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In the One Direction song “Don’t Forget Where You Belong,” members Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson sing the bridge which culminates in “Don’t matter how far I’ve gone, I’m always free to run home.”

It appears like fate then that Zayn and Louis are reuniting to shoot a roadtrip documentary series for streaming platform Netflix.

The show will offer “a rare look inside the world of two of the most famous – and most private – men on the planet opening up about life, love, loss and fatherhood.”

Filming on the project has already begun as the two singers journey across the United States talking about their lives and possibly even discuss the passing of their colleague Liam Payne.

Nicola Marsh will helm the series with Campfire Studios with producing, and the latter’s Ross Dinerstein and Rebecca Evans board as executive producers.

The other remaining members of One Direction, Harry Styles and Niall Horan, are not expected to make an appearance in three-part series.

Zayn will start a Las Vegas residency in January 2026. That same month Louis will release his third album “How Did I Get Here?” and promote it with a world tour.

One Direction debuted in 2010 after forming on “The X Factor” and to this day remain one of the most popular boy bands with a huge fanbase.

Zayn departed the group in 2015 after One Direction had released its fourth album. The boy band released one more album before going on an hiatus the following year.

Liam died last year after falling from a window in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31 years old. His funeral brought Louis, Zayn, Harry and Niall together for the first time since going their separate ways.

George Diamante shone brightest for Letran as the Knights rolled to their second straight win with a 76-68 thumping of Immaculada Concepcion College in the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Thursday, October 2, at the Paco Arena.

The 6-foot-4 Diamante baffled his defenders with his all-around brilliance as he registered a rare triple-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in nearly 33 minutes of action to clinch the Best Player of the Game plum.

Three other Letran players – Lance Daniel Siena (11), Justin Hugo (12) and Denzil Sison-Walker (10) – also finished in double figures to help Diamante repel ICC’s repeated rallies.

Rapael Perhis and Mark Gabieta also impressed after leading Manila Central University to a stunning 78-74 win over Centro Escolar University in the event that has the backing Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond and Best Options.

Meantime, Olivarez College showed its readiness to defend its UCAL crown after downing Gardner College, 62-54, in a game it dominated right from the start.

Jhon Patrick Panela was the lone double-digit scorer for Olivarez but five players tallied six points or more.

In a tight contest, it was Perhis who struck hardest for the MCU Supremos with 18 points apart from posting 4 rebounds and 3 assists, while Gabieta added 17 points and 8 boards.

Emmanuel Galman paced CEU with 18 points.

Typhoon Paolo weakened slightly as it crossed through northern Luzon on Friday afternoon, with PAGASA keeping Signal No. 4 raised in several areas.

The eye of the cyclone was last estimated within the vicinity of Mayoyao, Ifugao as it continued to head west northwest. It has maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 200 kph, and central pressure of 980 hPa

It is expected to exit the landmass and move into the West Philippine Sea within the day.

PAGASA warned the public of strong winds and rains, with Paolo also pulling in rains over areas outside its path, including Metro Manila, Bataan, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Panay Island, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.

State meteorologists hoisted the following wind signal warnings:

Signal No. 4 (Wind speeds up to 184 kph)

The southwestern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, Palanan, Roxas, Burgos, Gamu, Naguilian, Benito Soliven, San Manuel, Cabatuan, Aurora, Luna, Reina Mercedes, City of Cauayan, San Mateo, Alicia, Ramon, City of Santiago, Cordon, San Isidro, Echague, Angadanan, San Guillermo, Jones, San Agustin)

Northwestern portion of Quirino (Diffun, Aglipay, Saguday, Cabarroguis)

Northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Solano, Villaverde, Bagabag, Diadi, Quezon, Ambaguio, Bayombong)

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Southern portion of Abra (Tubo)

Northern portion of Benguet (Bakun, Mankayan, Buguias, Kibungan, Kapangan, Atok, Kabayan)

Southern portion of Ilocos Sur (Cervantes, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, Sigay, San Emilio, Salcedo, Burgos, Lidlidda, Banayoyo, San Esteban, Santiago, Galimuyod, City of Candon, Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Suyo, Alilem, Tagudin, Sugpon)

Northern portion of La Union (Luna, Bangar, Balaoan, Sudipen, Santol, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, San Juan)

Signal No. 3 (Wind speeds up to 117 kph)

