Yulo bronze in floor

Carlos Yulo’s gold rush has momentarily screeched to a halt.

It came to be after the Filipino Paris Olympics double gold medalist was denied the floor exercise gold by Great Britain’s Jake Jarman and settled for a bronze in the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday.

The 25-year-old spectacle from Leveriza in Manila had a 14.533, which wasn’t enough to prevent Jarman from seizing the gold with a 114.866 in the Worlds and in the same apparatus the Filipino used to dominate.

Another Brit in Luke Whitehouse took the silver with a 14.666.

It was sweet revenge for Jarman, who had a bronze in Paris where he was reduced to a spectator by Yulo’s magnificence after the Filipino captured one of the two golds he snared in the French capital.

It must be Yulo’s hand, which he sprained going into the annual event.

It will be the same pair of hands that he will use when he shoots for a medal, possibly a gold, in the vault finals today.

Yulo is eyeing his third gold in the world championships following his exploits in Stuttgart, Germany in 2019 and Kitakyushu, Japan three years ago.

Bea Binene and Wilbert Ross GET close while filming ‘Golden Scenery of Tomorrow’

Bea Binene and Wilbert Ross have grown closer since working on the romantic series ‘Golden Scenery of Tomorrow.’ The Viva One series, produced by Studio Viva in cooperation with OC Records, is an adaptation of the best-selling Wattpad novel by Gwy Saludes.

‘Golden Scenery of Tomorrow’ is the fifth installment of the phenomenal ‘University Series’ after ‘The Rain in España,’ ‘Safe Skies Archer,’ ‘Chasing in the Wild’ and ‘Avenues of the Diamond.’ The latest offering is helmed by Victor Villanueva (‘Patay Na Si Hesus’ and ‘Kidnap for Romance’).

‘We’re friends,’ Bea stated during the presscon when asked about the nature of their relationship. ‘I think with Wilbert, especially in this series, we got to know each other more. And I think we’re still getting to know each other more. But I admit, we became closer while working on this series.’

‘Are we opposites? Parang sakto lang. It depends. He’s into arts, ako po, medyo maarte lang. He’s also into a healthy lifestyle, ako medyo lang. But I think there are things we’ll agree on,’ added she.

Wilbert, on the other hand, shared they have different interests but they try to influence each other with positive things. ‘Like I encouraged you to try healthy things. Lagi niya akong pinapakain sa set. Lagi siyang may pinapatikim na pagkain sa akin. We’re OK. We’re friends, like what she said.’

They initially felt a bit of awkwardness before because they didn’t have the chance to share many scenes in the previous series, Wilbert added. But now, they have an easy working relationship and have gotten to know each other better as they headline the series, now streaming on Viva One.

Regardless of their status, the onscreen partners consider each other girlfriend and boyfriend material.

‘Yeah, Bea is very caring,’ described Wilbert. ‘She shows her concern for us whenever something happens. She’s motherly in the way she shows care. She’s also a good cook and I love to eat. She’s definitely girlfriend material.’

‘I will think about it,’ quipped Bea. ‘Of course, he is (boyfriend material). He takes care of you. He makes sure you’re comfortable.’

Bea and Wilbert star as Avianna ‘Via’ Diaz and Larkin ‘Arkin’ Sanchez in ‘Golden Scenery of Tomorrow.’ They are best friends who have always been inseparable.

According to the media release, Via, an architecture student, is introverted and cautious of the spotlight – scarred by how fame consumed her mother and left their family neglected. Resilient yet conflicted, she shoulders the burden of caring for her siblings while quietly searching for her own purpose in life.

Arkin is a film student who embodies charm, wit and an easygoing nature. Protective and devoted, he has always centered his world around Via. With a passion for storytelling and music, his path unexpectedly leads him into showbiz, where he rises to fame as part of a popular love team.

