Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Taal Volcano in Batangas has shown signs of renewed unrest after recording 162 volcanic earthquakes over the past six days, according to data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Taal recorded 34 volcanic earthquakes and one episode of volcanic tremor lasting 256 minutes in its latest bulletin on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The increase in seismic activity followed a series of elevated readings in recent days. Taal recorded 14 volcanic earthquakes on Aug. 20, followed by 46 on Aug. 21, 29 on Aug. 22, 19 on Aug. 23, and 20 on Aug. 24.

Phivolcs also recorded nine episodes of volcanic tremor over the six-day period.

From Aug. 16 to 19, Taal registered only single-digit numbers of volcanic seismic events each day.

Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes are generated by magma-related processes beneath an active volcano, distinguishing them from tectonic earthquakes, which are caused by movements along faults.

Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are continuous seismic signals characterized by low-frequency oscillations that typically last for more than a minute.

In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs also reported sulfur dioxide emissions of 271 metric tons, classified as ‘weak.’

No upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was observed in the main crater lake on Taal Volcano Island (TVI), which lies in the middle of Taal Lake. No volcanic smog, or ‘vog,’ was detected either.

Despite the continued seismic activity, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating a low level of unrest.

Authorities reiterated that entry into TVI, designated as the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone, remains strictly prohibited, particularly in the vicinity of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

Civil aviation authorities have also been advised to warn pilots against flying over TVI, as ash from a sudden eruption could pose a hazard to aircraft.

In the Philippines, the arrival of the ber months signals the unofficial beginning of the holiday season, and with it comes the excitement of dressing up for gatherings, discovering new beauty rituals, planning thoughtful gifts, and finding little luxuries worth indulging in.

With ‘Start the Ber Months in Style’ as its theme, Lazmall Luxury’s two-day campaign sets the tone for the festivities ahead, inviting shoppers to embrace the season early, indulge in considered discoveries, and find meaningful pieces for themselves and the people who matter most, all on LazMall.

With a curated selection of luxury and premium names, LazMall Luxury offers shoppers an elevated way to kick off the holiday season as it brings together premium names in one trusted destination,

making this the perfect occasion to discover, celebrate, and shop for what’s to come.

Need some ideas? Start your seasonal refresh with the staples and check out the timeless Lacoste Men’s Classic Fit Piqué Polo Shirt and Malbon Bennett Knit Polo Sweater, or add a stylish touch to your golf days with the Malbon Kodiak Performance Golf Bag.

For beauty finds, the right foundation base is a must. Pick up Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base+ primer for a hydrated, glowy, makeup-ready base.

If you prefer your skincare essentials with an extra touch of indulgence, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Recovery Treatment Essence and Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, together with the Pure Color Gelee Glow Oil and the Glossy Pout Tinted Lip Oil, provide a regimen for skin that deserves a little more attention and pampering. Meanwhile, La Mer’s Rejuvenating Eye Cream and Refreshing Balance Collection bring an elevated touch to everyday self-care and recovery, perfect for slowing down before the holiday rush begins.

Other brands you can find on LazMall Luxury include Chloe, Songmont, Harman Kardon, Diageo, and Sasa Official Store, among others.

From coveted fashion and beauty pieces to lifestyle essentials and statement gifts, LazMall Luxury makes it easier for discerning shoppers to discover pieces that feel special, while shopping with the confidence that comes from authenticity and LazMall’s trusted brand experience.

Whether refreshing a personal wardrobe ahead of holiday gatherings, finding beauty must-haves for festive occasions, elevating the home for celebrations, or getting an early start on meaningful gifts, head on to LazMal Luxury on August 26 – 27 and welcome the season in style.

For more information, you can visit Lazada Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Pedestrians in Baguio City will soon be required to observe a ‘keep right’ rule when using two-way sidewalks, pedestrian lanes and other walkways.

This directive is under an amended anti-distracted walking ordinance approved by the City Council.

Jordan Habbiling, information officer of the Baguio City Council, said in an interview on Monday that the amended ordinance will take effect upon signing by the mayor and publication.

‘The City Council has approved on third and final reading the ordinance further amending the Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance that impose a keep-right rule on two-way sidewalks, giving priority to walking pedestrians but with exemptions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and during emergencies,’ Habbiling said.

Habbiling noted that this policy – Ordinance 77-2026 – also establishes that sidewalks shall primarily be used for pedestrians.

Other activities such as jogging, running and taking photos must give way to walking pedestrians and must not obstruct their movement, he added.

The ordinance also prohibits the use of mobile devices to text, read messages or make calls while crossing a pedestrian lane or street, or while traversing a sidewalk, when such use causes delays in the movement of other people.

A first offense carries a reprimand, while a second offense is punishable by 10 days of community service.

