Category: Philippine Star

Yuen Verbruggen saved his biggest burst of speed for last, surging past Jerald Federiso in a frenetic closing run to capture the overall Sunrise Sprint crown in the Damosa Land 5150 Triathlon in Davao del Norte here Sunday.

Verbruggen stayed within striking distance of Federiso through the 750-meter open-water swim and 20-km bike leg before unleashing a powerful finishing kick over the 5-km run to clock 1:11:31.

He timed 14:06 in the swim, 34:24 on the bike and 20:15 in the run to complete the sprint-distance course.

Federiso had the early advantage, posting faster splits of 13:46 and 33:48 in the first two legs. But Verbruggen proved too quick in the run, where his 20:15 was more than a minute better than Federiso’s 21:18, allowing him to secure the overall victory by 40 seconds.

Federiso settled for second in 1:12:11, while John Carl Lim completed the podium in 1:12:49.

Verbruggen, Federiso and Lim also swept the top three spots in the 18-24 age category in the Sunrise Sprint, a fast-paced side event designed for newcomers, returning competitors and seasoned triathletes looking to sharpen their speed and race strategy.

In the women’s division, Alessandra Aquino dominated the field to claim the overall and 18-24 titles in 1:26:01. She posted splits of 14:42 in the swim, 42:18 on the bike and 25:17 in the run, finishing well ahead of Andrea Cui (1:29:38) and Keena Clarke (1:46:58).

James Van Ramoga and Natalie Doromal-Lim, meanwhile, captured the overall titles in the second Damosa Land 5150, while Edgie Arances and Anisha Caluya topped the Filipino Elite categories in the demanding Olympic-distance event featuring a 1.5-km swim, 40-km bike and 10-km run of the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., with the support of Damosa Land president Cary Lagdameo and Samal Mayor Lemuel Reyes.

Other Sunrise Sprint age-group winners were Yohann Hernandez (male 16-17, 1:29:03); Seanna Clarke (female 16-17, 1:45:20); Justine Pabuala (male 25-29, 1:19:14); Elaine Montante (female 25-29, 1:46:26); Rolen Tarife (male 30-34, 1:13:15); Regine Valentin (female 30-34, 1:34:08); Jefferson Tabacon (male 35-39, 1:18:40); Kristine Dasargo (female 35-39, 1:35:50); Randie Briones (male 40-44, 1:22:23); Monica Ugarte (female 40-44, 1:45:44); Eric Vasquez (male 45-49, 1:32:12); Tyr Cyd Alarin (male 50-54, 1:37:14); Fe Justeniani (female 50-54, 2:11:47); Porferio Banquirigo Jr. (male 55-59, 1:35:26); and Ed Camacho (male 60-64, 1:53:21).

Team Juna 2 ruled the men’s relay in 1:02:30, followed by Team FOV Tri Team (1:05:04) and Team Orangutri SR1 (1:08:56), while Team TDN Consteel Builders Tri captured the women’s relay in 1:23:53 and also topped the mixed relay in 1:10:27, beating Team Tri FM (1:15:27) and Team SCTR Plus 1 (1:27:31).

In the Damosa Land 5150 team competitions, Team Somats, led by Leo Bingcang and Gio Juaneza, topped the women’s division in a combined 13:11:35. Ferrumtri was second in 13:44:29, followed by Tri DavSur in 13:49:07.

Team TDN Consteel Builders won the men’s relay in 1:57:39, while Team NCC Tri Team 3 topped the mixed relay in 2:08:03.

Other Damosa Land 5150 age-group winners were Zita Clarke (female 16-17, 2:57:07); Moira Aves (female 18-24, 3:05:24); Lorelle Sorongon (female 25-29, 2:58:02); Aime Teodisio (female 35-39, 2:57:14); Joanna Cruz (female 40-44, 2:55:15); Rhen Marte (female 45-49, 3:07:58); Catherine Arias (female 50-54, 2:52:10); Maria Goc-ong (female 55-59, 2:58:36); Jo Cudmore (female 60-64, 4:01:14); Allan Sola (male 25-29, 2:27:55); Jupert Remollo (male 30-34, 2:30:12); Nelson Cañedo (male 35-39, 2:24:31); Johnson Ejase (male 40-44, 2:35:04); Arthur Abogado (male 45-49, 2:23:09); Ritchie Solana (male 50-54, 2:28:36); Andreas Goros (male 55-59, 2:41:55); Jens Jacobsen (male 60-64, 3:01:24); Rodrigo Lara (male 65-69, 3:26:01); and Nick Cudmore (male 70-74, 3:09:08).

