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Brovage Clinic, a new men’s health clinic in Metro Manila, is striving to put an end to the notion that sexual health is a taboo topic, especially for men.

The clinic, located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, has been operating on a soft opening for the past couple of months now, making its grand opening as September draws to a close.

Minimally Invasive Urologist Frederick Mendiola owns and heads the clinic, aided by two Singaporean doctors, Alan Tan and Aivee Clinic’s Z’Shen Teo, and a number of specialists in different fields.

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Dr. Mendiola explained that the clinic specializes in mostly sexual dysfunction in men.

Erectile dysfunction is the main issue under this topic, but other focuses are premature ejaculation, problems with desire and libido, and mismatched testosterone levels.

“It’s actually a one-stop shop for men,” the doctor summarized briefly, adding the clinic also offers longevity and lifestyle medicine, all of them certified by country’s Food and Drug Administration and health department.

As an urologist, Dr. Mendiola is very much aware that many people suffer from sexual dysfunction, and most men do not seek consultation because sexual health remains taboo in Philippine society.

“85% of men who suffers from erectile dysfunction will not seek consult. Maybe because of shyness, machismo, and it’s sort of a stigma,” the doctor said. “We still have the stigma because of society natin, traditions, and our Roman Catholic belief.”

That is why architectural designer JJ Acuña designed the clinic to appear spa-like, complete with a bar near the corner, so that patients will feel relaxed in a safe space.

“We would like them to feel that it’s a discreet institution that they can go to anytime, na hindi sila mahihiya,” Dr. Mendiola added.

Dr. Mendiola acknowledged that another reason why men do not address sexual health is the lack of spaces to do so, reiterating that many want to preserve this macho image they have of themselves.

With the help of media platforms, social media and other health advocates, the clinic wants to educate the public about sex and it’s importance in people’s lives.

The doctor pointed out that sex gives longevity as it prevents long-lasting or long-term illnesses, on top of it being made pleasurable for human beings thus adding to quality of life.

“This is the best place to go. Kasi kita mo naman, tahimik, tago, maraming alak!” Dr. Mendiola quipped. “So we want it to be relaxed, unlike other clinics.”

He did explain choosing a BGC location since his partner Dr. Teo has numerous clinics in the area, and they want to target first the A Market.

This as the machines and treatment options needed for sexual health can be costly, although the doctor did express hopes more people would be able to access such remedies.

“Eventually, pag dumami na nang dumami ang ganitong clinics, and then of course by law of supply and demand, bababa na rin yung pricing ng gamot at machines, and hopefully maging available to the mass market,” Dr. Mendiola ended.

Donning sharp, colorful corporate ‘girl boss’ outfits for their sashing ceremony, the 15 candidates of Mrs. Cebu-Philippines 2025 each have their reasons for joining the pageant for married women, single mothers, and older women.

Among them is Jesusa Lopez from Talisay City-South, the oldest contestant at 69, who was named Darling of the Press during the September 27 press conference at Teatro Casino, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Joining the competition fulfills her long-held dream of joining a beauty tilt.

‘At my age, I want to enjoy myself,’ she said. ‘I want to encourage and inspire women that whether they are single or separated, we are strong even though we don’t have a husband.’

In contrast, Princess Devalgue of Cebu City-North is the youngest at 24 and a mother of two.

‘I was told that young mothers my age don’t usually have opportunities, and people think we are just wasted goods,’ she said. ‘That’s why I joined, because I want to empower young mothers and show that opportunities are waiting for us as long as we lift each other up.’

Raquel Britania, 40, from Talisay City-North, said she aims to help stay-at-home mothers find ways to earn an income.

‘I am for empowered women through livelihood, and I want to impart my knowledge on how they can earn even if they are just at home,’ she said.

For Mae Mancao Maranga of Cebu City-South, who was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last year, joining Mrs. Cebu-Philippines is about showing strength despite hurdles.

‘I want to raise my platform and be fearless because I want to help other women understand their rights. We are women with limitless power,’ the 29-year-old candidate said.

This year’s Mrs. Cebu will crown winners in nine categories during its coronation on November 27 at Waterfront Lahug, including the titular crown currently held by Cherie Mae Ocampo of Talisay City.

Other titles include Elite Mrs. Cebu-Philippines, MS Cebu-Philippines, Mrs. Cebu-Philippines Tourism, Charity, Grand, Heritage, as well as two ‘special titles’: Mrs. Cebu Philippines Regional Queen, and Imperial Queen.

