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During these dark times when the country is going through moral and social challenges, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said people are called to act as saints and become ‘beacons of light.’

According to a CBCPNews post, Cardinal Advincula encouraged everyone to ‘normalize sainthood’ and make it part of their everyday life.

Advincula gave this message during the First National Postulation Conference held last Oct. 7 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, and the launching of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints.

He said that the conference held last Tuesday was timely and crucial amid the nation’s moral and social challenges.

‘It was when times were extremely dark that the Lord called saints to serve as beacons of light amid the decadence and despair,’ Advincula said. ‘We are saints in process, and the Lord is not finished with us yet.’

While not identifying specific moral and social challenges, the archbishop made the statement at the time when the country is going through a corruption scandal in government flood control projects.

Advincula also said holiness is not a privilege for only a few people but a call for all the baptized. ‘Let us normalize the idea of sainthood for all, especially among the young people. God did not call the perfect or the ideal – He looked at the heart and the potential,’ the prelate said.

Holiness, he said, is not measured by perfection or miracles but by love, humility and service.

‘The Lord is calling every one of us to be saints – to proclaim the light and joy of the Gospel in our homes, parishes, and communities,’ he added.

Not snap polls, but jail for plunderers

What the country needs is not a new election term but a prison term for the plunderers, CBCP president Kalookan’s Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said amid calls for a snap election over mounting outrage against corruption in government flood control projects.

Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano suggested last Oct. 5 for all leaders – from the President Marcos to members of Congress – to resign and to hold a snap election.

In response, Cardinal David said that ‘Even if it (the government) fails us, we must not throw it away – it’s something we have built together. Let’s repair it, guard it, and make it work. Not through a coup, not through revolutionary government, not through military rule, not through snap elections.’

‘Let the rule of law work. What we need is not a new election term – but long prison terms for the plunderers,’ he added.

‘We’ve suddenly awakened to the truth that patronage politics and dynastic rule are the greatest plagues of our nation,’ he said.

But there is no simple remedy to the country’s woes because ‘even if all the corrupt officials were to die, they would just be replaced by others like them,’ he said.

‘We are all part of the problem; therefore, we must all be part of the solution. We must help dismantle this culture of corruption,’ he added.

Impeach Marcos?

During Wednesday’s plenary sessions, neophyte lawmaker Rep. Kiko Barzaga said he intends to file an impeachment complaint against President Marcos for alleged ‘betrayal of public trust.’

‘I am filing an impeachment complaint against President Marcos. Hopefully, Congress will remove him soon so we can start investigating those involved in flood control anomalies,’ the 27-year-old lawmaker said.

However, Barzaga only showed the document (Marcos impeachment suit) in his vlog, where he accused the Chief Executive of ‘betrayal of public trust.’

‘Welcome back to the crocodile farm. The crocodiles are absent again, they are in vacation,’ he said, smiling in his vlog as he showed a video of the chamber’s plenary hall. ‘And I have another surprise – the Marcos impeachment complaint! Ameow hehehe Bye Bye Marcos.’

The Cavite fourth district congressman has not filed any complaint yet before the office of House secretary general Cheloy Garafil.

Marcos Jr. too busy

President Marcos is too preoccupied with his responsibilities to pay attention to the effort of Barzaga to impeach him, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said filing an impeachment complaint is within the power of the House of Representatives, but the President is too busy to deal with such discussions.

‘At a time when the President is attending to a lot of things, these kinds of discussions are ignored. The President is busy helping our countrymen; many jobs are needed to uplift the Philippines, not to lower the dignity of the country,’ the Palace press officer said at a briefing.

Asked if Marcos is paying attention to Barzaga, Castro replied: ‘Just a smile.’

Castro said it is easy to make allegations, but the public should not believe in claims that are not backed by evidence.

US talent management A-Nexus Inc. announced that global unit Quadlips has added another member, Mashiro, a talented rising star from KLP48.

