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The two premier collegiate sports tournaments-Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-are now in full swing.

The UAAP is an athletic association of eight Metro Manila universities, composed of the University of the Philippines (UP), Adamson University (AdU), Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University (FEU), National University (NU), University of the East (UE), and University of Santo Tomas (UST).

The NCAA is composed of Arellano University (AU), Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB), Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), José Rizal University (JRU), Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapúa University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

Established in 1924, NCAA is the oldest collegiate athletic association in the country with its original members AdMU, De La Salle College, Institute of Accounts (now FEU), NU, San Beda, University of Manila, UP and UST.

UAAP was formed in 1938 when FEU, NU, UP, and UST left NCAA and became the original members of UAAP. Adamson and UE joined in 1952, followed by Ateneo in 1978 and DLSU in 1986.

Each UAAP school has its own moniker: Soaring Falcons for Adamson, Blue Eagles for Ateneo, Green Archers for DLSU, Tamaraws for FEU, Bulldogs for NU, Red Warriors for UE, Fighting Maroons for UP, and Growling Tigers for UST.

The monikers for NCAA schools are: Chiefs for Arellano, Knights for Letran, Blazers for CSB, Generals for EAC, Pirates for Lyceum, Cardinals for Mapua, Red Lions for San Beda, Golden Stags for San Sebastian, and Altas for Perpetual.

UAAP schools compete in 28 events from 15 sports to vie for the overall championship title.

First semester sports that run from August to December include athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, cheer dance, chess, E-sports, football, judo, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.

Second semester sports from January to May include baseball, fencing, softball, street dance, tennis, volleyball, and 3×3 basketball.

The NCAA schools compete in 14 sports: basketball, soccer, poomsae, swimming, taekwondo, track and field, chess, tennis (lawn and soft), table tennis, badminton, volleyball, and beach volleyball. The last three sporting events have a women’s division.

The colors of the UAAP members are green and maroon for UP, gold and white for UST, gold and green for FEU, gold and blue for NU, blue and white for Ateneo, green and white for DLSU, blue and white for Adamson, and red and white for UE.

The official colors of NCAA schools are: red, gold and black for Mapúa, blue and red for Letran, red and white for San Beda, blue and red for Arellano, red and gray for Lyceum, blue and yellow for JRU, red and white for EAC, maroon, gold and white for Perpetual, gold and red for San Sebastian, and green and white for CSB.

The theme for UAAP Season 88 is ‘Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,’ with UST as host, while NCAA Season 101 is ‘Building Greatness,’ with Mapúa as host.

The UAAP Season 88 logo features two interlocking number eights forming a flame at the center that represents passion, strength, and teamwork. The shared strokes between the two figures symbolize the unity among UAAP schools, while the flame captures the collective pursuit of excellence.

UAAP is hosted by UST for this Season 88, to be followed by FEU for next season, NU, Ateneo, DLSU, Adamson, UE and back again to Season 87 host UP.

UP used to be a founding member of the NCAA from 1924 until it withdrew in 1930 and later became a founding member of UAAP in 1938.

UP hosted UAAP 13 times for seasons 12 (1949-50), 16 (1953-54), 20 (1957-58), 26 (1963-64), 31 (1968-69), 36 (1973-74), 42 (1979-80), 46 (1983-84), 54 (1991-92), 62 (1999-2000), 71 (2008-09) 78 (2015-16) and 87 (2024-25).

UP teams that emerged champions for Season 87 are basketball and athletics in the men’s division, and badminton for women’s division, as well as street dance.

Three UP women athletes were awarded Most Valuable Players (MVP): Anthea Marie Gonzales for badminton, Nickole dela Cruz for softball, and Jufe Anne Cocoy for tennis.

Shan Clar was MVP for men’s badminton.

Three athletes from the UP Integrated School (UPIS) were also awarded MVP: Justine Hallare for boys’ basketball, Liv Abegail Florendo for girls’ swimming, and Rom Ivan Eguia for boys’ table tennis.

