Category: Philippine Star

LA Tenorio’s head coaching era has started off triumphantly.

The Magnolia Hotshots welcomed Tenorio and the 50th season of the PBA with a bang after fending off Barangay Ginebra in a wire-to-wire affair, 80-73, in the Philippine Cup opener Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Zavier Lucero powered the Hotshots with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. Jerom Lastimosa and the comebacking Javi Gomez-de Liano chipped in 14 markers apiece.

‘It was really hard, first of all, emotionally. I have to battle and really challenge my mind that it’s not about me and Coach Tim [Cone], it’s about Magnolia versus Ginebra. But, I just want to thank the players and my coaching staff. I really want to credit them, because they really guided me,’ Tenorio told reporters after the game.

‘Alam nila na mahirap especially in this kind of atmosphere. For the players, they were really ready going to this game, I really appreciate their effort, their fight, their focus coming to this game,’ he added.

The Hotshots erected a 15-point advantage, 63-48, with 10:10 remaining after a James Laput jumper.

But a 9-0 run, built by a layup by Japeth Aguilar, a 4-pointer by Jeremiah Gray and a 3-pointer by newly crowned Rookie of the Year RJ Abarrientos, sliced the deficit to six, 57-63, with 8:38 left.

However, huge shots by Lucero, Gomez-de Liano, Mark Barroca and Jerom Lastimosa kept the Gin Kings at bay.

The game was still within reach after a jumper by Stephen Holt that put them within striking distance, 69-78. Misses and turnovers by Ginebra, however, made it difficult for them as the clock melted.

Magnolia started the game waxing hot with 10 unanswered points, pumping the advantage to 14, 21-7, after a layup by Lucero.

But Ginebra was able to tow itself to within two points, 24-26, but could not tie or take the lead.

Rome dela Rosa chipped in 12 points for the Hotshots.

Holt had an all-around game for Ginebra, finishing with 16 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and a steal. Gray added 13 markers, while Troy Rosario and Abarrientos tallied 12 and 11, respectively.

Investigation on massive corruption should expand from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the Department of Health (DOH), Mayor Benjamin Magalong said on Friday.

‘Not only DPWH – what’s happening in DOH is getting close, too,’ Magalong said after corruption complaints were filed against Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and five other officials, specifically for misusing P44.6 million worth of government-bought psychiatric medicines, allegedly given to a private group.

‘Si Herboza, malapit na yan,’ he said in radio interview.

Lawmakers have also flagged DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

Many health centers supposedly built under the program turned out to be unfinished or unusable, and some were even described as ‘ghost’ facilities.

Lack of staff has made many of them non-operational. Magalong is part of Mayors for Good Governance.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, however, questioned Magalong’s own record, citing his P110-million Baguio tennis and parking facility project linked to Discaya-owned St. Gerrard Construction.

Magalong, who resigned from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure on ‘conflict of interest’ concerns, may need to present more solid proof of corruption in the DOH, as he did in the case of the DPWH, according to his detractors.

Even before his shortlived stint as ICI adviser and investigator, he claimed to have already submitted documents and other pieces of evidence to President Marcos to back up his allegations against officials linked to anomalies in flood control projects.

President Marcos joked about lawmakers ‘getting fat’ as he greeted a chef-turned-congresswoman during an event in Pampanga on Friday.

‘Our latest, newly elected congresswoman, Congresswoman Florabel, is the one feeding the entire House of Representatives now, so our congressmen are getting fat,’ Marcos said, referring to Nanay Party-list Rep. Florabel Yatco.

Marcos made the joke at the inauguration of the Farm Fresh Milk plant in San Simon, Pampanga, amid a flood control corruption scandal implicating several lawmakers and other public officials.

Yatco is the owner of the Florabel Group of Restaurants, which includes Florabel, El Corazon, Crisostomo and Sisa’s Secret.

During the distribution of carabaos and farm equipment to Aeta communities, the President reminded the beneficiaries that the help they receive comes from taxpayers.

‘I tell those who receive little benefits who express their gratitude to us, ‘Don’t thank us because this is really our job. It’s your money, so we’re just giving it back to you’,’ he said.

Among those present at the inauguration were Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, Farm Fresh Milk founder and chief executive officer Loi Tuan Ee, Farm Fresh Milk Inc. Philippines CEO Shawn Pu and other officials.

The day after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook Cebu, leaving destruction, injuries and deaths in its wake, the Senate, voting 15-3 and two abstentions, passed a resolution calling for the house arrest of International Criminal Court (ICC) prisoner Rodrigo Duterte, citing ‘humanitarian grounds.’ How compassionate of them. Their sense of humanity for the architect of the bloody drug war seems far more urgent than for the Filipinos reeling from an actual natural disaster.