This marks a milestone in Quadlips’ journey as they continue to expand their diverse lineup of exceptionally talented Asian artists.

Formed in 2023, Quadlips serves as the global unit of the AKB48 Group, bringing together select members from various countries as they continue making waves in the Asian pop music scene.

The lineup currently features FENI (JKT48), COLE (MNL48) from the Philippines, FAME (BNK48), and now Mashiro, who adds a fresh dynamic to further create a diverse ensemble poised for global appeal.

Mashiro, hailing from Japan’s Nara Prefecture, is a proud representative of the second generation of KLP48 (Kuala Lumpur) and was announced as Quadlips’ new member at Japan’s Oshi Tera Idol Matsuri event last month.

“Mashiro’s arrival will not only enrich the group’s performance repertoire but also infuse her exceptional talent and stage presence into our collective work, the Quadlips,” said A-Nexus management.

The singer herself expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity

“I can’t wait to share my passion for music and performance with fans around the world,” Mashiro said. “I look forward to collaborating with FENI, COLE, and FAME to create unforgettable experiences together.”

Quadlips is actively promoting its latest single, “IDGA,” which debuted in the Philippines last August.

In the coming months, Filipino fans will also have the chance to connect with the group through select mall shows, along with opportunities to meet and greet their favorite members.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Water is looking to play a role in securing Cebu’s water future through sustainable medium-and long-term projects, including desalination and surface water solutions.

According to the company, Metro Cebu faces an estimated 350 million-liter daily water supply deficit as of 2025 in Metro Cebu.

In an interview with the media yesterday following the Cebu Water Summit 2025, Aboitiz InfraCapital vice president and head of Water Business, Eduardo Aboitiz, emphasized the company’s strong commitment to Cebu.

‘Cebu is my home and it holds a very special place in my heart, and in the hearts of the Aboitiz family as well. We are deeply invested here and we want to continue investing in Cebu’s future,’ Aboitiz said.

He explained that part of his speech during the Summit was to introduce Aboitiz InfraCapital Water and share its success in Davao, where its bulk water supply project has positively impacted the community.

‘It was really about sharing our story and also a call to action for all relevant stakeholders to work together and approach this collectively,’ he added.

Aboitiz said the company is currently conducting market studies and is eyeing two major solutions: a desalination plant as a medium-term option and a large-scale surface water project as a long-term solution.

‘These things don’t happen overnight. It takes time and careful planning,’ he noted, adding that the company already has a presence in the province, with three existing water operations.

These are the industrial water distribution in Balamban, the West Cebu Industrial Park in Toledo, and the 5-million liters-per-day (MLD) bulk water supply mini-desalination project at the Mactan Economic Zone 2 in Lapu-Lapu City, which began operations two months ago.

‘This facility currently supplies all the water requirements of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport,’ Aboitiz said.

Looking ahead, Aboitiz InfraCapital Water aims to scale up through partnerships.

‘Over the next two years, we’d like to explore public-private partnerships. As I mentioned earlier, we’re looking at both medium-term and long-term proposals that we want to push forward in partnership with government and other stakeholders,’ Aboitiz shared.

The company’s move comes amid Cebu’s continuing water supply challenges, with increasing demand driven by rapid urban development and population growth.

In the same interview, Engr. Maria Nenita Jumao-as, executive director of the University of San Carlos Water Resources Center Foundation, Inc. (USCWRCFI), said: ‘Water is a very big issue. There are different phases, water supply, usage, and disposal. And wastewater treatment is one of the biggest concerns in Cebu today.’

According to Engr. Jon Paulo Siglos, president of the Federation of Accredited Professional Organizations of Region VII, said the lack of a centralized sewage system in Cebu remains a critical gap in the region’s water management framework.

‘We do have septage treatment, but it’s not enough. What’s the point of producing so much clean water if, in the end, it ends up polluting our rivers and seas? That’s why this is one of the priority for the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE),’ Siglos said.

