A search for a jewelry gift became a conversation about sacrifice and second chances when award-winning actress Katherine Luna visited Maddox Jewelry and spoke with its owner, Charo Cordial.
 Luna wanted something for her eldest child, whose care had sustained her through four years in prison because of drugs. As she explained the reason behind the gift, in an interview also shared on the boutique’s popular YouTube channel, she shared the family story that brought her to the store. The actress had won Best Actress for “Babae sa Breakwater,” her first leading role. But amid family and relationship problems, she began using drugs, and her career and personal life unraveled. Her eldest was only 14 when she was imprisoned. With no relatives helping her, her children took responsibility for her care. “When I was imprisoned, my children were the ones who looked after me, especially my eldest,” she told Cordial. Every week, her eldest traveled from Manila to Montalban to bring her food. Luna’s savings lasted until her final year in prison. As her eldest approached 18, the child asked permission to work. Their support helped her endure the absence of relatives, although she said she held no resentment. “I still understand them.” Luna also recalled limited food rations inside prison, where inmates waited to see whether anything would be left. Yet she found opportunities to rebuild. She was entrusted with duties in the kitchen and store. She completed high school and pursued vocational training, including dressmaking. Encouragement from people who believed in her helped restore her hope. “That was when I began to feel alive again. That was when I found hope,” she said. Her eldest also provided for the family during a period when Luna was recovering from surgery and had no work. When money ran short, the child pawned two gold necklaces. They were never redeemed. “It was for us, for the family,” Luna said. Now finding work again, Luna visited Maddox Jewelry to choose a gift for her eldest — her chance to give jewelry back to the child who had once parted with it for their sake. At Maddox, those memories gave the gift a meaning beyond adornment. Luna’s conversation with Cordial turned a visit to choose jewelry into a personal account of a mother’s gratitude — for a child who had given up gold but never given up on her.

Glamour, sophistication and generosity took center stage at the 23rd annual awards night of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP), held at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City.  The event brought together distinguished personalities, influential leaders, style icons and philanthropists united by a shared commitment to fashion, charitable causes and social responsibility.  The evening honored individuals across several categories, including Best Dressed Women, Men of Influence, Style Icon, Ambassador for Life and Youth of Influence. The awards recognized personalities whose achievements, leadership, personal style and commitment to making a difference continue to inspire their respective communities.  One of the evening’s highlights was the induction of Shy Tan into the Best Dressed Women Hall of Fame. The distinction recognized her contributions to the organization’s legacy and added significance to an occasion that celebrates not only elegance but also generosity and social responsibility.  Over the years, BDWP has established itself as more than an annual celebration of fashion and prestige. It recognizes individuals who understand that influence carries responsibility and that success becomes more meaningful when shared with those in need.  Congratulations to the organizers of the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines for another successful and meaningful awards night. May their work continue to inspire more men and women to embrace philanthropy, champion cancer care and use their influence to make a positive difference in society.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that prosecutors have finished presenting their evidence against Senator Rodante Marcoleta in the plunder case lodged against him --on the first day of trial.

A Megalotto 6/45 bettor is P115 million richer after the October 16 draw, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced on Friday evening.

Today’s headlines: Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DILG, Kris & Josh Aquino

MANILA, Philippines — Rising fuel prices and contractors’ concerns over project costs have contributed to failed bidding attempts for classroom construction projects under a P21.4-billion agreement between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This was reported by DPWH Undersecretary Lara Marisse Esquibil during the Senate finance subcommittee

A total of 1,000 students in Northern Cebu received dental services and anti-lice treatment from the GMA Kapuso Foundation through its Linis Lusong Kapusong Kabataan project.

House Deputy Speaker Jefferson Khonghun is pushing for a motu proprio investigation by the House of Representatives into the alleged remittance of hundreds of millions of pesos into Cale88, a company linked to Vice President Sara Duterte's husband, lawyer Manases Carpio.