Leading this display of moral piety was none other than Bible-quoting Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Hallelujah! Always ready to act as the ambassador of Jesus Christ, he asserted that ‘humanitarian treatment and due process are essential to justice.’ How Godly cute of Alan Peter. This is coming from the same man who denied the existence of Duterte’s extrajudicial killings before the United Nations when he was secretary of foreign affairs, with the gusto of a militant Holocaust denier and flat-earther. This is also the senator who rationalized corruption as long as there is ‘repentance.’ If Alan Peter can’t get his brother, the ‘good Cayetano,’ Lino, to buy into his ‘holiness,’ perhaps he should keep his preaching to himself.

The resolution came after impeached Vice President Sara Duterte accused the ICC of inhumanely treating her father. Depending on the day, Digong is either frail, collapsing on the floor, battling early dementia or, if we are to believe Senator Bato dela Rosa’s latest melodrama, simply wants to go home and eat monggo. Shedding monggo tears to win sympathy? Such claims might sound plausible if Duterte were detained in Guantanamo Bay or some North Korean dungeon. But in the Netherlands, renowned for human rights and excellent health care? Please. Sara’s assertion, like a fat penguin, doesn’t fly. And why should people believe her? Just six months ago, she was quoting her father, likening his ICC detention quarters to those of a hotel.

So what is the most compassionate thing we can do for Digong? Let him stay exactly where he is. After all, the ICC facility is among the most humane in the world. And frankly, far kinder than our jails and the graves where thousands of his EJK victims now lie.

The resolution, of course, has absolutely no legal bearing on the work of the ICC. The ICC exists precisely as the court of last resort for people victimized by crimes against humanity and betrayed by their countries’ institutions. It is built to resist pressure from outside forces, especially from those it is currently trying. If anything, the Senate resolution only reinforced the argument for keeping Duterte in the ICC. It showed that he still influences Philippine politics, even from a detention cell in The Hague.

However, politically, the resolution did reveal one thing: the Senate remains the happy hunting ground for the Dutertes, even if their hardliners have slipped to the minority. The majority bloc led by Senate President Tito Sotto is proving to be challenging.

It also exposed the weaknesses of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. The resolution seemed like a barometer. Many senators are unimpressed with how Marcos has handled the flood control issue, with some getting ready to take their bets on the return of the Dutertes in 2028. This is not just about the ICC; this is a preview of the coming presidential race.

Senator Chiz Escudero had his own moment in the spotlight. Prior to the drama involving Duterte, the ousted Senate president took the podium and claimed that the corruption allegations against him were all part of a script by former House speaker Martin Romualdez, who had also lost his leadership post after being caught up in the same scandal. Romualdez shot back at Escudero, calling his speech a ‘DDS script.’

Yet, what made Escudero’s performance stand out was not only the sheer contradictions of his lines but whom he seemed to be most anxious to please in the audience – Sara Duterte, who was sitting in the Senate VIP gallery. Some said that Chiz’s performance felt less like a speech and more like an audition for Sara’s running mate in 2028.

‘Why me?’ Escudero whined before reminding his accusers that when you point a finger at someone, three fingers point back at you. Is this the best argument he has? If anything, this is no defense at all. It’s more like an admission. Like a man caught urinating on a wall, only to complain that he shouldn’t be singled out because others relieved themselves on the same spot.

Then came Chiz’s pompous statement: ‘I can defend myself, but who will defend our institution?’ Really? He wants a reminder as to how the Senate lost its credibility under his short and chaotic leadership? First, he shelved Sara’s impeachment. Second, his P30-million donation from a contractor. Third, his alleged multi-billion budget insertions. Fourth, the Marcoleta-led flood control probe, where his contractor-friend, Senate allies and the Dutertes were untouched. Finally, the botched and hurried plan to turn the Discaya couple into state witnesses. He doesn’t need to worry about defending the Senate. The damage under his watch already did that.

This week gave us two lousy scripts: the ICC’s ‘inhumane treatment’ of Digong and Chiz’s non-defense defense. Different scripts, same teleserye – the endless squabbling of dynasties, where the people are reduced to extras.

It’s time to rip up their scripts, unmask the real villains and celebrate our true heroes, leading to 2028: former Justice Antonio Carpio, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno, Rep. Leila de Lima, Heidi Mendoza, Cielo Magno and Mayor Vico Sotto, to name a few.

