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Venezuelan beauty Andrea Rubio is making history for the Miss International pageant two years after she won her country’s ninth title in the competition.

The 2023 winner will return to the pageant stage, this time as a host, marking three straight years of appearing in the global tilt – first as a winning delegate, second as a reigning queen, and this time as a presenter.

She also becomes the first non-Japanese host for the international pageant in a long time. She will be joined by a yet-to-be-named former Miss International Japan onstage, the organizers said.

The Miss International pageant had earlier teased the return of a former titleholder to the pageant, and later revealed that it was Rubio, but did not yet mention that she was to host the finale show.

‘Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio will be hosting the 63rd Miss International Beauty Pageant to be held on November 27th, 2025, with a live telecast starting at 6:00 PM Tokyo time,’ the pageant said on social media.

‘Andrea will be reporting the daily activities live from Japan through her channel, and will also help in sharing the inside information and tidbits leading to the final night!’ the Miss International pageant added.

Around 80 delegates are expected to compete this year, which also marks the Miss International pageant’s 65th anniversary.

Changes will also be made to how the winner will be chosen this year, something the Miss International pageant has repeatedly shared with the public. A Miss International theme song will also be introduced this year.

‘More details about this year’s pageant will be revealed in our social media accounts, so stay tuned for more updates!’ the organizers said.

The delegates are expected to arrive on Nov. 12, with the national costume competition scheduled on Nov. 16. The Miss International pageant will also ‘reformat’ its preliminary judging on Nov. 24.

The 2025 Miss International final ceremonies will be held at the Yoyogi National Stadium’s 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward on Nov. 27.

Manila-based Aika Events and Productions will mount the final competition show, the same team responsible for staging the three recent grand coronation ceremonies of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

It’s the second of the ‘Ber’ months, with the cold air slowly creeping into the season.

And for University of Santo Tomas, it’s never too early to talk Christmas.

‘We have a term around here that says our [stat sheet] looks like a Christmas tree. That’s what we’re really after with our 25 assists,’ said UST assistant coach Juben Ledesma, after a 111-99 victory over University of the East on Saturday.

‘That’s a good indication that our offense is really flowing.’

That flowing offense on display at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavilion helped the Tigers become the first team to hit 100 points in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, a mark they crossed halfway through the fourth on a Nic Cabañero triple.

Going into the game, UST was averaging around 29 made field goals on 14.7 assists and they were going at the same assists-field goal rate against UE-except that the Tigers were doing it at full speed.

They wound up shooting slightly over 50 percent from the floor, making 38 field goals off their assists output.

‘Offensively, we’ve been a very fluid team since last year and with the addition of Collins (Akowe), our confidence skyrocketed,’ Ledesma added. ‘It really helps us big time. Add that with coach’s (Pido Jarencio) confidence with our boys.’

Cabañero played Santa Claus to his teammates with eight assists to go with his 22 points, three rebounds and two steals.

‘It’s my fifth year here in the UAAP, I already know our approaches with different teams and I just stick to the system given to me,’ he said after UST improved to 3-1 (win-loss).

‘Without my teammates, I wouldn’t score this much. They just give me confidence,’ the muscled guard added.

And to keep up with the holiday spirit, Akowe was the hard-nosed reindeer with 18 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks, bouncing back from an off-night against his high school squad, National University, which dealt UST its lone loss so far this season.

Republic Act No. 12288 or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act-This law, signed by President Marcos on Sept. 12, 2025, establishes a competency-based promotion system for elementary and secondary teachers. It ensures their professional development and career growth by expanding the promotion tracks from Teacher I to Master Teacher I under a system that prioritizes qualifications and competence over seniority.

The Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act (Republic Act No. 11997)-Signed by President Marcos on June 3, 2024, the law takes its title from the Senate version of the measure (Senate Bill No. 1964), and sets an initial allowance of P5,000 per teacher for school year 2024 to 2025, followed by P10,000 starting school year 2025 to 2026 and every year thereafter.

