Category: Philippine Star

For Sedrick Barefield, Blackwater’s first-round loss to Phoenix, where he was virtually a non-factor, left an unpalatable feeling.

So when he got a quick shot at washing it away and helping the Bossing exact revenge eight days later, the Fil-Am sniper jumped at the opportunity.

Barefield rifled in 11 points in the fourth quarter as he anchored the Bossing’s 29-14 closing barrage that resulted in a 106-100 payback win in the PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The sophomore guard finished with 26 in his ‘redemption game’ from his meager 10-point, 5-of-19 shooting performance in his team’s 93-102 loss to the Fuel Masters at the end of Round 1 last July 28.

‘I feel like I had some of my best games against Phoenix so not having a great game against them last time kind of put a bad taste in the mouth,” said Barefield, who shot 11-of-24 this time.

‘But honestly, as a team that was the vibe – we knew we’re better than how we performed last game so we kind of want to be more aggressive and not settle as much. I think we did a better job of that today.’

The vengeful victory put Blackwater (3-3) back in business after going on a three-game spiral to end the initial salvo of action in Group B.

‘We knew today was important, if we lost, it would become tough for us going forward. It was do or die for us so that set the tone,’ said Barefield.

‘We know what kind of team we are when we’re getting stops and executing offensively. When we do that, things go well for us,’ he added.

Kentrell Barkley produced 34 points and 16 rebounds for Blackwater, which also drew heroics from RK Ilagan in scoring (15) and quality minutes from Jed Mendoza and Troy Mallilin.

The Bossing laid to waste BJ Johnson’s 45-point explosion for the Fuel Masters, who slipped to 4-2. Blackwater’s defenders held the Phoenix import to only five in the last 12 minutes.

The match featured a seesaw battle.

Phoenix seized a 42-32 lead in the second quarter only for Blackwater to make a furious counter assault, 30-17, to wrest a 62-59 edge at the turn.

The Fuel Masters retook control with a 27-15 exchange in the third before the Bossing unleashed their finishing kick to take command for good.

Like Japan where he coached for a decade and won multiple pro titles, new head coach BT Toews dreams of transforming Gilas Pilipinas women to a powerhouse in Asia. But like every skyscraper in the world, building it will not be an overnight project.

Toning down expectations, the multi-titled Canadian mentor will begin the journey for that ultimate goal in his first-ever tournament at the helm, when the Nationals take on the fancied squads led by host Mexico in the FIBA Women’s Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in Guadalajara from August 17-23.

“I’ve had some other offers in Asia to coach national teams but I thought that the Philippines had a really high ceiling,” said Toews, who boasts a decorated 30-year coaching career marked by two titles and three Coach of the Year awards for the Fujitsu Red Waves in the Women’s Japan Basketball League, in a media roundtable Thursday.

‘I thought that the Philippines could really get to the top tier and be perennial contender.”

Doing it will be a long process comprised of little steps and for Toews, that begins with a comprehensive training camp, like the Japanese national team, where everyone invited should be available at all times for familiarity and continuity of the program.

Toews, 60, will bring a 17-woman pool, led by newly crowned Japan league champion Jack Animam, US NCAA Division I standout Vanessa de Jesus and two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa, in a five-day camp in Las Vegas, Nevada starting on August 9 before departing for Mexico for the qualifiers.

And Gilas will just go from there with sights also locked on revving up for Asian Games in Achi and Nagoya next month and the country’s hosting of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup next year in Cebu.

“We are building towards that. There’ll be some steps forward and some steps backwards. It happens in basketball. But the long-range plan is to be the best team we can be in the Asia Cup in Cebu,” vowed Toews, appointed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas in lieu of now Blackwater head coach in the PBA, Pat Aquino.

As he plots on that journey though, Toews also took time to tip the hat to his predecessor and longtime Gilas mentor Aquino, who turned Gilas into one of the best teams in Asia through decades with his last act featuring the country’s first win ever against a non-Asian team in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers last summer against Colombia, 74-59.

