Category: Philippine Star

Belle Mariano and Piolo Pascual, two of the lead stars of ‘Meet, Greet, and Bye,’ took part in the film’s exclusive trailer previews, followed by insightful discussions about the anticipated family drama movie across North America.

The ABS-CBN stars led the conversations on family, identity, and culture with next-gen Filipino voices in Vancouver on October 19 and Los Angeles on Oct. 20 through the ‘NextGen and Tastemakers Screening and Panel Discussions.’

Belle also had an exciting dialogue with the San Francisco leg attendees about the inspiration behind ‘Meet, Greet, and Bye’ and Filipino storytelling in general on Oct. 22.

Apart from the private screeners and dialogues, Belle and Piolo also promoted the latest Star Cinema movie through a series of media rounds and interviews.

Belle even guested on FOX 11’s morning news program ‘Good Day LA,’ where she shared the timely message and relatability of the film, which will be shown in North America before the annual Thanksgiving celebration.

‘I hope that once we watch this movie, we don’t take our loved ones for granted. I hope it brings us closer to one another,’ she shared. ‘It’s a universal story. A family’s love is universal, a mother’s connection to her kids is something everyone can relate to.’

The Kapamilya actress also had an interview on ‘Asian Pacific America with Robert Handa” on NBC Bay Area together with ‘Meet, Greet and Bye’ film director Cathy Garcia-Sampana.

Belle likewise graced the ‘East Meets West’ event hosted by the Asian American creative group Gold House and FilAm Creatives in celebration of the Filipino-American Heritage Month.

‘Meet, Greet and Bye’ centers on the Facundo family with four siblings who want to grant their cancer-stricken mother’s wish to meet her favorite K-drama idol. Apart from Belle and Piolo, the film is topbilled by Joshua Garcia, Juan Karlos, and Maricel Soriano.

The film will be showing in cinemas in the Philippines beginning Nov. 12 and in North America starting Nov. 14.

Resilient Adamson frustrated skidding Santo Tomas with a thrilling 97-96 comeback win in overtime in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Matthew Montebon drained a triple to force extension before Matt Erolon took his turn in nailing the game-winning trey in the last 2.6 seconds as the Soaring Falcons climbed to 5-4 with their fourth straight win.

Adamson tied Santo Tomas, now on a three-game losing skid at fourth place. Not only did the Soaring Falcons enter the Final Four race but moved just a game behind second-running UP (6-3) and La Salle (6-3).

Later in the night, the Archers drubbed the UE Warriors, 84-72.

Montebon finished with 19 points with five triples while Erolon had nine to complement Ray Torres and Cedrick Manzano with 20 and 19 points, respectively.

John Medina added 10 points for the wards of coach Nash Racela, who also scored a 69-59 win over Santo Tomas in the first round for a season sweep.

As thousands of Filipinos are expected to travel to the provinces for Undas this long weekend, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged the public to stay vigilant against fraudulent Airbnb listings and ‘rent-tangay’ vehicle rental scams.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño urged people to be cautious of houses and vehicles offered online at unusually low prices, warning that these may be scams.

‘If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. This means that if the offer is too cheap, it’s likely a scam,’ Tuaño said during a media forum organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday.

The PNP has intensified its public information campaign to warn travelers against fraudulent rental transactions.

It has also begun deploying police officers ahead of the expected surge of travelers and cemetery visitors during the observance of Undas.

‘This proactive measure aims to ensure smoother coordination and preparedness before the expected influx of travelers later this week,’ acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

Police units across the country were placed on heightened alert status yesterday until Nov. 3 to maximize visibility as people visit cemeteries, columbaria and memorial parks to honor their departed loved ones.

Under Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025, more than 50,253 police officers have been deployed nationwide to implement security and public safety measures – over double the 21,000 personnel mobilized during last year’s observance.

With large crowds anticipated in cemeteries, transport terminals and major roads, Nartatez ordered police commanders to strengthen their presence on the ground.

‘My directive is to ensure that our countrymen feel the presence of the police – not to intimidate, but to reassure,’ he said.

‘Protect kids, elderly’

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has urged the public to protect young children and the elderly from flu and other respiratory illnesses.

