Category: Philippine Star

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRT-2) has implemented a temporary limited service arrangement on its Line 2 after a lightning strike disrupted its normal operations on Tuesday afternoon, September 22.

In an advisory released at around 3:00 p.m, the LRT management said trains would temporarily run only between Recto Station and Araneta Center-Cubao Station, and vice versa.

The lightning strike damaged a catenary power wire near Antipolo Station, according to the management.

‘Pinapayuhan ang lahat ng pasahero na manatiling nakaantabay sa official social media accounts ng LRTA para sa mga susunod na abiso ukol sa operasyon ng tren,’ LRT said.

(All passengers are advised to monitor the official social media accounts of LRTA for the next advisory regarding the resumption of train operations.)

Earlier, at around 11:00 a.m, state weather bureau PAGASA said moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds are expected over 11 areas, including Antipolo, Rizal, for the next two hours.

Silver again. And it hurts more the second time.

Jean Claude “The Dynamite” Saclag came one win away from history – the Philippines’ first gold in this Asian Games and the first-ever Asian Games gold in mixed martial arts – only to have it buried on the mat.

The 31-year-old Baguio fighter fell to Tajikistan’s Otabek Rajabov in the men’s traditional -65kg MMA final at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Tuesday, a classic striker-vs-grappler duel that ended exactly where Saclag didn’t want it: on the ground.

“Parang tatlong tao ang nakadagan,” Saclag said of the 23-year-old unbeaten Tajik.

It didn’t start that way. Saclag won the early standing war, uncorking a looping head shot that knocked Rajabov down.

Then came the mistake that cost him gold.

“Sabi ng coach ko hintayin kong tumayo, pero nakita ko yung mata nya, hilo pa, pumasok ang killer instinct ko,” he said.

He dove in. Rajabov grabbed him. And that was it – the start of a sorry end.

Once on the canvas, Rajabov never let him breathe. Saclag spent most of the fight pinned, smothered, and shut down.

The loss mirrored Incheon 2014, when Saclag the wushu artist also settled for silver.

“Sayang talaga. Gusto ko talagang makakuha ng gold. Nag-expect ako na kaya kong mag-gold. Malungkot ako, hindi lang dahil natalo ako, kundi dahil sa performance ko,” he said.

“Sinabi ko sa sarili ko na ito na ‘yung pagkakataon kong mag-gold, kasi noong 2014, natalo rin ako sa finals sa wushu.”

He thought he had closed the gap on the ground.

“Akala ko nag-improve na ako, pero grabe ang higpit niya sa baba. Gusto kong tumayo para makabalik sa laban, pero hindi niya talaga ako pinatayo.”

Even Rajabov felt the power. Saclag said his opponent acknowledged his punches during their handshake after.

A day earlier, Saclag had neutralized Japan’s Daisuke Murayama in the semifinals with a simple plan: keep distance, punish, don’t get dragged.

Against Rajabov, the plan held until the killer instinct took over.

“Expected ko na ‘yung ganung laban. Ang game plan sana, strike, strike, tapos iwas. Hindi ako magpapa-takedown. Pero noong second round, siguro nagmadali ako dahil akala ko nakuha ko na ‘yung first round.”

The silver still assured the Philippines a podium in MMA’s Asian Games debut, following Carlos Alvarez’s bronze in the -77kg class a day earlier. But for Saclag, whose Team Lakay roots in wushu sanda and kickboxing made the transition to MMA feel natural, the final was a brutal audit.

“Gagamitin ko itong sakit para mag-improve pa. Kailangan ko pang husayan ang ground game ko. Sayang, pero thankful pa rin ako. Nakarating tayo sa finals at safe pa ako.”

One win away from history. It ended up buried on the ground.

The Sierra Madre mountain range may lessen typhoon winds in some parts of Luzon, but does not significantly weaken storms that cross the island, a study by University of the Philippines researchers found.

Researchers Gerry Bagtasa and Bernard Alan Racoma of the UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology examined the effects of the Sierra Madre and Cordillera mountain ranges on 45 tropical cyclones that crossed Luzon from 2000 to 2020.

Using the Weather Research and Forecasting model, they ran simulations with the actual mountain terrain and compared these with scenarios in which either the Sierra Madre or Cordillera was flattened.

The results showed that neither mountain range significantly changed the intensity of tropical cyclones at landfall or during their initial passage across Luzon.

The Cordillera, however, was found to have a stronger overall effect in reducing wind hazards.

