Breaking News

Last year's virtual iteration of Tingin Southeast Asian Film Festival may have weighed in on the fundamental "concept of neighborliness" to help blur some divisive lines and promote fellowship among neighbors in the region. But in its sixth year, the country's longest running and only film festival dedicated to Southeast Asian cinema is taking that concept further as it moves forward with an even more anchoring theme, "Swipe Right: Southeast Asia in Love." Its two full-length films are Ivan Andrew Payawal's "Gameboys: The Movie" (Philippines) and Kamila Andini's "Yuni" (Indonesia). Meanwhile, leading the charge for the festival's eight short film entries is Nelson Yeo's ...

Keep on reading: Love without borders: Tingin film fest turns its lens on romance and its vagaries

The "-ber" months have arrived, and with them, the customary stories and memes about Jose Mari Chan. But recently, the music icon made headlines, not for his enduring songs that signal the beginning of the holiday season, but because of a piece of advice he gave aspiring young musicians.In the Sept. 1 episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Chan pointed out that the changes in technology and the music landscape have made it harder to make a living out of music alone. So it would only be prudent, he said, for young composers and singers to find or keep a day job while pursuing music. "Use that [music] as a hobby, or on the side, but get another career---either in law or accounting ...

Keep on reading: Should artists keep day jobs and just do music ‘on the side’? Vehnee Saturno weighs in

MANILA, Philippines---Excitement filled Fran Yu after being selected by Northport in the 2023 PBA Draft on Sunday. But it wasn't just because he was selected as the fourth round's fifth pick, it was also because his fellow Letran alumni Brent Paraiso was also chosen earlier by Batang Pier. "Of course, we're excited because we reached the next level. It's nice because Brent isn't hard to be with, he has a high IQ," said Yu in Filipino. "I hope we can give Northport some wins." Paraiso was picked by Northport as the fifth pick in the third round. Both Yu and Paraiso were vital in giving the Knights a rare three-peat in the NCAA last season. Paraiso bolstered his stock in hi...

Keep on reading: PBA: Fran Yu excited to see familiar faces at Northport

MANILA, Philippines---Familiarity will be of big help for Ricci Rivero as he begins his new chapter in the PBA with the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Rivero, a University of the Philippines product, was drafted in the second round of the 2023 PBA Draft as the fifth pick, going after Raffy Verano who also landed with the Fuel Masters. With Jamike Jarin calling the shots for him heading forward, Rivero said he has some awareness of what the coach will expect of him heading forward. "At some point, I'm aware of what coach Jamike wants me to do which will make things easier and I'm excited," said Rivero in Filipino at Market! Market! on Sunday. "Whatever they want out of me, I can give ...

Keep on reading: PBA: Ricci Rivero says familiarity with coach Jamike Jarin will help at Phoenix

SINGAPORE ---The dominant Red Bulls were out of the picture and Formula One had its most thrilling fight for a win this season. Runaway standings leader Max Verstappen's winning run ended at 10 races and Red Bull's at 15 --- both F1 records --- as Carlos Sainz Jr. won the Singapore Grand Prix for Ferrari on Sunday. Red Bull dreamed of winning every race this year but had Verstappen fifth and Perez eighth after struggling all weekend in Singapore. Sainz started on pole position and held on with badly worn tires over tense final laps for his second career win in F1 ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. George Russell crashed the other Mercedes on ...

Keep on reading: F1: Carlos Sainz wins Singapore Grand Prix as Verstappen, Red Bull streaks end

MANILA, Philippines---Picked in the fifth round of the 2023 PBA Draft, controversial guard John Amores is looking at this opportunity to show that he's capable of a "new start." Amores, who became the talk of the town last year after running amok during an NCAA game, was selected fifth in the fifth round by NorthPort Batang Pier on Sunday. While announcing the pick, Northport team manager Pido Jarencio even raised his fist. Amores may not be able to bury his ugly history right away, but he will try his best to show that change is possible. "I'm so happy because with what happened to me, this is my best shot for a new start," Amores said in Filipino at Market! Market! on S...

Keep on reading: PBA: John Amores looks for new start after being drafted by Northport

MANILA, Philippines --- A crowd of Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) welcomed and swarmed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday after he made a surprise appearance at a mall in Singapore as part of his official visit to the country. According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos arrived at the Lucky Plaza Mall, a popular shopping center for Filipinos along Orchard Road, around noon to greet OFWs. As seen in a video uploaded on the President's official Facebook page, migrant workers flocked to Marcos as he tried to greet them.   Marcos is in Singapore for the 10th Asian Conference and was invited by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong t...

