Book to commemorate missing persons during Marawi siege launched

Book to commemorate missing persons during Marawi siege launched

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY ― The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has come up with a coffee table book to keep the memory about the persons who went missing following the five-month war in Marawi City in 2017. Titled “The Book of Memories (Ang Aklat ng Mga Alaala),” the 77-page publication was launched on Tuesday in Iligan City, along with the unveiling of a photo exhibit featuring the missing persons. According to the ICRC, the book also seeks to honor those who went missing during the 2017 conflict sparked by the siege of the city by Islamic State-linked […]... Keep on reading: Book to commemorate missing persons during Marawi siege launched

Laurente, Marapu make weight for IBF regional title clash in GenSan

Laurente, Marapu make weight for IBF regional title clash in GenSan

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Sanman Boxing’s rising prospect Criztian Pitt Laurente is all set for his International Boxing Federation (IBF) Pan Pacific lightweight title showdown against Indonesian slugger Hebi Marapu tomorrow, Sunday, August 31, at the Phela Grande Convention Center in General Santos City. Laurente and Marapu came face-to-face during Saturday’s official weigh-in, with both fighters hitting the scales at 134.5 pounds. READ: PMI’s Pores III stuns Thai foe with 2nd-round KO in Bangkok The 25-year-old Laurente, a proud native of General Santos City and former national team standout, enters the ring with an unbeaten 14-0 record, nine of those […]... Keep on reading: Laurente, Marapu make weight for IBF regional title clash in GenSan

Jessie J to undergo second breast cancer surgery

Jessie J to undergo second breast cancer surgery

Still recovering from her first breast cancer surgery , British singer Jessie J is set to face another operation. The "Price Tag" hitmaker gave fans a health update on Instagram amid her breast cancer battle. She revealed that some of her tour dates have been postponed as she focuses on healing. "As some of you may know, I just had breast cancer surgery eight weeks ago. Unfortunately, I have to have a second surgery," she said. She described the surgery as "nothing too serious," but emphasized that it needed to be done before the end of the year. To focus on her health, Jessie had to postpone tour dates that coincided with her surgery. "I'm living in the moment, I'm embracing the moment, and I'm flying with the vibes. So that is what it is and I'm sorry," she shared. Also feeling "frustrated" and "sad," Jessie said, "I need to be better, I need to be healed, and I know this is the right decision to make." She announced that her tour will be postponed until next year. Jessie also asked for her fans' understanding, stressing that she hopes to continue her concert tour "when the time is right." She explained, "I'm trying to compartmentalize the different things that have been happening in my life and where I have to give the energy. But I have to heal. Forgive me." The singer underwent surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer in June. MEANWHILE, CHECK OUT THESE STRONG LOCAL CELEBRITY BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

Jessica Sanchez showcases vocal chops with ‘Golden’ cover

Jessica Sanchez showcases vocal chops with ‘Golden’ cover

Not even a six-month pregnancy can stop Jessica Sanchez from showcasing her impeccable vocal range, as she did a cover of the hit song “Golden” with internet personalities Jonathan Tilkin and Anthony Gargiula. The singers’ cover of “Golden” — originally performed by fictional girl group HUNTR/X in the hit film “KPop Demon Hunters” — was uploaded on Tilkin’s Instagram page on Friday, August 29. Aside from hitting the track’s high notes, Sanchez, Tilkin, and Gargiula opted to go for different harmonies in their cover. “Singing golden with our favorite golden buzzer,” Tilkin captioned his post while tagging Sanchez. View this […]... Keep on reading: Jessica Sanchez showcases vocal chops with ‘Golden’ cover

P16-M contraband cigarettes seized in Iligan City

P16-M contraband cigarettes seized in Iligan City

ILIGAN CITY –Task Force Iligan (TFI), led by the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade (2MIB), intercepted and seized on Friday some 390 boxes of smuggled cigarettes estimated to be worth P16 million. Lt. Col. Neil Piad, TFI commander who led the joint operations said there was hot pursuit from a police checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay Suarez to a nearby gas station in Sitio Camague of Barangay Tomas Cabili where the two small trucks loaded with the contrabands were cornered at past 10 p.m. The driver and helper of one truck were arrested while those of the other […]... Keep on reading: P16-M contraband cigarettes seized in Iligan City

