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ConnecTV, World Trade Exchange, Binondo, Manila (2025)

24/10/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: The Department of Tourism (DOT) warmly welcomed the recognition of the Philippines as one of Asia’s emerging “culinary hotspots,” according to Marriott International’s latest report titled “Future of Food 2026.”

The report identified the country as among those “ready to be plated as the next gastronomic gateway” in the region. It was based on insights from over 30 renowned chefs, mixologists, food experts, and members of the regional food media, as well as data gathered from Marriott International’s first regional survey.

DOT secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized that gastronomy tourism is an essential part of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, which aims to position the Philippines as a “gastronomic paradise” through the development of regional culinary circuits and support for local chefs and producers.

One of the department’s major milestones is bringing the Michelin Guide to the Philippines, a historic event that opens the door for Filipino restaurants and chefs to gain recognition on the global stage.

In November 2025, Bacolod city and Negros Occidental will host the first-ever Terra Madre Asia & Pacific (TMAP), the world’s largest sustainable gastronomy event, in partnership with the DOT. The event will highlight foods sourced from the land and sea, as well as the traditional culinary knowledge of Filipinos.

According to Marriott International’s report, emerging trends to look forward to include the rise of fine-casual dining, greater use of native ingredients, and more immersive and multi-sensory dining experiences that go beyond traditional meals.

Filipino cuisine is now being hailed as the next “Asian culinary gem” for its unique fusion of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. National favorites such as adobo, sinigang, kare-kare, and laing continue to earn recognition at international competitions and food festivals.

Likewise, each region of the country contributes to the Philippines’ rich gastronomic identity, from Cagayan’s pancit batil patung and Iloilo’s la paz batchoy to Bacolod’s piaya and inasal, and Tagaytay’s flavorful bulalo. With the growing popularity of farm-to-table restaurants and the use of organic ingredients, Filipinos continue to prove that their local cuisine carries depth, heart, and stories worthy of global recognition.

*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.

24/10/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: House of Representatives speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III pledged to fight for the long-awaited “Magna Carta for Barangays,” a proposed measure that seeks to grant full recognition, dignity, and fair compensation to barangay officials as legitimate government employees and not merely as volunteers.

Speaker Dy made the statement before more than 2,000 barangay leaders who attended the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas National Congress held at the World Trade Center in Pasay city.

As a former Barangay official himself, speaker Dy is the principal author of House Bill No. 3533, which aims to classify the Punong Barangay (village chief), Sangguniang Barangay (village council) members, Barangay secretary, and Barangay treasurer as regular government employees entitled to fixed salaries, benefits, and retirement security.

According to the speaker, Barangay officials are among the most hardworking public servants and are often the first to respond to crises, from settling disputes and assisting bereaved families to implementing government programs, yet they continue to receive meager allowances instead of regular pay.

He questioned, “What exactly is the status of Barangay officials? Are they true government employees or still considered volunteers?”

If passed into law, the Magna Carta for Barangays would become the most comprehensive reform in local governance since the 1991 Local Government Code. It seeks to:
• Provide barangay officials with regular salaries and benefits;
• Ensure funding for essential services such as clean water and public transportation;
• Allocate resources for scholarships to help young residents pursue higher education; and
• Encourage the establishment of cooperatives in every barangay to promote local livelihood and economic growth.

The proposed law will also ensure the automatic release of funds from taxes and government revenues directly to Barangays to strengthen their fiscal autonomy.

Once enacted, it will serve as a true recognition of the vital role of Barangays as the foundation and frontline of government service, not merely followers, but active partners in national development.

The term Barangay originates from the word “balangay,” an ancient wooden boat used by the early Filipinos in their migrations and settlements. Long before the Spanish colonization, the Barangay functioned as a small community led by a datu.

During the colonial period, the Spaniards adopted this system of governance and called it barrio. The concept of the Barangay was revived and strengthened in 1974 under the administration of then-President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., and the modern Barangay system was institutionalized through the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act No. 7160.

To date, there are a total of 42,096 barangays across the country, each serving as the first line of public service and the voice of citizens in their respective communities.

