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How Bea Millan-Windorski is blocking out Miss Universe org issues

Bea Millan-Windorski is directing all her focus to represent the Philippines the best away possible at Miss Universe as the pageant’s organization navigates concerns among rivaling executives.

The beauty queen from La Union was crowned Miss Universe Philippines last May and has preparing for the diamond edition of Miss Universe the last six months.

Officials within the pageant’s mother company however have been at a war of words in recent weeks over who has authority to speak on organizational matters and properly represent the Miss Universe brand.

The dispute has resulted in six Southeast Asian countries withdrawing from the 75th Miss Universe this November, including Vietnam, which one side has announced as the host of the next edition in 2027.

Philstar.com spoke to Bea on the sidelines of a Halloween party held in a Makati hotel on October 29 and asked how she is blocking out the noise to focus on her pageant journey.

The beauty queen shared about a conversation with Secretary Robert E. A. Borje of the Philippines’ Climate Change Commission ahead of the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference, or COP 31 in Turkey, next month.

Bea and Borje discussed how events like COP31 and Miss Universe are opportunities for the world to come together, as well as for the Philippines to show what it has to offer.

“More than anything going on, I’m just focusing on what I can control and representing the Philippines to best of my ability,” Bea said.

She does so in her talks about climate change, its root causes, and how to protect Filipino, given that the Philippines is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.

Bea also said she is focusing on telling the Filipino story through other avenues like her wardrobe.

“I already feel like I’m highlighting the beauty of our country to an international audience and that’s enough for me,” the national titleholder ended.

The coronation night of Miss Universe 2026 will take place in Puerto Rico on November 25 (Philippine time) as Bea vies to take home the country’s fifth crown.

CDO authorities advise early cemetery visits to beat the heat

With tens of thousands expected to flock to usually congested cemeteries, local authorities here have laid down strict guidelines for this year’s ‘Undas’ or ‘Kalag-Kalag’ observance, banning overnight stays, liquor, and smoking while urging the public to dodge the peak daytime heat.

Visiting hours across all private and public cemeteries in the city will be strictly limited from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. to maintain order.

City officials are implementing tighter crowd control measures to manage older public cemeteries that reflect decades of severe congestion and fragmented record-keeping. The Bulua Public Cemetery currently squeezes more than 10,000 graves into a three-hectare property, while the Carmen Public Cemetery holds roughly 5,000 interments within a compact two-hectare lot.

To prevent untoward incidents in these packed spaces, authorities have prohibited bladed weapons, firearms, playing cards, sound systems, and karaoke machines. Cleanliness will be strictly enforced, and smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are completely banned inside the premises.

With rising temperatures, the city is advising the public to monitor the state weather bureau’s advisory on the day’s heat index and avoid cemetery visits between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Special rules are in place for the city’s largest burial ground, the 19.8-hectare Bolonsiri Public Cemetery in Barangay Camaman-an. Recently redeveloped into the City Memorial Park, the site holds an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 remains, tens of thousands of which were recently exhumed and transferred to a centralized ossuary.

Visitors to the City Memorial Park are explicitly prohibited from bringing matches and lighters. Littering is also strictly banned, with violators facing immediate fines through an Ordinance Violation Receipt.

To help visitors cope with the heat across the sprawling grounds, the city has set up free water refilling stations inside the park and is urging residents to bring their own tumblers. Free rides using city hall vehicles will also be available from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 1 and 2.

Omo-Agege Iyabo Obasanjo Pantami make INEC updated list for 2027

Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Iyabo Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party are among the candidates on the updated list for the 2027 general elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission published the updated list of candidates for the National (Presidential and National Assembly) and state (Governorship and State Assembly) elections on Saturday.

Many had anticipated that Omo-Agege and Iyabo Obasanjo who were aspirants in their respective parties before joining the NDC and PDP might be affected by the Supreme Court’s judgment on the validity of Section 77 of the Electoral Act.

A close study of the list revealed that the names of the NDC candidate in Kano State Abdulsalam Gwarzo and the PDP candidate in Ogun State Adebutu were missing with only former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Ibrahim Ali Isa Pantami on the list.

However the NDC was listed without a candidate while in the column for comment the commission merely wrote ‘court Order’.

