Showbiz Roundup: Bianca Umali in Bali, Who is Claudine Co?, Bea Borres's breakup, and Will Ashley and AZ Martinez's new project

Showbiz Roundup: Bianca Umali in Bali, Who is Claudine Co?, Bea Borres's breakup, and Will Ashley and AZ Martinez's new project

As August comes to a close, the Philippine entertainment scene is brimming with headlines, from star-studded projects to personal revelations and viral controversies. Fans have plenty to catch up on before the month ends with our weekly showbiz roundup . Actress Bianca Umali took a reflective break in Bali, Indonesia, immersing herself in the island's beauty and sharing heartfelt realizations with her followers. Her getaway offered fans a glimpse of a more introspective side of the star. Meanwhile, Pinoy Big Brother alumni Will Ashley and AZ Martinez are set to headline Hotel de Luma , the latest story in GMA Network's award-winning magical anthology Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko . Alongside them will be Ashley Sarmiento, Althea Ablan, Muriel Lomadilla, and Chuckie Dreyfus, promising another compelling installment for viewers. Rumors are debunked as actress Yen Santos and politician Chavit Singson addressed circulating rumors about them having a child, doing so with humor in a recent vlog. Despite previously tackling the topic, the speculation continues to surface, keeping netizens intrigued. Popular content creator Bea Borres opened up about her split from ex, Meray Yamada, the father of her child, following her surprising pregnancy announcement. In an interview for Toni Gonzaga's vlog, Bea explained that neither of them was ready for the next chapter, candidly reflecting on her expectations and the challenges of their relationship. Adding to the social media buzz, Claudine Co has captured public attention amid controversy surrounding her family ties. Daughter of former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Christopher Co and niece of Congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, Claudine deactivated her social media accounts, fueling further speculation online. From career milestones to personal updates and viral discussions, the last days of August have offered a rich mix of entertainment news, leaving fans eager to see what September will bring.

Makabayan: Flood projects are ‘ATMs to corrupt officials, contractors’

Makabayan: Flood projects are ‘ATMs to corrupt officials, contractors’

MANILA, Philippines – The lack of approval of Quezon City construction projects proves that “flood control projects are being used as ATMs by corrupt officials and contractors,” the Makabayan bloc said on Saturday. The Makabayan bloc said the “shocking revelations” of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was evidence of corruption behind the flood control projects, the statement read. Belmonte, on Friday, held a press conference on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control projects in Quezon City. The local government revealed to the media that out of 254 DPWH flood control projects worth P14.24 billion in Quezon […]... Keep on reading: Makabayan: Flood projects are ‘ATMs to corrupt officials, contractors’

US Open: Jannik Sinner drops a set, reminds folks he's not a machine

US Open: Jannik Sinner drops a set, reminds folks he's not a machine

NEW YORK — Jannik Sinner got broken for the first time in Week 1 of the US Open. Dropped the opening set, even. Fell way behind in the third set, too. “I’m not a machine, you know,” he said with the hint of a smile Saturday. “I also struggle, sometimes.” READ: ‘Healthy’ Jannik Sinner begins US Open defense with quick win Hmmm. Sure, Jannik, maybe so. Still, Sinner is the No. 1-ranked player in men’s tennis and has won the past three Grand Slam tournaments played on hard courts, so no one was surprised when he set aside some lapses […]... Keep on reading: US Open: Jannik Sinner drops a set, reminds folks he's not a machine

House bill seeks to regulate AI use

House bill seeks to regulate AI use

MANILA, Philippines — A bill that aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country has been filed in the House of Representatives. "AI is not just a buzzword—it's a powerful force reshaping our world. We must embrace innovation, but not at the expense of our workers' dignity, livelihood, and rights," Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, one of the authors of the bill, said in a statement on Sunday. The other authors of House Bill 252 were Cavite 1st District Rep. Ramon Jolo Revilla 3rd and AGIMAT Rep. Bryan Revilla. The bill seeks to create the Artificial Intelligence Bureau in the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Under the bill, the bureau will “publish and submit to Congress a roadmap for the government regarding the development and ethical use of AI in a way that protects the rights of Filipinos and promote their welfare through such technological advancements." The bureau will develop a national AI development and regulation strategy; lead research and development activities to promote the advancement of AI technology, develop a framework of governance over the introduction of [AI]-powered systems; create rules and regulations to prevent the displacement of workers due to AI "while ensuring that the country benefits from the positive consequences of such technological advancements." It will hold consultations with concerned government agencies, the business sector, workers, the academe, and other stakeholders to craft relevant and enforceable rules and regulations and monitor the AI-using firms' compliance with the principles and ethical guidelines on AI use.

US Open: Jelena Ostapenko apologizes for what she said to Townsend

US Open: Jelena Ostapenko apologizes for what she said to Townsend

NEW YORK — Jelena Ostapenko apologized on social media Saturday for telling Taylor Townsend she had “no education” after losing to her at the US Open earlier in the week, explaining that she intended to call out Townsend for what Ostapenko perceived as poor tennis etiquette. Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion from Latvia, wrote in a post that English is not her native language, “so when I said education, I was speaking only about what I believe (is) tennis etiquette, but I understand how the words I used could have offended many people beyond the tennis court.” READ: Taylor […]... Keep on reading: US Open: Jelena Ostapenko apologizes for what she said to Townsend

Light plane makes emergency landing at Isabela corn farm; occupants safe

Light plane makes emergency landing at Isabela corn farm; occupants safe

A light airplane experiencing mechanical trouble made an emergency landing at a corn farm in Barangay District 1 of Reina Mercedes town in Isabela province at about noon on Sunday, August 31, police said. The SkyPasada plane with tail number RP-C1018 and owned by the WCC Aviation Inc. took off from the Cauayan Domestic Airport in Cauayan City at 11:40 a.m. and was on its way to the coastal town of Maconacon when its pilot took the emergency landing in Reina Mercedes. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has yet to announce the cause of the emergency landing. The […]... Keep on reading: Light plane makes emergency landing at Isabela corn farm; occupants safe

Unwritten rules of tennis and why handshakes sometimes go awry

Unwritten rules of tennis and why handshakes sometimes go awry

NEW YORK — There’s been a lot of talk about the unwritten rules of tennis during Week 1 of this US Open, whether it’s the necessity of a “ sorry, not sorry ” raised hand after a let cord or the proper way to warm up with an opponent or the legitimacy of an underarm serve. Another part of the game drawing attention — thanks to players’ complaints about each of the above — is the post-match greeting at the net, which usually involves shaking hands and, sometimes, a hug or kisses on the cheek. It would seem to be […]... Keep on reading: Unwritten rules of tennis and why handshakes sometimes go awry

Magsaysay Awards: Priest who fought Duterte's drug war among winners

Magsaysay Awards: Priest who fought Duterte's drug war among winners

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino priest, who publicly protested against then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody crackdown against illegal drugs despite death threats and helped provide proper funerals to slain suspects, is among the winners of this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awards — Asia’s version of the Nobel Prize. The other winners announced on Sunday were a non-profit foundation in India that worked to bring poor girls to schools in more than 30,000 villages across the South Asian country’s most underserved regions and a local Maldives diver who sparked a movement to save her tropical island nation from plastic pollution with massive cleanups […]... Keep on reading: Magsaysay Awards: Priest who fought Duterte's drug war among winners