Category: Philippine Star

Thrust into an interim head coaching position two games in, University of the East head coach Paulo Hubalde said he aims to give the Red Warriors a confidence boost in the UAAP Season 89.

Hubalde stepped in for Chris Gavina ahead of UE’s matchup with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Saturday.

The coaching change, though, could not snap the Red Warriors’ UAAP losing streak, which reached 23 following a 93-70 defeat against the Tamaraws.

After the game, Hubalde said he wanted to fix his players’ confidence.

‘Well, unang-una, lumaban naman yung mga bata. For me, gusto ko lang ayusin yung confidence nila na they have to know that they can compete in this league,’ Hubalde, who himself was a former Red Warrior, told reporters.

‘For me, to bring out the best tsaka potential nila, yun yung primary objective ko sa mga bata.’

He said the team has to have pride whenever they step on the floor.

‘Kailangan talaga nila magkaroon ng pride. Pride on defense. Pride on scoring. Pride on wearing that uniform. Like I said, yung panahon namin, hindi ko kino-compare ah, yung panahon namin, we’re very proud to wear that. So, doon pa lang, put everything on the floor,’ he said.

Hubalde said he wants to pass on to the current UE players the winning DNA that he experienced during his playing years.

‘Well, panahon ni Coach Allan [Caidic, UE consultant], they won the championship. Noong panahon din namin, we were there but we never won, but we were really competing,’ he said.

‘So, yun ang gusto kong ipa-feel sa kanila na we’re all in this together. Sabi ko nga sa kanila kanina, you have to have that pride of wearing the red and white,’ he added.

And while the team’s morale, for now, is low, Hubalde underscored that he wants to push for positivity inside the court.

‘Like what I said kanina, I want to bring the best out of them. So, ang sabi ko sa kanila, maniwala sila sa kaya nilang gawin,’ he said.

‘And I’ve been with these kids for the last tw years. I know all their strengths. So, ano naman ako for the last 2 years, so alam ko kung kaano kaya nilang gawin. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, you just have to believe that you can.’

UE will return to action on Wednesday as they take on the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.

Twelve people including a municipal mayor have been ordered arrested for alleged involvement in the ambush of the mayor of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur in January.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) 10th Judicial Region Branch 1 based in Iligan City issued a warrant for the arrest of Mayor Andal Ampatuan V of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur and his alleged accomplices – Datuben Gayon, Johari Guiapal, Saudi Guiapal, Aboher Guimbangan, Soy Kali, Toraipie Lusod, Gapor Magaluyan, Samsudin Mokamad, Edad Pendatun, Ababang Salik, and Mohammad Shamron Sapalon.

Andal and his co-defendants were charged for violating Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and multiple frustrated murder.

RTC Judge Alberto Pantonial Quinto did not recommend bail for the temporary liberty of the suspects, who allegedly plotted the ambush on the convoy of Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Sr. on Jan. 25.

Video footage of a closed-circuit television camera installed in an establishment near the scene of the attack showed a man firing a rocket-propelled grenade, hitting the bullet-proof vehicle of Akmad.

Akmad was not harmed in the attack, but his two security escorts suffered injuries.

Three suspected gunmen were killed in a pursuit operation launched by police.

Andal is a son of Andal Ampatuan Jr., who was convicted for the Maguindanao massacre in November 2009, which left 58 people dead including journalists.

What began as a family’s passion for sharing home-cooked treats has evolved into a beacon of community-driven agricultural enterprise in the highlands of Bukidnon.

Atugan Nature Farm, a Department of Tourism-certified site in Impasug-ong, is built on a foundation of collaboration, natural farming and local heritage.

Founded in 2018 by the parents of Rezia Lyndee “Izzy” Roque-Fabros, the farm initially served as a space to teach local residents, support the community and promote indigenous crafts such as hinabol, a traditional Higaonon handwoven fabric.

The farm’s signature offering, premium binaki-a traditional steamed sweet corn tamale-grew out of a shared family recipe.

“At first, my parents would just bring them to family gatherings or gift them to their friends,” Roque-Fabros said. “Eventually, people started asking to be able to buy them until it became what it is today. So, I guess I would say it started out as being happy to share something we liked and we followed the demand as years went by.”

