Category: Philippine Star

Job seekers looking for new career opportunities can look forward to the upcoming JobQuestPH Hybrid Job Fair Marketplace, happening from June 16 to 20, featuring hundreds of local and overseas job openings from participating employers across various industries.

The event will begin with a two-day Face-to-Face Job Fair on June 16 and 17 at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Manila Bay from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This will be followed by a three-day Virtual Job Fair from June 18 to 20, accessible through the JobQuestPH Virtual Convention Center at www.jobquest.ph.

Designed to provide greater accessibility and convenience for job seekers, the hybrid format allows applicants to participate either onsite or online.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore vacancies, meet recruiters, submit applications, and discover career opportunities from both local and overseas employers.

One of the event’s key highlights is the free AI Job Matching Assessment, available to all registered attendees. The assessment helps applicants identify career opportunities that best match their skills, experience, and career interests, allowing them to make more informed job application decisions.

The JobQuestPH Hybrid Job Fair Marketplace welcomes fresh graduates, experienced professionals, career shifters and first-time job seekers who are looking to advance their careers or explore new opportunities.

The event is organized by JobQuestPH in full partnership with PESO Parañaque and the City Government of Parañaque, and in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Migrant Workers and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Interested applicants are encouraged to pre-register through www.jobquest.ph to enjoy fast lane access during the onsite event and gain access to the Virtual Job Fair platform.

With multiple hiring companies, local and overseas opportunities and innovative career-matching technology, the JobQuestPH Hybrid Job Fair Marketplace aims to connect thousands of Filipino job seekers with their next career opportunity.

The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani in Mindanao rose to 37 as of Tuesday morning, June 9, the Office of Civil Defense said.

OCD data as of 6 a.m. recorded 33 deaths in Region 12 and four in Region 11. Most of the fatalities were caused by falling debris, Civil Defense spokesperson Junie Castillo said in an interview on GMA News’ “Unang Balita.”

In Region 12 alone, 456 people were injured while four remained missing, based on initial reports.

“There are four who are still missing, but again, this is initial data because we are looking at reports from families or from people looking for someone,” Castillo said in Filipino.

A total of 77,186 people, or 17,689 families, were affected by the earthquake.

Damage to roads, bridges, homes

Castillo said nine bridges collapsed and 19 roads were damaged in Region 12 alone, with infrastructure damage estimated at around P900 million.

At least 1,889 houses were also damaged, including about 1,500 that were totally destroyed.

Castillo said it was still unclear how long recovery and rehabilitation would take because of the severity of the damage.

“On recovery and rehabilitation in terms of infrastructure, the damage was severe. We can see in images that many buildings collapsed. Even if some did not totally collapse, we can see that they were still heavily damaged and are unusable,” Castillo said.

Response

Search, rescue and retrieval operations are focused mainly on the hardest-hit areas of General Santos City and Sarangani, although Castillo said responders have also been deployed to other quake-affected areas.

General Santos City was placed under a state of calamity on Monday.

Castillo said the OCD had not received reports of isolated barangays or communities so far.

“We have not received reports of isolated barangays, although we have seen damaged bridges and roads,” Castillo said.

Food, non-food items and water supplies placed in accessible areas remain sufficient for now, Castillo said.

The OCD has also sent fuel supplies and generators to hospitals as power transmission lines have yet to be restored.

General Santos Airport was also damaged, forcing flights to be canceled or rerouted. Castillo said government officials visiting affected areas had to travel by land or take a helicopter from Davao City to General Santos City.

The OCD is also planning to set up a tent city for residents who have been sleeping by the roadside because they cannot yet return to their homes due to damage, fear and aftershocks.

“We are looking at putting up one tent city. In this situation, especially with aftershocks, our fellow Filipinos cannot immediately return to their homes, so they are staying in open spacess,” Castillo said.

Globe At Home, in partnership with GCash, is transforming traditional palengkes into digital marketplaces, bringing connectivity and financial inclusion to the heart of the communities.

Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz and Chief Commercial Officer Darius Delgado visited the Maypajo Public Market, home to almost 400 vendors that caters to over 96 thousand residents, in South Caloocan, to witness the activation of GFiber Prepaid WiFi.

This marks the fourth palengke powered by Globe at Home’s GFiber Prepaid, and the first in Metro Manila, following successful rollouts in Lucena, Baliwag and Valencia.

For many Filipinos, the palengke is more than a place to buy essential goods – it is the heartbeat of local commerce, sustaining livelihoods and nurturing families. Yet poor connectivity has long kept vendors and shoppers locked in cash?heavy transactions, limiting access to financial tools and digital opportunities.