*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.

24/10/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has once again filed complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against several department officials and contractors, including St. Timothy Construction Corporation (St. Timothy) and its owner, Sarah Discaya, in connection with allegedly anomalous flood control projects in the provinces of La Union and Davao Occidental.

According to secretary Vince Dizon, the said individuals and companies were charged with malversation of public funds and falsification of public documents after it was discovered that several flood control projects in the mentioned areas were falsified and substandard.

The secretary reported that twelve individuals were charged along with Silverwolves Construction Corporation (Silverwolves) for the case in La Union, while nine others were charged in Davao Occidental along with St. Timothy and Discaya.

This development came after the DPWH conducted inspections of what it described as “substandard” and “ghost projects” in the two provinces. On September 16, 2025, Secretary Dizon personally inspected two flood mitigation structures along the Bauang River Basin in La Union, each worth Php 89.7 million. Both projects were awarded to Silverwolves, but the inspection revealed poor workmanship despite the projects being fully paid.

Meanwhile, in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, the DPWH discovered a so-called “ghost project” worth Php 96.5 million, which had been awarded to Discaya’s St. Timothy in January 2022. According to the secretary, there was no actual structure at the project site despite documents indicating that it had already been completed.

Secretary Dizon emphasized that this move is part of the DPWH’s intensified campaign against corruption and irregularities within the agency. He underscored that the department will no longer tolerate such abuses and that those who betray the public’s trust must be held accountable.

Earlier, on September 11, 2025, the department also filed complaints against former officials of the DPWH 1st Bulacan Engineering District Office, including Henry Alcala, Brice Ericksson Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, and others.

*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.

24/10/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: To address the growing shortage of classrooms in public schools, President Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos, Jr., has ordered that funds be directly allocated to local government units (LGUs) to expedite construction.

The move is part of the decentralization of the classroom construction process, which was previously under the exclusive mandate of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Recently, Department of Education (DEPED) secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara reported that this year, the DPWH had completed only twenty-two (22) classrooms, as its focus had been diverted to flood control projects.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the DepEd, DPWH, and LGUs is now being prepared to formalize this initiative.

During a Senate hearing, secretary Dizon admitted that out of the target 1,700 classrooms for 2025, only 22 had been completed so far, with 882 still under construction and another 882 yet to be started.

Studies show that the classroom shortage currently stands at around 165,000 and could rise to 200,000 by 2028 if no significant action is taken in the coming years.

Under the proposed MOA, funds will be transferred to LGUs, which will directly handle the construction of classrooms, while the DPWH and DEPED will act as supervisors and advisers. The program aims to complete around 2,370 classrooms as soon as possible.

In the 2026 National Expenditure Program, the DEPED requested a budget of Php 912 billion, of which Php 63 billion or 7 percent is allocated for the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF).

President BBM has pledged to build 40,000 classrooms before his term ends in 2028. Reports show that from July 2022 to August 2025, the DEPED and DPWH have completed 19,250 classrooms nationwide, reducing the backlog by 11.6 percent from 165,443 to 146,193.

According to Malacañang Palace, an additional 200 classrooms are expected to be completed before the end of the year, 822 by mid-2026, and 2,000 by the third quarter of next year.

Experts view the President’s directive as part of a broader “go-local” approach by the administration, giving LGUs greater authority in implementing projects with direct community impact.

It also reflects the Marcos administration’s intention to minimize bureaucracy and strengthen transparency in the use of public funds, especially in the education sector, which has long suffered from a lack of facilities and resources.

If implemented effectively, this system could serve as a model for other public infrastructure programs in the years to come.

*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.

23/10/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Department of National Defense (DND) secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro, Jr., warned of the severe consequences and possible crisis the country could face if a coup or the establishment of a military government, similar to what happened in Myanmar, were to occur.

This came amid growing calls and speculation for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to withdraw its support from the Marcos administration, following a massive and systematic corruption controversy allegedly involving several lawmakers, private contractors, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

According to secretary Teodoro, any “extraconstitutional” move or violation of the Constitution would result in sanctions from the international community, including the freezing of bank accounts and the suspension of remittances entering the country.

