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THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has already immobilized over P4 billion worth of assets linked to the alleged irregularities in flood control spending.

This was after AMLC secured its fourth freeze order from the Court of Appeals on Friday. The latest order covered 57 bank accounts, 10 real properties, and nine motor vehicles.

AMLC expects the latest valuation of frozen assets will increase as the flood control inquiry progresses.

‘These freezes are real actions that stop corruption,’ said AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew M. David. ‘Every peso frozen is a peso that cannot be used to sustain corruption.’

To date, the Court of Appeals has frozen a total of 1,620 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 163 motor vehicles, 40 real properties and 12 e-wallet accounts.

AMLC said the assets seized include high-value holdings such as a luxury compound in a prime urban district, multiple high-end vehicles, virtual currencies, and unit investment trust funds.

The Council said it remains committed to tracing financial links to public sector anomalies.

Last Tuesday, AMLC received a new freeze order from the CA bringing the total value of the frozen assets to P2.9 billion.

In a statement, the new freeze order covered a total of 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallet accounts, 24 insurance policies, 81 motor vehicles and 12 real-estate properties.

With the latest freeze order, the AMLC through the CA has frozen a total of 1,563 bank account; 54 insurance policies; 154 motor vehicles; and 30 real estate properties. The latest freeze order is the first time the AMLC included electronic wallets.

Earlier, David said AMLC’s petition cited corruption-related offenses, such as violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation, according to David.

Under the freeze order, banks will now look into their systems and determine the amounts stored in the bank accounts, which will then be reported to the AMLC, David said.

Moreover, the freeze order is a step toward the filing of appropriate civil and criminal cases, including the retrieval of any funds moved before the freeze, against those found to have laundered illicit proceeds, David added.

The freeze order will only be lifted if the owners of the bank accounts will file a motion to lift the effects of the freeze order over their accounts or assets.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Brooke’s Point District Jail joined the nationwide observance of Filipino Elderly Week, highlighted by wellness and support activities for senior citizen Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

With the theme ‘Embracing Age: Living a Life with Dignity and Purpose,’ the celebration featured the hanging of an official tarpaulin, a zumba dance session, a feeding program, and the distribution of vitamins to promote the health and well-being of elderly PDLs.

A total of 22 senior citizen PDLs benefitted from the initiative, which aimed to honor their contributions and emphasize the importance of treating them with dignity and compassion.

BJMP Mimaropa spokesperson Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo said the celebration highlights the bureau’s commitment to the care of senior citizens under its supervision.

‘This celebration affirms BJMP’s commitment to programs that safeguard the health, dignity, and well-being of PDLs, most especially our senior citizens,’ Anglo said.

Filipino Elderly Week is observed every first week of October under Proclamation 470, which recognizes the role of senior citizens in nation-building and promotes their overall well-being.

Gardening tools are evolving to incorporate technology-including artificial intelligence-to help us keep plants healthier, avoid unpleasant tasks and even grow crops indoors over winter. And we can use them without losing the stress-relieving, analog benefits that nature provides.

Here are just a few examples:

Mowing

IF you don’t enjoy mowing the lawn, you can buy a robot that will do it for you. Many self-guided mowers, like the Segway Navimow, Husqvarna Automower, the Sunseeker X7 and others, will handle the task on a schedule, run quietly, then return to a charging station without human intervention (beyond setup). And many can be controlled with a mobile app.

Some autonomous lawn mowers use AI technology to adapt to your grass’ growth. Sensors reroute them around pets, children, patio tables and garden decor.

Monitoring and caring for plants

Unsure about whether your plants need watering or are getting sufficient sunlight? There are apps for that. If you’re a busy type who could use watering, fertilizing, pruning and repotting reminders, apps like Planta or Plant Parent can help keep you on track. Provide info on an individual plant or create an inventory of all your green friends, and it will tailor a schedule for each, then notify you when it’s time to provide those maintenance tasks.

Physical monitoring devices can take things a step further. A gadget like FloraPod, for example, when plunged into soil-indoors or out-will send your phone real-time details about moisture levels, humidity, temperature and light exposure, plus care recommendations for thousands of plant species.

Hydroponics and beyond

So-called smart gardens are self-watering, self-fertilizing and self-lighting units that enable users to grow herbs and vegetables indoors year-round.

