Xyriel Manabat steps into the spotlight as lead of ‘18th Rose’

Xyriel Manabat steps into the spotlight as lead of ‘18th Rose’

Xyriel Manabat couldn’t help but get teary-eyed at Netflix Philippines’ trade launch, especially since “18th Rose” marks her first lead role in a film. “18th Rose” is one of the streaming giant’s upcoming offerings for 2026, where Kyle Echarri joins her. Set in Romblon in the 2000s, it tells the story of Rose (Manabat) and Jordan (Echarri) and their dream of doing music. “I still remember how it was brought to me. I can’t remember how much I cried, and how much I prayed. It’s not just a dream come true. It was also an answered prayer, and I’m very […]... Keep on reading: Xyriel Manabat steps into the spotlight as lead of ‘18th Rose’

PH undeterred by China’s retaliatory moves in word war vs legislators

PH undeterred by China’s retaliatory moves in word war vs legislators

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Wednesday maintained the Philippines won't be deterred by China’s retaliatory moves against elected officials and that the government would not cease in using the diplomatic approach in addressing the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the statement after the Chinese government ordered a ban on 16 officials from the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) from entering mainland China and its territories of Hong Kong and Macau. This is in response to the local government unit’s move to declare China’s envoy to Manila, Jing Quan, as persona non grata or unwelcome. The Chinese Embassy also blasted the Senate for issuing Resolution 256 calling for diplomatic measures in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty and rights in addressing the territorial row. Its spokesman, Ji Lingpeng, said this was made “based on the principle of reciprocity, “Even if they are hostile, we have a legal, diplomatic method that can resolve any issue,” Castro said in Filipino in a press briefing. The official further stressed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not trample on the rights to expression of anyone, may they be Filipinos or foreigners. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), she added, would be the main agency to deal with the matter. “Again, the president is very clear on that issue. The president says that we will maintain a firm stance on our position with regard to our rights and interests over our own territory and over the West Philippine Sea,” Castro said. 'Constructive' Earlier in the day, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) urged the Chinese Embassy in Manila to "be constructive" in its statements amid its word war with some legislators over the WPS. The DFA issued the statement as Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday slammed Ji for trying to "silence" the chamber. Lingpeng rejected the "anti-China" resolution passed by the Senate “condemning” the embassy's recent public statements against lawmakers who defended the country's interests in the WPS. "No matter how many anti-China resolutions these people introduce, whether it’s 10 or even 100, it will not in the slightest weaken the Chinese embassy’s resolve to fight the malicious moves against China to the very end. Not a chance," Ji said. DFA spokesman for maritime affairs Rogelio Villanueva said that the department "values candid and vigorous debate with its foreign counterparts on important issues consistent with the Philippines’ democratic tradition." "While indeed the embassies have the duty to respond, the DFA urges that such responses be made in a calm and professional manner, conscious of the mutual respect that must prevail in all diplomatic interactions," he said. "As such, we urge the Chinese Embassy to be constructive in its statements towards a healthy dialogue despite major differences with a view to advance the overall bilateral relationship," Villanueva added.

All Women’s Ultra Marathon returns after seven-year hiatus

All Women’s Ultra Marathon returns after seven-year hiatus

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The All Women’s Ultra Marathon (AWUM), one of Cebu’s most anticipated running events returns on February 28 after a seven-year hiatus. Organized by Ungo Runners, the 50-kilometer ultramarathon exclusively for women was relaunched on Tuesday, February 10, at the office of Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, one of the run’s co-founders. READ: Pia Cayetano to make third appearance in All-Women’s Marathon For the organizers, reviving AWUM goes beyond staging another race. It is about restoring a platform that has long championed women in endurance sports. “We want to celebrate the 10th edition after the long break. […]... Keep on reading: All Women’s Ultra Marathon returns after seven-year hiatus

Mollenido killings: Suspects' legal counsel withdraws

Mollenido killings: Suspects' legal counsel withdraws

MANILA, Philippines — The legal counsel of Pia and Christian Panganiban, suspects in the killing of a female police officer and her son, withdrew from the case on Wednesday, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said. The Panganibans were tagged by police investigators as the primary suspects in the killing of Police Senior Master Sgt. Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son, John Ysmael. “This morning, Feb. 11, the preliminary investigation was scheduled for the two suspects in the Mollenido case. However, it was postponed since the or legal counsel withdrew,” QCPD spokesperson Maj. Jennifer Gannaban told reporters in a […]... Keep on reading: Mollenido killings: Suspects' legal counsel withdraws

A post-race interview with the bronze medal winner in the men's Olympic biathlon competition on Tuesday, Feb. 10, took an unexpected turn when he revealed in a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend.

READ:

A post-race interview with the bronze medal winner in the men's Olympic biathlon competition on Tuesday, Feb. 10, took an unexpected turn when he revealed in a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend. READ:

A post-race interview with the bronze medal winner in the men's Olympic biathlon competition on Tuesday, Feb. 10, took an unexpected turn when he revealed in a live broadcast that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend. READ:

Why Charo Santos-Concio accepted the offer to star in ‘Until She Remembers’

Why Charo Santos-Concio accepted the offer to star in ‘Until She Remembers’

Charo Santos-Concio has always held Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo in such high regard that she had no second thoughts about accepting the offer to work with her. Still, she was shocked that Roa-Rodrigo suggested doing a project that tells the story of same-sex relationship.  “Na-surprise ako that Tita Boots even suggested it,” Santos-Concio told select reporters on the sidelines of Roa-Rodrigo’s 81st birthday party. The “Maalaala Mo Kaya” host clarified that her shock stemmed from knowing the veteran actress’s “pristine” image, though the actress assured her she had no qualms about doing it. Even Roa-Rodrigo’s husband allowed her to do the […]... Keep on reading: Why Charo Santos-Concio accepted the offer to star in ‘Until She Remembers’

MRT-3 gives 4-hour free rides to PhilHealth cardholders on Feb. 14

MRT-3 gives 4-hour free rides to PhilHealth cardholders on Feb. 14

MANILA, Philippines — Free rides at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT‑3) will be offered to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) cardholders on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday. In a Facebook post, the DOTr said the free rides will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The agency added that the initiative is in support of the celebration of PhilHealth’s 31st anniversary and National Health Insurance Month. READ: DOTr working on PH-Israel direct flights  “In response to PhilHealth’s request for the celebration of its […]... Keep on reading: MRT-3 gives 4-hour free rides to PhilHealth cardholders on Feb. 14