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Political survival, not compassion

What were they thinking?

Barely two weeks after massive protest rallies expressed nationwide outrage over substandard or nonexistent flood control projects that showed the possible involvement of several senators in the anomalous deals, 15 senators signed a resolution urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to put former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest ‘for humanitarian reasons.’

Duterte, 80, is under ICC custody in The Hague and is facing trial for crimes against humanity for the thousands of extrajudicial killings during his brutal war on drugs. Based on official data, more than 6,200 suspects were killed during police drug raids, although critics and rights groups put the figure closer to 30,000.

Citing Duterte’s advanced age and deteriorating health, the resolution introduced by Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano also asked the ICC to assign the detainee a doctor to determine his fitness to stand trial. The other senators who voted for the resolution were Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, Joel Villanueva, Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Erwin Tulfo, Joseph ‘JV’ Ejercito, Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson, and Mark Villar.

Senators Risa Hontiveros, Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino, and Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan voted against the resolution, while Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto and Sen. Raffy Tulfo abstained.

Tone-deaf response

Could the resolution be a well-timed distraction from the Senate blue ribbon committee probe that threatened to incriminate more senators until it was suspended last week? At the very least, the resolution is a tone-deaf response to the people’s demand for transparency and accountability in the corrupted government projects that had sunk lives and livelihood among vulnerable sectors.

The resolution is a slap in the face of the victims’ families, who are forced to seek justice outside of their own country precisely because of the indifference of government officials. As Hontiveros pointed out, the resolution is further proof of how our laws are harsh against ordinary citizens, but lenient and forgiving toward the powerful. Asked the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates: Why ‘prioritize Duterte’s comfort while ignoring clear injustices against political prisoners?’

Rights groups noted the hypocrisy of the Senate that turned a blind eye to the search for justice among Duterte’s victims. ‘The Senate has undertaken no concrete measures to assist the families of victims . No action. No accountability. No compassion,’ pointed out the group Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services.

Political intrusion

Several rights groups said the Senate resolution only aims to ‘shield power’ while ‘spit[ting] on the memory of the thousands of Filipinos slaughtered in Duterte’s so-called war on drugs . Instead of accountability, the Senate has chosen denial,’ it added.

For all its compassionate posturing, the resolution is a futile attempt because the ICC now has jurisdiction over Duterte, and is ‘insulated’ from the ‘special arrangements’ that the Senate is requesting for him. ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti also noted that the resolution is ‘patently self-serving,’ and could even be ‘counterproductive,’ in that the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ‘will only consider matters of fact and law.’ In fact, she added, ‘this move could backfire if the court sees this as political intrusion and a form of undermining its independence.’

At the same time, ‘the ICC may also see this as conclusive proof that the Dutertes still exercise significant political clout nationwide [especially] in Davao, which is why he cannot simply go home there,’ Conti said, echoing fears that the former president and his allies still wield considerable influence and could threaten victims and complainants.

Personal ambition

Proof of such influence is the recent Golden Pillar of Law award given to Duterte by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines no less. While the award is given to lawyers who have reached 50 years of legal service, the IBP grossly overlooked how the former president had flouted due process in his extrajudicial killings and weaponized the law to silence his critics. How can the IBP ignore how this awardee had trampled the very institution it represents?

The Duterte factor figures strongly as well in the Senate resolution that reflects the partisan politics behind it. With President Marcos midway into his term, the senator-signatories seem to want to curry favors with Vice President Sara Duterte, seen as a leading contender in the 2028 presidential race. Instead of showcasing compassion, the resolution is clearly a naked bid for political survival. Putting their personal ambition above public interest should consign these senators to house arrest themselves on ‘humanitarian grounds.’ That is, to give Filipinos a chance to rebuild the democratic processes and justice system their lawmakers incessantly tried to demolish.

The Sound and the Fury: How a ghost of a melody proved me right all along

It was a phantom echo. A musical déja vu that lodged itself in the back of my mind, a nagging question that I couldn’t shake off. Back on July 19, 2016, I fired off a column for this very section, musing on the undeniable, almost haunting similarity between Gracenote’s ‘Taciturn’ and Metric’s ‘Youth Without Youth.’

