Tanyag News and Features, Bacolod CIty (2026)

03/08/2026

Sagay captures second world softball title as 12U team wins PONY championship

Sagay City celebrated another milestone in international softball after Team Sagay City captured the 12-under division title of the 2026 PONY International West Zone Softball World Series in Hemet, California.

The triumph was announced by Schools Division Superintendent Dannie Clark M. Uguil on Aug. 2, congratulating the young athletes for bringing home another world championship and adding to the city's growing legacy in international softball.

Representing Jose B. Puey Sr. Elementary School and Sagay National High School, Team Sagay City completed an unbeaten campaign, defeating more than 10 teams from the elimination rounds through the championship game to secure the coveted title.

The victory came just days after Sagay City's 14-under team also won the championship in the 2026 PONY International Softball World Series in McAllen, Texas, completing a historic double world championship for the city's grassroots softball program.

Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael "Bebo" M. Cueva lauded the athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters for once again bringing pride and honor to Sagay City.

"This achievement shows what Sagaynon talent, discipline, and teamwork can accomplish on the world stage. We are proud of our young athletes for proving that with dedication and perseverance, no dream is too big," Cueva said.

Uguil said the team's flawless run reflected not only athletic excellence but also resilience, discipline, and commitment.

"You have brought immense pride and honor to Sagay City. Your victory is an inspiration to every young athlete to dream boldly, work tirelessly, and believe that no challenge is too great," he said.

The Schools Division of Sagay City also recognized the dedication of the coaches, trainers, parents, and the City Government of Sagay for their continued support in developing young athletes capable of competing—and winning—on the international stage.

With back-to-back world championships in the 12U and 14U divisions, Sagay City further solidified its reputation as one of the Philippines' premier grassroots softball development programs, consistently producing athletes who excel in global competition.

Major supporters of the teams include:

Provincial Government of Negros Occidental led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson

Second District Representative Alfredo "Thirdy" Marañon III

City Government of Sagay led by Mayor Cueva and Vice Mayor Narciso L. Javelosa Jr.

Cadiz City Mayor Salvador "Bading" Escalante Jr.

the Filipino American Association of the Rio Grande Valley headed by CEO and President Liz De Guia Cantu.

📷 Photos courtesy of the Sagay City Little Giants Softball and Baseball page, the Filipino American Association of the Rio Grande Valley, and Nelsa Delagente.

03/08/2026

Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban 2026
is looking for the Next OPM Legend

Simulan ang bagong laban. Fresh off a blazing run in 2025 that saw hundreds of local talents vie for the coveted title, Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban is gearing up for a brand-new season.

Red Horse Beer, the world's No. 1 extra strong beer, is once again calling on bands from every corner of the country to stake their claim to the championship. This year, bands nationwide are once again invited to compete through a gauntlet of screenings and eliminations, all the way to the finals showdown, to see if they have what it takes to bag the 2026 Pambansang Muziklaban crown.

Open to all Filipino bands with members aged 21 to 45 years old, Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban welcomes all rock music genres including metal rock, alternative rock, punk rock, reggae, and everything in between. Winners can expect all the glory that has defined the competition for years, with only one standing on top at the end. The Grand Champion will be crowned and will receive a cash prize of Php1,000,000.00 and, more importantly, a lasting spot in Muziklaban's roster of champions.

For over two decades, the country's longest-running battle-of-the-bands competition has served as a launchpad for aspiring Filipino musicians. Since 1999, the competition has produced champions like IBARRA (formerly Hardboiledeggz) (2006), EVEN (2008), HATANKARU (2009), LIGHT OF LUNA (2010), and the 2004 Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Champion MAYONNAISE.

Last season's Grand Finals saw TAMAD SI JUAN from Davao beat out finalists VDS, BAGUIO GOLD MUSIC, HILO, and THEMATA to take home the top honors. Performances from some of the country's top bands, including GREYHOUNDZ, WILABALIW, URBANDUB, MAYONNAISE, KJWAN, RAZORBACK, TYPECAST, CHOCOLATE FACTORY, and SETSUNA, rounded out a night capturing the essence of Muziklaban — the best of the best sharing the stage for an all-out music fest.

Registration for the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban is now ongoing. Start tightening your sets now and visit the Red Horse Beer Muziklaban page (www.facebook.com/redhorsebeermuziklaban) for updates. Sino ang susunod na Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban champion? Rak on!

