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World Boxing Council (WBC) strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem and a bevy of top Filipino fighters could not help but rave about eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao’s move to stage the 50th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.

‘The moment I learned about Senator Manny Pacquiao’s wish to celebrate the Thrilla and have me as its main event, I felt overjoyed,’ said Jerusalem, who makes the third defense of the WBC 105-pound crown against South African Siyakholwa Kuse on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘I am so excited to be a part of this landmark moment in Philippine sports,’ Jerusalem said.

Like Jerusalem, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and unbeaten pro Eumir Marcial swears that his inclusion in the slambang show being put up by Pacquiao’s Blow-By-Blow team is a dream come true.

‘I have always wanted to be associated with my longtime idol Manny Pacquiao and getting the opportunity to fight under his promotional banner is something I am very proud of,’ said Marcial, who clashes with Venezuelan knockout artist Eddy Colmenares in a middleweight special attraction.

Jerusalem is fighting for the second time under Blow-By-Blow and he remains thrilled to be showcasing his ring savvy anew before a worldwide audience.

Also expressing their 100 percent support behind the Thrilla are top super-bantams Carl Jammes Martin and Marlon Tapales, also scheduled to appear in the undercard against separate foreign foes.

Pacquiao is leading the celebration of the Thrilla’s golden anniversary as a homage to the epic 14-round war between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier on 1 October 1975.

‘Until now, half a century later, when you ask fight fans about the Thrilla in Manila, their eyes light up and they tell you about the action and the drama of that momentous event,’ Pacquiao said.

‘I believe that 50 years from now, the Thrilla would still be up there among the greatest and most unforgettable moments in sports history.’

A retired police officer who now serves as barangay captain of Barangay Oboob, Bantayan, Cebu, has been arrested for alleged graft and corrupt practices committed during his time in the police service.

The suspect was identified as 61-year-old Jesus Batobalonos, a resident and incumbent barangay captain of Oboob, elected during the 2023 barangay elections.

Batobalonos was arrested on Friday, October 24, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City. The warrant, dated September 24, was signed by Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi.

Police said the warrant was served jointly by the Sibonga Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Bantayan Municipal Police Station, at Batobalonos’ residence around 10:40 a.m.

The case involves a violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act of 1960, which prohibits public officials from causing undue injury to any party or giving unwarranted benefits to private individuals through manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence.

The offense carries a recommended bail of P90,000.

In an interview with The Freeman, Police Staff Sergeant Apolinar Albiso Jr. of the Sibonga Municipal Police Station confirmed Batobalonos’ arrest.

Albiso said the retired officer is currently detained at the Sibonga custodial facility following his arrest in Bantayan.

As of this writing, no further details have been released regarding the specific graft charges filed against Batobalonos.

Unisol, the Cebu-based uniforms-on-demand company, took the spotlight at the 73rd edition of Manila FAME, unveiling its ‘Lapu-Lapu Heritage Collection,’-a modern tribute to Filipino identity rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and national pride.

Held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Manila FAME 2025 carried the theme ‘Objects of Nature,’ highlighting the Philippines’ rich natural resources and the creative potential of its design community.

The biannual trade show remains one of the country’s leading platforms for local manufacturers and artisans to reach global markets.

Anchored on innovation, durability, and sustainability, Unisol continues to position itself as a homegrown brand championing high-quality and eco-conscious uniforms.

The ‘Lapu-Lapu Heritage Collection,’draws inspiration from the Visayan warrior’s courage and heroism, blending traditional motifs with contemporary tailoring to reflect the modern Filipino professional.

‘What we have here for 2026 is anchored on sustainability, inspired by Cebu where Unisol is based,’ said Jonas Quilantang, CEO of Unisol.

‘The inspiration is drawn from Lapu-Lapu-when you see the prints, you see the Visayan tattoos,’ added Nicky Rice, Unisol’s Chief of Product Design. ‘We need to support our own, showcasing Filipino creativity to the world.’