We follow our own script now. It’s time to write our story, our history, our destiny.

The private sector is set to conduct a review of regulatory processes in the country to help address the longstanding issue of red tape.

The review is being spearheaded by the Philippines – Ease of Doing Business Foundation Inc. (EASE PH), which serves as the private sector convenor of the Buklod Bayani Coalition composed of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of the Interior and Local Government and business groups including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

EASE PH president Roberto Alvarez Jr. told reporters during the initiative’s launch that the private sector is undertaking the review to simplify processes for securing permits and clearances.

Alvarez said the initiative would also support ARTA’s ongoing review of processes.

While the ARTA is undertaking a review focusing on certain sectors, he said the agency has limited manpower.

The review will involve working with industry organizations in all sectors including real estate, mining, telecommunications and energy.

After the review, Alvarez said the private sector would come up with recommendations to be presented to the government agencies and local government units involved, as well as the ARTA and President Marcos.

‘Many of the steps are unnecessary. Some of these were placed by the government before. Maybe two presidents or three presidents ago. It’s no longer necessary. So, we will tell them to remove that,’ he said.

Apart from simplifying and reducing the number of steps, he said the initiative is expected to help curb corruption.

‘When they know they will get caught or they know they can be seen, they will hesitate to do it. If they know they can get away with it, many people will just do it, right? But now, if they think that somebody’s looking at them, then it’s going to be harder,’ he said.

While the initiative may not eradicate corruption, he said it may make it harder for such to take place as the process for doing business becomes easier.

Board of Investments chief investments specialist Lubin De Vera Jr. said the Ease of Doing Business – Anti-Red Tape Advisory Council has passed a resolution recognizing EASE PH as the convener of private sector participation in the review of regulatory processes, acknowledging the crucial role the sector plays in advancing reforms.

‘Businesses, both domestic and foreign, still encounter regulatory complexities, delays and inefficiencies,’ De Vera said, noting that it can take up to 75 days for local firms and more than 100 days for foreign firms just to complete registration.

These numbers are above global averages and those seen in other Southeast Asian countries.

‘If we are serious about making the Philippines an investment destination of choice, these delays must be addressed directly and decisively,’ De Vera said.

Alvarez said the initiative would also be presented during the PCCI’s Philippine Business Conference later this month to increase awareness and get more sectors involved.

Ateneo continues to roll in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

In front of 17,185 fans, the Blue Eagles thwarted a furious rally by archrivals La Salle Green Archers to grab a wire-to-wire, 81-74 victory in their first meeting of the season Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

La Salle sliced a 33-point lead to single digit late, but its fightback came a little too late against an Ateneo side that banked on defense to build a mountain of an upperhand.

The troika Kymani Ladi, Dom Escobar and Shawn Tuano had 15 markers apiece for Ateneo. Joshua Lazaro chipped in nine points.

The Green Archers trailed by as big as 33 points, 68-35, after a pair of free throws by Ian Espinosa toward the end of the third period.

But a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Doy Dungo made it a 30 point deficit, 38-68, heading to the fourth quarter.

This sparked the Taft-based squad, who slowly nipped the disadvantage to 11, 57-68, after a split from the line by Vhoris Marasigan.

An and-one play by Shawn Tuano, though, snapped the run and push Ateneo’s lead to 14, 71-57.

However, La Salle already had more pep in their step, as they inched to within single digits, 66-75, with 1:43 to go following a pair of free throws by Mike Phillips.

A Phillips putback made it a five point game, 72-77, with 30.4 seconds remaining.

But finishing touches by Tuano and Andrew Bongo iced the game.

Leading by just three at the end of the first quarter, 14-11, Ateneo soared over the Taft-based squad with a 22-8 second frame to grab a 36-19 lead.

The onslaught did not stop there, as Blue Eagles took a lead as big as 33 points, before La Salle’s searing run.

Mike Phillips stood tall for the Green Archers with 17 points, 20 rebounds and six assists. Kean Baclaan produced his best game for La Salle thus far with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jacob Cortez had 10.

Ateneo thus remained unbeaten through four games this season. It has equaled its win total from last season, when it with a 4-10 win-loss record.

La Salle dropped to 2-2, tied with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

It’ll be a big test for Ginebra coach Tim Cone to harness his resources in trying to beat Magnolia in the PBA Golden Season opener at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight. Filling the gaps is something Cone has to do with Japeth Aguilar and Isaac Go on the injured list and Jamie Malonzo gone abroad. That leaves Troy Rosario, newly-acquired Norbert Torres, Ben Adamos and possibly Stephen Holt to hold the fort inside the paint with size a major handicap.