The enterprise took a turning point when leadership transitioned to Roque-Fabros and her husband, James Michael Fabros. Neither brought a traditional business or agricultural background to the two-hectare property. Roque-Fabros trained as a medical technologist, while Fabros studied psychology.

Entering farm management meant starting from scratch. Roque-Fabros completed the Kapatid Mentor ME program to build core business skills, while Fabros leveraged his background to handle marketing, event management and tourist engagement.

“Be willing to learn,” Roque-Fabros said. “Things will always be changing. It is easier to find solutions to move forward.”

The transition required balancing long-standing community practices with new methods. Introducing modern agricultural techniques and natural farming concepts meant establishing deep trust with local farmers.

“To see is to believe,” Fabros said. “We are able to answer questions because we have already tried it ourselves.”

Today, the couple focuses heavily on sustainable coffee production and operations. Currently in an experimental stage, their goal extends beyond harvesting quality beans to sharing knowledge with neighboring growers.

The farm serves as a collaborative platform, displaying products from local micro, small, and medium enterprises and operating a roadside kapihan (coffee shop) with Adabrew Café.

Plans to fully establish the property as an Agricultural Training Institute learning site and farm tourism destination were paused during the pandemic, but revival efforts are underway. For the couple, growth remains tied to the success of the surrounding community.

“Success is better when you bring other people with you,” Fabros said, reflecting on the African proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. “Partner with someone so that they will also grow with you.”

Looking ahead, Roque-Fabros hopes Atugan Nature Farm will inspire similar sustainable, community-led initiatives across the region.

“It is more fruitful if everyone is growing around you,” she said.

Kids love jiggly gelatin desserts. This is why Cathedral Windows has become an all-time favorite kiddie dessert. It is gelatin heaven times ten because it is made up of ‘magical’ gelatin cubes of various colors with a creamy white gelatin base binding them all together.

It is named Cathedral Windows because it resembles the colorful stained glass windows often found in churches and cathedrals, especially those designed with a medieval Gothic architecture.

Receiving many requests for Cathedral Windows recipe on her Facebook page, Chef Jackie Ang Po is sharing the recipe of her delightfully creamy version of the gelatin dessert.

Creamy Cathedral Windows

Ingredients:

For the creamy white gelatin:

3 tbsps. gelatin (not gulaman)

1 pack Nestlé All Purpose Cream

1 cup Carnation Condensada

2 1/2 cups Nestlé Fresh Milk

2 tsps. vanilla extract

For the green gelatin:

1 1/2 tbsps. gelatin

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup sugar

Green coloring

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability and shared its best environmental practices during the Crisis Resilience and Sustainability Forum at the 2026 Environmental Summit held at the City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.

MMPC was selected by the local City Environment and Natural Resources Office to share what works, lessons learned and recommendations in the summit organized by the Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which served as a platform for government agencies, industries and private sector stakeholders to collaborate and promote environmental responsibility.

‘At present, around 20 percent of our facility’s electricity requirement is powered by our own solar panels. The remaining requirement is sourced entirely from renewable energy, allowing us to operate as a fully renewable energy manufacturing facility,’ said Marfel Ancheta, vice president of MMPC’s Safety, Health and Environment Department.

MMPC continues to implement energy efficiency measures across its operations, including heat recovery systems, equipment and lighting upgrades to more energy-efficient technologies and water recycling and conservation initiatives. These efforts support the company’s goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with an aspirational target of reaching this milestone as early as 2040.

Walking the talk in SiLakBo17

Beyond participation in forums, MMPC also encourages wider public involvement in environmental causes by joining SiLakBo17 (Sikad, Lakad, Takbo) at Nuvali Evoliving Center in Santa Rosa, Laguna as a key partner.

The initiative emphasized the impact of collective action and the importance of improving the condition of the Silang-Santa Rosa river system, highlighting the growing need for responsible water management and ecosystem restoration.

With the theme ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ employees across MMPC joined the event through cycling, walking and running activities. It also served as a convergence point for private sector partners, local communities and advocacy groups working toward a common goal. Funds generated will support on-the-ground environmental programs, including initiatives that help restore green cover and improve watershed conditions in the area.

Through continued investments and participation in community-oriented programs, MMPC continues to advance sustainable manufacturing practices while fostering meaningful connections with its stakeholders for long-term sustainable development in the Philippines.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology is investigating a potential data breach involving 48 companies participating in its trust assessment provider (DTAP) accredited program.

According to the DICT, around 410 files associated with the firms may have been exposed, comprising around 600 megabytes of data or around 770 MB when uncompressed.

Among the files, which may have been exposed are corporate registration records, permits, certifications, cybersecurity credentials, employment documents and DICT performance evaluations.

An investigation has been launched to verify the reported exposure, including the authenticity, source, nature and extent of the data involved.

Should it be proven that personal or other protected data has been compromised, DICT ‘will take appropriate action,’ including informing the affected companies in accordance with Republic Act 10173, or the Data Privacy Act, the DICT said. It assured accredited assessment providers that it is addressing the issue.

‘DICT remains committed to the security of information entrusted to it and to the integrity of the DTAP accreditation program,’ it said.

San Beda shut down Jose Rizal U in the stretch to eke out a come-from-behind 65-62 victory yesterday and climb up the Group A standings in NCAA Season 102 at the Filoil Center.

Trailing by five, 57-62, with 3.11 minutes remaining following a three-point play by JRU’s Chris Hubilla, the Lions threw the defensive blanket on the Bombers while dropping an 8-0 bomb late to snatch the win – their second straight in three starts.

That sent the reigning titlist into a tie with its victim at No. 2, behind only St. Benilde, which took pole position without even moving at 3-1.

Sean Torculas erupted for a career-high 29 points that he laced with five deafening three-pointers. Eight of his points came in the fourth quarter.

Andrei Ugaddan also came out of nowhere and scattered 11 markers, including six massive ones in that telling run late.

‘We didn’t stop until the game was finished, that was our mindset,’ said an ecstatic Torculas.

This was the same game that was called off last week due to the slippery floor at this same venue caused by the sudden downpour.

And just like the first one before the game was stopped, the Bombers were in control early before losing steam in the middle quarters.

But going into the homestretch, JRU, which came into the season as the team to beat after dominating most of the pre-season tournaments, regained its ground and took that 62-57 cushion, threatening to go three in a row.

San Beda had other plans, though.s

Filipino brands must go beyond memory recall and should add relevance and significance if they want to stand out in an increasingly crowded market, according to leading data, insights and consulting firm Kantar.

In its latest 2026 Kantar BrandZ Spotlight report, Kantar said that Philippine brands that are ‘best positioned’ for growth are those that go beyond salience to build ‘meaningful difference.’

The consulting firm found three realities for brands operating in the Philippines today: salience without relevance is just noise, relevance evolves with meaningful value and relevance without difference stalls growth.

The market report noted that these realities come at a time when Filipino consumers have become more selective about the brands they choose and follow.

‘Growth is not just about being present. It’s about making deliberate choices – staying consistent in your positioning, responding to emerging opportunities and focusing resources on what really matters,’ Kantar chief client officer Jose Mari Villabroza said.

The brand report analyzed six categories to see how consumers’ preferences are changing in various product mixes.

In banking, for instance, changing expectations and the rise of digital challengers demonstrate how relevance could shift as consumers find new ways to manage their finances, according to Kantar.

Meanwhile, in the communication industry, the risk brands faced is not relevance but diminishing distinction as connectivity becomes an essential infrastructure to Filipinos, the report said.

‘The challenge is no longer to provide access, but to establish a uniquely valuable role in helping Filipinos progress,’ Kantar said.

In the general retail category, brands with meaningful different characteristics can disrupt established markets, whether they operate online or offline, the report said.

In automotive, being different must be coupled with consumer desire and trust, while the health supplement category shows how relevance, difference and desirability can work together to make brands feel ‘worth it’ to consumers, the report added.

Beer brands must continually earn their place in consumers’ lives today and must not be complacent with just brand familiarity, Kantar said.

‘All the learnings that we’ve gotten across those different categories is that relevance is essentially not owned. It is earned, it evolves and it is also distinguished,’ said Briggs Bondad, associate director and client partner at Kantar.

The brand report identified BDO, Shopee, Globe, Red Horse, Centrum and Toyota as Kantar BrandZ’s Most Meaningfully Different Brands for 2026 in their respective categories.

