MANILA, Philippines — Leptospirosis cases in the country fell 46% over a two-week period in September, suggesting that the surge in infections may be easing, according to a report by the Department of Health (DOH). The DOH recorded 1,814 cases from Sept. 10 to 23, down from 3,340 cases reported from Aug. 27 to Sept.

MANILA, Philippines — A purported bagman turned witness told the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Tuesday that P10 million were allegedly offered for each recantation by the remaining “maleta boys.” Christopher Esquivel made the revelation while testifying at the plunder bail hearing of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is accused of receiving P7.44 billion in

(Satellite image from Pagasa) MANILA, Philippines — The northeasterly wind flow and the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, may affect most of the country on Wednesday, Oct. 14, the state weather bureau said. In its 4 p.m. weather advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that the northeasterly

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City has abolished its Task Force Disiplina effective Tuesday and ordered its members to undergo strict background checks, neuropsychological examinations, and drug testing before they can return to the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS). “Wala nang awtorisadong operasyon o pagroronda sa ilalim ng Task Force Disiplina,” said the city

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate impeachment court lifted on Tuesday the sub judice rule on impeachment articles I, III and IV, pertaining to Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery and grave threats, respectively. This comes after the court allowed the House prosecution panel to withdraw the three articles, leaving in focus

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told the members of the press that differences of opinion with government officials do not make them adversaries. Marcos made the remark during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected officers of the Malacañang Media Group at the President’s Hall in Malacañang. READ: Groups push back vs efforts to

MANILA, Philippines — More than a third of beneficiaries who received P5,000 in fuel assistance from the government were not enrolled in any government program, including the Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey found. The survey, released by the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) on Tuesday, was commissioned by

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said 60 of the 77 people who died in the MV June Aster ferry fire off Coron, Palawan, on Sept. 9 have been identified. PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the Philippine National Police Forensic Group identified the victims through DNA testing. As of Oct.

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — More than a showcase of picturesque landscapes and eco-adventure spots, Malaybalay City’s local tourism narrative is delving into its cultural roots and artistic soul. The city government of Malaybalay opened City Tourism Week 2026 on Monday, transforming the city hall lobby in Barangay Casisang into a convergence point for local heritage,

LUCENA CITY — Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, chairperson of the House committee on agriculture and food, has expressed concern over falling farmgate prices of live hogs despite persistently high retail pork prices, saying both local producers and consumers are bearing the brunt of the disparity. “The continued decline in farmgate prices of hogs while retail

MANILA, Philippines — Lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro on Tuesday objected to the defense’s repeated use of the word “persecution” during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying it was unfair to those helping the prosecution team. Defense lead impeachment counsel Sheila Sison first mentioned “persecution” while discussing the new trial

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Breast cancer survivors and cancer patients are invited to join free dance fitness sessions in Calapan City on Oct. 16, 23 and 30 as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Morning Groove Dance Fitness will hold the sessions from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at Mejico Studio, encouraging participants to

MANILA, Philippines — Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) will hold a caravan on Wednesday for one of its leaders who died. A caravan for 78-year-old jeepney driver Elmer Cordero, known as “Tatay Elmer,” whose body will be brought to Claret Church in Diliman, Quezon City at 1 p.m.

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The province has recorded 1,424 dengue cases, including three deaths, as of Oct. 13, according to the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU). The PESU dengue dashboard showed 117 newly reported cases from Oct. 4 to 10, prompting the provincial government and local health authorities to intensify dengue prevention efforts.

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel has concluded its presentation of evidence in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte , presenting witnesses and documentary evidence on allegations involving grave threats, confidential funds, and grave threats. Despite requesting 62 trial dates in its pretrial brief, the prosecution completed its presentation on Monday, Day

MANILA, Philippines — House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III is backing bills to address gun safety, children’s online protection, and political dynasties, according to a statement his office issued on Tuesday. He has co-authored measures with House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, including proposals that seek to strengthen firearm regulations and protect minors

Your guide to restaurant longevity and lasting legacy, according to four restaurants

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said indigenous communities and their burial sites would not be displaced as the government moves forward with the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative. During a brief question-and-answer session at Malacañang Palace, he said the government would handle the matter with sensitivity. “We are very sensitive to that.

