Category: Philippine Star

Back like he never left.

After missing significant time last season, Rey Nambatac showcased his brilliance anew as he helped the TNT Tropang 5G blast the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 93-78, in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup matchup Friday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Nambatac, who missed a few months in last season’s All-Filipino Cup, finished with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists for TNT in 30 minutes of play.

The guard out of Letran said he was ‘very excited’ to play once again.

‘Parang four months mahigit yata akong hindi nakapaglaro e. So, siyempre, ito talaga yung pinaghahandaan ko,’ he told reporters after the game.

He bared that he was really out of shape, but thanked his teammates for stepping up.

‘Good thing naman, yung mga teammates ko, huge shout out to all my teammates kasi talagang pinush hard nila ako noong training camp namin. And to be honest, wala talaga ako. Out of shape ako Nahirapan ako noong una,’ he stated.

‘But then again, nagkaroon ako ng opportunity na makarecover. Makuha ko yung rhythm ko, yung timing ko. And ayun nga, ito, unti-unting nagbunga.’

After a close encounter in the first half, TNT started to pull away in the third quarter.

The Tropang 5G led by one, 45-44, early in the third frame before Nambatac scored seven points in his team’s 8-2 run as TNT grabbed a 54-46 lead.

While the Fuel Masters were able to pull themselves closer, the Tropang 5G’s hot offense was just too much to handle as they broke the game wide open in the fourth period. The latter took a 16-point lead, 81-65, after a split from Nambatac.

Ricci Rivero tried to will the Fuel Masters back into it, but a 3-pointer by Kelly Williams slammed the door shut on any comeback attempt.

Calvin Oftana backstopped Nambatac with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Simon Enciso and newcomer Kevin Ferrer had 12 markers apiece.

Tyler Tio and Jason Perkins powered Phoenix with 12 points apiece while Kai Ballungay added 11 markers for the Fuel Masters, who were held to 40.8% shooting and were forced to commit 14 turnovers.

‘There were stretches na masakit sa mata yung offense namin. But, as always, we relied on our defense. Okay lang if we’re not making our shots or if our offense is not as smooth as we want it to be, but as long as we can make stops, that’s the most important element of our gameplan,’ TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

TNT will be back in action next Saturday against Converge, while Phoenix will return to play on October 22 against the NLEX Road Warriors.

Invoking the late Nelson Mandela’s concern for the elderly, the oldest member of the House of Representatives has decried the ‘digital and social exclusion’ of Filipino senior citizens from government services.

‘In this age of digital transformation, many elderly Filipinos are left behind,’ 83-year-old Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr. of Bulacan’s 6th district lamented in a privilege speech on Wednesday.

Pleyto cited as example the ‘online’ transactions imposed by government financing institutions, like the Social Security System for about 23 million private sector workers and the Government Service Insurance System for 1.6 million government employees.

‘Without assistance, many senior citizens are unable to access these services, cutting them off from opportunities and benefits that are rightfully theirs,’ Pleyto said.

He pointed out that members have to make sure that they have phones with Wi-Fi and have downloaded the apps of the agencies before they can receive their ‘reduced pension.’

‘But how about the seniors who live in far-flung and very remote areas in the country that do not have cellular phones and can’t even get any Wi-Fi signal? Will this stop their pension? Or do they still have to go on a long trip to the provinces and cities if only to get their pension?’ he asked.

Reminding House members of Mandela’s resentment of discrimination, Pleyto quoted the late African leader: ‘A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endangers its future.’

The Elderly Filipino Week was observed in the country from Oct. 1 to 7.

‘Their hands once toiled to feed the younger generation, their wisdom continues to guide, and their sacrifices made us what we are today,’ Pleyto said as he appealed to fellow lawmakers to act decisively to improve the welfare of senior citizens.

Describing many of the elderly as ‘living their twilight years in poverty, illness and neglect,’ Pleyto pressed for stronger social protection and medical support for senior citizens, noting four key challenges they face: poverty, lack of access to healthcare, social neglect and digital exclusion.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) proudly announces the highly anticipated return of the Student PR Congress and Grand Prix, setting the stage for the next generation of communicators to create purpose-driven change. This year’s event calls on students to break through boundaries with the theme, “Unmuted: Live, Loud and Limitless PR.”

