A 40-year-old Chinese man was arrested at a rented house in tambon Ban Tai on Koh Phangan on Sunday evening on charges of illegal entry and selling drugs to partygoers.
His arrest followed a tip-off that a foreigner was involved in drug selling, police said.
Surveillance showed frequent visits by foreigners to the house. When police moved in to make an arrest, the suspect attempted to flee and then to barricade himself inside, to no avail.
A search found mushrooms, ecstasy pills, LSD and drug paraphernalia, according to police.
During questioning the man allegedly admitted he entered Thailand illegally via a natural pathway, paying a Cambodian guide 20,000 baht. He allegedly confessed to buying the drugs from a Russian supplier through the Telegram app, then reselling them to tourists in Koh Phangan’s party zones.
The Department of Science and Technology National Capital Region (DOST NCR) signed Monday a memorandum of agreement with two waste management companies to make the agency ‘zero-waste’ by 2028.
The DOST NCR agreed with waste management companies Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST) and Sentinel Upcycling Technologies at this year’s Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week held at the Technological Institute of the Philippines in Quezon City.
BEST will trade in the DOST NCR’s recyclable waste for office supplies and materials, the government agency’s technical support services assistant director, Bianca Claudette Canlas, explained in a press conference during the celebration.
Meanwhile, Sentinel will take the regional office’s plastic waste to process it into new products like chairs and tables, Canlas added.
‘We want to start walking the talk on a circular economy before we bring this plan to our stakeholders, like our manufacturers, our consumers, distributors,’ Canlas maintained.
A circular economy is a concept in which waste is minimized, and products are maximized for use as long as possible.
‘We will start by training our staff starting in December up to January on how to properly segregate waste materials,’ Canlas explained.
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday evening said she is positive that Cassie Li Ong and Harry Roque will soon be brought home to face charges against them.
In a statement, Hontiveros emphasized that the two cannot run from their responsibilities forever.
‘Cassie Li Ong and Harry Roque are facing serious charges of human trafficking. It is only right that their passports were canceled, especially since they appear to be evading the law,’ said Hontiveros.
‘Our government must also not stop until other criminal syndicates that enabled these Pogo scam hubs are held accountable. The conviction of Alice Guo is not the end of the story. She is not the only one who must answer for these crimes-everyone involved should be held responsible,’ she added.
The Pasig City Regional Trial Court has cancelled the passports of former presidential spokesperson Roque and Ong.
They are facing a human trafficking case for their alleged involvement in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator hub Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corporations.
Local governments in Caraga, the Visayas and some parts of Bicol on Monday evacuated residents in high risk areas and placed all disaster response units on high alert as Tropical Depression ‘Verbena’ continued to bring widespread rains, prompting precautionary measures, sea travel suspensions and class cancellations.
Verbena had brought heavy rains in these areas before it made landfall over Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, maintaining maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 55 kph.
It was in the vicinity of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, at 5 p.m. Monday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
In Mindanao, classes in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Butuan City, 10 towns of Agusan del Sur, and Valencia City, Bukidnon province were suspended on Monday in anticipation of possible floods and landslides.
In the Visayas, among the localities that went on high alert were Borongan City in Eastern Samar; Naval, Biliran; Southern Leyte; Negros Occidental, especially in localities surrounding Mt. Kanlaon, where the rains could trigger lahar flow; and Iloilo
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Eastern Visayas listed 1,560 barangays as landslide-prone and 3,466 as flood-prone, urging residents to stay vigilant and report incidents to authorities.
In Southern Leyte, the Philippine Coast Guard reported 56 passengers, 29 rolling cargoes, and one vessel stranded in the ports of San Ricardo, San Juan, Padre Burgos, and Maasin City after a no-sailing policy took effect. Commercial trips between Cebu and Leyte, including routes to Ormoc, Baybay, Bato, and Hilongos, were also suspended.
Kanlaon alert
In Negros Occidental, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the rains could generate volcanic sediment flows, muddy runoffs, and riverine flooding around Kanlaon, which remains under Alert Level 2.
