

Shared post from Maria Ces Seidel

No photo description available.

Maria Ces Seidel

 is with PILYA BLOG Magazine.

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**WHO ARE OUR NEXT PILYAMAZING COVER GIRLS?**

**Pilya Blog Magazine – 11th Anniversary Issue | October 2026**

Servus! Our next Cover Girls are not just pretty faces—they are **FIGHTERS!** And they each have a powerful story to tell.

**Fighter #1:** A **single working mom living abroad**, far from home, building a life with courage, determination, and a whole lot of *laban!*

Living in the **Home of Guinness Beer**, she has learned that life abroad isn't always a pint of fun! Her story is one of **profound resilience, resourcefulness, and grit**—the kind of strength that keeps you standing when life throws you a few unexpected punches.

**Fighter #2:** She believes that **true martial arts are not simply about fighting.** They are about **self-expression, personal growth, discipline, and continuous learning.**

Always expanding her horizons while inspiring and guiding others, she proves that the strongest warriors don't just fight battles—they **grow, learn, and empower.**