The rest of the candidates are Eunice Baguio (32, San Remigio), Marichu Alferez (45, Lapu-Lapu City-North), Raina Barrientos (27, Mandaue City), Shanine Rose Gealon (27, Argao), Alfanta Obispo (38, Mactan), Nika Linz Harris (31, Liloan), Ethel Joan Poley (48, Consolacion), Sweeney Capote (37, Toledo City), Emielou Sanchez (30, Borbon), Janeth Bardos (45, Lapu-Lapu City-South), and Myrla Navarra (43, Carcar City).

Resilience, role models

Asked what qualities a titleholder should possess to represent Cebu nationally and globally, Bardos, a mother of three, said resilience defines a true Filipina beauty queen.

‘We should be resilient in everything we do because there are so many challenges thrown at us,’ she said. ‘Being a mother is no joke, but I am lucky to be one because I wouldn’t be complete without my kids. I am resilient and have overcome challenges because of them. I actually have asthma, but look at me, presenting myself in this pageant. Obstacles are unexpected, and we should always be ready.’

Alferez believes empathy is the most essential trait. She said, ‘Being compassionate is so important. Most people these days are not anymore because they are busy with their cellphones.’

Sanchez highlighted bravery, explaining that ‘Women are capable of everything. That’s why I am here despite personal struggles.’

On how they would promote responsible tourism in Cebu as mothers, Poley emphasized the importance of environmental protection.

‘We have to take care of our waters. Coastal cleanups are helpful in our communities, especially since we had a big storm a few days ago,’ she said.

Capote stressed that local leaders must serve as role models who can help uplift Cebu’s image.

‘We have to be good examples so we can promote ourselves without hard selling,’ she said. ‘When we meet people internationally, they will see good things in us as Cebuanos who love what it’s like to be a Cebuano.’

Lopez agreed, adding, ‘Our leaders should join us so we can be united and become good examples not only within Cebu but also outside.’

Building a sisterhood

Obispo shared that she looks forward to the Q and A portion, viewing it as a platform for sharing stories. ‘It’s always the wonderful part of the pageant. We have different stories to tell, and I believe this sends a message that married, separated, and single mothers can still join these kinds of pageants,’ she explained.

Bardos expressed her excitement for the entire competition. ‘It won’t be a whole pageant if one part is missing. I love all parts of it because they help enhance our personalities, develop new skills, and sharpen our knowledge. All of them are enriching,’ she said.

Harris shared that she looks forward to fostering camaraderie among her co-candidates, as well as ‘having a sisterhood, growing together, and sharing our advocacies so we can support each other.’

Capote echoed the same sentiment, stating that, ‘This is not about competing against each other or stepping on others because we are friends. We should encourage one another and build a sisterhood. It’s inspiring for women to step out of their comfort zone and shine.’

Two years after his first solo show, businessman-turned-artist Marco Santos is back with a second exhibit that channels fury as much as form.

Santos, who goes by MYSAN (after his initials and first three letters of his surname), debuted in 2023 at La Fuerza with ‘Persistence of Passion.’ Then 53, he was exuberant-‘a firecracker,’ as he once described himself. Now 56, he still fizzes with energy, but his art has grown darker, literally and figuratively.

His new show, ‘Man-hole,’ at Underground in Makati Cinema Square, pares down to nine works from the 12 mixed-media pieces of his debut. Where his earlier works leaned on pale plywood etched with burnt markings, this collection is heavy with char, holes, and voids.

When asked what it felt like to drive a hole into a painting on display at the iconic Makati destination known for its “ukay-ukay” (pre-loved clothing), Santos exclaimed: ‘Masarap!’

Rage, frustration, and fire

Curator Vien Valencia, a 2024 CCP Thirteen Artists awardee, selected the nine works from a stockpile of about 100 Santos has produced since leaving the business world behind.

The pieces grew out of rage and frustration, he admitted. A trip to Naoshima, Japan’s famed ‘Art Island,’ left him envious of its permanence and reverence. There, works of Claude Monet and Yayoi Kusama are housed on an island of beauty, history and creativity.

‘Why can’t we have this in the Philippines? We have 7,107 islands,’ he recalled, before correcting himself: ‘7,641.’

‘As an artist, you’re looking for your voice. Sometimes you never find it. But here’s a chance for me to help the country. Help more artists. And then I realized. Matagal ‘to. It will take forever.’

When the dream of building such a haven at home felt impossibly out of reach, he smashed his own canvases.

‘Every painting I saw in the house, I fucking smashed. I put a hole. Sa galit, sa galit.’

Some of those torched works even sat in his swimming pool before being dried “for texture,” he said.

Holes, keys, and heat

Visitors entering the gallery encounter stark contrasts of black and white. The burned surfaces and punctured gaps demand attention against the white walls.

Art is subjective, so they say. Even Santos admitted that sometimes he simply looks at a piece as a beautiful creation and that is it. No deeper meaning, no subtexts – just an eyecatching artwork.

But his pieces spur conversation.

One standout, Kagi-Japanese for ‘key’-uses string to bind the surface, with a silver key fixed inside a lone cavity. ‘When you make a lot of holes and you’re tied up, you can’t really get out. But if you have a key, you get out,’ explained Santos, who used to live in Japan.

Another piece arranges 36 blackened boxes with a lone red one, Everything else in the collection but this one is charred using high heat, but this brings the temperature down to the body’s normal temperature, thus its title “37 Degrees.”

Even the benches are part of the show. Made from World War II-era Marston Mats-perforated steel planks once used for runways-Santos coated them with acrylic to become functional artworks. Like jeepneys, he noted, the mats were abandoned by Americans and reinvented by Filipinos.

Nakedness and metaphors

Santos’ art took years before it found its right avenue. It was perhaps a spur-of-the-moment, a surge of emotions, but it was not rushed. It cannot be rushed. As he said about the painstaking process of punching a hole, torching with fire, submerging in water and air-drying for texture, his art found its place at the right time.

And Santos doesn’t shy away from blunt metaphors. ‘Having an exhibit for me is being naked,’ he said. ‘If you can be naked and accept the fact that people say, ‘ang liit ng titi mo, fuck you’-you can be an artist.’

The show’s title, ‘Man-hole,’ came after rejecting a more risqué option-‘As A Hole’-that he feared might alienate audiences.

As for the works themselves, they testify to a process of burning, breaking, soaking, drying. Santos’ art is less about control than surrender: to rage, to destruction, and finally, to form.

‘Man-hole’ runs at Underground in Makati Cinema Square through Oct. 1.

A Mandaluyong court has issued an arrest warrant for former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma and four others over the 2020 murder of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

In a warrant dated Sept. 13, Regional Trial Court Branch 279 ordered the arrest of Garma, former National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo and police officials Jeremy Causapin, Santie Mendoza and Nelson Mariano.

The suspects are facing murder and frustrated murder charges.

Barayuga was gunned down inside his car by a motorcycle-riding assailant in Mandaluyong on July 30, 2020.

His driver survived the attack.

Of the three police officers implicated, one has been dismissed from service, one is under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit and the other has resigned, according to the Philippine National Police.

The PNP is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to verify reports that some of the accused may have left the country, PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano said yesterday.

Garma’s ICC testimony

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the arrest warrant for Garma will not affect her testimony against detained former president Rodrigo Duterte before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

‘If she’s abroad now, then she wouldn’t be returning. She’ll go straight to The Hague,’ he said.

Garma earlier flew to Malaysia to meet with ICC representatives to prepare for her testimony in Duterte’s crimes against humanity case.

Remulla said the government is providing some protection to Garma by allowing her to meet with the ICC in Malaysia, noting that her life could be in danger in the Philippines.

Negotiations between Garma, former senator Antonio Trillanes and the ICC had been ongoing while she was in the United States and the DOJ was made aware of its developments, Remulla said.

Garma, a retired police colonel, had blown the whistle on a reward system in Duterte’s bloody drug war.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has flagged incomplete or ‘ghost’ farm-to-market road projects in two provinces so far, as part of its ongoing audit of infrastructure programs, amid concerns over possible corruption and mismanagement in multibillion-peso flood control projects.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said yesterday two anomalous projects were identified in Davao Occidental.

‘It was two, in 2021 and 2022. We have not seen any recent projects, just those two,’ Tiu Laurel told reporters in a chance interview at the House of Representatives.

He noted that in the overall scope of DA infrastructure initiatives, the scale of the issue was relatively small.

Another project was spotted in Zamboanga del Norte, where a road remains unfinished and unusable.

Tiu Laurel did not provide details, such as the cost or value of the projects, noting instead they are still undergoing validation.

He said the findings will be reported to President Marcos amid the ongoing Senate inquiry on flood control projects that were either poorly built or overpriced, allowing officials and contractors to pocket kickbacks.

The revelations have implicated several lawmakers and government personnel, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.

At the center of the controversy are billionaire contractors Sarah and Pacifico Discaya, who have since admitted to bribing lawmakers and officials at the Department of Public Works and Highways with hundreds of billions of pesos to secure massive contracts.

Several officials have been dragged into the mess, including former House member Zaldy Co and speaker Martin Romualdez as well as Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva and Chiz Escudero along with former senators Nancy Binay and Bong Revilla.

Kapamilya actress Chie Filomeno appealed to the public not to drag the names of Cebu’s Lhuillier family in her rumored breakup with fellow actor Jake Cuenca.

In an Instagram story, Chie addressed rumors linking her to businessman Matthew Lhuillier amid her alleged split with Jake.

“I’ve been reading and hearing a lot these past few days and I ask that my past relationship, my present life, and the Lhuillier family be left out of this issue,” Chie said. “They don’t deserve to be dragged into something that has nothing to do with them.”

“No further statements will be made at this time. I kindly ask that people refrain from speculation or intrusions into my private affairs. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” Chie briefly ended her statement.

In another Instagram story, Chie asked the public to respect her privacy.

“I may be a public figure, but I am not public property. I ask that my private life remain private,” she wrote.

Several hours later, Chie reposted a carousel she made last September 22 regarding support for the Philippines and a demand for accountability.

“I really don’t get why people meddle with someone else’s private life when there are more pressing matters, tulad po ng flood control, opo diba?” Chie wrote, accompanied by a thumbs-up emoji.

Chie and Matthew were linked, also beginning September 22, after the actress promoted the businessman’s Bisaya Brew beer.

Chie and Jake unfollowed each other three days after, fuelling speculations the actors had ended their relationship.

The reported deaths from the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, Super Typhoon Nando, Tropical Depression Mirasol and the southwest monsoon climbed to 27, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported yesterday.

The NDRRMC said four of theThe reported deaths from the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, Super Typhoon Nando, Tropical Depression Mirasol and the southwest monsoon climbed to 27, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported yesterday. reported fatalities have been confirmed while 23 are for validation.

It said 16 people remain missing while 33 were injured.

In total, the NDRRMC said 3.4 million people across 16 regions were affected by Opong and other weather disturbances.

Fifty-three cities and towns have declared a state of calamity.

The Office of Civil Defense said it is expediting rehabilitation efforts in Masbate, the hardest hit province.

Masbate calls for aid

With residents ‘in dire need’ of rice, safe drinking water and construction materials, the Diocese of Masbate is calling for donations to help the affected families.

Caritas Philippines said solar chargers, lamps and temporary shelters are needed.

In neighboring Romblon, people are asking for food packs, shelter repair kits and solar lamps.

President Marcos directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure that all affected communities would receive assistance.

‘What the President wants is clear: make sure that no one among our countrymen affected by the storm will be left behind,’ Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters yesterday.

‘The government is ready to help – from disaster response to the rehabilitation of the province. Government agencies continue to work together to ensure the recovery of Masbate,’ she added.

Castro said social welfare personnel are in Masbate to provide aid to storm-hit communities, and have visited the evacuation centers at Nursery Elementary School, Bolo National High School and Milagros National High School to check on the condition of evacuees and determine the assistance they need.

She added that national and local governments initially distributed food packs to the displaced families.

PNP pushes disaster response training

The Philippine National Police is set to institutionalize disaster response training within the PNP and strengthen community participation to boost preparedness ahead of typhoons and other calamities.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the move comes as the country braces for more cyclones, with the state weather bureau forecasting at least two tropical systems to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in October.

‘We face strong typhoons every year, and we cannot change that. But we can make sure our personnel are prepared and equipped when deployed as frontliners,’ Nartatez said yesterday.

The PNP regularly mobilizes thousands of officers during calamities to assist local government units in preemptive evacuation, search and rescue, road-clearing and relief distribution.

Nartatez said the police force aims to integrate disaster response into its training programs, ensuring that best practices from past operations are passed on to new recruits.

‘Many of our personnel already have a high level of expertise from their experience on the ground. We want these best practices included in our training for future police officers,’ he said.

Beyond training and equipment, Nartatez stressed the importance of police-community collaboration, particularly in disaster-prone areas.

‘If we need to help hold training at the barangay level, we will do so to ensure that everyone knows what to do before, during and after typhoons and other calamities,’ he added.

DICT taps Starlink

Meanwhile, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said they are tapping the help of US satellite communications giant Starlink to provide emergency connectivity in storm-ravaged Masbate.

Aguda said he coordinated with Starlink’s global emergency response team on Sunday, adding that the group pledged to deploy Starlink units and a response team to the province.

