Category: Auto Guid

BASISTA, Pangasinan — FPJ Panday Bayanihan Representative Brian Poe returned to his home province on November 20 to lead a large-scale relief operation that provided food assistance to 14,426 families affected by Typhoon Uwan.

The full-day distribution was conducted in partnership with the Basista local government, led by Mayor JR Resuello and Vice Mayor Jake Perez, along with councilors Christian Bacani, Christian Bustarde, Monica Ramos, Amor De Guzman, Princess Doria, and Jett Ong-Perez. Support from Congressman Mark Cojuangco ensured aid reached even the hardest-hit communities.

Morning operations covered the barangays of Cabeldatan (1,400), Dumpay (2,670), Mapolopolo (1,003), Bayoyong (898), Anambongan (1,350), Palma (1,100), and Poblacion (1,225). Afternoon distributions reached Navatat (1,400), Osmeña (800), Malimpec (698), Nalneran (735), Obong (396), and Patacbo (751).

Poe emphasized that returning home to help his fellow Pangasinenses is a responsibility he carries with pride and gratitude. “Every time I return to Pangasinan, I am reminded that leadership is not about position—it is about showing up for your people when they need you most,” he said.

He added that the relief mission reflects the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list’s ongoing commitment to support communities affected by hardships, particularly the recent flooding caused by Typhoon Uwan. Poe also thanked the local government for ensuring the food packs were distributed promptly and efficiently.

The coordinated effort among FPJ Panday Bayanihan, Mayor Resuello, and Congressman Cojuangco ensured that thousands of families across 13 barangays received essential aid as recovery continues.

The relief operation is part of the party-list’s broader initiatives to provide immediate support to disaster-stricken areas and uphold its mission of Food, Progress, and Justice for all the communities it serves.

MANILA, Philippines — A youth organization criticized the Manila government’s new ordinance prohibiting motorcycle riders from using masks or other face coverings, calling it “an infringement on basic human rights that criminalizes ordinary activities of citizens.”

On Nov. 3, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso approved Ordinance No. 9134, or the Anti-Balaclava Ordinance, “to deter criminal activities and assist law enforcement in the prevention and investigation of crimes by regulating the use of motorcycle helmets and other face-covering headgear in public establishments.”

According to Domagoso, the ordinance aims to prevent crimes such as robberies and thefts, often committed by motorcycle-riding suspects.

“Instead of addressing poverty, unemployment, and gaps in public safety infrastructure, Manila’s local government is targeting ordinary people whose livelihoods and mobility depend on these garments,” the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (Spark) said in a statement on Sunday.

The youth group warned that vague and discretionary clauses, particularly those requiring individuals to remove headgear upon orders from police, barangay officials, or security personnel, “could lead to profiling, harassment, and arbitrary stops.”

Under the ordinance, people can be penalized for concealing their faces with bonnets, ski masks, bandanas, handkerchiefs, caps, hats, hoodies, or similar coverings while riding a motorcycle or when alighting.

Riders are also prohibited from using face coverings inside commercial and government offices, and other establishments. Violators face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000.

Exemptions apply to law enforcers on duty, seriously ill patients, and persons required to wear turbans or other headgear for religious reasons.

According to Spark, effective peace and order should come from community-focused reforms that strengthen public systems, promote values formation, and address socioeconomic issues, rather than imposing punitive ordinances that treat ordinary citizens as potential criminals.

“The Anti-Balaclava Ordinance bypasses human rights, civil liberties, and constitutional freedoms. Manila’s leaders should reconsider it before it becomes a tool of abuse,” Spark said.

The youth group added that it will continue mobilizing students and citizens to oppose measures that criminalize everyday life and threaten civil liberties.

A similar ordinance was passed by the Mandaue City Council in Cebu in 2018 but was lifted the following year, citing its ineffectiveness in preventing crime and its negative impact on poor residents.

Spark did not confirm whether it would challenge the legality of Manila’s ordinance before the Supreme Court.

If it does, it would not be the first time Spark has sought SC intervention. In July 2016, Spark petitioned the high court to halt curfew ordinances in Metro Manila, which police had begun enforcing more strictly at the start of the Duterte administration.

The group filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition to question “unjust and repressive” local laws in Manila, Quezon City, and Navotas, citing restrictions on freedom of movement.

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order until August 2017, when it partially granted the petition, nullifying the curfew ordinances of Manila and Navotas.