‘Young people and senior citizens are the most commonly affected by flu during gatherings. They are also more likely to experience complications from these diseases,’ the DOH noted.

To prevent flu-like and respiratory infections, the DOH advised ensuring adequate water intake for both children and the elderly, wearing face masks and washing hands frequently.

The agency also reminded the elderly to stay home if they experience flu symptoms, while children are encouraged to avoid crowded areas such as cemeteries.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) urged the public to visit their nearest Yaman ng Kalusugan Program para Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP) clinics at the first sign of flu-like symptoms.

‘We encourage everyone to avail their PhilHealth YAKAP benefit. Let us not wait for the cough, fever or cold to worsen,’ PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Edwin Mercado said.

PhilHealth, according to Mercado, covers consultations, essential medicines and laboratory tests, if recommended by the primary care physician in YAKAP clinics.

He added that PhilHealth provides an influenza case rate package of P12,870 for patients requiring hospitalization.

An outpatient emergency case benefit is also available for those brought to the emergency room and classified as emergent or critical cases.

‘Pray for the departed’

Filipinos are reminded of the spiritual significance of the weeklong commemoration.

Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba said that offering prayers for the deceased from Nov. 1 to 8 could grant plenary indulgence for departed loved ones.

‘On these days we can apply plenary indulgences for our beloved dead when we visit our cemeteries or when we pray for our beloved dead in our parish churches. Praying for our beloved dead has been revealed as a most praiseworthy work of charity,’ he said in his two-page circular titled ‘Call to Holiness.’

Aside from prayers, the faithful are also urged to offer masses and light candles for the dead as symbols of faith and eternal life.

Travel surge

To accommodate the surge of travelers during the Undas break and the upcoming Christmas season, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ramping up its manpower at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major airports nationwide.

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the number of passengers is expected to peak today and Friday, reaching around 50,000 to 55,000 daily departures due to the long weekend.

She noted that this year’s travel figures reflect a steady increase compared to last year’s 49,000 to 59,000 peak, as many Filipinos are eager to travel abroad, while overseas Filipino workers are returning home to celebrate the holidays.

To ensure smooth processing amid the influx, immigration officers have been deployed in full force, with mobile counters set up to expedite document checks and passenger movement at international ports, particularly NAIA.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the bureau has opened applications for additional Immigration officer positions to strengthen frontline services at international ports of entry and exit.

‘This initiative ensures that we have adequate manpower to provide faster and more efficient immigration services during the peak travel season,’ he said.

Viado added that successful applicants will undergo intensive training at the Philippine Immigration Academy in Clark, covering immigration laws, arrival and departure procedures, document inspection and national security enforcement before deployment.

Newly trained officers will then be assigned to various airports and offices across the country.

The recruitment drive is part of the BI’s ‘Bagong Immigration’ initiative, which aims to modernize and enhance the bureau’s efficiency in managing high travel demand during peak seasons.

The country’s most awaited band competition is back as Pambansang Muziklaban once again gives local artists an avenue to showcase their talent, prove their skills, and stake their claim as the next great Filipino band.

For over two decades, Pambansang Muziklaban has been a launchpad for aspiring artists, providing a platform for Original Pilipino Music, and helping shape some of the most recognized names in the industry.

Among them are the 2004 Grand Champion Mayonnaise and fellow finalist Join the Club, best known for their respective hits “Jopay” and “Nobela.”

This year, the search continues as new groups bring their unique sound and energy to the spotlight. Bands from across the country are invited to join, share their music, and battle it out for the chance to make their mark on the national stage.

Participants will not only gain exposure and experience but also the chance to play in front of passionate crowds and alongside established artists who once stood where they are now, fueled by the same dream, driven by the same fire.

The competition will unfold across several stages, from online screening to live eliminations, and semi-finals, and culminating in the Grand Finals, where the best of the best will battle it out for the ultimate title of Pambansang Muziklaban 2025 Champion.

Winners will take home prizes, performance opportunities, and a place in Pambansang Muziklaban’s legendary roster of champions.