The 39th day of Vice President Sara Duterte"s impeachment trial was supposed to focus on scheduling the remaining proceedings. Instead, the prosecution made a major move, asking the Senate impeachment court to allow it to drop three of the four impeachment articles and focus on Article 2. The article accuses Duterte of amassing unexplained wealth by failing to declare assets in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and divest business interests as required by the Constitution.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has urged Filipinos to take precautions, warning that strong movement along the Manila Trench could generate a tsunami reaching 5.5 meters. On Tuesday, Phivolcs outlined its tsunami risk reduction initiatives ahead of World Tsunami Awareness Day on November 5. During a press conference, Director

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur  – The local government unit (LGU) of Sumisip in Basilan province has condemned the series of deadly armed attacks targeting troops of the Philippine Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion (45th IB). In a statement on Monday evening, the Sumisip LGU denounced the two recent ambush incidents, emphasizing that such acts threaten

KORONADAL CITY — Around 300 kilograms of garbage were collected from mangrove and coastal areas in Malapatan town, Sarangani province, during a cleanup led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Region 12 (DENR-12) and the municipal government. DENR-12’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Sarangani and Community Environment and Natural

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday stressed that her purpose is not to become the next president of the country, but to spread her message on the “country’s problems and what needs to be done.” Duterte made the pronouncement in a speech at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry 52nd Philippine

MANILA, Philippines – Detained former President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to appear Tuesday before the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III as it holds fourth status conference in his crimes against humanity case. /dp READ: Rodrigo Duterte expected to appear in 4th ICC status conference

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Anyone caught in rush-hour traffic knows the quiet frustration of watching a city outgrow its streets. In Butuan, an ambitious bid to untangle congested thoroughfares and protect daily commuters has carried the Agusan del Norte capital into the final round of the country’s most storied local governance awards. The

Beauty queens are often expected to appear flawless, deliver polished answers and maintain a perfect image, but GMA Pictures’ upcoming film “Red Crown” aims to reveal the imperfections, personal struggles and humanity behind the glamour of pageantry.  Featuring real-life beauty queens, actresses and digital personalities, the satirical thriller explores a fictional competition in which 25 women vie for a P25 million prize, with the stakes extending beyond the usual fight for a crown.  During the film’s recent media conference, the cast discussed how the project challenges stereotypes about beauty queens, examines the pressures of competition, and highlights the importance of authenticity and sisterhood.  Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ara Arida, who is among the real-life beauty queens in the ensemble, said the film seeks to remind audiences that women in pageantry experience the same emotions and make mistakes like everyone else.  “Beauty queens are humans as well. We’ve been stereotyped that this is how we look, this is how we act but in reality, we can feel sad and be funny as well. We make mistakes but what’s important is we know how to handle it, and we know how to stand up after every mistake,” Arida said.   Miss Chinatown Philippines 2025 Yza Thalia Uy, who plays beauty influencer Faith Villacorta, said her character also challenges the expectation that women must always present a carefully curated image of themselves.   As an influencer, her character is associated with finding the perfect angle, lighting, opportunity, content and appearance. Uy said the film questions the pressure to meet those standards.  “For me, being a true queen or a true woman is all about how you genuinely connect with the people around you. And the first person you’d like to connect with is yourself,” Uy said.  Her sister, Supermodel Universe 2025 International Grand titleholder Yna Angela Uy, also emphasized that pageantry should be about more than physical appearance and confidence.  “It’s not just about the beauty or its facade, but what’s more important is our heart, our truest self,” she said.  Beyond the fight for the crown  Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee described “Red Crown” as an exaggerated take on the world of beauty pageants, using satire to magnify the pressures and power dynamics that can exist behind the scenes.  “Red Crown is when you take a beauty pageant to the extreme,” Dee said.  She pointed to a scene involving a puppet as an example of how pageant directors can influence contestants behind the scenes.  “Usually in the pageants that we love, we’re fighting for one crown. But this time, we’re fighting for our lives,” Dee said.  She also recalled a conversation with co-star Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo, who described the characters as satirical exaggerations of themselves.  The film’s premise pushes the familiar rivalry among contestants into more dangerous territory, combining the spectacle of pageantry with suspense and comedy.  Director Dominic Zapata said bringing together a large ensemble of performers from different backgrounds was a significant undertaking, but the story offered an opportunity to deliver a broader social message.  “It’s kind of a social statement. This film uses the suspense-thriller genre,” Zapata said.  Ruffa Gutierrez, who plays the national director of the fictional pageant, said the film brings together two industries that have shaped her career.  “The showbiz industry taught me how to tell a story, and pageantry taught me how to own the stage,” she said.  Gutierrez described the film as campy and exciting, with elements of horror and suspense. She also expressed hope that her first collaboration with GMA Pictures would lead to more projects.  Competition, sisterhood  While “Red Crown” dramatizes the rivalry among contestants, its cast members also used the media conference to discuss what healthy competition should look like in an industry where women are frequently compared with one another.   Sanya Lopez said competitiveness does not have to come at the expense of kindness and respect.   “You can still win, you still want to win, but there should be goodness in your heart. Just be nice, be respectful, and it’s a healthy competition when you inspire other women,” Lopez said.  She encouraged women to help one another gain confidence rather than treating fellow contestants solely as rivals.  Faith Da Silva echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that another person’s achievements should not diminish one’s own accomplishments.  “Healthy competition means you shouldn’t compare yourself with other people. The success of other people doesn’t take away your own,” she said, adding that everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, perso­nalities and backgrounds.  Shuvee Etrata said women should make room for one another to succeed instead of viewing opportunities as limited to a single person.  “You lift each other up, you respect each other, and I believe there’s always room for another woman to shine,” she said.  Ashley Ortega, who competed against other athletes as a figure skater, said strong competitors motivated her to improve rather than undermine those around her.  “In a competition, there should always be growth, respect and sisterhood. If there’s comparison or jealousy, I feel like you have lost the competition already,” Ortega said.  She added that learning to accept defeat was an important part of her own experience, allowing her to move forward instead of abandoning her ambitions.  Directed by Dominic Zapata and written by Kit Villanueva and Ken de Leon, “Red Crown” is scheduled to open in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 28.