The updated lists of candidates published by the commission also include former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege who is the NDC senatorial candidate for Delta Central and Iyabo Obasanjo daughter of former President who is the PDP senatorial candidate in Ogun Central.

The Commission said final clearance for Gwarzo will depend on the outcome of a subsisting court case.

Also listed without a candidate is Accord for the Presidential election even though a Federal High Court in Abuja had asked the commission to recognise Olawepo Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate.

The Nation reported that the Accord Party has challenged the Federal High Court’s decision at the Court of Appeal as the party has consistently said it did not present any candidate for the election because Hashim failed to meet the deadline for the expression of interest and sale of nomination forms.

The Nation also observed that the name of the NDC candidate in Kaduna which was earlier omitted from the final list published on October 10 2026 was published as Mohammed Sani Abbas instead of Danjuma La’ah whose name was displayed during the claims and objections.

The updated list contained 20 new names of governorship candidates with one additional name in Jigawa Katsina Kebbi Kwara Niger Oyo Taraba and Zamfara states; Kaduna Cross River and Nasarawa had two new names included on the list while Gombe and Kano states had three new names included (this includes the NDC with the space left blank). The list of parties contesting the election in Abia was reduced from 15 to 14.

According to the updated list the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are fielding candidates in the 28 states where governorship elections will take place while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are fielding candidates in 26 states respectively.

The PDP has no candidates in Kebbi and Ogun states while the NDC has no candidates in Abia and Ogun. The updated final list omitted the NDC candidate in Abia State Ndubuisi Ogah who had initially been on the final list.

The names of NDC candidates added to the list include John Odey Upan (Cross River) Shammah Danladi Dodo (Nasarawa) and Muktar Farouk Alhaji (Kebbi).

Although the Federal High Court in Gombe had nullified the nomination of former Minority Whip Ali Isa JC as a candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Balanga/Biliri federal constituency of Gombe State and banned him from recontesting the primary the Commission published his name as a candidate in the election.

It was noted that none of the names published by the Commission before the Supreme Court’s judgment were affected by the changes the Commission made to the list of candidates.

The Commission had assured Nigerians that after reviewing complaints from candidates and political parties it would publish an updated final list of candidates on its website.

The Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee Mohammed Haruna confirmed that some petitions were successful while others failed.

The statement reads: ‘Further to its Press Statement of 13th October 2026 the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform political parties candidates and the general public of the outcome of its consideration of complaints received following the publication of the final lists of Governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates on 10th October 2026.

‘The complaints concerned the omission of certain political parties the wrongful inclusion of candidates of political parties whose names were not contained in the membership registers submitted by their political parties and instances of alleged multiple nominations.

‘Following a review of the complaints relevant records and applicable legal provisions the Commission found merit in some representations and approved the inclusion of affected candidates and their political parties while complaints found to be without merit were declined.

‘In addition some names that were wrongfully published in the final list were removed after verifying that their names were not on the register.’

‘The Commission also approved the removal of candidates whose nominations were found to be inconsistent with the applicable legal requirements. In particular the decisions affecting State Houses of Assembly candidates sponsored by political parties were informed by specific complaints received and determined in accordance with the law and the Commission’s established criteria.

‘In summary a total of 69 petitions were received from 12 political parties across 26 states for the governorship election. Forty-one of the petitions succeeded while 28 failed. Similarly for the State Houses of Assembly 61 petitions were received from 11 political parties across 11 states. Twenty-five succeeded while 36 failed.’

Jeepney driver tests positive for drugs ahead of Undas in La Union

A jeepney driver in La Union tested positive for illegal drug use during a surprise screening of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors in the Ilocos Region on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The screening covered 111 transport workers as authorities intensified road safety measures ahead of Undas.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 1 said the driver yielded a positive result during the initial screening conducted under Oplan Harabas, an anti-drug operation aimed at preventing drug-impaired driving among public transport workers.

According to PDEA, the driver was referred to the Department of Health Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) in La Union for a drug dependency examination and confirmatory testing.

The operation was led by PDEA Region 1 Director Julius M. Paderes in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police-La Union Police Provincial Office, DOH-TRC La Union, and Regional Highway Patrol Unit 1.

Aside from drug testing, PDEA K-9 units inspected bus terminals, cargo bays, and baggage areas for illegal drugs and other contraband.

Authorities also distributed information and educational materials to passengers and transport workers to promote drug-free and responsible driving.