“Coach Pat is Coach Pat. He did a lot for the program to get it this far. And I’m trying to build on what he’s done,” he smiled, vowing to bring a lot of Japanese basketball philosophies on to the Pinoy brand of hoops.

All of these plans by Toews will be laid out in a full calendar and roadmap in consultation with SBP Executive Director Aquino and Gilas women program head Bacon Austria after the Asian Games leading up to the Asia Cup next year.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It jumpstarts your day and gives you energy to last you the whole day. There’s no overeating here, since you get to burn the calories for one full day.

Chef Jill Sandique, easily one of the most talented Filipino chefs in the country today, really takes a completely satisfying breakfast whenever she can. She cooks, no, not fried eggs or scrambled eggs, but a leveled-up egg dish, which she simply calls Breakfast Eggs.

‘This humble breakfast dish does not look beautiful, but it is downright delicious!’ the chef said.

The dish is inspired by Turkish Menemen, to which she added some Oligold Cream Cheese and the ‘controversial’ onions (the debate on whether or not onions should be added to the dish never ends). Yes, she decided to add onions!

Then she goes, ‘Feel free to add mushrooms, cured meats, olives and capers to this scrambled egg concoction. I like to eat mine with some yogurt topped with black cherry jam.’

Enjoy!

Innobake Breakfast Eggs

Ingredients:

3- 4 large eggs, beaten

2- 3 tbsps. Beaoliva Olive Oil

1 pc. medium onion, minced

2-3 tbsps. minced green pepper (any type of green pepper will do)

1 cup Dolce e Italia Crushed Tomatoes, or more

A few sprigs of dill, as desired

1/2 to 1 tsp. sweet paprika

Cumin, oregano, thyme and chili flakes, as desired

Salt to taste

2-3 bsps. Oligold Cream Cheese, cubed

For serving:

2-4 slices bread, toasted

Tomato, sliced

Fresh dill

Procedure:

1. Heat the Beaoliva olive oil in a sauté pan. Add onion and cook until translucent. Stir in green bell pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Add Dolce e Italia crushed tomatoes, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes or just until the oil rises to the surface. Add dill, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme and chili flakes. Mix well and then add the beaten eggs. Season with salt.

3. Stir gently and cook just until barely set. Add Oligold Cream Cheese and flip once.

4. Put toasted bread on a plate. Top with cooked eggs. Garnish with fresh dill and a slice of tomato. Serve immediately.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri rallied his colleagues in support of his resolution seeking the immediate lifting of the temporary restraining order against the P85 Metro Manila wage increase.

Zubiri authored Senate Resolution No. 577, which seeks to express the sense of the Senate in opposing the wage hike TRO.

‘I moved around and gathered signatures for cross-aisle support from all members of the majority and minority so the Senate can state clearly that the wage board’s decision should be final. It should be implemented and respected by the courts,’ Zubiri said.

All senators set aside their political differences to sign the resolution, Zubiri said, adding Sen. Robin Padilla helped gather signatures from the minority.

The resolution, signed by all senators, cited Article 126 of the Labor Code, which prohibits courts, tribunals or other entities from issuing injunctions or TROs against proceedings before the National Wages and Productivity Commission or the regional wage boards.

The resolution was filed following the controversial suspension of Wage Order No. NCR-27 issued by National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) for a P85 increase to the daily minimum wage of private-sector workers in the National Capital Region.

It was stopped by a Pasig Regional Trial Court, which issued a TRO as requested by construction companies Readycon Trading and Construction Corp. and R-II Builders Inc.

Vice President Sara Duterte’s lead over Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo has tightened in the latest hypothetical one-on-one presidential matchup released by the OCTA Research group.

The poll, conducted from July 4 to 11, found that 43 percent of the respondents would support Duterte in a hypothetical matchup against Robredo, who received 34 percent.

