Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

South Korean actor Ji Chang-wook is set to appear in a Philippine reality-variety show with local stars Jodi Sta. Maria, Francine Diaz, Janella Salvador, and Arci Muñoz.

Filipino chef JP Anglo gave a glimpse of the show while the Filipino variety cooking show was filming in Korea.

In the behind-the-scene clips that the celebrity chef posted on his Instagram page on Tuesday, Oct. 28, Ji was seen helping to prepare and roast an entire lechon alongside the Filipino actresses.

The Korean star also delivered a brief speech before his fellow stars and the production staff while Salvador performed a beautiful rendition of Eraserheads’ ‘With a Smile.’

‘We did the impossible, guys. Mad respect to EVERYONE! I’m so proud of you ALL. We temporarily ran a Filipino restaurant for 7 days here in Korea, working 12 to 16-hour days, facing countless challenges. but we made a lot of people happy, and that’s what matters. My heart is full. It’s a wrap. Gamsahamnida, Korea, for sharing your culture with us,’ Anglo captioned his post.

According to an article posted on Naver Korea, the variety cooking program is titled ‘Kumusta,’ where Chang-wook and the Filipino celebrities run a restaurant in Korea, serving authentic Filipino dishes to Korean guests.

Following the filming, Chang-wook has also started to follow Diaz, Salvador, Sta. Maria, and Muñoz on Instagram.

Chang-wook, who is fresh from his third visit to the Philippines for an anniversary show of a local brand, rose to fame for his leading roles in Korean dramas such as ‘Empress Ki,’ ‘Healer,’ and ‘The K2.’

As of writing, the airing date of ‘Kumusta’ has not been disclosed.

Still reeling from the severe flooding that swept through parts of Capiz earlier this month, Western Visayas is now under a fresh warning from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) for possible flash floods.

In its General Flood Advisory No. 14, issued Tuesday at 6 a.m., Pagasa said light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are expected within the next 12 hours as a low-pressure area (LPA) embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to influence the Visayas.

The renewed alert comes after Tropical Storm Ramil, which battered the Philippines around October 17-18, dumped an estimated 365.5 millimeters of rain in Roxas City, Capiz-roughly equivalent to more than a month’s worth of rainfall for the locality.

Capiz bore the brunt of the storm, with the provincial board declaring a state of calamity soon afterward.

Human casualties from Ramil in the region have mounted: at least 5 deaths in Capiz province, bringing the total national death toll to 10 from the storm.

Government agencies are still finalizing damage estimates to property and infrastructure for Capiz from Ramil.

According to the advisory, the watercourses at risk include:

Capiz – Rivers and tributaries of Panay, Mambusao, Panay Malinao, Alingon, and Balantian.

Iloilo – Pinantan, Barotac, Akalaygan, Jalaud, Jalano, Jagdong, Jalaur, Lamunan, Jaro-Aganan, Sibalom, and Guimbal.

Guimaras – All rivers and their tributaries.

Aklan – Rivers and their tributaries of Ibajay, Aklan, and Jalo.

Antique – Sibalom, Ipayo, Cagaranan, Palawan, Cairauan, Dalana, and Tibiao.

Negros Occidental – Malogo, Sicaba Grande, Himogaan, Danao, Upper Tabanan, Sipalay, and Lower Ilog.

Residents in low-lying barangays and those along mountain slopes are being strongly urged to be on standby for flash floods and possible landslides, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated from the earlier storm.

PAGASA also called on local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to ensure early warning systems are active and evacuation plans are ready.

The advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday or until a new bulletin is issued.

For the latest updates, the public may visit https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

ZUS Coffee remained unstoppable after sweeping Petro Gazz, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20, for its fourth straight win in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Anna DeBeer sustained her dominant form with 23 points on a 22-of-56 attacking clip to lead the Thunderbelles to a 4-0 record – a win closer to a first-round sweep.

Clo Mondoñedo paced ZUS Coffee with 23 excellent sets, as they eye a perfect Pool B finish against second placer Akari, which holds a 3-1 record, on November 4 at Mall of Asia Arena.

