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National University clamped down on Collins Akowe to outlast University of Santo Tomas, 76-69, at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday and remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

The Bulldogs limited Akowe, their former high school standout at NU Nazareth School, to a season-low five points on 1-of-7 shooting and eight rebounds.

Coming into the game, Akowe had averaged 24.5 points and 18 rebounds in UST’s 2-0 start, highlighted by big wins over UP and La Salle. ‘The players really worked hard to get this. I’m happy for our guys because they followed the game plan. They were disciplined and the effort was there,’ said NU head coach Jeff Napa.

Jake Figueroa delivered the dagger shots in the closing minutes. With UST leading by one, Gelo Santiago put NU ahead with a layup before Figueroa drilled a jumper for a 70-67 cushion. Nic Cabañero answered for UST to cut the gap to one, but Figueroa struck again-this time with a three-pointer in the final 38 seconds-to seal the win after a Tigers turnover.

‘I just took advantage of the responsibility coach gave me. I had to own it, and it worked out,’ said Figueroa, who finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, and nine of his points in the fourth quarter.

Omar John also starred in the paint for NU, outplaying Akowe with 10 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, three assists, and two steals.

UST fell to 2-1 after its hot start. Cabañero led with 19 points on 8-of-19 shooting, Amiel Acido posted a career-high 18, while Mark Llemit and Forthsky Padrigao chipped in 12 and 10, respectively.

NU (3-0) is tied with Ateneo atop the standings. The Bulldogs face UP on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., while the Growling Tigers try to rebound earlier at 1:30 p.m. against winless UE.

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the agency to help speed up the validation of casualties resulting from the onslaught of Tropical Depression Opong (international name: Bualoi).

‘Challenges remain in accessing remote and heavily impacted areas due to damaged infrastructure, as well as in the identification of remains in advanced stages of decomposition,’ the PNP said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘[Nartatez] instructed police responders to help speed up the validation of casualties related to Typhoon Opong,’ it added.

At least 37 were reported dead, 41 were reported injured and 14 were reported missing due to the combined effects of Opong, Super Typhoon Nando (Ragasa) and Tropical Depression Mirasol (Mitag) as of Wednesday, according to the NDRRMC’s latest situational report.

Of the casualties, 33 deaths, 27 injuries and 14 missing persons have yet to be validated by the authorities, the NDRRMC noted.

Opong left the Philippine area of responsibility last Saturday, after making landfalls in Eastern Samar, Masbate, Romblon and Oriental Mindoro.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has imposed a 60-day price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in Cebu following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake. In a statement, the agency said this was meant ‘to protect households from undue economic burden and guarantee the continued availability of essential fuel products.’

The DOE warned that retailers and distributors who fail to comply would face penalties.

It is also coordinating with local government units to prevent overpricing and profiteering.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and other airports in Visayas did not incur damage after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit Cebu on Tuesday evening, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).

In its latest situational report, Caap stated that the MCIA is continuing normal operations, as its runway inspection revealed no damage.

At 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday, or less than an hour after the quake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces at 9:59 p.m., passengers were evacuated from the MCIA terminal but were later allowed to enter the passenger terminal building after inspection and assessment.

According to Caap, the MCIA’s tower cab equipment and tower structure sustained no damage from the tremor.

Caap, meanwhile, reported a commercial power outage at the airport.

The aviation authority likewise said Calbayog Airport, Hilongos Airport, Maasin Airport, Ormoc Airport, and Tacloban Airport in Eastern Visayas ‘did not incur damages’ per initial inspection and assessment.

As for the Bacolod-Silay airport, Caap said runway inspection is in progress.

‘PAL (Philippine Airlines) and Cebu Pacific flights from Manila were temporarily held for landing while runway inspection is ongoing. Safely landed after they were given safe-to-land clearance,’ said Caap

Local design talent and modeling artistry took center stage at Runway Caloocan 2025, held on Sept. 29 at the Caloocan Sports Complex in Bagumbong, as the city’s government put fashion in the spotlight.