Season 87 is UP’s fourth championship title in Men’s Basketball, with their first title all the way back in 1939 (Season 2), then followed it up 47 years later in 1986 (Season 49), then 36 years later in 2022 (Season 84).

After the first round in UAAP Mens’ Basketball division, as of October 19, 2025, NU is on the top with 6 wins 1 loss, followed by UST (5 wins, 2 losses), UP (4 wins, 3 losses), DLSU (4-3), ADMU (4-3), AdU (3-4), FEU (2-5) and UE (0-7).

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808

In today’s homes, the bathroom has evolved beyond function. It became a renewed space for comfort, design, and technology. It can feel overwhelming to start, and even more so to invest, in smart technology. So, if you’re longing for a modern oasis but unsure where to start, this article is for you! Take time to understand your options and choose what suits you best.

Smart Accessories

Use every square foot of your space with smart storage solutions. Organize the hidden clutter using a stainless mirror cabinet. It comes with a sleek mirror and enclosed storage in one! This is a convenient way to access your toiletries and grooming items without losing the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. Another option that can work for you is adouble-layer glass shelf. It also adds visual lightness and function. Perfect for displaying toiletries or small plants. This is also efficient in keeping everything within reach without cluttering the space.

Needless to say, we don’t want a soap residue accumulating on sinks. It’s a total eye sore! A brass soap dish with a glossy finish, for instance, adds a refined gleam to the sink area while resisting corrosion. It is basic but keeps your soap dry between uses.

Smart Bathroom Solutions

What makes a bathroom ‘genius’ lies in the seamless combination of design and intelligent function. You might want to ground your look with a non-slip bath mat and stainless steel floor drain. Both might sound boring but it does help to prevent accidents, clogging, and water buildup.

Make your bathroom experience more intentional and personal with Grohe. Its innovative shower system features StarLight Technology for a long-lasting, brilliant finish. Engineered with state-of-the-art precision, Grohe delivers reliable performance and durability. Its surface is three times harder and ten times more scratch-resistant. The brand’s signature DreamSpray Technology provides even water flow for a soothing, spa-like experience, while TurboStat keeps water temperature steady. You can also hush your worry away with its SafeStop button feature. Perfect for an extra layer of safety and comfort.

Another practical bathroom solution to add is thefan shape shower enclosure. Wet floors post-showers can be a hassle to dry off. Hence, enclosures possess a watertight sealing quality that would keep the water at bay. It also creates a defined shower space without overwhelming the room.

Another brand to look out for is Kohler. Kohler defines what comfort and innovation mean today. The infamous veil intelligent toilet transforms frequent bathroom visits to indulgence. It is outfitted with technological features such as seat warmers, bidet functionality, lighting, self-cleaning functions, and auto flushing. This smart toilet is completely hands-free, which limits the transference of germs and other unwanted pathogens in the bathroom. Additionally, the integration of advanced technology allows for customizable settings, making each user’s experience uniquely tailored to their preferences.

Kohler toilets also promote water conservation and energy efficiency, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

Complete the look with the Kohler round vessel lavatory. It is known for its thin-edged, minimalist design. Kohler clean coat surface and smooth lines make cleaning effortless, simply wipe it down after each use to maintain its pristine look.

Finding time to relax and recharge in today’s busy world is essential to your overall well-being. A posh and smart massage bathtub offers a luxurious yet practical way to do just that. Combining the soothing warmth of water with targeted massage jets, it delivers multiple health benefits. Its ergonomic design and gentle massaging feature invite you to unwind, ease tension, and restore your energy.

These cosmopolitan, multi-sensory showers will stimulate all your senses and transform your bathroom into an indulgent space for physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

The Foundation of Modern Style

If you’re starting from scratch, your choice of tiles will define the bathroom’s atmosphere. The matte wall tile in ceramic adds a clean and modern tone ideal for indoor spaces. Its matte surface diffuses light gently, creating a calm and elegant backdrop. You may also want to consider anti-slip floor tile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Its anti-slip feature enhances safety coming to terms with style. Both of these tiles create a perfect base for a genius bathroom.