They’re available in a variety of sizes to accommodate a single plant or even dozens. Some, like Gardyn and AeroGarden, rely on soil-less hydroponic systems; others, like the Click and Grow system, use pods filled with traditional growing media.

THERE is no doubt that the internet played a big part in drag becoming mainstream in the Philippines. It is now a cultural phenomenon and source of entertainment, aside from being a political statement about gay rights and human rights in general.

Drag artists don’t just perform in gay bars and clubs. They are everywhere, from the Araneta Coliseum to beauty and fashion events. Their faces can be seen in the campaigns of global brands.

Filipino drag artists are now known across the region and around the world as great performers and queens.

Precious Paula Nicole, who won Drag Race Philippines Season 1, recently took on the role of Sampaguita in the short film Lip Sync Assassin and bagged the Best Lead Performance award in the 2025 CinePride Film Festival in Los Angeles, California.

Jon Galvez, the film’s director, also got the Best Director award in the festival, which was a celebration of LGBTQIA+ stories, highlighting queer artists and filmmakers on a global stage. This year’s films featured international drag legends BenDelaCreme, Monét X Change, and Jinkx Monsoon.

In Lip Sync Assassin, Precious Paula Nicole plays Sampaguita, a drag queen who moonlights as a hired assassin to provide for her daughter, her sick mother, and her drag children.

Galvez, even when he was writing the script, always thought that Nicole would be perfect for the movie.

‘Complex nga ‘yung character ni Sampaguita

pero kailangan puno siya ng puso kasi willing siyang

ibigay ang lahat lahat para sa pamilya. And meron din

akong nakitang parang magic kay Precious even when I was following her career in Drag Race na ‘yun eh all heart lagi ang binibigay niya [I followed Precious’

areer since Drag Race and I saw this magic in her. I knew she had heart and that’s what is needed to play this role].’

In a mediacon and special screening for Lip Sync Assassin, Precious revealed that she manifested the opportunity and got the call from Galvez two weeks later.

‘Kasi siyempre hiniling ko siya eh, so bakit ko siya tatanggihan? Tsaka may nakapagsabi kasi sa akin na friend ko na kapag may in-offer sa iyo, huwag kang magno-no. Dapat laging yes, kasi hindi naman daw ibibigay sa iyo kung di mo kaya. Kung iyan, pag nandiyan ka na, kapag di mo kaya, di bahala ka na [I manifested it so I said yes. A friend once told me to never say to job offers. Also, I think it wouldn’t have been offered to me if I could not do it].’

For Precious, acting is not just a new channel for her to show her talent and artistry but a path toward a different journey.

‘To be honest po, nung nailabas na itong Slaysian Royal ng mga kapatid ko, ng mga Divine Divas [Viñas Deluxe and Brigiding] parang naka-feel ako na parang baka mamaya left out ako, alam mo yun?

‘Parang, baka makalimutan na po ng mga tao kasi may panibago ng show na inaabangan. So noong nag-episode one na, napi-feel ko talaga siya na parang, ‘Ay, hindi na ako yung priority ng mga fans kasi siyempre wala naman ako dun sa show.’ Pero siyempre, hindi ko naman siya tini-take as negative.

‘Kumbaga, parang sabi ko nga na tapos na siguro yung time ko to show my talent sa drag kasi parang, ayun na, naipanalo ko na siya [I honestly felt a bit left out because of Slaysian Royale but I didn’t take it negatively. Instead, I saw it as a sign for me to explore other opportunities].’

With drag queens now landing major endorsement deals and starring in mainstream television commercials, films and TV shows, what’s next?

In a previous interview with GMA Network, drag queen Brigiding attributes the rise of drag in the Philippines to the pandemic.

‘It was when all of us lost our jobs, so we started performing through livestreams. The move to online allowed drag to become more accessible to Filipinos, unlike before, when drag was only seen in nightclubs.’

So, yes, drag has come so far in the Philippines but there is still a long road ahead for our beloved drag performers.

THE House of Representatives on Friday wrapped up plenary deliberations on the proposed P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB) for 2026, hailing it as the ‘best and cleanest’ national budget that prioritizes programs aimed at directly uplifting the lives of Filipinos.

House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing assured the public that the chamber is committed to ensuring that the 2026 national budget remains people-centered, transparent, and accountable.

‘We will make sure-in the House of Representatives-that the 2026 budget will be responsive to the needs of the Filipino people, transparent, and clean,’ Suansing said.