Mika Salamanca proves she can slay the 'poganda' game

Mika Salamanca proves she can slay the 'poganda' game

After her Pinoy Big Brother journey and winning the coveted Big Winner title, Mika Salamanca continues to charm fans online. Beloved by many, she has also proven she can slay as a "poganda", effortlessly embodying both pogi and maganda in one look. With her captivating visuals and charismatic style, Mika has kept fans hooked even after stepping into the outside world. Amassing millions of followers online, she continues to inspire admiration for her style, charm, and poise. Check out how Mika Salamanca effortlessly slays both worlds in this gallery:

Cesafi volleyball ‘won’t damage' Cebu Coliseum, says tournament director

Cesafi volleyball ‘won’t damage' Cebu Coliseum, says tournament director

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cesafi volleyball tournament director Jordan Paca stood firm on the decision of the Cesafi to stage matches at the newly renovated Cebu Coliseum, saying concerns about damaging the new hardwood floor are unfounded. Paca told CDN Digital that both the management of the Coliseum and the contractor handling its soon-to-finish ₱100-million facelift have already prepared plans to install the required floor sockets for volleyball poles without harming the new surface. READ: Cebu Coliseum eyed as potential new venue for Cesafi volleyball “The manager of the Cebu Coliseum already told me that they will install the holes […]... Keep on reading: Cesafi volleyball ‘won’t damage' Cebu Coliseum, says tournament director

3 kids among 4 dead as cement mixer truck crashes in Davao town

3 kids among 4 dead as cement mixer truck crashes in Davao town

BANSALAN, Davao del Sur – Four people, three of them minors, died when a cement mixer truck crashed in Barangay Managa in Bansalan, Davao del Sur on Friday afternoon. According to Major Darryl Francis Ramos, Bansalan police chief, the incident happened at past 3 p.m. The truck was headed in the direction of Digos City […]... Keep on reading: 3 kids among 4 dead as cement mixer truck crashes in Davao town

Puno tells Duterte: Don’t be sullen but open for House flood probe

Puno tells Duterte: Don’t be sullen but open for House flood probe

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte should not be sullen but open to scrutiny on the flood infrastructure projects, such as those in Davao City, according to Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno. In a press conference on Friday, Puno said public officials must accept all kinds of investigations, asserting that it is part of their job. “That’s part of the job. And if you want to prove that what you did was right, why don’t you let them look at everything? That’s all,” Puno said in Filipino. READ: House probe to cover Davao flood control According to Puno, […]... Keep on reading: Puno tells Duterte: Don’t be sullen but open for House flood probe

Lacson seeks probe of 2 PH contractors' board members for conflict of interest

Lacson seeks probe of 2 PH contractors' board members for conflict of interest

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday exposed a potential conflict of interest involving at least two members of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB). The senator raised the apparent conflict of interest of Engineers Erni Baggao and Arthur Escalante who own construction companies and bagged government contracts. They might face violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, or Republic Act 6713. Lacson called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) to investigate the matter and file criminal and administrative charges if necessary. "Paging PCAB - Instead of an outright denial, you should at least look into allegations against your own people’s improper conduct," Lacson said, referring to PCAB's statement dismissing the reported "accreditation for sale" scandal that hounded the group. Lacson recently said he got information from some private contractors that PCAB would take care of the paperwork for accreditation in exchange for at least P2 million. "Aside from reports of corruption in your ranks, there is potential conflict of interest involving your 2 board directors in violation of RA 6713," Lacson posted on X. He said public records showed both Baggao and Escalante signed contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as presidents of their own construction companies for government projects - while sitting on the PCAB board. Baggao was reappointed for a three-year term as PCAB board member in Sept. 2023, while remaining as an authorized managing officer of EGB Construction, a contractor for government projects. Escalante, while sitting as PCAB board director, is the owner of A.N. Escalante Construction Inc. The PCAB Board's duties include limiting the operations of constructors to the bounds of their classifications and/or restrictions; and investigating violations of the law. Baggao and Escalante thus had undue advantage over other contractors, as they can investigate potential rivals, or even suspend or revoke their licenses, Lacson said.