Keep on reading: OFWs welcome Bongbong Marcos during surprise visit at mall in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines---Zavier Lucero is determined to make the most of the opportunity after Northport chose him as the fifth pick in the 2023 PBA Draft. Batang Pier used their high pickto select the University of the Philippines product, who is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear he suffered last year. And he's looking forward to proving his worth with NorthPort when he gets back into top shape. "I'm just excited, really happy to hear my name called. I'm ready to get healthy and show everything I need to show on the court. I'm just grateful for the opportunity," said Lucero, who is currently in California, via video call. "I think, for me, I'm g...

Keep on reading: No. 5 pick Zavier Lucero raring to get back to action and join NorthPort

Kris Bernal recently celebrated her baby girl, Hailee Lucca's first month, and reflected on her journey as a first-time mom. The "Ten Little Mistresses" actress, who welcomed her firstborn with businessman husband Perry Choi on Aug. 15, uploaded an Instagram video which showed her happily interacting with their now one-month-old "little sunshine." "And in a blink, my #LittleSunshine, @haileelucca, is one month old [emoji] Celebrating a month of pure newborn bliss while soaking in every second of it; filling our lives and hearts [with] so much love and purpose! [emoji]," wrote the "StarStruck" alum, who mentioned about having longer nights, but a happier home with the arrival of...

Keep on reading: Kris Bernal marks first month of baby Hailee Lucca, motherhood

Before her recent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis, Moira Dela Torreconfessed that she had always "been so hard" on herself for not keeping it together. Dela Torre, who's known for being open about her struggle with mental health, admitted during an interview with entertainment journalist MJ Marfori that her ADHD is something that she's "learning" day by day. "It wasn't what I was asking to be diagnosed with," she said. "The notion of ADHD is being hyper, and I'm the opposite. Apparently, ADHD doesn't just define hyper. There are a lot of other things I'm coming to terms with. Actually, I'm still learning so much." The singer then noted that her diag...

Keep on reading: Moira Dela Torre says ADHD diagnosis set her on a self-learning process

CEBU CITY -- Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday emphasized the importance of safety and security in the maritime navigation as she graced the launching of a new roll-on, roll-off passenger Catamaran vessel that will cut the travel time from Cebu City to Bohol province. Duterte, along with Senator and presidential sister Imee Marcos, led the inauguration of MV Lite Cat 2 which is operated by Lite Shipping Lines owned by Boholano shipping magnate Lucio Lim Jr. Duterte, in her remarks aboard the new vessel docked at Pier 3 in Cebu City, said the expanding of Lite Ferries' fleet of vessels is essential to the economy and the call of President Marcos to modernize the domestic...

Keep on reading: VP Sara cites importance of maritime safety, security

MANILA, Philippines --- Rain showers will prevail in most parts of the country due to localized thunderstorms and the prevalence of intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the state weather bureau said on Sunday. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the rains brought by the localized thunderstorms are expected to affect most parts of Luzon and Visayas. "Sa mga susunod na oras asahan ang pag ulan sa malaking bahagi ng bansa sa Luzon at Visayas ito po ay dulot ng localized thunderstorms," weather specialist Benison Estareja said in an afternoon forecast. (Localized thunderstorms will bring rain in most parts of ...

Keep on reading: Rainy Monday in most parts of PH due to localized thunderstorm, ITCZ

LAS VEGAS--Mexican fighter Alexa Grasso celebrated her nation's independence day in unusual fashion, holding on to her UFC flyweight title after fighting to a seldom-seen split draw against former champion Valentina Shevchenko on Saturday. Grasso, who beat Shevchenko by submission in March to win the title, topped the card at the T-Mobile Arena at the Noche UFC event, which had a strong Mexican flavor due to it taking place on Sept. 16, the day Mexicans celebrate their independence. Both fighters had their moments over the five five-minute rounds but neither could force a stoppage, and the judges' scorecards produced a surprise with one giving it to Grasso, another to Shevchenk...