Northern and central portions of Aurora (Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Casiguran, Dilasag)

Rest of Isabela

Rest of Quirino

Central portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Kasibu, Bambang, Kayapa, Aritao, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Santa Fe)

Kalinga

Central portion of Abra (Boliney, Daguioman, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Licuan-Baay, Malibcong, Lacub, La Paz, San Juan, Lagangilang, Danglas, Lagayan, Tayum, Bangued, Langiden, Pidigan, San Quintin, Pilar, Luba, Manabo, Villaviciosa, San Isidro, Peñarrubia, Bucay, Dolores)

Rest of Benguet

Rest of Ilocos Sur, and the rest of La Union

Signal No. 2 (Wind speeds up to 88 kph)

Central and southern portions of Cagayan (Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Solana, Iguig, Tuao, Piat, Rizal, Santo Niño, Alcala, Amulung, Enrile, Baggao, Lasam, Gattaran, Lal-Lo, Allacapan)

Rest of Nueva Vizcaya

Apayao

Rest of Abra

Central and southern portions of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Marcos, Bacarra, Piddig, Pasuquin, Vintar, Carasi)

Pangasinan

Central portion of Aurora (Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis)

Northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Bongabon, San Jose City, Pantabangan, Rizal, Lupao, Science City of Muñoz, Llanera, Nampicuan, Cuyapo, Guimba, Talugtug, Quezon, Santo Domingo, Talavera, General Mamerto Natividad)

Northern portion of Tarlac ( Moncada, San Clemente, Camiling, Paniqui, Ramos, Anao, San Manuel, Gerona, Victoria, Pura)

Northern portion of Zambales ( Santa Cruz, Candelaria)

Signal No. 1 (Wind speeds up to 61 kph)

Batanes

Rest of mainland Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

Rest of Ilocos Norte

Rest of Aurora

Rest of Nueva Ecija

Rest of Tarlac

Bulacan

Pampanga

Rest of Zambales

Northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Polillo Islands

Camarines Norte

A gale warning has also been hoisted over the seaboards of several areas:

Up to high over the following coastal waters:

Up to 7.0 meters: The seaboard of Isabela

Up to 6.0 meters: The eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan

Up to 5.5 meters: The seaboards of northern Aurora and Ilocos Norte

Up to 5.0 meters: The seaboard of Ilocos Sur; the remaining seaboard of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

Up to 4.5 meters: The seaboard of La Union

Up to rough seas over the following coastal waters:

Up to 4.0 meters: The seaboard of Batanes; the western seaboard of Pangasinan

Up to 3.5 meters: The seaboard of mainland northern Quezon; the northern and eastern seaboard of Polillo Islands

Up to 3.0 meters: The seaboard of Zambales and Camarines Norte; the remaining seaboard of Pangasinan

Up to 2.5 meters: The eastern seaboard of the rest of Quezon; the northern seaboard of Camarines Sur; the northern and eastern seaboard of Catanduanes

Up to 2.0 meters: The seaboard of Lubang Islands; the western seaboard of Bataan

Typhoon Paolo made landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela on Friday, October 3, placing several areas in northern Luzon under Signal No. 4.

After crossing through northern Luzon, Paolo is set to emerge over the West Philippine Sea by afternoon or evening, according to PAGASA.

As it passes through land, it may weaken, but the state weather bureau said it may re-intensify once the cyclone reaches water again.

Paolo is packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour, with gustiness of up to 215 kph.

State meteorologists have warned affected areas of heavy rainfall, severe winds and storm surges.

Wind signals

Signal No. 4 (Wind speeds up to 184 kph)

Extreme northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran)

Southern portion of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, Palanan, Roxas, Burgos, Gamu, Naguilian, Benito Soliven, San Manuel, Cabatuan, Aurora, Luna, Reina Mercedes, City of Cauayan, San Mateo, Alicia, Ramon, City of Santiago, Cordon, San Isidro, Echague, Angadanan, San Guillermo, Jones, San Agustin)

Northern portion of Quirino (Diffun, Aglipay, Saguday, Cabarroguis, Maddela)

Northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Solano, Villaverde, Bagabag, Diadi, Quezon, Ambaguio, Bayombong)

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Southern portion of Abra (Tubo)

Northern portion of Benguet (Bakun, Mankayan, Buguias, Kibungan, Kapangan, Atok, Kabayan)