As Via and Arkin’s friendship deepens into love, their bond is tested when Arkin’s new life in the entertainment industry collides with Via’s fears and insecurities. The glare of the spotlight revives Via’s deepest traumas, while Arkin struggles to balance his career with his devotion to her. Together, they must face the question: is their love strong enough to withstand the pressure of fame and the wounds of the past?

Reprising their respective roles in the series are Heaven Peralejo, Marco Gallo, Krissha Viaje, Jerome Ponce, Hyacinth Callado, Gab Lagman, Aubrey Caraan, Lance Carr, Nicole Omillo and Jairus Aquino.

Meanwhile, Marco was queried if there’s a possibility of him and his former partner, Heaven, getting back together.

‘I don’t know what I’ll do tomorrow. So, I don’t know how. Let fate decide. I honestly don’t know. I’m just living life at the moment,’ replied Marco, who seemed caught off guard by the question.

Tabuena scores ace, closes in on leader

Pole position stayed with Thai Sarit Suwannarut, but the day belonged to homeboy Miguel Tabuena.

On the course he called home, with his adoring family, compatriots and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson watching, Tabuena holed in an incredible ace that fueled his rise to second spot in the International Series presented by BingoPlus yesterday.

Using an 8-iron, Tabuena, a Sta. Elena Golf Club ‘baby’ through and through, drove his tee shot on the 171-yard, par-3 14th hole with laser precision, the ball landing inches to the pin, taking a bounce then graciously rolling into the cup.

The crowd erupted in jubilation.

He followed that spectacular hole-in-one with a well-celebrated eagle on No. 16, which, combined with four birdies against a lone bogey, greased Tabuena’s second-round seven-under 65 for a 36-hole card of 134.

The local hero, who opened with a 69, trailed pole Suwannarut, who kept pole position at 130 after a follow up 66 to his sizzling opener of 64, heading into Round 3.

‘It’s been six years since I last had one (ace), and second in a competition so it was nice that it was here, in front of friends, family and my home club,’ said Tabuena.

The ace didn’t register until he got congratulatory gestures from people around and Johnson, his decorated flight-mate in the morning sessions, himself.

‘I didn’t see it go in.I just heard the crowd go wild and Dustin said it’s in,’ he shared.

More than producing the round’s highlight reel, roaring into contention from his previous spot at joint 23rd was hugely satisfying for the 31-year-old Pinoy.

‘It was a pretty solid round and the plan was to get back in position for moving day,’ he said. ‘There’s still a lot of golf to play, we can’t get ahead of ourselves and be too complacent. There are two more days to go, I have to stick to the game plan, recover and go at it again (today).’

Oblivious to Tabuena’s mighty charge, Suwannarut birdied seven and dropped just one to post a 66 in his afternoon flight and keep the lead at 130.

Tabuena and Japanese Kazuki Higa (66) are four adrift.

One shot back at 131 were Japanese Yosuke Asaji (66), Korean Soomin Lee (67), Taiwanese Wang Hei-hsuan (67) and Hong Kong’s Matthew Cheung (67).

Angelo Que zoomed to a share of fourth at 135 – a manageable five off the Thai pacesetter – after matching Tabuena’s 65.

Que 46, fired eight birdies, including three in his last four holes, to make his jump.

Falcons avoid upset, nip winless Red Warriors

The Adamson Soaring Falcons prevented a late-game collapse to squeak past the win-hungry University of the East Red Warriors, 56-53, in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball battle Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Adamson has won three games in a row to rise to a 4-4 win-loss record, right behind fourth-seeded La Salle (4-3).

The Falcons are also now tied with the slumping Ateneo squad.

Ced Manzano had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds to go with three assists, two blocks and a steal. Manu Anabo chipped in eight markers and eight boards along with four dimes.

The Falcons had the advantage for almost the whole game, as they kept their opponents at bay.

But UE managed to get the lead late in the game with a putback by DJ Robles that pushed the Red Warriors up, 50-49, with 2:54 left.