The House concluded plenary deliberations on the 2026 budgets of government agencies just past midnight on Friday.

The House Minority Leader is expected to deliver the traditional turno en contra on the proposed 2026 national budget this Monday.

She stressed that the budget priorities reflect the urgent needs of the population, highlighting investments in education, agriculture, health, job creation, and livelihood programs.

‘Our goal is to make it a human-centered budget. That is why our priority is education, agriculture, health, job creation, and livelihood. We want to improve the quality of life of every Filipino. That is what we pray will be the result of the budget we will pass,’ she added.

Suansing also expressed confidence that the measure will gain full support from the chamber.

‘With the help of the whole House and the collective wisdom of all its members, I am confident that we will be able to pass the best budget for 2026-one that truly responds to the needs of our people,’ she said.

Suansing stressed that the budget is not merely a policy document but a ‘backbone of fiscal policy’ and a reflection of government priorities.

Despite these challenges, she said the 2026 spending plan is anchored on a sound macroeconomic framework crafted by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), projecting 6.0 to 7.0 percent GDP growth, inflation of 2.0 to 4.0 percent, a fiscal deficit of 5.3 percent of GDP, and a sustainable debt-to-GDP ratio of 61.8 percent by end-2026.

Suansing highlighted the redirection of P255 billion initially earmarked for flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to essential services such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare. The DPWH’s allocation was reduced from P881.3 billion to P625.7 billion, while education received P1.17 trillion, the largest in Philippine history. Healthcare will get P409.8 billion plus an additional P89.3 billion from realignments, and social welfare programs, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), will receive P59.1 billion to help about 5.9 million Filipinos.

Agriculture is allocated P284.13 billion, including P41.09 billion for farm-to-market roads, irrigation, post-harvest facilities, and crop insurance. Under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk program, one million beneficiaries will receive P7,000 each. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program will be doubled to P26.96 billion to assist 4.9 million displaced or disadvantaged workers.

The period of amendments and second reading approval will be on October 10.

In pushing for amendments, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, wants the DPWH to cancel or re-price P1.6 trillion worth of ongoing and planned projects. Leviste said this could save the government P400 billion, which could be redirected to health and education programs next year. He cited the recent termination of a P95.99-million flood control project in Lemery, Batangas, as an example of how DPWH can enforce cost efficiency under existing procurement laws.

Under the Government Procurement Reform Act (RA 9184) and DPWH contract rules, projects can be terminated ‘for convenience’ if they become economically, financially, or technically impractical-or unnecessary-due to changes in law or government policy, without penalty to the government. Contracts may also be terminated for unlawful acts, such as corruption, fraud, use of substandard materials, or collusive practices.

Leviste noted that the Lemery case demonstrates how DPWH can use these provisions.

‘After all the hearings and protests against corruption in DPWH, there are still over P1 trillion in ongoing projects and another P600 billion in upcoming projects that DPWH can act on,’ Leviste said.

Meanwhile, the House is expected to approve the 2026 General Appropriations Bill on third and final reading by Monday, October 13. Once passed, it will be transmitted to the Senate, after which a bicameral conference committee will reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions.

Suansing said bicameral sessions will be public.

The 2026 national budget is 7.4 percent higher than the enacted FY 2025 budget of P6.326 trillion and carries the theme ‘Agenda for Prosperity: Nurturing Future-Ready Generations to Achieve the Full Potential of the Nation.’ Anchored on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, it aims to prioritize education, healthcare, social protection, and food security.

Speaking just past midnight on Friday, Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III lauded the collective effort that ensured the budget deliberations were both open and comprehensive.

‘Our people can be assured that our process will remain open and transparent,’ Dy said. ‘When I was elected Speaker, I said we would ensure that every centavo allocated in the budget to every agency would match the needs of our people. We will continue to work together to pass an open, orderly, and clean budget.’

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) on Wednesday led the launch of the 2025 Elderly Filipino Week with the rolling out of simultaneous activities and service caravans across the country to honor the contributions of senior citizens.

NCSC spokesperson Loraine Cerillo Valdevieso said the annual celebration is mandated under Proclamation No. 470 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos to recognize the role of the elderly in nation-building.

‘The celebration started very early with masses nationwide, followed by a walk for life and service caravans with DSWD, PhilHealth and PSA to deliver services for senior citizens,’ Valdevieso said in a news release.

