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Senate President Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian declined to discuss the personal details of his breakup with former girlfriend Bianca Manalo, saying his commitment to public service has shaped the direction of his career.

‘I will no longer address the personal aspect. But I love my country, I love the Philippines, I love our nation,’ Gatchalian said in Filipino on Monday, Oct. 19, when asked to respond to Manalo’s statement on the reason behind their separation.

‘When I entered public service, that really became the direction of my career. Sometimes, I struggle to balance it, even with family. But that is my commitment to the Filipino people,’ he told reporters.

Gatchalian’s remarks came after the actress discussed the reason behind their breakup, prompting questions about their separation.

Manalo, in an interview with Boy Abunda on Oct. 15, said Gatchalian was ‘more focused on taking care of the country.’

‘I understand that, Tito Boy, because he is very hardworking,’ she said.

‘It’s better that way, right, than for him to have other vices. His vice is making sacrifices and serving the Philippines. So, who am I to stop him?’ she added. ‘So, it’s okay. I’m happy for him, and I will forever support him.’

Manalo and Gatchalian had been together since 2018 before rumors of their separation emerged in 2025.

Their breakup was confirmed in 2026.

Have you ever thought of how you’ll die?

The hardest season of my life has always been the first half of each year.

It starts in January when the air’s still a little cold and still smells a little like Christmas, and ends in a warm, spring-like, sunny May.

Visually, it’s cinematic, especially if you are studying in a scenic rural university like mine. The plot twist, however, is in the in-between. The new year always replenishes my tank of hope and drains every ounce of negative and self-destructing energy in my system. But it’s one thing to start the year right and own your life, and another to sustain your hope tank while dealing with your circumstances.

The first five months of this year depleted my tank, and the source, aka my faith, is also running dry. Every single day comes with gut-wrenching news about my performance as a student, paired with constant reminders of how limited my resources are.

The anxiety of graduating later than my batchmates and whether the path I took will lead to the future I have always wanted, plus the guilt of not being able to help my family financially, are eating me alive as an eldest daughter and a dreamer.

Somehow, life goes on. The world will always be spinning; time does not stop running. No matter how you feel, you must keep moving. But somewhere in the middle of juggling my daily responsibilities, I felt empty and unmotivated. I ran out of enthusiasm to tackle the goals I have set for myself. Nothing brought me joy, not even the hobbies I genuinely enjoyed before.

With nowhere else to go and tap inspiration from, I dropped by the church one day after receiving consecutive heart-dropping exam results. I genuflected out of habit and sat down on one of the church pews at the back. I stared at the altar for a few minutes, trying to organize my thoughts and determine which one on my long list of worries I should prioritize praying for. I figured I needed to be very specific in asking for God’s help, but I didn’t know where to start. A few minutes passed and I finally knelt. With a shaking voice, I said, ‘God, I want to live.’

I felt tears coming out of my eyes, so I looked around to make sure no one was watching. A moment of silence followed. I cannot remember what I said next, but I know I ended that prayer with a desperate ‘Please, gusto ko mabuhay.’

Back then, I was not asking for my problems to be solved and for things to finally go my way. I just wanted to not give up. I just wanted assurance that I can make it through. Working with uncertainty, not knowing if what you’re doing is going to work out, can sometimes be tiring.

During times like this, we are always told to go back to our why. But there are certain situations in life, I believe, that do not require a grand, life-changing, and deep reason. Our why could be as simple as just wanting it. Why do you want to live? Because I want to live. Why do you continue down this path? Just in case it’s for me. Living and doing things do not always need profound justification.

When everything seemed to be going wrong, I found myself praying for strength and hope to carry on. When I said I wanted to live, I was not sure how God would do it for me. I did not know if He’s finally going to give me a scholarship or a part-time job to help my family financially. I did not know if He would allow me to ace the rest of my exams and end the semester successfully. I did not know if I would finally get out of the slump. I did not know if he would send people to help me. I did not know if things would get really good for me. But God woke me up every day.