Team Alfa captured the women’s team title in 2:35:01, edging Team FLIQ FerrumTri (2:36:02) and NCC Tri Team 2 (2:37:19).

At the minimum, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) officials should have civil service eligibility, as they are ‘the frontline of service.’

This is Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s proposal, following Congress approval of the postponement of the BSK elections to November 2028. The BSKE measure has yet to be signed into law.

‘I think because they are at the frontline of service, they should be civil service eligible to make things orderly. We have to start leveling up so that the frontline service of the government is stronger,’ he said in ‘Executive Session’ over radio dzRH Saturday.

Remulla also accused some barangay and SK officials of having ‘pork barrel’ or lumpsum allocations, which the Supreme Court already struck down as unconstitutional.

‘All of them have pork barrel, up to SK councilors,’ he said.

The Civil Service Commission has granted civil service eligibility for youth council officials.

Recently, the House proadopted the Senate bill giving BSK officials a five-year term instead of four.

Senators are expected to go into caucus today in an attempt to resolve the question on the conviction threshold for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

This comes after the amici curiae (friends of the court) voiced their expert opinions on the matter last week.

Sen. JV Ejercito said the closed-door meeting today would map out whether the dispute over presiding officer Francis Escudero’s ruling would require a vote among senator-judges or if it can be settled through a consensus among the members.

Following the caucus, the Senate impeachment court is scheduled to hear oral arguments from the prosecution and defense panels on Wednesday regarding the disputed voting base.

While Escudero announced earlier that a vote would commence after the oral arguments, Ejercito said he planned to request a deferral of the vote to give senators adequate time to study the constitutional arguments presented by both sides and the amici curiae.

‘I will ask for a few days just to absorb this, so that it can be studied, because first of all, I’m not a lawyer. I’ll ask for time so I can absorb all arguments,’ Ejercito told radio dzBB yesterday.

Despite this, Ejercito agreed that the Senate should resolve the threshold dispute relatively early in the trial rather than deferring it until judgment day.

Last week, former chief justice Artemio Panganiban, speaking as amicus curiae, said the Senate may skip its vote to resolve the forthcoming deadlock on the ’16’ voting threshold to convict Vice President Duterte if Escudero simply ‘changes his mind’ and reverses his initial ruling.

Escudero, however, rejected the idea and argued that it would only invite further delays and appeals from the floor.

Panganiban, as well as fellow former chief justices Reynato Puno and Hilario Davide all maintained that the two-thirds threshold to convict Duterte is not fixed at 16 of the 24 senators, saying the decision ultimately lies with the Senate.

Several members of the Senate minority expressed their opposition to a lowered voting threshold.

‘If we will revise and vote anew on the threshold, why didn’t we first revise our own rules in order to defend the right of our (absent) members to be able to join the (impeachment) proceedings?’ Sen. Robinhood Padilla asked.

Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, warned of a mistrial if the court changes its rules mid-trial.

‘I don’t want to have a mistrial. I don’t want all the work done in this trial to be thrown away,’ he said in a Facebook livestream.

Aside from Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who is in hiding due to a standing arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, others who may be ineligible to vote are Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta, who are both in jail. Meanwhile, Sen. Loren Legarda has yet to return to the country following an extended medical leave.

At the same time, Ejercito bared that the Vice President has yet to confirm her attendance at the upcoming Senate deliberations for her office’s proposed P785.2-million budget for 2027.

He said the Office of the Vice President (OVP)’s budget hearing, alongside the Office of the President’s, would be scheduled last due to the chamber’s tight calendar as an impeachment court.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian previously set ground rules for the OVP budget hearing, clarifying that lawmakers would strictly avoid topics related to Duterte’s ongoing impeachment trial, including the alleged misappropriation of P612.5 million in confidential funds at the OVP and the Department of Education.