But Austin Ronzone sank a right corner triple on the other end, which put the San Marcelino-based squad up for good, 52-50.

This was followed by a jumper by Earl Medina, which kept their opponents at arm’s length, 54-40, with 1:42 remaining.

UE remained alive despite turnovers and misses, but a pair of free throws by Matty Erolon iced the game, 56-50, with 15.2 seconds left.

A late triple by John Abate made it a one-point game, 53-56, with 2.1 seconds to go, but UE could not foul in time as the clock melted away.

AJ Fransman and Erolon had seven points apiece for the Soaring Falcons, who are now well within the Final Four conversation.

Abate spearheaded his squad 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. Precious Momowei dropped another double-double of 15 markers, 14 boards, two swats, two pilfers and a dime for the Red Warriors, who slipped to 0-8.

UE wing Wello Lingolingo will still be out for another game, while head coach Chris Gavina will sit out two more contests.

Kuya Kim Atienza honors late daughter Emman’s memory

Television presenter “Kuya” Kim Atienza honored the memory of his youngest daughter Emmanuelle, who passed away earlier this week, aged 19 years old.

The Atienza family confirmed yesterday, October 24, that the content creator – who was better known as Emman – had died. Los Angeles authorities later said that Emman passed away last October 22.

“She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her,” said the Atienzas. “Emman had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and she wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone.”

Not long after, Kim reposted on his Facebook account the latter part of the family’s statement the portion indicating the qualities Emman lived by.

“Compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness in your everyday life,” Kim wrote in the post, which has now garnered over a million reacts, nearly 250,000 shares, and almost 23,000 comments.

Later, Kim posted on his Instagram and Facebook accounts a video of Emman inside a recording studio singing Gigi Perez’s “Sailor Song.”

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised,” Kim wrote in the caption for both posts.

Among those who left condoling messages beneath the video were Ruffa Gutierrez, Gary Valenciano, Ryan Agoncillo, Alessandra de Rossi, Isabelle Daza, Valeen Montenegro, Jugs Jugueta, Rabiya Mateo and Benjamin Alves.

Emman is survived by Kim, mother Felicia and siblings Jose and Eliana. The family did not publicly disclose the cause of death for the Sparkle artist, who addressed mental health topics and socio-political issues on her platforms.

Kris Aquino, Liza Marcos attend Michael Leyva birthday lunch

Queen of All Media Kris Aquino was out in public to celebrate the birthday of her friend, celebrated designer Michael Leyva.

Photos by host-actor Justin Dizon and makeup artist Patrick Rosas show Aquino looking healthy while at Leyva’s birthday lunch.

Aquino has been in isolation as she continues to suffer from multiple autoimmune diseases. Her most recent health update was a doctor lives with her now and is currently on the look for a physical therapist, two male nurses, two male night duty caregivers and a chef.

Seated beside Aquino at Leyva’s birthday lunch was First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, another friend of the designer.

The two women are related through the First Lady’s aunt Demetria Sumulong, who married Kris’ maternal grandfather Don Jose “Pepe” Cojuangco, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Sumulong is the sister-in-law of the First Lady’s brother Manuel Araneta. Additionally, Araneta-Marcos’ aunt Rosario Cacho married Kris’ uncle Pedro Cojuangco.

Both Aquino and Araneta-Marcos have frequently supported Leyva’s milestones, with the latter wearing a piece by the designer to the latest State of the Nation Address and attending the opening of Leyva’s new Makati atelier.

OPM artist Waltz touches the heart in soulful Cold Soup

From singing about undying love and being charmed in Marahuyo, singer-songwriter Waltz shares a tale of affection that slowly burns and vanishes in the latest single, Cold Soup.

As his publicity team teases, the Ant Savvy Artist Management talent will deliver ‘a soulful heartbreak’ in it and will ‘tug at (one’s) heartstrings with its raw emotion and introspective storytelling.’