Under the new ‘keep right’ rule, pedestrians using two-way sidewalks, particularly those walking in groups, must stay on the right side and avoid occupying the opposite or incoming lane.

PWDs who require additional space to safely traverse sidewalks are exempted from the keep-right requirement.

The ordinance authorizes the Public Order and Safety Division, Baguio City Police Office, Traffic Management Unit, barangay tanods and other authorized enforcers to monitor and apprehend violators.

It also allows city-installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to be used as evidence of violations.

Habbiling said alleged violations recorded through CCTV may be contested through other video footage.

The measure is the latest amendment to Ordinance 49-2019, which established Baguio’s Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance. The ordinance was first amended in 2023.

The moment she crashed the top 20 of the WTA world rankings, Alex Eala knew things would only get tougher from that point.

‘The gap [between ranking spots] is much wider,’ she said.

She’ll have to work double time to keep her momentum going, and the US Open will provide her opportunities to do so as she competes in mixed doubles and singles at the Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York.

Eala, who moved two spots up the world ranking at No. 18 on Monday, is paired with Felix Auger-Aliassime in mixed doubles and the two are set for a clash against the husband-and-wife tandem of world No. 9 Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils on Tuesday morning (Manila time).

The Filipino superstar and the Canadian world No. 4 have a lot to fight through if they want to win the $1 million top prize of the event, as they have been drawn in the same bracket as women’s No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, the mixed doubles top seeds.

Valuable time

Sabalenka and Djokovic will open against Canadian-Filipino Leylah Fernandez and Frances Tiafoe with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals to face either Eala and Auger-Aliassime or Svitolina and Monfils.

The mixed doubles event will provide Eala valuable court time as she pursues her first Grand Slam singles trophy starting on Sunday in New York.

The draw for the singles will drop three days before the main-draw matches begin. The qualifying round for singles has already started.

‘I think what’s great is [playing in mixed doubles] keeps you in that competitive mindset,’ Auger-Aliassime said in a TV interview. ‘It’s different [from] when you’re kind of relaxed in training, and you’re doing appearances and sponsor stuff.’

‘It’s different when you’re out there on the court and someone’s trying to beat you,’ the Canadian star, who said he is excited to get a taste of the ‘Eala Effect,’ added. ‘To stay in touch with that [competitive mindset] during the week with the mixed doubles, that is also not as much pressure as the singles, I think is a great thing.

‘Everybody’s playing the part, everybody is super competitive. So I think I’m going to love it out there.’

Auger-Aliassime will certainly enjoy the opportunity to play behind a large and supportive crowd that turns up in arenas all over the world every time Eala sees action.

‘It’s kinda funny because she’s younger than me, but I feel like she has the fan base and she’s carrying the crowd,’ he said.

Roger Federer is actually nervous about his tennis.

The man who won five straight US Open championships during the height of his dominance of the sport is set to play again in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night for the first time since 2019. And he’s not quite sure how the game that perhaps nobody ever made look more elegant will appear now.

‘I haven’t played a singles set in, I don’t know, (Hubert) Hurkacz at Wimbledon maybe, so it’s been five years,’ Federer said Monday, referring to his 2021 quarterfinal loss in his last Grand Slam match. ‘I don’t know how it’s going to go tomorrow. So there is a lot of uncertainty but a lot of happiness that I can return to Arthur Ashe, a place where I have had so many beautiful moments.’

It’s only one set of singles in an exhibition against Andy Roddick and one set of doubles with John McEnroe against Roddick and Andre Agassi. The winner of 20 Grand Slam singles titles should be fine for those.

But a return to tennis beyond that, competing in major tennis tournaments in his mid-40s like Venus and Serena Williams?

‘No, no, no, no. No, not at all,’ Federer said during a news conference. ‘Thanks for asking. I wasn’t sure if the question was going to get asked, but I’m happy you did so I can clarify in case anybody thought.’

At 45, Federer still looks fit, and said he enjoys working out in the gym. But he said he goes through long stretches where he is rarely on the court.

His lengthy absence from the U.S. Open has done little to dampen his popularity, based on the amount of people around the grounds who were mentioning his name. The appearance of ‘Roger Federer’ up on the big board for all to see again, ahead of his afternoon practice on Ashe, where Federer collected the trophy every year from 2004-08, was a welcome sight for his fans.

The trip to New York is a stop for Federer on his way to Newport, Rhode Island, where he will be enshrined in the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Federer never really had the chance to say goodbye to New York as a player, because there was no way to know his loss to Grigor Dimitrov in the 2019 quarterfinals would be his last match. He had reached the French Open semifinals and the Wimbledon final earlier that year, falling to Rafael Nadal in Paris and then Novak Djokovic in a fifth-set tiebreaker at the All England Club.

