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IT’S been 43 years since former senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr. was assassinated as he returned from exile in hopes of prodding a dictatorship toward democratic restoration.

And on the anniversary of his martyrdom that unleashed protests leading to a dictator’s ouster, no less than the only son and namesake of former President Ferdinand Marcos led the nation in marking his death.

In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on every Filipino to emulate the example of Aquino, Jr. of being involved in safeguarding the country’s freedom by combatting its modern-day threats, including disinformation, division, distrust, and civic indifference.

‘Ninoy’s legacy encourages us to meet these challenges with vigilance and faith in the Filipino people as we work together to deliver meaningful progress for all,’ Marcos said in a statement during Ninoy Aquino Day Friday.

‘This day reaffirms that freedom carries with it a collective duty to respect the dignity and rights of others and to contribute to the good of our nation,’ he added.

The chief executive assured the people his administration will also play its part in nation-building by continuing to protect the country’s sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that each Filipino continues to enjoy liberty and opportunities.

‘Together, let us carry forward the lessons of our history as we continue to nurture a more peaceful and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas. May we all have a solemn and purposeful remembrance,’ Marcos said.

Aquino was the political rival and staunch critic of Marcos’s father, former President Marcos. His death propelled his widow Corazon C. Aquino to the presidency after the 1986 Edsa revolt; and 24 years later, his only son Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, called ‘Noynoy,’ was himself elected President.

The former senator was assassinated on August 21 in 1983 at the then called Manila International Airport, which was later renamed after him. His death galvanized a fragmented opposition in the country and those exiled abroad, with massive protests culminating in the 4-day peaceful revolt at Edsa.

In 2004, Congress passed into law Republic Act 9256 declaring every August 21 as national non-working holiday to commemorate the event.

Despite the martyred senator’s role in opposing his father, President Marcos recognized that Aquino’s legacy should be commemorated since he played a crucial role in safeguarding freedom, strengthening institutions, and deepening national unity.

‘Ninoy’s legacy encourages us to meet these challenges with vigilance and faith in the Filipino people as we work together to deliver meaningful progress for all,’ he said.

Other leaders weigh in

Earlier on Thursday, the first to issue a statement was former House Deputy Majority Leader and three-term Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, who was among a handful of opposition lawmakers in the Interim Batasang Pambansa in 1984.

On Friday, commemorative statements were issued by Senators Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Aquinos’ political party the LP, and Ninoy Aquino’s nephew Sen. Bam Aquino.

According to Pangilinan, Ninoy offered his life not just to free people from a dictatorship. ‘He also offered it for the dream of seeing us truly free-from hunger, poverty, subjugation by powerful countries and from being victims of fake news,’ Pangilinan said, in Filipino.

August 21, he said, should thus be celebrated not just on the day itself, but ‘every day, because the struggle Ninoy faced is still very much alive today: those greedy for power, and those abusing human rights,’ among others.

The hardest part to understand in Aquino’s patriotism and decision to return in 1983, said Bam Aquino, is this: ‘hindi mo minamahal ang Pilipinas dahil sigurado kang may kapalit. Hindi ka naninindigan dahil alam mong mananalo ka. At hindi ka naglilingkod dahil sigurado kang kikilalanin ka. Ginagawa mo ito dahil naniniwala kang karapat-dapat ipaglaban ang Pilipino, kahit hindi mo alam kung ano ang naghihintay sa iyo.’

This, he said, underscores the martyred senator’s famous line, ‘The Filipino is worth dying for.’

DE LA SALLE-COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE (DLS-CSB) has introduced the Master in Global Governance and Management (MGGM): the first-ever professional track graduate program in the Philippines which combines the disciplines and principles of international relations and diplomacy, public administration, and management.

Jointly offered by the School of Management and Information Technology (SMIT) and the School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG), MGGM prepares the next generation of civil society leaders to effectively navigate both private and public institutions with an in-depth focus on global governance and management processes grounded in local and national concerns.

MGGM offers an innovation-based perspective on economic and societal development, viewing it as a series of humanity’s response-making cycles to the greatest opportunities and challenges in history. It champions well-managed organizations that serve the ends of human rights, human security, and human development embedded in internationally agreed green, resilient, and inclusive

development goals or ‘GRID.’