‘They are different in terms of flavor,’ Waltz compared Cold Soup to previous releases like Marahuyo in a recent brief chat with The STAR. ‘This time, it’s Motown. The song is about people who are experiencing emotional fatigue with their partners.’

It is the commonplace situation where people argue and agree to stop the tension for a moment but do not resolve anything. Cold Soup may also be taken as a glimpse into the changing emotions that, besides being in love, one experiences in a romantic affair.

Available online information describes Motown as a music genre or style that is a combination of pop and soul and became popular in the ’60s and ’70s.

‘It’s the genre that I wanted to present and return to, the ’70s feels,’ added he. ‘While I was writing the song, I already knew what was going to be its genre, including the time signature, the melody, the chord progression at that moment.’

Regarding his creative process for Cold Soup, Waltz recalled, ‘Nasulat ko po ang kantang ito ng walang music instrument (I wrote and composed it without a musical instrument). I was in Thailand, and I was writing on my notes. And then, I was hearing it in my mind like how it should be (or should be written).’

‘Parang binulong lang ni universe sa akin na parang, ‘Ito dapat ang song’ through vibration (it was like the universe whispered it to me through vibration). Sobrang bihira lang mangyari yun at iba talaga ang inspiration ko nun (it rarely happens and my inspiration was very different at that time),’ added he.

Waltz was on a vacation with his friends in Phuket when the artistic muse came to him. With that, he considers the place, a paradise in itself with beaches and awe-inspiring landscape, special. What a productive breather it was.

Given his notes and the constant play of the song in his head, Waltz sang its entirety for recording, and Cold Soup is now available on all digital streaming platforms.

As a creative, Waltz said his sources of inspiration are everyday life experiences. Thus, his songs are personal.

At first listen, one may think that Cold Soup is about a romantic pair, but it could also be about friendship, as Waltz suggested, ‘Let your imagination play while listening to the song or the lyrics.’

So far, he has Paano, 100 Dahilan, CINDY, Marahuyo and Cold Soup tucked under his recording belt.

What can music fans and enthusiasts look forward to from him before the year ends and the next one begins?

Waltz said, ‘Hopefully, I’ll be able to release another song by the end of this year, Sansinukob, I hope. It’s the title of the song, (which means) the universe (in Tagalog).’

It’s a fitting title since it was the universe that gifted him the idea to compose Cold Soup for people who, at some point in their lives, need to reflect on their present relational plight or situation.

Devoting his time to music and performing, Waltz said, ‘Ang nagpapasaya talaga sa akin, bonus na lang din talaga sa akin na ginagawa ko ‘to (what really makes me glad and it’s a bonus that I’m able to do it), ang nagpapasaya sa akin ginagawa ko yung gusto ko (what makes me happy is doing what I want to do). Gusto ko po talaga ito, yung pagsusulat (it is what I want to do: songwriting),’

‘Minsan may mga times talaga na nakakapagod pero ito talaga yung calling ko (there are times when I feel weary, but it’s really my calling),’ shared he, adding that part of his role as an artist is to share light (of inspiration) with people.

‘I feel like the more I perform in front of everyone, the more I replenish the light (they have) within themselves. Kahit papano ‘pag natapos nila akong mapakinggan o mapanood, may maiiwan akong light sa kanila (after I perform, I hope I leave light to them),’ concluded he. ‘I feel it’s my calling.’

Eala, partner crash out of Guangzhou Open doubles

The tandem of Alex Eala and Nadiia Kichenok bowed out of the Guangzhou Open doubles semifinals after absorbing a three-set heartbreaker against the pair of Poland’s Katarzyna Piter and Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, 7-6(4), 3-6, 5-10, Saturday in China.

Piter and Tjen have won their third straight three-set match in the Guangzhou Open, but that did not deter them against the Filipino-Ukrainian duo.

After digging deep in the first set, Eala and Kichenok started off the second set hot, winning the first two games.

But Piter and Tjen found their rhythm, winning the next five to go up, 5-2.

