Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Comfortable. Gentle. Empathetic. Soft. – More than words, these qualities define the heart of Millie Moon, the latest luxury diaper brand finally landing in the Philippines that is redefining comfort and care for Filipino families. A Beautiful Beginning

It all began in 2021, with the launch of Millie Moon exclusively at Target in the United States. What started as a bold vision to create something beautifully soft quickly became one of the biggest success stories in modern parenting. Within just four years, Millie Moon has risen to become the #1 most productive brand in Target’s diaper category. The brand’s strength lies not only in its premium quality but also in the deep emotional connection it has developed with young parents aged 25 to 34, who value care, performance, and purpose in every purchase.

A Global Journey

From its success in the US, Millie Moon has continued to grow across countries including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, quickly becoming a fast-rising global favorite with more than 20,000 five-star reviews from delighted parents.

This global momentum reached South East Asia in 2025, when Millie Moon officially launched in the Philippines, its first home in the region and a key milestone in its growing international journey.

A Softer Choice for Filipino Parents

April 2025 marked a new chapter for Millie Moon as it launched exclusively on Shopee Philippines. Within months, it became the fastest-growing diaper brand on the platform, embraced by Filipino moms who seek only the best for their little ones.

Every Millie Moon diaper reflects the same care that connects parents and their children. Expertly crafted and designed with Softness, Millie Moon diapers are gentle on delicate skin while delivering up to 12 hours of protection thanks to their ultra-absorbent core, double leak guards, and secure high waistband.

Designed to be gentle on skin, Millie Moon’s range is free from lotions, latex, and fragrance; dermatologically tested; and certified by leading organizations including OEKO-TEX and Dermatest. The brand also features a pH-balanced layer specifically developed for sensitive skin, making it a trusted choice for even the newest arrivals.

With these award-winning features, Millie Moon goes beyond what diapers offer, it provides peace of mind that parents are giving the best for their babies.

Find Comfort with Millie Moon

Millie Moon’s latest initiative, the Find Comfort Campaign highlights the brand’s commitment to supporting each parent’s journey. Millie Moon provides real comfort for both parents and their little ones. For babies, it’s the softest touch against their skin. For parents, it’s reassurance that they’re doing their best. Parenting is tough, but a bit of comfort goes a long way.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) multiple violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) against two contractors involved in ghost flood-control projects in Bulacan.

Facing complaints are IM Construction Corporation and SYMS Construction Trading, with combined tax deficiencies amounting to P13.8 million arising from fictitious expenses, underreported income, and false Value Added Tax (VAT) declarations.

Specifically, the two contractors are facing violations of Sections 254 and 255 of the NIRC for Tax Evasion, and Willful Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information.

‘These cases are part of a broader and intensified crackdown on contractors engaged in ghost projects and fraudulent tax practices,’ BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said.

For IM Construction Corporation, the BIR said it received payments for a pumping station and floodgate in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Hagonoy, Bulacan, but no structure was found during inspection.

‘They filed a return, but the project is a ghost project. There was really no project done at all. So, their deductions, construction costs, have no basis, are fictitious, and were only made up to reduce the tax to be paid,’ Mendoza said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, SYMS Construction Trading was contracted to reinforce a river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliuag, Bulacan, but Mendoza said that, upon an inspection also found no work had been built.

The BIR has already filed 12 criminal complaints related to the anomalous flood-control projects, with an estimated total potential tax liability of P8.87 billion.

An individual has had his driver’s license suspended for 90 days after he was caught on camera counterflowing and proceeding to drive onto a sidewalk in Quezon City.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in a statement on Thursday, mentioned a video showing the driver of a Toyota Vios speeding in the counterflow, passing several cars before going onto the sidewalk. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that the agency will not tolerate the driver’s action, saying that they ‘will ensure that the driver is held accountable.’

‘What he did was very wrong because it put the safety of other road users at risk,’ Lopez pointed out.

‘We once again remind our motorists to be responsible and always enforce road discipline,’ he added.