Excellence in Teacher Education Act (Republic Act No. 11713)-This law, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in April 27, 2022, strengthens pre-service teacher education by broadening the mandate and functions of the Teacher Education Council (TEC) chaired by the Secretary of Education.

List of bills recently filed in Congress for teachers:

House Bill No. 4531-Filed on Sept. 11, 2025, by House Assistant Minority Leader and Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales and House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino C. Libanan, the bill seeks to triple the World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) from P1,000 to P3,000 for every public school teacher.

House Bill No. 2801-Filed on Aug. 4, 2025, by Bohol District Rep. Vanessa Aumentado, this bill proposes to upgrade the basic salary of public school teachers from Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 15.

Senate Bill No. 211-Filed on July 14, 2025 by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, it seeks to grant a P15,000 salary increase for all public school teachers and personnel.

Senate Bill No. 410-Filed on July 9, 2025 by Sen. Bong Go, the measure aims to provide an across-the-board monthly allowance for all teaching and non-teaching personnel engaged in basic education.

House Bill No. 203-Filed on June 30 by ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise M. Co, this bill seeks to raise the minimum monthly salary of public school teachers to P50,000. -INQUIRER RESEARCH

When Ateneo needed a momentum-stopper against a furious La Salle rally, Shawn Tuano rose to the occasion.

The Blue Eagles’ 81-74 win over the Green Archers in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament may look comfortable on paper, but it was anything but. Ateneo had built a commanding 31-point lead at one point, only for La Salle to storm back in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 11, 68-57, with 3:45 left.

That’s when Tuano delivered.

‘If I’m needed to be the energy guy, I’ll be the energy guy. If I need to score, I’ll try to score. If I need to play defense, I’ll play defense,’ Tuano said after the game at Mall of Asia Arena. ‘I just try to do my roles to the best of my abilities.’

Tuano finished with 15 points, including five crucial points down the stretch. He buried back-to-back baskets to fend off the Green Archers and extend Ateneo’s lead to 73-59 with 3:19 remaining.

The forward’s timely contributions helped Ateneo preserve its perfect 4-0 start to the season.

‘Whatever coach Tab says or needs me to do on the court, I have to accomplish those. This is a good win but there’s a lot to learn,’ Tuano added.

More than P2.1 million worth of shabu (crystal meth) were seized during a surprise inspection inside the Antipolo City jail in Rizal province on Saturday morning, October 4.

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel were undertaking on Saturday morning a surprise inspection – dubbed as ‘Oplan Linis Piitan’ – inside all dormitories at the detention facility located in Barangay San Jose when searchers discovered several packs of shabu hidden inside the air exhaust duct in one of the cells occupied by male inmates at around 9:30 a.m., the police in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) said in a report Sunday.

The seized meth was placed in one knot-tied transparent rubber condom, 10 knot-tied transparent plastics, and 14 sealed plastic sachets, weighing a total of 320 grams, worth P2,176,000 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation at P6,800 per gram.

The BJMP and police were still determining the identity of the inmates behind the drug contraband.

Inspired by a rare taste of success on the global stage with Alas Pilipinas, Dante Alinsunurin returns to club action with Choco Mucho in the PVL Reinforced Conference, armed with fresh lessons and renewed fire.

Alinsunurin, part of Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni’s staff during the Philippines’ historic 19th-place finish in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, still carries the emotional high of that campaign. The national team stunned African champion Egypt and pushed powerhouse Iran to five sets, falling just short of a round-of-16 berth.

‘It was an incredible experience,’ said Alinsunurin. ‘You could really see how much our team has improved. We showed we belong on the world stage.’

Seven of the 14 players on that team were his current or former athletes from National University-a source of pride for the coach who led the men’s national team to a silver medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

As he shifts his focus back to the PVL, Alinsunurin brings with him a key takeaway from the global stage: discipline.

‘That’s what stood out. Discipline in everything-not just training, but in how we eat, how we live daily. It has to come from the heart,’ he said. ‘That kind of consistency makes it easier to reach your goals.’

