Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The estimated turnout at the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s (INC) anti-corruption protest in Manila reached over 300,000 on Sunday afternoon.

The Quirino Grandstand turned white as participants wore shirts bearing the INC’s theme, ‘Transparency for a Better Democracy.’

According to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, around 314,000 people had gathered at the Quirino Grandstand by 4 p.m. for the first day of the INC’s three-day protest.

The INC began its protests on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand and is scheduled to continue until Wednesday, Nov. 17.

The rally seeks to strengthen calls for a proper and transparent investigation into anomalous flood control projects-funded by trillions in public funds-to hold those responsible accountable and recover misused money.

INC spokesperson and minister of the gospel Brother Edwil Zabala previously said that ‘even non-members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo are welcome to join the INC rally.’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring the mass demonstration organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said Sunday.

‘Yes, the president is monitoring today,’ Gomez told reporters, as thousands of INC members and supporters began their three-day protests at Rizal Park in Manila.

Unlike the Sept. 21 protests, Marcos will not remain inside the Palace complex until the rallies conclude on Nov. 18.

He is scheduled to visit communities affected by recent Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) in Pangasinan and La Union provinces on Monday, followed by another engagement in Taguig City on Tuesday.

As of 11 a.m., the Manila government reported 27,000 participants in the rally.

Organizers said the crowd is expected to swell, leading to the 4 p.m. program at Quirino Grandstand.

A parallel program is also being conducted by the United People’s Initiative, composed of retired military officers and other groups, at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.

The INC leadership says the peaceful assembly is called the ‘Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy.’

Other groups were holding rallies at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City even as government agencies are probing alleged multibillion-peso irregularities in flood-control projects. With reports from Dexter Cabalza.

Jaclyn Sawicki will be joined by fellow Philippine women’s football team members Katrina Guillou and Bella Flanigan in the country’s bid to do well on home soil in the inaugural Fifa Futsal Women’s World Cup, which starts on Nov. 21 at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

A key fixture during the Filipinas’ debut in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, Sawicki hopes to do the same on the indoor scene for the Filipina5 as they face Poland, Morocco and Argentina in Group A.

Sawicki is one of 14 players named to coach Rafa Merino’s roster for the competition that will last until Dec. 7, including Guillou and Flanigan, who have been part of the Filipina5 program since January.

Also on the roster are Filipinas pool members Inday Tolentin, Charisa Lemoran, Catherine Graversen and Judy Connolly, Alisha del Campo, Samantha Hughes, Regine Rebosura, Rocelle Mendano, Isabella Bandoja, Lanie Ortillo and Kayla Santiago.

The Filipina5 begin their campaign on the first opening gameday of the competition against Poland, followed by a matchup with Morocco on Nov. 24 before wrapping up the group stage with a big fixture opposite Argentina on Nov. 27.

The top two teams in the group will advance to the quarterfinals.

The team recently held a two-week camp in Spain where the Filipina5 faced local clubs and the Spain national squad in exhibition matches.

Sawicki, who turned 33 last Friday, appeared in all three matches for the Philippines in the 2023 World Cup, and was used heavily playing the role of central midfield.

Cignal turned back Savouge Aesthetics, 34-32, 25-22, 25-22, to regain its winning ways and advance to the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals on Friday at Paco Arena.

Licking the wounds of their tough five-set loss to University of Santo Tomas-Gameville last Wednesday, the Super Spikers vented their ire on the Spin Doctors to improve to 5-2 and join unbeaten Criss Cross and guest teams Kindai University (Japan) and ProVolley Academy (Australia).

Louie Ramirez led Cignal with 14 points and 12 receptions. Lloyd Josafat added 10 points, including four blocks, while Wendel Miguel and Jau Umandal had nine each.

‘The score was close, but the difference was really the soft skills,’ said Cignal coach Dexter Clamor. ‘Things like patience, intensity, aggressiveness, stuff you don’t always see on the court. Our mental toughness was probably our edge in this game. We were just really hungry to win because that loss to UST really stung.’

Savouge fell to 4-3 in third place. Reymark Betco and Giles Torres paced the Spin Doctors with nine points each.

Meanwhile, Criss Cross remained unbeaten in six games after sweeping UST-Gameville, 25-22, 25-15, 25-21.

Garcia led the King Crunchers with 19 points. Poy Colinares haunted his college team with 10 points, as Jaron Requinton and Noel Kampton added eight points apiece.