Now in its third year, the fashion event featured 10 designers presenting original creations that reflect both modern trends and local craftsmanship.

Jherald Hernandez emerged as this year’s top designer, while Rexie Torella and Matt Aldrick Gregorio were named Female and Male Model of the Year.

The judging panel included international fashion designer Anthony Ramirez, celebrity stylist Patty Yap, and fashion and lifestyle columnist Mike Lim. Aside from the competition, the event highlighted Caloocan’s growing fashion scene and its push to bring homegrown artistry to a wider audience.

‘Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating napakahusay na fashion designers na nakilahok sa Runway Caloocan. Nakaka-proud malaman na lahat ng mga nakita nating sining at obra ngayon ay gawa ng kapwa natin Batang Kankaloo,’ said Mayor Dale Gonzalo ‘Along’ Malapitan in his remarks.

(I thank our very talented fashion designers who joined Runway Caloocan. It’s a proud moment to know that all the artistry we saw tonight was created by fellow Batang Kankaloo.)

The winning and standout designs will be displayed at the Runway Caloocan Exhibit at Bulwagang Katipunan, Caloocan City Hall-South, open for public viewing from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3.

In a marketplace where credit cards typically focus on individual rewards and personal spending, one bank is taking a different approach: Chinabank recently launched the CBC @home Visa Platinum, the first credit card in the Philippines primarily designed with Filipino families in mind.

Following the successful launch of the CBC Velvet Visa Signature in 2024, Chinabank launched @home Visa Platinum by identifying a significant opportunity in the market, given that major banks mainly offer rewards on categories like groceries, shopping, and utilities-highlighting individual savings and transactional benefits. ‘By launching a Family Credit Card with clear, family-first positioning, Chinabank claims a white space in the market-meeting the practical needs of modern households while building a deeper emotional connection with Filipino families in a way no other credit card brand currently does,’ says Nina Q. Reynoso, VP Head of Chinabank Cards Marketing.

Family-first features

The CBC @home Visa Platinum is specifically designed for primary income earners ages 25 to 45-mid-level professionals or business owners in the early stages of building a family or actively managing household finances.

The CBC @home Visa Platinum comes packed with benefits tailored specifically for family needs:

Welcome Gift: New cardholders receive a complimentary Php 4,000 SM Supermarket e-voucher with minimum spend-immediately providing value for essential family shopping. 5 Percent Family Cash Back: Up to Php 1,500 cash back every month across all categories, helping families save on their regular expenses.

Free Supplementary Cards: Annual fees are waived for all supplementary cards, making it easier to extend financial access to family members.

0 Percent Installment for Essential Services: Lighter payments on any school and medical bills with 0 percent installment for 3 months, with a minimum of Php 50,000 per transaction.

Exclusive Family Promo Deals: Up to 50 percent off on family-related activities, including outings, dining, and quality time adventures.

Sustainability Commitment

Beyond the financial benefits, the physical card demonstrates Chinabank’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The CBC @home Visa Platinum will be made from recycled plastic, supporting the bank’s sustainability efforts while serving Filipino families.

The product philosophy goes deeper than traditional credit card offerings: ‘Family matters. Always has.’

‘We believe that behind every expense is a family goal-whether it’s caring for children, supporting parents, or simply getting through the week together,’ Nina adds.

This is what sets the CBC @home Visa Platinum apart in a market dominated by transactional messaging: It’s a purpose-driven product designed to provide primary income earners with greater control, flexibility, and attractive benefits across everyday spending. By focusing on the practical needs of modern households while building deeper emotional connections, Chinabank is creating a new category in the Philippine credit card market, acknowledging that for Filipino families, financial management isn’t just about individual gains-it’s about building security, stability, and opportunities for the entire household.

So many people have come to be aware of the ongoing Miss Asia Pacific International here because of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that jolted one of the pageant’s events. And the delegates recalled the moments that happened that fateful evening.