Lahars may form when rainfall remobilizes loose debris from the Oct. 24 eruption and subsequent ash emissions, warning that lahars could carry boulders and debris capable of burying communities and sweeping away structures.
Vulnerable schools
The Department of Education (DepEd) said over 10,700 schools nationwide face potential hazards due to the combined effects of Verbena and the shear line.
DepEd said 5,657 schools in 89 divisions were at risk of flooding, while 5,117 schools in 84 divisions are prone to rain-triggered landslides. These risks prompted widespread class suspensions across Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga, which were all under Tropical Wind Cyclone Signal No. 1.
A total of 4,343 public schools halted in-person classes, affecting more than 2.3 million learners and nearly 100,000 teachers. Eastern Visayas logged the highest number of affected students.
Residents along the Cotcot River were evacuated to the Liloan Central School starting at midnight on Monday. | Municipality of Liloan
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Learning from the massive flooding that they experienced when Typhoon…
Residents along the Cotcot River were evacuated to the Liloan Central School starting at midnight on Monday. | Municipality of Liloan
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Learning from the massive flooding that they experienced when Typhoon Tino hit Cebu last November 4, officials of the municipality of Liloan have ordered the preemptive evacuation of residents in low-lying areas and those along water bodies.
Starting at midnight on Monday, preemptive evacuation was ordered among residents near the Cotcot River, who were transferred to the Liloan Central School in Brgy. Poblacion, due to the threats of Tropical Depression Verbena.
In a report, the local government said they have so far relocated at least 137 individuals, including children, from along the Cotcot River.
At around noontime, emergency responders from Brgy. Cotcot were sent to the different subdivisions that are located along the riverbank to do house-to-house visits and inform the residents of the need to evacuate in case of rise in water level.
Typhoon Tino killed over a hundred individuals in Cebu. Among them were at least 35 from Liloan town, most of whom were washed in the water current when the Cotcot River swelled.
Liloan and the neighboring Consolacion town were among the hardest hit by the flooding caused by Tino.
On Monday, Liloan officials started the evacuation of residents in flood-prone areas in Brgys. Calero, Yati, Labatan, San Vicente, and Cabadiangan.
“For those living near creeks or in lowlands and flood prone areas, and those who were flooded during typhoon Tino, we strongly advise to do a preemptive evacuation to our designated evacuation center or to any favorable safe locations,” Yati barangay officials said in an advisory.
“Our Barangay Responders will be doing rounds to encourage constituents in flood prone areas to do a preemptive evacuation,” they added.
Evacuees from Brgy. Calero were accommodated at the Calero Integrated School while those from Yati were referred to the Yati Elementary School. Those coming from Brgy. Labatan were directed to proceed to the old barangay hall or the second floor of the Labatan National High School.
Residents of Cabadiangan were directed to proceed to the E. Veloso Elementary School and Kasantos Day Care Center.
In an advisory, the local government of Liloan said that water level at the Cotcot River remained low as of noontime on Monday, while scattered rainshowers were already experienced after Cebu was placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1. However, they do not want to take any chances.
“Let us all stay safe and vigilant,” the local government said.
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Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, left, drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
BOSTON — Jaylen Brown scored 35 poi…
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, left, drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
BOSTON — Jaylen Brown scored 35 points and Josh Minott scored 12 of his 16 points in the second quarter when Boston shot 81.8% as the Celtics beat the shorthanded Orlando Magic 138-129 on Sunday night in the NBA.
Anfernee Simons added 23 points and Payton Pritchard chipped in with 19 and eight assists for the Celtics, who were coming off a tough home loss to Brooklyn on Friday. Brown also had eight assists.
The Celtics nearly squandered a 26-point, third-quarter lead. But, Brown scored 12 straight points. The Magic whittled away at their deficit and closed within six points in the final minute.
