Category: Philippine Star

When dear friends Rose Anne and Lyra recently became ‘glammas,’ I found myself wondering what it would feel like to hold a grandchild of my own. In this sometimes crazy world, welcoming a new life is one of the most hopeful expressions of love.

For decades, my husband and I have been our children’s anchors, guiding them through sleepless nights, feverish mornings, and the turbulent waves of adolescence. Looking through their scribbled notes and crayon-bright cards still brings a smile to my face and takes me back to the days when they clung to me and held my hand as we walked. Someday, I hope to experience the next chapter: holding a newborn in my arms and, in time, hearing a little voice call me ‘Grammy’ for the first time.

When that day comes, my husband and I will discover the joys of becoming Lolo and Lola.

A new role, a different kind of love

In our culture, becoming a grandparent is often seen as passing the torch. We pass on family values, traditions, and faith, but grandparenting is much more than stepping back from parenting. It is an invitation to love in a different way-with greater patience, perspective, and freedom.

After years of balancing responsibility, discipline, and the demands of daily life, we may no longer carry the full weight of raising children. Instead, we gain the privilege of being present: looking into a newborn’s eyes, breathing in that sweet baby scent, and marveling at our family’s continuing story.

Grandchildren are also a reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness. Scripture tells us that ‘children’s children are a crown to the aged’ (Proverbs 17:6). The thought of holding a grandchild fills me with wonder at how the love we’ve poured into our children can blossom into another generation.

Being a blessing without overstepping

Yet this new role calls for humility. Moving from being the one in charge to becoming a supportive guide can be challenging. The temptation to say, ‘In my day, we did it this way,’ may be hard to resist.

Our adult children may choose different feeding methods, sleep routines, or parenting approaches. While we have years of experience to share, I hope to give them the freedom to find their own way.

After all, we spent years teaching them to stand on their own. Perhaps one of the final acts of parental love is trusting them to do just that.

Sometimes, being supportive means offering help without taking over. It means listening before giving advice, asking how we can help rather than questioning their decisions, and respecting the foundation they’re building for their own families.

And when it comes to passing on our faith, perhaps the most powerful example is the life we lead. A Lolo or Lola who radiates kindness, patience, forgiveness, and unconditional love can offer a glimpse of God’s love without needing to preach.

A legacy of love

To be a grandparent is to hold history in your heart and the future in your arms. It is the joy of sharing stories about when Mom or Dad was little, spoiling them a little now and then, and offering a peaceful haven when life overwhelms them.

We don’t become grandparents only when a baby arrives. In a way, we begin preparing for that role as we watch our own children grow into independent adults.

That realization is beautiful and a little bittersweet. Someday, the babies I once carried may build families of their own and place a tiny new life into my waiting hands.

That is the grace of becoming.

I hope that, when the time comes, my husband and I will be safe havens of prayer, wisdom, laughter, and affection. More than toys or treats, may we give our future grandchildren the assurance that they will always be cherished and unconditionally loved.

Our hands may wrinkle and our bodies may slow, but the love we have left to give can continue to grow. Perhaps that is one of grandparenting’s sweetest blessings: discovering that while the way we love may change, our hearts never stop making room for more.

If plans don’t miscarry, Filipino para athletes will have a training center they can call their own.

This after the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Paralympic Committee sought the guidance of the Asian Paralympic Committee for the possibility of constructing a first of its kind training center for athletes with disability back home.

‘One of the reasons I flew here was to talk to the APC president,’ said PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio referring to Majid Rashed. ‘Gusto nating tumulong pagdevelop ng gaming center for our para athletes in 2027 pareho ng ginawa natin sa taekwondo, football and baseball.’

‘It’s about time we support the Philippine para team,’ he added.

If it pushes through, PPC president Mike Barredo said it will coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Philippine para movement’s creation.

‘If that happens, I can now retire and rest easy knowing I will leave a legacy to the Philippine para movement,’ he said.

Both Gregorio and Barredo lauded the Filipino athletes for finishing with a 2-2-3 (gold-silver-bronze) haul, which was good for 17th overall in the 5th Asian Para Games that concluded yesterday at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium here.

This came three years after Team Philippines wound up ninth overall in Hangzhou, China where it had a 10-4-5 harvest, 8-3-2 of which came from chess.

So the effort here is an improvement from Hangzhou minus chess, which was scrapped from the games’ calendar by the host nation.