PDEA said the operation was part of heightened security and safety measures to protect commuters traveling during the Undas holidays.

India Raises Deepwater Gas Price Ceiling

India has raised the ceiling price for natural gas produced from deepwater, ultra-deepwater and highpressure, high-temperature fi elds to $9.89 per MMBtu, up from $8.90, for the six months beginning October 1, 2026.

The revised ceiling, applicable until March 31, 2027, is expected to support investment in technically challenging offshore gas projects, including Reliance Industries-BP’s KG-D6 block.

Meanwhile, the government has kept the ceiling for legacy gas produced by state-run ONGC and Oil India at $7 per MMBtu, despite the October APM price being notifi ed at $11.22 per MMBtu.

New wells in their nomination blocks can receive a 10% premium, allowing prices of up to $7.70 per MMBtu.

The policy is aimed at encouraging higher domestic gas production while containing costs for priority sectors such as fertilizer, power and city gas distribution.

2027: INEC organises one-day workshop for PWDs in Kebbi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday organised a one-day workshop for persons with disabilities ahead of the 2027 General Election in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.

In his opening remarks, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Abubakar Dembo Sarki Pawa, told participants that INEC remained committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, irrespective of disability, had an equal opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process.

Sarki Pawa, who was represented by his Administrative Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, said the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen understanding of the Commission’s disability inclusion policy, improve accessibility and promote the effective use of assistive devices. He added that it would also provide an avenue to identify practical solutions to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly at the grassroots level.

‘As we prepare for the 2027 General Election, I urge our electoral officers and disability desk officers to demonstrate greater commitment to ensuring that no eligible voter is excluded or disadvantaged on account of disability.

‘I encourage all participants to engage actively and make meaningful contributions towards achieving a more accessible, inclusive and credible electoral process,’ he stated.

In her speech, the Director of the Gender and Inclusivity Department at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Mrs Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, said the programme was organised to strengthen collective understanding of disability inclusion, accessibility and interventions developed by the Commission to promote the electoral rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Represented by Mrs Bilkisu Abdusalam, Bello pointed out that the participation of PWDs as voters, candidates and election personnel was central to an inclusive, accessible and participatory democracy. She noted that the Commission therefore remained committed to identifying and addressing barriers across the electoral cycle.

Bello explained that it was important for stakeholders to understand the purpose, beneficiaries and proper application of interventions such as the Braille Ballot Guide for visually impaired voters, EC30, written instruction posters for deaf voters, magnifying glasses for persons with visual impairments and albinism, and voter education materials in Braille, as well as jingles, flyers and posters.

She emphasised that the provision of these materials would only be meaningful if they reached their intended beneficiaries and were properly utilised. She also called for voter education outreach to PWDs through the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), cluster heads, special schools, camps and settlements, with JONAPWD taking ownership in collaboration with the respective clusters.

‘As we prepare for the 2027 General Election, let us strengthen our collective responsibility to ensure that interventions reach those for whom they are intended. Let us also strengthen the partnership between INEC, JONAPWD, OPDs, cluster heads and other stakeholders,’ she said.

Dumdumaya moves to 13th, keeps Top 10 bid alive in Asia-Pacific tilt

Jaden Dumdumaya rebounded from a late stumble with a birdie on the last hole to salvage an even-par 71, climbing to solo 13th after three rounds of the Asia-Pacific Golf Championship at the Te Arai Links South Course in New Zealand on Saturday.

Still a long way off the lead, the Filipino-American World No. 67 nevertheless kept his Top 10 bid alive, moving within two strokes of the coveted mark with one round remaining in one of the world’s premier amateur championships.

After opening with back-to-back 73s at the demanding par-71 layout, Dumdumaya appeared headed for a strong round when he recovered from an early bogey with a birdie, then strung together four pars on the back nine before catching fire with back-to-back birdies from No. 14.

But just as he seemed to have gained control of his round, the young Filipino stumbled with a double bogey on the 16th, followed by another bogey on the next hole, wiping out the gains from his late charge.

He regained his composure on the par-5 No. 18, however, hitting back with a birdie to close with matching 36s and salvage a 71.

The three-day 217 total lifted Dumdumaya five places to 13th, just two strokes outside the Top 10.