Support for Duterte went down from 46 percent in OCTA’s first quarter survey, while it went down from 35 percent for Robredo.

This means that the Vice President’s lead narrowed from 11 percentage points to just nine points.

The remaining 22 percent were undecided, up from 19 percent in the first quarter survey.

According to OCTA, the most notable change occurred among respondents in Metro Manila, where preference for Robredo declined from 52 percent to 34 percent.

‘Duterte’s share, by contrast, increased only two points, well within the margin of error,’ the firm said.

‘This transformed Robredo’s previous 20-point NCR advantage into a statistical tie,’ it added.

‘Crucially, this movement was accompanied by a substantial jump in the uncommitted share – from roughly 15 percent to 32 percent. The change therefore reads as a shift away from Robredo toward uncertainty, not a direct transfer of support to Duterte,’ it said.

OCTA said this change may be due to Robredo’s statement that she does not intend to run for president in 2028.

Mindanao support

Mindanao, meanwhile, remained Duterte’s base, although support went down from 88 percent to 76 percent.

‘The decline indicates some genuine softening in the intensity of Duterte’s Mindanao support, though it did not alter her dominance in the region. Subnational comparisons should still be interpreted with appropriate caution given the wider margins of error at that level,’ added OCTA.

The Vice President is facing an impeachment trial for alleged misuse of funds and supposedly hiring an assassin to kill President Marcos in the event of her death, among other charges.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent.

Filipino-American singer Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, more popularly known as H.E.R., flexed her karaoke skills by performing a Filipino classic while in a New York City restaurant.

New York establishment Kalye shared a video of the award-winning artist singing Rey Valera’s “Maging Sino Ka Man,” particularly Sharon Cuneta’s version, which she covered for her movie of the same name with Robin Padilla.

“Mahal kita pagka’t mahal kita, iniisip nila ay hindi mahalaga, mahal kita maging sino ka man,” H.E.R. sings before inviting everyone in the restaurant to join her finishing the chorus.

Celebrities praised her intimate performance in the comments, including beauty queen Chelsea Manalo, Gian Magdangal, Sharon’s daughter KC Concepcion, and even streaming platform Spotify.

H.E.R. is the recipient of five Grammy Awards and one Oscar, best known for songs “I Can’t Breathe,” “Fight For You,” “Hard Place,” “Come Through,” “Slide,” “Focus,” “Damage,” “Could’ve Been,” and “Best Part” with Daniel Caesar.

The singer is currently making promotional rounds for “Forgotten Island,” Dreamworks Animation’s upcoming movie inspired by Filipino folklore and mythology, which she headlines alongside Liza Soberano and Lea Salonga.

Rolando Bregente matched par 72 on a rainy Wednesday to earn top seeding in men’s play of the NGAP’s Match Play Championship, even as the double championship bid of young Lisa Sarines will have to go through her twin sister Mona in the first round of the knockout matches at soggy Luisita in Tarlac.

Jet Hernandez, the player who has a shot at the men’s double, advanced as the No. 3 seed by shooting a 74 for 142, as Filipino-Japanese Shinichi Suzuki took No. 2 after a second round 70 to finish two shots behind the 24-year-old Bregente, who closed out the two-round qualifying with a 72 for 139.

‘I think half the challenge this week was making it to the match play stage,’ Hernandez, who won the Strokeplay title by 22 strokes over Bregente and Chris Remata last week, said as he battles teener Alexis Nailga, a multiple leg winner in the Junior PGT, who advanced as the 14th seed after rounds of 78 and 75.

Bregente, a member of the national pool like Hernandez, will be up against Ronel Taga-An, who fired an 80 to advance as the No. 16 seed, even as the 6-foot-3 Suzuki slugs it out with Geoffrey Tan.

A laptop is one of those purchases you want to get right. After all, it is the device that stays with you through late-night study sessions, work deadlines, creative projects, and everyday tasks.