Jett Howard scored a season-high 30 points for the Magic, who were missing three of their top five scorers and had their three-game winning streak snapped. Desmond Bane had 18 points and Franz Wagner 15.
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley was back after missing the second half of a victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday due to illness.
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Boston connected on 18 of 22 shots in the second quarter, turning a five-point lead after one period into an 80-57 edge at halftime.
Minott was 5 for 5 from the floor, connecting on two attempts from 3-point range.
Pritchard keyed a quick 10-3 spurt with a steal and layup before hitting a 3-pointer from the right corner 11 seconds later that made it 66-49. He also made a mid-range jumper with two seconds left in the half, capping the Celtics’ 48 points in the period.
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Coming off the victory at home against the Knicks, the Magic seemed a bit sluggish and had their franchise record-tying string of eight straight quarters of 30-or-more points end in the opening quarter as they were held to 27 points.
Up next
Magic: At the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday in the second game of a three-game trip.
Celtics: Host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
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PESHAWAR — A suicide bombing killed three Pakistani paramilitary personnel Monday at the border force headquarters in Peshawar city, police told AFP.
“Three FC (Federal Constabulary) personnel deployed at the gate were martyred and four …
PESHAWAR — A suicide bombing killed three Pakistani paramilitary personnel Monday at the border force headquarters in Peshawar city, police told AFP.
“Three FC (Federal Constabulary) personnel deployed at the gate were martyred and four others were wounded,” said Peshawar police chief Mian Saeed, adding one assailant detonated explosives and two other attackers were shot dead by the security forces.
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The attackers struck at 8:10 am (0310 GMT) on the premises located on Saddar Road, one of the city’s busiest routes, just before rush hour.
An AFP reporter saw body parts of a suspected bomber lying outside the main gate, which was riddled with shrapnel holes.
“The attack has concluded, and a clearance operation is under way to determine whether any unexploded ordnance is present,” Zulfiqar Hameed, the police chief of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, told AFP.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
The province borders Afghanistan and has long been a flashpoint for militant violence, which has intensified since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the assault, praising the “timely action” of security forces for averting greater loss of life.
“The perpetrators of this incident should be identified as soon as possible and brought to justice,” Sharif said.
“We will thwart the evil designs of terrorists who attack Pakistan’s integrity.”/dl
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The holiday season arrived early as Festival Mall, Alabang, lit its towering 30-foot Christmas tree—a nostalgic display of capiz lanterns, nutcrackers, stockings, and warm golden lights that cast a soft glow across the bustling halls. This dazzling cel…
The holiday season arrived early as Festival Mall, Alabang, lit its towering 30-foot Christmas tree—a nostalgic display of capiz lanterns, nutcrackers, stockings, and warm golden lights that cast a soft glow across the bustling halls. This dazzling celebration is just the beginning. Soon, across all Filinvest Malls, visitors will be swept up in the same radiant holiday spirit, coming together to revel in the most wonderful time of the year while sharing in a milestone that inspires pride across the Filinvest family.
This year’s festivities feel bigger and brighter than ever as Filinvest celebrates its 70th anniversary—a group milestone shared with the communities, and a reminder of seven decades of dreams, memories, and meaningful connections.
Where everyday memories take center stage
As families return to their favorite Filinvest destinations this December—whether for a concert, a new restaurant, a last-minute gift, or simply to enjoy the glow of holiday lights—they’ll find the same warmth that has defined these well-loved destinations for years. In every shared meal, every small discovery, every familiar tune from a weekend choir, there is a reminder that Christmas is made of moments we hold dearest.
Ever guided by its enduring mission of moving dreams forward, Filinvest celebrates 70 years, creating spaces where these moments—and the Filipinos that enjoy them—can flourish. “At Filinvest Malls, kindness turns moments into memories. This Christmas, we celebrate connection, compassion, and the joy of being part of one community—a spirit that has guided the Filinvest Group for 70 years of enabling Filipino dreams,” says Mitch Dumlao, first vice president and retail business unit head of Filinvest Malls. Through this enduring commitment, Filipino families can thrive, celebrate, and keep making new memories together.