The brands were ranked based on demand power, a Kantar BrandZ metric reflecting consumer preference and predicting a brand’s potential market share based on consumer perceptions.

Kantar BrandZ also identified brands demonstrating significant potential for future growth.

Maya, TikTok and GAC were named Breakthrough Brands, based on their future power scores, which estimate their likelihood of growing value share in the future, according to Kantar.

‘Being different will get you noticed. Being meaningful will get you chosen,’ said Eva San Gabriel-Claravall, CX and brand leader and head of growth at Kantar.

‘So be placeable, not interchangeable because the middle is not a safe position. Earn your relevance, evolve it early from a position of strength and own your space completely,’ Gabriel-Claravall added.

Kantar BrandZ’s 2026 Philippine study surveyed 400 respondents in each of six categories: banking, general retailer, communication provider, beer, health care supplement and automotive.

The Bayan Family of Foundations (BFF) and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) entered into a strategic partnership geared toward inclusive education to empower deaf individuals, provide and create pathways for sustainable employment.

BFF is an ecosystem of development institutions committed to build positive social change by supporting social enterprises. Bayan Academy, one of its four core foundations, offers comprehensive entrepreneurship, management and education training programs.

The mutual pursuit was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding between BFF and DLS-CSB. It seeks to foster entrepreneurship training and capacity-building programs for the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies students, faculty, alumni and associates.

BFF president and CEO Carlo Sagun and Bayan Academy executive director Vivienne Leigh de Guzman represented the organization. DLS-CSB vice chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson and SDEAS Dean Marian Patricia Bea Francisco inked the deal for the college.

‘There is a saying that ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” Francisco said.

‘This is the same principle why we are pushing for this partnership: to ensure we cultivate an environment where deaf students and graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders who contribute meaningfully to society,’ she said.

The initiative will explore enterprise prospects for both parties through experiential learning activities and immersion. BFF and Benilde likewise look forward to holding entrepreneurship and skills development workshops and seminars.

Knowledge exchange, cooperative research, institutional learning, joint project development and community programs for the deaf are among the other areas of collaboration the two institutions are considering.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued a Policy Alert, warning people that USCIS may immediately deny any benefit request (a petition or application) if the applicant ‘fails to demonstrate eligibility for a benefit or fails to provide all required initial evidence when filing the application, without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).’

This is important because now, if you are missing a required document, or perhaps filled out the form incorrectly, or checked the wrong box, USCIS may not give you the opportunity to provide additional documentation or information but instead will deny the case outright. Under Trump, it may also result in a person being placed in removal/deportation if, as a result of the denial, they are now out of status.

In the past, when a person filed a petition, application, request for work authorization, or other immigration benefit, and they did not submit all the required initial evidence (as listed on the USCIS’s website for the particular benefit), the USCIS would issue an RFE, requesting the applicant provide the additional or missing information or documentation within 87 days. If the person failed to do so, then USCIS would issue a denial.

Under this new policy, USCIS may no longer issue an RFE if documents or information are not initially provided. According to the Policy Alert, ‘USCIS has full discretion to deny the request without first issuing an RFE or NOID in various situations, including, but not limited to, when the benefit request has no legal basis for approval or when the requestor fails to provide required initial evidence.’

The Trump administration believes that many people are filing frivolous applications, with no legal basis, just to buy time, obtain a work authorization, etc. and take advantage of the case pending and work authorization while waiting for a decision on their case. In other words, a person might file a bogus petition or adjustment of status (for which they are not eligible) just to obtain a work authorization while the case was pending. According to USCIS, ‘this prior policy allowed frivolous or substantially incomplete filings to slow USCIS processing for others waiting in line.’

While it is true that some people try to ‘game the system’ by filing for immigration benefits to which they are not entitled, just to get a work authorization, there are many more people who are legitimately eligible for the immigration benefit and may have inadvertently overlooked including a particular document, such as a birth certificate or marriage contract, affidavit of support, etc. Now, these people risk denial and possible issuance of a notice to appear.

That is why, even if you are truly eligible for an immigration benefit, you may want to consult with or retain an attorney to help you fully package your application, to make sure all the required ‘initial evidence’ is included, that you are eligible for the benefit, and that the forms are properly filled out, which could greatly increase the chances for approval and, more importantly, reduce the risks of a denial in deportation.