When life feels too fast, your body and mind are asking for a reset. You don’t need an hour-long retreat. Sometimes, all you need is a moment. You can use these techniques anywhere, even in the middle of a busy day. Box breathing: Inhale through your nose for four seconds. Hold for four seconds, exhale through your mouth for four seconds, then hold your breath for another four seconds. Repeat four times. This helps slow your heart rate and signals to your nervous system that you are safe. Drop and Release: Unclench your jaw, lower your shoulders and open your hands. We often hold stress in our bodies without even realizing it. Water and grounding: Take one slow sip of water. Then name three things you can see, two things you can hear and one thing you can feel. This exercise draws you out of your thoughts and brings you back to the present. Calm the mental noise Brain Dump: Write down everything swirling in your head. Getting it out of your mind and onto paper makes it feel smaller. The “not now” list: You can’t do everything today. Choose three things that truly matter and allow the rest to wait. Step away from screens: Scrolling isn’t rest. Staring out a window, listening to one song or sitting in silence can give your brain the space it needs. Your body often gives you signals before you reach the point of exhaustion. Learn to recognize them instead of pushing through. Listen to your body: Pay attention to headaches, a tight chest, trouble sleeping, sudden fatigue or feeling wired but exhausted. These can be signs that your system is overloaded. Listen to your emotions: Irritability over small things, crying out of nowhere, feeling numb or anxiety that won’t shut off are signals worth noticing. If you’re snapping at people you love, that’s a red flag. Listen to your thinking: You can’t focus. You keep replaying the same worry. Every decision feels impossible. You find yourself catastrophizing or going blank. The effects may also show on your face: a sallow complexion, dark circles under your eyes, that unmistakably sleepy look and brain fog. How to pause well Name it: Say, “I’m overwhelmed and I need a break.” Saying it out loud gives you permission. Take 10 minutes, not 10 days: Go for a short walk, take a bathroom break or sit in your car in silence. Don’t fill it: No phone, no emails. Real pause means space. Breathe, pray, or just sit. Protect it: It’s okay to say “I’ll get back to you after I take 10.” Boundaries are not selfish. They are life-savers. Remember, pausing isn’t quitting. It’s maintenance. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t lead, love or work well when you’re running on fumes. Rest is an integral part of the work. Affirmation: “I will overcome.” Love and light.

MANILA, Philippines – Lead defense counsel, lawyer Sheila Sison criticizes the prosecution’s decision to withdraw three impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling the move “ridiculous” and “unacceptable.”/dp READ: Impeachment court approves prosec move to drop 3 of 4 charges vs VP

MANILA, Philippines – The Senate impeachment court unveiled on Tuesday the schedule of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial in November, as it resumed proceedings followinga pause.. READ: Gatchalian: Defense to start presentation on Nov. 9 Presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero enumerated the following dates allotted for Duterte’s trial coinciding with the 20th Congress’ resumption

MANILA, Philippines — The suggestion from Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro that Vice President Sara Duterte can use other platforms to respond to evidence that the prosecution has presented but later withdrew is ridiculous and unbelievable, lead counsel for the respondent Sheila Sison said on Tuesday. During the resumption of Duterte’s trial, Sison again called out Luistro