According to the DOTr, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) already issued a show-cause order against the driver and the registered owner of the vehicle.

They are directed to appear before the LTO’s office on December 3 to explain the incident.

The agency also said the driver and registered owner may face cases of reckless driving and improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

Kaye Abad could not hold back her tears after finally receiving her family’s replacement passports, a week after her bag was stolen in Las Vegas.

In a Facebook reel posted by her husband Paul Jake Castillo on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Abad is seen standing by the roadside with her family, holding an envelope with their newly issued travel documents.

‘Oh, ano’ng nangyari? (Oh, what happened?)’ Castillo asks from behind the camera. Abad smiles then buries her face in her husband’s shoulder to hide her crying face. ‘Crying siya, crying siya (She’s crying, she’s crying),’ he tells viewers.

Castillo then urges his wife to explain what happened to their children. While background music muffles most of their conversation, Abad is seen pulling out a passport and happily showing it to her kids.

The couple’s eldest, Joaquin, excitedly asks, ‘Can we go right now?’ before the mother and sons share a hug. Castillo echoed the excitement in his caption: ‘We can go home! Sure na (It’s sure).’

Abad earlier revealed that her bag, which contained all of her IDs and two of the family’s passports, was stolen from inside their parked car while they were out for lunch. The vehicle had been left unattended for only an hour.

A day after the incident, Abad assured her social media followers that they were safe despite the incident. The family has been vacationing in the United States.

Abad and Castillo, who tied the knot in 2016 in Cebu, share two sons, Joaquin and Iñigo Leon.

The actress last appeared in the 2025 comedy film ‘ConMom,’ alongside Paolo Contis, Patrick Garcia, and Empoy Marquez. She also recently starred in the drama film ‘A Journey.’

MANILA, Philippines – Severe Tropical Storm Verbena (international name: Koto) exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) Thursday morning, according to the state weather bureau.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in its early morning update, said that as of 3 a.m., Verbana was outside the PAR and some 240 kilometers north-northeast of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan.

Verbena continues to move west-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour (kph), maintaining maximum sustained winds of 110 kph and gusts up to 135 kph.

Pagasa said the cyclone is still bringing strong winds of 39 to 61 kph to the Kalayaan Islands, which remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 1. Rain due to Verbana and its trough or extension is also forecast in the Kalayaan Islands and the rest of Palawan, Pagasa added.

Pagasa likewise warned of possible flash floods or landslides in rain-affected areas.

Manila Water celebrated the 13th anniversary of its flagship environmental advocacy program, Toka-Toka, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable sanitation and community partnership. The event, held at Elements Eton Centris in Quezon City, gathered key government agencies, local leaders, and partners to recognize outstanding barangays that champion environmental protection and proper wastewater management.

Since its launch in 2012, Toka-Toka has been the only advocacy in the Philippines dedicated to promoting proper wastewater practices and environmental stewardship. Tokasangga, now on its second year, serves as the official awarding event of the program, where Manila Water recognizes barangay desludging champions and other environmental achievers.

Anchored on the theme ‘Bayanihan para sa Malinis na Tubig at Sanitasyon,’ this year’s celebration highlighted the collective efforts of communities and partners in advancing desludging services and sanitation awareness across the East Zone.

Sixteen barangays were hailed as Desludging Achievers, while 74 barangays received citations for their active participation in environmental initiatives, underscoring the growing impact of collaborative action in protecting waterways and public health.

‘Local community leaders share the pulse of our customers and the community that they serve. This [Tokasangga] is just a small way of showing our appreciation for all that you do-for us, with us, for your communities, and for yourselves,’ Manila Water President and CEO Jocot de Dios said during his welcome remarks.

The event also featured messages from representatives of key agencies, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and Local Government Units (LGUs), emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility in environmental protection.

‘The MWSS is truly privileged to have Manila Water as a partner in fulfilling its water and sewerage mandates. The MWSS is even more privileged to have you, our communities [Kasangga], as you contribute to the improvement of sewerage and sanitation services,’ MWSS Board of Trustees Chairman Vega said in his message.