Youth and student groups returned to the streets yesterday to demand an end to corruption and political dynasties, saying the campaign for accountability must go beyond investigations, congressional hearings and arrests.

The groups marched from De La Salle Greenhills to the EDSA Shrine a day before the first anniversary of last year’s Trillion Peso March and the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

Led by Akbayan Youth, the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Youth Against Kurakot (YAK) and student leaders from various schools, the protesters marched under the banner ‘Never Forget: Hindi Mababaha ang Katotohanan.’

The marchers called for the filing of charges against all those responsible for corruption, the recovery of stolen public funds and an end to political dynasties.

‘We have to finish the fight, hold all those involved in corruption accountable, recover every peso stolen from the people and dismantle the system that enriches a few while making the majority suffer,’ Akbayan Youth national chairperson and YAK lead convenor Khylla Meneses said.

The groups called for the arrest of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who has a pending warrant of arrest before the International Criminal Court and urged a full investigation into Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano over allegations involving anomalous and ghost projects in Taguig.

The groups also opposed what they described as special medical privileges for detained politicians facing plunder allegations.

The student groups linked corruption to the concentration of political power, calling for the immediate passage of an anti-political dynasty law.

Their demand came days after the Supreme Court ruled that Congress has a mandatory constitutional duty to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties and that its 39-year failure to do so constitutes grave abuse of discretion.

The groups also accused President Marcos of potentially using the corruption campaign for political purposes, warning against what they described as an effort to improve his family’s image or legitimize alleged ill-gotten wealth.

‘We will not allow the people’s call for accountability to be turned into a political deodorizer or used to legitimize stolen wealth,’ Meneses said.

The groups also called for the conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, citing questions involving alleged abuse of power, impunity, plunder and unexplained wealth.

At the EDSA Shrine, the protesters were joined by Fr. Robert Reyes of the Clergy for Good Governance and Kiko Aquino Dee, executive director of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation and co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas.

Other contingents also converged at the shrine. Tindig Pilipinas participants marched from the House of Representatives, held a noise barrage at the Commission on Audit office and proceeded by motorcade to EDSA Shrine, while a Manila contingent started at the Supreme Court compound in Padre Faura Street before proceeding to the shrine.

The Eastern Police District estimated the crowd at the EDSA Shrine at about 250 as of 11 a.m. and said around 2,000 police personnel had been deployed. Authorities reported the activities as quiet and peaceful.

Meanwhile, the multi-sectoral group Tindig Hagonoy also observed yesterday the first anniversary of its demand for accountability and action on the flood control anomalies in Hagonoy and other parts of Bulacan.

Participants marched through the flooded streets of Barangay San Sebastian and held a short program at the Battle of Bangkusay Shrine where they demanded ‘citizens’ participation’ and regular public information on the activities of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Hagonoy. Police presence

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy a ‘superior’ police presence for today’s rallies, with its chief describing the strategy as ‘credible deterrence through overmatch’ to prevent a repeat of last year’s violence.

NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said Metro Manila has been on full alert since Sept. 18, with security forces fully deployed in strategic areas ahead of the Sept. 21 demonstrations.

Abrahano rejected descriptions of the massive deployment as ‘overkill,’ saying the strategy is intended to prevent violence rather than respond after it happens.

Intelligence units continue to monitor online calls for rallies, but stressed that peaceful calls for demonstrations remain protected by the Constitution, he maintained.

As of yesterday, Abrahano said no rally permits had been reported as approved.

Groups may hold assemblies in designated freedom parks, including Liwasang Bonifacio, but Abrahano warned that demonstrations would not be allowed in areas where permits are required but have not been granted.

The Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines invited members of the clergy and the people to attend today’s 10 a.m. mass at the Cubao Cathedral to commemorate the anniversary of the declaration of martial law. – Evelyn Macairan, Ramon Efren Lazaro

The Securities and Exchange Commission does not proactively flag public officials who remain listed in private corporations even when such roles may raise constitutional conflict-of-interest questions, an agency official told the Senate impeachment court Monday.