Throughout the program, students will gain a deeper understanding of the transnational nature of diplomacy, governance, and management by analyzing the transnational regimes that seek to address global challenges, questioning why such regimes succeeded or failed, along with the politics underpinning current diplomatic practice and the obstacles to change.

MGGM equips learners with competencies in strategic and future thinking in policy-making, business trends, as well as the diplomatic skills, protocols, and practices required to face complex challenges in an unfolding, interconnected, and dynamic global community. It enables them not only to develop a big-picture view of world politics but also to specialize in topical aspects and make an original contribution based on their own research.

Students are trained to analyze governance of the global economy and contemporary issues in international economic relations based on evidence and/or data, and to be adept in conflict management and enhanced negotiation as they address the challenges of governance and business through external and internal factors that contribute to the management of global society. They are molded to be proficient in conflict and negotiation management, able to use various decision-making methods, and develop technological adaptability and resilience.

Designed for critical thinkers who seek to develop leading-edge knowledge to help shape the world, MGGM suits individuals who hope to pursue international careers as policy-makers, analysts, and advisers. They may also pursue positions such as administrators, public management consultants, and advocacy workers in the wide array of institutions involved in addressing global problems.

It is ideal for government employees who aspire to become career executives; corporate practitioners who aim to deepen their knowledge in international relations and international business; and leaders and managers of international organizations, intergovernmental organizations, and non-government organizations who wish to advance their knowledge in the field.

‘The Purge’ for sex is the best way to describe the premise of ‘One Night Only’ unless you prefer Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery’ for one-night stands.

As the movie announces right away: The U.S. government has passed a mandate that premarital sex is illegal except for one night a year. For the past three years, sex out of wedlock has been off limits except for an annual 12-hour reprieve. ‘It’s been a lot,’ read the opening title cards.

Such a concept, naturally, spawns a lot of questions. How could such a policy be policed? Where, exactly, are the lines drawn? And why hasn’t everyone moved to Canada?

But ‘One Night Only,’ directed by Will Gluck (‘Easy A,’ ‘Anyone But You’), is less interested in extrapolating the potentially bizarre ramifications of its dystopian concept than in selling a surprisingly tame romantic tale. ‘One Night Only’ may be dressed up as a raunchy sex comedy, but it’s a rom-com at heart, and a chaste one at that.

That makes ‘One Night Only’ a disappointingly denuded comedy without the gumption to interrogate its satirical gimmick. And yet its charming leads, Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner, do enough to keep ‘One Night Only’ pleasantly watchable.

The health of the rom-com is perpetually debated, but one of the genre’s most abiding benefits is in giving young stars an uncluttered big-screen stage to shine on. Turner, the Bond-rumored British actor, has already appeared in one (also monogamy-friendly) rom-com in last year’s ‘Eternity.’

But ‘One Night Only’ is an especially welcome showcase for Barbaro, who has thus far stood out largely in male-dominated ensembles ( ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ ‘A Complete Unknown,’ ‘Crime 101’ ). So, while ‘One Night Only’ is unlikely to be a standout in her filmography, it’s the one that most proves her lead-actor incandescence.

One of the biggest stretches in a movie full of them is that these two – neither of whom are exactly hard on the eyes – are among the only ones striking out on a night dedicated to scoring. Owen (Turner), who runs a Manhattan pizzeria, has his engagement plans thwarted when his longtime girlfriend (Maya Hawke) says she plans to sleep with someone else. Allie (Barbaro), meanwhile, is a single singer (she gets paid to belt out pharmaceutical jingles) who has to be coaxed by her friends into even going out.

Both are romantics on a night for flings. After bumping into each other and meeting on the street, they spend the night traversing New York, separately but often together, through nightclub escapades and condom shortages.

In Travis Braun’s high-concept script, the cleverest parody isn’t of conservative political intervention in private sex lives. It’s of a swipe-right sex culture, where old-fashioned romance is hard to find. But ‘One Night Only’ – populated in product placement ads from Durex to K-Y – has little about it that suggests something particularly sincere.

Instead, ‘One Night Only’ constantly feels like it’s narrowing its many possibilities. Early on, one character notes the night belongs to the straights because gay people long ago learned to circumvent repressive restrictions. Instead of widening its satire into contemporary sex life, Gluck’s film turns throwback, even leading to a climax atop a New York landmark.