The Congress is the PRSP’s commitment to fulfilling its mission: to nurture and develop a new generation of PR practitioners equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world. By focusing on shifting and emerging technologies and trends the PRSP aims to cultivate professionals who can wield public relations as a tool for creating meaningful, positive impact in society. The “Unmuted” theme embodies this goal, encouraging students to utilize every available platform-live interactions, digital channels and innovative storytelling-to make their voices and campaigns impactful and boundless.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the growing interest in public relations among schools, particularly through initiatives like our PR caravans. These programs are vital in fulfilling our mission to nurture the next generation of PR professionals, providing them with invaluable insights into a dynamic and impactful career, said Steve Michael Moore, Student PR Congress chairman and PRSP officer.

The centerpiece of the event, the Student PR Grand Prix, is a high-stakes, real-world competition. Student teams from across the nation will receive an actual campaign brief from a leading organization and must develop and present a comprehensive PR strategy to a panel of award-winning industry leaders.

The competition mechanics challenge students’ strategic thinking, creativity, and execution skills under a tight deadline. Judging criteria will focus on quality of research, creativity of the big idea, feasibility of proposed executions, clarity of metrics and the actual pitch presentation. Top teams will vie for the coveted Grand Prix title, recognition from the country’s most respected PR professionals, and exciting cash prizes and professional opportunities.

The Student PR Congress and Grand Prix will take place on November 6-7, 2025 at De la Salle College of St. Benilde in Manila This event is a critical networking opportunity, bringing together students, academics, and industry veterans for a day of learning, inspiration, and competition.

Student teams are invited to review the Grand Prix full campaign mechanics here and then your attendance to the Student PR Congress register here,

Diamond Star Maricel Soriano advised the Filipino youth to take care of their parents while they are still around.

During the media conference of her upcoming movie “Meet, Greet and Bye,” Maricel recalled a moment where she was greeted by millennials in a mall.

“Minsan marami akong nakakasalubong na mga bagets, mga babae naka-mini skirt sila, naka-bag sila at babatiin ako, nilalapitan ko, ‘alam ba ng mga magulang ninyo kung nasaan kayo ngayon? So, siyempre tumigil ang mga laughter, di ba? Seryoso sila bigla,” she shared.

The actress recalled telling them the importance of letting parents know of their whereabouts, “Kasi siyempre aandap-andap ang kalooban niyan, hindi alam kung sino ang kasama n’yo, nasaan kayo, at ano ang mga nangyayari sa inyo.”

Maricel also asked younger generations not to disregard their mothers in particular.

“Huwag n’yo naman dedmahin ang mga nanay n’yo. Isa lang naman ang hinihingi [nila] ibigay n’yo na,” Maricel said. “Sabi ko pa, alam ninyo darating ang panahon tatanda rin kayo magkakaroon kayo ng anak, magkakaroon kayo ng pamilya, gusto n’yo ba kung ano ang ginagawa ninyo ngayon ay gawin din sa inyo? Di ba hindi?”

She reiterated her plea not to snub or abandon one’s parents, instead take every effort to share one’s love for them.

“Walang magulang na nag-iisip ng pangit sa mga anak nila,” Maricel ended.

A family’s story of love, laughter, togetherness, and pain is poised to captivate audiences and tug hearts in the upcoming film “Meet, Greet and Bye” beginning November 12.

The film follows the heartwarming journey of the Facundo family led by Mama Baby (Maricel), who is diagnosed with cancer but refuses to undergo chemotherapy after losing hope of getting better.

Her four children, Tupe (Piolo Pascual), Brad (Joshua Garcia), Leo (Juan Karlos Labajo), and Geri (Belle Mariano) try to find and push for alternative treatment before time runs out for Mama Baby.

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is conducting a deeper review of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)’s planned acquisition of Franklin Baker Co.

In a notice, the PCC said it is undertaking a Phase 2 review of the proposed acquisition by MPIC subsidiary, Metro Pacific Agro Ventures Inc. (MPAV) of Franklin Baker, one of the country’s oldest and largest manufacturers and exporters of coconut products.

‘The review focuses on how the transaction may affect competition in the markets for coconut products and the supply of mature raw coconuts in Mindanao,’ the PCC said.

A Phase 2 review is a more detailed and extensive assessment to determine whether the proposed transaction will lead to a substantial reduction in competition.

In particular, the review will look at the impact of the transaction on competition in the global manufacture of desiccated coconuts, coconut water, coconut cream, coconut milk and supply of raw coconuts within a 150-kilometer radius from the processing sites of Axelum Resources Corp. in Misamis Oriental and Franklin Baker in Davao del Sur.