‘I’m really proud and thankful for everyone During practice, everyone gives their all. Our veteran players also help us younger ones, become more mature in the game. And we’re really thankful to Anna too, because she’s had such a big impact on the team,’ said Mondoñedo in Filipino.

‘I’m just happy and proud of how much we’ve grown and how far the team has come.’

AC Miner continued to shine in her first year in the pros with 11 points off eight kills, two blocks, and an ace, while veteran opposite spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga had another all-around game with nine points, nine digs, and six excellent receptions to help libero Alyssa Eroa, who had 12 digs and 12 receptions.

‘I’m really grateful for everyone’s commitment. When it comes to training, I also want to give credit to our second stringers because they really push us hard during practice. They go all out against us so that when it’s game time, we already know what to do. So credit to them,’ said Gonzaga in Filipino.

‘Our first six. Their hard work, patience, and game IQ, plus our setter’s leadership on the court and coach’s strategy. All of that really shows. Coach studies our rotations and everything so deeply. It’s truly a total team effort, and I’m so thankful.’

Lindsey Vander Weide led the Angels with 17 points. Brooke Van Sickle had 12 points, while Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips added 10 and nine points, respectively.

Petro Gazz finished the first round with a 3-2 record, but its bracketing in the next phase depends on the remaining Pool B games.

Sy family-led BDO Unibank Inc. delivered record-high net income in the first nine months on the back of a double-digit growth in its lending operations, which reached a P3.5-trillion milestone.

The local banking giant said on Monday its profit had hit P63.1 billion, its highest nine-month figure. The amount was 4-percent higher than the P60.6 billion booked a year earlier.

For the third quarter alone, net income increased by 5.9 percent to P22.4 billion, likewise the highest earnings delivered by the bank for the same quarter.

The nine-month earnings were in line with consensus estimates, said online stock brokerage COL in a research note. However, it was slightly below COL’s estimate, accounting for just 71.4 percent of its full-year forecast.

‘We continue to favor the bank as we believe that BDO, as the largest bank in the Philippines, is well-positioned to capture growth opportunity as the local economy expands,’ COL said in a research note.

‘Its extensive and still growing branch network, as well as its strong ties to the SM Group, should provide a significant advantage.’

COL described BDO’s balance sheet as robust and liquid, and its capital ratios healthy. These are seen to give the bank leeway to pursue new avenues of growth.

While margins may narrow due to the interest rate-cutting cycle of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, COL said the compression would be mitigated by the bank’s asset mix and the reduction of the reserve requirement.

‘Additionally, we see potential earnings upside from easing credit costs and the booking of trading gains,’ it noted.

Loan book up 14 percent

This was as BDO’s nine-month net interest income rose by 8 percent. Gross customer loans posted a 14-percent growth, hitting P3.5 trillion.

Deposits also improved by 10 percent, 67 percent of which consisted of low-cost deposits.

In terms of asset quality, bad loans accounted for 1.77 percent of total loans. For every P1 of bad loans, the bank has conservatively set aside a loss buffer of P1.34.

Noninterest income likewise grew 14 percent, driven by a 15-percent increase in fee-based businesses.

Nonperforming loans ratio, a key indicator of asset quality, stood at 1.77 percent.

This translated to a return on average common equity of 14.1 percent for the period.

The country’s leading lender said the Philippines would remain ‘resilient’ despite persistent trade tensions triggered by higher tariffs imposed by the United States, as well as controversial local issues hounding politicians and government offices.

BDO said the local market could find support from ‘stable inflation and strong domestic consumption.’

‘Meanwhile, the bank’s robust capital foundation and diversified business portfolio position it well to navigate current risks and capitalize on emerging growth prospects,’ it said.

For the full-year 2025, an official previously said earnings growth may ‘be a little less’ amid the central bank’s rate-cut cycle.

‘And it’s because of the expected decline in interest rates. Spreads will be affected. It will still have growth, but probably not at the same level as last year,’ Nestor Tan, company president and chief executive officer, said earlier this year. INQ

The body of one of the two construction workers missing after an Elf truck plunged into the Chico River in Gawa sub-village, Tocucan, Bontoc, Mountain Province, was recovered on Tuesday morning, according to the Bontoc Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

The victim was identified by relatives and coworkers as Carlo Ancheta, a native of Tayug, Pangasinan.