Cone will likely play small with Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos and Mav Ahanmisi rotating in the backcourt. Abarrientos started only once in 19 games in the Philippine Cup last season but may take a bigger role at point guard to slide Thompson at two. Ahanmisi could be the wildcard at two or three. Holt’s versatility will be useful as he can play multiple positions. For Ginebra, the key is controlling the pace. Cone employs a short rotation so Ginebra has to set the tempo for a deliberate, half-court battle. To control the pace, it’s critical to control the boards.

Ginebra was No. 1 in assists last conference with finding the open man a priority in creating motion to execute from the triangle. That’s where Abarrientos and Thompson come in as they averaged a combined 10 assists in the previous Philippine Cup. Ginebra will miss Aguilar’s norms of 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds and Malonzo’s 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds. It’ll be about stepping up and adjusting to maximize who’s available.

For Magnolia, new coach LA Tenorio knows Cone’s system like the back of his hand. They’ve been together for years since their Alaska partnership. Now, they’ve parted ways. Magnolia gave up assistant coach Johnny Abarrientos to Ginebra in a reunion with Cone and a happy get-together with nephew RJ. Kirk Collier traded seats with Abarrientos. Because Cone and LA know each other so well, expect a tactical chess match with both sides playing tit-for-tat.

The Hotshots will lean on Mark Barroca, Peter Alfaro and Rome de la Rosa to play physical backcourt defense. They’ll make it difficult for RJ and Thompson to set up. Ian Sangalang and James Laput will take care of the interior, leaving Lucero and Javi Gomez de Liaño to attack wherever there’s a mismatch. An advantage is Magnolia’s fully-loaded bench which led the past conference in points from relievers. Tenorio will remind his players not to fall in love with deep shots even as Paul Lee shot 48.7 percent and Alfaro 60 percent from four. The downside is Magnolia was last in three point percentage.

Redness, itchiness and a burning sensation are classic signs of sensitive skin.

There are many factors that cause sensitive skin, and these could be irritants in products used, temperature change and even stress.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mabelle Colayco explained the two factors that people with sensitive skin must know.

Dr. Colayco explained that sensitive skin occurs when there is a break on the skin.

‘Your skin is not one whole sheet; it’s not a blanket. It’s made up of bricks, and in between the bricks, there are ‘cement’ and that ‘cement’ when you have sensitive skin, may break siya.

‘Parang sa kalye, ‘pag may break, pumupunta doon ‘yung environmental factors tapos nagkaka-inflammation sa ilalim. Pag nagka-inflammation sa ilalim, tuloy-tuloy na yung cascade ng sensitive skin,’ the dermatologist explained, likening sensitive skin to a damaged road with holes being invaded by impurities that cause the skin condition.

The remedy is to target two issues that contribute to the development of sensitive skin: repairing the barrier and addressing inflammation.

These can be addressed by a visit to the dermatologist for an apt treatment plan, which include products that feature ingredients that target these skin issues.

Dr. Colayco said to take note of products that have ceramide, lipids, and glycerin, and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, chamomile and calendula.

Ceramide and lipids are protective barriers, while glycerin is a humectant, a water-attracting ingredient that draws moisture from the air deeper into the skin. Calendula is an ingredients that helps hydrate and heal the skin, while chamomile soothes irritation, reduces redness and calms irritated skin.

Colloidal oatmeal, she said, is different from the remedy of cooking oatmeal at home. This is the reason why the dermatologist recommends FDA-approved products with these ingredients because these have undergone lab processing and testing proven to be safe and effective for use by a vast number of people.

Dr. Collayco was among the dermatologists present at the launch of the collaboration between beauty and wellness retalier and the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) last Wednesday.

The collaboration features free skin consultation at mall activation sites, including at the Mall of Asia Atrium only available until today, October 5.

Watsons also began offering free dermatology consultations every weekend from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in select stores in the metro. Visit SM MOA 7, Robinsons Place Manila, SM North Edsa Grand, SM Grand Central, SM Megamall, or SM City Tanza to get direct and accessible skin consultation with an expert.

As you may well know by now, the federal government is currently on shutdown since Wednesday. There has been no clear indication from either side whether it is willing to drop its well-entrenched demands or even ready to enter into a compromise. No one knows when this shutdown will end, not even the leaders of either parties. So what happens when the shutdown continues to drag for several more days or even weeks?