The melody – specifically that repeating, infectious keyboard riff – was too close for comfort among other strong musical similarities between the two songs. It was as if the very essence, the musical identity, and ‘soul’ of ‘Youth Without Youth’ by Metric existed within that of ‘Taciturn’ by Gracenote. How is that even possible?

For a music aficionado and music historian like myself, for someone who lives and breathes the minutiae of sonic construction, instrumental arrangement, and music theory, it wasn’t a matter of if, but how this happened. And to be frank, I caught some flak for it. In fact, forget mere ‘flak,’ I was bombarded with a ton of hate, bashing, and threats for it. Funny how things work, right? Haha. Then, to add to the sometimes-caustic ecosystem of online comments, I was accused of overreaching, of hearing things, of being a ‘hater’ for drawing a comparison between a rising Filipino band and an indie rock powerhouse from Canada.

But I never wavered. I knew what I heard. I, in fact, had back then, and still do have many friends who are artists and musicians themselves, and some are even icons in the local scene, recording industry, and OPM, listen to and watch the respective music videos of ‘Taciturn’ by Gracenote and ‘Youth Without Youth’ by Metric, back to back, and do their own comparison as well. They all backed up my analysis, assessment, and observation that the two songs are too eerily similar to each other in every way, and they gave me the strength, courage, and backing to go forward and put out that important article because it was the right thing to do. It was a matter of principle. I felt it was my duty to do what had to be done.

Take note: ‘Youth Without Youth’ by Metric was made and released in 2012, and ‘Taciturn’ by Gracenote in 2016. All it takes is common sense, connecting the dots, and adding it up. It does not take a rocket scientist to know what happened and how it happened that their song ended up sounding nearly identical to that of Metric’s.

Why so?

Because let’s face it, music isn’t born in a vacuum. It’s an intricate tapestry woven from influences, conscious or otherwise. And sometimes, that influence becomes a little too heavy-handed, a little too transparent. But in this one particular instance, the resemblance was simply too uncanny to ignore.

Fast forward all these years later, and the ghost of that melody has finally spoken. Time, the ultimate truth-teller, has done its work. The online discourse, once filled with dissent and accusations, has shifted. Slowly but surely, more and more listeners, both casual and critical, have heard the same thing I did. A quick visit to YouTube or a trip down a Reddit music thread reveals comments and posts discussing the same comparison, often linking back to that very article. The melody is still there, echoing across the digital ether, a testament to what my ears – and my gut – told me all along. I knew in my heart, in my gut feel and conscience that it was the correct decision for me to have put out that crucial piece because I prayed for an answer, and I got it. I braved the storms for it because in the end, I knew it would result in a greater good for everyone!

This isn’t about bragging rights. It’s not about being a ‘music snob’ or reveling in some kind of ‘I told you so’ moment, or, what’s more, being mislabeled as a so-called ‘hater.’ I am not that shallow, I am not that narrow-minded, and my frame of thinking is never one that can be pigeon-holed. Simply put, this is all about vindication for the discerning listener. It’s a quiet victory for anyone who wholeheartedly believes without compromise that artistic integrity and originality are cornerstones of a great piece of music. It’s a testament to the fact that you shouldn’t be afraid to call out what you see, or in this case, what you hear.

My passion for music is not just about celebration; it’s about dissection, about analysis, about holding a mirror up to the art form I love. And when I held that mirror up to Gracenote’s ‘Taciturn,’ I saw a reflection of Metric’s ‘Youth Without Youth’ staring back.

Did Gracenote copy Metric? I’m not a judge, and this isn’t a courtroom. The answer lies in the ears of the beholder, but the mounting chorus of agreement with my initial observation in that article of mine speaks volumes. For a long time, it felt like I was shouting into the void. Today, it feels like the void is finally shouting back, and it’s confirming my suspicion.

San Miguel tops Forbes’ Philippine ‘Best Employers’ list

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) was named the Philippines’ top employer by Forbes Magazine, besting more than 900 others in the country.

The conglomerate led by billionaire Ramon Ang ranked No. 42 in Forbes’ 2025 ‘World’s Best Employers,’ rising 47 notches from its ranking last year. SMC is in the business of infrastructure, energy and food and currently has more than 56,000 employees.

Ayala Corp. came second at No. 139.

Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey more than 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries.

Participants were asked how likely they were to recommend their employer to family and friends. They rated their companies based on salary, career advancement opportunities, work-life balance and reputation. /rwd

Brenda Mage experiences magnitude-7.4 earthquake while vlogging in Davao

Brenda Mage was in shock as he was filming a house-tour vlog when the magnitude-7.4 earthquake jolted Davao Oriental this morning.

As seen in the video shared by the comedian and ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ alum on his Facebook page on Friday, Oct. 10, he had just arrived in the house where he was staying when the quake happened.

Brenda Mage was showing the home interior when he suddenly paused because of the shake. He then ran outside and shouted to alert his companions. The group then opted to stay in front of the house as they waited for the quake to stop.

‘Habang nag-vlog ako for house tour dito sa Davao, biglang yumanig ang lupa. Ang lakas,’ he said. ‘Lord, sana wala nang kasunod na mas malakas.’

(While I was vlogging a house tour here in Davao, the ground suddenly shook. It was powerful. Lord, I pray that no stronger quake will happen.)

In a separate post, the comedian said he is in Davao to visit a wake.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the tremor was centered 62 kilometers southeast of Manay town, Davao Oriental, and struck at 9:43 a.m

’Malutong na mura’: Anthony Taberna claps back at Pinky Amador

Radio host Anthony Taberna hit back at Pinky Amador after the actress took a swipe at the broadcaster’s store.

Pinky recently went viral in video showing her walking towards a Ka Tunying kiosk in an undisclosed location.

Upon approaching the kiosk, she turned to the camera and while pointing to a signage quipped, “Bibili sana ako ng fake news.”

“Ingat po tayong lahat sa mga papapakin natin. Maging mapanuri sa mga balita, iwasan ang pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon,” Pinky wrote on the caption of her clip uploaded on her Instagram and Facebook pages accompanied by hashtags for satire, Laban Sa Fake News, and Kurakot Ikulong.

On his own Facebook account, Anthony clarified to Pinky that there are no fake news to be bought at his Ka Tunying stores.

“Ma’am Pinky Amador, wala pong fake news sa amin,” he quipped briefly. “Pero try niyo po ang MALUTONG na MURA pa na rice crackers.”

In a separate post, Anthony share a photo of his restaurant with customers lining up, thanking them for “patronizing faith news.”

’Prime Energy going all-in on Philippines gas exploration’

Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. is not hitting the brakes on its gas investments, reaffirming a commitment to boosting the country’s indigenous power production.

‘We are definitely going all-in to generate more indigenous energy,’ Prime Energy president and CEO Donnabel Kuizon Cruz said at a recent energy forum.

Cruz highlighted the role of gas-fired power plants as a bridge fuel that facilitates the shift away from coal, while supporting the growing integration of renewable energy sources.

‘In this era of energy transition, where risks are real and opportunities are emerging across a shifting power map, our task is clear: to make our very own Filipino gas a bridge that unifies the industry and serves as a force for good for Filipinos,’ Cruz said.

Prime Energy is the operator of the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project, the country’s first and only indigenous gas field in offshore Palawan.

The company, along with its consortium partners Prime Oil and Gas Inc., UC38 LLC and PNOC Exploration Corp., has set aside $893 million to extend the Malampaya field’s production life.

The Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) project, one of the country’s largest upstream energy investments in over a decade, involves drilling two new deepwater wells and a new exploration field in a bid to deliver a new gas supply next year.

‘Through the collective efforts of brave Filipinos, the runway has been set for a new era of exploration in the Philippines. MP4, the first project of an all-Filipino-led consortium, is the first step,’ Cruz said.

Beyond strengthening the country’s power supply, Cruz said the Malampaya field has emerged as a key revenue generator for the government.

Since 2001, the Malampaya project has generated around $13.9 billion in revenues for the government, according to Prime Energy.

Marby’s World Bread Day Festival shows why its new Superloaf is a must-try

This World Bread Day, proudly Filipino bread brand Marby is taking center stage at the Mall of Asia (MOA) with a celebration like no other.

Mark your calendars because on October 16, families from all over are invited to experience the Marby World Bread Day Festival, a one-of-a-kind event that promises delicious food, fun activities and unforgettable moments.

The festival is a celebration of Filipino family and food culture, featuring Marby’s upgraded Superloaf, now mas pina-siksik, mas pina-pino, mas pina-malambot at mas pinasarap. This is the company’s commitment to giving Filipino families the best quality for their daily meals.

For almost 50 years, Marby has been a part of Filipino households. Bread has always been at the core of every Filipino home, and the new Superloaf represents Marby’s dedication to that legacy.

This year’s World Bread Day celebration is the brand’s way of reconnecting with its community and reaffirming its place as the top choice for every family’s daily bread.

Visitors to the Marby World Bread Day Festival at MOA can expect a full day of family-friendly fun, hosted by Trina Legaspi-Jarina. Also known by her childhood nickname ‘Hopia,’ Trina first gained fame as a child star on the ABS-CBN hit show Goin’ Bulilit.

Her journey from child star to devoted wife and mother makes her the perfect host for a celebration that’s all about family, food and togetherness.

Highlights of the day include:

Interactive kid zones with games and activities

A live cooking demo by chef Marky, showcasing creative and tasty ways to enjoy Marby’s Superloaf at home

A special appearance by celebrity Dimples Romana, who will share her thoughts on family, food and why the Superloaf is set to become a household favorite

Exclusive treats and surprises for attendees

Marby’s World Bread Day celebration is designed to be a memorable experience, building on the shared joy of food and family. It’s an opportunity to discover your family’s new favorite bread and celebrate a brand that is truly rooted in Filipino tradition.

So, gather your loved ones and head to Mall of Asia this October 16. Come hungry, come curious and discover why Marby’s Superloaf deserves a place at your family’s table.

Jennifer Lopez eyes Oscar glory in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’

Oscar-winning filmmaker Bill Condon shifts to another popular stage piece by John Kander and Fred Ebb, “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” this time with Jennifer Lopez as his muse.

The musical “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is based on the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig about cellmates in an Argentine prison, one a homosexual and the other a revolutionary, and the bond they form.

Condon uses the movies, specifically one film, as the source of the two inmates (played by Diego Luna and Tonatiuh Elizarraraz) which stars Lopez as the fictional actress Ingrid Luna.

The movie-within-the-movie is also named “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” where Lopez’s Luna plays Aurora while Luna and Elizarraraz take on dual roles, centering on the secret romance between Aurora and Luna’s other character Armando.

In the main storyline, Elizarraraz’s Molina is secretly spying on Luna’s Valentin to aid authorities end the revolution, but recounting Molina’s favorite movie and their idolization of Luna only brings the two closer.

Condon clearly has a connection to Kander and Ebb having won an Adapted Screenplay Oscar for 2002’s “Chicago,” a film that elements of appear in this new take as with another Kander and Ebb creation “Cabaret.”

That sets a high standard as “Cabaret” remains beloved and “Chicago” is the last musical to win the Best Picture Oscar, and it shows in how Condon chooses to present “Kiss of the Spider Woman.”

The filmmaker does everything he can to separate reality from fantasy, even taking out many of the songs set within the prison cell, and from a visual standpoint with the help of cinematographer and frequent collaborator Tobias A. Schliessler.

The best distinction in the latter is the impressive use of color, shining the most in the production design of Scott Chambliss, whose fantastical sets are reminiscent of “Singin’ in the Rain” and the epilogue of “La La Land.”

Also a standout in front of the camera are the costumes of Oscar winner Colleen Atwood, especially in the many dresses Lopez dons, no matter her character.

But tying everything together are the performances of Lopez, Luna and relative newcomer Elizarraraz (professionally known as Tonatiuh).

A star in her own right appearing in roles meant for her, this is easily Lopez’s best role since 2018’s “Hustlers.”

It’s a hard feat to match the late great Raul Julia (who played Valetin in a 1985 dramatic feature adaptation) but Luna, best known for “Y Tu Mama Tambien” and “Andor,” delivered the work and gave the depth required for Valentin.

On equal footing is Tonatiuh giving a remarkable performance that would make the late William Hurt, who won the Best Actor Oscar for playing Molina, proud.

Having a queer actor portraying Molina adds more to the authenticity that Puig had in his original story, and both Luna and Tonatiuh do well to keep it tight within the small changes Condon makes.

That may lead to some divisiveness on how this adaptation is received, but it can’t be denied that Lopez owns scenes whenever the camera is locked on her, and with Luna allow Tonatiuh to shine as Molina.

In many ways, this may be Lopez’s redemption tour, a star-in-the-making turn for Tonatiuh, and another fitting tribute to Ebb, Terrence McNally (the writer of the original musical), and the very first Aurora on stage Chita Rivera.

MMFF 2025: ‘Bar Boys’ sequel, Angelica Panganiban comeback film among final entries

The sequel to “Bar Boys” and the feature film return of Angelica Panganiban highlight the second batch of entries for the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The final four films were announced at an event in the University of Makati hosted once more by Jervi “KaladKaren” Wrightson and Enchong Dee, accompanied by host-beauty queen Ivy Nuqui.

After a recap of the four screenplays that were selected for the first batch (and are in the middle of completion), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Atty. Ron Artes announced the four completed films to round up the 2025 line-up:

Romance film “I’m Perfect” by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, starring Kristel Go, Earl Amaba, Sylvia Sanchez, Lorna Tolentino, Janice de Belen, Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez, and Zaijan Jaranilla;

Romance film “Love You So Bad” by Mae Cruz Alviar, starring Bianca de Vera, Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, Xyriel Manabat, Nour Hooshmand and Ralph de Leon;

Drama movie “UnMarry” by Jeffrey Jeturian, starring Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Eugene Domingo, Solenn Heussaff, Donna Cariaga, Sharmaine Buencamino, Jervi Wrightson, Adrienne Vergara, Tom Rodriguez, Nico Antonio, Zack Sibug;

Drama-comedy “Bar Boys: After School” by Kip Oebanda, starring Carlo Aquino, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda, Kean Cipriano, Odette Khan, Sassa Gurl, Therese Malvar, Glaiza de Castro, Klarisse de Guzman, Will Ashley and Benedix Ramos

“Bar Boys: After School” has Carlo, Rocco, Enzo, Kean and Odette returning to reprise their roles from the 2017 original film.

“UnMarry” will see Angelica back on the big screen for the first time since 2021’s “Love or Money” and returning to the MMFF after over a decade, having last joining in 2012’s “One More Try” which also starred Zanjoe.

“Love You So Bad” features the love-triangle trio of “Pinoy Big Brother” stars Bianca, Will (who also stars in “Bar Boys: After Hours”), and Dustin Yu accompanied by fellow housemate Ralph.

Much like how the housemates’ season was a collaboration, “Love You So Bad” is produced by the Philippines’ leading studios – Star Cinema, GMA Pictures and Regal Entertainment.

“I’m Perfect” has an ensemble of veteran actors like Sylvia, Lorna, and Janice, all of them supporting the two leads Kristel and Earl who are actors with Down syndrome.

These four films join the first batch of entries, initially chosen from 23 submitted scripts:

Comedy-drama “Call Me Mother,” starring Nadine Lustre and Vice Ganda, directed by Jun Robles Lana;

Family drama “Rekonek,” starring Carmina Villaroel, Gloria Diaz, Alexa Miro, Gerald Anderson, and Zoren Legazpi, directed by Jade Castro;

Crime-thriller “Manila’s Finest,” starring Piolo Pascual, directed by Rae Red;

Horror, “Shake Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins,” starring Ivana Alawi, Fyang Smith, Loisa Andalio, Ashley Ortega, Isabel Ortega, Elijah Alejo, Carla Abellana, Manilyn Reynes, Janice de Belen, Francine Diaz, Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, Seth Fedelin, Ryan Bang, JM Ibarra, Dustin Yu, directed by Shugo Praico, Joey de Guzman, Ian Loreños

Key dates to remember are the Parade of Stars on December 19 taking place in Makati, the theatrical start of the MMFF on December 25 (Christmas Day), and the Gabi ng Parangal on December 27.

Miller, Red Lions seek third win

The San Beda Red Lions program has tirelessly searched abroad for one talent they hope would end up as the key in unlocking their NCAA championship aspirations.

Janti Miller, an athletic wing from the Bay Area in California, could be it.

Miller has carried most of the load for San Beda in its first two wins and he is expected to do more when they battle an unpredictable Jose Rizal U today in NCAA Season 101 at the MOA Arena.

With the 21-year-old, 6-4 Miller doing most of the damage, the Lions have bested a pair of contenders in the St. Benilde Blazers and the Letran Knights, and are fancied for another win versus the Bombers in their 2:30 p.m. tiff.