Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Joy Barcoma, the Philippines’ representative at the Miss Earth 2025 tilt, has a chance to win an elemental crown, according to global pageant analyst Missosology.

Barcoma was named as the possible recipient of the Miss Earth-Air 2025 crown by Missosology in its final hot picks, as seen on its Facebook page on Tuesday, November 4.

Cuba’s Rachel Chang was chosen as the candidate with the potential to be crowned Miss Earth 2025. Meanwhile, Italy’s Natalie Guglielmo and Thailand’s Waree Ngamkham have a chance to win the Miss Earth-Water and Miss Earth-Fire titles, respectively.

Rounding up the Top 10 are Czech Republic’s Natalie Puskinova, Nigeria’s Divine Nelson, Brazil’s Laila Frizon, the Netherlands’ Sanne-Esmee Walstra, Mexico’s Genesis Vera, and Iceland’s Soldis Ivarsdottir.

A pageant veteran, Barcoma competed at Miss World Philippines 2021 where she bagged the Beauty with a Purpose title. She ended her journey at the Top 24.

Four years later, she represented Bacoor, Cavite at Miss Philippines Earth 2025, where she was eventually crowned as the country’s representative to the global tilt.

Marking its silver anniversary, Miss Earth 2025 will be held at Okada Manila in Parañaque on November 5. It will culminate in reigning titleholder Jessica Lane of Australia crowning her successor.

Elemental queens Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir of Iceland (Air), Bea Millan-Windorski of USA (Water), and Niva Antezana of Peru (Fire) will pass their crowns as well

Dianne Medina received an early birthday gift after she and her husband Rodjun Cruz acquired a new property for their house rental business.

The actress-businesswoman shared their new investment through her Instagram page on Monday, Nov. 3, showing her, Cruz, their two children Joaquin and Isabella all smiles while standing in front of the property.

The house, which is located in Quezon City, is now up for rent, as per Medina.

‘Early birthday gift from our Lord Jesus Christ!’ said the celebrity mom who turned 39 on Wednesday, Nov. 5. ‘Thank You, Lord Jesus, for all the blessings!’

Addressing Cruz, Medina continued, ‘Teamwork makes the Dream work! Let’s work harder! More and more work, in Jesus’ name! Looking forward to our next investment, all for God’s glory.’

Medina also regarded her grandparents as her inspiration as to why she started her real estate business, saying she hopes to be like them and follow their success.

Medina and Cruz started their house rental business in 2022, showing at the time their property in Parañaque City.

Aside from this, the couple also acquired land investments for Joaquin, 5, and Isabella, 1

There are now 66 reported deaths due to the effects of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported in its 12 p.m. update.

The NDRRMC confirmed that of the 66 fatalities, 49 were from Cebu due to ‘fallen debris, landslides, and flooding,’ with some causes still under investigation, it said.

According to NDRRMC, there are seven deaths from Negros Island Region, one from fallen debris, and one from drowning, while the cause of death of the remaining five is still being determined.

Additionally, there is one death each in Bohol, Capiz, and Leyte caused by fallen trees. Another individual passed away in Leyte due to flooding.

Also included in the death count are the two pilots and four crew members of the Philippine Air Force’s 505th Search and Rescue Group who were aboard a Super Huey helicopter that crashed.

The count of reported missing persons also rose to 26, twice as much as reported six hours ago, the NDRRMC recorded.

Of the 26, 13 are missing in Cebu, and 13 in La Castellana – the causes of which have yet to be determined, the NDRRMC said.

Tino began moving away from northern Palawan at 11 a.m., the state weather bureau said; however, another tropical cyclone being monitored outside of the Philippine area of responsibility has an increasing chance of landfall on November 10 over northern or central Luzon.

The new tropical cyclone is also forecast to reach typhoon category on Friday, and super typhoon category on Saturday before making landfall, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration added.

Sen. Loren Legarda filed a resolution commending the Philippine restaurants, chefs, and industry professionals recognized in the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines 2026.

According to Senate Resolution No. 164, the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs and Cebu 2026 showcased the remarkable diversity of Filipino dining, from fine dining and sustainable gastronomy to casual and regional eateries that define the nation’s culinary identity.

‘We are happy that such a prestigious international culinary guide has finally recognized Filipino cuisine as a rising star in the Asian region, and hopefully this also raises the level of many to aspire to have their own Bib Gourmand or Michelin star recognition someday,’ said Legarda.

‘Hopefully, this recognition is something that uplifts our local tourism industry, to be another hub in Asia where visitors could enjoy the diverse choices in various regions of the country.’

The Michelin Guide surveyed 108 establishments in Manila and Cebu to find the country’s best restaurants and eateries.