It was easy to imagine him returning to the U.S. Open the next year and making another deep run. But after falling to Djokovic in the semifinals of the Australian Open to begin 2020, he had knee surgery that February, then another procedure in May.

He returned to play in the French Open in 2021 but had to withdraw before his fourth-round match. After the loss to Hurkacz – where he appeared struggling and lost 6-0 in the third set – Federer had another knee surgery that August and knew there would be no more comebacks.

‘The knee can’t do it anymore. It’s tired,’ he recalled thinking. ‘The mind can’t be patient even more and wait for another couple years and see what happens.’

Federer knows Tuesday night won’t be real tennis, joking that he and Roddick hopefully would be respectful and not try to drop shot each other. But it will be different from when he did return to Ashe a couple of years back to watch.

‘They gave me an ovation because they saw me on the big screen, but I just feel, like, tomorrow and I guess today, as well, and Monday next week, it really gives me a true opportunity to say thank you and goodbye, which I think is important for some,’ Federer said. ‘It’s a nice thing to do, for sure.’

Asia Rose Simpson, the Philippines’ delegate to the 2026 Miss World pageant, has officially entered the contest’s Top 40 more than a week ahead of the final competition.

The 18-year-old contestant topped the ‘Head-to-Head’ challenge for the Asia and Oceania group at the preliminary event held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on Monday, Aug. 24.

Three other delegates also earned guaranteed slots in the Top 40 for dominating their respective groups-South Africa’s Romanda Hombir for Africa, Georgia-Lee Gill from Trinidad and Tobago for the Americas and Caribbean, and Germany’s Julia Kuhnle for Europe.

During the first round of the competition, Simpson discussed her SED (Sports and Dance) Initiatives, a program that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health among the youth through sports and dance.

Her initial performance merited her entry into the Top 5 of the Asia and Oceania group, together with host delegate B?o Ng?c Lê Nguy?n from Vietnam, Tiare Henry-Anguna from the Cook Islands, Min-seo Cha from South Korea, and Mariyam Eema Mohamed, Maldives’ first-ever Miss World participant.

For the second round with the continental Top 5, the finalists were asked to speak as though they were tourism ambassadors of Vietnam using their experience in the pageant.

Simpson shared about and her first trip last year for her advocacy work, and her visit to different places in Vietnam as a candidate this year. ‘Miss World has shown me that I have barely scratched the diversity that this country holds. I never realized how big Vietnam was until me and my sister queens were traveling city to city to city,’ she said.

‘Whether you want to come to Vietnam to learn about its history, or to have a relaxing vacation, or to have a good adrenaline-inducing time, Vietnam has a timeless charm, and Vietnam is waiting for you, cam on (thank you),’ she continued.

She sealed her placement in the Top 40 with an impressive response to the final question: ‘Asia and Oceania includes some of the world’s oldest traditions and some of its fastest-changing societies. How can a new generation embrace progress without losing what makes its culture unique?’

Simpson opened her answer with the quotation, ‘A people who do not know their history, origin, or culture is like a tree without roots,’ and said the best way to preserve cultural heritage is by passing it down to the next generation.

She also delved into the Filipino concepts of ‘kapwa’ which she framed as interconnectedness, and the ‘bayanihan’ spirit, which she explained as neighbors helping one another.

‘In a fast-paced, modernized digital world, things like ‘kapwa’ or the ‘bayanihan’ spirit will not be lost. In fact, they will be the things that ground us fully, because that is what roots are for. And every generation learns from the last and the next,’ Simpson said.

She had earlier advanced to the Top 24 of the Sports Challenge. She had also moved on to the final round of both the Top Model and Talent Challenges.

The Philippines’ first, and so far only, Miss World victory was courtesy of Megan Young, who won the title at the pageant’s 63rd edition held in Indonesia in 2013.

Filipinos can still help Simpson get closer to the crown even after she has already earned a guaranteed entry into the Top 40. An automatic spot in the final round with the Top 6 is reserved for the delegate who will top the ‘People’s Choice’ poll. To vote for Simpson, visit the missworld.1voting.com site. Voting will close on Sept. 4 at 11 p.m.

The Miss World pageant is holding its 73rd edition this year, which marks its 75th anniversary. Reigning queen Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand will crown her successor on Sept. 5.

On Day 18 of the Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio takes the witness stand on Tuesday to testify on the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds.

Ortonio allegedly accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, the previous witness presented to the court, when she encashed P500 million in confidential funds from LandBank Shaw Blvd., in increments of P125 million every quarter from the last quarter of 2022 until the third quarter of 2023

When Kevin Quiambao was tapped to be part of Gilas Pilipinas’ long-term program a few years ago, he made it a point to make the most of his minutes.