‘I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Manila Water for the outstanding success of your flagship environmental advocacy-Toka-Toka. We are also pleased of our customers who embody their Toka joining us as active partners alongside our concessionaires towards waterway rehabilitation and watershed protection,’ MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty said in his speech.

‘Cleaning and rehabilitating our waterways, improving our drainage system, and enforcing related water regulations are all incorporated in our mandate. However, we could not do this alone. As the concern of wastewater sanitation and environmental protection are not just matters of engineering concerns nor work designated only to the government-it is a community concern and a shared responsibility,’ MMDA Planning Office Director Sheila shared, representing MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

‘To our Kasangga-our operational partners-your feedback, coordination, and compliance at the local level help prevent downstream incidents and significantly reduce the cost of response for everyone involved,’ Quezon City’s Climate Change and Environment Sustainability Assistant Department Head Vincent Vinarao said.

The awarding ceremony served as the highlight of the program, honoring barangays that demonstrated exemplary performance in implementing desludging programs and promoting proper waste disposal practices. These efforts contribute significantly to reducing pollution in waterways and improving community health.

As Manila Water continues to expand its sewerage and sanitation services, Toka-Toka remains a vital platform for education and collaboration, inspiring communities to take their ‘toka’ or share in caring for the environment.

Angelo Que and Martina Miñoza played different matches under the same unforgiving sun. But both walked off The Country Club (TCC) course on Wednesday with a common mission: finish what they’ve started.

Que, still nursing the tail-end of a stomach ailment, shook off a sluggish start to dispatch Ryan Monsalve, 2and1, and advance to the quarterfinals of the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational. Miñoza, meanwhile, pulled off the day’s biggest upset in the women’s division by eliminating defending champion Florence Bisera, 2and1, in a commanding performance.

‘Feeling much better but not 100 percent yet,’ said Que, who had skipped last week’s PGT finale due to illness. ‘Getting better every day.’

He needed every ounce of that recovery against Monsalve. The top seed looked tentative early but leaned on veteran savvy to steady the ship and close the match with well-timed putts. Now, Que braces for a blockbuster quarterfinal against Clyde Mondilla-a matchup of multititled veterans that could easily pass for a final.

Early control

‘It’s match play, so anybody has a chance,’ said Que. ‘You’ve got to stay sharp. One bad hole and it can all flip.’

Miñoza’s match never really tilted. The Del Monte standout seized control early and built a four-hole lead over Bisera, who mounted a late rally but couldn’t shake Miñoza’s steely par-saving finish.

‘I just focused on my game and stayed calm,’ Miñoza said, after clinching her first semifinals appearance at TCC. She now faces Harmie Constantino, who subdued No. 3 seed Chanelle Avaricio, 3and2, with her trademark consistency.

On the other side of the women’s draw, Daniella Uy battled past Marvi Monsalve, 1-up, and will face Mafy Singson, who rode clutch birdies on Nos. 12 and 13 to down Tiffany Lee, 3and1.

Back in the men’s bracket, Thursday’s quarterfinal pairings feature: Que vs Mondilla, Guido van der Valk vs Michael Bibat, Reymon Jaraula vs Randy Garalde and Tony Lascuña vs Keanu Jahns. All eight are eyeing spots in the semifinals, scheduled for later the same day.

Van der Valk, a two-time TCC champion, outlasted Atsushi Ueda in a tense 2-up finish, while Jahns powered past Jhonnel Ababa, 4and3. Lascuña used his short-game mastery to beat Russell Bautista, 3and2.

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.

Chelsea Fernandez and Cyrille Payumo are ready to raise the Philippine flag in Miss Cosmo and Miss Charm, respectively, as they arrived in Vietnam to compete in the global tilts.

Fernandez, who is vying for the country’s first Miss Cosmo crown, landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, wearing a conical hat and a light-blue dress inspired by the country’s traditional Ao Dai, as seen in photos on her Instagram page on Thursday, November 27.

‘Xin chao, Vietnam! I’m beyond excited to begin my journey at the Miss Cosmo international stage. Today’s look is a soft, elegant ao dai-inspired ensemble, a little tribute to the culture that’s welcoming me with open arms. Thank you for the warm welcome, Vietnam!’ she captioned her post. Fernandez was then welcomed into the Miss Cosmo headquarters, with the global tilt posting a clip of her waving the Philippine flag while striking various poses. She was also joined by India’s Vipra Mehta.

‘With synchronized grace and unique expressions, the Cosmo Queens elevate the atmosphere effortlessly. Their presence turns a simple moment into a highlight. Miss Cosmo India, Miss Cosmo Philippines,’ the post read. The Sultan Kudarat-based stunner departed for Vietnam in a colorful ensemble composed of a bright yellow headband, a polka dot Filipiniana top, and a gray skirt with a green overlay.

‘Still overwhelmed with all the love from our fans and media today. Your support means everything as I fly out for Miss Cosmo,’ she said in a separate post. Meanwhile, Payumo, who looked radiant in a skintone Ao Dai-inspired dress, was welcomed by the Miss Charm organization at the Vietnam-based airport. She also thanked the global tilt for its warm welcome.

‘Xin chào, Miss Charm Philippines 2025,’ Miss Charm’s Instagram post read while tagging her account. Payumo also engaged in a fun catwalk challenge with Gernamy’s Luisa Victoria Malz at the airport.

‘Catwalk duel: Miss Charm Germany @luisavictoriamalz and Miss Charm Philippines @payumocyrille delivering runway power!’ Miss Charm’s post read.

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A post shared by Miss Charm (@misscharm.tv)

Before leaving for Vietnam, Payumo was elegantly dressed in a dark blue Filipiniana with butterfly sleeves, a white asymmetrical skirt, and high-heeled boots.

‘The love from our Filipino fans and media today truly filled my heart. Thank you for cheering, supporting, and sending me off with so much energy. Your love is coming with me all the way to Vietnam,’ the post read. Fernandez was crowned Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025 in a crowning ceremony after the national tilt, succeeding Ahtisa Manalo. The latter finished at the Top 10 in last year’s pageant. Payumo was bestowed with the Miss Charm Philippines in 2024 although her preparation lasted for months, as the global tilt pushed forward after a yearlong wait.

The Philippine women’s futsal team wraps up its Fifa Futsal Women’s World Cup campaign with nothing at stake and a daunting task against a superior Argentina squad on Thursday.

But that doesn’t mean that coach Rafa Merino’s side will just show up for the 8:30 p.m. match at PhilSports Arena and bid adieu to its stint in the inaugural world competition.

‘We’ll just try to do better and try to compete until the end,’ Merino said.

The Filipina5 were eliminated from contention for a group stage berth after being battered by Poland, 6-0, and squandering a two-goal lead against Morocco before falling, 3-2.

And the odds are truly stacked against them, with Argentina having assured itself of reaching the quarterfinals by way of beating Morocco, 6-0, and holding off Poland’s rally to win, 3-2.

Merino said the Filipina5 should stay true to their identity.

‘We don’t have to look for extraordinary, just be ourselves and do better,’ the Filipina5 mentor said.

The Filipina5 are hoping to leave a lasting impression before a home crowd that could either shrink because of the nonbearing nature or could at least maintain its number in a continued expression of support for the ladies.

Loyal crowd

A crowd of 2,200 came to watch the matchup with Poland, while 1,771 attended the thrilling contest with the Moroccans.

In both games, fans expressed their show of support, with the familiar Ultra Filipinas group leading the cheers and chants from the general admission section with drums and banners.

They and the rest of the Filipina5 faithful were left heartbroken by the last setback, but they’ll want nothing more than to at least see the team put Argentina in a tough situation. Dionesa ‘Inday’ Tolentin is once again expected to lead the Filipina5, and could play with plenty of fire with nothing at stake and being the country’s first goalscorer in the competition.