Beyond design, Unisol’s advocacy extends to supporting local producers-from farmers to textile weavers-helping preserve cultural traditions while stimulating sustainable economic growth.

‘What we have here is an ecosystem that connects the source-the local creative designers,’ Quilantang said. ‘We built collaborations to create a platform where designers can thrive.’

Unisol’s participation also highlighted its full compliance with the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law (Republic Act 9242), which promotes the use of indigenous fibers such as abaca, banana, pineapple, and silk in government uniforms. This commitment, according to the company, reflects its dedication to environmental responsibility and local empowerment.

Cecilia Martinez Miranda, founder of Isla-Tek Philippine Tropical Fabrics and one of Unisol’s key suppliers, said: ‘One of the reasons for Manila FAME is to support local textile manufacturing. Why don’t we support our own?’

Among Unisol’s latest innovations is the ‘Chameleon Set,’ a versatile and affordable uniform line designed for Filipino workers seeking functionality, style, and sustainability.

By leveraging indigenous materials such as Philippine Tropical Fiber and piña fabric, Unisol continues to redefine professional wear-merging comfort and design with environmental consciousness.

As the trade show concluded, Unisol’s showcase at Manila FAME 2025 reaffirmed Cebu’s reputation as a hub of creative excellence and strengthened the company’s mission: to wear Filipino with pride-durable, sustainable, and world-class.

A flood control project locked in the middle of idle lands, another one costing half a million pesos per meter and several others that invite high waters during the rainy season.

These are some of the key findings that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) found in its monitoring of flood control projects from 2021 to 2025.

In the budget hearing of the controversy-riddled Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), DENR Undersecretary Carlos David said that the agency has been monitoring flood control projects.

The agency has so far classified their findings into three categories: validated, ghost projects, and maladaptive projects. Validated projects, or ones that are present within the community, take up a mere 23% of the DENR’s assessed projects. Ghost projects, or ones that are duplicated or incomplete, take the lion’s share at 42%.

More harm than help

However, it is the maladapted projects, which are 28% of the projects, that concerned David the most.

He used the Camiling River in Tarlac as an example. The flood control project is divided into eight phases for one river, the price ranging from P28.8 million to as high as P99 million. David said that there were overlaps between these projects, with one phase of the project only spanning a mere 200 meters. This has led the flood control project to cost P500,000 per linear meter.

Another flood control project in New Bataan, Davao De Oro showed that a dike built had actually constricted the flow of a meandering river, making the water run in a straight manner. This has made the flood water flow directly into the nearby town, rather than letting it scatter.

‘Every time we consort, block, divert or alter natural waterways, we change the velocity and volume of waterflow,’ David stressed.

Harmless. but useless

The DENR noted that not all maladapted projects caused harm-but they definitely did not help anyone.

In Bulacan-the hotbed of the flood control controversy-there were several flood control projects that would not have served the community.

For example, a dike was built in a bay in Malolos, Bulacan. The issue here is, the dike was built into the water, so it was not protecting anything at all.

In the same province, in Baliuag, the flood control project had the opposite problem: the dike was built in the middle of idle lands. David said that it was not protecting any vital assets at all.

No permits

DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon admitted that from the flood control projects that they have so far investigated, none had the proper building permits, nor did they have an Environmental Compliance Certificate.

‘Just to emphasize, for the projects that we have visited and investigated, no flood control had an ECC. None. Not one,’ Dizon said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The DPWH’ has been the focal point for a suspected multi-billion peso kickback scheme involving government officials and contractors. The funds are suspected of being funneled through flood control projects and other infrastructure developments.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), in partnership with the local government and several national agencies, has turned over the Bayanihan Village, a temporary shelter community built for families displaced by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30, 2025.

Following its initial turnover on October 16, 2025, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-7) officially took over the management of the site as an evacuation camp until affected families can transition to more permanent and safer housing.

The Bayanihan Village is an inter-agency initiative spearheaded by the DHSUD in collaboration with the DSWD, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Remigio.

Through the joint efforts of these agencies, 45 out of 67 prefabricated modular shelter units have been installed at the new public market site in Barangay Poblacion, beside the existing DSWD evacuation camp.