Jumao-as said that if at least three large dams are being built, then that gap (water supply deficit) can be significantly reduced, and although it’s a big challenge, it’s not impossible.

However, Siglos added that the problem is not that there is no water at all, but rather insufficient infrastructure to treat, store, and distribute water efficiently including proper wastewater treatment.

The Cebu Water Summit 2025, themed ‘Taking the Challenge, Firming Up Actions NOW!’, brought together government, industry, academe, and civil society leaders to consolidate actions for Cebu’s water security through the IWRM-DEAP framework – Integrated Water Resources Management through Data Sharing, Education and Awareness, and Policy Advocacy.

IWRM-DEAP outlines the following key actions:

I – Institutionalize IWRM: Promote inter-LGU coordination and collaboration, create an IWRM Council, and identify water champions to drive local action;

D – Data Sharing: Establish an IWRM Knowledge Center and online portal for evidence-based decisions, integrating climate change data and research outputs;

E – Education and Awareness: Strengthen knowledge sharing, conduct trainings, workshops, and campaigns to build capacity and public understanding of water issues;

A – Advocacy: Pursue policies supporting unified water governance, including the proposed Department of Water to address fragmented mandates;

P – Partnership: Deepen collaboration among LGUs, NGAs, academe, private sector, and CSOs to ensure shared responsibility and long-term sustainability.

Supported by the Department of Science and Technology-7 (DOST-7) and partner institutions, the Summit reaffirmed Cebu’s collective commitment to ‘secure every drop’ through science-based and inclusive solutions.

Paris Olympian Aleah Finnegan, presently training in Manila, is confident that the Philippine staging of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships next month will further accelerate the promotion and development of the dynamic Olympic sport in the country.

‘I really think it is really important that our young girls will see high level gymnastics in the Philippines,’ said Finnegan, looking forward to the blue-ribbon junior gymnastics competition set for Nov. 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom located inside the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

‘Most of these young girls who may go into gymnastics just watching the athletes on TV or social media. But now we are actually bringing in high-level athletes to inspire and push them. It is the junior worlds, after all, so the athletes competing will be very talented,’ she noted.

A double gold medalist in the 2023 31st Southeast Asian Games, the comely athlete said that hosting the global elite junior gymnastics meet supported by the Office of the President and the Philippine Sports Commission is timely just a year since Carlos Edriel Yulo scored a historic gymnastics Olympic golden double in the French capital.

‘So the goal is that these Filipino athletes and gymnasts will be inspired once the gymnastics showcase gets going. We want to show the world that the Philippines is here to play,’ Finnegan said. ‘We don’t want to be overlooked and show we really are pushing for the sports of gymnastics.’

Fondly recalling that she started her own gymnastics journey at the young age of two, the gymnast was delighted that the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships will be held while she’s gearing for the next world seniors in Jakarta, Indonesia next month and the 33rd Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December.

‘I am actually really surprised that it is lined up well, and that I am here. I am really excited to be a part of it and help out the federation with whatever they need,’ she said.

At least one person has been reported dead due to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10.

The earthquake struck off 44 kilometers northeast of Manay, prompting state seismologists to issue a tsunami warning in several coastal areas. The area is still being affected by aftershocks.

The local government unit (LGU) of Davao City announced that ‘there is one confirmed fatality related to the earthquake incident.’

Local officials have already reached out to the family of the deceased to extend necessary aid.

Meanwhile, the LGU also said that they tended to 347 people who experienced fainting or sustained minor injuries. They are now in stable condition, they said.

The City Engineer’s Office and the Department of Public Works and Highways has assessed the Bankerohan Bridge, Bolton Bridge, Davao River Bridge and San Rafael Bridge.

‘No major structural damage was found. All four bridges are declared safe for vehicular traffic,’ the LGU said.