Its presence inhibited the re-intensification of tropical cyclones after they crossed Luzon and emerged over the West Philippine Sea, reducing accumulated wind-field energy by as much as 30 percent in parts of northern and Central Luzon.

The researchers also found that the Sierra Madre reduced rainfall in the Cagayan Valley from 10 to 59 percent, but enhanced it along the western slopes by 23 to 48 percent.

Calling all ube and matcha lovers!

This season, two of today’s most beloved flavors come together for a unique food and lifestyle experience as The Ube-Matcha Meetup makes its way to both SMDC Fame Mall and SMDC Light Mall in Mandaluyong.

Designed as a celebration of all things ube and matcha, the event invites guests to indulge in their cravings, discover new favorites, and connect with fellow enthusiasts through a vibrant community-driven food bazaar experience.

The first leg takes place at SMDC Fame Mall from September 24 to 27, followed by SMDC Light Mall from October 14 to 17, bringing together a vibrant community of matcha drink enthusiasts, ube lovers, café hoppers, and dessert seekers for four days of indulgence, discovery and good vibes.

Inspired by the playful idea of “breaking the glass in case of emergency,” The Ube-Matcha Meetup serves as the perfect answer for anyone experiencing a serious ube or matcha craving.

Visitors can explore a curated lineup of food and beverage merchants offering everything from classic favorites to innovative creations featuring these crowd-favorite flavors.

More than just a food bazaar, The Ube-Matcha Meetup is designed as a place to hang out, unwind, and enjoy the atmosphere. Guests can lounge with friends, sip on matcha drinks, enjoy ube-inspired treats, capture share-worthy moments, and immerse themselves in a laid-back environment dedicated to two flavors that continue to capture the hearts of Filipinos.

Whether you’re a longtime matcha enthusiast, a devoted ube fan, or simply curious to discover what all the buzz is about, the event offers a welcoming space for everyone.

From refreshing beverages to sweet desserts and to creative culinary twists, visitors can expect a flavorful journey filled with exciting finds and delightful surprises.

So, which side are you on: Team Ube or Team Matcha?

Gather your friends, satisfy your cravings, and experience four days of great food, good company, and relaxing vibes at The Ube-Matcha Meetup, happening at SMDC Fame Mall from September 24 to 27 and SMDC Light Mall from October 14 to 17.

Come for the flavors, stay for the community and discover your next favorite purple or green indulgence.

Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas captured the PG Flex-Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) streetdance competition, providing an energetic start to the league’s ninth season over the weekend at the Playtime FilOil Center.

Behind the dazzling choreography, high-energy routine and synchronized movements, the PCU Dance Group impressed the judges enough to score 7.79 points and dethrone last year’s winner Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas.

PCU-D posted 3.99 points in skills and 3.81 in performance, which proved to be crucial in improving their third-place finish from the last season.

Host Manila Central University finished second with 7.30 points while LPU-Batangas and University of Batangas both scored 7.14 points for the third and fourth spots.

Centro Escolar University rounded out the top five with 6.88.

Hallyu fans were over the moon after learning that “Crash Landing on You” and “The Negotiation” co-stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin officially tied the knot in 2022.

Despite being one of Korea’s biggest celebrity couples, Ye-jin has a habit of covering her husband’s face with stickers whenever posting photos of him on social media, much to the amusement of followers.

The actress finally revealed the origin of the habit during a promotional interview with Netflix Korea ahead of the release of upcoming show “The Scandal” with Ji Chang-wook and Nana.

Ye-jin recounted a recent family vacation in Japan and United States with Hyun Bin and their three-year-old son after wrapping up shooting on “The Scandal.”

“We had a pretty packed schedule centered around my kid,” Ye-jin said in Korean. “It was tiring, but traveling together as a family is truly so gladdening.” She also shared having to wake up her son when taking him places to enjoy, acknowledging that she also covered his face with a sticker.

Asked if covering Hyun Bin’s face all the time was her choice or just her being considerate, Ye-jin revealed it was actually his idea.

“I said, ‘Can’t I just post it?’ and he said, ‘Please cover me,’ that’s why I always cover it,” the actress admitted.

“The Scandal” marks Ye-jin’s return to series since her marriage to Hyun Bin and giving birth to their son. Her only other project since then was her comeback movie “No Other Choice” last year.

Authorities have arrested Kim Chiu’s sister, Lakambini ‘Lakam’ Chiu, in connection with a qualified theft case filed by the actress and TV host.

