Category: Philippine Star

Kapuso actress Carla Abellana unearthed a video on her phone containing footage of the garage belonging to controversial government contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.

A couple of months ago, Carla noted the Discayas’ garage looked familiar after it clips of the couples’ expensive vehicles from their interview with journalist Julius Babao circulated online.

“Ah, sa kanila pala lahat yun! Nag-taping na kami sa building na yan sa Pasig!” Carla said at the time. “And I was like, ‘parang alam ko na kung ano ang ‘business’ ng may-ari nitong mga to.'”

The actress brought up the garage again last week after discovering she still had a video of it on her phone, posting the footage on her Facebook account.

“Just found this in my camera roll. Hindi ko pa pala nade-delete. This is it! This is the video i was talking about that i took at taping 2 years ago!” Carla said.

Seen in the video are a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a Bentley Bentayga, two luxury vehicles that the Discayas revaled they owned.

A Rolls-Royce Cullinan is valued between P30 million and P60 million while a Bentley Bentayga ranges from P15 million and P18 million.

“Back then I didn’t know who the Discayas were or who the building even belonged to. But upon seeing the garage (where we couldn’t even park due to the lack of space) I knew right away that there was something fishy about their ‘business,'” Carla added.

With their hope of turning state witness in the flood control corruption scandal dashed, the Discayas said they would longer cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure investigating project anomalies.

The Discayas are currently facing a P7.1-billion tax evasion case for failing to pay income, excise, and documentary stamp taxes.

Enjoy a new cheese experience with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ latest menu innovation: the Snow Cheese Roast.

This offering promises to surprise even the most devoted cheese lover as it is a playful reinvention of what a cheese dish can be-distinct, indulgent and unlike anything else on the menu today.

The Snow Cheese Roast stands out from other cheese or roasted chicken offerings with its flavorful cheese marinade, sprinkled with salty-sweet snow cheese powder and paired with a creamy Snow Cheese Sauce.

The result is a rich, flavorful experience that’s both comforting and exciting-an irresistible combination built on Kenny Rogers’ signature roasted chicken, making your cheese indulgence feel better.

‘Our guests are always looking for something new to enjoy, and we love delivering on that,’ said Frederick Siy, president and CEO of Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines.

‘The Snow Cheese Roast is more than just a twist on cheese-it’s a way for us to surprise our customers and give them another reason to come together over good food. By introducing snow cheese, we wanted to create a unique and memorable flavor profile that elevates a familiar favorite.’

So, whether you’re a long-time fan of the classic roast or someone looking for a fresh culinary adventure, the Snow Cheese Roast offers a truly new cheese experience that will delight with every bite.

The ultimate snow cheese experience can now be enjoyed at every table, with the full lineup available at all Kenny Rogers Roasters stores nationwide.

1. Snow Cheese Roast – P810

Whole snow cheese roasted chicken marinated in cheese, topped with salty-sweet cheese powder. Served with snow cheese sauce.

2. Snow Cheese Roast Solo B – P315

Quarter snow cheese roasted chicken marinated in cheese, topped with salty-sweet cheese powder. Served with snow cheese sauce, 2 side dishes, muffin and rice.

3. Snow Cheese Sauce – P50

Creamy, salty and sweet white cheese sauce

With the Snow Cheese Roast, Kenny Rogers Roasters continues to push boundaries in flavor innovation while staying true to its commitment of deliciously healthy meals that bring people together. This is Snow Cheese Roast-a new cheese experience-and it’s ready to make every gathering more flavorful.

Ten outstanding Filipino pros try to defend the home front against foreign rivals led by major winners when the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus unfolds at Sta. Elena in Laguna Thursday.

The field boasts of a powerhouse cast that includes Masters champs Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, Charl Schwartzel, Patrick Reed and 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.

Carrying the hope and bid of the Filipinos is three-time Asian Tour leg winner Miguel Tabuena, 31, who finished seventh and second in the 2024 and 2023 Asian Tour Order of Merit , has two Top Five finishes to his name this season and tied for 11th at the Jakarta International Series.

Compatriot Justin Quiban has also shown some good form this season. Following his career-best 54 in the Asian Tour Order of Merit last season, his 2025 campaign got off to a good start with a Top-20 finish in the Smart Infinity Philippine Open and a T10 at the star-studded International Series India presented by DLF.

Sean Ramos, Aidric Chan, Carl Jano Corpus, Angelo Que, Keanu Jahns, Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla and Perry Bucay will also be flying the flag for the Philippines in a dynamic lineup of proven performers and rising talent that will take on some of the biggest names in world golf.