While the epicenter of the earthquake came from the sea, tremors were felt in parts of Mindanao and Visayas, primarily in the Davao region.

The earthquake-affected areas remain under red alert as search and rescue operations continue.

Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, is excited for its exclusive pre-order offers for the highly anticipated generation of iPhones-iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

From October 9 to 16, customers can secure their new iPhones and enjoy 0% interest for up to 24 months through Home Credit, making it its best offers to date.

Affordable daily installment rates:

iPhone Air – for as low as P76/day

iPhone 17 – for as low as P61/day

iPhone 17 Pro – for as low as P83/day

iPhone 17 Pro Max – for as low as P90/day

Why choose Home Credit?

Fast approval with just 1 valid ID

0% interest for up to 24 months

Pre-order made easy and accessible in all major Apple resellers nationwide

Home Credit Philippines continues to make premium devices more attainable for Filipinos. With its quick approvals and flexible installment plans, owning or upgrading to the latest generation iPhone has never been easier.

‘We’re honored to once again be part of bringing the latest generation of iPhones to the Filipinos.’ said Puneet Suneja, chief sales officer of Home Credit Philippines. ‘Filipinos have always had a strong affinity for iPhones, and we’re excited to continue making ownership easier and more affordable than ever.’

Customers can browse available units and store locations via Shoppingmall.ph, then proceed with pre-ordering at their preferred store.

Download the Home Credit App on Google Play or App Store for quick pre-approval or speak to a Home Credit sales representative at any partner store.

Actresses Janella Salvador and Klea Pineda sparked anew rumors between the two after photos of them trended online

On her X account, Janella posted sweet photos of her with Klea and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, her co-stars in Cinemalaya entry “Open Endings.”

“Ugh fine I’ll stop gatekeeping these photos,” Janella captioned the post of photos embracing Jasmine as she tagged the actress’ handle.

Klea was quick to respond on Janella’s post, replying with photos of her and Janella also hugging and teasing kisses on the cheek.

“Sige na nga ako din,” Klea wrote in her post. In reposting, Janella simply said “ay sus inunahan ako.”

It can be recalled that several Filipinos believed Janella was the reason for the breakup between Klea and ex-girlfriend Katrice Kierulf, which Janella has outright denied.

“Para lang maging klaro, sabi ko po magsasalita ako at the right time. Ito na yun. Hindi po ako part ng breakup. Hindi po ako third party. I’d like to exclude myself from that,” Janella said on the matter.

When asked what her relationship with Klea is, Janella said: “And ayun lang. Kung ano nakikita niyo ngayon, yun na yun. Nakikita niyo naman kung gaano ako kasaya.”

Shaina Nitura isn’t called the future of Philippine volleyball for nothing.

The young, athletic and energetic star gave a glimpse of what the future will bring as she helped power Adamson to a 25-19, 25-19, 25-14 victory over Far Eastern University and into the V-League Collegiate Challenge crown at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Friday.

Nitura teamed up with Nigerian Frances Mordi and fired 17 points against the latter’s 19 as the Lady Falcons dominated the Lady Tams in the deciding Game Three and sealed the series, 2-1.

The 20-year-old dynamo, however, was quick to defer credit to their collective team effort.

‘We stayed with each other and we solidified our relationship as a team,’ said the UAAP Rookie of the Year and former UAAP high school MVP.

The feat was a replication of the school’s feat in the Sports Vision-ran league after it reigned supreme six years ago when it was still called the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference and in 2010 under the banner of Shakey’s V-League.

‘We’re very happy and grateful because we’ve been together since high school,’ said Adamson coach JP Yude.

FEU came into the duel hoping to ride on the crest of its 25-13, 25-22, 15-25, 25-23 win in Game Two at the City of Dasmariñas Arena Wednesday that forced this rubber match.

But Adamson, which took the opener, 25-18, 26-24, 23-25, 25-23, at the same San Juan venue Monday, made sure it won’t make the same mistakes again and utterly decimated FEU on this one.