So ‘One Night Only’ isn’t bawdy or trenchant enough for its concept or quite sweet enough for its romance. It’s more successful as a meta comedy about a pair of charismatic Hollywood stars reckoning with their onscreen sex appeal. Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell and Pete Davidson all make a kind of cameo. And on that score, neither Barbaro nor Turner have much to worry about.

Hopefully, though, there are more ‘Purge’ riffs to come. One night only for … backgammon? Just imagine the chaos.

‘One Night Only,’ a Universal Pictures release, is now showing in Philippine cinemas. Running time: 102 minutes. Two stars out of four.

THE National Teachers’ Month (NTM) celebration is calling on businesses, civic organizations, academic institutions, government agencies, and community groups to invest in meaningful initiatives that strengthen teachers’ well-being, professional growth, and capacity to deliver quality education.

Led by the NTM Coordinating Council (NTMCC), with Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) serving as its lead and secretariat, the movement provides organizations opportunities to help advance teacher support where it matters most.

Building on years of successful partnerships, the 2026 celebration aims to create more localized and community-driven initiatives while encouraging partners to align their programs with the priority areas identified by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). By focusing efforts on teachers’ most pressing needs, every partnership can create deeper, more sustainable impact.

‘EDCOM II has given us a clearer picture of where our teachers need us most,’ said MBFI President and NTMCC Chairperson Philip Francisco Dy. ‘By aligning our efforts with identified needs, we can maximize the impact of every contribution and create lasting benefits for teachers and learners alike.’

Shared national cause

FOR partner organizations, the movement has become an opportunity to advance their own missions while contributing to a shared national cause. Last year’s celebration brought together 70 partner organizations and reached thousands of teachers nationwide, demonstrating the power of collective action.

‘Being part of the NTM movement has been a meaningful privilege for [us],’ said President and CEO Lawrence Li Tan of the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corp. ‘More than building destinations, we create spaces where learning comes to life, allowing us to celebrate and support teachers every day.’

Meanwhile, the Teacher Education Council sees the movement as an important platform for advancing teacher education and elevating conversations on the profession. For Executive Director V Dr. Jennie V. Jocson, ‘the NTM has reinforced TEC’s role as the government’s primary agency for teacher education and development. Through the NTM movement, TEC has further expanded the reach and impact of its initiatives, raising greater public awareness of the vital role of teachers while promoting broader conversations on the challenges and opportunities facing both the teaching profession and the teacher education sector.’

For City Savings Bank, supporting the NTM reflects its long-standing commitment to educators. Assistant Vice President-Reputation and Brand Management Head Paula Viegelmann-Ruelan said, ‘Being part of the NTM movement has reminded us why CSB exists: to walk alongside the people who shape our nation. When we invest in educators, we’re investing in every student, every classroom, and every community they touch.’

Responsibility and investment

PARTNER organizations likewise encouraged more institutions to join the movement, emphasizing that supporting teachers is a shared responsibility and an investment in the country’s future. They underscored that empowering educators ultimately benefits learners, communities, and the nation as a whole.

‘By empowering those who educate, we invest in the future of our learners and our nation. More than educators, Filipino teachers are the bedrock of nation-building,’ Dr. Jocson added. ‘Becoming an official NTM partner is free and open to organizations of all sizes. Whether through existing corporate social responsibility initiatives or newly developed programs, every contribution helps build a stronger support system for Filipino teachers.’

Partners may contribute through initiatives such as professional learning and development, wellness and mental health programs, financial literacy sessions, digital learning and technology support, recognition activities, or other interventions that help teachers thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Organizations interested in joining the 2026 NTM celebration may register through bit.ly/2026NTM PartnerRegistration and become part of a growing coalition committed to creating lasting impact for Filipino teachers-and the generations of learners they inspire.

When I close my eyes and think of Japan, I’m picturing Kyoto, the most rewarding city in Japan (I’d go so far as to say that Kyoto is the most rewarding single city in all of Asia), and a place all travelers should visit at least once in their lives.

One of Japan’s oldest cities, Emperor Kanmu selected it as the seat of the imperial court in AD 794, and it remained Japan’s capital for more than the next millennium, until Tokyo replaced it in 1869. Serving as the capital for so long has left the city with an incredibly rich legacy, with some 1,600 mysterious Buddhist temples, 400 colorful Shinto shrines, and sublime Zen gardens, with 17 of the city’s monuments, temples, shrines, plus one castle being designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites (collectively designated as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto). Japan in a nutshell, Kyoto, the cultural and historical heart of the country, is the best place in all Japan to experience.