The Palace on Tuesday, October 21, dispelled rumors that Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is handing in his resignation letter.

Rumors of Recto’s resignation began swirling online after social media accounts claimed he was on his way out.

Asked by reporters if the rumors had any credence, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in all caps, ‘NOT TRUE.’

Recto has been the subject of online noise and controversy following his statements on the country’s value-added tax (VAT).

The DOF secretary, who authored the expanded VAT law when he was still a senator, has not been keen on proposals to lower the tax. Recto reasoned that lowering the VAT rate could hurt national coffers and affect public services.

The noise surrounding the country’s finance chief has been further amplified by the ongoing corruption crisis in the government, where billions of pesos are suspected to have been stolen through kickback schemes.

The kickback scheme allegedly involved Department of Public Works and Highways officials colluding with lawmakers to funnel funds into substandard or ghost projects for a cut of the budget later on.

Recto himself admitted that up to P118.5 billion a year is lost to flood control corruption scams.

The former Bishop of the Apostolic Viciarate of Calapan has died on Tuesday, October 21.

Bishop-emeritus Warlito Cajandig, 81, passed away at 7:18 a.m. in Iloilo City, according to a statement by Calapan Apostolic Vicar Bishop Moises Cuevas.

According to Cuevas, Cajandig had a ‘debilitating stroke’ that resulted in a coma on Sept. 1, 2018.

‘We entrust Bishop Cajandig to the Merciful Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and implore the clergy and faithful of our diocese to pray for the eternal repose of his soul,’ Cuevas’ statement read.

‘May Bishop Cajandig’s witness of missionary love, humble service, and steadfast faith continue to inspire us toward a more faithful and vibrant synodal Church,’ he added.

His funeral arrangements has yet to be announced.

Cajandig was the Apostolic Vicar of Calapan since 1989. St. Pope John Paul II appointed him.

He received his episcopal consecration on June 21, 1989, at the Manila Cathedral, with Jaime Cardinal Sin as his principal consecrator.

When Cajandig suffered a mild stroke, which resulted in a coma the late Pope Francis appointed priest Nestor Adalia as the apostolic administrator of the vicariate in November 2018.

On Nov. 7, 2022, the Holy See formally announced that Francis had accepted Cajandig’s resignation due to health concerns.

Following his retirement, the late pontiff appointed Cuevas as the new Apostolic Vicar of Calapan on June 29, 2023.

The remains of a Filipino seafarer who died in a recent missile attack by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday, according to the Department of Migrant Workers.

The DMW said the body of the seaman would be brought to his home province in Zamboanga del Sur.

The government vowed to provide assistance to the victim’s family.

According to the DMW, an investigation is being conducted to determine if the manning agency should be held liable for the seaman’s death.

Ten other Filipino crew of the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht have been repatriated.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration also reported that 19 distressed Filipino workers have returned home from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Netizens couldn’t help but react to a recent post by a ‘school’ that the media might be on the take to take attention away from the corruption involving flood-control projects.

‘What if, they’re paying the MEDIA to amplify earthquake/volcanic news to make us forget the flood control scandal?’ the post read.

The post is attributed to a university called the ‘International State College of the Philippines’, although some people have come out to say the school actually doesn’t exist, but is a vehicle for satire, used to voice opinions that are funny or may not be so popular.

Many, including a popular TV host, have been fooled into thinking the school was actually real.

But while the said institution may not exist, this opinion –because it made its way to a satire site– may actually be shared by many netizens. And it should be said that those who think that the media can be collectively paid just to look the other way regarding one issue or corral the attention of people to another don’t really understand how it works.

The flood-control corruption issue is an ongoing story and there aren’t always developments worth of note to report on every single day.

On the other hand, earthquakes are happening left and right and up and down in our country. Last October 16, it was magnitude 4.9 127 kilometers from Polomolok, South Cotabato. Last October 17, it was magnitude 4.9 127 kilometers from Vigan, Ilocos Sur. The following day October 18, it was magnitude 5.4 220 km from Davao City. The following day, October 19 it was magnitude 5.2 178 km from Davao City.

So there might have been more coverage recently about earthquakes compared to stories about flood-control corruption.

And for the record, the media hasn’t let up on the flood-control stories either. One only needs to check the newspapers, TV, radio, and online to confirm this.

There is really no reason for the media to let-up on this flood-control corruption issue; aside from fulfilling its role as the fourth estate and the watchdog of the government, there’s no denying that reporting on all these accusations, revelations, and scandals make for good copy.

The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) revamped its two graduate studies programs to address the leadership gaps in the country in terms of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity in business operations.