The STAR first reported MPAV’s plan to buy out Franklin Baker for P1 billion to save its facilities from closing down.

In July, MPAV announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire Franklin Baker.

MPAV said the transaction would expand its agribusiness platform and reinforce its position as the leading player in the Philippines’ food-grade coconut export industry.

At present, MPAV has a 34.76-percent stake in Axelum Resources Corp.

As part of the deeper review, the PCC is seeking comments on the transaction.

In particular, the PCC said it wants insights on the transaction’s possible impact on prices, quality and range of products and services offered by the transacting parties.

The antitrust agency will be accepting comments until Oct. 10.

After absorbing its first scar, league leader Ateneo enjoys a homecourt advantage this time around in a quick payback bid against the formidable University Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the refurbished Blue Eagle Gym in Katipunan.

The Blue Eagle (4-1), on the heels of an 83-69 reality check handed by title holder UP Fighting Maroons, welcome the Growling Tigers (3-1) at 4:30 p.m. for the first UAAP games at their turf since hosting the 79th season in 2019. Cellar dwellers UE (0-4) and Adamson (1-3) clash in the curtain raiser at 1:30 p.m.

Ateneo currently shares the pole position with National University (4-1), slightly ahead of solo second UST with powerhouse UP (3-2) and La Salle (2-2), which are slowly catching up after a dismal start, entering into its own arena for more than seven decades.

Built in 1949, the Blue Eagle gym underwent renovation for more than a year before its completion last month in time for the UAAP venue availability due to the scarcity of usual big arenas this holiday season and the multiple international event hosting of the country like volleyball and futsal.

To compensate, the UAAP held the majority of its early matches at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila for the Growling Tigers’ homecourt before the addition of the Blue Eagle Gym to the venue calendar.

Ateneo, in fact, went unbeaten in two games at UST’s soil, hoping to also perform well at their own backyard despite having limited training there in the middle of its repair.

‘I’m not even sure it’s a home court yet. It’s home in the sense that it’s the campus that we go to every day but if there’s any chance that it will be a home court, it’s if the crowd really turns out and if the student body really comes and turns a special event for the day for the team,’ said coach Tab Baldwin.

Baldwin, a multi-titled Kiwi-American mentor in different countries with home-and-away format, however has been used to neutral arenas in the Philippine sporting landscape to a point that homecourt advantage isn’t really an edge.

‘I spent 35 years coaching in leagues where every game was a home or away game. So I don’t really believe in that so much, unless you’ve got a rabid and intimidating one like the Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke, which I don’t really think is the case here. I mean, we were undefeated at UST. So, you know, maybe that’s our home court,’ he cleared.

‘I like playing in Araneta and MOA. One of the special things about Philippine basketball and the UAAP is that there isn’t a home and away, and that we play it with these neutral venues, neutral crowds, and they’re world-class stadiums on top of it.’

As for the Growling Tigers, who like the Blue Eagles, have been a revelation this season, Baldwin sees another tough outing in a grueling stretch after battles against finalists La Salle and UP with the emerging NU as its last assignment in the first round.

‘UP prepared for us very well and I think UST will. I said after we won two games that by the end of the first round there won’t be any undefeated teams. And that’s not to say that it’s prophetic,’ said Baldwin after a fiery 4-0 start.

‘It’s just to say that the teams in this league are good teams. And it’s tough to get up game after game after game. We looked at this week where we have three games in six days. It’s a tough schedule.’

Expect UST to be armed and ready as well, especially with a shot at snatching the No. 1 seed.

‘They’re the No. 1 team right now so dapat handa kami,’ said ace Nic Cabañero. ‘It’s a big game for us in the renovated Blue Eagle Gym. We’re used to playing in our homecourt and now, it’s theirs. We’re excited. We’ll be prepared,’ added assistant coach Juben Ledesma.

Officials immediately canceled classes in all schools in Central Mindanao after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake jolted provinces and cities across southern Mindanao on Friday morning, October 10.

Emergency responders from the office of Kidapawan City Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista promptly transported more than 30 students from the Kidapawan City National High School and nearby campuses to hospitals due to dizziness and other discomfort following the tremor, which caused widespread panic among residents.

Kidapawan City, which has more than 40 barangays, is the capital of Cotabato province in Region 12 – more than a hundred kilometers north of Cotabato City, the seat of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) – where the earthquake was also felt.

‘Our engineers reported that there were no damages to school buildings in our city. We are monitoring the condition of the patients in all hospitals here, too,’ Evangelista said, as he went around school campuses in Kidapawan City.

Evangelista and Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao both suspended classes in all barangays under their local government units.

Friday morning’s earthquake, whose epicenter was traced to Manay town in Davao Oriental, shook cities and towns in Mindanao’s adjoining Regions 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Rescue teams from the Cotabato City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and emergency responders from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region have been on standby, anticipating possible aftershocks.

The quake was also felt in the Bangsamoro region’s adjoining Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte provinces in Central Mindanao.

Yesterday morning, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck La Union, with other parts of northern Luzon, including Baguio City, feeling the tremors.

So far as of this writing there have been no reports of damage, while one report claims someone died of a heart attack in Baguio City while the quake was happening.

Now the people there can’t help but be on alert for aftershocks, no doubt having been appraised of what quakes can do and how devastating they can be following what happened in northern Cebu recently.

Speaking of aftershocks, as of yesterday noon, a total of 10,006 aftershocks have been recorded following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu.

If anything else, this should show us that it’s not quite over yet and, more importantly, that quakes are more unpredictable compared to other natural disasters.

Let’s not be fooled that quakes can be predicted with precision. Yes, there are general patterns that we can observe and analyze, but we can never say when a quake will strike somewhere specific and how strong it will be.

So if someone shares a post in social media that a quake will happen somewhere at a certain time, take it with a grain of salt and don’t immediately share it.

Let’s also not be fooled into thinking that we won’t get shaken just because a quake happened somewhere else. La Union is quite far from where the current aftershocks are being concentrated and recorded. We are sure they never saw it coming, but it came anyway.

These latest developments should remind us that unlike other natural disasters, earthquakes can strike anywhere without warning. While typhoons or tsunamis can be observed forming from a ways off, seasons of drought or flood can be predicted months ahead with a high degree of accuracy, and volcanic eruptions give off many warnings signs, earthquakes are still far off from becoming predictable.

What’s the best we can do about it? Nothing much, except take measures to make our homes and critical infrastructure resilient, not live in hazard zones, and be prepared to deal with what happens after.

Some days just call for something extra, and after long hours, endless deadlines, or that long-awaited suweldo, you #SUPERDESERVE a meal that delivers the best of everything you crave.

With the Jollibee Super Meals, you no longer have to choose between Jollibee favorites because it’s got them all in one special plate.

The lineup includes:

Super Meal A: 1-piece Chickenjoy, Burger Steak, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Rice and Drink

Super Meal B: 1-piece Chickenjoy, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Fries and Drink

Super Meal C: Yumburger, Half Jolly Spaghetti, Fries and Drink

Each option brings together classic Jollibee dishes in one rewarding meal, making it easy to celebrate and treat yourself to something special without having to choose.

It’s the reward that hits every craving while giving you big servings and big value, making it the well-deserved treat-yourself meal for paydays, celebrations, achievements or extra-gutom days.

‘We want all Filipinos to celebrate their wins and achievements in life, whether big or small-with Jollibee to be part of that joyful experience. With Super Meals, you get a rewarding meal, bringing together Jollibee’s best-tasting favorites in one hearty, special plate. It’s a bundle made for everyday indulgence and joyful moments alike,’ said Luis Berba, Assistant Vice President of Jollibee Philippines.

So, the next time you’re asking yourself, ‘Which Jollibee favorite should I treat myself with, in celebration of today’s big win?’ Don’t stress. The answer is you #SUPERDESERVE all of them, in the Jollibee Super Meals!

The Jollibee Super Meals is available nationwide in all Jollibee stores for dine-in, takeout or delivery. Order now through the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood or foodpanda, and give yourself the super treat you #SUPERDESERVE.

The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys held the fort under pressure and thwarted the Bataan Risers, 74-71, on Wednesday to clinch the eighth and last playoff slot in the North Division of the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season at The Capital Arena in Ilagan City, Isabela.

With top gun Arth dela Cruz out after a right ankle injury in the third quarter, the Cowboys called on homegrown Donald Gumaru, Agem Miranda and Jerie Pingoy to fend off the Risers and forge a best-of-three showdown with North’s top qualifier Abra Solid North Weavers in the playoff round starting today.

Miranda canned two free throws while Pingoy went three of four in the dying seconds to frustrate the Risers.