03/08/2026

CHIZ SEEKS TO INSTITUTIONALIZE BAN ON GAMBLING ADS, SPONSORSHIPS TO CURB ADDICTION

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has proposed a nationwide ban on gambling-related advertisements and sponsorships to curb excessive and irresponsible gambling behavior while protecting minors and other vulnerable groups.

Escudero said the measure mirrors the country’s earlier approach to the to***co industry under Republic Act 9211, or the To***co Regulation Act of 2003, which imposed sweeping restrictions on advertising to safeguard public health.

“It’s about time that we regulate the gambling industry the same way we regulated to***co two decades ago,” he said upon filing of Senate Bill No. 2347, noting that both sectors pose significant risks when promotions become pervasive and youth targeted.

RA 9211, which Escudero supported during his tenure in the House of Representatives, prohibited to***co advertising across print, broadcast, electronic, and outdoor media and barred the use of celebrity endorsements and branded placements in entertainment content, which proved to be effective in reducing undue exposure among minors and non-adult smokers.

Escudero’s SB 2347 seeks to apply a similar standard to gambling promotions by banning advertisements on television, radio, print, online, and social media platforms, including celebrity endorsements and influencer campaigns. The bill also calls for responsible gambling advisories in authorized consumer communications to remind the public of the risks of compulsive gaming.

The senator also cited the recent initiative of the Ad Standards Council (ASC), which voluntarily issued a self-regulation circular requiring its members to ban gambling imagery and paraphernalia across all media platforms.

“My bill shall institutionalize this effort by placing the restrictions under a national legal framework, ensuring uniform enforcement and preventing gaps in regulation,” he stressed.

While the gambling industry contributes significantly to government revenues, employment, and tourism, “it has likewise fueled advertisements, promotions, sponsorships, marketing, and other analogous consumer communications that are becoming increasingly pervasive, sophisticated, and targeted,” Escudero said.

The veteran legislator warned that the growing visibility of gambling‑related services “presents significant public mental and physical well‑being and socioeconomic concerns, particularly with respect to undue exposure, excessive, compulsive, and irresponsible gambling behavior.”

In the bill’s explanatory note, the senator cited the rapid expansion of online and digital gaming platforms, with the Philippine gambling industry recording some P396.13 billion in gross gaming revenues for Fiscal Year 2025, as evidence of its record‑breaking growth.

He said the measure aims to balance economic gains with social responsibility, while holding gambling operators and advertisers to higher ethical standards.

To ensure orderly implementation, SB 2347 provides a one-year transition period upon the law’s passage for gambling operators and advertisers to phase out existing materials and align their operations with forthcoming regulations, an approach will allow agencies and stakeholders to adjust compliance mechanisms before full enforcement takes effect, minimizing disruption while strengthening oversight, Escudero said.

Violations of the advertising ban will carry escalating penalties: a fine of up to P200,000 or imprisonment of up to one year for the first offense; P300,000 or up to two years for the second; and P500,000 or up to three years for the third, along with revocation of business permits or licenses.

Meanwhile, corporate officers and foreign nationals found liable will face corresponding sanctions, including deportation.

The Bicolano senator said the imposition of penalties is “only to ensure its effective implementation,” underscoring that deterrence is essential to protect public welfare and uphold the integrity of the law.

The bill also mandates an education and awareness campaign to promote responsible gambling and inform the public about available mental‑health support and consumer protection programs. Government agencies will be tasked to develop sustained information drives that highlight the risks of compulsive gaming and encourage informed decision‑making among players.

Escudero said the measure ultimately seeks to “foster a more responsible gaming environment, protect minors and vulnerable persons, promote informed consumer choice, and advance public interest.” #

03/08/2026

Mr. Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama, Jr. agrees to amicably settle differences with his 28 farmworkers

Atty. Roland D. Ravina, Legal Counsel for Mr. Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama, Jr. stated that his client, has agreed to amicably settle differences with his 28 farmworkers to foster industrial peace and preserve a harmonious working environment on the farm.

Mindful of the prevailing economic hardships faced by agricultural workers, Mr. Valderrama took the unilateral initiative to provide a financial settlement package that far exceeds the initial claims filed with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This voluntary gesture was made out of pure goodwill and humanitarian compassion, well before any formal mandate.

Mr. Valderrama fully engaged with DOLE’s Single-Entry Approach (SEnA)—a routine, daily administrative mechanism designed to mediate worker claims efficiently and prevent protracted legal disputes.