‘At Globe, we believe that care for our customers means care for the communities and trade ecosystems they belong to. The palengke is more than an economic hub, it is the center of local commerce, where livelihoods are sustained and families thrive. By bringing GFiber Prepaid in partnership with GCash into these spaces, we are empowering local vendors and small businesses to embrace digital tools that make transactions seamless, secure, and inclusive. This is how we demonstrate #AlagangGlobe: by giving every business owner, every suki, and every family the connectivity they need to grow, succeed, and feel supported to keep going,’ said Carl Cruz, president and CEO at Globe.

Globe At Home is shattering digital barriers at the Maypajo Public Market, bringing the power of a seamless free WiFi connection through GFiber Prepaid directly to the heart of the community. With eight GFiber Prepaid devices pumping speeds of up to 100Mbps, the marketplace has evolved into a consistent, dynamic and reliable hub of opportunity.

This isn’t just about the internet, it’s about dignity and growth. Vendors who once struggled now hold the keys to their future with instant access to digital credit, insurance, and bookkeeping. Shoppers no longer worry about heavy pockets or exact change, moving through stalls with the simple, modern ease of ‘scan-to-pay”.

‘For too long, traditional markets have been left behind in the digital economy, limiting opportunities for vendors and customers alike. With Globe At Home’s GFiber Prepaid and GCash, we are transforming palengkes into digital marketplaces, opening doors to digital and financial inclusion, social commerce, and resilience for Filipino families. This is more than connectivity, it is the connection that empowers the Filipino. By modernizing the informal sector, we are building a stronger, more inclusive nation where every Filipino can participate fully in the digital future,’ added Delgado.

“Connectivity is what makes digital inclusion possible. When people are connected, they can access digital financial services that help them save, pay, and grow their livelihoods. It bridges the gap between everyday needs and essential financial tools, especially for underserved communities,” GCash for Business General Manager Paul Albano added. For its part, GCash champions the power of connectivity by investing in initiatives that help expand internet access through Globe.

By fueling this reliable, consistent network, Globe GFiber Prepaid is doing more than modernizing stalls, it is empowering Filipino families to dream bigger through social commerce and online marketplaces. This is progress you can feel. This is the resilient future of Filipino trade.

Lisa, a long?standing vendor at Maypajo, shared her excitement: ‘Bilang matagal nang tindera sa palengke, dahil sa Globe GFiber Prepaid sobrang saya ko na finally may libre at mabiilis na WiFi na kami dito. Sa GCash, mas madali na mag?send at mag-receive ng mga bayad, at dahil sa free WiFi, tuloy?tuloy ang aking pag-live?selling na ‘di nauubos ung [data] ko. Malaking tipid ito na madadala ko pauwi para sa pamilya ko, lalo na ngayong panahon. Talagang pinalakas at mas binuhay pa ng Globe ang aming palengke.’

By turning traditional markets into digital marketplaces, Globe at Home and GCash are not only modernizing commerce but also empowering communities, fostering financial inclusion, and strengthening resilience for Filipino families as we keep going together.

‘We are deeply thankful to Globe and GCash for choosing Maypajo Public Market as a partner in this initiative. By equipping our palengke with free and reliable GFiber Prepaid WiFi, makakalahok na ngayon ang aming vendors at mga suki sa digital economy nang walang kahirap-hirap. This opens opportunities para makareach ng mas maraming suppliers.’

Under a volatile sky that weaponized both scorching sun and intermittent rain, Leyann Ramo reasserted her claim as the undisputed queen of Philippine endurance racing.

Defying brutal elements, creeping exhaustion and the daunting unknown of her first-ever full-distance race, Ramo showcased a ferocious resolve to test her limits, capturing the Century Tuna full IRONMAN Philippines crown here late Sunday.

It was a showcase in pacing and pure, unadulterated grit. Ramo proved she possesses not just the elite skill to compete, but the legendary staying power required to survive the punishing 3.8km swim, 180km bike and grueling 42.2km marathon that separates true contenders from pretenders.

Two years after ruling the IRONMAN 70.3 circuit at the country’s triathlon capital, the Lanao del Norte native boldly stepped up to the ultimate challenge. Facing double the distance and double the agony, the 33-year-old emerged on top once again.

“The entire experience was overwhelming. It forces you to realize that the human body is capable of moving and performing for that long and that far. It was truly amazing,” a spent but radiant Ramo said after weathering the storm.