Kyoto is packed with world-famous sights, but figuring out how to see them all without feeling rushed or totally lost can be a challenge. For the essence of Kyoto’s old-world charm, visit the 360-meter-long, cobblestoned Hanami-koji Street in Gion District, the city’s most famous traditional entertainment and geisha district. Many locals and tourists stroll through the district wearing a rented kimono, a wildly popular and culturally embraced activity. Everything you need is provided, from the silk or synthetic kimono sash (obi) to hair styling and the traditional wooden (geta) or fabric (zori) sandals.

Offering an authentic Kyoto experience, this main thoroughfare is lined with stunning, preserved architecture such as wooden merchant houses (machiya), traditional Japanese restaurants (ryotei), and upscale teahouses (ochaya). It is also renowned for its exclusive nightlife where geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) and apprentices (maiko) entertain guests. The centuries-old Yasaka Shrine, sitting at the eastern edge of the district, is the spiritual heart of the area.

A highly photogenic must-see is the Fushimi Inari Taisha, an ancient Shinto shrine famous for its iconic, mesmerizing twin tunnels of closely packed vermillion gates, known as Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates), which symbolize a path into the sacred realm. Winding 4 kilometers up the sacred, 233-meter-high Mount Inari, these gates are actually donations made by individuals and businesses across Japan. Throughout the grounds, you’ll see countless kitsune (stone statues of foxes), messengers of Inari Okami (the patron of agriculture, business, and general success), many of which carry symbolic items like keys (for granaries) or scrolls in their mouths.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen Buddhist temple celebrated as one of the most iconic and frequently visited landmarks in the country, is a magnificent example of blending various architectural styles across three floors. Its top two floors are entirely covered in pure, shimmering gold leaf. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it overlooks a tranquil mirror pond (Kyoko-chi) which reflects the brilliant gold of the pavilion. The pavilion was burnt to the ground in 1950 by a fanatic monk but was painstakingly rebuilt in 1955. As you follow the walking path through the temple’s beautifully manicured gardens, you will pass several weathered miniature Buddhist statues and smaller shrines with small offering bowls or cups sitting in front. A popular, fun, and traditional activity here is tossing coins at the statues and offering bowls, and if you land a coin in the target, it is believed to bring good fortune or grant a wish. You can also toss coins at the Hakujya-no Tsuka (White Snake Mound) near Anmintaku Pond (which is said to never dry up).

The 16-square-kilometer Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was a major highlight. Yes, it’s popular. Here, you walk through a series of tourist-packed wooden pathways that weave through the dense thicket of soaring, emerald-green bamboo stalks, mostly moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) that reach dozens of feet into the sky, creating a canopy- an experience that feels surreal. In fact, the rustling sound of the bamboo stalks swaying in the wind was officially recognized as one of the ‘100 Soundscapes of Japan’ by the Ministry of the Environment.

Next to the bamboo forest are Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples, and Nonomiya Shrine. The latter is famous for its rare, unpainted torii made of unpeeled oak, considered to be the oldest and most traditional style of gate in Japan. The shrine is also a popular spot for blessings of love and safe childbirth. Wandering through the peaceful, stunning garden (created by garden designer Muso Soseki) of Tenryuji Temple, with its reflective pond, surrounded by rocks and pine trees, and a backdrop of the forested Arashiyama Mountains, instantly slowed things down in the best way.

It’s a surprisingly rewarding finish that adds a playful edge to the day. Kyoto is the most rewarding destination in all of Japan, and it should be at the top of any Japan travel itinerary.

For many travelers, Dubrovnik is instantly recognizable as King’s Landing from HBO’s Game of Thrones and its prequel, House of the Dragon. Medieval walls, dramatic staircases, and Adriatic coastline transformed this Croatian city into one of television’s most iconic filming locations. But beyond the fantasy world, Dubrovnik is genuinely one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal cities.

For Filipinos, visiting Croatia has also become easier. Since Croatia joined the Schengen Area in 2023, Philippine passport holders can enter using a valid Schengen visa. Flights from Manila usually connect through Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Vienna, or Amsterdam via airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, or KLM.