So while features and performance matter, there is more to consider before making a choice: Will it last? Can you get support when you need it? Will it continue to deliver value over time?

With ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service, ASUS brings together trusted device quality and stronger after-sales support to give users more confidence in their investment. Here are five reasons why considering the complete ownership experience can make your next laptop purchase a smarter one.

1. A laptop built to last through everyday demandsA laptop is an investment that stays with users through different stages of life-from school to first jobs and beyond.

That is why durability matters. ASUS laptops are built with quality and reliability in mind, with select models tested to meet US Military-grade durability standards and pass up to 26 stress tests against various environmental and physical conditions.

Whether it is used in classrooms, cafés or workplaces, ASUS laptops are designed to keep up with users’ everyday demands.

2. Performance that supports changing needs

A laptop should be ready for whatever comes next-from finishing school projects and managing multiple tasks to taking on new challenges in the workplace.

ASUS laptops are equipped with powerful performance features designed to keep one’s productivity and support different needs, whether users are creating, collaborating, studying or starting their professional journey.

Because the right device is not just about meeting today’s requirements, but also about being prepared for the opportunities ahead.

3. Protection that goes beyond standard warranty coverage

Unexpected situations can happen. You know it: accidental drops and liquid spills to electrical surges and other physical damage. That is why warranty protection can be just as important as the laptop itself.

Through ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service, eligible ASUS laptops purchased starting June 8 2026, come with enhanced warranty benefits designed to provide longer-lasting protection and greater peace of mind.

Depending on the eligible model, users can enjoy up to three years of International and Local Onsite Warranty, with coverage across 90+ international countries and access to 100+ ASUS Service Centers and Drop-off Points in the Philippines.

The package also includes:

Up to 1-year Local Accidental Damage Protection under the ASUS Perfect Warranty. This covers one accidental damage claim within the first year of warranty at 100% free labor cost and up to 80% free spare parts cost coverage.

Users can also benefit from long-term device care through up to six times preventive maintenance services for free device cleaning.

An extended 14-day return policy for added purchase confidence.

With ASUS Warranty support built into the ownership experience, users can focus on achieving their goals knowing their device is backed by protection that lasts.

4. Reliable service when and where you need it

A laptop’s value extends beyond the purchase, and having accessible service support is an important factor in maintaining device performance over time.

With ASUS’ commitment to service excellence, users have access to trusted support through ASUS Service Centers nationwide for assistance, maintenance and repairs.

For a more secure ownership experience, purchase from official ASUS and ROG retailers. Find official ASUS and ROG retailers here: Official ASUS and ROG Retailers

5. More value through ASUS School-Ready Deals

A smarter laptop purchase means getting more value from the start. Through ASUS No. 1 Quality, School-Ready Deals, students and young professionals can enjoy added benefits on select ASUS and ROG devices.

Until August 31, participating devices come with a free additional one-year Local Accidental Damage Protection, while purchases of select ASUS laptops from ASUS and ROG Exclusive Stores nationwide also come with a free ASUS Marshmallow Mouse MD100.

Customers can also get up to P1,000 off on eligible ASUS accessories when purchased with participating ASUS, ROG and TUF devices from August 1 to September 15 at ASUS and ROG Exclusive Stores nationwide.

Investing in what comes next

For many students and fresh graduates, buying a laptop marks an important milestone.

Beyond specifications, the smartest laptop choice considers the entire experience: trusted quality, dependable performance, accessible service and protection that lasts.

With ‘Quality You Trust, Protection That Lasts,’ ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service gives users the confidence to choose a device designed not just for today’s needs, but for the years ahead.

Ombudsman prosecutors are asking the Sandiganbayan to reconsider the bail granted to former

senator Ramon Revilla Jr. in his malversation case. Revilla’s lawyer Reody Anthony Balisi said they will file their opposition to the motion.