It took Ramo exactly half a day – 12 hours, three minutes, and 45 seconds of absolute grit and spunk – to conquer the course. She set a relentless tone with a 1:06:19 swim, tackled the slick, wind-swept bike segment in 6:28:54, and then unleashed a tremendous display of willpower in the closing marathon. Churning out a 4:17:03 run, she pushed through numbed feet and shaking legs. While her body threatened to rebel under the erratic weather, her heart remained unyielding, conquering the fifth edition of this lung-busting race organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. and sponsored by Century Tuna.

What made her victory doubly remarkable was that she struck gold on her very first try.

“It was my debut at the full IRONMAN distance after grinding in 70.3 races for nine years,” said Ramo after recovering from the grueling ordeal. “The preparation was brutal. We’ve been building the mileage since December. But unlike the 70.3 where you have to be fast out of the gate, the full distance demands a calculated, distributed effort. You have to spread your power wisely just to survive until the finish line.”

While whispers of a title defense immediately floated around the transition area, Ramo remained non-committal about her next endurance chapter.

“I don’t want to say never, and I might do it again, but it will definitely take a while before I line up for another full IRONMAN,” she said, adding that her team has opted to defer her slot for the prestigious KONA World Championships. “Maybe next time.”

For Ramo, the weekend was never about collecting accolades or punching World Championship tickets; it was a deeply personal quest.

“The goal for this race was simply to experience it, to see what it feels like to push against that wall,” she said.

In the end, her astounding feat transcended the scoreboard. It was a 12-hour triumph of spirit, self-belief and the beauty of testing human limits.

Khimberly Paquibot timed 12:31:21 to clinch the silver while Jennifer Tan Uy, the first Filipina Ultraman finisher, came in third in 12:34:37.

Earlier, Maksim Kniazev from Bulgaria dominated the men’s overall championship, winning it in 9:04:50. He clocked 58:20 in the swim, blitzed the bike stage in 4:38:35, and cruised home with a 3:21:23 in the marathon.

Germany’s Christian Haupt placed second in 9:09:58, while Aussie Ryan Miller timed 9:19:04 for third.

For the Rooster, the Year of the Fire Horse looks with favor on the major aspects of life – new opportunities present themselves in your career, extra money will flow in to enhance your finances, your love life will be stable and strong, and your health is sure to improve.

The Rooster is truly blessed this year.

Here is the rest of the forecast for the Rooster for the Year of the Fire Horse (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017):

Career: You might seem to be a little laid-back, but you maintain a stable sense of responsibility towards tasks. You may face passive competition, but with encouragement from leaders and colleagues, you will treat them as new challenges or opportunities worth embracing.

Wealth: Your financial situation is expected to improve – and it will. Your regular income prospects look promising, and the chance of salary increases and various bonuses is high. Those who are engaged in business will see substantial profits, allowing you to achieve financial independence with ease.

Love/Romance: You will experience new developments in your love life. If you are single, you might meet your true match and compatible partner and the relationship may be for keeps. If you’re married, your partner will treat you with more respect and you will gain a stronger voice in your relationship.

Health: With new achievements in career and finances, you’ll gain significant mental support and feel energized. Even if you are busy at work, you won’t feel overly tired. If you’ve had unstable health in the past, you might experience a full recovery now.

The maiden commercial shipment of fresh Philippine mangoes arrived recently in Toronto, expanding the export and increasing the visibility of premium Filipino products in the Canadian market.

The Philippine consulate general in Toronto said on Friday that the Philippines marked a significant milestone in its agricultural trade engagement with Canada with the arrival of the first commercial shipment of Philippine mangoes.

Flown in via the country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, the shipment represents a breakthrough for the Philippines’ most iconic fruit in North America and a long-awaited development for Canada-based consumers eager to have access to the world’s sweetest mango.

This limited initial batch of Philippine carabao mangoes is expected to be available through the Filipino supermarket in North America, Seafood City, and online fruit retailer Fruter.ca.

The initiative advances the Philippines’ broader goal of expanding its exports, strengthening supply chain linkages and increasing the visibility of premium Filipino products in the Canadian market.

Philippine mangoes – renowned globally for their sweetness, aroma and overall quality – are expected to resonate strongly with both the Filipino diaspora and mainstream Canadian consumers seeking high-quality tropical fruits.

Philippine Consul General Kristine Leilani Salle welcomed the shipment’s arrival, noting that it ‘demonstrates what is possible when government agencies and private partners work together to unlock new opportunities for Filipino products and services and meet the growing demand abroad.’