I showed up in all my classes. I did not miss any of my exams. I spent time with my friends, whether at the library, on lunch breaks, or on dinner dates. My family is in good health. We managed to pay my dorm fees and other bills on time. My life was not eventful, but I was just grateful to live and see another day.

Because to exist means I can still try applying for other scholarships; I can attend classes and learn valuable things; I can call my Nanay and tell her about how difficult my exams were; I can enjoy the healthy and delicious meals that my Tatay cooks; I can witness my brother get into his dream school; I can remember and honor my late grandmother; I can listen to my friends talk about what they love; I can still work on my dreams.

I stopped searching for a grand explanation for every setback. These days, I still live with uncertainty and fear of the unforeseeable future. But I wake up every day with renewed hope, because to exist means I can try again.

In front of the biggest crowd the league had ever seen, Alpha Insurance newcomer Axel Van Book showed he belonged on the big stage.

Book rose to the occasion, helping the Protectors pull off a stunning 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 22-25, 16-14 upset of star-studded Savouge Spin Doctors for a winning start in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference before 13,180 fans at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena on October 10.

Despite the nerves of playing before a record crowd, the reigning NCAA MVP erupted for 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks while chipping in six excellent digs to lead Alpha Insurance’s rousing debut.

‘For me, this is the first time I’ve played in front of such a big crowd with so many people cheering. I’ve never experienced this before in tournaments here in Manila. So there’s definitely pressure, and at the same time, we really need to adjust,’ Book said in Filipino.

Book’s composure on the big stage translated into individual recognition, as the Protectors ace earned the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week award for October 10 to 17.

He bested Alpha Insurance teammates Reymark Betco and EJ Casana, Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia, Clearskiiin’s Klint Mateo, and Far Eastern University standouts Dryx Saavedra and Rhodson Du-ot for the weekly honor voted on by print and online reporters covering the league.

As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, tournament organizer Sports Vision integrated select Spikers’ Turf matches into the Premier Volleyball League schedule to bring the men’s game to a wider audience.

With the opportunity to showcase his skills before a bigger crowd, Book did not want the trip to Cebu to end in defeat.

‘That was the challenge for me. I felt the pressure at first, but I just fought through it because we couldn’t come all the way here and come away with a bad result,’ said Book, who earned his first call-up to Alas Pilipinas for the SEA V Cup over the summer.

‘For me, I’m really happy and grateful that our first game here was in Cebu. We were able to get the win, too. It was a great game, and we didn’t expect to adjust that well to the court and our system,’ he added.

Book and the rest of Alpha Insurance look to build on their strong start when they take on National University-Archipelago Builders on Thursday, 3 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Philippines must prepare for Super El Niño with urgency grounded in science. Waiting for reservoirs to shrink, crops to fail, and food prices to climb would turn a foreseeable threat into a deeper national crisis.

The danger also lies in how unevenly the crisis may be felt. Small farmers, low-income households, and communities with unreliable water supplies have fewer resources to cope with prolonged heat and drought. Preparing early is therefore a matter of social justice: those least able to absorb the losses must receive support first.

The World Meteorological Organization, in its monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update, warns that El Niño will intensify before peaking in December and could rank among the strongest witnessed since at least 1950. This naturally occurring phenomenon is expected to raise temperatures across much of the planet, compounding the effects of human-induced climate change. For the Philippines, preparedness must connect water security, agriculture, public health, and livelihoods.

President Marcos’ call for citizens to collect rainwater is timely. Government agencies and communities are also promoting water conservation and rainwater harvesting. However, households need practical support to turn these appeals into sustained action. Conservation must be matched by reliable infrastructure and responsible reservoir management.

First, make science the basis of every intervention. Policies and practices must be backed by data and developed in consultation with Pagasa meteorologists, hydrologists, agricultural specialists, and data scientists. Local governments should use regularly updated rainfall forecasts, reservoir levels, soil-moisture measurements, and crop assessments to guide decisions. Forecast uncertainty requires flexible planning; it should never become an excuse for inaction.