Southern portion of Ilocos Sur (Cervantes, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, Sigay, San Emilio, Salcedo, Burgos, Lidlidda, Banayoyo, San Esteban, Santiago, Galimuyod, City of Candon, Santa Lucia, Santa Cruz, Suyo, Alilem, Tagudin, Sugpon)

Northern portion of La Union (Luna, Bangar, Balaoan, Sudipen, Santol, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, San Juan)

Signal No. 3 (Wind speeds up to 117 kph)

Northern portion of Aurora (Dinalungan, Dipaculao)

Rest of Isabela

Rest of Quirino

Central portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Kasibu, Bambang, Kayapa, Aritao, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Santa Fe)

Kalinga

Central portion of Abra (Boliney, Daguioman, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Licuan-Baay, Malibcong, Lacub, La Paz, San Juan, Lagangilang, Danglas, Lagayan, Tayum, Bangued, Langiden, Pidigan, San Quintin, Pilar, Luba, Manabo, Villaviciosa, San Isidro, Peñarrubia, Bucay, Dolores)

Rest of Benguet

Rest of Ilocos Sur

Rest of La Union

Signal No. 2 (Wind speeds up to 88 kph)

Southern portion of Cagayan (Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Solana, Iguig, Tuao, Piat, Rizal, Santo Niño, Alcala, Amulung, Enrile, Baggao)

Rest of Nueva Vizcaya

Southern portion of Apayao (Conner, Kabugao)

Rest of Abra

Southern portion of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Marcos, Bacarra, Piddig)

Northern portion of Pangasinan ( San Fabian, Sison, Pozorrubio, Umingan, San Jacinto, Laoac, Binalonan, San Nicolas, Natividad, Tayug, San Manuel, Asingan, Santa Maria, San Quintin, Dagupan City, Mangaldan, Manaoag, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Binmaley, Calasiao, Mapandan, Santa Barbara, City of Urdaneta)

Central portion of Aurora (Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis)

Northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Bongabon, San Jose City, Pantabangan, Rizal, Lupao)

Signal No. 1 (Wind speeds up to 61 kph)

Rest of mainland Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

Rest of Aurora

Northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Polillo Islands

Camarines Norte,

Rest of Apayao

Rest of Ilocos Norte

Rest of Pangasinan

Rest of Nueva Ecija

Northern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, San Rafael, Angat)

Tarlac, the northeastern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat City)

Northern portion of Zambales (Palauig, Masinloc, Candelaria, Santa Cruz)

Sea conditions

PAGASA has also raised a gale warning over several areas, warning sea travelers of strong waves caused by the typhoon.

Up to 7.0 meters: The seaboard of Isabela.

Up to 6.0 meters: The eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan

Up to 5.5 meters: The seaboards of northern Aurora and Ilocos Norte

Up to 5.0 meters: The seaboard of Ilocos Sur; the remaining seaboard of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

Up to 4.5 meters: The seaboard of La Union.

Up to 4.0 meters: The seaboard of Batanes; the western seaboard of Pangasinan.

Up to 3.5 meters: The seaboard of mainland northern Quezon; the northern and eastern seaboard of Polillo Islands

Up to 3.0 meters: The seaboard of Zambales and Camarines Norte; the remaining seaboard of Pangasinan

Up to 2.5 meters: The eastern seaboard of the rest of Quezon; the northern seaboard of Camarines Sur; the northern and eastern seaboard of Catanduanes.

Up to 2.0 meters: The seaboard of Lubang Islands; the western seaboard of Bataan

A pivotal solo lead is up for grabs for National University as it eyes to preserve a spotless start against no less than reigning champion UP dealing with a surprising struggle in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Action sizzles at 4:30 p.m. for the main game of the twin-bill that also features UST’s goal for a quick rebound, after losing to NU in the duel between unbeaten squads, against the winless UE at 2 p.m.

The Bulldogs currently share the pole position with Ateneo at 3-0 in a massive turnaround for both squads after finishing at the bottom last season, potentially pushing them into an even better position midway through the first round with another big win against the Fighting Maroons.

And NU has all the confidence to do the feat, riding on two blowout wins against Far Eastern University, 84-68, and UE, 72-57, laced by a 76-69 comeback versus UST, which beat top title contenders UP and La Salle.