Makati City became home to the country’s lone two-Michelin-star establishment, Chef Josh Boutwood’s Helm, demonstrating exceptional skill, harmony of flavors, and a truly memorable dining experience.

In addition, eight restaurants in Makati, Taguig City, Parañaque City, and Alfonso, Cavite were accorded one Michelin Star for outstanding culinary mastery, innovation, and their elevation of Philippine ingredients and identity.

Furthermore, 25 establishments conferred the Bib Gourmand distinction for delivering exceptional food at reasonable prices, as well as 74 Michelin Selected restaurants in the Greater Manila Area and Cebu.

‘Filipino cuisine will always be special, and this recognition will only take the culinary industry to new heights,’ asserted Legarda.

‘This marks a historic moment for the nation’s tourism and creative industries, embodying the vision of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 to anchor sustainable and inclusive tourism growth in Filipino culture, identity, and creativity.’

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved a P41.4 million budget for the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) for 2025, according to ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka.

In a press briefing, Hosaka said the Office of the President ordered the release of the initial operating budget of the ICI, amounting to P41,481,000, which is chargeable to the contingent fund.

Hosaka said the budget covers the commission’s operational requirements and capital outlay until the end of 2025.

‘It’s a big thing. In any agency, funding is very important. It’s very crucial for our efficiency and for us to be able to work and meet the operational requirements and, at the same time, comply with what we are asked for under the Executive Order No. 94,’ he noted.

‘I believe it’s going to come soon because only a few documents are needed,’ he added, referring to the release of the commission’s budget from DBM.

‘172 contractual positions’

Hosaka likewise said the DBM has also approved the ICI’s staffing pattern and creation of 172 contractual positions within the commission.

While not providing specific details on the staffing pattern, he said they will establish their legal department, special investigation office, and administrative department, among others.

‘Our lawyers today, most of them are being detailed to us by the other agencies of the government. But with this staffing pattern being approved now, and with the budget hopefully to be downloaded soon to the commission, we will be able to accommodate our organic staff already, which will be composed of lawyers, accountants and engineers as well,’ Hosaka told reporters.

In hiring employees, the ICI will accommodate referrals and applications from different sectors.

Meanwhile, the commission will prioritize the personal service expenses, such as providing their employees their salaries, and getting equipment ‘to be able to be more efficient and to be able to work faster.’

Hosaka said the budget will also cover the equipment they will use in livestreaming their hearings on their investigation into the flood control anomalies.

Created in September, the ICI is currently investigating infrastructure anomalies across the country in the past 10 years.

Harold Alarcon was no doubt the hero in University of the Philippines’ win over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday.

But if you ask Alarcon, UP coach Goldwin Monteverde also played a big factor in the crucial victory

‘Coach Gold talked to us properly in the dugout and said we did so many things that were off in the first half,’ he said.

‘He told us to adjust as soon as we entered the second half.’

Alarcon and the Fighting Maroons took Monteverde’s words to heart.

Down 15 early, UP quickly pulled within two by halftime as both teams went back-and-forth the rest of the way. And in the fourth, it was Alarcon who took over.

‘In that fourth quarter, I just thought that whatever kind of defense they give me, I’ll take it,’ he said.

‘Whoever was defending me, I just thought that I’ll shoot it.’

Alarcon scored his team’s last seven points to finish with 22 points, five rebounds and four assists to push UP to solo second with a 7-3 record.

Sen. Loren Legarda filed a resolution commending the Philippine restaurants, chefs, and industry professionals recognized in the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines 2026.

According to Senate Resolution No. 164, the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs and Cebu 2026 showcased the remarkable diversity of Filipino dining, from fine dining and sustainable gastronomy to casual and regional eateries that define the nation’s culinary identity.

‘We are happy that such a prestigious international culinary guide has finally recognized Filipino cuisine as a rising star in the Asian region, and hopefully this also raises the level of many to aspire to have their own Bib Gourmand or Michelin star recognition someday,’ said Legarda.

‘Hopefully, this recognition is something that uplifts our local tourism industry, to be another hub in Asia where visitors could enjoy the diverse choices in various regions of the country.’

The Michelin Guide surveyed 108 establishments in Manila and Cebu to find the country’s best restaurants and eateries.

Makati City became home to the country’s lone two-Michelin-star establishment, Chef Josh Boutwood’s Helm, demonstrating exceptional skill, harmony of flavors, and a truly memorable dining experience.

In addition, eight restaurants in Makati, Taguig City, Parañaque City, and Alfonso, Cavite were accorded one Michelin Star for outstanding culinary mastery, innovation, and their elevation of Philippine ingredients and identity.