Second, secure water while protecting communities from floods. Authorities should optimize reservoir operations using forecasts and safety rules, repair distribution leaks, rehabilitate irrigation canals, and support household and community rainwater harvesting. Schools and public buildings can serve as collection sites. Storage systems must be covered and properly maintained, with collected water assigned appropriate uses.

Third, tailor agricultural responses to regional needs. I join Dr. Teodoro Mendoza’s call (‘Two phases, one crisis: Floods and drought under Super El Niño,’ 9/29/2026) that the projected flood-to-drought transition requires buffer stock systems in Luzon, diversified cropping in the Visayas, and emergency feed programs in Mindanao, rather than a single national approach. These priorities should be refined through provincial forecasts and consultations with farmers. Assistance must arrive before harvest losses force families into debt.

Lastly, demand measurable performance from the constituted El Niño Task Force. It must do its job well and with a clear sense of urgency. Publish agency responsibilities, implementation deadlines, funding releases, and local preparedness indicators. Establish triggers for emergency water delivery, farm assistance, and heat-protection measures.

I believe preparedness should be judged by water secured, livelihoods protected, and assistance delivered on time. Super El Niño demands a government that listens to scientists, acts on evidence, and reaches vulnerable communities before the crisis deepens.

College of Saint Benilde bundled out Mapua University with ease, 25-21, 25-14, 25-20, on Sunday to snag the final playoff berth in the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Setter Zen Basilio orchestrated the Lady Blazers’ balanced scoring and anchored the team’s net defense as Benilde closed the pool play with back-to-back wins for a 2-1 card.

That was good for second in Pool B behind leader University of Santo Tomas (2-0), which is still playing also-ran Jose Rizal University at press time.

The Lady Blazers, one of only two NCAA teams to advance, joined UAAP powerhouses like five-peat-seeking National U, Far Eastern and Adamson University in Pool E.

‘I think it’s definitely a challenge and one that we’re willing to take on,’ said Basilio, who dished out 10 excellent sets and scored all her four points on kill blocks.

‘Having this chance and opportunity to play against UAAP teams, that’s a big thing for us,’ Basilio added.

Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines, Letran and Ateneo make up Pool F for the second phase, a carry-over round where teams battle for two twice-to-beat bonuses per group.

It has been quite some time since I made a detour to my next-door neighbor, who is an expert in the field of adolescent medicine. Our discussions have always turned out to be quite colorful, and this was no exception. While we swung from one topic to another, both personal and work-related, the conversation eventually landed on concerns regarding the vulnerability of our youth and their mental health.

I have always turned to her for needed guidance, particularly on how to improve conversations with my adolescent and young adult patients. Admittedly, even if there is a template with which we can assess their psychosocial well-being and identify risk factors that may influence their behavior-better known to pediatricians as HEADSSS-which stands for H-home, E-education, E-eating, A-activities, D-drugs, S-sexuality, S-suicide, S-safety-I need to work at making those interactions more comfortable and fluid rather than sounding rigid and rehearsed. It is a learned skill and requires constant practice and extreme patience. From experience, I have found that the mention of food never fails to be a good jump-off point aside from touching on the latest trend, or knowing what the current and so-called ‘happening places’ are. The challenge is to get them interested enough to pursue the conversation with you and progress to that level wherein they voluntarily provide the needed information, which, as a physician, enables you to manage their concerns. And while I may be touching on a doctor-patient relationship, the ingredients to having that needed connection may also apply to parenting techniques.

How can you get your teen to be more engaged in your conversations or even to start one?

‘Allow them to be bored. Being bored is good for the adolescent.’ I was surprised by this remark and asked her to explain. She went on to describe how she has seen the wonders of applying this prescription to her patients by simply unplugging them from their phones. This detoxification allows them to be more creative about how to spend their time and come down from that dopamine rush brought about by digital engagement. Parents have validated the small successes gained from following her orders. The process has also led them to a renewed understanding of their child simply because there is no added distraction. In that period, both parties get the chance to know each other better, and for parents, it also provides the opportunity for self-assessment. How can we create a safe space that is essential in making a child feel loved, secure, seen, and heard? How well do we really know them?