‘Coming from our game against FEU-DN Steel, we reminded ourselves that just because they’re a collegiate team doesn’t mean they won’t fight,’ said Colinares. ‘They’re here because they qualified through the V-League, which is no joke. In men’s volleyball here, no matter your age, whether you’re a pro or a college player, you can definitely keep up.’

UST-Gameville dropped to 4-2, with Al-Bukharie Sali leading the charge with 12 points.

Alpha Insurance revived its semifinal chances with a 25-18, 25-21, 25-19 win over PGJC-Navy.

Paolo Javelona led the Protectors with 13 points, while Barbie San Andres added 12 points and 10 receptions as they improved to a 3-3 record.

Navy remained winless in six games. Joeven Dela Vega and Peter Quiel had eight points each.

The also-ran FEU-DN Steel ended a three-game slide with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-18 sweep of VNS with Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza finishing with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The Tamaraws improved to 2-4, while VNS dropped to 1-5

Five new queens, each with their own national title, will be crowned at the finals of the 2025 Mutya ng Pilipinas coronation night on Monday, Nov. 17.

Cory Quirino, president of the national pageant organization, shared this with Inquirer Entertainment on the sidelines of the preliminary competition held in Makati City on Friday evening, Nov. 14.

Up for grabs are the Mutya ng Pilipinas-Intercontinental, Mutya ng Pilipinas-World Top Model and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Tourism International titles whose winners will represent the country in global competitions.

Also at stake are the crowns for Mutya ng Pilipinas-Overseas Communities, reserved for an overseas-based candidate, and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Charities.

Arianna Pantaleon will not crown a successor as Mutya ng Pilipinas-Environment International, Quirino said. The queen still has not competed in her international competition that was initially scheduled last year, then moved to June this year.

The Philippines’ hosting of the Miss Environment International slated in the middle of the year was moved anew to November, but there still has been no updates. The previous edition was held in June 2023, and won by Mutya ng Pilipinas Shannon Robinson.

Quirino said that aside from the five new queens, three more runners-up will be proclaimed. But this year, they will not receive the Mutya ng Pilipinas Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao titles which were awarded in the two recent editions.

The 32 ladies competing in this year’s pageant showcased creative interpretations of Filipino culture in their colorful national costumes during the preliminary competition.

Some of them also got to perform their talents in the talent competition segment of the program, while all of them paraded in swimwear of their choice for the preliminary swimsuit competition.

Miss Intercontinental second runner-up Alyssa Redondo and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Visayas Stacey De Ocampo hosted the preliminary competition show.

The 2025 Mutya ng Pilipinas coronation night will be held at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City on Monday, Nov. 17. Pauline Amelinckx will return to host the ceremonies, and will be joined by Nico Locco and Tim Yap.

Fairways and Bluewater Boracay once again stands proud among the world’s best, after being enthroned as top finalist for the ‘Best Value Experience Property’ for the entire Asia, Middle East, and Oceania region at the 2026 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence in a ceremony held in London, United Kingdom on November 3, 2025. This marks the fifth time since 2022 that the proudly homegrown Filipino resort brand has been recognized for this prestigious honor, joining the world’s most renowned international hotel brands in the elite stage.

Further cementing its reputation for excellence, Booking.com, the world’s largest online travel booking platform, recognized Fairways and Bluewater as the #1 resort in Southeast Asia – a title it has proudly held since 2024, outperforming some of the region’s most established luxury properties.The recognition from Condé Nast Johansens adds to a remarkable string of international accolades for Fairways and Bluewater for the year 2025. The resort bagged the title Philippines’ Best Golf Resort at the Golden Tree International Awards in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on November 1, 2025. And just a few days ago, on November 13, 2025, the resort was once again hailed at the World Golf Awards in Madeira, Portugal where it was named the Philippines’ Best Golf Hotel – marking an unprecedented 10th win since 2014.

These consecutive global honors reflect the resort’s enduring excellence across multiple facets of hospitality – from golf and leisure to sustainability and value-driven guest experiences. Fairways and Bluewater’s success story also includes being recognized 2 years in a row as the Philippines’ Leading Beach Resort at the 2021 and 2022 World Travel Awards, a testament to the resort’s ability to offer exceptional value and quality across every corner of its tropical paradise.