Revilla was released last week after posting bail of P1 million.

Two of Revilla’s co-accused earlier appealed the court’s denial of their bail petitions.

Revilla is accused of receiving a 25 percent commitment fee for an alleged ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan worth P92.8 million.

The Department of Education (DepEd) will implement a ‘big brother system’ and hire more security guards in bigger public schools as it steps up efforts to address the recent surge in violence on school campuses, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced yesterday.

Presiding over the 80th executive committee meeting, Angara led discussions on strengthening school safety programs, including closer coordination with barangay officials and the development of guidelines to help schools respond to various situations.

Among the measures agreed upon was the implementation of a big brother system, a mechanism for guidance, support and monitoring of students’ welfare.

During the meeting, officials also committed to developing a manual for teachers to help them identify early warning signs and risk factors associated with bullying and school violence.

A safety index is in the works for schools and students, following a suggestion from the Department of Justice, to serve as a basis for assessing the level of safety and determining necessary interventions.

Following the recent incidents of campus violence, Angara reported that the department is also eyeing the hiring of more security guards, with priority to be given to larger public schools with around 1,000 to 1,500 students.

He acknowledged that aside from the learning crisis, DepEd is facing another crisis brought about by violence in schools.

‘Our suggestion is to start with larger schools because we have observed that most incidents of violence occur in very large schools,’ Angara told reporters, adding that the department’s limited budget would require prioritizing schools with larger student populations.

Angara also sought the assistance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who has operational control and supervision over the Philippine National Police, in strengthening campus security through increased police and barangay patrols.

More metal detectors will be procured to prevent students from bringing bladed weapons onto school campuses, while active shooter drills will now be part of regular school activities to orient students, teachers and school personnel on how to protect themselves during attacks by armed assailants.

DepEd’s intensified security measures come after a series of deadly incidents in schools.

On June 22, three students were killed and more than 20 others were wounded after two minors, aged 15 and 14, entered two classrooms and opened fire on 40 to 50 of their classmates at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte.

Most recently, a 13-year-old Grade 9 student was stabbed to death by his 14-year-old classmate at Las Piñas National High School on Friday following an argument over a P10 canteen change.

Special needs guidelines

In a separate development, the DepEd has issued interim guidelines clarifying the implementation of the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System for Special Needs Education Teachers (SNET) while revised qualification standards remain pending approval by the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

A memorandum issued by the DepEd undersecretary for human resource and organizational development and infrastructure said guidelines specific to special needs education teachers are forthcoming.

It directed regional offices and schools division offices to temporarily defer the publication and appointment of vacant and newly created SNET positions pending the CSC’s approval of the revised qualification standards.

‘Immediate hiring actions using either the existing or proposed position titles may result in inconsistencies with applicable civil service rules and may adversely affect the validity of appointments,’ the memorandum read.

The ECP System reorganized teaching positions into a new career structure, including the retitling of Special Needs Education teaching positions from SPED Teacher I-V to Teacher IV-VII and Master Teacher I.

While incumbent teachers have begun transitioning under the new system, the revised qualification standards for newly created SNET positions have remained pending before the CSC since April 2026.

The memorandum also directed field offices to prepare documentary requirements needed to immediately begin hiring once the revised qualification standards are approved.

DepEd clarified that the retitling and reclassification of incumbent SNET teachers may continue under existing approved qualification standards as an interim measure.

EDCOM 2 welcomed the development, saying it provides much-needed clarity for schools and schools division offices on the continued retitling and reclassification of incumbent SNET teachers while ensuring personnel actions remain consistent with existing Civil Service rules.

‘These interim measures provide prompt clarification and guidance for our teachers, which is most welcome. We hope that DepEd and the Civil Service Commission can complete their process soon so schools can immediately proceed with the hiring of new special needs education teachers and ensure that learners with disabilities receive the specialized support they need,’ said Karol Mark Yee, executive director of EDCOM 2.