The other Filipino survivor, Shinichi Suzuki, failed to make significant headway, carding a 76 to slip into a share of 52nd at 231. Still, it marked his best round of the tournament after 78 and 77.

At the top, New Zealand’s Zach Swanwick seized control with a closing flourish, birdieing three of the last six holes to fire a 67 and move past erstwhile leader Fifa Laopakdee with a seven-under 206 aggregate.

Swanwick’s charge capped a steady recovery from an opening 72, as he followed up with a 67 in the second round before matching that four-under output in Saturday’s crucial third round.

The victory carries added significance, with the champion earning an invitation to next year’s Masters and The Open.

Laopakdee, who launched his title-retention bid with a near-flawless 63 on Thursday, continued to surrender ground after barely holding on with a 72 in the second round. He carded a 73 on Saturday to slip to second at 208, two shots behind Swanwick.

Cooper Moore, another New Zealand standout, matched par 71 to catch Laopakdee at six-under 208, setting up a potential all-local battle for the title.

Japan’s Kaito Sato fired a 70 to move into fourth at 210.

ADC-PCC condemns attack on Sokoto guber candidate, demands arrest of perpetrators

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has condemned an attack on its Sokoto State governorship candidate, Alhaji Munir Dan Iya, allegedly carried out by operatives of the state-owned security outfit, Sokoto Marshals.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council said the attack occurred along Airport Road in Sokoto as Dan Iya was returning to the city after accompanying former Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, from the airport.

Ologbondiyan said several vehicles in the governorship candidate’s convoy were vandalised during the incident.

He alleged that since the incident, operatives of the same outfit had been stationed at various historic gates into Sokoto metropolis, harassing motorists and targeting vehicles bearing ADC posters, insignia and other party symbols.

He also alleged that two Department of State Services (DSS) personnel attached to the governorship candidate were abducted by the Sokoto Marshals.

He said Dan Iya had reported the incident to the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and that his personal SUV was vandalised during the attack.

‘This reprehensible conduct is provocative, unacceptable and represents a dangerous descent into state-sponsored thuggery. It is part of a disturbing pattern of political intimidation and violence against ADC members and opposition figures across the country. Only a few weeks ago, similar incidents were reported in Kaduna and other states. Sokoto has now become the latest theatre of this growing assault on democratic freedoms,’ the statement said.

‘The coordinated harassment and attacks against ADC and other opposition voices constitute a grave violation of democratic principles and constitutional guarantees of freedom of movement, association and peaceful political participation.

‘We are particularly alarmed that a security outfit established and funded with taxpayers’ money is allegedly being transformed into a political militia for intimidating, harassing and attacking perceived political opponents,’ it added.

The ADC-PCC said the party would no longer sit back and watch its members, leaders and candidates being subjected to intimidation and violence.

‘The era of taking our party for granted, threatening its members and attacking its political structures with impunity is over. This must be the last time such an attack is allowed to happen,’ it said.

‘While ADC remains committed to peaceful political engagement and the rule of law, we are fully prepared to defend our members and protect their constitutional rights through every legitimate means available to us. No individual or group has a monopoly on violence, intimidation or lawlessness,’ the statement said.

The council called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police and relevant security agencies to investigate the incidents, apprehend those responsible, secure the release of the two DSS personnel allegedly abducted and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

‘We hereby give the relevant authorities 24 hours to rein in these rogue elements, secure the safety of our candidate and members, and commence decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice. Failure to do so will leave the leadership of our party with no option but to take further decisive and lawful steps to protect its members, defend its political rights and safeguard our democracy,’ it said.

‘Nigeria cannot afford to descend into an era where state-funded security outfits are deployed as instruments of political persecution. ADC will resist every attempt to silence the opposition through violence and intimidation,’ the statement added.

Can a 10 year old be a father

A male can impregnate a woman as soon as he begins manufacturing sperm. So, 9, 10, 11. And a female can be impregnated as soon as eggs start rolling out of the warehouse (fun fact if you didn’t know; women are born with every egg they’ll ever produce, already pre loaded in their ovaries) So technically speaking, neither age is relevant.

Once puberty hits both genders, babies can be made. It becomes a question of morality at that point. But to answer your question specifically, anywhere between 9 years old and whenever he dies (100 years, 120 years. Although, a 120 year old impregnating a 29 year old would probably kill him)