During interpellation by presiding officer Francis Escudero, SEC Company Registration and Monitoring Department Director Gerardo del Rosario said the commission has no mechanism or directive requiring it to identify officials who may be prohibited from holding corporate positions or participating in business.

“Wala pong direktiba sa amin… na kinakailangan naming iulat ‘yung mga opisyal na hindi dapat magmay-ari, maging participant ng isang kompanya,” Del Rosario said September 21.

(“We have no directive requiring us to report officials who should not own or participate in a company.”)

Asked whether the SEC had investigated such corporate involvement as possible constitutional violations, Del Rosario said the agency’s regulatory mandate is focused on violations of securities and corporate laws.

The exchange came after Del Rosario confirmed that SEC records continued to list Vice President Sara Duterte as a director and shareholder of Davao-based Metro City Chow Foods Corp. after she assumed the vice presidency in 2022.

Records presented during the trial showed Duterte remained on the company’s board from 2022 to 2025 and retained a 20% stake.

Article VII, Section 13 of the Constitution prohibits the president and vice president, among other senior executive officials, from holding another office or employment or directly or indirectly participating in any business during their tenure. It also requires them to strictly avoid conflicts of interest.

The extent to which Duterte’s corporate position and shareholding violated those restrictions is among the issues House prosecutors are seeking to establish under Article II of the impeachment case.

Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo questioned why Duterte had remained involved in the corporation despite her and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, having legal backgrounds.

“Wala man lang ni isa sa kanila nakapag-advice sa kanya na, ‘VP, kailangan mong mag-divest kasi bawal ‘yan,'” Tulfo said.

(“Not one of them was able to advise her, ‘VP, you need to divest because that is prohibited.'”)

No dividends does not necessarily mean losses

The impeachment court also examined the finances of companies in which Duterte held business interests.

Documents presented by prosecutors showed that some companies had not declared dividends, which Del Rosario said should not automatically be interpreted to mean that they were losing money.

“Hindi naman po ibig sabihin kung walang diniklarang dibidendo ay nalulugi,” Del Rosario said.

(“The absence of declared dividends does not necessarily mean a company is losing money.”)

He explained that a corporation may choose to retain earnings for other purposes instead of distributing them to shareholders.

Del Rosario acknowledged, however, that financial statements showing negative or zero earnings could establish that a company recorded a loss for a particular year.

Records presented by the prosecution showed Metro City Chow Foods posting net losses beginning in 2020. Its 2024 audited financial statement showed about P35.1 million in revenue but a net loss of P309,860.

The company also did not declare dividends in earlier years when it had unrestricted retained earnings, according to records presented during the trial.

Monday’s proceedings formed part of the prosecution’s presentation under Article II of the impeachment complaint against Duterte.

The article covers allegations that Duterte accumulated wealth disproportionate to her lawful income, failed to truthfully disclose assets in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth from 2022 to 2024, and failed to divest from or continued to participate in private business interests while serving as vice president.

What if you could go back and make a different choice? What if the life you have now had taken a completely different path? These are the questions at the heart of FlipMusic’s Muli, an all-new Filipino musical that looks at memories, relationships and the possibilities that linger in the question of ‘what if?’

Featuring 11 original OPM songs, the musical follows Anita, a 42-year-old mom looking back on the different paths she could have taken, with ’90s and early 2000s nostalgia woven throughout the show.

It begins with Anita, played by Kakki Teodoro, and her daughter Kath, played by Janine Teñoso, sorting through boxes of old belongings and memorabilia. Among their finds are old video recordings of Anita singing, setting up its preoccupation with nostalgia and looking back.

Y2K core

That idea of looking back is practically built into the production. Nostalgia runs through “Muli,” not just in its story but in its music, visuals, references and costumes. The show knows how to evoke the ’90s and early 2000s, with callbacks to everything from beepers and early mobile phones to the unmistakable sound of dial-up internet, alongside details that have fueled the current Y2K revival.

For those who grew up in the era, there are plenty of familiar details to spot, recognize and laugh at.