The Commission on Elections is set to issue show-cause orders against 27 government contractors who allegedly donated to the campaign of senatorial candidates during the 2022 elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said yesterday the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued the certification from a list of 54 names submitted by the poll body as government contractors.

He explained that the rest are not government contractors and therefore not covered by the prohibition under the Omnibus Election Code.

Instructions have already been given to the Political Finance and Affairs Department to release the show cause orders to the 27 identified contractors.

‘After they respond, we will also require the candidates who received donations from the 27 contractors to explain,’ Garcia said in Filipino.

Efforts are now underway to determine which candidates benefited from these campaign contributions, he added.

Garcia clarified that Lawrence Lubiano – who admitted to contributing P30 million to Sen. Chiz Escudero’s campaign – was not among those certified by the DPWH as a government contractor.

‘He is not a corporation, which is why the DPWH did not include him in its certification,’ he said.

Another list containing 31 contractors who donated during the May 2025 elections has been forwarded to the DPWH for verification, he added.

Voter listup suspended

In a separate announcement, voter registration activities will be suspended starting noon today (Oct. 30) until Nov. 2 in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The Comelec said the pause in registration is meant to honor the solemn tradition and give Filipinos time to pray for their departed loved ones.

The national voter registration period will resume after the holidays and continue until May 18, 2026, ahead of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Through the seven-month registration drive, the poll body hopes to enlist around 1.4 million new registrants nationwide.

Haier Philippines once again showcased its leadership in innovation and design with the grand launch of its latest refrigerator line-The Masterpiece-held at the City of Dreams Manila recently.

The event gathered Haier’s valued dealers, business partners, influencers and members of the media for an evening that highlighted innovation, performance and elegant living.

The launch opened with a high-energy performance from the Vogue Star Dancers and aerial artists, setting the tone for a night that reflected Haier’s vibrant and forward-thinking spirit.

Haier Philippines president and CEO Sun Liangjun officially welcomed guests, sharing the brand’s continued commitment to providing Filipino homes with advanced, stylish and energy-efficient appliances designed for modern living.

This was followed by a keynote from Jun Rodriguez of TRS, who discussed Haier’s market direction and innovations shaping the future of home technology.

A highlight of the night was the product presentation led by Jennifer Samson, Haier Philippines’ executive director for product planning. She introduced The Masterpiece line-a new generation of refrigerators that combine artful design with intelligent functionality, redefining what it means to live smart and in style.

The unveiling transitioned into the Product Experience Tour, featuring two special guests who embody Haier’s lifestyle innovation.

Actress and model Shanaia Gomez shared how the Flex Your Style Refrigerator matches her taste for elegance and versatility, while celebrity chef Rosebud Benitez-Velasco demonstrated how Haier’s Space Fit Built-in Series supports her passion for freshness and kitchen efficiency.

Guests enjoyed interactive product demos, engaging Q and A sessions and live demonstrations highlighting Haier’s ABT Pro technology that ensures food stays fresh and healthy longer.

The evening continued with a series of recognitions, honoring Haier’s top performing HPI refrigerator salesman and business partners across the country.

Adding to the excitement, Haier raffled off premium appliances, capping the evening with cheers and celebration.

In her closing remarks, Cindy Xin, HQ Refrigerator regional manager expressed gratitude to all partners and reaffirmed Haier’s vision of ‘Inspired Living’-a future driven by innovation, collaboration and excellence.

The night concluded with a celebratory toast and a grand group photo capturing the spirit of partnership that drives Haier’s continued success.

With The Masterpiece, Haier redefines the art of refrigeration, proving that true innovation is not only about technology but about elevating everyday living.

Philippine National Police emergency and health response teams were activated yesterday, establishing the PNP’s dual hazard preparedness posture in areas around the restive Kanlaon and Taal Volcanoes in Negros and Batangas, respectively.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units in the affected regions were placed on alert in compliance with evacuation and disaster protocols by local authorities.

Nartatez said the initiative is meant to protect communities from the potential impact of a possible eruption in Kanlaon and Taal.

‘This ensures that the PNP can provide a full spectrum of immediate assistance ranging from search and rescue operations to medical triage and psychological first aid,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

He stressed the need for PNP personnel self-sufficiency, emphasizing that police officers must be ready to sustain their operations while rendering public assistance.