The Filipino-Ukrainian pair, however, kept themselves alive, breaking their opponent’s serve, 3-5.

But the Polish-Indonesian team forced the 10-point tiebreak after winning the ninth game.

In the tiebreak, Eala and Kichenok got the first point, but their opponents were just too good to handle.

The Filipina, who also bowed out of singles’ play earlier in the week, had a promising partnership with Kichenok in Guangzhou.

They defeated Tang Qianhui and Emily Appleton in the round of 16, followed by a straight-sets victory over the Russian pair of Polina Kudermetova and Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday.

Piter and Tjen started off their campaign with a win against the duo of Kristina Mladenovic and Leolia Jeanjean, followed by a huge victory over the top-seeded team of Elena Pridankina and Quinn Gleason.

And including their match against Eala and Kichenok, they lost the first set before winning the next two.

The winning partners will take on Liang En-Shuo and Eudice Chong in the final on Sunday.

Archers get even at Tigers for third straight win

La Salle exacted vengeance on University Santo Tomas, 86-77, to string its third straight win and barge inside the Top 4 for the first time in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Green Archers rained it down on the Growling Tigers right out of the gates, racing to a 20-point lead before banking on last stand to avenge a 93-84 defeat in the first round and improve to 5-3.

La Salle, stuck outside the Final Four midway through the first round at 2-3 following the MCL injuries of Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan, thus forged a three-way logjam with their latest victims and title holder UP at second place.

JC Macalalag took his turn in stepping up big time, firing 18 points as the undermanned Green Archers moved to within striking distance of leader National University (6-2) in the suddenly tightrope race to the Top 2 plus a win-once bonus in the Final Four.

Jacob Cortez had 12 while Earl Abadam and Vhoris Marasigan, who starred in their morale-boosting 72-69 win over the Fighting Maroons to end the first round, scored 10 points each.

Team captain Mike Phillips settled for just six points but hauled down 13 rebounds and dished out six assists plus a steal and a block to steady the ship for the wards of coach Topex Robinson in their title redemption bid.

La Salle built a 48-28 separation on Phillips’ freebies late in the second quarter and not even UST’s uprising in the payoff period to as close as to so 79-73 after Collins Akowe’s bucket in the final minute proved enough.

Akowe, who feasted on the Green Archers with 20 points and 19 rebounds in their first-round encounter, was steady with 20 points and 14 rebounds but to no avail.

Gelo Crisostomo (15), Mark Llemit (13) and Nic Cabañero (12) also had their efforts wasted in the Growling Tigers’ second straight loss.

Earlier, Adamson dodged an upset ax from the winless and head coach-less University of the East, 56-53, to knock on the Final Four at 5-5 for a joint fifth-place with the skidding Ateneo.

Cedrick Manzano led the way with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds for Adamson as UE (0-8) stayed winless in the second game without mentor Chris Gavina and ace guard Wello Lingolingo due to suspension for four and three games, respectively.

‘We should be happy kung nasaan kami, only because hindi pa kami patay. Buhay pa and our head is above water, ‘yon lang naman yung gusto mo ‘eh na you just want to have a chance to move forward. Today was not that nice, buti na lang nakakuha kami ng panalo,’ said Soaring Falcons mentor Nash Racela.

In women’s basketball, Cheska Apag (16) and Elaine Etang (12) connived as Adamson Adamson (3-5) smothered UE (0-8), 75-49.

The scores:

First Game

AdU 56 – Manzano 11, Anabo 8, Fransman 7, Erolon 7, Torres 5, Medina 5, A. Ronzone 3, Ojarikre 3, Cañete 3, Montebon 2, Demisana 2, C. Ronzone 0, Perez 0, Jaymalin 0, Barcelona 0, Tumaneng 0.

UE 53 – Abate 16, Momowei 15, Caoile 6, Lagat 6, Robles 4, Despi 2, Tañedo 2, Cabero 2, Rosete 0, Datumalim 0, Mulingtapang 0, Cruz-Dumont 0.