Applying for a Schengen visa may seem intimidating, but preparation is key. Travelers should apply through the embassy or visa center of the country where they will spend the most time. Requirements typically include a valid passport, round-trip flights, hotel bookings, travel insurance, proof of funds, employment documents, and a detailed itinerary. Applications are commonly processed through VFS Global.

I visited Dubrovnik expecting a ‘Game of Thrones destination,’ but I left realizing it is much more than that. It is a city of seafood dinners by the sea, island-hopping adventures, and sunsets that make you want to stay longer than planned.

Here are five practical tips to help you enjoy Dubrovnik smarter.

1. The Old Town Has A LOT of Steps – Travel Light or Hire a Luggage Carrier

One thing many first-time visitors do not realize is that Dubrovnik’s Old Town was built long before wheeled luggage existed. The polished limestone streets and endless staircases can quickly become exhausting, especially if your accommodation is inside the Old Town walls.

Travel light if possible, or ask your hotel about luggage assistance. Some guesthouses and local porters offer luggage-carrying services for a fee, and honestly, it can save you from arriving completely drained before your vacation even begins.

Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable here.

2. Get the Dubrovnik Pass

Dubrovnik is expensive during peak season, so the Dubrovnik Pass is absolutely worth it. As of 2026, the pass costs pound 40 for one day, pound 50 for three days, and pound 60 for seven days. It includes access to the famous City Walls, several museums and galleries, plus public transportation around the city.

The best part? The City Walls ticket alone already costs almost the same as the one-day pass, making it one of the smartest purchases for first-time visitors.

One important thing to remember: you can only enter the City Walls once using the pass, so plan your visit properly. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid both the heat and the cruise ship crowds.

The walls stretch nearly two kilometers around the Old Town and offer incredible panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s orange rooftops. You will also recognize several Game of Thrones filming locations along the way.

3. You Cannot Leave Dubrovnik Without Eating Seafood

Croatian coastal cuisine deserves far more attention.

Because of Dubrovnik’s Adriatic location, seafood here is incredibly fresh. Expect oysters, grilled octopus, black risotto, mussels, and sea bass almost everywhere.

One of the city’s most famous restaurants is Lady Pi-Pi, known for grilled seafood, generous portions, and stunning rooftop views overlooking the Old Town. Expect queues during summer, but it is worth the wait.

If you want a more upscale experience, Nautika is known for elegant seafood dining beside the fortress walls. Meanwhile, Proto remains one of Dubrovnik’s classic seafood institutions.

Honestly, one of the best experiences in Dubrovnik is simply sitting down for a long seafood dinner with Croatian wine while watching the city slow down at sunset.

4. Skip the Cable Car and Walk Up Ulica Matije Gupca

The Dubrovnik Cable Car offers beautiful views, but round-trip tickets now cost around pound 30 per adult.

If you are traveling on a budget, there is a free alternative many tourists overlook.

Walk uphill through Ulica Matije Gupca toward the residential areas above the Old Town. The climb is steep, but once you reach the higher viewpoints, you will get postcard-worthy panoramic views completely free.

Personally, I think this route feels more authentic because you also get to experience the quieter side of Dubrovnik away from the crowds.

Go before sunset for the best lighting and cooler temperatures.

5. Don’t Overbook Boat Tours

Boat tours are one of the best experiences in Dubrovnik, especially if you want to visit Lokrum Island, the Blue Cave, or the Elafiti Islands.

But here is a tip many travelers do not know: you do not always need to pre-book online weeks ahead.

If you walk around the Old Port area in the morning or early afternoon, many operators still have available spots and sometimes offer discounted last-minute rates, especially for sunset cruises or shared tours.

Dubrovnik may have become globally famous because of Game of Thrones, but the city’s real magic comes from its atmosphere beyond the screen.

It is in the church bells echoing through the alleys, the seafood dinners by the harbor, the endless staircases, and the Adriatic sparkling below the city walls.

And once you experience Dubrovnik in person, you realize this place never needed Hollywood to become unforgettable.

THE last Samsung foldable I reviewed was the Galaxy Z Fold 4. After a few years and several iterations, we were long overdue for a reunion.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is arguably the most expensive mass-market, non-customized flagship smartphone you can buy in 2026-for now. It starts at ?123,990 and climbs to ?165,990 for the 1TB configuration.