With the second round of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers coming up, the La Salle product’s mentality remains the same.

‘From the start, when Coach Tim (Cone) got me at the very first window, I told myself to stay ready every time, whenever the opportunity comes, to take every moment and make the most out of it,’ he said.

‘I’ll do whatever I can to contribute for the team and for the country. Same thing. I’ll do whatever I can to be effective for the team.’

Quiambao did just that when he showed his readiness for Gilas during the third window of the qualifiers.

After scoring 24 points across four games in the first two windows, the 25-year-old forward had his breakout performance for the Philippines.

Quiambao played his best game for Gilas against New Zealand, scoring 23 points on top of three rebounds, one steal and a block in a heartbreaking double-overtime loss last July in Auckland.

Quiambao picked up the slack with Justin Brownlee struggling and dealing with injuries.

He faces the same predicament in Gilas’ crucial homestand against Jordan and Iran with Brownlee out anew.

And just like his previous outing, Quiambao isn’t the type who backs down from a challenge, especially when he has the full support of his teammates.

‘I’m thankful and blessed that my teammates are giving me confidence every single game.’

Gilas Pilipinas’ second round campaign tips off Friday against Jordan before clashing with Iran on Sunday with both games taking place at Mall of Asia Arena.

In the Philippines, the arrival of the ber months signals the unofficial beginning of the holiday season, and with it comes the excitement of dressing up for gatherings, discovering new beauty rituals, planning thoughtful gifts, and finding little luxuries worth indulging in.

With ‘Start the Ber Months in Style’ as its theme, Lazmall Luxury’s two-day campaign sets the tone for the festivities ahead, inviting shoppers to embrace the season early, indulge in considered discoveries, and find meaningful pieces for themselves and the people who matter most, all on LazMall.

With a curated selection of luxury and premium names, LazMall Luxury offers shoppers an elevated way to kick off the holiday season as it brings together premium names in one trusted destination,

making this the perfect occasion to discover, celebrate, and shop for what’s to come.

Need some ideas? Start your seasonal refresh with the staples and check out the timeless Lacoste Men’s Classic Fit Piqué Polo Shirt and Malbon Bennett Knit Polo Sweater, or add a stylish touch to your golf days with the Malbon Kodiak Performance Golf Bag.

For beauty finds, the right foundation base is a must. Pick up Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base+ primer for a hydrated, glowy, makeup-ready base.

If you prefer your skincare essentials with an extra touch of indulgence, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Recovery Treatment Essence and Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, together with the Pure Color Gelee Glow Oil and the Glossy Pout Tinted Lip Oil, provide a regimen for skin that deserves a little more attention and pampering. Meanwhile, La Mer’s Rejuvenating Eye Cream and Refreshing Balance Collection bring an elevated touch to everyday self-care and recovery, perfect for slowing down before the holiday rush begins.

Other brands you can find on LazMall Luxury include Chloe, Songmont, Harman Kardon, Diageo, and Sasa Official Store, among others.

From coveted fashion and beauty pieces to lifestyle essentials and statement gifts, LazMall Luxury makes it easier for discerning shoppers to discover pieces that feel special, while shopping with the confidence that comes from authenticity and LazMall’s trusted brand experience.

Whether refreshing a personal wardrobe ahead of holiday gatherings, finding beauty must-haves for festive occasions, elevating the home for celebrations, or getting an early start on meaningful gifts, head on to LazMal Luxury on August 26 – 27 and welcome the season in style.

For more information, you can visit Lazada Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The body of an 8-year-old boy who drowned in Calumpit town was found in waters near Manila Bay on Tuesday, Aug. 25, according to a report received by the Bulacan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

Ran Romy Ortillano reportedly drowned in a river in Barangay Iba O’ Este, Calumpit, on Sunday, Aug. 23. His body was found floating off the island barangay of Masukol in Paombong town at around 5:10 a.m., PDRRMO head Manuel Lukban Jr. said.

The victim was identified through his clothing and physical features.

According to Enriquito Santiago Jr., head of the Calumpit Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Ortillano went to the river at around 5 p.m. to look for river snails, or kuhol. He was standing near the riverbank when he accidentally slipped and fell into the water.

His 49-year-old neighbor, Jonie Soronio, immediately dove into the river to rescue him. Soronio managed to grab the boy and swim with him on his back, but the strong current caused him to lose his grip.

Other residents joined the rescue effort and tried to push the boy toward the riverbank, but the strong current eventually swept him away.

Backflow from Pampanga and the mountainous areas of Bulacan has kept Calumpit under about 5 feet of floodwater.

Amid the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and typhoons Maymay and Luis, Calumpit was placed under a state of calamity on Aug. 10.