Quarterscores: 21-17, 36-28, 47-43, 56-53

Second Game

La Salle 86 – Macalalag 18, Cortez 12, Marasigan 10, Abadam 10, Daep 8, Gollena 8, Phillips 6, Dungo 5, Quines 5, Pablo 4, Nwankwo 0.

UST 77 – Akowe 20, Crisostomo 15, Llemit 13, Cabañero 12, Danting 5, Acido 4, Paranada 3, Padrigao 3, Calum 2, Buenaflor 0, Estacio 0.

Quarterscores: 24-17, 52-36, 64-51, 86-77

6th ID’s mission feats showcased during its 38th founding anniversary

Officials highlighted the 38th founding anniversary of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division on Thursday, October 24, with the display of 1,421 assorted combat weapons, some turned in voluntarily by owners, while others were seized in anti-terror operations in Central Mindanao over the past 24 months.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Philippine Army, and the chief of the Western Mindanao Command, Major Gen. Donald Gumiran, who is overseeing the 6th ID in a concurrent capacity, presented the cache to local officials and reporters on Thursday as one of the highlights of the division’s 38th anniversary celebration.

The 6th ID has units in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani, as well as in the cities of Cotabato, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos.

‘We are thankful to the sectors that helped us collect these firearms through community peace initiatives. Some of these were confiscated during tactical engagements, law-enforcement style, in far-flung areas,’ Gumiran told reporters and guests at Camp Siongco in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, where the 6th ID’s headquarters is located.

Many of the M16, M14, M1 Garand, M1 and M2 Carbine rifles, .30- and .50-caliber machine guns, M60 machine guns, pistols of various calibers, B40 anti-tank, and 40-millimeter grenade launchers displayed at Camp Siongco were turned over to its units by members of the now-weakened Dawlah Islamiya and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who have returned to the fold of law in recent months.

The erstwhile Dawlah Islamiya and BIFF members who have pledged allegiance to the government have been reintegrated into mainstream society through the joint humanitarian programs of the 6th ID, local government units in Central Mindanao, the Bangsamoro regional government, and the offices of the Social Welfare and Labor and Employment Departments in Region 12.

Officials of the 6th ID and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr. are implementing in Central Mindanao the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program, a disarmament campaign complementing Malacañang’s peace process in Mindanao’s predominantly Moro areas.

Nafarrete, Gumiran, Galvez, and Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua also awarded, as part of the 6th ID anniversary activities, special citations to certain members of the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) for exemplary accomplishments. The JPST helps local government units maintain law and order in areas with state-recognized enclaves of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The JPST is composed of representatives from the Philippine National Police, members of the Army and other branches of the Armed Forces, and former MILF guerrillas. The MILF has two compacts with the national government: the 2012 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro.

Both peace agreements paved the way for the replacement in 2019 of the then 27-year Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with the more politically and administratively empowered Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, whose regional government is managed jointly by representatives from the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front.

The MNLF has a separate truce with Malacañang, forged on September 2, 1996, in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Since its inception four years ago, the JPST, operating in the Bangsamoro Region and Administrative Regions 9, 10, and 12, along with local executives and peace advocacy groups supporting the government-MILF peace initiatives, has settled more than 50 deadly Moro clan wars and secured the surrender of more than 50 individuals wanted for high-profile cases pending in various courts.

‘This peacekeeping team shows the oneness, in its truest form, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in addressing security challenges and resolving peace and security problems in areas covered by the Mindanao peace process,’ Galvez told reporters after Thursday’s awarding ceremony at the 6th ID’s gymnasium inside Camp Siongco.

He said OPAPRU is thankful to Macacua, the highest official in the Bangsamoro regional government and chief of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, and members of their 80-seat parliament for cooperating in regional peacebuilding activities parallel with Malacañang Mindanao’s peace initiatives.