Smart Habits

Creating the genius bathroom doesn’t end with design. It continues with mindful care. Keep ventilation steady to prevent moisture buildup. Wipe down mirrors and glass panels after use to avoid water marks. Store toiletries neatly and regularly declutter to keep surfaces open and calming. Consider using natural cleaning agents like baking soda and vinegar, which are gentle yet effective.

In essence, a genius bathroom is one that works harmoniously with your habits. Make sure that every fixture, surface, and detail contributes to comfort and function. With smart choices and a little care, you can turn a simple bathroom break into something luxurious and personal .

The Procurement and Supply Chain Institute of Asia (PASIA) proudly announces the return of PASIAWORLD 2025, Asia’s premier integrated conference on supply chain, procurement, and logistics, set for November 13-14, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

The two-day conference will gather the region’s most influential leaders, experts, and decision-makers to exchange insights, share best practices, and explore fast-evolving trends in the global supply chain and procurement landscape. Delegates can expect plenary sessions, panel discussions, interactive roundtables, exhibits, and valuable networking opportunities that foster learning, collaboration, and innovation.

With the theme ‘Leading Supply Chain, Procurement and Logistics Innovations Amidst Volatility and Disruptions,’ PASIAWORLD 2025 focuses on engaging more CEOs, CXOs, and professionals with the knowledge and foresight to navigate today’s complex, rapidly changing environment. It will spotlight agile, strategic, and tech-savvy leadership in supply chain management.

Key topics include strategic sourcing, category management, artificial intelligence in procurement intelligence, supplier performance, and decision-making. The program will also address global supply chain disruptions and strategies to improve visibility, resilience, and adaptability. ESG and sustainability will be highlighted as organizations face growing pressure to align with environmental, social, and governance goals.

A key highlight is the Ethics and Integrity Program Re-launch, where CEOs and procurement leaders from both public and private sectors will reaffirm their commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership.

After a long hiatus, La Lola, a beloved home-grown churrería, is back – bringing its signature crunch, playful spirit, and sweet indulgence to Evia Lifestyle Mall, Daang Hari Road, Las Piñas, Metro Manila.

A cult favorite since its debut, La Lola has long held a special place in the hearts (and cravings) of Filipinos. Known for its authentic Spanish-style churros made fresh to order, the brand’s return has been met with excitement from loyal fans who have eagerly awaited its comeback.

This new era introduces an updated menu that crafted for all ages – from kids discovering churros for the first time to grown-ups who never outgrew them. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a shareable treat, La Lola has something for everyone: Churros in every size – from the 30cm Regular Churros and 40cm Long sticks to the bite-sized La Lola Bites and the iconic Mini Churro Cone – perfect for snacking on the go. Nine indulgent dips – both sweet and savory – giving fans endless ways to enjoy their churros. Churro Dog – a playful spin on corndog New pairings – from creamy soft-serve ice cream to coffee and non-coffee drinks that complement the crunch.

‘La Lola has always been about more than just churros – it’s about fun, indulgence, and creating joyful little moments,’ shares The Bistro Group which now proudly carries La Lola as part of its portfolio of restaurant concepts. ‘We’re excited to bring this comeback to life and reintroduce a brand that so many Filipinos have loved and missed.’

With its refreshed menu, playful offerings, and signature crunch, La Lola is back to prove that some cravings never fade – they only come back sweeter.

Boutique property developer Keyland Corp. has officially opened Alino New Manila, a four-star, 20-story lifestyle hotel along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue in Quezon City.

This is the company’s first foray into the hospitality industry under its newly established Alino Hotels brand, expanding a portfolio long associated with residential and office projects. These include Vermira townhouses in Lipa City, 110 Benavidez condominium in Makati, Southkey Place in Alabang, along with office and retal spaces like Southkey Hub 1 and 2 in Filinvest City, and Keyland in Makati and Ortigas.

According to Lady Elegado, the hotel’s general manager, ‘Alino’ is drawn from ‘Alagang Filipino,’ which underscores the brand’s commitment to ‘genuine, authentic Filipino care.’