It is profoundly regrettable, however, that a standard and confidential conciliation process was weaponized by outside interests seeking to sensationalize a private administrative matter. Mr. Valderrama is deeply grateful that the farmworkers and their leaders recognized these external disruptions for what they were, choosing instead to prioritize dialogue, mutual respect, and a swift resolution.

Moving forward, “my client emphasizes that legitimate labor discussions belong within established institutional frameworks and proper legal channels, rather than in the destructive court of public opinion and trial by social media,” Atty. Ravina said.

03/08/2026

When I say thunderous, I truly mean it!

Giving a thunderous Rotary Welcome to an honorary member for his distinctive contributions to tourism, business, employment, and public service, the heavens seemed to thunder for Dr. Ricardo Cano Gwapo Tan.

He thanked the Rotary Club of Bacolod-East for recognizing his work that continues to benefit many people.

03/08/2026

TRAIN 2026 Advances Human-Centered Regional AI Agenda for Communities and Enterprises

More than 1,000 participants attended TRAIN 2026: AI & Innovation Networking Week, held from July 20–24, 2026 at the SMX Convention Center Bacolod.

Organized by the Philippine ICT Innovation Network and convened by Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, the conference brought together government agencies, businesses, schools, startups, investors, and community organizations under the theme "Knowledge Is the New Currency."

The five-day conference explored five key themes:

Connected Communities & Innovation Ecosystems

AI-Powered Enterprises

Digital Business & Sustainable Growth

AI Startups & Innovation

Global AI Futures & AI Governance

The event emphasized a human-centered approach to AI, with Batapa-Sigue advocating for the preservation of creativity, empathy, leadership, and communication while promoting digital inclusion beyond major urban centers.

Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including:

Building regional innovation ecosystems and digital infrastructure.

AI adoption for enterprises, MSMEs, agriculture, education, finance, tourism, and outsourcing.

Startup development, investment readiness, and youth innovation.
Responsible AI, governance, workforce transformation, misinformation, data safety, and public trust.

Industry experts from organizations such as CirroLytix Research Services, Converge Global Business, Ignite Telecoms, JustPressOne, Colliers Philippines, Digital PINAS, JayThree Information Technology, Toon Boom, and government agencies including DOST, DICT, DTI, and DILG shared insights through keynotes, workshops, panels, and masterclasses.

A major highlight was the DASIG.AI Pitching Competition, where high school and college students presented AI-enabled solutions addressing real-world problems, with awards recognizing innovation, responsible AI, social impact, and business potential.

The conference concluded with discussions on AI governance, institutional readiness, and regional collaboration, led by Batapa-Sigue and Dominic Ligot.

Organizers highlighted the participation of 55 partner organizations, 25 exhibitors, and hundreds of volunteers as evidence that regional communities can successfully lead large-scale AI and innovation initiatives.

The central challenge moving forward is to translate the partnerships and ideas generated during TRAIN 2026 into sustained skills development, startup growth, enterprise projects, investments, policy initiatives, and digital employment across Bacolod City and the Negros Island Region.

03/08/2026

Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes "Cheding" K. Alvarez, along with Acting Vice Governor Board member Ralph Alvarez and Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias, with the Punong Barangays.

Cong. Alvarez said, “It’s a get together of CHICKS Barangay Captains. Salamat gid sa inyo. Bawat Oras, Sama Sama ❤️.”

02/08/2026

Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos and former Bacolod City Councilor Ricardo Cano Tan met during the former's visit to Bacolod on July 31, 2026.

02/08/2026

President Jennifer Lim of the Rotary Club of Bacolod - East delivered her message during the 44th Induction of Officers and Directors held at the Holy Family Home in Barangay Cabug, Bacolod City.

She underscored her perspective that she does not envision herself leading alone, but rather as part of a dedicated team of individuals committed to action.

She pledged to listen attentively and serve collaboratively with her fellow Rotarians, aiming to fortify our club, enhance its welcoming atmosphere, and increase its overall impact.

“Let us demonstrate our commitment by showing up, envisioning relevant goals for Bacolod, and undertaking service initiatives that will leave a lasting impact on the community,” she stated.

02/08/2026

The Rotary Club of Bacolod-East held its 44th induction of officers and directors at the Holy Family Home in Barangay Cabug, Bacolod City, on August 1, 2026.

Immediate Past President Tina Parcon, along with Club Secretary Atty. Annabelle Corral-Respal, awarded their fellow Rotarians with the President’s Award before the ceremonial transition of leadership from her to President Jennifer Lim.

Tanyag News and Features

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

02/08/2026

02/08/2026

02/08/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request