As part of this year’s celebration, Valdevieso said the NCSC is also strengthening its partnership with the Department of Tourism to train seniors as accredited community tour guides.

‘This gives our senior citizens an opportunity to remain part of the tourism sector. They undergo a seven-day training to become accredited tour guides in Intramuros,’ she said.

The program aims to replicate the Intramuros model in other priority tourism areas nationwide, allowing senior citizens to serve as storytellers of history.

Valdevieso also urged young Filipinos to assist their elderly family members in joining the activities.

‘It is important for the youth to help senior citizens so we can strengthen intergenerational relationships,’ she said.

The Elderly Filipino Week, initiated during the Ramos administration, sought to raise awareness about the issues facing the elderly and to celebrate their contributions to society. The effects on Filipino seniors include:

Increased awareness and recognition: The week highlights the importance of the elderly in Filipino culture, fostering respect and appreciation for their life experiences and wisdom.

Social engagement: Activities organized during this week encourage social interaction among seniors. These events often include seminars, workshops, and recreational activities that promote community involvement.

Access to resources: Various government and non-government organizations take this opportunity to provide information about available services and benefits for seniors, such as healthcare, pensions, and social services.

Advocacy for rights and welfare: The week serves as a platform for advocating the rights and welfare of the elderly, addressing issues such as elder abuse, healthcare access, and financial security.

Intergenerational bonding: Events often encourage interaction between the elderly and younger generations, fostering understanding and respect. This helps to strengthen family ties and community bonds.

Promotion of healthy living: Health-related activities and discussions are common, emphasizing the importance of active lifestyles and wellness among seniors, which can lead to improved physical and mental health.

Overall, the Elderly Filipino Week has contributed positively by enhancing the visibility of senior citizens, promoting their rights, and encouraging a supportive community environment.

This year, the Elderly Filipino Week will run until October 7 with simultaneous events in all regions.

THAILAND’S leading business conglomerate Siam Cement Group (SCG) continues its long-standing commitment to education as it awarded scholarships to 290 deserving students in the 17th year of its ‘Sharing the Dream’ program.

Since its inception in 2008, the program has been a cornerstone of SCG’s corporate social responsibility efforts, providing essential educational assistance to underprivileged yet promising students across the regions where the company operates-including countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Lao PDR.

This year’s theme ‘Green Generation’ highlighted the program’s strong belief that every person’s potential matters, and that education is the key to building a stronger, more sustainable nation.

SCG Country Director Jirasak Kaewubol echoed the theme by saying that ‘we believe in the value of individuals, [and that] building human capital is the most important, which we achieve through education and upskilling people. That is what we have been doing for so many years.’

The official turnover ceremony on September 12 at Acacia Hotel-Manila saw 250 high-school students and 40 college learners from Batangas, Manila, Bulacan, and Taguig receiving their scholarships.

The high schoolers were awarded individual educational assistance packages of P12,000 each, while their collegiate counterparts were given P20,000 annually to support their educational journeys.

Privilege and commitment

FOR 17 years, Sharing the Dream has awarded over 4,000 scholarships in the Philippines. This enduring commitment is rooted in a meticulous selection process that carefully chooses students for whom the scholarships will be instrumental stepping stones toward their dreams.

High-school applicants must maintain an average grade of 85 percent or higher, with no grade below 80 percent. Meanwhile, those in college must maintain a general weighted average of at least 1.75.

Enlisters are also required to demonstrate active participation in non-academic and extracurricular activities.

An SCG scholarship alumnus, Ma. Jesiery Rose F. Guevarra knows this process well, having received scholarships from SCG for both her high school and college education. They have helped achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.

‘It’s important [that you are] true to yourself for them to see the genuineness of your heart,’ Guevarra advised. Showing eagerness, she added, is crucial for SCG to see an applicant’s true intentions and promise.

Guevarra, who benefited from the program’s support, describes the scholarship as ‘a fuel of my dreams.because when you know there’s someone willing to help you, that’s when you push forward to dream more.’

Similarly, former SCG scholar Ma. Theressa F. Orbeta, who received support for eight years and is now an employee of the company, highlighted the program’s holistic approach: ‘SCG doesn’t just help us financially; we gradually discover ourselves and realize our dreams.’