At its heart is the value of malasakit, that uniquely Filipino way of caring for others, trying to ease their burden. ‘By observing this Filipino value in travel and hospitality, we aim to ease the stresses of travel, offer reassurance, and deliver comfort that feels both sincere and personal,’ Elegado explained.

The hotel is located across St. Luke’s Medical Center, and within the New Manila district, an area that is popular for being a bridge between heritage and modernity. New Manila, of course, is known for its large post-World War II ancestral estates and film studios. Of late, it has become an emerging growth corridor, which has easy access to Ortigas, Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and beyond via the Skyway.

‘Because of our location, Alino New Manila is able to serve a diverse clientele such as those having procedures done at St. Luke’s, visiting families, young professionals, business travelers, as well as long-staying guests,’ Elegado added.

The hotel features 128 rooms across a range ofcategories, including Essential Twin, Deluxe Twin, Deluxe Queen, Premier Queen, Junior Suite, Deluxe Suite, and a Premier Suite. Standard in-room provisions include high-speed WiFi, 55-inch TV, coffee and tea setups, microwave, and electronic safe.

There is also a dedicated Healthcare Room with a Hepa Air purifier and hospital-grade cleaning solutions to accommodate families of St. Luke’s patients, who require a more sanitized environment. Additional amenities include a laundrette, outdoor pool, gym, and flexible function rooms.

Elegado, who has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry here and abroad, also showed guests another benefit of staying at Alino-their all-dining restaurant Kutchara, which serves modern takes on classic Filipino dishes. The kitchen is ably overseen by Executive Chef Rexsan Abarquez, who fed us classics, like Kinilaw na Tanigue cured in coconut vinegar and calamansi; Kansi at Baka, that popular Ilonggo beef shank broth soured with the batwan fruit, as well as Inasal na Manok, marinated in calamansi and lemongrass, and grilled to a charred delight.

Beyond its promise to guests, Alino Hotels is also committed to develop and nurture its people as it aims to be a stepping stone for staff to grow their skills and build strong careers in the hospitality industry. ‘By setting international standards locally,’ said Elegado, ‘Alino New Manila gives our team the foundation to excel with the vision of bringing Filipino talent to the global stage.’ Which is exactly why Elegado’s appointment was quite inspired; her long experience in many hotels here and abroad and in various capacities has honed her malasakit into skills that will make Alino’s services and staff stand out in the wildly competitive hospitality business.

Alino New Manila signals the start of a broader strategy to diversify into hospitality and lifestyle-driven developments. It embodies Keyland’s vision of offering accessible, authentic and thoughtfully designed hospitality which reflects on the brand’s promise of ‘Care in Every Detail,’ while also positioning it within the evolving hotel and lifestyle sector in Metro Manila.

Filipinos have been having a love affair with Japan in recent years that at one point, their embassy in Manila announced that the Philippines was their top source of tourists in Southeast Asia.

It has amazing shopping deals, kind and respectful people, a clean and organized way of life, and, most of all, an absolutely divine cuisine. And no suprise, numerous Japanese restaurants have made their way to Manila, offering anything from sushi and comforting bowls of ramen, to incredibly succulent steaks, and, lately, burgers.

I love Japanese hambagu-that moist delicious wide patty slathered with a smoky, tasty gravy-that I often find myself at Robinsons Magnolia, shopping at the Konbini store to pick up a pack of these treats, along with the rich and sweet Hokkaido butter. I tried making hambagus at home, but I guess I just couldn’t get the right proportions of beef and pork correctly. (Yes, it is the pork that elevates the hambagu, giving it that malinamnam taste.)

Just landed in Makati is Masajiro Burger from Fukuoka. Initially famous for its golden buns, it is now equally famous for its wide array of burger options. The Manila franchisee, however, uses pure wagyu beef for its patties, having been long-time importers of wagyu in the Philippines, under JGyu Corp.