A grand celebration for a grand milestone
Marked by its 70th year, this year’s holiday celebrations shine with an even deeper spirit of compassion and connection. At Festival Mall’s tree-lighting, children with special learning and developmental needs were welcomed as the season’s first guests of honor, immersing themselves in moments of pure holiday wonder. This heartfelt gathering, made possible with the Muntinlupa Social Services Department, served as a luminous reminder of what the season—and Filinvest Malls—is truly about: spreading joy where it matters most.
The celebration continues with the Lanterns of Dreams display at Festival Mall, where handmade lanterns crafted by Filinvest companies illuminate the halls in a radiant tribute to unity and shared purpose. These lanterns aren’t just lights—they represent the community’s collective aspirations, echoing the Filinvest group’s anniversary theme, “Moving Dreams Forward.” Each glowing lantern reflects the idea that the brightest moments happen when communities come together.
As Filinvest celebrates seven decades, these moments bring that vision to life. The legacy of its founders continues to inspire the creation of spaces where families can thrive, connect, and make new memories, carrying the spirit of fun and community into the coming year. Through Filinvest’s decades-long dedication to uplifting Filipino families, that enduring spirit is alive in every lantern, every event, and every moment unfolding across the malls this season—a celebration of growth, generosity, and the magic of the holidays.
Spreading the christmas atmosphere across Filinvest Malls
While Festival Mall in Alabang kicked off the season with its official Christmas launch on Nov. 7, 2025, the holiday cheer has quickly spread across all destinations. It continues throughout November and December with the Holiday Hymns Concert Series on weekends, and Santa Meet & Greet sessions on Dec. 13, 14, 20, and 21, keeping the spirit alive for families across the community.
Each location brings its own unique holiday magic. Main Square Bacoor brings neighbors together with its Christmas Memory Raffle and the eagerly anticipated children’s carol competition, while Westgate Alabang offers intimate Yuletide moments through chorale performances on Nov. 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20, complemented by Merry Moments with Santa on Dec. 7 and 14.
In Filinvest Malls Dumaguete, open spaces brim with Christmas bazaars from Nov. 24 to 30 and Dec. 15 to 21, alongside carol performances on Dec. 12, perfect for exploring local treats and gifts. Filinvest Malls Mimosa in Clark welcomes car lovers and weekend explorers with its Volks & Folks Car Meet & Flea Market on Nov. 29 to 30, while Fora Mall and IL Corso round out the season with food and gift fairs celebrating regional delicacies.
Signature Filinvest experiences: Play, sport, and adventure
The joy of shared play remains a hallmark of Filinvest Malls. Families can spend an entire day at Festival Mall in Alabang, enjoying its beloved amusement centers—Pixie Forest and X-Site. These spaces are designed for every age, from whimsical rides for children to interactive challenges for teens and adults. Birthday celebrants are treated to a complimentary Ride-All-You-Can pass, giving them and their friends extra reasons to celebrate, while all guests can take breaks at the dedicated Food Hub, which offers crowd-favorite snacks and quick bites for a convenient pause between rides and play.
This season, Roller Fever adds a new layer of excitement, now launching at both X-Site in Alabang and Fora Mall Tagaytay. Its neon-lit indoor skate rink, pulsing with K-pop energy, offers families a high-energy way to glide, spin, and share fun moments together. At Fora Mall, the Champion Sports Park provides space for fitness groups and weekend athletes to gather, compete, and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Sports enthusiasts can also discover the pickleball court at Main Square Bacoor, a hidden gem perfect for trying a fun and fast-growing sport.
For curious explorers, the I Belong Museum in Festival Mall sparks wonder with its retro-futuristic theme “Yesterday’s Tomorrow, Today,” blending education and play in a whimsical environment. Over in Cebu, IL Corso transforms the coastline into an adventure hub with Ultimate Watersports, including parasailing, jet skiing, banana boats, and wakeboarding—perfect for thrill-seekers and families looking for a holiday adrenaline rush.