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer Levito Baligod, counsel for 18 individuals known as the “maleta boys,” and 14 others were arrested in San Juan City on Friday over an “unjust vexation” case, police said. San Juan City Police Chief Police Col. Anthony Gantang confirmed the arrests in a phone interview with reporters. He said the Zambales

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to summon Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over his remarks that the Philippines could easily lose in a conflict with China topped INQToday’s afternoon newscast. Also in the lineup were the expected rollback in gasoline prices and a slight hike in diesel prices next week, as well as

Checks confirmed there were no explosives or hazardous materials, says state police chief.

Minister says air quality likely to fluctuate and potentially reach hazardous levels.

The Thu Thiem 4 Bridge features wave-shaped arches and dedicated pedestrian decks across the Saigon River, linking Ho Chi Minh City's southern part with Thu Thiem new urban area in the city's east.

LUCENA CITY – Two motorists died in separate road accidents along the Maharlika Highway in Quezon province on Thursday and Friday, police reported. In Sariaya town, a 25-year-old motorcycle rider died after his vehicle crashed into the rear of a parked dump truck along the highway in Barangay Sto. Cristo at around 11 p.m. on

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — To help restore vegetation cover and protect the local ecosystem, 2,200 Kawayan Bayog seedlings have been planted in a 69.8-hectare forest plantation in Barangay Guinabon in Sta. Cruz, Zambales.  In a statement on Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon said that the planting activity brought

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the filing of criminal cases against Senator Loren Legarda and Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste over an undelivered power supply by Leviste"s solar firm are forthcoming.

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday said it has already issued subpoenas to the hosts of the now-terminated podcast, “Machong Chismisan,” which drew widespread criticism after their derogatory remarks about actress Kris Aquino’s eldest son, Josh. READ: ‘Macho’ hosts turn meek, apologize for mocking Kris Aquino son Josh NBI Director

Ummi says she will stand by her statement and won't be intimidated.

An estimated 23,000 schools do not have principals as most applicants fail the qualifying examination, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Friday during its budget hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.

MANILA, Philippines — The politician from Mindanao who allegedly financed the chartered flight linked to the 521-kilogram shabu seizure in Laos had previously been involved in illegal drug cases, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) earlier dentified the financier behind the drug operation as being based in Mindanao.

Ombudsman investigators have filed a P1.9 billion plunder complaint vs. Cagayan Rep. Jojo Lara over his alleged ownership of construction companies which won government contracts, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Friday.

Five suffered critical burns before they could be rescued, AAIB says.

MANILA, Philippines — The disbanding of Quezon City’s Task Force Disiplina following the death of three teenagers at the hands of its members is justified, as no authority must be given to agencies that still have a “Tokhang” mindset, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima. In a statement on Friday, de Lima said individuals who disregard

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed three counts of graft against former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. over his alleged links to construction firms that secured Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while he was in office. Ombudsman personnel went to the Sandiganbayan to file the informations

Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro slammed the apparent threat from the Chinese envoy to the Philippines, saying his department is currently studying the statement.

TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar mourned the death of Raul Daza, a political titan who served the province as governor and congressman for decades, with local leaders honoring his legacy of public service, democratic principles, and contributions to the province’s development. Daza, 91, died on Monday, Oct. 12, after a lingering illness, his family announced

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has revealed the Mindanao politician tagged in the attempted smuggling of shabu from Laos to the Philippines: former Bangsamoro Parliament member Edrieza Rimbang. But who is Rimbang?

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) capabilities and readiness amid increasingly complex maritime challenges, as he urged its personnel to remain steadfast in their service. Marcos made the commitment during the PCG’s 125th founding anniversary celebration at South Harbor in Manila. “And so as

TACLOBAN CITY — The barangay chairman of Libtong-Dako in Naval, Biliran, was shot dead in the early hours of Friday after he went with his younger brother to confront a man who allegedly had been throwing stones at their residence, police said. The victim, identified as Junrey Ancero, 48, was found lying on the ground

COTABATO CITY— Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua on Thursday welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s affirmation of Bangsamoro autonomy, including its democratic institutions and political processes. “This principled position powerfully affirms the autonomy rightfully earned through decades of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to peace,” Macacua said in a statement after the President congratulated the