The Philippine-based international pageant was holding its gala night at the ballroom of Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on Sept. 30, to raise funds for Operation Smile. But the massive tremor with the epicenter traced to Bogo City north of the province disrupted the festivities.

Videos from the event showed Australia’s Deborah Madriaga among the last ladies walking down the runway, exhibiting a calmer demeanor than the others.

‘I’ve never experienced an earthquake, so that was the first time. Growing up, I was into a lot of action movies and stuff, so seeing all of that, it was just natural instinct for me, firstly being calm, and then also looking for my sisters as well,’ she told Inquirer Entertainment.

‘I saw Belgium jump off, so I followed her, and I saw Brazil onstage, so I ran to her. And the crown also jumped in front of me. So I was like, this is real, this is actually happening. The first thing I thought was get the girls to safety,’ she shared.

Reigning queen Janelis Leyba, the finale model of the show, was seen in videos taking her crown off her head and dropping it on the floor. ‘After it all calmed down, that’s when I picked it up and that’s when I gave it back to our leaders. I panicked. I felt so bad for Janelis, like she was so scared. I wish that I could be there for her. She ran off,’ Madriaga said.

The Philippines’ Anita Rose Gomez also said it was her first time experiencing an earthquake. ‘I was just about to get off the stage when it happened. And I just felt that I’m dizzy. I’m not so sure what’s happening, and I just saw people running around me,’ she said.

‘And I saw Miss Taiwan, she’s so shocked, and she cannot move. I grabbed her hands and I told her to go with me under the table. I just kept on praying, that everything will be okay after the earthquake,’ Gomez continued.

‘Kudos to Radisson Hotel, and of course the Miss Asia Pacific International, the staff, they were so calm and prepared, and they made sure that everything was okay, that everything was fine. And I just want to take this opportunity to say to everybody that we are all well taken care of,’ the Zambaleña beauty said. Gomez said she saw online the extent of devastation that the earthquake caused, even claiming lives. ‘I just want everyone to pray, hold on to our faith. And of course, let’s help one another. Let’s look out for one another. And at the same time, let’s help Cebu recoup from what happened last night,’ she said.

Cambodia’s Mealyann Nita Saing shared that she had also experienced a quake while in Bangkok, Thailand doing modeling a few years back. She recalled this incident with people who took cover under the same table as hers during the commotion.

Gomez, meanwhile, said her experience taught her to be quick on her feet. ‘Have the presence of mind that we need. At the same time, don’t panic. It’s something that is instilled in me, that in times of problems, in times of catastrophes, you have to be more relaxed, composed,’ she said.

The earthquake has prompted the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant to cancel the press presentation at the provincial capital scheduled on the day after the earthquake struck. It has also released a statement of solidarity with Cebuanos affected by the tremor.

‘Pageantry is not only about celebrating grace, talent, and advocacy-it is also about embodying the true essence of service,’ the pageant organization said, adding that the candidates will devote their time and influence for relief and fundraising events and initiatives, awareness and empowerment, and solidarity events and programs.

The Miss Asia Pacific International delegates have volunteered in the packing of relief goods at the Cebu Province Warehouse on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1. The call to action was made the last minute, and the ladies readily heeded it. Miss Asia Pacific International President Eva Patalinjug-Lim said all the other activities scheduled for the ladies around the province have been cancelled, but the coronation night will push through on Oct. 8 at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Social Security System (SSS) officially launched the MySSS Card that has a dual function–an official ID and a debit card.

SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph De Claro said the MySSS Card acts would replace the long-standing Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) card.

It would also operate as a fully functional debit card linked to a savings account.

De Claro noted that the card is equipped with an EMV chip. It is integrated with the Philippine Identification System, or PhilSys, eVerify and biometric authentication.

SSS will accept applications for the MySSS Card starting Oct. 1.