Nartatez instructed police units to coordinate with local government units for the provision of emergency go bags and face masks to affected residents.

He urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with preemptive evacuation and safety advisories.

Alex Eala and Victoria Mboko were both clearly running on fumes as they went in deep water in their round of 16 matchup in the Hong Kong Open.

But Mboko was able to muster just enough to grab the come-from-behind victory.

Mboko needed two hours and 28 minutes to get the 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win Thursday evening in Hong Kong.

Eala was actually firmly in control in the third set, going up 4-1 after holding her serve.

But the Canadian dug deep and clawed out of that hole.

Mboko, ranked 21st in the world and third in the tournament, tied things up at four games apiece after holding her serve in the eighth game.

Eala, though, could not recover as Mboko asserted her mastery.

And with Mboko now holding the momentum, she blanked the 20-year-old Filipina the rest of the way, as Eala’s return went straight to the net to formalize the 19-year-old’s win.

‘I wanna first congratulate Alex for an amazing match, It’s never easy to play one of your friends. And I’ve known her for such a long time, so that made it a little bit emotional, but I also want to thank everyone who came to support today,’ Mboko said.

‘I know there’s so many Filipinos here that came to support Alex, and this is what this sport is all about. And I love the support you came today, and it made the match so much more intense and super tough for me. So I think I really had to fight for every single point,’ she added.

‘I think it was just an unbelievable match, so thank you.’

After getting the victory in the first set, Eala looked like she had Mboko figured out as she was able to connect on her winners.

Mboko, though, broke the second set open, getting separation from a 2-2 deadlock to force the third set, 6-3.

While the World No. 51 tennister only had 38 unforced errors to her opponent’s 51, Mboko punched in eight aces against Eala’s two.

The Hong Kong Open is Eala’s final tournament of the season.

Mboko will now take on Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals of the tourney.

A seven-year-old boy died after he was caught in a crossfire between New People’s Army rebels and troops of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Quintin Remo in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Divar Crisostomo, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the boy, a Grade 1 student, was hit in the head when fleeing rebels fired their guns indiscriminately to delay pursuing soldiers.

Crisostomo said soldiers had responded to the calls of civilians on the presence of armed men in their community.

No soldier was hurt in the armed encounter, but Crisostomo believes that some of the rebels were wounded, based on bloodstains they found along the escape route.

Security Bank Corp. has raised P21 billion from the issuance of peso bonds due 2030 amid strong investor demand, marking the lender’s largest bond offering to date.

The bonds, carrying a fixed rate of six percent per annum with a five-year tenor, were listed yesterday on the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp.

‘Strong investor demand prompted the bank to exercise its oversubscription option, accepting well above the initial P5 billion target,’ Security Bank said in a regulatory filing.

Proceeds from the issuance will be used to diversify the bank’s funding sources and support its lending activities across key sectors.

‘We’re grateful for the market’s confidence,’ Security Bank executive vice president and financial markets segment head Jim Yap said.

‘This successful issuance reaffirms investor trust in our strategy and strengthens our ability to fund growth while delivering on our BetterBanking promise,’ he said.

Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. and Philippine Commercial Capital Inc. acted as joint lead arrangers and selling agents for the transaction.

The latest fund-raising activity supports the bank’s strategy to expand lending capacity while maintaining a stable funding base amid a competitive market environment.

The income of Security Bank Corp. rose by eight percent to P5.9 billion in the first half on the back of double-digit revenue gains and robust loan growth. As of June 30, Security Bank had total assets of P1.15 trillion.

Last month, the bank announced that it has tapped seasoned Singaporean banker Victor Lee Meng Teck as its next president and chief executive officer, marking a key leadership transition for the 74-year-old lender.

Lee will formally assume the top post in early January 2026, pending completion of his work permit, visa and other regulatory requirements.

He will succeed Sanjiv Vohra, who will continue to lead Security Bank until the transition and will thereafter serve as senior advisor to the board.

Established in 1951, the bank has been operating for 74 years and currently has 363 branches and 637 ATMs, cash recycler machines and cash acceptance machines nationwide.