As of yesterday, only 23 percent of cell sites had been restored on the island. Globe and Smart sent generator sets to power their downed towers, Aguda said.

‘I would like to thank Converge, they were the first to respond by sending their technical people,’ he added.

State-run Land Bank of the Philippines has rejected allegations of irregular activity following reports of unusually large cash withdrawals by contractors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) involved in flood control projects.

In a statement, LandBank said ‘all transactions were carried out strictly within the bounds of Philippine banking laws and regulations, under full compliance with government mandates and oversight requirements.’

‘The funds deposited in the accounts of DPWH contractors originated from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), released pursuant to the General Appropriations Act as passed by Congress and disbursed by the DPWH,’ the bank said.

‘These funds are legitimate government allocations, not private or unverified sources. LandBank, or any other financial institution, has no legal authority to block or question duly appropriated government disbursements,’ it added.

The lender explained that under DBM Circular 2018-14 and Bureau of the Treasury Circular 3-2018, government contractors are required to open and maintain deposit accounts with banks such as LandBank to facilitate the release of payments for public projects.

The bank said it has fully observed Know Your Client protocols, risk management procedures and documentation requirements in opening these accounts.

LandBank also underscored its strict adherence to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, noting that all cash withdrawals exceeding P500,000 are automatically reported to the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

‘Any transaction deemed ‘suspicious’ at the time of execution is immediately flagged to AMLC via a suspicious transaction report,’ the bank said.

‘In this case, the legitimacy of the source of funds – government releases through DPWH, the lawful purpose of the payments and the KYC account opening documentation of the contractors – have all been properly established and recorded. There was, therefore, no basis under the law to withhold the release of funds,’ it added.

The bank maintained that its primary role is to execute banking transactions in accordance with regulations, not to assume investigatory functions.

While distancing itself from the controversy, LandBank assured the public that it remains committed to ‘the highest standards of integrity, regulatory compliance and public trust’ and is ready to cooperate with any inquiry.

The controversy stems from a Senate Blue Ribbon committee investigation that flagged massive cash withdrawals by DPWH contractors for flood control projects.

Investigators are looking into whether the transactions are linked to alleged anomalies involving public funds.

A potential low pressure area (LPA) east of the country may intensify into a tropical cyclone by Thursday, the state weather bureau warned.

In its advisory yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that if the LPA develops into a tropical depression, it will be named Paolo and could traverse Luzon.

Despite the forecast, PAGASA clarified that as of now, there are no existing LPAs or southwest monsoon systems directly affecting the country.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, easterly winds are forecast to remain the prevailing weather system.

PAGASA said the entire country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms due to the easterlies.

Easterly winds will be light to moderate and may bring hot and humid conditions during the day and could result in localized thunderstorms by late afternoon or evening.

Coastal waters, meanwhile, will have slight to moderate conditions, with wave heights reaching up to 2.1 meters. ?Based on PAGASA’s extended weather outlook, generally fair weather with isolated thunderstorms is expected in most parts of the country until Oct. 3.

Areas such as Metro Manila, Laoag City, Baguio City, the Clark Zone, Olongapo, Tagaytay City, Lipa City, Legazpi City, Puerto Princesa City, the Kalayaan Group of Islands, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Metro Cebu, Tacloban City, Cagayan de Oro City, Valencia City, Metro Davao and Zamboanga City may experience this pattern.

Tuguegarao City, on the other hand, is forecast to see cloudy skies with rainshowers and/or thunderstorms on Oct. 2 and 3, possibly influenced by the developing weather disturbance off the country’s eastern seaboard.

Hollywood celebrity couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are ending their relationship after being married for nearly two decades.

A number of sources confirmed the split to several entertainment outlets, including TMZ, People and Variety, with the former being told Nicole and Keith had been living apart for some time now.

The same source told TMZ that Nicole has been looking after the couple’s two children and was “holding the family together through this difficult time since Keith has been gone.”

People’s source, meanwhile, said Nicole’s family, particularly her sister Antonia, have been supportive of the Oscar and Emmy winner.

“She didn’t want this. She has been fighting to save the marriage,” the source added.

Nicole just finished production on a “Practical Magic” sequel with Sandra Bullock, while Keith is in the middle of his “High and Alive” world tour to promote his 11th album “High”.

The Australian-American couple married in June 2006 a year after dating and have two teenage daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.

Nicole was previously married to fellow Hollywood star Tom Cruise, with whom she adopted two children, for 11 years.

Keith, a four-time Grammy winner, has gone on record crediting Nicole as being a pivotal part to his rehabilitation for alcohol abuse.