That’s laptop money. Very good laptop money.

With a price tag well into six figures, the obvious question arises: Who in their right mind would spend this much on a phone?

After using the Z Fold 8 Ultra for several weeks, I realized that’s the wrong question.

This isn’t a smartphone I’d recommend based purely on value for money, nor is it something you buy simply because you want Samsung’s newest and most expensive toy. It starts making sense when you already know exactly what you’re going to use it for.

Samsung also made an interesting decision this year by finally attaching the most important word in its flagship vocabulary to the Fold: Ultra.

And that word comes with expectations.

Yes, Samsung also has the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8, with its new passport-like shape that’s understandably getting plenty of attention. It’s different, fresh and arguably the bigger conversation starter of the two. But novelty isn’t really what the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is chasing; it is helping you achieve your purpose.

Here are eight realizations from my time with it.

1. The price. If the price makes you think twice, this probably isn’t for you. Let me explain before that sounds incredibly snobbish.

For most smartphones, price-to-performance matters enormously. If one phone gives you 90 percent of another phone’s capabilities for half the price, the cheaper phone is probably the smarter buy.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra plays by slightly different rules.

Think business owners, top executives, journalists, creatives, consultants or anyone whose smartphone has become part of their working infrastructure. They might approve documents in the car, check spreadsheets between meetings, review presentations, or go through PDFs without pulling out a laptop.

For them, the question isn’t necessarily, ‘Is this phone worth ?123,990?’

It is: ‘Will this make what I already do easier?’

That’s when the ‘math’ starts ‘mathing.’

The 8-inch inner display, Samsung DeX, multitasking capabilities and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy won’t automatically make you productive. But if you already have a purpose for them, they can make your day easier.

2. Instant Aura. This one’s going to sound superficial until you think about the other things we carry. A nice watch doesn’t make you more punctual. An expensive pen doesn’t improve your handwriting. A tailored suit doesn’t make you smarter. But they communicate something before you’ve said a word.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra has that effect. Pull another black rectangular smartphone out during a meeting and chances are nobody notices. Put this on the conference table, open that 8-inch display, and people notice.

It has presence.

I’m not talking about showing off. I’ve encountered foldables increasingly often at executive briefings, business meetings and press events, and there’s something different about unfolding a screen large enough to review a document or presentation while everyone else is reaching for a laptop.

There are phones you pull out of your pocket, and there are devices that announce themselves when you put them on the table.

3. That camera bump though. At just 4.1mm when unfolded, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is an absurdly thin piece of engineering. Folded, it’s 8.9mm, and weighs just 215 grams despite packing an 8-inch folding display and 5,000mAh battery.

But then you turn it around.

Calling that camera bump an island would be geographically inaccurate. That thing is a continent.

Put the phone on a desk and it doesn’t sit flat. There’s noticeable wobble, and that substantial camera assembly makes the beautifully thin profile feel considerably less thin.

There’s also a wonderfully ridiculous contradiction here. Samsung has spent years shaving fractions of millimeters from the Fold, and one of the first accessories I’d recommend is a good case with a kickstand.

4. Flex Mode. One of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra’s most useful positions is neither completely open nor completely closed. It’s halfway.

Samsung calls it Flex Mode, and it’s one of the features that separates the Ultra from the regular Galaxy Z Fold 8.

With supported apps, the display divides into two working areas, with content above and controls below. Videos can stay on top while playback controls sit underneath; during video calls, the phone supports itself on a desk; and in some apps the lower portion can even function like a touchpad.

But the camera may be where Flex Mode makes the most sense.

Partially fold the phone, put it on a flat surface and it effectively becomes its own tripod for group photos, timed selfies or videos. For content creators, you can also position the cameras low while keeping the display angled toward you.

We usually judge foldables by what they can do completely unfolded. Flex Mode reminds you that one of their advantages is that they don’t have to be.

5. Durability. Smartphone durability has become strangely theatrical. Manufacturers dunk phones underwater, drop them, bend them and subject them to increasingly outrageous stunts to prove they’re no longer fragile.

Samsung probably isn’t going to pull an airplane with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

And maybe it doesn’t need to.

Samsung’s approach is less theatrical. There’s the Armor FlexHinge, Flex Titanium reinforcement beneath the folding display, Armor Aluminum construction and an IP48 rating for water and solid-particle resistance.