The resort likewise earned the Guest Review Awards from major global travel platforms including Agoda and Expedia – a testament to its consistency, genuine hospitality, and outstanding guest experience. These awards, based on verified traveler feedback, highlight the resort’s warm Filipino service and its enduring reputation as a top choice for both local and international guests.

Now in its 43rd year, Condé Nast Johansens remains one of the most trusted global authorities in luxury travel, curating the top 300 hotels, resorts, and spas across 60 countries around the world. Fairways and Bluewater has been a handpicked mainstay in this esteemed guide for the last five years, consistently embodying the publication’s ideals of authenticity, character, and exceptional guest value. This recognition reinforces the resort’s reputation for delivering world-class experiences that are accessible, heartfelt, and true to its promise of offering the best value for money.

The Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence are among the most respected accolades in global hospitality, honoring properties that exemplify exceptional service, design, and guest satisfaction. Being recognized as a top property across a region that spans four continents is a remarkable achievement for Fairways and Bluewater, a testament to the heartfelt commitment of every member of the team to deliver meaningful, memorable, and value-rich experiences for its guests.’Our 2026 recognition in the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence as one of the Best Value Experience Properties across continental regions is a proud moment for Fairways and Bluewater, and for the Philippines,’ said Wilbur L. Chan, Chairman of Fairways and Bluewater. ‘We’ve always believed that it’s possible to deliver world-class experiences while keeping our promise of value. This 5th year recognition validates that philosophy and reflects the heart of who we are as a Filipino brand.’

Senior Vice President and General Manager Catherine Marcelo echoed this sentiment, noting that the recognition symbolizes the resort’s commitment to evolve and improve in meaningful ways. ‘We are constantly refining the guest experience – from major upgrades to small thoughtful details,’ Marcelo shared. ‘Every improvement, whether it’s a new amenity or a service enhancement, is driven by one goal: to give our guests more value and more reasons to come back.’Over the years, Fairways and Bluewater has earned a loyal following among guests seeking meaningful, well-balanced island experiences. Whether it’s couples drawn to its romantic seaside dinners, families enjoying its expansive pools and adventure zones, or golfers perfecting their swing amid panoramic views, every stay offers comfort, connection, and authentic Filipino warmth that keeps guests coming back.Across all digital platforms including TripAdvisor, Trip.com and others, the resort continues to enjoy outstanding guest feedback, with consistently high review scores recognizing its service excellence, cleanliness, and exceptional value. This strong online reputation further reinforces its standing as one of Southeast Asia’s most trusted and well-loved destinations of choice.

An 80-hectare sustainable, multi-awarded, eco-friendly, and family-oriented paradise, Fairways and Bluewater stands as a full-service, all-inclusive, secure golf resort complex, offering guests a distinct tropical island vibe that blends tranquility, recreation, and sophistication in one extraordinary destination. With over 850 rooms and suites spread over 25 villas, seven swimming pools including the iconic Ventana Infinity Pool overlooking the Sibuyan Sea, and over 20 dining outlets featuring both local and international cuisines, the resort offers something for every traveler.At its heart is the 18-hole, par-72 championship all-weather golf course designed by Australian golf legend Graham Marsh. The course, known for its balance of technical challenge and natural beauty, has hosted numerous international and corporate tournaments, including events by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and its counterparts from other countries. Continuous upgrades, such as a revitalized golf pro shop, new electric golf carts, a dedicated turf nursery, and accreditation from the National Golf Association of the Philippines, a USGA certified association, keep the course in pristine, world-class condition.

Fairways and Bluewater continues to evolve year after year, introducing new facilities that enhance guest enjoyment. Recent additions include pickleball, badminton, and basketball courts; a charming gelato bar; and White Barn Brewing Co., the resort’s own craft brewery and gastropub serving freshly brewed, island-inspired beers. Each innovation, big or small, reflects the resort’s ongoing mission to provide greater value and memorable experiences for guests of all generations.Beyond its offerings, Fairways and Bluewater remains deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The resort pioneered Boracay’s War-on-Waste program and maintains strong partnerships with WWF Philippines and HOPE-in-a-Bottle to reduce plastic use and support education initiatives nationwide. It is also the first and only resort on the island to currently hold Triple ISO-IMS Certification – for Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management (ISO 14001), and Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001) – a distinction attained by only a select few resorts worldwide.Beyond hospitality, Fairways and Bluewater also contributes to the local community by providing sustainable employment opportunities and supporting small local producers, craftsmen, and tour providers – ensuring that the resort’s success uplifts the wider Boracay community.’Sustainability has always been a cornerstone of who we are,’ said Chairman Chan. ‘Our long-term vision has never been just about building facilities; it’s about building a future – one that balances growth, responsibility, and care for the environment.’