If you are like me, who grew up in that era when parenting was more military and even punitive in nature, it takes a little bit of bending backward to embrace what is being taught to us on the way to positively bring up children. My friends, older colleagues, and I poke fun at ourselves and say we turned out to be functional, balanced adults despite all the rules we had to follow, but are quick enough to acknowledge that life was so much simpler then. At my age, I still am very much aware that my mother’s decisions still reign supreme. She has never been extremely verbose, but, together with my late father, made sure that we all had a firm grip on non-negotiables. While there is no formula, what I have observed that works well is having parents who are present for their children and who set clear boundaries and practice what they preach. I am not a fan of working toward being your child’s best friend because they still need to know who is in charge. In setting those boundaries, be clear about what you expect from them, express the reason behind it, most especially if it is a rule that can be a source of conflict or may endanger their safety. Be consistent. Speak in a calm and modulated tone and immerse yourself in the moment so that your child knows that they have your full attention. Employ active listening. Be mindful of your body language and theirs as well. Know that children are very sensitive to both verbal and non-verbal cues. My colleague has learned to bite her lip whenever she feels like counter-arguing or blaming, and extricates herself from a combustible situation by providing enough time for both of them to calm down. If a time-out is needed, call one. Find ways to show that you are responsive and open to a reasonable compromise. Be the one to provide the validation that they need, not in the form of false praise but by allowing them to find solutions for themselves instead of providing them. Sometimes it also helps to bring sensitive issues that can be a source of anxiety out in the open rather than avoiding them. In that way, you teach your child to cope and navigate their way through.

Last but not least, acknowledge if you or your child needs professional intervention. To ask for help is not a sign of weakness but is borne out of love and having the courage to set things right.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. is keeping a close watch on the government’s automotive policies, including those of the next administration, before deciding whether to expand local production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles or shift further towards electrified models.

According to Ritsu Imaeda, president of Mitsubishi Philippines, the carmaker’s next investments will depend largely on where government support is directed, although the company is keeping its options open for both technologies.

‘Are we going to go more for EVs, or are we going to go for ICE? We have plan A, B, C, D, E. Because it is very difficult [to predict] how the Philippines is going to change at the next government shift,’ Imaeda said.

‘We don’t have a concrete plan. We have to be flexible,’ he added.

Already, the country’s second-best-selling automotive brand is pursuing a proposed P7-billion investment to establish a hybrid electric vehicle assembly operation at its plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, under the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy.

Mitsubishi is targeting the start of production by mid-2028, with plans to export the locally assembled vehicles to other markets. If realized, the project would mark the first time the Japanese carmaker uses the Philippines as an automotive export hub.

Although the planned investment puts Mitsubishi ‘one step ahead’ in pursuing government incentives for electrified vehicle manufacturing, Imaeda clarified that the company remains open to additional investments in its ICE assembly operations.

The carmaker is also eyeing opportunities under the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement program.

Sean Ramos will come into the ICTSI South Pacific Championship of the PGT this week with renewed confidence as he seeks just his second win on local soil against the very best of the local crop in Davao.

Fresh from a win a couple of weeks ago in an Asian Development Tour stop in Egypt, the 22-year-old Ramos has thrown his hat into the South Pacific ring starting Tuesday and is listed as one of the players to beat in the 72-hole, P2.5-million championship most local pros are using to gear up for the Philippine Open next month.

Recently signed by BMW-RSA as one of its endorsers and having Angelo Que and Bong Lopez as game and swing coaches, Ramos brings further depth to the South Pacific field as he tries to win again since triumphing as a wide-eyed, 20-year-old rookie at Lakewood in Nueva Ecija in 2024.