She emphasized that this first shipment lays the groundwork for a sustained and scalable export pathway, supported by compliance with Canadian import requirements and strengthened collaboration with industry stakeholders.

Salle expressed optimism that this milestone will pave the way for regular commercial volumes, benefiting mango farmers, processors and the broader agricultural value chain.

The consignment was formally sent off by Agriculture Undersecretary for high-value export crops Philip Young, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Raquel Solano and Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte before its departure for Toronto.

This shipment was made possible through the coordinated public-private effort led by the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Toronto and the Philippine Agriculture Office in Washington, in close collaboration with Philippine Airlines, exporters Castillo Import Export Ventures Inc. and Hi-Las Marketing Corp., and tropical and exotic fruits importer TSI Tropicals in Toronto.

The Palawan Group of Companies has officially announced the launch of the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon 2026, a three-leg race series aimed at promoting health, wellness and community engagement at a larger scale.

The initiative is launched in partnership with RUNRIO and the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development (UP OASD), bringing together key institutions that share a vision of encouraging active lifestyles and creating meaningful social impact.

Proceeds of the PalawanPay Marathon Trilogy will be used to purchase fully equipped ambulances in Aklan and South Cotobato.

The marathon series will be staged across three major locations in the country, namely Manila, Cebu and Palawan, with each leg serving as a platform to engage communities and promote inclusivity through sport.

The Manila leg is set to take place on August 9 at UP Diliman and will feature 1KM, 3KM, 5KM, 10KM and 16KM race categories designed for beginners, casual runners and experienced participants.

This will be followed by the Cebu leg on September 27 in Mandaue City, which will include additional distances such as the 21 km half-marathon to further challenge participants.

The trilogy will culminate in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, on October 18, where the complete set of race categories, including the 42KM full marathon, will be offered as the series’ highlight.

Lillian Castro-Selda, Palawan Group chief financial officer, highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared values in bringing the initiative to life.

She shared: ‘At Palawan Group, we believe that forging meaningful partnerships is essential in helping us reach more people and create a deeper, more lasting impact. Collaborations like this allow us to extend our services, strengthen our communities, and bring our mission closer to our kababayans, whether they live in bustling cities or in remote barrios. This partnership with RunRio and the UP-OASD is born out of a shared goal: to encourage more Filipinos to be active, healthy and well-rounded.’

Coach Rio De La Cruz from RUNRIO also expressed support for the partnership. He shared that proceeds from the registration will be used to purchase ambulances for partner community hospitals, helping ensure that emergency assistance arrives faster when it is needed most. He added that this is the initiative’s main objective, which is why they are very excited about the partnership with UP OASD.

Beyond promoting physical fitness, the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon continues to position itself as a purpose-driven initiative that transforms participation into meaningful community impact.

Previous runs have demonstrated how collective effort can support important causes, including healthcare initiatives in underserved areas. Among these is the funding of a fully equipped ambulance for the El Nido Community Hospital, reflecting how each step taken by participants contributes to a larger goal. Korina Castro-Fernando, Palawan group chief human resources officer, emphasized the deeper mission behind the initiative and the organization’s commitment to service.

‘It brings me great pride and joy to be part of this meaningful partnership for the PalawanPay Marathon Trilogy. At the heart of what we do is a deep commitment to people and community. This is more than just promoting health and wellness; it is about coming together to create real, lasting impact. It is a reminder that every step we take, every kilometer we run, can make a difference in someone else’s life,’ Castro-Fernando said.

With its expansion across Manila, Cebu and Palawan, the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon 2026 goes beyond a race series, becoming a nationwide effort that brings people together through health, wellness and community involvement.

It creates a space where runners of all levels can participate, challenge themselves and, at the same time, contribute to a greater purpose that benefits communities. Each step taken in the marathon reflects a commitment to creating positive impact, whether through promoting an active lifestyle or supporting meaningful causes on the ground.

A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Sarangani on Monday morning, June 8, killing residents and damaging buildings and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region.

Phivolcs said the offshore quake was caused by movement along the Cotabato Trench, the same structure linked to the deadly 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami. The agency warned of possible aftershocks and tsunami risk, while the Coast Guard suspended watercraft operations in Davao Occidental.

Here’s our latest coverage of the aftermath of the deadly quake. If you are unable to view the live blog, click here.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is moving to relax mandated fuel pricing rules to give oil firms greater flexibility to adjust to volatile global prices and prevent losses, its top official said.

Following the declaration of a national energy emergency, the DOE began setting the maximum fuel price hikes and minimum rollbacks that companies may implement each week.