According to reports, Lakam was arrested on Sunday, September 20, in Barangay Wack Wack, Mandaluyong City, by operatives of the Quezon City Police District. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 84 issued a warrant for her arrest in connection with 124 counts of qualified theft filed by Kim.

The case stemmed from the alleged taking of corporate funds from House of Little Bunny Philippines, Inc. (HOLB), a company owned by Kim and Lakam. The court set Lakam’s bail at P5.838 million for her temporary liberty.

Based on the court’s resolution, there was sufficient basis to charge Lakam with 124 counts of qualified theft involving a total of P44,396,331.65. Kim filed the case against Lakam in December 2025 after allegedly discovering financial discrepancies in their business.

Kim’s lawyer previously said that Lakam was involved in the company’s management and was the one who knew and ran the business. Lakam is currently being held at the Police Station 10 custodial facility while awaiting a commitment order from the court.

In a previous statement, Kim said filing the case against her sister was a difficult decision. ‘The decision did not come easily. It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life,’ she said.

This week, the Cebu media community marks Cebu Press Freedom Week, now in its 34th year. The observance always coincides with the anniversary of the declaration of martial law on September 21.

This enduring celebration is uniquely Cebu, and I would like to congratulate the convenors of Cebu Press Freedom Week, the organizers of the various forums, media organization meetings, and other events, including a pickleball tournament, as well as supporters from the private sector and civil society for making this week-long celebration something to look forward to every year in September.

As we celebrate Press Freedom Week and observe the anniversary of the declaration of martial law, we also, with sober realization, take note of the passing of giants in Cebu history and literary circles this year. I am referring to National Artist Resil Mojares, who passed away on September 5; Paul Rodriguez of Bayan, who passed away on September 16; and, prior to them, retired Judge Meinrado ‘Menmen’ Paredes, who died on July 11.

I have always believed that creative literature and the struggles for human rights and national progress are intertwined. Remember, our struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule traces its origins to the writings of literary genius Dr. Jose Rizal and the journalists of the reformist movement at the time.

The works of Mojares, as demonstrated in ‘Brains of the Nation’ and ‘The War Against the Americans,’ taught us that nation-building requires looking beyond simplified narratives –studying both our intellectual triumphs and our local compromises– so we can build a future guided by an honest understanding of our past.

Before he died, Judge Menmen had started to work with us his fellow members of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) to write the history of FLAG in Central Visayas, especially its struggles during the martial law period. We are tasked to continue with that initiative.

This tradition of literature as an instrument of truth and civic memory should continue to be encouraged and supported, especially in Cebu and other communities outside the national capital, where written narratives are often sparse.

Recently, I became involved in drafting a project proposal for an NGO’s book project. The inspiration for this initiative actually goes back to 2014 and 2015, when the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB), established under R.A. 10368, or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, faced a deadline to receive applications.

Back then, our law office assisted human rights victim-claimants pro bono in executing sworn affidavits. These documents recounted specific, detailed human rights violations that occurred in Cebu during the dictatorship, such as illegal arrest, detention, and torture.

For many victims and surviving relatives, executing those affidavits meant revisiting deeply painful trauma from the martial law era simply to meet the legal standards of the point system. The work we did was not only crucial in helping victims secure official state recognition and reparation, but it also gave me an idea that it should serve as a starting point to document their ordeals into a book, with their consent.

Though no book materialized at the time, I remain hopeful that through the many stories uncovered in their sworn statements, the victims will finally be heard and their narratives memorialized as part of our historical literature.

As Mojares taught us, true history is built from the ground up. Our celebration of Press Freedom Week and our efforts to document civil society’s struggles in civic spaces must champion courageous storytelling. It is through these narratives that society preserves its institutional memory, confronts red-tagging, and protects its democratic space.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) is pushing for the passage of a Comprehensive School Safety Act after the recent school violence in South Cotabato, which resulted in the deaths of three students and wounding of eight others.

In a statement, EDCOM 2 expressed its sympathy to the families in South Cotabato affected by the shooting incident at the Banga National High School (BNHS) on Friday.

‘We stand in solidarity with the families, teachers and classmates at Banga National High School in South Cotabato following the shooting on campus. We honor the lives of the students lost, stand with the injured as they recover, and acknowledge the trauma this violence has inflicted on the entire community,’ the commission said.

It added that the sorrow brought about by the incident sharpened their resolve to push for action to protect students.

