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PH bets Marama Tokong, Jayuard Alciso bow out in World Surf League

Filipino wildcards John Mark ‘Marama’ Tokong and Jayuard Alciso dazzled the home crowd before seeing their campaigns come to an end in the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 on Monday morning.

Tokong bowed to Australian world No. 7 Ethan Ewing, while Alciso suffered a setback against familiar rival Kanoa Igarashi of Japan.

Fresh from a memorable win in his previous heat, the Siargao native known as the ‘King of Cloud 9’ tried to keep his momentum going but found himself up against a tough opponent in Ewing.

came away with 11.54 points, short of Ewing’s 14.50, as the Australian moved on to the next round.

Still, the defeat did little to take away from Tokong’s experience of competing against one of the surfers he had looked up to for years.

The Filipino admitted he felt surprisingly at ease sharing the lineup with Ewing, whom he considers one of his idols. He was also pleased to discover how friendly the Australian was outside the competition.

‘I got my hand. I was so comfortable, like when I was starting against this guy. He’s one of my idols. And I can’t believe he’s kind of like a friend. He’s very nice, and he knows what he’s doing,’ said Tokong.

For Tokong, the event was also an opportunity to see how far Siargao has come, with surfing helping put the island on the map and bringing in visitors from different parts of the world.

He hopes the close ties among residents and local businesses will remain as the island continues to attract tourists.

‘This island is so beautiful. Before, back then, all the travelers here, I was a surfer, and now there are so many people who know this place because of the waves, the island and especially the community here in Siargao. It’s so special, and this is why I love our island because the community is so good. The business community here on the island is really like we’re helping each other, and this is how important it is for me. I just wish that we’re going to keep going like this,’ added Tokong. Alciso, meanwhile, came close to making a late charge against Igarashi but ran out of time to turn the heat around. The Asian Games bronze medalist managed just 4.17 points on his final wave as the 30-minute heat came to a close, leaving him short of Igarashi’s 12.90 total.

Igarashi built his winning score with a 6.67 on his third wave and a 6.23 on his fourth, enough to keep Alciso at bay and secure his place in the next round.

Asian Games gold medalist Igarashi, meanwhile, had nothing but praise for Alciso, whom he faced in last month’s Asian Games, describing the Filipino as a talented surfer.

‘He’s such an amazing surfer. I was competing with him in the Asian Games last month and he’s such an amazing talent and he had such a good heat yesterday,’ said Igarashi.

Rice exports face mounting headwinds

Thailand’s rice exports are expected to miss the target of 7 million tonnes this year, even as shipments to Asian markets surge.

From January to September 2026, rice exports totalled 4.99 million tonnes, with a value of US$2.96 billion or 94.9 billion baht, according to the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT).

Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the DFT, said shipments to Asian markets have expanded significantly. Malaysia imported its highest volume of Thai rice in 20 years, while the Philippines increased imports by 263% year-on-year due to concerns over El Niño and efforts to strengthen food security.

In the first nine months, Thailand exported 1.71 million tonnes of rice to Asian countries, up 13.3% year-on-year. This figure was nearly equal to the 1.73 million tonnes shipped to Africa, reflecting a more balanced distribution of export markets, she said.

Key export markets that grew notably during the period included the Philippines, Malaysia, which gained 155% year-on-year, Hong Kong up 63%, and Mozambique, which rose 2%.

Despite this growth, total rice shipments may reach only 6.5 million tonnes this year, below the target of 7 million tonnes, said Ms Arada.

Exports to Iraq were affected by the war in the Middle East, which resulted in the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. In 2025, Thailand exported over 1 million tonnes of rice to Iraq.

Meanwhile, Indonesia stopped importing Thai rice this year as the country aims to increase domestic consumption.

Exports of Thai hom mali rice to the US were affected by tariffs, while demand has weakened due to high inflation in that country.

Perhaps as a result of trade talks, Japan has increased rice imports from the US.

Thai white rice 5% is more expensive than competing varieties, at around $480 per tonne, compared with $420 for Vietnamese rice and $388 for Indian rice.

The DFT plans to accelerate rice exports by organising trade missions and meetings with importers in key markets, including Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines and Africa.

The agency is also organising international rice conferences and participating in trade exhibitions to strengthen business ties, promote Thai rice quality and secure new orders.

For tapioca exports, Thailand shipped 3.24 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2026, down from 7.22 million tonnes year-on-year, attributed to weak demand, supply shortages caused by low production yields, and border closures with Cambodia.

Restoration works on frescos and iconostasis of historic Apostle Varnavas Monastery completed

Restoration works on the frescoes and the wooden carved iconostasis of the historic Monastery of the Apostle Varnavas in Engomi, Famagusta, has been completed.