Quezon City’s curfew ordinance, however, was stayed because it penalized parents or guardians of curfew violators. Manila and Navotas have since passed new curfew ordinances. /mcm

The Oscars are making room for one more award on their live broadcast in 2026. The new prize for achievement in casting will be part of the 98th Academy Awards in March, the academy told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

That brings the total award count to 24 for the Oscars broadcast on March 15, where statuettes for best picture, best actor and actress will be among the others awarded.

The board of governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the addition of the new prize last year, though it was not confirmed if it would be part of the official broadcast. Not counting the short-lived “ popular film Oscar ” which never came to be, the addition of the casting prize marked the first time the academy has added a category since best animated feature film was established in 2001. Earlier this year, the organization also revealed plans to add a stunt design award, starting with the 100th Oscars in 2028.

Members of the casting directors branch will help narrow the field to 10 shortlisted films, a process that a handful of other categories use including documentary, international film, makeup & hairstyling, score, song, sound, visual effects and the three short film categories. Shortlists will be announced Dec. 16 before final nominees are revealed on Jan. 22.

Conan O’Brien has already agreed to host the 98th ceremony, which will air live on ABC on March 15 at 7 p.m. ET.

The arrival of Ahtisa Manalo in the Philippines has been postponed to a different date, as announced by the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) organization.

Manalo, who was supposed to return to the Philippines on Sunday, November 23, will be coming home on a different date due to “recent adjustments.” It remains unknown what kind of adjustments the organization is referring to.

“In light of some recent adjustments, the arrival of our very own Miss Universe 2025 Third Runner-Up, Ahtisa Manalo, has been moved, time and date to be announced soon,” MUPh’s post read.

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A post shared by Miss Universe Philippines (@themissuniverseph)

The national pageant nonetheless thanked Manalo’s fans for their “unwavering support and support” despite the sudden changes.

“We thank everyone for their unwavering support and understanding. As we await our queen’s return, let us continue to celebrate her remarkable achievement and the pride she brings to the Philippines,” it said. 

Meanwhile, Manalo said in a series of posts that the Miss Universe 2025 stage is the culmination of her 18-year pageant career. She also spoke of her friendship with Panama’s Mirna Caballini and Pakistan’s Roma Riaz, calling them her “greatest gifts” in her journey in the global tilt.

“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,” she said in the caption of one of her posts.

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A post shared by Ma Ahtisa Manalo (@ahtisa)

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A post shared by Ma Ahtisa Manalo (@ahtisa)

Despite not clinching the Miss Universe crown, Manalo was able to restore the Philippines to its Top 5 placement after a four-year hiatus. She also bagged third place in the pageant’s “Beyond The Crown” competition.

The pageant veteran also competed at the Miss International 2018 and Miss Cosmo 2024 tilts before the global tilt. /edv

MANILA, Philippines–University of Santo Tomas secured a place in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball following an 80-71 win over National University on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Growling Tigers knocked down four three-pointers in the fourth quarter to create separation from the Bulldogs and claimed the third seed in the playoff round with their eighth victory against five defeats.

READ: UAAP: Crucial weekend up for UAAP Final Four chasers

Mark Llemit and Amiel Acido came through for UST by posting 11 points apiece, Gelo Crisostomo had 13 points and five rebounds even as Collins Akowe posted 11 points and 11 rebounds.

UST will finish up the eliminations on Wednesday against Far Eastern University in what would now be a non-bearing affair for the España side.

Had they lost, the Growling Tigers would have to beat the Tamaraws to secure a Final Four spot.

READ: UAAP: UST repeats over Ateneo, strengthens Final Four push

Omar John tallied 12 points and 11 rebounds but the Bulldogs finished the eliminations with a 11-3.

NU, however, was already assured of the top seed in the Final Four entering the contest.

Jake Figueroa, one of the reasons for the Bulldogs’ success, played just 20 minutes and made three points, two rebounds and two assists.

GENEVA, Switzerland — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Geneva Sunday morning for discussions on a US plan to end the Ukraine war, after Washington signalled room for negotiation on the controversial proposal.

Trump has given Ukraine until November 27 to approve the plan to end the nearly four-year conflict, but Kyiv is seeking changes to a draft that accepts some of Russia’s hardline demands.

Rubio, whose reported comments about the plan have thrown an extraordinary element of confusion into efforts to negotiate an end to the war, landed shortly before 9:30 am (0830 GMT), according to AFP journalists on site.

Ukrainian, European and Canadian officials were also gathering in the Swiss city, although the format for the talks remained unclear.

The US plan to end the Ukraine war has drawn pushback from Kyiv, its allies and US lawmakers ahead of Sunday talks.