‘We thought that this would make the Masajiro Burgers more tasty, charred and adapted to the Filipino taste buds, more umami and premium compared to other established burger joints,’ director of operations of Masajiro Burgers Philippines Claudine Joson-Coron tells me as I scarfed down my tasty burger.

I had the Classic, with a smoky patty, and served with fresh tomatoes and lettuce in that golden slightly-crisp-on-the-outside-but-pillowy-soft-on-the-inside bun. At P390, the burger was sizeable (and value-for-money considering it’s all wagyu), I couldn’t even finish it.a first! I savored it with a creamy vanilla milkshake and fries-the perfect combination for any burger meal. (Try the matcha milkshake, too-it doesn’t have that bitter tea taste that sometimes turn off Pinoys from it.)

And this being the Philippines, there are meals with rice featuring its burgers (with a fried egg underneath) and crispy fried chicken, which diners can smother in gravy (be sure to order some extra of that lovely). And, yes, they use fluffy, tasty Japanese rice for these meals.

I must admit, after having such a generous burger meal along with two milkshakes (burp!), I was so stuffed that I had to slowly waddle around Glorietta to get some steps in before my tummy lightened up enough for me to go home.

Claudine discloses that they had already been offered a space in a Quezon City mall (hurrah!) but they still want to give the original branch a go for about six months to make sure their current popularity isn’t a one-off. At the rate their Makati branch has been performing, with lines through the door especially during mealtimes, I’m pretty sure I’ll be having those luscious burgers again soon-but in my neck of the woods. I can’t wait!

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI) proudly announces the Call for Nominations for the 5th ICCPI Leadership Awards, to be held on November 20, 2025, at the prestigious Fairmont Hotel Makati. Now in its fifth year, the ICCPI Leadership Awards continues to celebrate outstanding achievements in leadership, innovation, and collaboration that strengthen the dynamic relationship between Italy and the Philippines.

This year’s ceremony will feature 20 distinguished awards across four major categories: Individual Leadership Awards – Recognizing exemplary business leaders who demonstrate visionary leadership and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Industry-Specific Awards – Honoring companies and organizations that have shown exceptional performance and innovation in their respective sectors.

Special Honors – Highlighting unique contributions that have made a lasting impact on the Italian-Filipino business community.

Italian-Filipino Business Awards – Celebrating partnerships that embody the spirit of bilateral cooperation, cultural exchange, and shared success.

Nominees are expected to reflect the ICCPI’s values of excellence, integrity, and collaboration, and to have significantly advanced trade, investment, or cultural ties between Italy and the Philippines.

Nomination Process

Nominations are now open to everyone and may be submitted by companies, chambers, organizations, or individuals involved with the Italian-Filipino business community. Interested parties may submit their nominations until October 27, 2025 through email at info@iccpi.org.ph or make a submission here: https://bit.ly/3Dy8HkP.

San Fernando, La Union, Philippines – With climate change driving heavier rains and more frequent floods, proactive flood prevention has become a key part of building resilient communities.

SM City La Union, now the 30th mall of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) that features a rainwater catchment facility, expands its network of climate-resilient infrastructure nationwide. For SM Supermalls, catchment facilities are designed to collect and store large volumes of stormwater, preventing runoff that could otherwise overwhelm drainage networks.

During heavy rainfall, the catchment temporarily holds stormwater, allowing gradual discharge through proper channels. Collectively, SM City La Union’s underground rainwater catchment system can provide a total capacity of 760 cubic meters

Each drop contributes to a safer, more sustainable future for all. Mapping every opportunity to achieve Water for Tomorrow, treating and reusing water as a supplemental water source also significantly decreases freshwater consumption. In 2024, SM Prime achieved a 26.23% increase in recycled water volume, rising from 4.42 million cubic meters in 2023 to 5.59 million cubic meters.

Social resilience is equally important as the physical infrastructure. SM Cares raises awareness on water conservation and adopting sustainable practices in daily life, helping to empower community action.

‘Our rainwater catchment systems go beyond flood control – they help create safer spaces for our communities. We hope to show how climate-smart infrastructure and innovation can protect lives, livelihoods, and progress,’ said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. ###

Carmen Camacho is gone. She passed away on October 19, 2025.