The stage gives the production a much bigger canvas, though its darker, almost somber look can sometimes make “Muli” feel heavier than the nostalgia at its heart suggests. The costumes also help make each version of Anita feel distinct and believable. I especially loved seeing her in the school uniform with its oversized skirt, which felt so convincing and familiar, down to the kind of girl you might remember seeing around school.

Beautiful score, compelling castThe 11-song score, written and produced by Nica del Rosario and Matthew Chang, is easily the production’s most fully realized element. You can hear the artistry and chemistry between the two, which they have also demonstrated in their earlier work on “Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical.”

Here, they bring that same knack for crafting distinct sounds and moods into “Muli,” with the songs shifting alongside Anita through different eras of her life. The track ‘Anita’ is infectious, while ‘Ina Niyong Lahat’ builds into a grand ensemble number that makes for a fitting Act 1 closer.

More importantly, the songs feel like they were written for a musical rather than tracks simply placed between scenes. They move the story and reveal character… where “Muli” feels most fully formed.

Kakki Teodoro is convincing as Anita, carrying much of the musical’s weight with remarkable stamina. She is almost constantly onstage, moving between Anita’s younger, more ‘tweetums’ self in the lookbacks, particularly in her scenes with Ian (Vien King), including their number ‘Sarili Nating Kwento,’ and the more mature mother she becomes, as seen in her scenes with Marvin Ong (Maki). She also takes on different versions of Anita across the what-if scenarios, giving each iteration of the character its own distinct take.

Meanwhile, Janine Teñoso is another standout. As Kath, she brings both vocal power and emotional conviction to the role, making it easy to forget that this is her theater debut. Her scenes with Teodoro ground the mother-daughter relationship. The two make the song ‘Baka Bukas’ especially believable and moving.

The supporting cast gets its own moments to shine, too, particularly Anita’s three best friends, played by Baus Rufo, Marynor Madamesila and Justine Peña, who also double as her backup performers in most of the musical numbers. Their friendship provides some of the show’s lighter and genuinely funny moments, especially in ‘Barkadolls’ and a portion of ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time.’ The trio share an easy chemistry, whether they’re teasing Anita, backing her up or simply being there for her.

A musical about what could be”Muli” finds a deeply relatable premise in one of our most human impulses: wondering what might have been. ‘What if?’ can surface in a quarter-life crisis, when we question our careers or relationships, or much later, when we look back at roads not taken.

Sometimes, it comes from comparing our lives with others and imagining whether we would be happier, more successful or simply different had we chosen otherwise. “Muli” taps into that familiar longing without suggesting that another version of our lives would necessarily be better. Sometimes, it is enough to wonder.

Funny, nostalgic and emotionally stirring, “Muli” takes audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions as it turns the universal question of ‘what if?’ into a distinctly Filipino musical experience.

At times, the ideas do not always come together as neatly. As we get to know Anita, we begin to wonder what prompts her regrets and looks back, and while the eventual reveal makes sense, its payoff feels less satisfying. Some emotional turns could also use more buildup and tigthening, but these are relatively small gaps in an otherwise affecting exploration of possibility.

This is where the status of “Muli” as an entirely new Filipino musical becomes most apparent: its music already feels formed, while its story is still finding its shape – with room to become even richer and more cohesive.

Perhaps the cabinets and boxes that fill its set offer a fitting metaphor for the musical itself: there is much worth opening up, even if some pieces could use more sorting. However, rummaging through them is all part of the fun: songs worth streaming again, a cast that gives the material plenty of life, and nostalgic references that are fun to spot. There is something for audiences to recognize in its mix of original music, Filipino nostalgia and the very human urge to wonder about the road not taken.

Like Anita, “Muli” may still be sorting through some of its pieces, but it has already found many worth keeping. There is enough heart, music and familiarity here to make the rummaging worthwhile and make this a musical worth opening yourself up to.

“Muli” runs until September 27 at the BGC Arts Center in Taguig.

Jhonnel Ababa weathered a late stumble to fire a five-under 65 and share the opening-round lead with Art Artbole as the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic got off to a frenetic start Monday at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here.