The policy, backed by the threat of legal action against non-compliant firms, is intended to protect the motoring public from excessive pricing amid record-high fuel costs.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, however, said the DOE is now seeing the need to ‘lift the emergency level of supervision’ while continuing to safeguard consumer interests.

‘It’s a balancing act, but we also have to consider that we don’t want these companies to operate at a loss and shut them down because we need their services,’ Garin said in an interview.

She said the DOE has been in discussions with oil players on the next steps, hoping to reach a resolution this week.

Mixed pump adjustments are expected this week, with diesel prices likely to rise while gasoline is poised for a rollback.

Absent any easing of the current rules, oil companies will once again be required to follow the price adjustments prescribed by the DOE.

An industry source, who requested anonymity, told The STAR that oil players are proposing the DOE set a pricing range instead of mandating specific adjustments.

‘Currently, oil companies have no choice but to implement what the DOE says. With the DOE releasing a range, any adjustment within that range will be acceptable,’ the source added.

Garin said the DOE is open to the proposal and is considering it but noted that ‘we have computations that don’t seem to work.’

‘It needs to be adjusted so that our consumers are not put at a disadvantage. We have to make sure that if we make adjustments, we still won’t make it difficult for our consumers,’ the energy chief said.

Based on the latest available industry data, diesel in Metro Manila is currently priced at P67.14 to P85.32 per liter, while gasoline ranges from P67.64 to P104.74 per liter.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano insisted that he remains the legitimate Senate president, even as Malacañang and the House of Representatives have recognized the leadership transition backed by the bloc of Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian.

At a press briefing on Monday, June 8, Cayetano accused Gatchalian of usurping authority by acting as Senate president, saying the change in Senate leadership and the replacement of key Senate officials did not have the required number of votes.

“I sent a letter to our legitimate secretary of the Senate, legitimate because if you follow the rules, hindi siya pwedeng tanggalin kung walang 13 at hindi pwedeng palitan kung wala ring 13,” Cayetano said.

(I sent a letter to our legitimate secretary of the Senate, legitimate because if you follow the rules, he cannot be removed without 13 votes and cannot be replaced without 13 votes.)

“Senate president pro tempore, Senate president, secretary of the Senate, OSAA (Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms), kailangan niyan 13 ang botong ilagay, 13 ang boto pag tinanggal. Hindi nila sinunod iyan,” he added.

Cayetano has argued that the Gatchalian bloc lacked the votes needed to validly reorganize the Senate, including the replacement of Senate Secretary Jose Luis Montales with Renato Bantug Jr.

Compromise rejected

Cayetano’s bloc earlier proposed an interim arrangement with Gatchalian’s bloc to shield Senate personnel from conflicting orders by allowing both sides to sign off on key documents that require approval.

Cayetano said the offer was not accepted, claiming the Gatchalian bloc told his camp it was no longer open to such a compromise.

Asked if he was giving up his signing powers, Cayetano said: “No, I’m not giving it up. I’m just saying hindi dumating sa opisina ko yung pipirmahan.”

(No, I’m not giving it up. I’m just saying the document to be signed did not reach my office.)

Website-official

On the Senate website, Gatchalian is now listed as Senate president pro tempore. Cayetano’s page does not carry the title of Senate president. Since Gatchalian was elected Senate president pro tempore on June 3, Malacañang and the House of Representatives have dealt with his bloc as the recognized Senate leadership.

Earlier Monday, House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil filed the House prosecution team’s manifestation in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte before Bantug, whom Cayetano has also called illegitimate.

For preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, Bantug was also invited instead of Montales, whom Cayetano recognizes as the legitimate Senate secretary.

Despite this, Cayetano has continued to insist that he remains Senate president. He also claimed that his bloc retains the chairmanships of Senate committees.

Carpio’s counterargument

For retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, however, 12 senators could validly act on Senate leadership positions under the current circumstances.

Carpio said the count should be based on 23 senators, not 24, because Sen. Jinggoy Estrada should not be counted for purposes of determining the majority while he is facing a pending plunder case and is under detention.

“A majority of 23 is 12,” Carpio said an interview on ANC’s “Headstart” earlier on Monday.

Carpio cited two legal grounds: the Supreme Court doctrine that a public official under preventive detention for a criminal case filed in court cannot exercise public office, and the plunder law provision on the suspension of public officials charged in court.

“If you are suspended from office, that means you cannot exercise the functions and powers of that office, and one of those functions is to vote,” Carpio said.