To the Bikolanos who were around in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Carmen Camacho was the voice over the radio behind the Bikol songs that were being played over and over. By this time, the so-called Tagalog songs were being overrun by the more commercial and popular songs in English. The golden age of kundiman was practically gone. The age of Ruben Tagalog, Cenon Lagman, Sylvia la Torre and many other excellent singers were on the wane. The concert halls were the ones that kept the kundiman, danza, balitaw and other forms.

It would take another decade, a miraculous upswing of musical tradition that would bring back what felt like a renaissance of Tagalog and other songs in the vernacular.

It was around this time, when Carmen Camacho’s voice began to dominate the airlane in Naga radio stations-DZRB, DZDR, DZEB-that reached across the six provinces of the Bikol region. For many years in the late ’40s and ’50s, several generations of Bikolanos and Filipino listeners grew up with the themes of love lost and love regained and, yes, lost again to the ether of sorrow and forgetfulness.

Carmen Camacho was there with the Tres Rosas by themselves-the dulcet trio forever sweet in despair and in love; at times, they were paired with the Lovers Trio in a splendid combination out to produce love songs that teased, seduced, and celebrated harmonies as melodious, languid, and variably rhythmic. Singly, they were all great and able soloists; altogether, they need not look at each other to be able to sing as one. It was as if they knew in their veins a timing and phrasing that was impeccable.

Back in the region, we were rediscovering our old songs. Already embedded in books and school programs, the songs that were being sung for the first time over the radio were like treasures burnished, polished remarkably and inspected for the first time. It was as if we were legitimizing music that was forgotten.

It did not matter if Carmen Camacho had a piquant accent, after all she was from Catanduanes and sometimes her vowels grated, creating a glottal stop where the mainland Bikol perhaps softened them. She was singing our song and her vibrant, warm, velvet contralto had enough tears in the phrasing. She was singing all of them-from old warhorse of a love anthem by Potenciano Gregorio of Santo Domingo, Albay to the morbid cautionary lines of ‘Si Nanay, Si Tatay,’ For in Carmen Camacho’s version, who can endure these lines;

‘Ay Nanay, ay Tatay, kun ako maraot

My Mother, My Father, if I am not ideal

Pugutan nin payo, ibuntug sa lawud

Feel free to cut my head and leave it deep in the sea

Kun maheling mo man na nag anud-anod

And if ever you see it floating by

Ay Nanay, Ay Tatay, sapuda man tulos

Take it with your hands gently.

Carmen Camacho will not be forgotten by the Bikolanos because it is her voice that has provided lyrics- piquant and radical images-to the Pantomina, the social dance that appears in various forms all over the region. For a long, long time-even before Sorsogon transformed Pantomina, a dance performed during weddings, into a street dance-it was merely music, a composite of two melodies. There is one for the paso or the long walk and the ‘engano’ or the waltzing movement.

Interestingly, Carmen Camacho was not alone in singing the songs from the region; she was with the other singers. Raye Lucero, Nora Hermosa, later, Cely Bautista. They were singing songs in Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bikolano. Carmen herself was singing many songs in other languages. We learned about these other songs from other places because these singers went out of their way to sing them. They sang them either as a chorus or as soloists, imbuing them with the soul as if they owned these melodies.

I had the privilege to be with Carmen Camacho and Raye Lucero together with Mike Coroza in their last visit to Naga City. Carmen and Raye proved to be generous individuals with their memories. They regaled me with stories from their long historic career. In the city plaza, they performed that night and they sang like there was no tomorrow.

Carmen is gone now. Cely Bautista passed on way ahead of her. It still remains a mystery for me that they-the Mabuhay Singers-have gone on unheralded. We have learned about the music of the many regions of this archipelago through them. If ever our hearts quicken when we remember a song, it could be because these wonderful beings sang them at one point-translating for us some lines, or embedding them in our consciousness the spirit of the nation.