AIM said it redesigned its two master’s degree programs – Master in Data Analytics (MDA) and Master in Cybersecurity – to ‘close’ the ‘growing’ leadership gaps in the two fields.

AIM is now offering Master in AI and Data Analytics (MAIDA) and the Executive Master in Cybersecurity Management (EMCSM).

The two programs, the business school explained, have been designed to prepare leaders to navigate an economy where data, innovation and digital security fuel business growth and competitiveness.

It said organizations across various industries are grappling with a ‘critical’ shortage of leaders who can bridge the technical capability and strategic insight.

‘This transformation reflects the institute’s recognition that AI and cybersecurity are no longer emerging trends but essential business imperatives,’ said Christopher Monterola, head of AIM’s Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship.

‘Companies need leaders who can address these challenges now, not in some distant future,’ Monterola said.

Kenneth Co, academic program director of MAIDA, likened AI and data tools to a high-performance machine, capable of incredible speed and power, but can only be as effective as the person operating it.

‘AI and data analytics are the new race car. MAIDA is designed to train exceptional racers,’ Co said.

‘Having access to AI technologies is not enough. Leaders need to know when to accelerate, when to pivot and how to keep control in complex business environments,’ Co added.

The improved curriculum of MAIDA seeks to train graduate students in descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive data analytics by leveraging advanced AI techniques to generate tangible business impact.

The revised program is more business-application driven and integrates AI as a core skill as it offers elective courses on the niche use of AI in specific fields such as geospatial analytics and machine learning operations, Co explained.

Co cited recent market research that the AI market is expected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2030, while 71 percent of CEOs globally see AI as a priority investment today.

Meanwhile, the EMCSM has been redesigned to tailor fit the needs of senior leaders who manage cybersecurity as a critical component of their workplaces or businesses. The improved program now focuses on developing executives and decision-makers who can lead by integrating business strategy, governance and cyber resilience, AIM said.

‘Cybersecurity is a boardroom issue, not just an IT (information technology) concern. Executives need to understand governance, risk and resilience to safeguard business continuity, customer trust and competitiveness,’ said Philip Kwa, academic program director of EMCSM.

‘The demand for cybersecurity leaders – here in the Philippines and around the world – continues to accelerate as organizations face increasingly complex digital threats,’ Kwa added.

Citing industry reports, Kwa said the global cybercrime damages is estimated to reach $10.5 trillion this year, indicating the need to train more cybersecurity experts and leaders.

Kwa noted that business executives are now ‘accountable’ for cybersecurity risks and damages.

Both the two revamped graduate programs last for 18 months across six terms, according to AIM. The MAIDA degree will start April next year while the EMCSM has been offered by AIM since September.

The current EMCSM cohort has 38 students, while the first MDA cohort had 50 students. AIM expects another 50 students for the initial cohort of MAIDA next year.

Classes at the Jose Abad Santos High School (JASHS) in Binondo, Manila were disrupted yesterday due to a bomb threat.

Police said a Facebook user named ‘Louise Florence’ sent a message that ‘five bombs were planted in the school buildings.’

The message was sent to chat groups of both JASHS students and alumni at 10:55 a.m.

The school administration suspended classes.

Police conducted a sweep of the school premises, but found no bomb.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) yesterday emphasized the need for urgent government action to address massive corruption in flood control projects, even as it expressed confidence in President Marcos’ leadership in tackling the problem.

PCCI president Enunina Mangio told reporters during the Philippine Business Conference and Expo yesterday that the business sector wants to see more action being taken on the alleged irregularities in the government’s flood control projects.

While the government has taken steps to look into corruption issues, she said current efforts are not enough.

‘We feel that we need more. And we need decisive actions and decisions,’ she said.

‘We don’t want cover-ups. We don’t want railroading. We really want those responsible to be punished and to be identified,’ Mangio said.

The country’s largest business organization is also pushing for the use of technology in the government’s fight against corruption.

She said the PCCI and 33 other business organizations issued a joint statement over the weekend to bring the issue to the President’s attention.

The business groups also called on Marcos to immediately adopt measures, including providing full legal authority and independence to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, so that the body could carry out its task of conducting a swift probe that is free from political influence.

The groups also urged Marcos to ensure the recovery of government funds and provide regular updates on the ongoing probe into corruption issues.

While there are calls for the President to step down amid the corruption issues, Mangio said the business sector does not see the need for this.

‘We released that statement so that we don’t have to reach that point. We’re trying to prevent aggressive actions from taking place,’ she said.

Mangio also floated the use of technology in addressing corruption issues.

She said blockchain technology, in particular, could be used to monitor projects and the use of the budget.

‘So we hope the technology available will be used,’ Mangio said.