The 28-point plan would require the invaded country to cede territory, cut its army and pledge never to join NATO. Trump told reporters Saturday it was not his final offer and he hoped to stop the fighting “one way or the other.”

Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, speaking on Fox News, described the plan as “a work in progress.”

Ukraine’s European allies, who were not included in drafting the proposal, said the plan requires “additional work” as they scrambled at the G20 summit in South Africa to come up with a counter-offer to strengthen Kyiv’s position.

Washington, meanwhile, insisted Saturday the proposal was official US policy, denying claims by a group of US senators that Rubio told them the document was a Russian “wish list.”

Rubio himself insisted on social media late Saturday that “the peace proposal was authored by the US.”

“It is offered as a strong framework for ongoing negotiations. It is based on input from the Russian side. But it is also based on previous and ongoing input from Ukraine.”

READ: US peace plan ‘good’ for Russia, Ukraine – White House

Ukrainian dignity not negotiable

Diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff and US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll were also scheduled to take part on the US side, while the Ukrainian delegation is headed by Andriy Yermak, a top aide of President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“Consultations will take place with partners regarding the steps needed to end the war,” Zelensky said.

“Our representatives know how to defend Ukraine’s national interests and what is necessary to prevent Russia from launching a third invasion,” having annexed Crimea in 2014 and mounted a full-scale offensive in 2022, he said.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the senior officials would meet in Geneva “to take things further forward”, stressing the importance of solid “security guarantees” for Ukraine under any settlement.

Starmer said his national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, would be in Geneva. Italian diplomatic sources said Rome was sending national security advisor Fabrizio Saggio.

Security officials from the EU, France and Germany will also attend, French President Emmanuel Macron told a news conference at the G20, while Canada’s national security advisor was also expected.

“There is no scenario in which Ukraine’s dignity and liberty is negotiable,” Alice Rufo of France’s deputy armed forces minister, told French radio Sunday before heading to Geneva.

READ: Ukraine would cede Donbas to Russia under 28-point US plan

‘Plan needs more work’

Western leaders at the G20 summit said that the US plan was “a basis which will require additional work.”

“We are clear on the principle that borders must not be changed by force. We are also concerned by the proposed limitations on Ukraine’s armed forces, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attack,” the leaders of key European countries, Canada and Japan said in a joint statement.

Macron said the plan contained points that had to be more broadly discussed as they concerned European allies, such as Ukraine’s NATO ties and Russian frozen assets held in the EU.

He said the 30 countries in the “coalition of the willing” supporting Kyiv will hold a video call on Tuesday following the Geneva talks.

“We all want peace, and we are agreed. We want the peace to be strong and lasting,” he said, insisting a settlement must “take into account the security of all Europeans.”

Zelensky said in an address to the nation on Friday that Ukraine faces one of the most challenging moments in its history, adding that he would propose “alternatives” to Trump’s plan.

“The pressure on Ukraine is one of the hardest. Ukraine may face a very difficult choice: either the loss of dignity or the risk of losing a key partner,” Zelensky said, referring to a possible break with Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the blueprint could “lay the foundation” for a final peace settlement, but threatened more land seizures if Ukraine walked away from negotiations.

MANILA, Philippines—Karl Eldrew Yulo had mixed emotions after claiming his first medal in the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships on Sunday.

Yulo bagged the bronze medal in the floor exercise final–a victory that also came at the expense of one of his friends, Arsenii Dukhno.

READ: Karl Eldrew Yulo wins floor bronze at Junior World Championships

Savor it, Eldrew 👏

WATCH: Karl Eldrew Yulo talks about winning bronze in the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships’ floor exercise finals. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/XzZBkQtl36

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) November 23, 2025

Dukhno, who is from Russia and was coming off a gold medal win in the all-around final, was the last competitor to perform in floor. That’s why Yulo was sitting on pins and needles the entire time Dukhno was doing his routine.

“I got so nervous. I just started telling the Lord, ‘if you’re really kind, you’ll give this to me,’ but I didn’t mean it in a bad way,” Yulo told reporters after hanging on to his spot on the podium with a score of 13.733.

“When he stepped outside, I didn’t know what to feel. I don’t know if I should feel bad or good. I feel bittersweet. I don’t think of him as my enemy; he’s my opponent and also my best friend.”

READ: Yulo vs Yulo? Dad thinks siblings will face off soon

Dukhno’s routine took a hit after he landed outside of the mat, leading to a costly penalty.

“We’ve been together to talk about things while we were on the floor. I feel bad and good at the same time. Really mixed emotions,” the 17-year-old Yulo said.