Keep on reading: Alexa Grasso retains UFC flyweight title in rare split draw

SINGAPORE --- Aston Martin said Sunday that Lance Stroll will sit out the Singapore Grand Prix after a heavy crash in qualifying left the Canadian driver sore. Stroll's car hit the barriers head-on in the first session of qualifying. The impact ripped off one wheel and caused heavy damage. Stroll was able to walk away but Aston Martin said that the "team face a huge job repairing the car today and Lance is still sore following such a high impact." He will focus on recovering for the Japanese Grand Prix next week. https://twitter.com/F1/status/1703064748537885048 "The whole team are relieved that Lance was able to step out of the car after yesterday's accident -- however, ...

Keep on reading: F1: Lance Stroll out of Singapore Grand Prix after heavy crash in qualifying

MANILA, Philippines --- The House of Representatives is planning to approve the proposed P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024 before the session break, as it starts plenary deliberations on September 19. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the lower chamber will extend its work weeks to meet the budget passage date and would send the appropriations bill to the Senate upon approval. "We will work morning and afternoon and on Thursday and Friday this week to meet our timeline. The national spending bill is the single most important piece of legislation Congress passes every year," Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday. Based on the chamber's schedule, Romualdez...

Keep on reading: House eyes approval of P5.768-T 2024 budget before session break

MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippine men's volleyball team may have not won a medal in the past two Southeast Asian Games but its program earned an opportunity to continue its development with its first Asian Games stint in 49 years. The men's national volleyball squad failed to sustain its momentum from a historic silver medal in the Manila SEA Games four years ago after the program was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic that led to an underwhelming finish in Hanoi, Vietnam last year. The Filipino Spikers, who started rebuilding under Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso replacing Dante Alinsunurin early this year, had another fifth-place finish in Cambodia last May when they missed c...

Keep on reading: PH men’s volleyball team gets its ‘opportunity’ at Asian Games

Sophia Laforteza, the 20-year-old trainee from the Philippines vying for a spotof the South Korean show "The Debut: Dream Academy," has made it to Mission 2 of the audition program, which is a collaboration of the top entertainment company HYBE and Geffen Records. The show announced the fan voting results on its social media pages, where Laforteza took the second place with 92,617 votes, or just 16,672 votes shy of top-placer Lee Nayoung, a South Korean actress. "Mission 1 Voting Results as decided by you! [emojis] The 6 top-voted contestants will continue to Mission 2. The judges then consider your votes and their commentary to decide which 12 of the remaining contestants move...

Keep on reading: Filipina Sophia Laforteza takes No. 2 spot in Korean show ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

MANILA, Philippines --- Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez vowed to propose solutions that will help solve the country's problem with oil price hikes in a scheduled consultative meeting with big oil players on Monday. In a statement on Sunday, theHouse Speaker said that the government can "compromise" by offering a review of the excise tax on oil and petroleum products. "On our part in the government, we can compromise ... perhaps what wecan initially offer is a possible review of excise tax or value-addedtax on oil and petroleum products. This is a good place to start," he said, adding that the solution may come from oil companies and government agencies' cooperation. Am...

Keep on reading: Romualdez: Gov’t, oil firm execs to find solutions to rising petroleum products

MANILA, Philippines ---Senator Grace Poe is urging law enforcers to arrest and jail text scammers in a bid to lessen the increasing cases of cybercrime in the country. Poe emphasized that the SIM Registration law has "good provisions" that law enforcers, telecommunication companies, and other concerned agencies can use to catch cybercrime perpetrators. "Nasa awtoridad ang responsibilidad ng maayos na pagpapatupad ng batas na ito. Ang sabi ko nga, kung may matibay na ebidensya laban sa mga nahuli na lumalabag sa batas, sampolan n'yo na," Poe, the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Registration Act, said in a statement issued on Sunday.. (Authorities...

Keep on reading: Poe to authorities: Uphold SIM registration law, arrest text scammers

  The viral student who once held a "Reconsider me?" placard after failing the college admission test of his dream university has bounced back with flying colors as he graduated magna cum laude from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). In 2019, Rufino "Ino" D'asis Pamaran III's photo holding a sign to reconsider his admission at UP Diliman made rounds online, earning praises from social media users over his unwavering determination to chase his dreams. He explained to the Inquirer that back then, he failed to reach the passing score in the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), prompting him to resort to asking for reconsideration via displaying a huge placard he mad...

Keep on reading: Student behind ‘reconsider me’ plea at UP becomes PLM’s magna cum laude graduate