According to Dr. Sotos Ktoris, Greek Cypriot Co-Chair of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, in addition, maintenance and waterproofing works of the roof were also completed so as to protect the monument from moisture and deterioration.

The frescoes, he notes, are the work of the early 20th century by the three monk brothers Chariton, Stefanos and Varnavas, originally from Afania, and depict scenes from the ecclesiastical tradition regarding the finding of the relics of the Apostle Varnavas and its connection with the recognition of the autocephaly of the Church of Cyprus.

The project was co-financed by the European Union and implemented under the supervision of the UNDP.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively. Following the Turkish invasion many historical and religious monuments were destroyed.

Omonia 29M, Aris and APOEL claim wins in eighth round of Cyprus League

Omonia 29M claimed a 1-0 win over Nea Salamina at the Katokopia- Epistrofi ‘Glafkos Clerides’ Stadium, where they were the home side. Aris defeated Anorthosis 2-1 at home, while APOEL secured a 2-1 away victory over Omonia Aradippou.

In the other matches of the round, Omonia beat AEL 2-0 at the GSP Stadium. In the Limassol derby, Apollon and Pafos shared the points after a 2-2 draw, while the match between Krasava E.N.Y. and AEK also ended 2-2.

On Friday, in the opening match of the round, Karmiotissa defeated Olympiacos 1-0.

QC sanitation department cleans Bagbag, Novaliches cemeteries

The Quezon City’s Department of Sanitation and Cleanup Works conducted cleanup operations at the Bagbag Cemetery and Novaliches Public Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 2, as people continued to visit the graves of their departed loved ones on All Souls’ Day.

In a Facebook post, the local government said the cleanup drive aims to keep the cemeteries clean and orderly for visitors paying their respects to their departed loved ones.

Thousands of people flocked to the two cemeteries on Sunday, Nov. 1, for this year’s Undas observance. However, authorities said visitors continued to visit the burial grounds on Monday.

The local government also reminded cemeterygoers to refrain from littering and leaving their waste in public spaces.

‘Always dispose of your trash properly in designated waste bins or garbage containers,’ it said.

With passion to play back, Umandal also teaches now

Volleyball Never Stops (VNS) has been the longest tenured club in the Spikers’ Turf’s 10 years, with the league being an avenue for the Filipino men’s volleyball players after college.

The team has been giving opportunities to grassroots players to play. But besides the young athletes getting a chance, the squad is also a home for veteran players.

Jau Umandal took a break from playing for six months after Cignal’s disbandment last year, but when he found an opportunity with VNS, he found a new purpose this Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

‘I’m happy because I get to expand my experience and share it with the younger players,’ said Umandal in Filipino after pouring in 18 points in VNS’ 30-28, 25-20, 25-21 win over the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

‘[My young teammates] still have a lot to learn, but their hard work is evident,’ he went on. ‘They’re showing that even at a young age, they can keep up with the veterans.’

Ex-MVP, National

The former Spikers’ Turf MVP and national team member had admitted losing his passion for the game six months ago after his previous club took a leave of absence despite being the most successful team in the league.

But VNS lit the fire under him and inspired him to be a good role model to the grassroots players, including 16-year-old setter Howard Guerra.

‘I think it comes down to willingness. When I stopped playing, I also lost some of the passion and dedication I had for the sport,’ said Umandal. ‘Then one day, I realized that I used to be just like these young players-someone who dreamed, took chances and tried to make it.’

‘That brought back the joy of playing. I’m happy to be back on the court, and I’m grateful to coach Ralph [Ocampo] for giving me this opportunity,’ he said. ‘He told me that if I wasn’t doing anything, I could play for their team. I’m really thankful that I got the chance to be part of his system.’ The 28-year-old outside spiker has immediately taken over the leading scorer’s role for the Griffins with his average of 18.2 points per game in their first four matches.

More than his impact on the team, Ocampo is grateful for the former University of Santo Tomas star’s teachings the young players are absorbing.

Knowledge to share

‘Jau has been a huge help, not just to our team but to the entire organization,’ Ocampo said. ‘We currently have 33 young players, and they’re very inspired to have him around.’

‘I told him that even though he had stopped playing volleyball for six months, he came back with so much knowledge to share and gave the young players the confidence to believe they can compete with the veterans.’

With the help of his veteran spiker Umandal, Ocampo has more fuel to continue the VNS program of honing the next volleyball superstars in the country and giving the young players enough confidence and skill set to go up against the club players in the Spikers’ Turf.

Campaigns: OK Movement insists on independence

The OK (Obi/Kwankwaso) Movement has declared that it will maintain its independent identity while mobilising support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and its candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

Movement’s leader John Ughulu said the group remained committed to its original mission of securing the election of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and erstwhile Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Speaking in an interview Ughulu dismissed suggestions that the movement’s decision to campaign independently would undermine its support for the NDC insisting that the focus should be on achieving a common political objective.