Orbeta further emphasized the program’s focus on personal growth beyond financial assistance: ‘I also experienced collaboration and socializing activities with other scholars.’

‘Through these [scholars], we learned about their stories and also gained emotional intelligence,’ said Ambassador Makawadee Sumitmor. ‘The Royal Thai Embassy really appreciates the initiative of SCG. It also [promotes] people-to-people connections, which I think is very important and is a strong foundation for every policy that the government would like to move forward with.’

Partnership for uplifting lives

THE partnership between SCG and the Department of Education (DepEd) is a powerful one, as highlighted by Education Department director Atty. Amorsolo R. Camara Jr.: ‘We [are seeing] through the high-school students that it was not only the material things that were brought in, but actually the confidence that empowers them. That actually changes not only their lives, but the lives of their families and communities as well.’

Atty. Camara further elaborated on the broader impact of this collaboration: ‘This partnership brought not only the resources of SCG, but also a sense of solidarity between our two countries.’

The DepEd official believes the program demonstrates global friendship and industry collaboration significantly strengthening a nation’s education system: ‘SCG’s presence in our communities shows that the challenges of poverty and inequality can be confronted not just by the Philippines, but with our partners.’

Drawing on its 17-year history of providing educational support in the Philippines, ‘Sharing the Dream’ continues to champion the next generation of Filipino leaders. The initiative goes beyond financial aid as it strategically invests in students from select areas by providing comprehensive assistance, fostering strong character, and encouraging active community participation.

FOR the past three years I’ve been waking up to my dad’s Spotify playlist, which he blasts daily from our JBL PartyBox 310. It’s become our little way of getting back at the neighbors who run a repair shop and keep their noise going almost 24/7, not to mention their questionable taste in music. A bad playlist is painful enough-but blast it on terrible tinny speakers at max volume, and it becomes absolute torture.

At least when The Carpenters, Air Supply, David Pomeranz, or Kenny Rogers play through the JBL PartyBox 310, they sound like they’re performing live-and still alive-in our living room. I even picked up a JBL PartyBox 120 for my room, mainly because they released a white version that fit perfectly into my setup’s aesthetic. No explanation needed there.

This year though, I added the JBL PartyBox 520 to my collection. With me living solo for the next few years, I’ll be needing a loud companion, and this seemed like the right one to carry me through my specially made ‘senti’ playlist.

GETTING THE PARTYBOX STARTED

SINCE the first PartyBox hit the market around 2019, JBL has been setting the tone-literally-for backyard barbecues, basement jams, and impromptu karaoke nights. The formula has always been clear: take a powerful sound system, give it personality with built-in lights, add wireless connectivity, and wrap it in a rugged, portable shell. Throw in a set of wheels, and you’ve got something that doesn’t just sit in the corner-it takes over the room.

Despite the flood of fakes and copycats on the market, when you see the word PartyBox, you know JBL isn’t building speakers for background music.

These speakers are designed to be the centerpiece, booming sound and flashing lights until an ordinary gathering feels like a mini-festival. The JBL PartyBox 520 carries all of that DNA but refines it in ways that make it feel like the most well-rounded entry in the lineup.

Sitting neatly between the lighter PartyBox Stage 120 and 320 and the heavyweights like the PartyBox 710 and PartyBox Ultimate, it strikes the balance many have been waiting for. It’s still portable enough to move around, powerful enough to thrive outdoors, and packed with the modern connections today’s listeners expect. In many ways, it feels like JBL’s most balanced PartyBox yet.

DESIGN BUILT FOR MOVEMENT

THE JBL PartyBox 520 is not shy about its size. At 25.5 kilos-or 56 pounds-it’s hefty and chunky, but JBL makes the weight manageable with a telescopic handle and a pair of rugged wheels. You won’t be carrying it up stairs with ease, but rolling it around feels as natural as towing luggage.

The design remains familiar: a tall, tower-style body with a sturdy grille that hides two 7.5-inch woofers and a pair of tweeters. Behind that grille, LEDs pulse and shift in sync with the music. Six lighting presets are built in, ranging from Rock to Chill, but the customization goes deeper through the JBL PartyBox app. And for those moments when you don’t need a disco in your living room, the lights can be switched off entirely with a single button.

Durability is always a concern with gear designed for outdoor use, and JBL covers that base with an IPX4 splash-resistant rating. A little rain or a tipped drink won’t be enough to shut the party down.