Ababa had looked poised for an even more spectacular finish until his wayward drive on the closing par-5 18th put him in trouble. The ensuing miscue led to a bogey, denying the former Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner a chance to cap a near-flawless round.

Still, the 65 put the Davaoeño ace squarely in contention in a tournament that immediately produced a packed leaderboard and set the stage for what could be a tight and unpredictable finish over the next three rounds.

For Ababa, however, the numbers on the leaderboard were only part of the story.

He is trying to rediscover the form that once made him one of the circuit’s most consistent winners while adjusting to an increasingly competitive Philippine professional golf landscape, where rising young players and seasoned campaigners continue to push the established names.

‘Focus lang sa laro at sa mga anak ko, at enjoy lang sa paglalaro kahit may pinagdadaanan,’ said Ababa, who chose not to elaborate.

What he did on the course, though, spoke loudly enough.

After missing the cut in the season-opening leg at Lakewood, Ababa steadily worked his way back into contention, posting Top-10 finishes in three of the next four legs, including a joint sixth-place effort at Pradera Verde. He arrived here fresh from another joint 10th-place finish at Summit Point two weeks ago, gradually rebuilding the confidence that had eluded him early in the season.

He wasted little time making his move Monday, birdieing his first two holes before adding three more birdies on the front nine for a sizzling start.

The momentum cooled on the inward nine, where he managed just one birdie on No. 14 before giving that stroke back with the closing bogey.

Even so, the 65 was enough to put him at the top of a leaderboard that quickly became crowded.

The adjustment from the wide-open layout at Summit Point to the shorter but tighter Marapara course was crucial, and Ababa said accuracy off the tee and with the irons became a premium.

‘Kailangan lang sa driving dito diretso at accurate, tsaka yung irons. Yun lang ang in-adjust ko dito,’ he said.

The course also demanded restraint.

‘May mga holes na puwede mong atakihin at meron din naman na dapat lay-up lang, course management ang kailangan din dito,’ Ababa added.

His final-hole adventure provided a costly reminder.

‘Tumagos ang drive ko sa No. 17 at yung second shot ko tumama sa puno kaya na-bogey,’ he said, referring to the hole that played as the closing par-5 No. 18.

If Ababa’s round was defined by control before a late lapse, Arbole’s five-under card was a combination of recovery, aggression and a timely dose of fortune.

Arbole produced the day’s first 65, anchored by an eagle on the par-4 No. 4 that sparked a superb 32-33 round.

‘This is a friendly course and it’s in good condition, especially the greens. Medyo swerte din kasi nag-connect ang driving, second shots at putting ko, kaya naka-score ng 65,’ he said.

The round hardly began smoothly.

Arbole birdied the opening hole but stumbled with a double bogey on No. 3. Rather than letting the setback derail him, he responded immediately with an eagle-2 on the 374-yard fourth, launching his drive with the wind to within five feet of the hole before calmly converting the opportunity.

He carried that surge through the rest of the round, adding birdies on Nos. 5, 8, 10 and 17 to emerge as Ababa’s co-leader.

Still searching for the first victory of his 14-year career, Arbole suddenly found himself in an ideal position after 18 holes, although the crowded leaderboard offered little room for complacency.

Jay Bayron, Josh Jorge and Elee Bisera were just two strokes behind with identical 67s, while Jeffren Lumbo came agonizingly close to joining the leaders – or even taking sole possession of the top spot – before a late collapse.

Lumbo appeared ready to seize control after six birdies in his first 10 holes, including three pairs of back-to-back birdies on Nos. 1, 5 and 9.

But the South Pacific leg winner, who captured his maiden PGT title in a dramatic five-hole playoff against Russell Bautista, stumbled late. A bogey on No. 15 was followed by a costly double bogey on the closing hole, dropping him to 68 and into a six-way tie for sixth with Albin Engino, Ryan Monsalve, Guido van der Valk, Bautista and Rupert Zaragosa.

Van der Valk delivered one of the day’s highlights, acing the 178-yard par-3 13th with a 6-iron and a Srixon No. 4 ball. It was the Dutchman’s ninth hole-in-one of his career, earning him P10,000 from the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.

Zaragosa, meanwhile, kept his bid for a piece of history alive.