‘As stewards of education and policy, we are bound to turn grief into immediate, actionable safeguards across our education system,’ EDCOM 2 added.

It called for the passage of the Comprehensive School Safety Act. Enacting this legislation will mandate standardized physical security, access control, and inter-agency threat monitoring across all learning spaces.

The commission also asked for the strict monitoring in the enforcement of the Anti-Bullying Act Implementing Rules and Regulations, and empower Learning Formation Officers in order to have proactive child protection, conflict resolution and student support in schools.

Mental health care through school counsel associates should be expanded. The commission believes that by deploying guidance counselors, speeding up the hiring of SCAs, and setting up support systems would be helpful to students.

It advocated for tightening gun control and storage. Strictly enforcing the mandatory safe-storage laws and holding gun owners legally accountable could prevent minors and unauthorized individuals from acquiring firearms.

Lastly, digital safeguards should be strengthened. EDCOM 2 said that advancing bicameral digital protection through legislation and cyber-safety education would help shield students from online risks, violence and predatory exposure.

The Department of Education yesterday said it would be checking on risks and vulnerabilities in every school.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged parents to closely monitor their children’s internet and social media activity.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police would partner with the DepEd and DILG under the initiative of Education Secretary Sonny Angara to conduct comprehensive, site-specific security audits in all public schools.

In Bulacan, the Provincial Peace and Order Council has passed two resolutions to enhance school safety protocols in the province

Skyro, a fast-growing digital finance platform, began rolling out its refreshed visual identity in the Philippines.

The redesigned Skyro Philippines app will be released progressively to customers, alongside updates to customer communications, partner materials, advertising and other brand touchpoints.

The new identity reflects how Skyro has evolved beyond its beginnings in consumer financing, as the company expands the ways it can support customers across different financial needs and moments in their lives.

Launched in the Philippines in 2022, Skyro has grown to more than 7 million registered users, built a credit portfolio exceeding $200 million, and reached operating break-even in the first half of 2026.

The Philippines, Skyro’s most mature market, is the first to introduce the refreshed brand identity before it is rolled out more widely across the company’s markets. Skyro is also building on the experience and capabilities developed in the Philippines as it expands internationally.

In August, the company announced plans to enter Saudi Arabia as part of its broader growth across emerging markets.

According to Skyro Co-founder and Co-CEO Arsen Liametov, the refreshed identity reflects both Skyro’s evolution and its ambitions for its next stage of growth. ‘We want to move beyond one-off lending and become an everyday financial partner, offering a broader set of products that support people and small businesses through different moments in their lives,’ Liametov said.

‘Our ambition is for Skyro to fit more naturally into those moments, building lasting relationships with customers as their needs evolve. The new identity reflects that direction and gives us a platform to build on what we have proven in the Philippines as we enter new markets,’ Liametov added.

At the heart of the refreshed brand is the idea that financial services should fit naturally into people’s lives.

The new design system and tagline, ‘Naturally, yours,’ reflect Skyro’s ambition to support customers as their needs, priorities and plans change over time.

In the Philippines, these financial priorities can range from everyday family expenses and important purchases to celebrations, milestones and future plans.

The central mark of the new visual identity is inspired by the analemma, the figure-eight pattern traced by the Sun’s changing position in the sky over the course of a year.

Echoing the ‘Sky’ in Skyro’s name, the shape represents continuity and flexibility, reflecting the company’s ambition to become part of customers’ everyday financial lives rather than support only individual transactions.

For Skyro Co-founder and Co-CEO Nasim Aliev, the refreshed identity also reflects how the business itself has evolved and the broader role Skyro aims to play in customers’ financial lives.

‘This rebrand gives that evolution a clear identity and a platform for what we are building next. Whether that’s making a purchase, upgrading something at home, getting something you’ve been wanting, or simply making your next move possible, we want Skyro to give people more ways to move forward,’ Aliev shared.

In the Philippines, Skyro works with more than 10,000 partner stores and over 3,000 merchants, with SMEs driving over 60% of volume.

One example of Skyro’s evolution beyond one-off financing is SkyroCredit, a reusable digital credit line that customers can use via QR Ph. Customers can use their available credit, repay what they use, and use it again without having to reapply each time.

Its launch marked a shift from financing one-off purchases toward building an ongoing financial relationship with customers, giving Skyro more ways to support them as their financial needs and priorities evolve over time.

The refreshed identity will be rolled out progressively across Skyro’s other markets as the company continues its international expansion.