Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

There are moments in life that feel like a movie scene-when disbelief melts into joy, and excitement takes the wheel. Winning a car is exactly that kind of moment, like the kind of surprise that makes your heart race, your mind spin, and your imagination soar toward the open road. But this is not your ordinary vehicle, it’s a Tesla Model Y unexpectedly won through a brandy promo and that is a whole different level of surreal, like a plot twist in a story you didn’t realize you were in. That is exactly the feeling that Joseph Pauland Francia and Joseph Ching experienced when they found out that they are the first two lucky winners of a sleek Tesla Model Y, thanks to the biggest Fundador promo in history.

Fundador, the world’s iconic and best-selling brandy from Jerez, Spain, launched its nationwide promo in September this year. Billed as Fundador Super Special Promo (Gusto Ko Yan!), the promo is set to confer 10 Tesla New Model Y to 10 lucky winners-grand prizes that are collectively valued at almost ?2.4 million. Buyers from all over the country could purchase participating Fundador products and simply check under the cap to find out if they are fortunate enough to be going home with their new Tesla Model Y vehicles. This was what these two winners did: they purchased Fundador bottles and checked their luck under the cap. Francia, 31 and based in Cainta, Rizal bought four pieces of ‘Buy 3 Save P100 Fundador Super Special’ bundle pack in SM San Lazaro, something that he thought as Holiday gifts to family and friends. On the other hand, 69-year-old Ching from Meycauayan, Bulacan simply stopped by Puregold Supermarket in Imus, Cavite, on the way to the birthday celebration of his eldest son (a Fundador aficionado himself) in Tagaytay. He availed three pieces of the same bundle which Francia purchased.

Their feeling was pure disbelief at first. After all, who actually wins grand prizes in promos you casually join while buying a bottle for the weekend or for the Holidays? When the confirmation sank in, and the cap confirmed they won, that disbelief transformed into a heart-racing excitement they couldn’t quite contain. Finally, there’s the unmistakable excitement, coupled with cheers from family and loved ones, knowing that, soon, they will be driving their very own Tesla Y model, one of the most coveted cars of the decade! Lord Luke Polintan (Fundador’s Head of Marketing) is thrilled to meet the next new winners of Fundador’s biggest promo yet. ‘Fundador believes every Filipino deserves a taste of something better, and that’s what this promo is all about. The excitement we saw from our first two Tesla Model Y winners shows just how ready Filipinos are for lifestyle upgrades that feel truly ‘super special.’ With eight (8) more Teslas still waiting to be won, now is the perfect time to join.’ he said. Apart from the Tesla cars, Fundador will also be giving away 50 hybrid motorcycles and over P50 million in prizes (including thousands of Fundador bottles) in this promo touted to be the brand’s biggest one in history. The promo will end on February 28, 2026.

For Ching and Francia their victory goes beyond just winning a sleek, futuristic car. It’s taking home a wild, unforgettable story which they will be telling and retelling for the rest of their life. And because they, too, are Fundador drinkers ever since they can remember, their stories become a reminder that grand surprises can come from the most unexpected sips. For these two winners, one ordinary bottle turned into an extraordinary journey; and as they roll out in their brand new Teslas, Fundador continues to celebrate the spirit of possibility with every pour.

The Philippines’ bet Myrna Esguerra has clinched a spot in global pageant observer Missosology’s final hot picks for Miss International 2025, strengthening hopes for the country’s long-awaited seventh crown.

Ahead of tonight’s final gala in Tokyo, Japan, Missosology ranked Esguerra fifth in its final list released on Thursday morning, Nov. 27, placing her among the top contenders for the crown.

Leading the prediction list is Colombia in first place, followed by the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and Spain. After the Philippines, rounding out the top 10 are Canada, the Netherlands, India, Angola, and Myanmar.

Also included in Missosology’s Top 20 are Nicaragua, France, Zimbabwe, Brazil, El Salvador, the United States, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Australia, Bolivia, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela were noted as ‘bubbling up’ contenders.

Esguerra, this year’s Binibining Pilipinas International titleholder, represented the province of Abra in the national pageant. She is set to carry the country’s colors in the global tilt, where 80 candidates are vying for the prestigious title.

The 24-year-old beauty queen is hoping to secure the Philippines’ seventh Miss International crown, following Gemma Cruz, Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Bea Rose Santiago, and Kylie Verzosa.

The 2025 Miss International pageant will stage its final gala at the Yoyogi National Stadium’s 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday evening. This year’s delegates aim to succeed reigning queen Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, Vietnam’s first Miss International winner.

First lady Liza Araneta Marcos steered clear of the political drama in Manila by motoring up the cool summer capital to switch on the Christmas Tree at the presidential mansion on Thursday (Nov 27).

Marcos has been undertaking this annual Yuletide chore after converting the century-old Mansion into a museum in 2024. The Mansion was put up in 1908, a year before the American colonial government opened Baguio as a chartered city. The lightning ceremony was preceded by the visit of about a hundred grade school children enrolled in schools at Barangay Lualhati who were treated to parlor games and gifts and performances by the University of Baguio chorale and the Philippine Military Academy band which was joined by baton-twirling majorettes.

Then Mrs Marcos mingled with the children to watch the lighting of the tree, followed by colorful fireworks. She was joined here by freguent Baguio visitor Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a former president and Pampanga representative. Also spotted in the crowd were Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Baguio Rep Mauricio Domogan.

Eighty delegates from different countries and territories around the world have begun to light up the stage as the Miss International 2025 pageant officially opened on Thursday, Nov. 27, in Tokyo, Japan.

The opening event showcased the candidates in their vibrant national costumes inspired by their home countries’ heritage as they introduced themselves.

Representing the Philippines this year in the global tilt is Myrna Esguerra, who was the first entrant to represent Abra at the 2024 Binibining Pilipinas. She wore the sampaguita-inspired baro’t saya made of hundreds of pearl beads which she previously wore during the national costume event.

The 24-year-old beauty queen earlier landed on the global pageant observer Missosology’s final hot picks for Miss International 2025, where she ranked fifth.

Esguerra is vying to succeed reigning queen Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy and bring home the country’s seventh Miss International crown.

Previous titleholders from the Philippines were Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013), and Kylie Verzosa (2016).

This year’s coronation is hosted by Venezuela’s ninth Miss International winner Andrea Rubio, 2019 Miss International Japan Momi Okada, and Max Powers.

South Korean actors Ahn Bo-hyun and Lee Joo-been will portray a fiery love story in ‘Spring Fever,’ set to premiere on Jan. 5.

Prime Video announced Ahn and Lee’s new project in a press statement on Thursday, Nov. 27, which will be directed by Park Won-gook of ‘Marry My Husband’ and ‘Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist’ fame.

‘Spring Fever’ tells the story of Sun Jae-gyu (Ahn), an unpredictable man who turns a quiet village upside down with his troublemaker ways. He meets Yoon Bom (Lee), a coldhearted high school teacher whose heart melts when they eventually engage in a passionate romance.

The drama also stars Cha Seo-won, Cho Jun-young, Lee Jae-in, Jin Kyung and Bae Jung-nam.

‘Lee Joo-been and Ahn Bo-hyun showcased flawless chemistry, raising expectations for the fresh excitement the two will bring to the screen,’ the streaming service said of the lead stars’ chemistry.

Ahn, who started his entertainment career as a model, is best known for his appearances in ‘Yumi’s Cells,’ ‘Military Prosecutor Doberman,’ ‘Flex X Cop’ and ‘See You in My 19th Life.’

On the other hand, Lee is notable for her knack to create effortless chemistry – whether it’s romantic, friendly or angst-laden – with her co-stars, as seen in her lead roles in ‘The Divorce Insurance,’ ‘Queen of Tears’ and ‘Twelve.’

A Taguig City court has sentenced a woman to life imprisonment and ordered her to pay P4.3 million in fines and damages for sexually abusing seven minors-four of them her own children-in exchange for money from online viewers at the height of the pandemic, the International Justice Mission (IJM) said.

In a Nov. 17 decision, the Taguig City Regional Trial Court’s Branch 163 imposed two prison sentences on the woman: life imprisonment for qualified trafficking and reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years) for possession of child sexual abuse material. She was also ordered to pay P4 million in fines and P300,000 in damages.

According to IJM, the conviction was secured with the help of digital evidence to ‘[spare] survivors from the trauma of reliving their abuse in court and facing their perpetrator.’ The case stemmed from the April 2020 arrest of the 25-year-old woman in Taguig City and the rescue of seven minors during an operation that was conducted based on a tip from the United States Homeland Security Investigations.

It was the second police operation against the online sexual exploitation of children that was carried out while the country was on lockdown due to COVID-19.

The victims, composed of six males and a female between the ages of 3 and 14 at the time, were rescued from the scene. Four of them were the suspect’s own children, the IJM said.

The woman operated under multiple social media usernames, online accounts and contact numbers to conceal her illegal activities.