‘It (Game 2) turned out to be an eye-opener for us, especially for me since it taught me how I can lift up my team,’ said Nitura.

Good thing it did.

The overseas arm of telco giant PLDT Inc. has enhanced its partnership with emerging e-wallet stc Pay to provide digital and financial services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Bahrain.

PLDT Global Corp. yesterday said it has expanded its collaboration with Middle Eastern e-wallet stc Pay to simplify a number of digital and financial transactions for OFWs in Bahrain.

Through this, OFWs may now cash in directly to their Philippine e-wallets through stc Pay.

Further, the partnership allows OFWs to buy and send gift vouchers to their families and friends home. These services are powered by Vortex, the distribution platform of PLDT Global.

PLDT Global president and CEO Albert Villa-Real said the company has decided to scale up its partnership with stc Pay to bring digital convenience for OFWs in Bahrain. He said PLDT Global is working on more efforts for borderless solutions.

‘This partnership brings digital convenience to our fellow Filipinos abroad and positions PLDT Global as a trusted partner of financial technology leaders like stc Pay,’ Villa-Real said.

PLDT Global is firming up with stc Pay to deliver additional services under their partnership like content subscriptions via Pilipinas Live and mobile load top-ups.

The collaboration also seeks to provide OFWs access to Smart virtual number (SVN), a SIM-less Philippine mobile contact for overseas use.

The SVN allows OFWs to receive one-time passwords to authenticate online transactions in the Philippines. The SVN also enables users to make free calls to Hotline 1348 of the Department of Migrant Workers and 1343 of the Actionline Against Human Trafficking.

stc Pay Bahrain CEO Metin Zavrak said the partnership with PLDT Global would accelerate the expansion of the e-wallet’s subscribers. As of 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs estimates that there are 55,790 OFWs in Bahrain.

Diamond Star Maricel Soriano advised the Filipino youth to take care of their parents while they are still around.

During the media conference of her upcoming movie “Meet, Greet and Bye,” Maricel recalled a moment where she was greeted by millennials in a mall.

“Minsan marami akong nakakasalubong na mga bagets, mga babae naka-mini skirt sila, naka-bag sila at babatiin ako, nilalapitan ko, ‘alam ba ng mga magulang ninyo kung nasaan kayo ngayon? So, siyempre tumigil ang mga laughter, di ba? Seryoso sila bigla,” she shared.

The actress recalled telling them the importance of letting parents know of their whereabouts, “Kasi siyempre aandap-andap ang kalooban niyan, hindi alam kung sino ang kasama n’yo, nasaan kayo, at ano ang mga nangyayari sa inyo.”

Maricel also asked younger generations not to disregard their mothers in particular.

“Huwag n’yo naman dedmahin ang mga nanay n’yo. Isa lang naman ang hinihingi [nila] ibigay n’yo na,” Maricel said. “Sabi ko pa, alam ninyo darating ang panahon tatanda rin kayo magkakaroon kayo ng anak, magkakaroon kayo ng pamilya, gusto n’yo ba kung ano ang ginagawa ninyo ngayon ay gawin din sa inyo? Di ba hindi?”

She reiterated her plea not to snub or abandon one’s parents, instead take every effort to share one’s love for them.

“Walang magulang na nag-iisip ng pangit sa mga anak nila,” Maricel ended.

A family’s story of love, laughter, togetherness, and pain is poised to captivate audiences and tug hearts in the upcoming film “Meet, Greet and Bye” beginning November 12.

The film follows the heartwarming journey of the Facundo family led by Mama Baby (Maricel), who is diagnosed with cancer but refuses to undergo chemotherapy after losing hope of getting better.

Her four children, Tupe (Piolo Pascual), Brad (Joshua Garcia), Leo (Juan Karlos Labajo), and Geri (Belle Mariano) try to find and push for alternative treatment before time runs out for Mama Baby.