‘It would be nice to win again,’ Ramos told the Inquirer over the phone on Sunday night as he prepared to board a flight back from Macau where he finished in a 15th-place tie in an Asian Tour event after closing out with a three-under-par 69.

‘Yeah, I like where my game is at right now,’ he went on. ‘I just hope that it’s enough for me to win.’

A follow-up title has proven elusive, as he went winless in 2025-a frustrating stretch that nevertheless fueled his determination to sharpen his game using a relentless work ethic.

Action at South Pacific will touch off a busy stretch for Ramos and several others in the PGT field as they play next week at tough Apo Golf before taking a short breather prior to tackling Philippine Open action at Manila Southwoods Masters.

‘This will be a good prep for the Open since it will both be very high-caliber events,’ Ramos said of the two Davao legs. ‘The competition there will be top-notch, for sure.’

The crack field will include defending champion Jeff Lumbo, the red-hot Rupert Zaragosa, Clyde Mondilla, Reymon Jaraula and Que, among others.

Mondilla has also been knocking on the door of a win this season, while Que is trending at the right time.

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) was among the organizations commended by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for its exemplary contribution to the region’s energy sector, particularly in its cooperation on nuclear energy technologies, information sharing, and capacity building.

Last July, AboitizPower signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. in Gyeongju, South Korea, to explore the potential applicability of nuclear energy technologies in the Philippines, including conducting joint pre-feasibility studies.

AboitizPower President and CEO Danel Aboitiz received the commendation during the 44th Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (Amem) at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila.

The AMEM gathers Asean energy leaders, industry representatives, and key stakeholders for high-level discussions, knowledge exchange, and regional collaboration.

TNT, the value brand of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has won a gold award at the recent SMARTIES Philippines for its network campaign under the Creator/Influencer/Celebrity Marketing (Impact Marketing) category. The SMARTIES Philippines is a marketing awards program that recognizes innovative and effective campaigns that demonstrate meaningful impact for brands and businesses.

Launched in February 2026, TNT’s award-winning campaign was developed with Ace Saatchi and Saatchi, with Wavemaker Philippines – WPP Media as the media agency. It featured paranormal expert and content creator Ed Caluag, who brought TNT’s network benefit to life through an entertaining story inspired by his popular ghost-hunting content.

The campaign tackled one of the most frustrating experiences for mobile users, network lag, by taking it into an unexpected setting: a haunted house.

Introducing paranormal investigator Ed Caluag

In the campaign video, Ed investigates paranormal activity while livestreaming his experience, only to have his encounters with the ghosts repeatedly interrupted by lag. The increasingly frustrated ghosts eventually turn the tables on Ed, creating a humorous way for TNT to highlight the importance of a responsive and reliable mobile connection.

The creative idea was built around TNT’s recognition for having the Best Mobile Latency in the Philippines in the Ookla Speedtest Awards, translating the technical benefit of low latency into a situation that audiences could easily understand and enjoy.

‘This recognition reflects how we continue to find fresh and engaging ways to bring TNT’s brand promise to life. By combining the authenticity and entertainment value of creator content with the strength of our network, we were able to turn a common frustration into a story that Filipinos could relate to and enjoy,’ said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and OIC for Smart.

Premiering on Ed Caluag’s own digital platforms, the campaign was subsequently amplified across Meta, Google, YouTube, and TikTok, generating over 659 million impressions and extending the campaign’s reach among mobile-first Filipinos.

Winning gold

The SMARTIES Gold adds to TNT’s growing body of work that combines its fun and entertaining brand personality with meaningful product and service messages. It also reinforces the value of collaborating with creators not simply as endorsers, but as partners in developing stories that can make technical benefits more accessible and relevant to consumers.

The award comes as TNT and Smart continue to roll out their 5G network across the country and earn recognition for their network performance. Ookla recently recognized Smart with the Best Mobile Video Experience award in the Philippines, further underscoring the network’s ability to deliver a smooth mobile experience for Filipinos who increasingly rely on their smartphones for video streaming, entertainment, and other digital activities.