‘More or less with what we did last para minus chess, of course, we did well and it was a job well done,’ said Barredo.

From abroad comes news that Getty Images, a company that licenses photos, editorial news images, video footage, and even music to businesses, media outlets, and creative professionals, has filed for bankruptcy before a U.S. court.

The company clarified that it is not closing, but currently undergoing financial restructuring.

The company cited the rise in images produced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) as one reason for their recent losses.

While this is a typical run-of-the-mill business story it can be seen as a painful reflection of the times. It can also be seen as cautionary tale or even a warning.

For the longest time Getty Images was a source of genuine images for those in the media industry. By genuine images we mean those that have not been doctored or altered in any way. Yes, some photographers and editors are allowed to make technical adjustments of images, but all these are up to journalistic guidelines. When you look at a Getty image what you see is the real deal.

There is nothing wrong per se with using AI-produced images instead of genuine ones. There is also nothing wrong with trading a paid service for one that is absolutely free. In fact it makes good sense; businesses and individuals can save money.

But one issue with AI-produced images, especially when used by companies or individuals that want to enforce certain ideas or spread fake news, is that these images may not tell the whole truth or even be outright false or fake.

Another issue with an AI-produced image is that many cannot tell anymore if something is real or fake. While this is a plus for those looking for realism or visual fidelity, this does not bode well for those who are easily fooled and don’t know how to search for the truth.

Perhaps now you understand why this is reason to worry. It would seem more and more people are turning to AI-produced images without knowing the real price to be paid; the loss of authenticity and the possibility that they might be being fooled.

Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.’s Southstar Drug has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to let qualified individuals claim approved medicines and health care products without upfront payment.

The partnership, which will initially cover five Southstar Drug branches in Quezon City, could bring DSWD-supported medicine access to more communities through Southstar Drug’s pharmacy network.

Through the collaboration, beneficiaries of DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program may present guarantee letters issued by the department at participating Southstar Drug stores to receive covered medicines and health care products.

Southstar Drug will coordinate directly with DSWD for reimbursement.

The arrangement gives beneficiaries more convenient and accessible pharmacy options within their communities.

Beneficiaries or their authorized representatives may present their DSWD-issued guarantee letter, a valid prescription when applicable and other required supporting documents at the covered branches.

Coverage may include eligible medicines, medical supplies, medical devices and medical equipment, subject to the approved assistance, applicable regulations and product availability.

Southstar Drug general manager Thaddeus Sanchez said that by supporting DSWD’s medical assistance program through its pharmacy network, the drugstore chain reinforces its commitment to improving access to essential health care services for Filipinos.

‘For beneficiaries, this means more places to use their approved assistance and get the medicines they need without having to raise the covered amount themselves,’ Sanchez said.

DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez said the partnership with Southstar Drug marks a significant step toward expanding access to essential medicines for Filipinos in crisis situations.

She said the initiative is designed to bolster the AICS program and deliver more convenient medical assistance.

Southstar Drug became part of Robinsons Retail’s portfolio after it acquired the brand in 2012.

Aurora Gaming PH punched its ticket to the M8 World Championship after surviving defending MPL Philippines champion Team Liquid Philippines, 4-3, in a thrilling lower bracket finals showdown Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Aurora Gaming and Team Liquid Philippines traded momentum throughout the best-of-seven lower bracket finals. The Cavalry drew first blood and took a 2-1 series lead after Games 1 and 3, but the Northern Lights responded with dominant victories in Games 4 and 5 to move within one win of both the Grand Finals and an M8 berth.

Team Liquid then forced a deciding seventh game with a convincing Game 6 triumph before jumping to an early lead in the winner-take-all finale.

With the series on the line, Team Liquid appeared poised to complete another comeback after building an early advantage behind the efforts of Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno and Dave “Teddy” Viaña.

Aurora Gaming, however, weathered the pressure and found its opening during a pivotal Lord contest in the 13th minute. Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo locked down Nepomuceno, allowing the Northern Lights to secure the objective and complete a wipeout.

With Team Liquid’s players facing lengthy death timers, Aurora Gaming marched down the midlane to clinch the series and end the defending champions’ four-peat bid.

The victory sends the Northern Lights back to the M-Series stage for a fourth straight appearance and keeps alive a chance to become the first team in Mobile Legends history to win back-to-back world championships.

