Category: Philippines

Entertainment

From Beauty Queen to Future Doctor: Rabiya Mateo Begins UST Med School at 29—But Her Journey Started Long Before the Crown

From wearing a pageant crown to preparing for a career in medicine, Rabiya Mateo is proving that some dreams simply take time. The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 titleholder has officially begun her medical school journey at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), entering the university's Faculty of Medicine and Surgery as she works toward her longtime goal of becoming a doctor. Reports from ABS-CBN, GMA News, Philstar.com, The Varsitarian, and other Philippine outlets confirm that Mateo has star

August 19, 2026

Philippines

SSS Opens Up to ₱20,000 Emergency Loan for Maymay, Habagat Victims — But Check This First

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos hit by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) may now have another financial option as the Social Security System (SSS) reminds qualified members that they can apply for its Emergency Loan Program (ELP), with loans of up to ₱20,000. The SSS said the program is intended to help members manage urgent expenses brought about by calamities and other emergencies. The agency confirmed that the Emergency Loan Program remains available to quali

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Vice Ganda Is Coming Back—But the Bigger Surprise Is Where ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ Will Air

Two of ABS-CBN’s most recognizable entertainment franchises are set to return before the year ends, with “Gandang Gabi Vice” (GGV) making its television comeback in September and “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) opening a new chapter through another ABS-CBN-GMA collaboration. ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes confirmed the developments, giving fans a major reason to watch out for the final months of 2026. ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ returns—with GMA 7 in the mix The biggest surprise is arguably

August 19, 2026

Business

P194-M Cigarette Smuggling Bust Rocks Sulu: Navy Intercepts Massive Shipment—But Who Was Behind It?

The Philippine Navy has intensified its crackdown on maritime smuggling in Western Mindanao after intercepting a vessel carrying more than P170 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes off Parang, Sulu—bringing the total value of suspected smuggled cigarettes seized in the province to roughly P194 million in less than a month. The latest operation took place on August 14, 2026, in the waters off Buton Mahablo in Parang, Sulu, where personnel of the Naval Task Force 61 conducted a

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Jollibee Set for Four More Price Hikes This Year—But the Next Increase May Not Be the Last

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino consumers may have to brace for more expensive Jollibee meals, with Jollibee Foods Corp. reportedly planning four additional price increases during the second half of 2026. The planned adjustments come as the country's largest homegrown restaurant group continues to deal with elevated commodity, logistics and supply-chain costs that have squeezed profitability despite continued growth in sales. The latest report from the Manila Standard says Jollibee intends to i

August 19, 2026

Philippines

Archbishop’s Challenge to Rich Catholics: If God Has Blessed You With More, What Will You Do for the Poor?

MANILA, Philippines — Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown has issued a pointed appeal to wealthy Catholics in the Philippines, urging them to use their resources not simply for personal comfort but to help people living in poverty and on the margins of society. Brown, the Vatican’s representative to the Philippines, emphasized the Christian responsibility to recognize the dignity of the poor and translate faith into concrete acts of service. The appeal comes as the Catholic Church continues

August 19, 2026

Philippines

₱101 Million Released to Basilan Barangays—But the Real Impact Could Be Felt by Students and Communities

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Financial assistance amounting to ₱200,000 per barangay is now being distributed across Basilan under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF)–Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) Program, with 255 barangays expected to benefit. The first batch of 102 barangay officials from Isabela City, Lamitan City, and Ungkaya Pukan received their checks on August 17 during a distribution ceremony at Raayat Hall inside the Basilan Provincial Capitol in Lamitan C

August 19, 2026

Business

Fishermen Become PDEA’s Eyes at Sea—But What They’re Finding in Quezon’s Waters Has Authorities Worried

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Fishermen in Quezon are being encouraged to become the government’s frontline partners in detecting possible illegal drug activity at sea, as authorities warn that drug syndicates may be using coastal waters to move or recover narcotics. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) made the call during an Empathy Dialogue with Fisherfolk of Lucena City held on Aug. 11 at the Lucena Convention Center. PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez said fisherfolk need to understa

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

NCCA, UNESCO Challenge Filipino Teachers: Turn Living Heritage Into Classroom Lessons—and 10 Could Get US$1,000

Filipino teachers are being challenged to turn the country’s living traditions into lessons that students can use in science, mathematics, language and other subjects—with selected educators set to receive US$1,000 grants to bring their ideas into actual classrooms. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has opened the Bringing Living Heritage into the Classroom (BLHC) in the Phi

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

BINI’s Mikha Lim Questioned the Philippines’ $70-Billion Pax Silica Vision—But One Detail Changes the AI Hub Debate

MANILA, Philippines — BINI member Mikha Lim has pushed one of the Philippines’ biggest technology projects deeper into the national conversation, questioning whether the promised economic gains from the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative will ultimately be worth the pressure it could place on the country’s natural resources and communities. Lim raised the issue during an August 15 Weverse livestream, where she discussed the proposed massive industrial development in New Clark City, Tarlac. Clips of

August 19, 2026