As far as immigration services are concerned, it depends which agency we are referring to. For USCIS, services remain undisrupted. It is a fee-based agency which means that its operations are funded from the fees it generates. So applications and petitions are still accepted, processed, and decided as normally as it does. So you can still continue to submit your applications and petitions, attend appointments, interviews, and naturalization ceremonies.

What about immigration arrests? These are being handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Unfortunately, rounding up undocumented immigrants will continue as these are deemed essential law enforcement work. You will still see rampant deportation operations across the country bolstered by the fact that the agency also received a huge boost in funding from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill.

The immigration courts remain open but may have limited workload as it may only hear those who are in detention. However, because ICE operations still continue, immigration courts remain open so as to accommodate the hearing of cases that ICE officers filed.

The US Customs and Border Protection remain open as their services are deemed essential. CBP also received additional funding with the One Big Beautiful Bill so the additional money hedges whatever impact the shutdown has on its operations. It is and will continue to remain in operation.

Consulate interviews and appointments still continue as normal. Just make sure you check with the local consulate if there are any changes. But like USCIS, the US Department of State functions such as visa issuance and consular services rely on fees to keep its operation going, so there should be no disruptions expected for their operations

In all cases, check with the specific agency involved to see if there are any closures, limitations, or restrictions most especially as the shutdown drags on.

I would be remiss if I do not convey my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who passed away as victims of the tragic earthquake. I am saddened to see the hardships and difficulties that our fellow Cebuanos are facing. These are trying times for the Cebuano community but we are a people of faith and steely resolve. Santo Niño has got our back and the shared unity, charity, and resiliency of all Cebuanos will help us rise from the rubble. We have endured far worse calamities and disasters and emerged far better and stronger. There is no reason we cannot do it again this time.

Whether or not you’ve seen the hit Viva One series ‘Ang Mutya ng Section E,’ there’s no denying the chemistry between Andres Muhlach and Ashtine Olviga as their onscreen spark has already earned them their first big-screen movie for their second project together.

Teaming up with Viva’s writer-director Jason Paul Laxamana, ‘Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna’ is a coming-of-age tale about two young lovers, Raffy and Luna. The film takes viewers through the journey of their relationship from senior high school to college.

Raffy is not one to hide his emotions. He’s already in love with Luna, and she doesn’t mind starting a relationship as long as whatever they’re doing isn’t ‘kaderder’ (her playful version of ‘kadiri,’ meaning gross).

Things become complicated as the two find themselves on different paths in life. While Raffy slowly comes out of his shell, Luna has to stop schooling to help her abused mother. When Luna finally escapes her predicament, the dynamic in their relationship begins to shift – leaving viewers to wonder if two people from different worlds can find common ground to keep their love afloat.

Despite its subtitle, don’t mistake ‘Minamahal’ for a sequel or even a spin-off of the ‘Para Kay Stella’ duology starring JC Santos and Bela Padilla. The only connection lies in this concept: 100 items given by the protagonist to the object of their affection.

This time, however, the film doesn’t focus as heavily on the symbolic gifts as ‘Stella’ did with poems and songs. Instead, the flowers serve as subtle markers of where their relationship stands, up until the final bloom.

While Fidel and Stella felt like lovers straight out of a romantic comedy, Raffy and Luna come across as more true-to-life. Their romance and their personal struggles feel grounded and relatable beyond the usual ‘hugot’ dialogue.

Laxamana’s storytelling wavers at times, with contrasting tones that make the film feel like several stories stitched together without smooth transitions. However, it manages to land on an ending that makes sense within the film’s arcs.

The performances of its leads show promise. Andres may not yet match his father, Aga Muhlach, in acting range, but he demonstrates potential once he refines his line delivery. Olviga, however, is the clear standout, with an effortless portrayal that makes Luna feel both real and compelling.

As a duo, Andres and Ashtine work so well together. They clearly understand the emotional dynamics between their characters, highlighting the strengths of Laxamana’s script.

One major complaint that AshDres ‘shippers’ will likely notice right away is the blatant product placement throughout the film. A telco company and a restaurant owned by Viva’s parent company are featured so prominently that they become distracting. It almost feels like watching a music video where the artist is forced to include a product shot just because it helped fund the production.

Product placements aren’t new, and they’re forgivable when integrated naturally. Unfortunately, these moments feel more like advertisements that take viewers away from the story.

Still, there’s much to enjoy in ‘Minamahal’ if you’re willing to overlook its script’s lapses and not-so-subtle advertisements, thanks to the palpable chemistry between Andres and Ashtine – a pairing that makes this two-hour film worth watching in cinemas. Three stars out of five.