That doesn’t mean it’s dustproof, and IP48 still falls short of the IP68 protection we’re accustomed to on conventional premium flagships. But together, these improvements provide something arguably more important when you’re carrying a six-figure foldable every day: peace of mind.

6. How Ultra is it? This is where I’m going to be difficult. Samsung put Ultra in the name, so it’s fair to judge the phone by the expectations that word creates.

The cameras start impressively with a 200MP main camera, joined by an upgraded 50MP ultrawide.

Then you get to the telephoto.

It’s still a 10MP camera with 3x optical zoom, with digital zoom topping out at 30x.

That’s not bad. But on Samsung’s ultimate foldable? At this price? With Ultra in the name?

The two 10MP selfie cameras aren’t particularly remarkable either, although the folding design gives you an obvious solution: Don’t use them.

Open the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, turn it around and use Rear Cam Selfie. The cover display becomes your viewfinder while you shoot with the much better rear cameras.

7. Turning pages-like a book. Of all the things I expected to enjoy on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, reading wasn’t particularly high on the list.

Then I opened Google Play Books.

There’s something wonderfully appropriate about reading a digital book on a device you physically open like one. Compatible books can appear across two pages on the 8-inch display, complete with Google’s page-turn animation.

For years, the crease has been the thing foldable manufacturers wanted us to stop noticing. Here, instead of an imperfection, it almost becomes the gutter running down the middle of a real book.

No, it doesn’t smell like paper. We’re not there yet.

As someone who grew up reading comics, things get even better. Comics can be difficult on small screens because dialogue becomes hard to read, while constantly zooming into panels destroys the original page composition.

Google Play Books’ Bubble Zoom solves part of that problem on compatible comics. Double-tap a speech bubble and the text enlarges while leaving the surrounding artwork and layout intact.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra gives you the full page when you want to admire the artwork, then enlarges the dialogue when you need it. Close the Fold when you’re done and the entire comic book disappears into your pocket.

8. The laptop question. Give me a complicated spreadsheet, a long editing session or several thousand words to write, and I’m still reaching for my computer. But those aren’t the moments where the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra earns its keep.

It’s when you’re in the back of a car and someone sends a document that needs checking. When a presentation arrives five minutes before a meeting. When you’re at an airport and don’t want to unpack your laptop. It’s when you need a browser beside Samsung Notes, messages beside your calendar, or a PDF beside the e-mail discussing it.

On a conventional smartphone, multitasking usually means becoming faster at switching between apps. On the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, multitasking can mean not switching at all.

Now Nudge can take this further by recognizing something actionable onscreen and suggesting a relevant next step or another supported app in Multi Window. Samsung DeX extends things further when you have an external display, giving you a desktop-style workspace from the phone in your pocket.

None of this replaces a proper computer for serious, prolonged work.

It doesn’t need to.

The Fold’s advantage isn’t that you can finally leave every other device at home. It’s that there are fewer moments when you regret doing so.

And that brings us back to where we started.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra isn’t for everyone. It shouldn’t be.

A phone this expensive doesn’t suddenly become sensible because it has enough impressive specifications. It starts making sense when those capabilities fit into your life-when the bigger screen saves you time, Flex Mode solves a problem, Now Nudge helps you get organized, or you simply rediscover how enjoyable it is to sit down and read.

You can find plenty of reasons to want the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra.

The harder-and far more important-question is whether you’ve found a purpose for it.

A total of 4,999 indigent elderly in this town received P3,000 each on Wednesday under the national government’s social pension program.

In an interview, Baby Soriano, head of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs here, said the amount is received quarterly by the elderly, which they use to purchase some, if not most, of their basic needs.

‘This is a big help to them. Since the elderly have needs like maintenance medicines and food,’ she said. The Social Pension Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development provides a monthly stipend of P1,000, distributed quarterly, to qualified beneficiaries.

Soriano said the distributed amount is for the third quarter of this year. ‘We thank President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for all the programs and projects for the elderly,’ he said.

Remedios Abalos, a 66-year-old beneficiary, said she would use the amount to purchase rice and medicine for her hypertension.

A NEW audio accessory is on the horizon with Sony’s latest Pulse Elevate wireless speaker, featuring what they call ‘lifelike gaming audio’ for desktop gaming or on-the-go.