EASY CONTROLS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

PART of the PartyBox appeal has always been its approachable controls, and the JBL PartyBox 520 keeps that spirit intact while polishing the experience. The top panel is laid out with two large knobs for lighting and volume, while smaller buttons handle playback, pairing, and the ever-popular Bass Boost.

Bass Boost, by the way, comes in two distinct flavors: deep and punchy. The difference is subtle but effective, letting you lean into chest-thumping lows for EDM tracks or sharpen the kicks for rock and acoustic sessions. It’s these small touches that make the Partybox 520 more adaptable to different moods and genres.

The PartyBox 520 also shines when it comes to microphones. A dedicated control cluster allows you to adjust mic volume, bass, treble, and echo-essentially turning the speaker into a mini mixing board for karaoke, speeches, or even jamming with an instrument. Add in three programmable DJ effect buttons, and the unit encourages more than just passive listening-it invites you to perform, play, and interact with the music.

CONNECTIVITY: AURACAST READY

THE JBL PartyBox 520 takes the basics like Bluetooth and aux-in, and upgrades them with a set of features that feel truly future-proof.

Instead of simple quarter-inch inputs, JBL equips the PartyBox 520 with dual XLR/quarter-inch combo jacks, opening the door to more professional and flexible setups. This means you can plug in a guitar, a microphone, or even a small DJ console without hassle. The dated USB-A port from earlier models is gone, replaced with a USB-C port that not only charges your device but also supports high-quality audio playback directly.

Then there’s Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast, the newest wireless standard that allows a single PartyBox to broadcast to multiple devices simultaneously. Traditional Bluetooth was always one-to-one; now you can essentially run a network of JBL PartyBoxes, all synced up and pushing the same sound across a larger space. It’s a massive step forward for wireless audio sharing.

SERIOUS POWER AND BATTERY LIFE

PORTABILITY isn’t just about wheels. It’s about whether the speaker can keep the music alive off the grid. JBL rates the PartyBox 520 at up to 15 hours of playback under moderate use. That’s a little less than the Stage 320’s 18 hours, but the trade-off is logical-400 watts of power draws more energy.

The real advantage is the swappable battery system. Instead of being tied to a single rechargeable pack, you can keep a spare on hand, ready to swap in if the music starts to fade. Charging a pack takes about three hours, and a 10-minute quick charge is enough to add roughly two more hours of playtime. For camping trips, road parties, or any situation where power outlets aren’t guaranteed, this flexibility is exactly what keeps the party going.

On paper, the JBL PartyBox 520 brings 400 watts RMS output, a frequency range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz, and that dual woofer-tweeter setup. In practice, it’s a speaker built for the outdoors and can fill large spaces with authority. Indoors, it might need a bit of fine-tuning, but that’s where the app comes in handy.

JBL adds AI Sound Boost, a feature that analyzes audio signals in real time to minimize distortion and push more volume out of the system without breaking up. Paired with the app’s 7-band EQ, the PartyBox 520 gives you plenty of control to shape the sound. From dance tracks that demand low-end punch, to rock anthems that rely on strong mids, to vocal-driven sets where clarity is everything, the Partybox 520 has the range to handle it all. And if one unit isn’t enough, you can pair two for true stereo or link multiple JBL speakers together for wider coverage.

Beyond tweaking the EQ and lighting, the app unlocks DJ pads, lets you play with sound effects, and manages speaker connections. It’s also where firmware updates are delivered, ensuring the unit stays fresh with new features and improvements over time.

THE AUV OF PARTY SPEAKERS

TO see where the JBL PartyBox 520 belongs, you have to look at the rest of the lineup. If the Stage 120 is the compact option, the 320 is the everyday sedan, and the PartyBox 710 is the full-sized SUV built for sheer power.

The JBL PartyBox 520 sits squarely in the middle-not too small, not overblown, but calibrated to deliver power, portability, and the right mix of modern features, like your trusted AUV.

It isn’t the flashiest or the biggest of the PartyBox line, but personally I think it is the one that makes the most sense. With enough muscle to power an outdoor crowd, the flexibility of swappable batteries and pro-level inputs, plus the convenience of a design you can still wheel around, the JBL PartyBox 520 feels less like a compromise and more like the model that gets the balance right. The JBL Partybox 520 is priced at ?42,999 but is currently on a discounted price of ?36,549 at several retailers.