Shop, discover, enjoy newly opened stores
Anchored by its founding mission, Filinvest Malls continues to create memorable experiences for its customers across all destinations. Shoppers can discover exciting new destinations at Festival Mall in Alabang, including Muji’s first branch in the South, the upgraded Asics flagship store for runners and fitness enthusiasts, and Nike, expanding the mall’s roster of global lifestyle brands.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s Cebu celebrates its 44th anniversary with the opening of its first green architecture branch, offering a unique dining experience amid the excitement at IL Corso.
About Filinvest Malls
Filinvest Malls is a group of malls that offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and leisure options for varied lifestyles—from regional shopping centers to community malls. These include Festival Mall in Alabang, Main Square in Bacoor, Fora Mall in Tagaytay, IL Corso in Cebu, and Filinvest Malls in Dumaguete. Today, Filinvest Malls bring together a redefined lifestyle of safety, comfort, and ease to the communities where they are located.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon dunks during an NBA regular season game against the Sacramento Kings. (AP Foto/Randall Benton)
DENVER — The Denver Nuggets lost another starter, with forward Aaron Gordon sidelined indefinitely by a strained righ…
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon dunks during an NBA regular season game against the Sacramento Kings. (AP Foto/Randall Benton)
DENVER — The Denver Nuggets lost another starter, with forward Aaron Gordon sidelined indefinitely by a strained right hamstring.
The team announced Sunday that Gordon would be reevaluated in four to six weeks and that “updates will be provided when necessary.” He played only three minutes in a win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
This season, the high-flying Gordon is averaging 18.8 points and 5.9 rebounds.
The 30-year-old Gordon has been an integral piece for the Nuggets since being acquired in a trade with Orlando in March 2021. Gordon has formed quite a connection with Nikola Jokic, a perennial triple-double threat, and guard Jamal Murray. The trio helped Denver to its first NBA title in 2023.
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Ahtisa Manalo in her ethereal Val Taguba evening gown during the Top 12 of the 74th Miss Universe. | Photo from MUPH/ Facebook via Inquirer.net
CEBU CITY, Philippines— From a muse to an artist, a symbol of hope to many.
This is how …
Ahtisa Manalo in her ethereal Val Taguba evening gown during the Top 12 of the 74th Miss Universe. | Photo from MUPH/ Facebook via Inquirer.net
CEBU CITY, Philippines— From a muse to an artist, a symbol of hope to many.
This is how Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo sees herself as she represented the Philippines in the most grandiose pageant stage in the world.
From her humble beginnings, Ahtisa brought her experience and shared how she managed to rise above even with the circumstances she had.
After failing to get the move coveted crown in the universe, Ahtisa still feels like a winner as she gets so much love and support from her kababayans and fans from all over the world.
In her Instagram account she shared that after 18 years of being in the pageant industry, this was her final stint.
“After 18 years, I have finally arrived at my ultimate destination that is to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe stage. My pageant journey may end, but the work continues. Let’s continue fighting for what we want —a better Philippines and a better universe.
This is her way of saying she will continue to work with the Alon Akademie to support and hone the greatness of each child no matter their background.
With pride and joy, Ahtisa made sure the Philippines was well-represented on the most beautiful night last November 11, in Thailand.
From her festival of festivals inspired national costume, to her sultry swimsuit rounds, down to her evening gown looks, she was definitely a muse to the Filipinos.
And with that a lot of artists were fond of making artworks of her which made her heart full once again.
In her a separate Instagram post, Ahtisa shared some of the artworks her fans made.
“To everyone whose creativity was reflected in each artwork shared and created, digital or tangible, I want to thank you for immortalizing me in the most beautiful way possible.
It was an honor being a muse to so many talented artists.
,” said Ahtisa.
This was the first time since 2018 that the Philippines made it to the top three in the Miss Universe stage.