RCBC, through its digital arm DiskarTech, will be the card’s first implementer. /dda

The national government will be extending more than P100 million in additional assistance to Masbate to help in the rehabilitation of the province worst hit by Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi) last week.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Wednesday ordered the Department of Budget and Management to release P100 million in Local Government Support Fund to the local government, upon the request of Masbate Governor Richard Kho.

During the distribution of assistance to the affected families in Masbate City on Wednesday, Marcos said the government would provide continued support to them including food, medicine, and cash assistance, until necessary.

‘Do not worry, the government’s support will continue for as long as you need it. Even if it takes some time because your homes are not yet repaired, we are already here extending our support,’ the President said in his remarks at Nursery Elementary School in Masbate City.

‘No one will be left behind. Even after the typhoon has passed, your government will still be here. We will not leave until all evacuees and everyone affected by the typhoon are back on their feet and have recovered,’ he added.

The President told Masbate residents not to hesitate in asking for help from the government-either from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), or their city and provincial government. During his visit, the President led distribution of family food packs, hygiene kits, 10-meter laminated sacks, water filtration kits and the P10,000 cash assistance each to 600 families through the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), amounting to P264.96 million. Marcos also announced the P28 million worth of aid released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to the provincial government of Masbate intended for livelihood assistance and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged Workers (Tupad) beneficiaries.

Marcos also ordered the Department of Education (DepEd) to rehabilitate the 806 damaged classrooms in the province within a month.

Aside from the distribution of aid, he also visited Masbate Provincial Hospital to personally inspect its damaged facilities.

Marcos turned over a facsimile check worth P3 million from the Department of Health (DOH) to the provincial government for repair works.

Three teams are still unbeaten in Season 88 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament, and none of them has made more heads turn than University of Santo Tomas.

After bringing down two heavyweights in the young tournament, the Growling Tigers will be facing another formidable program and another undefeated side in National U on Wednesday, with both looking for a share of the lead at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

But for Santo Tomas, this game is more than just staying on track. It’s a way to further validate how far they have gone from an average team last season to one of the most feared here-something that wasn’t the case in the previous decade, maybe even longer.

‘For me and the team, we are happy because we have made the Santo Tomas community happy,’ coach Pido Jarencio told the Inquirer over the phone on the eve of their 4:30 p.m. collision with the equally rejuvenated Bulldogs. ‘What we promise is to keep laying everything on the floor for them (community) and give them something to keep celebrating.’

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have also been on a tear with a healthy roster. And that is something that coach Jeff Napa believes will be crucial for them to again go deep this season, along with another thing that’s purely mental.

‘No. 1 for us is consistency,’ Napa said in Filipino. ‘Day in and day out, our approach has to be all about effort-how much we put in and how we sustain that effort every single day.

Containing Akowe

‘We need to be ready, and most importantly, we need to stay healthy if we want to achieve our goals,’ Napa went on.

Collins Akowe comes into the game with averages of 24.5 points and 18 rebounds, and the Santo Tomas rookie will be up against his high school alma mater for the first time with National U having Omar John trying to take care of the burly, 6-foot-10 Tiger.

Forthsky Padrigao opened his collegiate farewell tour with a bang against La Salle in a 93-83 win over the weekend, as he continues to quarterback the Santo Tomas offense that has Nic Cabañero as one of its top guns.

Padrigao, Cabañero and Akowe formed a three-sided battering ram that took down the Archers as Santo Tomas has beaten the champions and finalists of the last two years.

Meanwhile, the Green Archers seek to pick themselves up from that loss when they battle Far Eastern in the 2 p.m. game of a heavy six-game sked that will also have the women’s teams of Santo Tomas and National U squaring off at 7 p.m. in their first collision since the Lady Bulldogs won the title last year.

New Lady Bulldogs coach DA Olan will be facing his first acid test in the seasoned Haydee Ong and the Tigresses.

‘For me, it’s not really feasible to bring in a new system,’ Olan said after their 89-64 rout of Far Eastern last week. ‘Considering I got my knowledge of the game from (resigned) coach Aris (Dimaunahan), It’s gonna be the same concepts and principles.