With Choco Mucho aiming to break through after back-to-back runner-up finishes in the 2023 and 2024 All-Filipino Conferences, Alinsunurin is buoyed by the return of key players. The only notable absence is Sisi Rondina, who is preparing for the SEA Games in Thailand with the beach volleyball squad.

‘I’m really happy a lot of our players are back,’ he said. ‘Some couldn’t play last conference, but now they’re ready. It feels great seeing more teammates at practice.’

Maddie Madayag returns from a stint in Japan, Kat Tolentino is back in training and top draft pick and Alas Pilipinas setter Tia Andaya is set to debut, working alongside Deanna Wong to set up hitters like Isa Molde, Des Cheng, Royse Tubino, Cherry Nunag and rookies Ayesha Juegos and Jen Villegas.

‘I’m thankful Kat and Maddie are both back, and Tia is showing promise,’ Alinsunurin said. ‘Every time I come to training now, I feel more confident about where we’re headed. Having more players gives us options and energy.’

He also praised American import Marlee Smith’s quick adjustment and team-first mindset. ‘She’s doing well-very coachable and even suggests ideas to help the team,’ he added.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was with the Milwaukee Bucks in practice for the first time this season Saturday, after missing the first few days of training camp while he remained in his native Greece recovering from COVID-19.

Antetokounmpo participated in non-contact work only, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. Antetokounmpo arrived in Miami on Friday. The Bucks held media day on Monday – Antetokounmpo took part remotely – and started camp in Milwaukee on Tuesday, then flew to Miami on Thursday for a few days of workouts at Florida International University in advance of their preseason opener against the Heat on Monday.

‘I think it took a toll on my body. I’m not feeling 100% yet physically,’ Antetokounmpo said of dealing with the illness. ‘Just taking it day by day, getting back in shape. I was able to do some 5-on-0, run up and down a little bit. Tomorrow I’ll be a little better. I’ve got like 18 days until the first game so I think I’ll be fine.’ Antetokounmpo, who turns 31 in December, is entering his 13th season, all with Milwaukee. He’s a nine-time All-Star, an NBA champion, a two-time MVP, an NBA Finals MVP and he’s one of only two players who have averaged at least 30 points a game in each of the last three seasons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder is the other.

Not having Antetokounmpo for some camp might turn out to be advantageous in at least one capacity, Rivers said. The Bucks basically know what he brings to the table. Working out without him lets the Bucks see what might happen in the minutes where he isn’t in the lineup.

‘The key to our team every year is the minutes when Giannis is off the floor,’ Rivers said. ‘So, we’ve been working on that. And so maybe that’ll help us in the long run.’

With the Sept. 30 earthquake that rocked the province, derailing the activities of the 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant, the organizers were able to squeeze in a quick tour for the delegates.

After four straight days of taking part in various relief missions to help those severely impacted by the tremor, the ladies were finally able to get a much-needed day to unwind.

On Sunday morning, Oct. 5, the ladies participated in a personality development workshop with Trainstation, then headed out to the city to let their hair down.

They went to Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City to have lunch at two dining outlets of famed British chef Gordon Ramsay that recently opened in Cebu.

After having their fill of Ramsay’s signature Fish and Chips, Classic Cheeseburger, and Gordon’s Fried Chicken, the ladies then stopped by the Lapu-Lapu Monument just a few meters away.

Next in their itinerary was Magellan’s Cross, one of the most popular tourist sites in Cebu City, located at the Plaza Sugbo adjacent to the Basilica del Santo Niño compound.

Before the magnitude-6.9 earthquake halted the pageant’s benefit gala night on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the ladies were really scheduled for a tour of the province in the succeeding days.

But the organizers realigned the pageant’s events to respond to the most pressing concern of the host province, and instead held relief missions and other activities. On Oct. 1 and 2, the ladies went to the Cebu Province Warehouse to help with the packing of goods for distribution to those hit hardest by the quake.

Also on Oct. 2, the delegates underwent a mental health workshop to help them process their emotions after the tremor, and to prepare them for a visit to the quake-hit towns in northern Cebu.