‘This crime thrives in the shadows-often within homes-which is why community vigilance is key to stopping it,’ said IJM Philippines’ Community Engagement Director Evelyn Pingul.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points despite being ill and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105 on Wednesday night in an NBA Cup Game.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who was listed as questionable on the injury report, made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. Oklahoma City won its 10th straight and became just the fifth team in NBA history to start a season 18-1. The Thunder improved to 4-0 in West Group A and are well-positioned to reach the knockout round.

Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 91 consecutive games, the third-longest streak in NBA history behind two streaks by Wilt Chamberlain. Gilgeous-Alexander can match Chamberlain’s second-place run of 92 straight on Friday against Phoenix. Anthony Edwards had 31 points and eight rebounds and kept the Timberwolves in the game by making several difficult shots, but couldn’t stop Minnesota from losing its third straight. Minnesota made just 22 of 37 free throws.

It was a rematch of the Western Conference finals series last season that the Thunder won 4-1. Last time the Timberwolves visited the Paycom Center, they got beat 124-94 in Game 5 as the Thunder clinched the West.

Oklahoma City’s Kenrich Williams, who had not played this season because of a left knee injury, got his first action in the first quarter.

The Thunder led 24-17 at the end of the opening quarter. It was Minnesota’s second-lowest point total in any quarter this season.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 points in the first half to help the Thunder take a 49-39 lead.

The country’s big business and civil society groups have called for mandatory lifestyle checks of all government officials to validate their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs).

In a collective statement on Thursday, the Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative and Institute for Solidarity in Asia lamented that without rigorous verification, SALNs would remain ‘symbolic records rather than effective tools against corruption.’

‘Lifestyle audits are much easier to do now with accessible digital footprints that show spending patterns, travel, social media activity and ownership of luxury assets of public officials and their family members,’ the groups said. ‘They are essential to uncover if declared wealth aligns with actual living standards.’

They noted that the Constitution (Article XI, Section 17) already mandates every public official, both elected and appointed, to submit a sworn SALN upon assuming office. Republic Act (RA) No. 6713 further extends SALN requirements to spouses and minor children living in the same household and mandates annual updates.

‘The Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act imposes penalties, including disqualification and imprisonment, while the Plunder Law punishes with lifetime imprisonment those who amass ill-gotten wealth of at least P50 million, a low benchmark given what we now know,’ they said. Transparency isn’t sufficient

But while the recent Ombudsman decision restoring public access to SALNs is welcome, the groups said transparency alone was ‘insufficient.’

‘Lifestyle audits enable this legal presumption. Discrepancies uncovered through these checks must trigger immediate, impartial investigations and prosecutions under the Ombudsman’s constitutional mandate,’ they said. The collective also called on the public to remain vigilant and report signs of excessive or unexplained wealth among officials.

‘The corruption we now see, we cannot unsee. We can no longer allow pilferage to prosper under the cover of pretense, political patronage, and public indifference,’ the groups said. /dda

The football team from the Hong Kong district reeling from a deadly apartment blaze wore black arm bands and stood in silence ahead of their match on Thursday in Asian club competition.

A massive fire broke out in an eight-building housing estate in Tai Po on Wednesday, killing at least 55 people in Hong Kong’s worst blaze in decades.

Tai Po FC faced Australian side Macarthur FC away in the AFC Champions League Two, the second-tier club tournament in Asian football, about 24 hours later.

Tai Po’s players wore black arm bands and both teams stood in solemn silence ahead of kickoff at Campbelltown Sports Stadium outside Sydney.

Tai Po’s Brazilian captain Igor Sartori declined to celebrate after putting his side ahead in the 24th minute, instead putting his hands together in prayer.

Several domestic sporting events in Hong Kong, including a trail race and rugby matches, have been postponed or are set to be, the South China Morning Post newspaper said.

Gaming operator DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus) has boosted its payment channels through a deal with PayandGo, allowing its players to load their e-wallets at 3,500 self-service kiosks.

The company on Thursday said its partnership with PayandGo-operated by BTI Payment Philippines, a subsidiary of Australia-based Banktech-would initially cover BingoPlus, before expanding to ArenaPlus and GameZone.

A cash-out feature is also on the table, with the launch targeted by early 2026. ‘Our commitment at DigiPlus has always been to deliver digital entertainment that is engaging, trustworthy and service-oriented. Achieving that requires strong partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to customer trust and service excellence,’ said Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent Inc. and Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., subsidiaries of DigiPlus.

Amid issues hounding the online gaming sector, DigiPlus reiterated that it would only team up with payment channels certified by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in accordance with the requirements set by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. The BSP earlier directed e-wallet operators like GCash – on which DigiPlus had heavily relied in the past – to remove gaming apps from their platform.