The temporary shelters will house families whose homes were either totally damaged or are located in no-build zones, including areas above fault lines and identified sinkholes.

DHSUD officials hailed the completion of the Bayanihan Village as a ‘milestone accomplishment,’ noting that it was completed within a short period, marking the agency’s first-of-its-kind initiative to support disaster-stricken communities in the region.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero personally visited the Bayanihan Village to inspect the site and meet with internally displaced families.

San Remigio Mayor Mariano R. Martinez expressed his gratitude to the participating government agencies for their swift action and coordinated efforts.

‘It is better to put our trust and confidence in the government agencies to aid us so that we can see efficient and effective results for our people,’ said Martinez in a statement released by the DSWD-7.

With DSWD-7 now leading camp management, Lucero appealed for continued cooperation among the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to ensure peace and order within the camp.

‘Gisiguro sa DSWD nga kini nga temporaryong kapuy-an disente ug mapahilona ang atong mga apektadong residente. Alang sa kadtong mga wala ma-apil sa Bayanihan Village, aduna pud kita’y gi-provide nga mga Family Tents nga hapsay ug angay kapuy-an. Amo lang hangyo nga mosunod kita sa pamalaod sa atong mga evacuation camps aron hapsay ang atong pagpuyo sulod sa mga camps,’ Lucero said.

Each transferred family received bunk beds and electric fans from the DHSUD, while the DSWD distributed two rounds of Family Food Packs and one hygiene kit per household in the days immediately following the earthquake.

Taal Volcano in Batangas had three minor eruptions yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.

Phivolcs said a minor phreatic eruption occurred at 2:55 a.m., followed by two minor phreatomagmatic eruptions at 8:13 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. at the volcano’s main crater – events that produced ash plumes up to 2,100 meters high.

In its 24-hour observation bulletin, Phivolcs recorded nine volcanic earthquakes, including two volcanic temblors lasting up to 96 minutes, and noted a short-term inflation or slight swelling of the Taal Volcano Island.

The sulfur dioxide emission averaged 436 tons per day as of Oct. 25, while the temperature of the main crater lake was measured at 69.3 degrees Celsius.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest) is in effect over Taal, indicating that the volcano is in an abnormal state and that sudden steam-driven or gas-driven explosions may occur without warning.

Entry into Taal Volcano Island, particularly the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures, remains strictly prohibited due to possible steam or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes and gas emissions, Phivolcs said.

There is a reclamation project in Laguna de Bay that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) found was presented as a flood control project.

During the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget hearing on Monday, October 27, the agency’s spending came under closer scrutiny amid the administration’s ongoing corruption concerns. While alleged ghost flood control projects have recently been cited in potential kickback schemes, DENR Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science Carlos Primo C. David highlighted several anomalous projects identified through satellite imagery.

One of these is a reclamation project in Laguna de Bay that has drawn scrutiny.

‘This is a flood control project within Laguna de Bay but if you look at the satellite images, they are actually reclamation projects within the lake right along C6. So this is a different kind of issue because there are much much more permits, environmental impact, maybe it even costs further flooding within the Laguna lake area when you do reclamation projects,’ David said.

Reclamation in Laguna de Bay has long been a contentious issue. Photos taken by The STAR in 2024 showed reclamation activities in the lake, which the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) confirmed lacked proper permits.

The LLDA said the reclamation activities were carried out by local government units and private entities. The lake’s governing body emphasized that reclamation is not permitted and is pursuing legal action regarding the matter.

In 2025, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) reiterated that reclamation in the lake is not allowed, ordering an immediate halt to unauthorized projects. The PRA noted that Laguna de Bay plays a vital role in managing floodwaters from Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

‘Unauthorized reclamation within the lake limits its natural hydrological function and exacerbates perennial flooding, endangering the safety, livelihood, and welfare of millions of Filipinos,’ the PRA said in an earlier statement.

Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality business unit of Gokongwei-led real estate developer Robinsons Land Corp., is aggressively expanding its portfolio with the addition of 1,300 room keys and plans to bring its homegrown luxury and ultra-luxury brands in more locations in the country.

RHR senior vice president and business unit general manager Barun Jolly said the company is currently building six more hotels which are in different stages of planning and construction.

Jolly said these developments would add another 1,300 keys over the next three to four years.

‘Starting pretty much next year when we open our very unique product, Summit Villas Siargao – 19 keys resort in Siargao. And then early 2027, we will open a very beautiful Fili Bridgetowne,’ Jolly said.

‘And then, you know, we’ve got multiple locations like Bohol, Pangasinan and one more Grand Summit in Cebu coming up. So there’s a lot of exciting development,’ he said.

Over the next three years, Jolly said RHR would be spending P10 billion for its hotel expansion.

‘That is actually just for four properties. Two more we still have to add up because we are still planning,’ Jolly said.

‘So that’s P10 billion in investments. Because, you know, we believe that Philippine promise of hospitality is very big. And we have to really introduce and produce very high quality products, very premium hotels for people to truly experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality,’ he said.

RHR is a diversified hotel group with six homegrown brands and four international brands in its portfolio. It has 31 hotels in 20 locations, with 5,100 room keys.

Among its homegrown brands are Fili, the first and only Filipino-owned five-star hotel brand, and ultra-luxury hotel brand NuStar.

Jolly said that RHR is looking at multiple locations for the two brands.

‘So NuStar and Fili, these two hotels are the ones that we are very actively looking at multiple locations, not just one or two. A few more are coming very soon,’ Jolly said.

‘If everything comes to play between Fili and NuStar, our ultra luxury portfolio should have an addition of a couple of more hotels already within the next three, four years. Because the demand and the receptivity of the audience is very high for these two brands,’ he said.

Asked if the company intends to introduce and add new homegrown brands to its portfolio, Jolly said he believes RHR currently has the right set of brands to expand for the next few years.

‘Should market dynamics change, should the consumer profile dramatically change, we look at it. But right now, I think these six brands are very robust to kind of grow quite aggressively for the next few years,’ he said.

Jolly said it is also in the group’s goal to bring its homegrown brands abroad.

‘We’re working toward it. And hopefully one day, you know, we’ll get there. Because, again, we believe that Filipino hospitality is so unique that people should have a bigger context and reach to it. And a lot of it is getting people to come into the Philippines,’ he said.

Moving forward, Jolly said that RHR’s focus as far as expansion is concerned will be geared toward the upper upscale and luxury segments given these markets are currently the fastest growing.

‘We realized that the fastest growing segment for hospitality, especially for our portfolio, is upper upscale and luxury. Upper upscale, especially, which is our Grand Summit. The Filipino middle class is growing quite rapidly. And when it comes to the Filipino lifestyle, people like to go out and celebrate. They want to make special occasions memorable and that’s where the upper upscale brand fits in,’ Jolly said.

‘And I think 60 to 70 percent of our growth will come from the Grand Summit. The next 30 percent would be between, Fili and NuStar. So it’s really good to see the spending power is increasing in the Philippines. So as people earn more, they have greater propensity to spend and the greater ability to spend,’ he said.

Reigning titlist University of Batangas stayed undefeated in the volleyball competition of the 2025 PG Flex-UCAL Season 8 by overpowering Immaculada Concepcion College, 25-21, 25-22, 25-13, in a rematch of last year’s finalists on Saturday, October 25, at the UB Millennium Gym in Batangas City.

In posting their fourth win and 15th overall since last year’s grand sweep, the Brahmans once again leaned on the dynamic duo of Prince Ramirez and Aldrin Rosales to prevail against the very team they beat thrice last season.

Ramirez continued to lead the show, scattering 13 points – all on attacks – while Rosales added 12 as the Brahmans stayed on course of clinching one of two outright semis berths in the 8-team competition.

ICC slipped to second with a 3-1 card. In third is PCU-Dasmarinas (2-1) followed by CEU (2-1), LPU (2-2), MCU 1-3, PWU (1-3) and Diliman 0-4.

In the distaff side, the defending champions ICC Lady Blue Hawks and Lyceum-Batangas Lady Pirates likewise kept pristine records intact through four games after downing their respective rivals.

Led by Fima Joy Casera and JL Bravo, the Lady Blue Hawks beat the UB Lady Brahmans, 25-15, 25-22, 25-18, while the Lady Pirates downed the Olivarez Lady Sea Lions, 25-15, 25-23, 25-21.

Occupying the third spot is CEU with a 3-1 mark followed by PCU (2-2), UBB (1-3), MCU (1-3), PWU (1-3), and Olivarez (0-4).

Mariposa Mews, developed by Makiling Mews Corp., officially unveiled its LEED for Homes Gold Certification Plaque-marking its place in history as the first and only condominium development in the Philippines to achieve this international distinction from the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

The exclusive event was held at the Mariposa Mews Function Room and attended by distinguished guests from the Quezon City Government, Makiling Mews Corp., Dot Property Group and Terra Solutions Realty.

A milestone of leadership in green development

The event gathered leaders from Makiling Mews Corp., including its managing director, Gerret Lim, and directors Stephanie Lim, Fritz Dy, Edward Dy, Elvira Poon and Gene Lim-all of whom have been instrumental in shaping Mariposa Mews into a benchmark for sustainable, future-ready urban living.

Representing the Quezon City Government were Councilor Vincent Belmonte, who attended on behalf of Mayor Joy Belmonte, Yolly Lacsamana, Kennedy Diokno, Claire Binarao, Vincent Binarao and Alex Mendoza.

‘A reaffirmation of our vision’

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Gerret Lim, managing director of Makiling Mews Corp., who emphasized the project’s environmental mission.

‘This milestone is more than a recognition-it’s a reaffirmation of our vision to build homes that care for people and the planet. Through Mariposa Mews, we’re proving that sustainability and modern living can thrive together, setting a new benchmark for responsible development in the Philippines,’ said Lim.

Following the unveiling, Councilor Vincent Belmonte delivered Mayor Joy Belmonte’s message on her behalf, commending Makiling Mews Corp. for its pioneering achievement and shared vision with the city’s sustainability agenda.

‘The vision of Mariposa Mews resonates deeply with that of the Quezon City Government to create spaces that are inclusive, innovative and environmentally responsible. As a proud member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Quezon City has made it a priority to integrate sustainability into every facet of governance,’ Belmonte shared.

He added, ‘This development perfectly aligns with our Climate Action Plan and our city’s commitment to help reduce global carbon emissions. More importantly, Mariposa Mews embodies a powerful message that design can drive transformation, and that sustainability must be at the heart of every endeavor.’

Engaging conversations on green innovation

The program featured an interactive and educational Q and A session, where Gerret Lim shared insights on the journey toward LEED for Homes Gold certification, from the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems to the project’s water conservation strategies and healthy indoor air quality design.

Guests were given a closer look at how Mariposa Mews sets itself apart as a model for sustainable architecture, both in technical execution and in social responsibility.

A continuing commitment to sustainability

Closing the event was Jinggoy Noble, CEO of Terra Solutions Realty, the exclusive sales and marketing arm of Mariposa Mews. In his message, he commended the collaboration between the developer, the city, and the community in realizing a shared vision for sustainable living.

‘Mariposa Mews is more than a home-it’s a movement toward building a greener, smarter and more sustainable future for Filipino families,’ Noble said. ‘We are proud to represent a project that doesn’t just build spaces but builds change.’

Pioneering the gold standard for green living

With the recent unveiling of its LEED Gold plaque, Mariposa Mews solidifies its position as the benchmark for eco-friendly residential design-a development that not only meets international standards but also contributes meaningfully to local environmental goals.

As the real estate landscape shifts toward green building and climate-conscious design, Mariposa Mews stands as a trailblazer for a new era of urban development-one that values health, efficiency and the planet’s well-being.