Seeking a record third consecutive victory at Marapara, Zaragosa fired four birdies against two bogeys for a 68, keeping himself within striking distance of the leaders and ensuring that his unprecedented target remains very much in play.

Tony Lascuna, Kristoffer Arevalo, Randy Garalde and Francis Mendez carded identical 69s, while Clyde Mondilla, Jobim Carlos, Carlos Packing, Miki Ryoma and Francis Morilla opened with even-par 70s.

With so little separating the early contenders, the sixth leg of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. is already shaping up as a wide-open battle, where a single hot stretch – or one costly mistake – could dramatically reshape the leaderboard.

Even reigning Order of Merit winner Angelo Que found that out the hard way.

Coming off a Taiwan stint over the weekend, Que appeared to be battling fatigue after bogeying his first two holes. But the seasoned champion quickly responded, birdieing three of the next four holes to suggest that another charge was in the making.

Instead, his rhythm deserted him.

Que bogeyed No. 7 before dropping shots on three consecutive holes – Nos. 13, 14 and 15 – and settled for a 73 and share of 35th.

But if Monday was any indication, the next three rounds could come down to who manages the tight Marapara layout best when the pressure – and the leaderboard – gets heavier.

Saudi Arabia’s second official national flag carrier, Riyadh Air, will increase its Manila-Riyadh service from four flights a week to daily operations starting next month, following its maiden flight in the country.

The airline began operating the route on September 9.

Riyadh Air Senior Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Communications Osamah Alnuaiser said the frequency increase is the airline’s next concrete milestone for the Manila route.

‘The next concrete milestone is our planned increase from four weekly flights to daily service between Manila and Riyadh on 19 October 2026. That will give guests more flexibility, for their travel plans and more variety of connectivity options through our network,’ Alnuaiser said in an e-mail interview with Philstar.com.

On Monday, September 21, the Department of Tourism said that Riyadh Air’s inaugural direct service is expected to further strengthen air connectivity as well as economic and tourism ties between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.

The DOT said the new service will use 290-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Its maiden flight arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 3:55 p.m. on September 9 with 43 passengers, while the return flight to Riyadh carried around 205 passengers.

What makes Riyadh Air stand out?

The DOT said that the other carriers, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines, are also currently operating direct flights between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.

For Riyadh Air, the distinction it wants to establish is centered on its approach to the passenger experience.

‘We want Filipino travelers to see Riyadh Air as a new generation of airline, one that combines the ease of a digital platform, a premium travel experience and the warmth of Saudi hospitality,’ Alnuaiser told Philstar.com.

He said being built ‘from the ground up’ gives the airline an opportunity to integrate these elements across the passenger journey, including its digital experience, onboard service and Boeing Dreamliner cabins.

‘Our ambition is to make travel feel intuitive, comfortable and personal across every touchpoint such as a smoother digital journey, from booking to check-in, a thoughtfully designed onboard experience on our Boeing Dreamliners and attentive service that makes a meaningful difference in every cabin,’ he said.

Alnuaiser said the airline’s Saudi identity is reflected in its hospitality and passenger experience.

‘What brings the experience to life is Hafawa, the Saudi tradition of generosity, warmth and attention to detail,’ he said.

Alnuaiser said the airline wants its Saudi identity and hospitality to feel relevant and familiar.

‘We see those two ambitions as complementary. Riyadh Air can introduce Saudi hospitality to Filipino travelers through values they already recognize: warmth, respect, family and the importance of making every guest feel at home,’ Alnuaiser said.

The airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners have four cabin classes: Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Riyadh Air said the aircraft feature ergonomic seating, enhanced privacy and storage, Panasonic Avionics’ Astrova in-flight entertainment system, mobile-first connectivity, wireless listening, elevated dining and Saudi-made Kayanee amenities.

Network expansion

The Manila route is also part of Riyadh Air’s broader network expansion. The airline said the service is its seventh destination in Asia and its 13th inaugural flight since its commercial launch in June 2026.

