Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra is in high spirits and full of positivity as the final gala of the 2025 Miss International pageant approaches.

‘I feel so fulfilled with everything that has happened, sobrang grateful ko sa lahat ng taong tumulong sa akin [I’m very grateful to everyone who helped me] from the start,’ she told Inquirer Entertainment at the sidelines of the preliminary evaluation held earlier in Yokohama, Japan.

The event was held three days ahead of the final competition on Thursday evening, Nov. 27, at the Yoyogi National 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo.

Esguerra waited for more than a year to get to Japan for her Miss International competition. She earned her national title at the 60th Bb. Pilipinas pageant in June last year.

‘I really set my expectation on Miss International that it’s gonna be a very great experience for me, and a fun one. And I’m so happy that my expectations were exceeded in a most meaningful way,’ she said.

‘Now that the [final competition] is nearing, I hope that you’ll continue to support me po. Para sa Pilipinas, lalaban po tayo [For the Philippines, we will fight],’ Esguerra declared.

The beauty queen flew to Tokyo earlier this month, ahead of the other delegates, to spend time with the Filipino community in Japan.

‘Here in Japan they taught us how to be kind despite everything that’s happening, despite the competition, the pressure, the nerves,’ Esguerra shared.

‘It’s not expensive to be kind to one another. And I think that’s the most valuable lesson that I learned,’ she continued.

Esguerra shared that she was happy with everything that has happened during the course of the pageant’s activities.

‘I’m really grateful. I feel very blessed. And this is more than what I prayed for, and I’m so happy to be here,’ she said.

Esguerra is hoping to post the Philippines’ seventh Miss International victory, following Gemma Cruz, Aurora Pijuan, Melanie Marquez, Precious Lara Quigaman, Bea Rose Santiago, and Kylie Verzosa

Clamors for justice rang out in the coastal village of Balibago in Masantol, Pampanga, on Wednesday, following the ambush that killed barangay captain Jinqui Quiambao on Tuesday.

‘My brother did not deserve this senseless death. It’s as if the whole village had been orphaned after losing a selfless leader. He was the type who would give up his own food even if he was about to eat it,’ a crying Severino Atienza, Quiambao’s eldest sister, told the Inquirer by phone. Quiambao, 39, was widowed three years ago when his wife died of an illness, leaving him childless, she said.

A car mechanic by trade, he ran for barangay captain for the first time and won. Quiambao also supported the congressional run of former Patrol Party-list Rep. Jay Bustos.

According to police, he was alighting from his service vehicle when the suspects opened fire. He sustained seven gunshot wounds-four to his upper body, two to his legs, and one to his neck, Pampanga police director Col. Eugene Marcelo said.

Lead

Marcelo added that the Masantol police had identified an initial lead on the two gunmen but declined to give further details.

Among the four other barangay captains riding in the same van, Barangay Nigui Captain Enrique Yamat was wounded in the hand and required surgery.

The group had attended the birthday celebration of Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu at the town proper, and the village executives were on the way home, as they all led the villages along the left bank of the Pampanga River.

On Wednesday morning, hundreds of Balibago residents filled Quiambao’s compound, waiting for his remains to arrive for the wake, Councilor Bajun Lacap said.

‘He was well-loved because he took care of his people, always finding resources even with limited means,’ Lacap said. ‘Many were mourning, and some were crying.’

The Liga ng mga Barangay in the province condemned the killing.

‘This is a brazen act. We live in a society governed by laws, and no one should take justice into their own hands. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family and join them in mourning their loss,’ the league’s provincial head, Dr. Benjamin Angeles, said in a statement sent to the Inquirer. In a social media post, Guintu urged villagers on the left bank to ‘stay calm and vigilant,’ assuring them that the police investigation was ‘serious and thorough.’

As the year draws to a close, I normally present my fearless forecast for the coming year. Yet tectonic shifts in the global geopolitical balance of power compel me to frame this year’s outlook not as fearless but fearful.

Foremost among these changes is the long-anticipated transition from a unipolar world-dominated by the United States since the end of World War II-to a multipolar order. This new landscape is shaped by rising economic powers that, though less militarized, are steadily approaching parity with the US and its G7 allies, particularly the former empires of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

The defining feature of this multipolar world is the ascent of China and the continued evolution of BRICS, the bloc originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

China’s rise has been spectacular and shows little sign of slowing.

China’s manufacturing sector accounts for roughly 26 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), driving employment, innovation, and export revenues. On the global stage, its dominance is even more striking: China contributes about 30 percent of worldwide manufacturing value-added and has held the title of the world’s largest manufacturing powerhouse for 15 consecutive years.

Beyond manufacturing, China supplies 70 percent of the rare earth minerals essential to modern technology, including advanced weaponry. It leads the world in renewable energy production, particularly solar panels, electric vehicles, and is rapidly advancing toward dominance in artificial intelligence, microchip technology, and nuclear energy. Lesser known to most, but of crucial importance, is the fact that China graduates more engineers than the US and Europe combined.

Sy family-led BDO Unibank Inc. locked in $500 million in fresh funding to support its lending operations, as its recent senior notes issuance received strong interest from global investors.

The five-year fixed rate senior notes, under its medium term note program, saw a blockbuster traction from investors. It was oversubscribed by 3.2 times, with orders hitting about $1.6 billion.

The coupon rate of the senior notes is set at 4.375 percent a year. Settlement is targeted by Dec. 3.

The bank said the fresh funds would back BDO’s growing lending business, as well as support its general corporate purposes.

It tapped Standard Chartered Bank as the sole global coordinator for the transaction.

Standard Chartered Bank, MUFG, and Wells Fargo Securities acted as joint bookrunners and joint lead managers. Last 2022, the firm raised $100 million from its maiden issuance of blue bonds through an investment from the International Finance Corp.

Even with the COVID-19 pandemic rampaging across the world, BDO also raised $600 million from the offshore bond market in July 2020.

Meanwhile, BDO realized a profit growth in the first three months of 2025 as its lending operations expanded, reaching P3.5 trillion. Its earnings went up 4 percent to P63.1 billion, its highest nine-month figure. INQ

To commemorate National Reading Day (Araw ng Pagbasa) today, November 27, Sen. Loren Legarda renewed her push to further encourage reading among the youth, especially during their formative years.

Legarda said reading, particularly for ages 6 to 12, can help the younger generation develop cognitive skills and strengthen critical thinking.

‘We think that reading should be pushed, especially at a time when the minds of the youth are still forming, because being able to read and understand are crucial skills needed for the rest of their lives,’ Legarda said. ‘Being able to read also makes us more human; it adds a layer of emotion, depth, and empathy that can only be obtained by stimulating the mind,’ she added.

This year’s theme, ‘Tulay ang Pagbasa sa Bukas na Puno ng Pag-asa’ (Reading is the Bridge to a Future Full of Hope), emphasizes the power of reading in bridging generational gaps and fostering understanding among people of all ages.

‘Being able to read and understand well is a critical skill needed for the future so we can have a generation of Filipinos that is discerning, knowledgeable, and responsible for the development of our beloved nation,’ she emphasized.

‘As a knowledgeable nation, our country can flourish to globally competitive levels and uplift many from poverty,’ she continued.

‘This will also help shape policy that will lead the Philippines toward a flourishing and sustainable economy.’

Legarda pushed for the passage of several key pieces of education legislation, such as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, the Integrated History Act of 2016, and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, among others.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona to review the country’s economic outlook and the October 2025 monetary policy decision, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Thursday.

During their meeting on Wednesday, the BSP reported to Marcos ‘that inflation has eased to 1.7 percent, with inflation for the bottom 30 percent of households at -0.4 percent, allowing the Monetary Board to cut the policy rate to 4.75 percent to support more affordable borrowing for families and businesses.’ Remolona explained that they reduced the policy rate to stimulate more demand.

‘The good news is, the inflation outlook was good enough for the Philippines to be confident about reducing the policy rate. For 2026, the inflation forecast is about 3.1 percent, which is basically the target. In 2027, the inflation outlook is about 2.8 percent,’ the PCO said.

It also reiterated the economy’s expected recovery by 2026 and return to the government’s target range by 2027.

‘The President reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding economic stability and creating conditions for sustained, broad-based growth for all Filipinos,’ said the PCO.

‘We are deeply honored to receive the People’s Choice Favorite Brand award, together with six other major recognitions at the 2025 PANAta Awards. These honors are a testament to the unwavering trust of our clients nationwide and the dedication of every Ka-Cebuana who brings our mission to life. Each campaign we deliver is built with purpose-to uplift, support, and empower Filipinos-and it is truly meaningful to see that commitment celebrated on such a prestigious stage,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

‘Every award we earned affirms the impact and intention behind our campaigns-from Pasasalamat to Money Guro, Iponventure, and our Gold Bar initiatives. These wins reflect the power of insight-driven storytelling and purposeful engagement. Being named Brand Building Team of the Year is especially meaningful, as it underscores the strength of collaboration, creativity, and strategic execution in delivering meaningful experiences for our customers,’ added Mike Sena, First Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Cebuana Lhuillier also earned multiple Bronze Awards for standout work across several marketing disciplines. Its Pasasalamat campaign illustrated excellence in on-ground activation, strengthening grassroots engagement in communities nationwide. Money Guro showcased the company’s leadership in financial literacy education through social media, delivering accessible and engaging content for varied audiences. The Iponventure initiative demonstrated strong corporate communication by inspiring financial resilience and long-term savings among Filipinos. Meanwhile, the Cebuana Lhuillier Gold Bar was recognized for its excellence in creating new markets and driving a successful product launch, reflecting the company’s ability to introduce innovative offerings while building meaningful consumer connections.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s strong performance at the 2025 PANAta Awards reinforces its standing as one of the country’s most trusted and influential brands. As it continues to expand its services and deepen its connection with millions of Filipinos, these recognitions highlight the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and genuine customer empowerment.

A substitute bill to proposals seeking a comprehensive and sustainable reintegration program for overseas Filipino workers has been approved by a House of Representatives panel.

During its hearing on Wednesday, the House committee on appropriations approved the substitute bill for House Bills (HB) No. 50, 225, 2713, 2964, 3021 and 4759, all of which push for a proposed Bagong Balikbayan Act.

Among the bills’ authors are Albay 3rd District Rep. Adrian Salceda, Cavite 7th District Rep. Crispin Diego Remulla, Agimat party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla, former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Bulacan 6th District Rep. Salvador Pleyto, and Bulacan 5th District Rep. Agatha Cruz. According to Revilla, who also chairs the House committee on overseas workers affairs, the bill will allow a ‘comprehensive and dignified reintegration framework’ for OFWs seeking to return into the country.

‘I am here not just to present a funding request, but to present an investment in the most resilient backbone of our economy – our Overseas Filipino Workers. These are our modern-day heroes who have sacrificed greatly,’ Revilla said.

‘For the longest time, the reintegration program of the government has been implemented in small tranches and without a clear direction. And this mostly affects our OFWs, even if they want to come home, they are forced to seek fortune abroad again just so they can provide for their families,’ he added.

Under Revilla’s bill, the proposed Bagong Balikbayan Act covers returning OFWs who are either land-based and sea-based; documented or undocumented; those who have been voluntarily or mandatorily repatriated; those who are returning to the country due to retirement or upon the termination of their contract; and those returning to the country due to distressing circumstances in the host country.

These OFWs will have access to employment and livelihood opportunities through government job fairs, expanded employment facilitation under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), possible civil service eligibility under the Civil Service Commission, and skills and academic recognition under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

HB No. 2713 also states that the reintegration process would be initiated six months before the intended return of the OFW, consisting of the following steps:

Education, upskilling/reskilling/retooling/micro-credentialing

Psychosocial and social support services

Entrepreneurship

Employment

As government funds will be used for the implementation of the program, once the bill is signed into law, it has to go through the committee on appropriations. Also, part of the concern was the small personnel of the DMW’s Reintegration Bureau as only 18 staffers will address the needs of over 500,000 individuals – a matter which also concerns appropriations.

According to Revilla, the measure ensures that being an overseas worker is not the sole option for Filipino families.

‘Family is often the primary reason for coming home, but that should not overshadow the importance of job availability and economic conditions here. Our goal is to make the Philippines a truly viable home, a place where opportunities exist so they do not feel forced to leave again.’

‘We cannot leave OFWs behind after they return home. The return is part of the migration journey. If we allow the current situation to prevail, they would just repeat a cycle of leaving and reentering the country,’ he added.

Last August, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said that there are plans for a new reintegration program of OFWs, so that they would have employment opportunities in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector once they return home.

According to Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, the program would offer training in cybersecurity, computer programming, and social media management, as locally, there is a shortage of skilled professionals in these fields.

According to Revilla, the bill, if enacted, would make returning home to the Philippines a more viable option.

‘Our policy is not a charity or a dole-out. This is building the future of our OFWs’ families. There is a clear monitoring system and a measurable outcome so that we can ensure that OFWs feel the law’s benefits,’ he said. ‘We want to make returning home a viable option. There is no other home than our own country. Home should be a livelihood, and our source of income should be available within our own home. I urge the entire Congress and government agencies to work together so that migration becomes a choice, not a necessity. OFWs should feel that they are prioritized,’ he added.

The Quezon City government has warned motorists of heavy traffic along 11 roads on Saturday, November 29, as it holds an Eco-Run.

In a Facebook advisory on Thursday, the QC government noted that the Eco-Run, which it said serves as part of its ‘advocacy to promote environmental protection,’ will take place from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday. ‘The event will start and end at the Quezon City Hall Risen Garden and will proceed along Elliptical Road and along Quezon Avenue,’ the local government unit said. With this, the QC government noted that heavy traffic is expected on the following roads:

Elliptical Road

Quezon Avenue

Kalayaan Avenue

Commonwealth Avenue

East Avenue

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago Avenue

Kalayaan Avenue

North Avenue

West Avenue

Timog Avenue

Araneta Avenue

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes

Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio have once again surprised their fans after tying the knot in a private ceremony witnessed by their family and close friends, less than a week after confirming their engagement.

Alonte and Andalio said ‘I do’ at an outdoor ceremony in an undisclosed location, as seen on the actor’s Instagram account on Thursday, November 27.

The actress, who chose to have her hair done in a simple bun, was a radiant bride in a wedding gown lined with tulle and a v-neckline, while carrying a bouquet of white and green flowers. Alonte was dapper in an all-black suit.

‘Zup! Mrs.Alonte,’ Alonte captioned his post. The couple was congratulated by their followers in the comments, including celebrities such as Chie Filomeno, Enchong Dee, Katarina Rodriguez, and Elisse Joson.

Meanwhile, Andalio sweetly replied to her husband’s post in the comments, saying, ‘Hi’ along with emojis of hearts and a bride. The couple, who has been in a relationship for nine years, also shared a glimpse of how the actor proposed to his longtime girlfriend in a YouTube video on Wednesday, November 26.

Andalio confirmed her engagement to Alonte last November 21, where she shared a photo of herself wearing an engagement ring with an oval-shaped diamond.