Another worker, Edmund Romeo, remains missing as of press time.

Search and retrieval operations were temporarily halted on Monday night due to heavy rains, but resumed early Tuesday.

Authorities said the Elf truck fell about 170 meters from the mountain road in Gawa, Tocucan, after colliding with a Fiera and a mini dump truck around 6 a.m. on Monday. Debris from the vehicle remains lodged along the riverbank.

Three other workers-Rogelio Dela Cruz, 22, and JC Galicia, 20, both from San Rafael, San Nicolas, Pangasinan, and Zoren Jay Alat, 25, from Siayam, Zamboanga del Norte-were declared dead on the spot. Their remains have been brought to a funeral home.

The victims were reportedly on their way to a construction project in Kuro-kuro, Sadanga, Mountain Province, when the accident occurred

Lovi Poe left fans and fellow celebrities in awe as she flaunted her toned physique just two weeks after she gave birth to her first child.

The celebrity mom documented herself putting makeup using her own cosmetic brand, through a video on her Instagram page on Monday, Oct. 27.

The clip began with her glamming up during the last week of her pregnancy, then transitioned to herself after childbirth. The actress was wearing a crop top that accentuated her defined upper abs.

‘Last week of pregnancy vs [two] weeks postpartum,’ she captioned her post.

The video has so far garnered over 167,000 likes, with fans and celebrities quipping how Poe did not seem to have birthed a baby at all.

Poe announced the arrival of her first child with her British film producer husband Monty Blencowe last Oct. 24, showing herself swaying while carrying her newborn.

The couple has yet to share further details about their firstborn, including the child’s name.

Lovi and Blencowe tied the knot in Berkshire, England, in August 2023. The actress then announced her pregnancy last Sept. 1.

The spirit of hope and togetherness shines bright at Robinsons Manila, where a heartwarming celebration of generosity, gratitude, and community unfolds beneath the mall’s Santa’s Workshop-inspired 40-foot grand Christmas tree. Customers are invited to embrace the season’s warmth through dazzling lights, uplifting performances, and a delightful selection of shopping and dining experiences that make Robinsons Manila a cherished holiday destination.

This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony paid tribute to our everyday heroes from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Together with their families, they enjoyed a day filled with gifts, entertainment, and surprises – a touching recognition of their service and dedication.

The celebration was graced by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, RLC Executive Vice President and Business Unit General Manager Faraday Go, Robinsons Malls External Affairs Director Irving Wu, and City Administrator Wardee Quintos, who together officially ushered in a truly sparkling Christmas season at Robinsons Manila.

Experience the joy and hope of Christmas at Robinsons Malls, where every moment shines with meaning, warmth, and togetherness.

A Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Palawan has found Culion Mayor Cesar de Vera and his wife, Maria Virginia, who also once served as the town’s chief executive, guilty of child abuse in violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Acting Presiding Judge Ryan Hartzell Balisacan of the Coron Regional Trial Court Branch 163, in a ruling dated October 24, sentenced the couple to four to six years of imprisonment and ordered them to pay a P15,000 fine and P40,000 for moral and exemplary damages to the family of the complainant.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the parents of a male minor who accused the De Veras of physical abuse at the Culion Municipal Police Station in June 2018. The complainants’ child was 15 years old at the time.

In 2023, the couple pleaded not guilty, after which a trial ensued, with the prosecution presenting the victim, his mother, and six other witnesses.

The victim recalled that he and his friends, who were brought to the station by police officers, were ‘mauled inside the Culion police station.’

He also stated that he was initially surprised to learn that he was among those summoned by police at the mayor’s instruction.

The boy told his mother that he and his friends voluntarily went to the Culion police station at around 2 p.m. on the day of the incident.

At the station, the De Veras allegedly conspired to ‘physically abuse him, slapping and punching him and pulling his hair,’ actions that he said placed him in a situation ‘prejudicial’ to his development and well-being.