On Oct. 3, the pageant brought relief goods to Daanbantayan, Medellin and San Remigio, neighboring towns of Bogo City, where the earthquake’s epicenter was traced.

The following day, they kicked off the earthquake relief program of the pageant’s official shoe provider, dubbed ‘From Glamour to Giving.’

As the nation prepares to honor its educators on World Teachers’ Day, Oct. 5, the government rolled out twin announcements that recognize the vital role of teachers in shaping the country’s future.

These are the release of the P1,000 World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit (WTDIB) and the creation of over 65,000 new teaching and nonteaching positions under the proposed 2026 national budget.

In a memorandum dated Sept. 25, the Department of Education (DepEd) directed the immediate release of the WTDIB for fiscal year 2025.

The incentive, amounting to P1,000 each, will be distributed to all public school teachers with permanent and provisional appointments, including those in community learning centers, provided they are in service on or before Oct. 5 of the school year.

Education Undersecretary Wilfredo Cabral stressed that implementing units with available funds may already begin processing payments to ensure that all eligible teaching personnel receive the incentive in time for the celebration.

Thousands of new jobs

The grant is anchored on Republic Act No. 4670, or the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, which guarantees benefits to support and uplift educators.

Meanwhile, at the launch of Project Bukas at Parañaque National High School on Sept. 29, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced that the proposed 2026 national budget includes funding for more than 65,000 teaching and nonteaching positions.

The initiative, Pangandaman said, aims to ease the heavy administrative load that often pulls teachers away from their core task of classroom instruction.

‘This allocation will help relieve teachers of the burden of paperwork and allow them to focus on teaching,’ she said. The budget chief also paid tribute to the education community:

‘We give thanks to the teachers, administrators and everyone who help run our schools for your for your unwavering commitment and dedication to nurturing our future generations,’ Pangandaman said.

‘Nation’s Gratitude World Teachers’ Day,’ celebrated every Oct. 5, serves as a reminder of the indispensable role teachers play in nation-building. For educators across the Philippines, this year’s observance comes with both tangible support-cash incentives and new positions-and symbolic recognition of their enduring service.

Emma Tiglao was in her glamorous, polished and over-the-top best, as she shone at the welcome ceremony, press conference, and other pre-pageant activities ahead of the Miss Grand International 2025 tilt.

Tiglao, who is on a quest to score a back-to-back win for the Philippines, pulled all the stops to ensure that she is among the standout candidates in this year’s edition of the global tilt.

During the welcome ceremony, the pageant veteran was a stunner in an off-shoulder gown with cut-outs on the waist by Chico Estiva, decked in dripping gemstones from the neckline to the hem. She also delivered her signature melodious introduction, a switch from the usual high-pitched way of saying the country’s name. She then changed into a jewel-toned traditional Chut Thai with a gold wrap-like top, a lilac midi skirt, and a hot pink waist belt decorated with gems and traditional ornaments. The pièce de résistance was her golden Miss Grand Philippines crown, which glowed with every strut. Tiglao was also pretty in pink in an asymmetrical blush dress with a floor-length train by Kannah Designs and gold strappy heels after the welcome ceremony. Tiglao seems to have a love for the color pink, as she showed up in a jewel-toned pink hue to cap off her fifth day at the global tilt. The pink Anthony Ramirez number featured long sleeves, a low neckline, and a silk finish, with a long jeweled necklace bringing the look together. Tiglao showed off her curves in a bright red lace mini dress at the pageant’s talent competition, where she displayed her dance skills.

‘I am so happy I was able to show my love for dancing on the Miss Grand International stage during the Grand Talent Audition. Congratulations to us girls, we did it! And to my Grand sisters who made it to the Top 15 for Grand Talent, cheering for you all!’ she captioned her post. The Pampanga-based beauty queen is eyeing to win the Philippines’ second Miss Grand International crown from the reigning titleholder, CJ Opiaza.

The global tilt is scheduled to take place at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, on Oct. 18. /ra