Revealed during Sony’s State of Play, Sony promised that Pulse Elevate would immerse gamers with amazing audio akin to its predecessors, the Pulse Elite wireless headset and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds.

‘Pulse Elevate builds upon the immersive next-level gaming audio experience we introduced to players with Pulse Elite wireless headset and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, combining powerful technologies like planar magnetic drivers and PlayStation Link into new form factors for players to experience with their favorite games,’ the blog reads.

Developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Pulse Elevate can be used on PC, PlayStation, and Mac setups, while also being viable on the go for PlayStation Portal remote players and smartphone users.

According to PlayStation, it supports Tempest 3D AudioTech for PS5, which enables the speaker to position audio cues with incredible accuracy. Another feature is its adjustable orientation that lets you fill the room with music or immerse you in gaming. It also has built-in woofers that produce rich bass tones.

Online multiplayer gamers would enjoy this new tech as well because it has a built-in mic that has AI noise-reduction features, allowing for an enjoyable communication experience with friends and teammates online.

Pulse Elevate also has PlayStation Link ultra-low latency and multi-device connectivity, allowing users to connect via PlayStation Link while also simultaneously connecting to Bluetooth for different needs like music, voice chat, and more. ‘The wireless speakers feature exceptionally lifelike audio, ultra-low latency, and lossless PlayStation Link wireless connectivity,’ their blog reads.

Pulse Elevate comes in two colors: Midnight Black and White. Pre-orders will be available on September 2, 2026, for local retailers, and is set to release by November 12, 2026. Its estimated price is ?14,709.

The Tribal Communities Association of the Philippines Inc. (TRICAP), together with government, corporate, and hospitality partners, brought humanitarian assistance to 250 calamity-affected families in Malapatan, Sarangani on August 19 through Project Kapwa.

Led by TRICAP National President Bae Limpayen Jennifer Pia Limpayen Sibug-Las, the humanitarian team conducted relief operations at the evacuation site in San Roque, Poblacion, where 250 families received relief goods following recent calamities that affected communities in the municipality.

The mission was undertaken in partnership with Apo View Hotel, Eurotel, Hotel Sogo of the Global Comfort Group, the NCIP Region XII Medical Team, Ramosco, and GOODERA.

The participation of the NCIP Region XII Medical Team under the leadership of Regional Director Datu Joey Bogay and Sarangani Provincial Officer Luciano Lumancas added a critical health component to the humanitarian response, bringing medical assistance closer to affected families at the evacuation site.

Before the relief operation, the Project Kapwa team paid a courtesy visit to Malapatan Mayor Salway ‘Jun’ Sumbo Jr. at his office to coordinate with the local government and discuss the situation of affected communities.

The team was also assisted by Indigenous Peoples leaders and local partners, including Datu Jaime Lantingan and Malapatan Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Fulong Titus Mandalo.

For TRICAP, the initiative represents more than the distribution of relief goods. It reflects the organization’s continuing commitment to Indigenous Peoples and vulnerable communities and its belief in the Filipino value of kapwa-the recognition that communities must stand together during times of crisis.

‘Project Kapwa is about standing with communities when they need us most. Humanitarian assistance becomes more meaningful when government, civil society, the private sector and communities work together with compassion and dignity,’ Sibug-Las said.

The initiative also demonstrates the value of cross-sector partnerships in disaster response. TRICAP said the collaboration among Indigenous Peoples organizations, government agencies, private institutions, hospitality establishments, corporate volunteers, and humanitarian partners enabled the team to bring assistance directly to families in an evacuation setting.

Sibug-Las expressed appreciation to all Project Kapwa partners, particularly Apo View Hotel, Eurotel, Hotel Sogo of the Global Comfort Group, NCIP Region XII Medical Team, Ramosco and GOODERA, for supporting the humanitarian mission.

TRICAP also thanked the Municipality of Malapatan and its Indigenous Peoples representatives for facilitating the team’s engagement with affected families.

Project Kapwa forms part of TRICAP’s broader advocacy of ‘Strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ Voices from Roots to Rights,’ extending the organization’s work beyond advocacy and representation toward community-based humanitarian action.

The organization said it will continue to work with partners and local communities in responding to the needs of Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable sectors, particularly during emergencies and disasters.