Riyadh Air is targeting about 30 routes on sale by the end of 2026 and more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

‘For Filipino travelers, the immediate benefit is nonstop access to Riyadh. As our network grows and suitable onward connections become available, we expect to offer more opportunities to travel through Riyadh to destinations across the Middle East, Europe and Africa,’ Alnuaiser said.

The airline is also engaging with Philippine travel trade, corporate partners and tourism stakeholders, according to Alnuaiser. He said specific partnership announcements will be shared once arrangements and any required approvals are finalized.

As of September 20, the Philippines had recorded 19,011 arrivals from Saudi Arabia, according to the DOT.

‘Above all, our focus is on earning guests’ confidence through the experience we deliver. The inaugural flight is a beginning. Our ambition is to build a lasting relationship with the Philippines,’ Alnuaiser said.

The Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association (CECABA) All Stars reasserted their dominance over the Wednesday Club, 99-84, to complete a six-game sweep of the double round elimination of the 1st Edgar Cokaliong Memorial Basketball Tournament supported by Shell Pilipinas Corporation at the Don Edgar Stadium of Cokaliong Tower.

Mark Eugene Bukiron exploded for 39 points, BJ Zosa added 20 and Chester Cokaliong chipped in 15 as CECABA secured the No.1 seed and a twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals.

Bukiron poured in 14 points in the opening period to power the Easternians to an early 26-15 lead.

Zosa then erupted for 18 points in the third frame as CECABA restored its double-digit edge, 74-64, going into the last 10 minutes.

Bukiron and Cokaliong combined for 25 of CECABA’s 27 points in the final quarter to seal the convincing 15-point victory.

It was a double whammy for the Wednesday Club as they also fell to Toyota Mandaue North, 85-78, in their next game.

JP Batac dropped 19 points, while Jaymar Gapo and Dionesio Espinosa connived for 29 points as Toyota Mandaue improved to 3-2.

Toyota Mandaue dictated the pace from the start and never looked back after taking a 14-point advantage, 43-29, at halftime.

Alvin Bustos and Cyfandel Amora scored 18 points each for the Wednesday Club but their efforts went for naught.

The scores

CECABA All Stars (99) – Bukiron 39, Zosa 20, Cokaliong 15, Bauya 9, Dy Teves 8, JJ Yu 6, Gabatan 2, Tan 2

Wednesday Club (84) – Kobe 21, Amora 18, Tabz 14, Viliran 8, Ceballos 8, Tero 6, Stella 6, Tadefa 4

Quarterscores: 26-15;43-39;74-64;99-84.

There might have been more casualties in the Banga, South Cotabato campus shooting rampage on Friday, September 18, if not for a brave student who fought the attacker barehanded and forced him out of their classroom despite sustaining a gunshot wound to the arm.

Banga Mayor Albert Palencia and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. separately told reporters on Monday, September 21, that the courageous male student of Banga National High School managed to break the windows at the rear side of their classroom after shutting its door, allowing his classmates to escape and run to safety while his right arm was bleeding profusely from the gunshot wound.

‘He is a hero. He exemplified what we call courage under fire, ignoring his gunshot wound bleeding then,’ Tamayo, now in his third and final term as South Cotabato’s provincial governor, said.

The student Tamayo was referring to had been discharged from the hospital, where he was brought by an emergency response team from the Banga local government unit that responded to the incident.

He is now recuperating at home and receiving essential relief assistance from the office of Palencia and the South Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, which operates under the joint supervision of the nurse Rolly Aquino and Tamayo.

Three people were killed in Friday’s incident at the BNHS campus, including the attacker, who later died by suicide.

The incident deeply affected residents of the supposedly peaceful town of Banga, South Cotabato, and prompted administrators of elementary, secondary and tertiary schools in Banga and nearby towns to temporarily suspend classes. Efforts to restore normalcy at the BNHS campus remain underway.

‘The Banga local government unit will give the hero student a special award for his heroic act,’ Palencia said.

Tamayo said the provincial government would also recognize the brave student’s actions through a special citation.

Tamayo and Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, chairperson of the Regional Development Council 12, separately expressed their appreciation on Monday for the extensive assistance being provided by the regional offices of the health, education and social welfare departments to the families of the three students killed in the incident and their wounded classmates who are still receiving medical treatment.