”Yung character kasi, hindi na para kuwestiyunin ko sa mga players ko,’ said head coach Jeff Napa as NU solved the puzzle of super rookie Tiger Collins Akowe, who bled for just five points and eight rebounds after a torrid 24.5-point, 18-rebound average in the first two games.

‘But we don’t have time to celebrate as we’re up against another top contender in UP. We have to be ready.’

A stark contrast to NU is UP’s flat start to its title defense after losing to UST in a blowout and to Adamson via a buzzer-beater.

The Fighting Maroons finally entered the winner’s circle with a 92-75 drubbing of the Red Warriors, but coach Goldwin Monteverde wants more from his young unit following the graduation of longtime leader JD Cagulangan, Quentin Millora-Brown and Francis Lopez if they wish to win a second straight crown.

“I guess winning this game in this way would make us realize that it’s very important to play together. It’s not just about talent, it’s about having a quick intuition on making decisions din,” said Monteverde.

‘Win or lose, ang mindset namin is to improve everyday kung ano pa ba pwede naing pagandahin. Of course going towards NU, we will be prepared with the same mindset.’

By way of innovating its 63rd edition, the Miss International organization will be making a few changes in order to tweak its platform for the 21st century audience; with a new concept and new format.

For starters, they will be using original music in the final show. Plus, a Miami-based company will distribute the broadcasting rights of the 2025 competition.

This year’s pageant will have Manila-based production company AIKA Events and Productions to stage the final show on the last week of November in Tokyo, Japan – a first for the global tilt.

Moreover, the National Costume presentation show will be held in a venue with Mount Fuji in the background.

This year’s batch of contestants will also be the first to sing and perform the new Miss International theme song.

Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra, who will be representing the Philippines in the international finals, will depart for Tokyo on the last week of October.

She hopes to join the ranks of Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005), Bea Rose Santiago (2013), and Kylie Versoza (2016) in proudly winning the Miss International crown for the Philippines.

The 63rd Miss International will unfold on November 27 at the Yoyogi National Stadium (2nd Gymnasium). Outgoing queen Huynh Thi-Thanh Thuy of Vietnam will crown her successor. Stay tuned!

‘I think the vice president is not in a position to make demands to Congress.’

That’s what Rep. Terry Ridon (Bicol Saro Party-list) said in an ambush interview on Friday, October 3, after Vice President Sara Duterte skipped budget deliberations three times while even setting conditions for her appearance.

He agreed with other minority lawmakers who already manifested their intention to move for the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget cut, saying Congress has all the reason to reduce it when Duterte did not even bother to defend her office’s budget.

‘So I think Congress is justified to just basically cut it to the barest operating levels,’ he said.

Rep. Leila de Lima (ML Party-list) was the first to propose cutting the OVP’s budget, even considering a zero allocation, but said that at the very least, funds should remain for its personnel and basic operations.

Minority lawmaker Rep. Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers’ Party-list) said during Thursday’s plenary debates that the OVP had used only 34% of its budget by midyear. Duterte had explained at the committee-level hearing that the reason for the low utilization rate was due to procurement delays.

Ridon shared a similar idea to the minority lawmakers, saying perhaps the personnel services and relevant operating expenses should be kept.

‘Basically, anything more than personnel services and operating expenses, I think pwede na pong tapyasin po ito (I think they could be cut),’ he said.

Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st District) said Duterte could have used the plenary to defend and explain why the budget increase was necessary, but ‘unfortunately, no explanation at all,’ he added.

He echoed De Lima’s criticism, noting how the vice president showed courtesy to the Senate but not to the House. He called it a ‘deliberate way’ of ‘expressing her preference’ for the Senate, which he said was insulting to the House as an institution.

‘That’s why sa amin, my working draft would be on the P700 million,’ Adiong said, clarifying that there’s no collective decision yet.

Tinio’s proposal, however, called for a deeper cut, retaining only the personnel services allocation of roughly P200 million for 2026.

How much the OVP wants in 2026

Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the OVP was allocated P889.2 million in new appropriations, up by P156 million from the P733.2 million it received in 2025.

Driving the increase in the OVP’s proposed budget are an additional P87 million for supplies and materials, P52 million for professional services, and P39.6 million for financial assistance and subsidies – an item not funded in its 2025 budget.