Looking ahead, Fairways and Bluewater is in the early stages of developing new lifestyle concepts and leisure facilities designed to further elevate the guest experience – from enhanced wellness amenities to expanded dining and entertainment options that will seamlessly blend world-class standards with authentic Filipino charm.GM Marcelo added, ‘What makes Fairways and Bluewater truly special is that we continue to grow without losing sight of our values. We want every guest – whether they come for a family vacation, a golf getaway, or a romantic escape – to feel that they’ve experienced genuine value, heartfelt service, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality.’From a proudly Filipino vision to a globally acclaimed brand, Fairways and Bluewater continues to redefine what it means to offer luxury with heart. Its continued recognition from Condé Nast Johansens since 2022, its 10th World Golf Awards win, and its growing list of international honors such as the Golden Tree International Awards reaffirm that world-class experiences need not come at an extravagant price – they just need to be created with purpose, passion, and pride.As it continues to earn more international acclaims, Fairways and Bluewater remains guided by one purpose: to create moments that matter – experiences that are memorable not because of grandeur alone, but because they capture the warmth, sincerity, and heart of the Filipino spirit.

Multi-awarded indie filmmaker Lav Diaz’s film ‘Magellan’ was barred from screening at the ongoing 2025 Asean International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) due to scenes containing nudity, which conflict with the Sharia law observed in Malaysia.

In Muslim-majority states like Malaysia, the Sharia law includes strict rules around modesty and public displays of nudity, which filmmakers must navigate when screening content.

Despite the setback, Diaz remained unfazed. For him, the ban is less a controversy than a reminder of the cultural boundaries filmmakers inevitably cross. ‘Well, this is a Muslim state. They have their own laws,’ he said matter-of-factly.

Respect the law

He holds no resentment toward AIFFA organizers or Malaysian authorities. If anything, he views the decision with respect and familiarity. ‘We respect the law. It’s the Sharia law,’ he said. ‘I grew up in a Muslim state in Maguindanao, so I can understand that. There are a lot of restrictions.’

What he finds ironic, however, is that the story of ‘Magellan’ begins on Malaysian soil. ‘It’s strange because this is where the movie started. If you watch the film, it started in Malacca,’ he told Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview.

Diaz explained that the film’s early sequences – including the appearance of a nomadic tribeswoman and the depiction of the Massacre of Malacca – are rooted in historical events from the early 1500s.

‘They were here in 1509 to 1511,’ he said, recounting how Magellan first attacked Malacca before returning. ‘In 1511, he bought his slave Enrique in Malacca after the massacre.’ The Portuguese occupation that followed lasted about 150 years, before the Dutch and later the British took control of the region.

Uncompromising work

He continued recalling colonial history, outlining how centuries of foreign rule ultimately fractured the Malay Peninsula into modern-day Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and parts of southern Thailand. ‘Malaysia was taken by the British. Our archipelago was taken by the Spanish. Indonesia was taken by the Dutch,’ he said. ‘Kalahi natin lahat ang mga ito.’

For Diaz, conversations sparked by ‘Magellan’ – its themes, its historical framing, its ambition – matter just as much as any festival screening. The film, he stressed, is the product of extensive research and uncompromising work. ‘It’s all hard work, this ‘Magellan,” he said, almost laughing at the memory of the grueling process.

Diaz is among this year’s guests of honor at the AIFFA. The film was originally included in the lineup of seven Filipino titles shortlisted for competition. The 2025 edition of AIFFA opened on Nov. 12 and ends today, Nov. 15.

‘Magellan,’ starring Gael Garcia Bernal, is also the Philippines’ official entry to the best international feature film category of the 98th Academy Awards. It recently won the Golden Spike, the top award at the 70th Valladolid International Film Festival in Spain, tying with The Mastermind, directed by Kelly Reichardt.

Aside from being tapped by Meralco for the East Asia Super League (EASL), Ange Kouame has another thing he’s looking forward to doing.

Kouame, despite having stayed in the Philippines for over 10 years now, hasn’t been able to represent Gilas Pilipinas in the Southeast Asian Games.

That changes this year.

‘I know for a fact that I’ll be part of the 3×3 team and representing the country is always something good for me and I can’t say no to the country,’ the Ateneo product said at Cebu Coliseum on Friday.

‘That’s my wish. I haven’t been part of any SEA Games national team so winning a gold would be a first for me. I really want that to happen to me. Trust me.’

Kouame has already suited up for Gilas before, but never during the regional meet.

While the 3×3 event is far from the traditional 5-on-5 men’s basketball games, it doesn’t make it less of an honor.

So when Kouame saw the opportunity knock on his door, he grabbed it with no hesitation.

Before the SEA Games, though, Kouame will first have to bolster the Bolts in the EASL beginning Saturday, against the debuting Macau Black Bears here in Cebu.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Saturday morning warned of possible flooding in flood-prone areas of Quezon, Bulacan, and Rizal as it raised a yellow rainfall warning over these provinces.

In an advisory issued at 9:19 a.m., Pagasa said that a yellow rainfall warning indicating that rainfall between 7.5 millimeters (mm) and 15 mm is expected over the following areas:

Quezon

General Nakar

Panukulan

Burdeos

Polillo

Bulacan

Norzagaray

San Jose del Monte

Angat

Pandi

Balagtas

Santa Maria

Bocaue

Plaridel

Guiguinto

Bustos

Baliuag

Pulilan

San Rafael

San Ildefonso

Rizal

Rodriguez

Antipolo

San Mateo

Meanwhile, Pagasa said moderate rains are expected within the next three hours over the following:

Laguna

Cavinti

Paete

Kalayaan

Pagsanjan

Pakil

Mabitac

Santa Maria

Siniloan

Famy

Pangil

Lumban

San Pedro

Biñan

Santa Rosa

Cabuyao

Calamba

Victoria

Calauan

Bay

Los Baños

Pila

Santa Cruz

Magdalena

Liliw

Cavite

Silang

Carmona

Dasmariñas

Imus

Bacoor

Noveleta

General Trias

Kawit

Gen. Mariano Alvarez

Trece Marties

Tanza

Rosario

Cavite City

Naic

Amadeo

Indang

Light to moderate rains are currently affecting the following areas and may persist within three hours and affect nearby areas:

Pampanga

Quezon

Infanta

Patnanungan

Jomalig

Rizal

Tanay

Baras

Morong

Teresa

Binangonan

Cardona

Angono

Taytay

Cainta

Bulacan

Doña Remedios Trinidad

Meycauayan

Marilao

Obando

Bulakan

Malolos

Paombong

Hagonoy

Calumpit

San Miguel

Metro Manila

Marikina

Caloocan

Valenzuela

Malabon

Navotas

Manila

Quezon City

Pasig City

Taguig

Makati

Mandaluyong

San Juan

Bataan

Hermosa

Dinalupihan

Morong

Zambales

Subic

San Marcelino

San Narciso

San Felipe

Castillejos

San Antonio

Olongapo

Veteran actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal has died on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the age of 97, as confirmed by the Philippine National Red Cross, and its chairman, former Sen. Richard ‘Dick’ Gordon.

‘With deepest sadness, the Philippine Red Cross announces the passing of Governor Rosa Rosal,’ the statement released by the organization on its Facebook page read.

Honoring Rosal, the Red Cross further stated, ‘Gov. Rosal leaves behind a legacy of genuine service, dignity, and love for humanity, a legacy that will continue to guide the Philippine Red Cross and inspire generations of volunteers.’

Gordon also paid tribute to Rosal via a separate post on his Facebook page, describing her as ‘a devoted and iconic volunteer whose life was defined by compassion and unwavering service.’

Rosal, whose real name is Florence Lansang Danon, was confirmed dead by family members to sources, though no official statement has been issued as of posting. She was said to be in confinement at a hospital at the time of her death.

Rosal starred in numerous films including ‘Anak Dalita’ (1956), ‘Badjao’ (1957), ‘Biyaya ng Lupa’ (1959), as well as ‘Sonny Boy’ (1955) which won her a FAMAS Best Actress award.

She also received recognitions such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Order of the Golden Heart for her public service, being a member of the PNRC board of governors since 1965.

Details of veteran actress’ wake have yet to announced as of this writing.

Last October, the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas) apologized for a social media tribute post that included false information on actress’s supposed death, which it later retracted and issued an apology for. /edv