Furthermore, 25 establishments conferred the Bib Gourmand distinction for delivering exceptional food at reasonable prices, as well as 74 Michelin Selected restaurants in the Greater Manila Area and Cebu.

‘Filipino cuisine will always be special, and this recognition will only take the culinary industry to new heights,’ asserted Legarda.

‘This marks a historic moment for the nation’s tourism and creative industries, embodying the vision of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 to anchor sustainable and inclusive tourism growth in Filipino culture, identity, and creativity.’

University of Santo Tomas’ woes from the free throw line continued Wednesday.

UST shot itself in the foot again with 24 missed shots from the charity stripe in a heartbreaking 89-88 loss to University of the Philippines for its fourth consecutive loss in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

‘Regarding our free throws, I know my teammates work on it but it’s been our problem for the past games,’ UST guard Amiel Acido said after the Growling Tigers lost on a game-winner for the second straight time.

‘We know that even if we make mistakes, miss free throws, we continue to fight back. That’s what we talked about after this.’

Ironically, Acido could’ve given the Growling Tigers a much-needed win after his pair of free throws put the on top, 88-87, with 27 seconds left.

But the Fighting Maroons had the final say with Harold Alarcon knocking down a jumper to win the game with 22 ticks to go.

Collins Akowe, who gave UP fits in their season-opening duel last September, had his way anew with 26 points and 16 rebounds, but he also hurt his team by going 10-of-20 at the line.

In the Tigers’ last three games, they’ve only made 49 out of 93 attempts from the free throw line. They shot 52 free throws against the Maroons and still lost. They went 17-of-27 in a 97-96 loss to Adamson exactly a week ago.

‘Sometimes, I don’t know as well, but we always have a next play mentality,’ said Acido, who actually shot well from the line, making five out of six.

‘Automatic. We need to do extra work on our free throws because those situations earlier, those were heavy. That would’ve given us the win. Hopefully, we fix it.’

Once one of the best teams in the league this season, UST is now in danger of missing the Final Four at 5-5 with only four games left in the elimination round.

Eight police officers from the Eastern Police District’s (EPD) Special Operations Unit have been granted temporary liberty after posting bail in connection with the alleged kidnapping for ransom and theft of a Chinese businessman’s P75 million in cash and valuables last April in Las Piñas.

In an order dated November 3, the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 197 granted the petitions for bail after the alleged victim, Li Jie, failed to testify in court ‘despite having been afforded numerous opportunities to do so.’

The eight officers – four staff sergeants, two corporals, and two patrolmen – were tagged in the April 2 unauthorized operation that led to the arrest of Li, which was actually a case of mistaken identity.

The policemen allegedly took around P75-million worth of cash and jewelry from Li’s house.

Li eventually executed an affidavit accusing the policemen of kidnapping for ransom and theft. However, he failed to appear and testify in court.

‘His absence on the witness stand, being the most crucial witness in this kidnapping case, substantially weakens the opposition to the petitions for bail,’ the court said.

‘It bears emphasis that from the evidence presented so far, only Li Jie can firmly testify on the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping,’ the court said.

Another Chinese citizen was also supposed to testify for the prosecution; however, he also failed to appear in court.

‘Without his testimony, the prosecution’s opposition to the petitions for bail is considerably weakened,’ the court said.

The court also discounted the testimony of the prosecution’s main witness, Col. Glenn Lomogan, then EPD’s Deputy District Director.

The court said Lomogan was merely an arresting officer and ‘does not possess personal knowledge of the actual circumstances about the alleged crime.’

The accused have posted P300,000 bail each.

The court clarified that the granting of bail is a provisional conclusion and not a final pre-judgment. The trial will begin on Dec. 10, 2025.

Alamat – a P-pop boy group composed of Taneo, Mo, Jao, Tomas, R-Ji and Alas – is returning to the music scene with their new album ‘Destino,’ which is slated for a Nov. 21 release.

‘Destino’ was first announced during Alamat’s appearance at the MassKara Festival in October, where the members performed an unreleased track with their faces covered with masks. It was then revealed that the song is the album’s ‘hero track.’

Weeks later, glimpses of the album’s concept including concept photos featuring Alamat in a kalye-like setting, mini documentaries showing the album’s creative process, lyric spoilers, and a behind-the-scenes look at the group’s dynamic have been released to the public.

Aside from the full album, a pre-release single called ‘LuzViMinda’ will drop on Nov. 7.

Known for incorporating Filipino culture and literature, as well as regional languages in their music and overall concept, Alamat is one of the leading P-pop groups that built a loyal following through the years.

The P-pop group originally debuted as a nine-piece act in February 2014. Their notable hits include ‘Maharani,’ ‘Dayang,’ ‘Dagundong’ and ‘Day and Night,’ to name a few.