‘Para sa professional services, 405% increase, para sa mga consultant, hindi natin alam kung para saan ‘yan, gusto sana natin malaman sa kanya,’ Tinio said.

(For professional services, a 405% increase-for consultants, we don’t know what it’s for. We would like to ask her to clarify.)

These allocations fall under the OVP’s maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) for 2026, pegged at P673.75 million or a 35% increase from 2025.

Meanwhile, personnel services were set at P212.54 million, about P24 million higher than this year’s budget.

Combined, the OVP’s operating expenditures will reach P886.29 million, or roughly P198.55 million more than its 2025 budget.

In other words, if lawmakers decide to retain the personnel services budget while trimming down the MOOE increase, the OVP would be left with around P728 million, including P16 million proposed for capital outlay.

This would put it nearly at par with its 2025 budget of P744.15 million, which already factored in automatic appropriations for retirement and life insurance premiums – or a reduction of nearly one-fifth from the proposed 2026 allocation.

Will the House be soft?

During this year’s budget hearings with the appropriations committee, the House took a softer approach to the OVP compared to 2024, when deliberations lasted hours and had to be deferred because lawmakers were not satisfied with the answers over her confidential fund use.

This time, the committee passed her office’s proposed budget quickly with just a few questions from two minority lawmakers, despite the increase.

However, with the OVP absent from the plenary debates, her office’s proposed budget increase could take a rough turn.

Foodies in the Philippines can now savor the taste of Osaka’s award-winning yakitori as Ikoka Japanese Yakitori opening its doors in Metro Manila.

Founded by Chef Masashi Hara and recognized by the Michelin Bib Gourmand for five consecutive years, the restaurant has earned global acclaim for its mastery of yakitori or grilled chicken skewers.

Each skewer enhanced with salt or signature tare sauce reflects years of artisan training, a craft that has placed Ikoka among Japan’s most celebrated dining experiences.

“Yakitori is more than food – it is culture, tradition, and craftsmanship,” Chef Masashi in a statement, adding that chefs in the Philippines have been trained to deliver the same Michelin-recognized quality and authentic flavors as in Japan.

The newly opened restaurant showcases wood-crafted interiors inspired by Japanese design, offering a refined yet inviting atmosphere suitable for dates, family gatherings, or business occasions.

Counter seating provides diners with a front-row view of the live grilling, creating an immersive culinary experience.

The Philippines marks an important milestone in Ikoka’s global expansion vision. With a vibrant, youthful market and strong appreciation for authentic dining, the country is a natural home for Osaka’s renowned yakitori tradition.

The restaurant is now open at Bonifacio Global City’s Two Meridian in Taguig.

Sean Ramos followed up his opening two-under-par 68 with a solid 67 to safely advance to the weekend play of the rain-hit Jakarta International Championship, now being led by Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert at the Damai Indah Golf PIK Course in Indonesia on Friday.

Ramos, who posted six birdies but was hampered by a double bogey and two bogeys in the first round on Thursday, played more conservatively in the second round. He recorded four birdies against a lone bogey for a five-under 135 total at the par-70 course, placing him in a provisional tie for 18th.

Play was suspended for several groups due to darkness, with some players yet to finish their second rounds.

Ramos showed consistency from tee to green, hitting 12 of 14 fairways and 14 greens in regulation. He needed just 28 putts, including three crucial par saves.

Meanwhile, Miguel Tabuena, who surged into early contention with an impressive 65, continued his strong form in a late afternoon start. He birdied two of the first four holes before giving back-to-back strokes from No. 6. He parred the next eight holes and was grouped with Ramos and eight others when play was halted.

Justin Quiban, on the other hand, carded a second straight 69 for a 138 total, sitting on the projected cut line in a share of 60th place. The final cut, however, could still shift depending on the outcome of the unfinished rounds.

At the top of the leaderboard, Tangkamolprasert lit up the front nine with four straight birdies from No. 4. While his back nine was more turbulent – marked by a birdie-bogey-birdie-bogey stretch from No. 11 – he closed strong with a birdie on 17 for a 129 total.

He held a slim one-shot lead over India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, who fired a second consecutive 65 for 130. Tanapat Pichaikool of Thailand also made a move with a sizzling 62, highlighted by four consecutive birdies from the opening hole, bringing him to 131 and setting up an intense battle for the third round.