The Edison Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan was alive with familiar energy, the kind that only people who work in radio understand. The National Association of Broadcasters’ 2025 Marconi Radio Awards turned the eve of NAB Show New York into a night that felt part reunion, part celebration of the enduring voices that continue to inform, comfort, and entertain communities across the country.

Danielle Monaro and Medha Gandhi, co-hosts of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, guided the evening with their natural rhythm, keeping the crowd engaged between tributes and award announcements. The night reached its musical peak when DJ Scratch, a Grammy-winning producer and New York radio legend, took the stage for a short performance that reminded everyone how radio still moves people.

Since their founding in 1989, the Marconi Awards have represented what makes radio special: connection. A veteran producer in the audience described radio as a space where people still hear themselves reflected in the voices they’ve trusted for years, a bond that digital algorithms cannot replace.

This year’s honorees reflected that wide reach. Philadelphia’s WMMR-FM took home both Legendary Station of the Year and Major Market Station of the Year, while its morning hosts, Preston Elliot and Steve Morrison, earned Major Market Personality of the Year. Detroit’s Mitch Albom, who balances novels, journalism, and talk radio, received Large Market Personality of the Year, underscoring how thoughtful, story-driven programs still resonate deeply with listeners.

For a medium often called traditional, the Marconis showed just how adaptive and alive radio remains. Hubbard Broadcasting’s Behind the Song, based in Chicago, won Best Radio Podcast of the Year for its creative blend of music history and storytelling. Hofstra University’s WRHU-FM earned College Radio Station of the Year, signaling that the next generation still believes in the power of a microphone and a well-told story.

Other major winners included WDRV-FM Chicago for Rock Station of the Year, WBAL-AM Baltimore for News/Talk Station of the Year, and KMJQ-FM Houston for Urban Station of the Year, proving that local stations continue to capture the personality and rhythm of their communities.

A panel of industry veterans selected this year’s winners, looking beyond ratings or market size to measure influence – the kind that keeps people company through a power outage, raises funds for families in crisis, or delivers the right song at the right time.

NAB leaders emphasized that while technology keeps evolving, the purpose of radio remains the same: to serve, to inform, and to connect. The organization continues to advocate for broadcasters at every level, ensuring that the medium keeps its reach and resilience even in an age of on-demand everything.

As guests stepped into the cool October air, the feeling wasn’t nostalgic but proud. Radio, in all its forms, has endured by adapting without losing its humanity. Whether through a podcast feed, a car stereo, or a college studio, the voice on the other end still matters.

In line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is promoting early detection and reminding members of their financial coverage for breast cancer treatment, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s priority on improving healthcare in the country.

The Philippines has extremely low breast cancer screening rates, which is linked to the country having one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in Asia. According to a 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, only 1% of Filipino women were screened for cancer, translating to only 540,000 women out of an estimated 54 million getting screened. Compounding the issue is that a significant majority-as high as 65%-of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in the advanced stage, greatly reducing the 5-year relative survival rate.

To address the financial barrier that often delays diagnosis and treatment, the PhilHealth Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer has been substantially enhanced. The package has increased by 1300%, reaching up to P1.4 million from the previous P100,000. The benefit now covers patients with breast cancer across Stages 0 to 4, including those who are already undergoing treatment. As of September 2025, the amount paid for Z Benefit Package for Breast Cancer has reached a total of P72.03M.

PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) further reinforces this as it covers selected outpatient cancer screening tests for breast cancer including financial coverage for a mammogram (P2,610) and breast ultrasound (P1,350). By providing extensive financial protection from initial diagnostic tests to complex targeted therapy, PhilHealth aims to remove the cost as a barrier and encourage patients to seek care early, improving outcomes for a disease that is curable when detected in its initial stages.

‘Sa pamamagitan ng PhilHealth YAKAP, ginagawa naming mas madali at mas abot-kaya ang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Hinihikayat ko ang bawat babae na huwag ipagpaliban ang inyong kalusugan. Magpa-check-up, follow-up, at sundan ang tamang gamutan. Ito ang karapatan ninyo, at narito kami para suportahan kayo,’ said PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado.