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Halloween events and more to end October, welcome November

October finally comes to a close, but not without leaving a few frights on it way out the door.

Filipinos around the country will be preparing their costumes for Halloween this Saturday, and the next couple of days pay their respects to their dearly departed.

Halloween events will be ringing around the Philippines, plus some other fun activities on the side.

Tricks and treats

Just in time for Intramuros allowing the use of cameras again, the night walks of “Echoes in the Shadows” take place on October 30 and 31 for people to experience Old Manila during the spookiest time of year.

On Halloween proper within the walled city, the “Intramumu” street party will turn Magallenes Drive into a massive night of music, costumes and scary fun.

One can expect similar parties at The Palace, Spirits Library, Uma Nota, Nokal, 12 Monkeys, McKinley Whisky Park and Manila Yacht Club

Visitors will get 50% off admission to Museo Pambata in Manila this October 30 if they dress up as a character from Philippine folklore, as part of the museum’s “Mumuseo” initiative to celebrate local myths and legends.

The cinema club of Sari Sari Bar in Makati is hosting “Twi-night” on the same day, where fans can enjoy the films about Edward Cullen, Bella Swan and Jacob Black.

McDonald’s will have a two-part “Aura Maxxing Grand Halloween Party” at Makati’s The Space at One Ayala as the fast food chain gets into the spooky spirit.

Around Araneta City is a series of Halloween events like the “Eternal Guardians” costume contest and course, trick-or-treating, though the Parolan continues to welcome customers at the Expo Centro Parking.

Who said Halloween ends when the clock strikes midnight? The “Run For Your Life” zombie marathon will take place in Intramuros in the early hours of November 1 where “the undead” chase racers to the finish line.

Outside of the scares, Janine Berdin leads the special guest line-up at Pixel Loot Fair creator marketplace this October 31 in Mandaluyong’s Podium Hall, offering opportunities to meet creators and score limited edition merchandise.

Shows continue

Pop star Zara Larsson takes her “Midnight Sun” tour to the Araneta Coliseum on October 30, returning to the Philippines in nearly a decade, while Korean actor Hwang In-youp hosts a fan meeting in the nearby New Frontier Theater on the same day.

Local rock band Autoletic marks the 10th anniversary of its debut album “Papunta Pabalik” with a show in Mandaluyong’s 123 Block Mandala Park on October 31, celebrating the release that introduced hits like “Languyin” and “Laro.”

Also doing a Halloween gig this year is Rob Deniel at the Viva Cafe in Quezon City, as well as Thai artist Charlotte Austin at Taguig’s Maybank Performing Arts Theater.

“Harry Potter: A Yule Ball Celebration” and Repertory Philippines’ “Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper” continue their runs at The Space at Solaire and REP Eastwood Theater in Quezon City, respectively.

Gary Valenciano closes his “Back at the Museum” series at the Music Museum in Greenhills on October 30 and 31 while “Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” end its run at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

2027: We’ll continue to convince Nigerians to re-elect Tinubu – Senator Yari

Former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC), Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has said Nigerians would be convinced to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a fresh mandate in next January’s presidential election.

Senator Yari reaffirmed the commitment of the APC-PCC to securing the buy-in of the Nigerian electorate for Tinubu’s second-term aspiration while speaking with journalists in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where he had joined President Tinubu, alongside other eminent Nigerians, to perform the Muslim lesser Hajj, Umrah.

Checks revealed that President Tinubu, during a media chat in Saudi Arabia on Friday, said he had enormous faith in God to be re-elected as president.

‘I believe that Allah’s wish in His court must prevail. And there’s no other God but Allah.

‘Allah is the only one who can define a human being, what he will be, and what he will become,’ Tinubu had declared.

Speaking with journalists at the weekend, the APC-PCC DG noted that President Tinubu’s faith in God, his record of performance and the capacity of the campaign organisations to win the hearts of the electorate would swing votes in Tinubu’s favour and ultimately secure his victory.

He said: ‘That’s what makes a leader, because when you ask him, he first prayed for the country, prayed for every Nigerian, and also said this election is an election in which God has selected the person who will be a leader, and only He can make someone a leader or otherwise.

‘So, in total, I depend on Allah to do it for him as He did it for him in 2023. By that, Allah says we should welcome and work, and that all the procedures we are undertaking to campaign, talk to people, convince them, and show them what we have done and achieved will, by God’s grace, convince people to elect us.’

Isko to elderly: Visit cemeteries on off-peak days

With more than a million visitors anticipated for Undas at the Manila North Cemetery (MNC), Mayor Isko Moreno is advising senior citizens to consider coming on off-peak days to avoid health risks amid large crowds.

‘The weather is very humid. This may cause hardship to the elderly visitors’ health. As we all know, we have El Niño upon us,’ Moreno said.

City health officer Grace Padilla suggested that visitors wear light clothing and to bring refreshments and protection against possible rain.

Padilla echoed Moreno’s appeal for the vulnerable population to wear face masks amid large crowds, as influenza-like illnesses may spread in densely packed areas.

MNC director Daniel Tan said the city government deployed 100 e-tricycles to offer free rides to visitors, making their movements around the 54-hectare cemetery easier. The e-tricycles will be available only until today.

At the Manila South Cemetery, road closures were imposed along Kalayaan Avenue, South Avenue, Vito Cruz Avenue Extension and Pililla Street.

Moreno reiterated that liquor, sharp objects, firearms, noise equipment and pets are prohibited inside the memorial grounds.

‘Our intention is to make this occasion solemn. A time for families to come together, visit the graves of their departed loved ones and pray for the peace of their souls,’ Moreno said.

In Malabon, the city government opened a new crematory and interment facility at the Tugatog Public Cemetery.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the inauguration yesterday to provide residents with additional facilities for cremation, funeral services and interment.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon led officials in inspecting the NAIA to ensure the safety, security and convenience of passengers, as part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.

Office for Transportation Security administrator Gilberto DC Cruz said the OTS has intensified security measures and strengthened its coordination with law enforcement agencies and airport operators to ensure a unified approach to airport security.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has set up more than 80 LTFRB help desks at bus stations and other public land transportation hubs across the country.

Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the help desk is tasked to provide basic information on travel schedules and provide assistance, especially to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

‘Our personnel manning the help desks were instructed to extend all the courtesy and assistance especially to those with special needs,’ Pua said.

Millions of passengers are expected to troop to bus stations and other major transportation hubs to go to their home provinces for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Dead whale shark beached in Bacolod

A dead whale shark measuring between six to seven meters and weighing about four tons was found along the shore in this city yesterday morning.

The whale shark or butanding was found at around 4 a.m. by fishermen along the coast of Sitio Magsungay in Barangay Singcang-Airport. It bore injuries in the head and tail.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of death of the marine mammal.

Lt.JG. Zindy Firmilo, chief of the Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod substation, expressed belief that the whale was male.

Due to the size and weight of the whale, it will be difficult to move or transport the carcass for proper disposal, Firmilo said.

He said the whale shark may have to be cut into sections to facilitate its extraction and burial.

The carcass may be buried at a sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa, subject to appropriate clearances and disposal procedures.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has reportedly allowed the city government to proceed with disposal of the dead whale shark.

New local golf show tees off Sunday, brings the sport closer to fans

Golf is enjoying a remarkable surge in popularity in the Philippines, with more Filipinos taking up the sport, driving ranges drawing enthusiastic crowds week after week and a growing number of newcomers discovering the challenge, excitement and pleasures of life on the fairways.

Now, there’s a new show ready to bring them even closer to the game.

“That Golf Show”, a comprehensive all-access pass to the fascinating and ever-expanding world of golf, makes its television debut on Sunday, November 1, promising an exciting mix of news, tournament action, personalities, equipment and everything else that makes the sport tick.

Airing on Bilyonaryo News Channel at 10:30 a.m., the program aims to be a must-watch for die-hard golf enthusiasts, weekend players, aspiring young golfers and even those just beginning to discover the sport.

From the biggest tournaments on the men’s professional circuit to the exciting competitions in women’s and junior golf, That Golf Show will take viewers right into the heart of the action. It will also cover the latest developments in golf courses, the newest must-have equipment and innovations and the personalities, stories and events shaping the game both in the Philippines and around the world.

Whether it’s following the exploits of the world’s leading professionals, keeping tabs on the country’s rising golf talents, finding out what’s new in golf equipment or simply learning more about a sport that continues to attract an increasingly diverse following, the show promises something for everyone.

Its arrival comes at an opportune time. Since the pandemic, golf has gained considerable traction among Filipinos, with driving ranges and golf facilities enjoying sustained interest and attracting players of all ages and skill levels. For many, it has become more than just a sport – a welcome outdoor pursuit, a fitness activity, a social outlet and an opportunity to build lasting friendships.

For longtime golfers, That Golf Show offers another avenue to stay connected with the sport they love. For beginners and those still contemplating taking up the game, it offers a window into golf’s many attractions and an accessible way to get acquainted with its personalities, competitions, equipment and culture.

The pilot episode will put the spotlight on the Philippine Golf Tour’s South Pacific Classic, held at the South Pacific Golf and Country Club in Davao City.

Viewers can relive the highlights of the four-day men’s competition and the three-day women’s championship, with both divisions producing thrilling finishes that made for an exciting showcase of Philippine professional golf.

The program will bring viewers the key moments, decisive shots and dramatic turns that shaped the tournament, offering a closer look at the players and performances that made the Davao stop memorable.

Following its premiere, That Golf Show will have replay telecasts on Mondays at 5 a.m. and Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

The program will also be available through the Tiebreaker Times Facebook page and YouTube channel, giving golf fans additional opportunities to catch the action.

With its wide-ranging coverage and appeal to both seasoned players and newcomers, That Golf Show is poised to become a fresh and welcome addition to Philippine golf programming – bringing the game, its people and its many stories closer to an audience that continues to grow.

Rains expected in parts of PH on Oct. 31

The low-pressure area (LPA) and two other weather systems are expected to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to parts of the country on Saturday, Oct. 30, the state weather bureau said.

In its weather advisory on Saturday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the trough of the LPA may bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over the Visayas, Mindanao, Bicol Region, and Mimaropa.

As of 4 a.m., the LPA was located 320 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

‘And we anticipate that once this low-pressure area we are monitoring approaches the Visayas islands, it might dissipate,’ Pagasa weather specialist Obet Badrina said during the 5 a.m. weather advisory.

‘However, we expect this to bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers, lightning, and thunder,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Typhoon In-Fa remained outside the Philippine area of responsibility and was spotted 2,245 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon.

The typhoon had maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 205 kph. It was moving northwestward at 25 kph.

Pagasa also said the shear line, or the convergence of winds from the northern and southern hemispheres, may affect Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon.

The weather system is expected to bring gloomy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms over the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon, or amihan, may bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains over the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the rest of Cagayan Valley.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon may generally experience fair weather, although isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms are possible by Saturday afternoon.

NBA Cup: LeBron James helps 76ers beat Knicks again

LeBron James scored 20 points and hit the go-ahead fadeaway late, and Tyrese Maxey had 27 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 98-93 win over the New York Knicks in an NBA Cup group game on Friday night.

In yet another packed house in Philadelphia with a lively playoff feel, Jalen Brunson hit a 3-pointer for a 90-89 lead with 1:32 that got the first significant rise of the Knicks fans who made the trip.

James then capped his best game of the season with the go-ahead bucket with 1:10 remaining and V.J Edgecombe buried an insurance 3-pointer for the four-point lead. James sealed the win with a tip-in and nearly pulled off a triple-double with nine rebounds and eight assists.

The 76ers are already 2-0 this season against the NBA champion Knicks after beating them in New York on opening night in James’ debut.

Brunson, who appeared to roll an ankle late, scored 24 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 for the Knicks.

New York beat San Antonio last season in the Cup final, and the Knicks went on to beat the Spurs in the title series as well.

The Sixers are off to a 5-1 start even with their regular starting five having started together only three times this season. Jaylen Brown missed a game for the first time this season with left knee soreness, leaving Maxey the lone player to start every game. The Sixers did not say if Brown was expected to miss any more games.

The 41-year-old James had perhaps his best game yet as a Sixer and flashed some of his old MVP form. He bullied his way past Mikal Bridges in the post for a bucket in the first half and chased down OG Anunoby for a blocked shot in the third that proved he’s still got elite game when the Sixers need him most.

With fan support sky high with James’ arrival and the championship expectations that followed, Sixers fans seemed to keep their tickets off the resale market. Knicks fans only dotted the arena compared to last season’s playoff series, when Spike Lee and the rest of the fan base took over Xfinity Mobile Arena.

There were scattered ‘MVP!’ chants for Brunson when he went to the free-throw line late in the quarter. They were quickly and thunderously drowned out by boos from Philly fans.

58 rescued as roro vessel tilts off Quezon

Fifty-eight people including passengers and crewmembers were rescued when a roll-on roll-off vessel tilted near a port in this town shortly after midnight yesterday.

The incident involving the motor vessel Virgen de Peñafrancia II occurred at around 12:45 a.m. some 10 meters away from the port of Ungos.

Responding personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) evacuated all 40 passengers and 18 crewmembers of the distressed vessel.

The municipal disaster risk reduction and management office said all passengers and crewmembers were in good physical condition.

Authorities said they spotted a thin oil sheen near the rear portion of the vessel.

The PCG said it would deploy spill booms to prevent a possible oil spill.

Ship operator Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc. said the Virgen de Peñafrancia II had just completed ramping operation when the ropes securing the vessel snapped due to strong water current.

The shipping firm gave assurance that it would coordinate with the PCG and other concerned authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mixta Africa introduces polo, equestrian lifestyle at Lakowe Lakes Estate

Mixta Africa, a pan-African real estate development company, has expanded its Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate in Lagos with the introduction of polo, equestrian facilities and new residential offerings, as it seeks to position the development as a broader leisure and lifestyle destination.

The new development, unveiled at an invitation-only event at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, on Friday, October 23, 2026, introduces polo and equestrian living to the established golf and residential community.

The event attracted more than 200 invited guests and marked a new phase in the evolution of Lakowe Lakes, bringing together residential living, sporting activities, leisure and hospitality within a country-estate setting.

The expanded development features a regulation polo field, stables, a training field, paddock, clubhouse and crescent lake, alongside a collection of residential properties designed around the polo and equestrian environment.

The new residential offering includes premium villas, loft terraces and apartments, with selected homes overlooking the polo field and lake.

Speaking at the launch, Mixta Africa Chief Executive Officer, Deji Alli, said the development reflected the company’s commitment to creating long-term value through projects that combine residential property with lifestyle and leisure experiences.

Delivering a keynote address titled ‘The Courage to Build: Vision, Execution and Enduring Value,’ Alli said successful real estate development required a long-term vision and disciplined execution.

‘My message is simple: building something of lasting value requires the courage to see beyond the present, the discipline to execute and the responsibility to create value that endures,’ he said.

‘Our ambition is not simply to sell property, but to build a destination that gives people compelling reasons to choose it.’

Alli explained that the latest expansion builds on Mixta Africa’s long-term vision for Lakowe Lakes, which goes beyond developing individual residential properties to establishing an integrated destination where housing, recreation, landscape and community life complement one another.

He said the new proposition was designed around the relationship between residential living, sport, leisure, wellness and community, offering prospective homeowners additional lifestyle attractions.

According to the company, the launch also generated initial ownership discussions around the expanded residential collection, which will be released in phases as the development progresses.

The introduction of polo and equestrian facilities represents an extension of Lakowe Lakes’ existing golf offering, adding another sporting and recreational dimension to the estate.

Mixta Africa said the development builds on its experience in delivering residential communities and its established presence at Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate.

Established in 2005, Mixta Africa has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate sector, with over 30,000 homes delivered across Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire.

2027: Adeleke, Oyetola set aside differences to back Tinubu

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Saturday unveiled 30 campaign vehicles donated to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The vehicles were donated by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, through the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement.

The event, held in Osogbo, Osun State, attracted supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party.

Other attendees included APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; Accord Party Chairman in Osun, Victor Akande; Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; and other political leaders.

Osun Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, read Adeleke’s address at the event. The governor praised supporters from different political parties for working together to secure Tinubu’s re-election.

Adeleke said the alliance was formed specifically to support Tinubu’s second-term bid. He urged members of the coalition to put aside past disagreements and work together to secure between 1.5 million and two million votes for the President.

He, however, clarified that the agreement did not cover legislative elections.

According to him, members of the coalition would support Tinubu in the presidential election but remain free to campaign for their respective candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

Adeleke also urged campaign members to take their message to communities across Osun State and explain the benefits of the Federal Government’s projects and economic reforms.

Speaking on behalf of Oyetola, the APC candidate in the last Osun governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, said Tinubu’s re-election campaign was gaining support across party lines.

He described Adeleke’s role in coordinating the Rainbow Campaign Council as evidence that the President’s re-election was more important than individual political interests.

Oyebamiji said the APC was targeting 1.5 million votes for Tinubu in Osun State, adding that the goal could be achieved through unity and effective mobilisation.

He also urged voters to support APC candidates contesting legislative seats.

Basiru called on Osun residents to support Tinubu in 2027, citing government initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and federal road projects in the state. These include the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan Expressway, Osogbo-Gbongan Expressway and Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan roads.

The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Dr Kestin Pondi, who represented Tompolo, said the vehicles came with speakers, generators and amplifiers to support grassroots campaigning.

Pondi urged Osun State to deliver all its votes for Tinubu, adding that more resources would be provided to strengthen the campaign.

The Osun coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Timothy Olanrewaju, also promised that the group would work to secure maximum support for the President.

Despite the alliance, Adeleke and Oyetola have maintained some distance from each other. Their differences were also noticeable during the recent inauguration of the Osun State Presidential Campaign Council, which Oyetola and several APC leaders did not attend.