Category: Philippine Star

Last Wednesday was a disastrous day for dogs.

In Cebu City, three dogs died in two separate fires. Rushie and Thunder, both owned by Dheve Claver, died in a fire in Barangay Duljo-Fatima. In Barangay Labangon, Lyka Mae Cezar lost her dog Elmo who died after a fire that started in the house of a neighbor spread to hers.

But those weren’t the only dogs to die that day. In Bacoor, Cavite, a resident lost two of her dogs while one is still missing after a fire destroyed 600 houses in Barangay Bagong Silangan.

Just following the quake that hit Bogo, two pets got their share of the limelight too. A dog was spotted frantically looking for its owner, an old woman who was killed after her house was crushed by boulders. Meanwhile, a six-year-old girl mourned her hamster, Jellybean, after it was found dead outside its cage.

So why are we talking about animals? It’s because they are becoming more important to many of us.

In a world where nothing is becoming easier and many things aren’t making any sense anymore, people are turning to animals not for just companionship but also for love and a sense of security. They aren’t just animals to take care of, in their own way they also take care of their owners.

Which is why the outrage that follows every animal cruelty video that surfaces is very much justified. Which is why more and more netizens are calling attention to acts of unkindness against animals.

At least there’s good news for animals with the recent creation of the Provincial Animal Welfare Council (PAWC) by Cebu Province. Aside from institutionalizing programs on rabies control and marine life conservation in the province, it will also focus on animal welfare in general.

With so many concerns and problems competing for our attention these days it’s easy to overlook the needs of the animal sector; it also doesn’t help that they are practically voiceless, except for a few advocates.

But like we said, the household animals others consider as just pets are actually family to those who know their worth. But then again, this worth isn’t just for those animals with homes, but also those that roam the streets, uncared for.

The Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters pounded the boards and fortified their defenses to subdue their Zamboanga Sikat counterparts, 70-61, in the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season quarterfinal playoffs at the Batangas City Coliseum.

Clogging the shaded lane, the Rum Masters posted a 57-34 edge in rebounds that resulted in a decisive 34 points in the paint against only 10 for the Zamboanguenos.

Cedric Ablaza, Levi Hernandez and Mark Niel Cruz took charge of the offense as Batangas surged ahead, 67-55, and moved within a win of advancing to the semifinal round in the South Division of the tournament that started with 30 teams.

Ablaza tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals; Hernandez 15 points plus six rebounds; and Cruz 12 points plus four rebounds for Batangas, which got 12 and nine rebounds from Jeckster Apinan and Vincent Importante, respectively.

Joshua Torralba, playing his first game for Batangas, contributed nine points, two rebounds and two steals, followed by Dawn Ochea with six points, six rebounds and three rebounds.

Only Reggz Gabat struck back for Zamboanga with 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks, as chief gunner Abdul Sawat was held to four points, seven rebounds and four assists; JP Cauilan six points and four rebounds; and James Paul Una three points, three rebounds and three steals.

Binan Tatak Gel silenced Rizal Xentromall in the homestretch and won, 77-68, in Game 1 of their own South quarterfinal series.

With the Rizal Golden Coolers threatening at 68-70, the Lagunenses pulled off a closing seven-point run to move within a win of advancing to the semifinal round.

Carlo Lastimosa, Kenny Roger Rocacurva, Pamboy Raymundo and Jaymar Gimpayan shone for Binan, which controlled the game for 36 minutes and 51 seconds, leading by as many as 43-29, before Rizal rallied behind Eric Camson and Alwyn Alday in the fourth quarter.

Lastimosa finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists; Rocacurva with 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals; Raymundo with 11 points and three rebounds; and Gimpayan with 10 points plus seven rebounds.

Rizal drew 19 points from Alday; 15 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, from Camson; and 10 points, seven rebounds and two steals from Michael Canete.

The Golden Coolers turned cold in the last 3:21, missing their final six attempts and allowing the Lagunenses to widen the gap at the buzzer.

Marc Pingris snagged nine rebounds to help Binan rule the boards, 44-31, and score more points, 44-34, in the paint.

The Golden Coolers were further hampered by their poor free throw shooting, making only 7-of-14 tries for 50%. In contrast, the Lagunenses converted 15-of-19 attempts for 78.9%.

Meanwhile, the MPBL North Division playoffs go to the Caloocan Sports Complex on Saturday, with Abra Solid North and Caloocan seeking to sweep their quarterfinal series with Ilagan Isabela and defending champion Pampanga, respectively.

The Abra Weavers are seeking a repeat of their 98-58 dumping of the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys at 6 p.m., while the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo wants to prove that their 65-61 conquest of the Pampanga Giant Lanterns was no fluke at 8 p.m.

AJ Lim and Eric Jed Olivarez remained on a collision course in their long-running title rivalry, rolling to commanding victories to reach the semifinals of the Gentry National Tennis Open Championship at the Colegio San Agustin courts in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan late Thursday.

Both former national team stalwarts barely broke a sweat as they moved a step closer to a potential finals rematch in the record P2-million tournament, presented by Great Wall Motor Philippines and backed by Gentry Timepieces through Hayb Anzures.

Lim, the top seed and recent PCA Open champion, barely flinched in his back-to-back victories – routing Alexis Acabo, 6-0, 6-1, in the Round of 16, before dismantling Thai bet Tanakorn Srirat, 6-1, 6-2, in the quarterfinals. He now braces for a semis showdown with No. 9 seed Charles Kinaadman.

Kinaadman, the 2023 Dagitab Festival Open champion, also had an impressive run, halting giant-killer Jarell Edangga, 6-1, 6-2, and then edging veteran PJ Tierro in a tight second-set tiebreaker, 6-1, 7-6(6), to earn his shot at Lim and a spot in the championship round.

On the lower half of the draw, Olivarez is eyeing revenge and redemption, powering past Evan Bacalso, 6-0, 6-1, and then outclassing Eric Jay Tangub, 6-1, 6-3, to advance to the Final Four. Standing in his way is unseeded Arthur Pantino, who has emerged as the tournament’s surprise package.

Pantino upset No. 7 seed Nilo Ledama with a composed 6-4, 6-1 win after breezing past RJ Dela Fuente, 6-0, 6-1, in the Round of 16, joining the elite men’s singles semis cast in the blue-ribbon event that attracted the country’s top players and rising stars.

The tournament is held in partnership with the Palawan Pawnshop National Tennis Championships and is supported by a strong roster of sponsors including Hiessence, Purse Maison, Mobile Cart, Primoshine, Sole Avenue, PDAX, Darling’s Fine Jewels, Luxetrust by Amethyst, The Watch Reserve, and Guapo Car Care Solutions. Official balls are provided by Dunlop and Icon.

In the women’s singles Open, Rachel Velez pulled off the biggest shocker of the tournament so far, ousting top seed Mikaela Vicencio in a thrilling 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) comeback win to secure a semis berth against Tennielle Madis, who earlier dominated Joanna Pena, 6-1, 6-2.

Second seed Tiffany Nocos stayed on track for the women’s crown and the top P100,000 prize, defeating Paula Uy, 6-3, 6-3. She will next face Stefi Aludo, who cruised past Elizabeth Abarquez, 6-3, 6-1, in the quarters.

In men’s doubles, Acabo and Ronard Joven pulled off a massive upset, toppling the top-seeded tandem of Lim and Noel Damian in a thrilling 7-5, 5-7, 10-8 finish to advance to the finals. They will face the formidable pair of Olivarez and Kinaadman for the crown.

In women’s doubles, Elizabeth Abarquez and Rovie Baulete overpowered Erynne Ong and Vicencio, 6-0, 6-2, to arrange a championship clash with the duo of Aludo and Madis, who routed Aileen Rogan and Uy, 6-1, 6-1.

GMA Playlist artist Henri Gimena or Henri G., a trans singer, officially launched her professional recording career with her debut single, ‘Di Para Sa Isa’t Isa.’ The ballad is a raw and courageous reflection on enduring love that ultimately finds its inevitable end.

‘Di Para sa Isa’t Isa’ speaks to couples who navigate the ups and downs of a relationship. It addresses the painful realization that even the deepest love can’t conquer incompatibility, reaching a point where separating becomes the only courageous path.

The song was composed by Natasha L. Correos, with additional arrangements by Joe Edrei L. Cruz, mixed by Harry A. Bernardino, and produced by Rocky Gacho and Natasha Correos.

Says Henri G., ‘The song is for those who are in love but experience the ups and downs in their relationship. It gets to a point where no matter how much you love each other, you are simply not meant to be. That’s why you need to find the courage to face a love that is not for you.’

The singer relates to the song through her own experiences of seeking meaningful relationships that didn’t lead to a happy ending, realizing that they were not meant for each other.

She hopes that the song, available on major streaming platforms worldwide, will empower listeners. ‘I want them to get courage in their hearts when it comes to love. The lyrics alone will surely be relatable if they have gone through this. I hope they can release their true emotions while listening.’

Henri G. is immensely grateful to be part of GMA Playlist. Asked for advice for aspiring trans artists, she says, ‘It’s very important for them to be true to themselves and be passionate enough to reach for their dreams. Most importantly, they should always sing from the heart.’

Kapuso star Marian Rivera headlined a major fashion event in Vietnam for luxury fashion house Hacchic Couture.

The brand known for bridal and evening gowns recently launched its “Lunar Fracture” Collection.

Marian previously worn pieces from Hacchic Couture for the her 10th wedding anniversary and renewal of ties with husband Dingdong Dantes, the recent Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Awards where she won Best Actress, and the GMA 75th Anniversary Special.

On her Instagram account, Marian posted a video of her arriving in Ho Chi Minh City where she was welcomed by fans at the airport, taking selfies with them and signing autographs.

Another post showed Marian at the “Lunar Fracture” launch for which the actress thanked Hacchic Couture for inviting her to be a part of.

“I’m truly touched by your love. All the gowns are so beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated. Grateful to be part of such a special event,” she wrote in the latter post’s caption.

Marian posted more videos on her official Facebook account, including clips inside the VIP area and of her wearing one of the new bridal gowns from the colleciton.

“Vietnam, you were unforgettable. Thank you, Hacchic Couture, for a night of beauty and love,” she wrote on one of the Facebook posts.

Justin Quiban put up a resilient finish to card a three-under 67 in the opening round of the Macau Open on Thursday, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with red-hot leaders Wenyi Ding and Charoenkul Gunn, who torched the par-70 Macau Golf and Country Club with eagle-spiked 63s.

Quiban, starting on the back nine, opened with three birdies against a lone bogey before stumbling with another dropped shot on the fifth. But he bounced back with birdies on Nos. 6 and 8 for a 33-34 round, good for a share of 15th place alongside Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, Thailand’s Itthipat Buranatanyarat, South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers, and Micah Shin.

Meanwhile, fellow Filipino Sean Ramos scrambled to save par 70 despite hitting only six fairways and 12 greens in regulation. Four bogeys were offset by four birdies, keeping him just within the projected cutline in a tie for 61st.

However, it was a tougher day for Miguel Tabuena, who struggled with a 72 after a wobbly start. He mixed three birdies with two bogeys and a double bogey on his opening nine, and failed to regain momentum coming home with one bogey and no birdies.

He fell to joint 90th and in danger of missing the cut in the $1-million Asian Tour event.

China’s Ding surged into early contention with a 32-31 card highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 18th and six birdies against a lone bogey, while Thai Charoenkul matched that with a bogey-free round featuring five birdies and an eagle on No. 13.

The duo grabbed a one-shot lead over Germany’s Dominic Foos and Australia’s Jack Thompson, who matched 64s.

Former world No. 1 Lee Westwood, making his return to the event he won 26 years ago, struggled mightily. The Englishman managed just one birdie while stumbling with three bogeys and a double en route to a 74, dropping to a share of 117th in the 144-player field.

Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai, the third player in the Tabuena-Westwood group, remained in the mix with a 68, settling in a tie for 29th.

At the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac, Italy’s Michele Ortolani and Thailand’s Waris Manthorn grabbed the early lead in the ADT Players Championship, each firing a five-under 65 in Thursday’s opening round.

Ortolani caught fire on the back nine, shooting a sizzling 29 highlighted by five straight birdies from No. 10. Manthorn eagled the par-5 ninth and added seven birdies to negate a pair of bogeys.

Filipinos Carl Corpus and amateur Rolando Bregente stayed within striking distance with two-under 70s, trailing the leaders by five shots.

Amateurs Charles Serdeña, Shinichi Suzuki and Perry Bucay each turned in 71s for a share of 28th alongside Enrico Gallaro and several others.

Close behind the leaders are Nirun Sae-ueng, Chonjarern Baramithanaseth, Pep Angles, and Niklas Regner, all carding 66s, while Tawit Polthai and Sam Broadhurst posted 67s to remain in contention on a tightly bunched leaderboard.

Former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III will testify next week in the cases filed against detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy.

‘I am set to testify, (but) I don’t know if it will push through because I’m still on leave at that time and there’s actually a conflict in my schedule that day. Maybe the prosecution team will ask for leave of court. We’ll see what they decide,’ Torre told ABS-CBN yesterday.

Torre has been on leave since he was relieved as police chief on Aug. 26.

‘I am still here and I continue to support the government’s projects, especially the Bagong Pilipinas program of President Marcos. Amid all this turmoil, we should not stray from the Constitution or the chain of command,’ Torre said.

He added that he has yet to decide on his next steps after his leave ends on Oct. 31.

When asked about reports that he was being offered a new government post, Torre said there were no updates yet.

I truly feel that the youth of today are restless. In one way or another, and in varying degrees, our youth are faced with the serious choices ahead of them as they move toward adulthood. When we look back on our childhood, we often romanticize it with being young, wild, naive and free. Sometimes even stupid. It’s a chaotic mix of total dependence and total independence, rebellion and obedience, or feeling like we knew it all and totally confused at the same time. With the pandemic interrupting our young people, I believe it is safe to say they mourn the loss of their limited youth. Which brings me to Gen Z.

These young men and women are considered to be the digital natives – the leaders of tomorrow who are on one hand politically progressive but also said to be with the worst mental health issues. That’s what they say, to a point where they are described as entitled kids who think the world revolves around them.

But as I continue to talk to and understand our young people, the one question I asked them was if they felt a sense of restlessness and what they thought was the reason behind their behavior. It seems to me that some young people feel that they want to change so many things about the world, considering they are said to be on the most idealistic side of the spectrum and, while they want to make good changes, they are given too little power to do so. Hence, the ball of such energy has nowhere to go, with little outlets to make them work towards their goals.

In the end and out of frustration, the youth tend to be so critical of things because it’s the only way they know in terms of maintaining hope. For them, criticism becomes the only technique they can use to cope with their anger or hope, unsure of where to channel any of these outwardly and productively. So what else can young people do? Especially when they say they feel directionless and drifting?

In a moment of deep thought and reflection, I have come to realize that we need to help young people find Christ. When I think of the young people of today, I think of Charlie Kirk and how he tried to influence our youth to fearlessly make Jesus Christ an integral part of their lives. I think that young people can learn from the way Charlie Kirk viewed the world and how he actually lived his life. His faith was central both to his life and to his political views and at a very young age, he made the decision to offer it to Christ and follow Jesus. Through Charlie’s example, I believe the young people of today will have the opportunity to see what their future holds and find themselves with direction and purpose.

In an age when many people delay adulthood and treat responsibility as optional, Charlie Kirk called many young people into permanence. Charlie Kirk did not succumb to pressure nor did he soften his position in order to get more appeal – Charlie Kirk clearly emphasized the purpose. To the press, many thought Charlie was a combative personality but clearly, more and more people today are realizing, especially the youth, that he is a figure to be reckoned with and as a Christian, he became an example of what it looks like to hold unpopular views with dignity and conviction and to speak boldly about the saving faith in Jesus Christ.

I personally think our youth today are looking for a role model – someone they can look up to and be able to participate in changing our society. There is no better role model than Jesus and whether or not you previously knew of Charlie Kirk, it would be impossible not to know of him today. Charlie’s faith and courage made a difference – the kind that helps us give a clear testimony of what our purpose in this world is. I’ve been seeing so many young and anxious people and while we may have our generational differences, I see the one binding solution that can carry us through life together – and that is made possible when we follow Christ. Like Charlie, it is our faith that will motivate us to make a difference. While I think America is headed for revival, I do believe, as my pastor says, that God is doing something good for the Philippines.

It is in this regard that I hope our young people can see that they too have a voice and a role in building our nation and while politics and politicians come and go and political moments rise and fall, only Christ can change a life from inside out. Being close to truth and reason helps us engage with courage and clarity and this to me is exactly what the youth of today need, so that they no longer find themselves drifting in anxiety but rather in strength and confidence that is found in Jesus Christ alone.

Our lives are testimonies of all the things we have been able to achieve through the years and while this would be a great milestone, it would be an even greater one if we go through this journey with Jesus Christ, knowing that God’s word and promises are unchanging truths that provide us with a stable foundation in a world filled with uncertainty and change.

National University and University Santo Tomas want no let-up against separate counterparts to cross the second round as still the joint leaders in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

Sharing the summit at 5-1, the Bulldogs take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles (4-2) at 2 p.m. followed by the Growling Tigers’ tussle against the Adamson Soaring Falcons (2-4) at 4:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to end their first-round campaign.

The twin bills sets the stage for an explosive first-round finale Sunday at the same venue featuring reigning champion UP and runner-up La Salle, without Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan due to MCL injuries. Cellar dwellers Far Eastern University (1-5) and University of the East (0-6) figure in the other game.

But all eyes are on NU and UST for now in the middle of their revelation seasons to steal the thunder from the usual top contenders.

‘We have to keep this momentum going into the second round. To do that, we have to play Adamson with a 100% focus. Hindi madaling kalaban ang Adamson dahil anytime, kaya nilang manalo,’ said Santo Tomas assistant coach CJ Balingit.

UST’s lone defeat actually came against its co-leader NU, toppling the fancied UP, La Salle and Ateneo in a giant-killing spree for its best start in head coach Pido Jarencio’s return.

The Tamaraws served as the Growling Tigers’ latest victim, with UST running away with a 10-0 closeout in the waning minutes for a 92-80 win on Wednesday behind the efforts of Collins Akowe, Forstky Padrigao, Nic Cabañero, Gelo Crisostomo Kyle Paranada.

NU, on the other hand, faces a tougher outing against Ateneo out to end a two-game skid after a torrid 4-0 start to lose hold of the driver’s seat.

‘Ateneo is really doing good so we will be prepared for them with necessary adjustments. We will have plans A, B and C,’ warned deputy Vic Ycasiano, who stepped in for Jeff Napa due to PBA commitments after the game last weekend.

The Bulldogs are coming off a gutsy 82-78 win against the Green Archers in a duel marred by the MCL injury of Mason Amos. La Salle then lost Kean Baclaan to the same injury three days later in a 111-110 overtime win over UE.

That same injury bug hounded NU’s chances last season to settle for a seventh-place finish before a full reversal of roles this time around atop of the standings entering the second round.

‘Mas magiging intense pa kami sa second round. Mas magiging maayos pa ang laro namin,’ vowed Ycasiano, counting on skipper Jake Figueroa and returning reinforcement Omar John to lead the way anew amid his MVP campaign with all-around numbers in the first six games.

Reality competition show “Drag Race Philippines” has been greenlit for a fourth season arriving in 2026.

The season renewal by World of Wonder comes on the heels of the show hosting the special edition “Slaysian Royale” featuring an all-Asian cast, including five Filipinas.

Three Filipina drag queens ultimately made the final, with “Drag Race Philippines” Season 1 alum Brigiding defeating her Divine Diva sister Viñas Deluxe for the “Slaysian Royale” crown.

The first episode of “Slaysian Royale” is reportedly the most watched global premiere on WOW Presents Plus, which streams all “Drag Race” franchises, and the series saw a 50% viewership increase compared to “Drag Race Philippines” Season 3.

Past winners of “Drag Race Philippines” include Precious Paula Nicole (the third Divine Diva), trans queen Captivating Katkat, and “Queen of the Universe” alum Maxie Andreison.

The success of “Slaysian Royale” also saw World of Wonder greenlight a Latina version to be hosted by “Drag Race Mexico”, also arriving next year.

“Drag Race Mexico: Latina Royale” will feature a cast of all-Latin drag queens from different “Drag Race” franchises.

No hosts have been announced yet although Lolita Banana and Taiga Brava currently co-host “Drag Race Mexico”.

“Drag Race” has had several versions where international queens compete against each other, most recently “Drag Race Down Under vs. the World”, which will reportedly feature “Drag Race Philippines” Season 2 finalist M1ss Jade So.

“Drag Race Philippines” Season 1 finalist Eva Le Queen competed on “RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars”, while Season 1 runner-up Marina Summers was a finalist on “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs. the World” Season 2.