‘What difference does it make when we campaign on parallel lines? The most important thing is that we have one objective’ he said.

Asked whether the movement had decided to retain its independent status rather than formally integrate into the NDC campaign structure Ughulu said its position had not changed.

‘We have always been independent and there is nothing wrong in that. We are campaigning for NDC party’s candidates. I will appreciate we leave it like that’ he added.

He urged members and supporters to remain guided by the principles upon which the movement was established stressing that its political mission remained unchanged.

‘The members of the OK Movement work on the principles upon which we formed the movement. The mission to bring His Excellency Peter Obi and His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is sacrosanct’ Ughulu said.

His remarks underscore the movement’s intention to retain its organisational independence while supporting the NDC’s electoral ambitions particularly its presidential candidate Obi in the 2027 contest.

The disagreement between the NDC and the OK Movement followed the movement’s announcement of a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council to mobilise support for the party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general election.

The NDC leadership rejected the arrangement insisting that only the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had the authority to constitute and announce its official campaign council.

The party also maintained that support groups must operate within its recognised organisational framework rather than establish parallel structures.

NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson reinforced this position arguing that political movements supporting the party’s candidates should complement not compete with the party’s machinery.

The OK Movement however resisted the party’s position insisting that its support for the NDC candidates should not be interpreted as an obligation to surrender its independently established structures.

Ughulu maintained that the movement had its own leadership membership and organisational framework which it was unwilling to dissolve or merge into the party.

The disagreement escalated after the NDC disowned the movement’s campaign council and referred Ughulu to its disciplinary organ over alleged disregard for party authority.

Despite the controversy the movement has maintained that it will continue to mobilise support for Obi and other NDC candidates while retaining its independent identity.

Police to install CCTV cameras at every station

Plans are underway to install CCTV cameras at every police station across the country, with procurement activities for the project already in progress, Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said.

The project is expected to introduce a system of surveillance across police stations islandwide. ASP Wootler said steps would also be taken to monitor police stations using the CCTV footage.

Gloria Diaz to bring signature sass to MGI All Stars Season 2 as judge

Gloria Diaz is going international again, and will be returning to pageantry to bring her signature sass to a global audience as she is set to join the selection committee for the second season of MGI All Stars.

The 1969 Miss Universe titleholder and first Filipina to win the crown has been known to cause pageant candidates to squirm in their heels with her sharp questions. And while only a few have survived and ended up winning, almost all of her ‘victims’ bowed out of the competition.

Because of this, many pageant observers coined the phrase ‘Gloria Diaz curse,’ and have warned candidates about the high probability of losing the crown if they pick the beauty queen to ask the question.

MGI All Stars made the announcement about Diaz’s inclusion in the MGI All Stars Season 2 Selection Committee on social media on Sunday evening, Nov. 1. Aside from being credited as Miss Universe 1969 titleholder, she was also cited for being an award-winning actress and TV personality.

Diaz will be joining returning judges Psi Somut Scott from Thailand, Osmel Sousa from Venezuela, and Omar Harfouch from Lebanon. Pageant coach Lu Sierra from the United States and 2026 Miss Grand International first runner-up Shyare Andrade from Ecuador will also be part of the committee.

MGI All Stars is a groundbreaking competition that gathers participants who have already competed in international pageants for a chance at redemption. It is organized by the same team behind the Miss Grand International pageant based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Its first season was held in May, with 2025 Miss Universe finalist Vanessa Pulgarin from Colombia winning the crown and $100,000. She stands to win up to $1 million if she successfully defends her title in two more consecutive editions. The Philippines’ Gazini Ganados finished in the Top 5 in that edition.

This time, three candidates from the Philippines are confirmed to take part in Season 2. Miss Eco International 2025 Alexie Mae Brooks and Miss International Queen 2025 finalist Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz earned their way into to competition by winning at the inaugural Reina Filipinas pageant in August, while Miss World 2019 and Miss Universe 2023 veteran Michelle Marquez Dee is a direct entrant in the competition.

The contestants are expected to arrive in Bangkok later this month, while the final competition is set on Dec. 12 at the MGI Hall at Bravo BKK.

I prayed for all Nigerians during my visit to Makkah -Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said he prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for Nigeria and its citizens during his recent visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Tinubu disclosed this in a statement personally signed on Monday and shared on his verified X handle following the conclusion of his visit to the country.

Tinubu said he and members of his delegation had the rare privilege of entering the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to offer prayers and perform Umrah.

He expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, for granting them the privilege and extending hospitality to the Nigerian delegation.

Tinubu said the gesture reflected the longstanding bonds of faith and friendship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

‘In those sacred moments, I prayed for peace, unity and prosperity for our dear nation and for all Nigerians,’ the President said.