Denial

Meanwhile, Mayor De Vera has continuously denied the accusations.

In a statement, he said the case stemmed not from the alleged physical abuse, which they vehemently denied, but from an alleged sexual abuse and attempted rape incident involving their daughter seven years ago.

‘The root of this case is not the assault that we vehemently deny, but the attempted defilement and humiliation of our minor daughter seven years ago-a victim of a planned rape, passing around, and dumping in the mangroves,’ De Vera said in Filipino.

The mayor said that while they respected the RTC’s decision, they would elevate the case to the Court of Appeals.

‘We believe that justice and truth will prevail. This is the process according to law,’ De Vera said.

He added: ‘In a world full of dangers, only a parent’s love and protection will prevail and bring peace of mind; it is a parent’s right to defend their child against any form of abuse and immorality

A magnitude 3.5 earthquake hit Los Baños, Laguna on Tuesday afternoon, and it was felt in some parts of the region, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The quake was recorded at 12:34 p.m., nine kilometers southeast of Los Baños, Phivolcs reported.

It also said that the earthquake was tectonic in origin, with a seven-kilometer depth of focus.

The reported intensities are as follows:

Intensity III

San Pablo, Laguna

Malvar Batangas

Intensity II

Los Baños, Laguna

San Pablo, Laguna

Calamba, Laguna

Intensity I

Carmona, Cavite

Dolores, Quezon.

Following this, another magnitude 1.8 earthquake was recorded six kilometers east of Los Baños, Phivolcs said.

The subsequent tectonic quake struck the city at 1:12 p.m., with a 33-kilometer depth of focus, it added.

Phivolcs reported an instrumental intensity I in San Pablo, Laguna.

Neither earthquakes are expected to have aftershocks or cause damage.

It must be noted that on Tuesday morning, two minor quakes were recorded three minutes apart from each other southwest of Los Baños.

The first earthquake at 11:28 a.m. had a magnitude of 1.5, while the second quake at 11:31 a.m. had a magnitude of 2, based on Phivolcs’ earthquake bulletin.

As of writing, these are the only four quakes recorded in Laguna in October 2025.

Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.-led Bloomberry Resorts Corp. has found a chance to exit its loss-making casino business in South Korea after 10 years of grappling with this challenging market.

Bloomberry has signed a deal to spin off and then sell its casino on Jeju Island held by its South Korean indirect subsidiary, Golden and Luxury Co., Ltd. (GandL).

GandL signed the share purchase agreement with a company called Gangwon Blue Mountain Co. Ltd.

No other details were provided on the buyer, who has paid a down payment of 500 million won (around P20.4 million).

Closing conditions

However, the transaction is still subject to closing conditions, including demerger, due diligence and regulatory approvals.

Since 2015, GandL has been operating Jeju Sun Hotel and Casino, located on the holiday island of Jeju in Korea.

The property consists of a 202-room hotel with 2,000 square meters of gaming operations. It has 36 gaming tables, 20 electronic gaming machines and four food and beverage outlets to service its hotel guests and casino players.

Financial drag

In 2018, a reorganization was implemented to separate the hotel and casino operations of Jeju Sun.

Over the last few years, Bloomberry has put the Jeju Island casino on the block as it has been a drag on its financial position.

This is especially since Bloomberry is grappling with a more challenging home market, marked by a big decline in VIP or high-roller foot traffic, in turn due to the reduction in tourist arrivals from China. The opening of other overseas markets has likewise made the gaming landscape more competitive, alongside the boom in online gaming.

Online gaming

Bloomberry, for its part, has joined the online gaming scene with the launch of its platform ‘MegaFUNalo!’ in June.

It has likewise developed its second property, Solaire North in Quezon City, to diversify its market.

In its second quarter earnings report, Bloomberry said the gains from its second property had contributed to the performance of its Metro Manila mass gaming and nongaming revenue, which rose by 18 percent and 37 percent year-over-year, respectively.

For its part, Jeju Sun registered P2.5 million of gross gaming revenue in the second quarter of 2025, P33.2-million lower than the year-ago level. INQ