It also sets up a rematch with Team Falcons PH, which edged Aurora, 3-2, in the upper bracket finals.

While both teams are looking to deliver their respective organization’s first MPL Philippines title, Aurora hopes to move closer to becoming the first team in MLBB history to successfully defend an M-Series crown by securing the country’s top seed in the coming world championship.

Aurora Gaming PH and Team Falcons Philippines will clash in the MPL Philippines Season 18 Grand Finals on Sunday, October 25 at the same venue.

It’s a reflection of the security situation that foreigners seem to consider the Philippines a haven for illegal activities.

Just weeks after joint teams from the Bureau of Immigration and police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested 244 foreigners mostly Chinese in a raid on an offshore gaming and online scam hub in Zamboanga Sibugay, the National Bureau of Investigation pounced on a similar facility on Thursday, this time in Olongapo City, and rounded up 200 Vietnamese.

The NBI, which conducted the raid based on a search warrant issued by the Olongapo Regional Trial Court, said 200 Vietnamese nationals were taken into custody. Gadgets including computers and mobile phones were seized.

NBI officials said the hub operated around the clock, with teams assigned to target victims in the Philippines, Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates. Payments were made through e-wallets, the NBI said.

Two days earlier on Oct. 12, the Bureau of Immigration, with support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, raided another suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator facility reportedly engaged in online scams. BI officials said the POGO was operating near the AFP’s headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo.

Rounded up in the Quezon City raid were 74 Chinese and two Myanmar nationals.

Myanmar, along with Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, have certain areas deemed to be no-man’s land that have served as havens for scam hubs, offshore gaming and drug trafficking. Filipinos have been duped into working in such scam hubs, with several reporting torture and other forms of abuse.

Fugitive gambling tycoon Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, wanted for kidnapping and murders in the Philippines, is believed to have relocated to Cambodia where he has allegedly resumed his gaming operations.

Cambodia has been cracking down on the scam hubs, and there are reports that the foreign operators have been relocating to the Philippines. Gambling including offshore gaming is illegal in China, except in the Macau special administrative region.

One positive development is that Philippine law enforcement agencies are cracking down on the illegal gaming and online scam operations.

The crackdown must be intensified and sustained, in coordination with neighboring countries. The scam hub operators local partners must also be ferreted out. These illegal activities cannot prosper without the connivance of Filipinos.

The Philippines cannot afford to be seen as the new haven for scams and offshore gaming in Southeast Asia.

Solenn Heussaff is one of 15 Filipino artists taking part in the ongoing Paris Art Week in France running until October 29.

The artists will present works in the “Manille A’ Paris: Contemporary Dialogues” group exhibition organized by DF Art Agency and Galerie D’Antoine, with the help of FOCUS Asia Contemporary Art, featuring the diversity of Philippine contemporary art.

Joining Solenn are Gus Albor, Anna Bautista, Jana Benitez, Olivia d’Aboville, Cedrick Dela Paz, Pete Jimenez, Lilianna Manahan, Raffy Napay, Demi Padua, Michelle Perez, Pongbayog, Marrie Saplad, and Jorge Yulo.

Solenn reflected on her participation in the exhibition on Instagram, noting how she was coming full circle to be back in Paris.

The model-artist is French-Filipino and spent her summers growing up in the French capital, living there for three years as a college student.

“I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the city’s architecture, history, and charm,” Solenn said. “Paris has shaped so much of who I am, so being able to bring my art back to a place that feels like a second home is such a full-circle moment.”

Special non-working days have been declared in three areas of the country for the observance of local anniversaries.

Proclamation 1485 declared Nov. 10 a special non-working day in Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur to allow residents to participate in the occasion.

Nov. 12 will be a special non-working day in Gumaca, Quezon, which will mark its 444th founding anniversary as provided under Proclamation 1486.

A similar holiday will be observed on Nov. 17 in Carmen, Surigao del Sur based on Proclamation 1487.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed the proclamations on Oct. 19 by the authority of President Marcos.

Veteran Journalist Philip Lustre has secured provisional liberty after posting bail on cyberlibel charges filed against him.

Lustre, 72, has posted bail amounting to P48,000 and was released on Saturday, October 24.

He was arrested on Saturday while attending a news forum based on a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 10, in Davao City.

According to Lustre’s lawyer, Dino de Leon, the veteran journalist was unaware of the complaint before his arrest.

‘Per Mr. Lustre, he is unaware of any pending criminal charge or preliminary investigation against him prior to this arrest. As of writing, we still do not know the specific particulars of the case nor the identity of the complainant as the arrest happened on a weekend when the court that supposedly issued the warrant is closed,’ De Leon said in a statement.

‘In any event, we are looking at what appears to be a deprivation of Mr. Lustre’s right to due process at the preliminary investigation stage where no subpoena or notice was ever served on or received by him. In other words, he was not even given the chance to ventilate his defenses or air his side prior to the issuance of the warrant of arrest,’ he added.

De Leon also pointed out that the arrest warrant listed an incorrect address: the Media Resource Plaza Building along Mola and Pasong Tirad Streets in Makati City, rather than Lustre’s actual residence.

Lustre is the author of the book ‘Kill, kill, kill,’ which tackled extrajudicial killings in the country.

In a separate statement, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) expressed concern over Lustre’s October 24 arrest, urging authorities to respect his constitutional rights and grant him immediate access to legal counsel and medical care.

‘PTFOMS takes serious note of concerns raised by media organizations that libel and cyberlibel laws have been weaponized to target critical voices, intimidate journalists, and discourage reporting on matters of public interest. These concerns call for careful review and effective safeguards against the abuse of legal processes,’ the PTFOMS said.

For pet lovers, it isn’t easy to leave their beloved fur babies behind to go on a hotel staycation even if it means a much-needed rest and pampering. After all, they consider their fur babies as part of the family, and family stays and enjoys together.

Now, leaving furry members of the family behind is no longer an option when planning a family rest and recreation weekend, with hotels such as Eastwood Richmonde Hotel starting to offer pet-cations.

The hotel strengthens its commitment to pet-friendly hospitality through a new partnership with Barkhaus, which is Eastwood City’s premier one-stop pet care destination. Located on the fourth floor of the mall, which is just a short walk from the hotel, Barkhaus complements the hotel’s Furtastic Pet-cation Package by offering guests exclusive privileges designed to make every stay more rewarding. While guests relax and unwind, their four-legged companions also get to enjoy exclusive perks, activities, and wellness services designed especially for them.

The hotel offers more than just accommodations with its new pet-cation offering. Guests and their pets can also explore open-air walkways, dine at pet-friendly establishments, shop for pet essentials, and enjoy quality bonding moments without leaving the community. The hotel’s pet-friendly suites and dedicated al fresco dining area at Eastwood Café+Bar further create an environment where pets are genuinely welcomed and not simply accommodated.

In addition, guests who book the Furtastic Pet-cation Package will receive exclusive Barkhaus vouchers with special discounts on grooming services, daycare, playpark access, BarkStudio self-shoot sessions, Barkday celebration packages, and Barkhaus hotel bookings when reserved for the same dates as their stay. These exclusive privileges allow furry guests to enjoy a vacation of their own, giving pet parents the opportunity to create a more complete getaway where every member of the family gets to share in the experience.

The Barkhaus partnership is available until March 15, 2027.

Annual pet blessing draws over 800 pets

Over 800 pets and their families gathered at Eastwood City for its 22nd Annual Pet Blessing, transforming the open park into a lively celebration of pets, responsible ownership, and animal welfare.

This year’s Pawlytale Castle featured pets of all shapes and sizes, from Aspins, Puspins and other dogs and cats to rabbits, reptiles, and other animal companions, arriving in crowns, capes, tiaras, and elaborate costumes for an afternoon of activities.

At the heart of the celebration was the traditional Pet Blessing, held in observance of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, and World Animal Day. Pets received their blessing alongside their families, continuing an annual gathering that dates back to 2004.

Beyond the parade, pets and their owners took part in Enchanted Sit and Stay, interactive games, treats, and other activities throughout the open park. At the Klick Studios booth, guests could also take home live ‘pawtraits’ of their animal companions.

Animal welfare took a more meaningful role through Tales of Pawlytale, presented with the Animal Kingdom Foundation, which shared the stories of rescued animals while highlighting responsible pet ownership, proper animal care, and the importance of giving rescued animals a second chance.

The afternoon culminated in the coronation of the Pawlytale King and Queen, along with special recognitions for Best Costume, Best Bandana, and the Dogaholics’ Choice Award.

Eastwood City has championed pet-friendly mall experiences since 2004, when it was recognized as the country’s first pet-friendly mall and introduced its first pet blessing.