China has a long, storied past. Emperors over the centuries have built monuments and palaces that exemplify their wealth, power, and influence. The imperial court would hold audiences, make announcements, or simply lock itself in the comfort of its palace. Fast forward to today, and these palaces are now museums that provide visitors with a glimpse of imperial life.

The Summer Palace in Beijing

Beijing is a busy metropolis. You’ll find numerous skyscrapers, commercial centers, hotels, and an urban sprawl that matches any other big city in the world. It has a charming mix of old and new that attracts tourists from everywhere. However, outside the capital is a getaway destination that I could imagine the imperial court going to. The place I’m referring to is none other than the Summer Palace.

The Summer Palace combines the beauty of nature and ingenious architecture. It combines gardens, landscaping, temples, pavilions, and palaces wherein the imperial family can relax and unwind. This architectural and design masterpiece dates to 1750. An extensive restoration took place in the late 19th century to restore its former glory after the ravages of a war in the mid-19th century.

The Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with significant cultural and historical value. Emperors and their royal court have used the palace in a variety of ways such as for recreational activities, administrative, and even spiritual purposes. As I explored the vast complex, I can understand why it has many functions. The views of the lakes, manicured gardens and landscaping create an ideal place to contemplate and reflect. Despite being a popular tourist attraction, you can find quite a few spots where you can get away from the crowds. You can imagine the emperor or empress admiring the landscape or taking a stroll in one of the halls. Some notable places in the palace include the Tower of the Fragrance of Buddha, Kunming Lake, and the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity.

You can spend an entire day here walking along its halls, checking out the views, or hanging out in one of the gardens. It’s an ideal place to get away from Beijing’s concrete jungle.

Escape to Chengde’s Mountain Resort and Outlying Temples

After visiting Beijing’s most recognizable landmarks and historic monuments, from the Great Wall to the Forbidden Palace, I looked for another noteworthy destination. I decided to visit the Mountain Resort of Chengde. I booked round trip train tickets and was off to discover another city in China.

The Summer Palace in Beijing impressed me, but when I explored Chengde’s Mountain Resort, I was equally fascinated. The Qing Dynasty used the Mountain Resort as their Summer Palace. Construction took several decades to finish, from the early 18th century to the late 18th century. Its similar in a way to the Summer Palace because it blends the beautiful landscape with man-made structures. I saw various temples, pavilions and gardens with a lake or the hills as their backdrop.

The Mountain Resort isn’t just a place for contemplation and relaxation; it also played an important role in administering the border regions. The imperial court received foreign envoys and ethnic groups’ leaders at the resort during their visit. They had temples built in the outlying areas of the resort. The harmonious blending of architecture, culture, and historical value has earned the resort and its outlying temples a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The resort has multiple scenic walking paths that take you through its pavilions, halls, and gardens. You can also check out the viewpoints that provide overlooking views of the beautiful landscape, rock formations, and temples. The serene atmosphere is in stark contrast to Beijing’s hustle and bustle.

The most spectacular temple I saw was the Putuo Zongcheng Temple. It dates to the 18th century and is referred to as the ‘Little Potala Palace’ because it resembles its counterpart in Tibet. Perched on a mountain, the main temple dominates the landscape while smaller buildings and pagodas zigzag their way down the side until the gate. Another noteworthy religious attraction in Chengde is Puning Temple. It also dates to the 18th century and blends Tibetan and Han architectural designs. The Mahayana Hall is a highlight because you’ll see the more than 22m high Arya Avalokiteshavra statue inside.

Chengde might not be on the list of most popular attractions in China. However, it’s worth a side trip from Beijing, if you’re interested to see a different part of the country. I would recommend spending more than a day because of the number of temples you can visit and the vastness of the resort. The natural and cultural landscapes and fresh air are a welcome respite from the big city’s urban sprawl.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that survivors and families who lost their loved ones in the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in northern Cebu will not be charged for any hospitalization costs.

This was made possible through the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Herbosa said, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to all concerned government agencies to give the needed assistance to the victims of the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Marcos thanked the health-care workers, first responders, and volunteers who provided essential care to the victims.

‘Patuloy din ang pagbibigay ng atensyong medikal sa mga pasyenteng nailikas mula sa loob ng mga ospital nang maramdaman ang lindol,’ Herbosa said.