The defense chief further stated that, should such a situation arise, only a few countries, among them China and its allies, would likely extend support to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff general Romeo Brawner, Jr., denied reports that certain groups were urging the military to launch a coup.

According to a report by a well-known journalist, a leader of a large religious sect allegedly met with a high-ranking military officer to convince him to move against President Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos, Jr.

The religious leader supposedly suggested that Vice President Sara Duterte take over, but the military officer reportedly rejected the idea and instead proposed a “revolutionary government” composed of both civilians and military officials.

Gen. Brawner clarified that he did not meet with any religious group and emphasized that he had no plans to stage a coup.

Secretary Teodoro also said the Philippines could end up in a situation similar to Myanmar, which has been under military rule since 2021 following a coup that ousted the government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

However, the defense chief believes that Filipinos would not want to experience such a scenario. He stressed that once extraconstitutional measures are taken, those with the strongest firepower would dominate, a condition contrary to the spirit of freedom.

Secretary Teodoro also cautioned the public to be careful about what they wish or pray for, as they might just get it.

At present, the AFP maintains a firm stance of loyalty to the Constitution and vows not to engage in any actions that would undermine the country’s democratic process.

It will be recalled that in 1986, former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., was ousted from power after the military withdrew its support. The same happened in 2001 during the height of EDSA Dos, which led to the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada. There were also calls for the military to withdraw support during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but the AFP did not respond.

*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.

23/10/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔𝗗 namin sa ConnecTV ang isang maligayang kaaraan sa minamahal na alkalde 𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢 “𝗜𝗦𝗞𝗢 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗢” 𝗗𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗢𝗦𝗢, isang Anak ng Tondo, isang Batang Maynila, na patuloy na nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa bawat Manileño at mga Filipino sa pamamagitan ng kanyang determinasyon, malasakit, at matapat na paglilingkod sa bayan.

Ang iyong bukas na kuwentong buhay ay patunay na walang imposible sa taong may pangarap, sipag, at pusong handang maglingkod. Mula sa simpleng pinagmulan hanggang sa pag-angat bilang pinuno ng kabisera ng bansa, ipinakita mong posible ang pagbabago kung may malasakit sa tao at disiplina sa pamahalaan.

Sa iyong pamumuno noon sa Maynila, muli itong nabuhay at nagkaroon ng sigla, naging mas maayos, mas malinis, at mas kaaya-ayang tirahan para sa mga Manileño. Ngayon nga sa iyong panibagong termino, dala mo pa rin ang inspirasyon at paninindigang iyon sa iyong panawagang “Make Manila Great Again.” Isang adhikain na hindi lamang tumutukoy sa pisikal na pagbabago, kundi sa muling pagbabalik ng dangal, kaayusan, at pagmamalaki ng bawat mamamayan sa ating minamahal na lungsod.

Nawa’y ipagpatuloy mo, Yorme, ang iyong laban para sa isang mas maunlad na Maynila, isang lungsod na tunay na maipagkakapuri. Sa iyong kaarawan, nawa’y pagpalain ka ng Poong Maykapal ng mas mahabang buhay, mabuting kalusugan, at patuloy na lakas ng loob upang tuparin ang iyong mga hangarin para sa bayan.

Mabuhay ka, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, at ang iyong adhikain para sa isang Maynilang muling sisikat at uunlad - 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗟𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡!

*The English version can be read in the comment section.

23/10/2025

𝐏𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐎 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐒

𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 / 9:00 PM Draw
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23/10/2025

Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

23/10/2025

October 23, 2025

"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

-- 𝗟.𝗠. 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘆

23/10/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Box office queen Kathryn Bernardo is set to join the exclusive list of Filipinos honored with a wax figure at Madame Tussauds.

According to the world-famous wax museum, Bernardo’s statue will be displayed at its Hong Kong branch, a place close to the actress’ heart, as it was where the blockbuster film “Hello, Love, Goodbye” (2019) was shot.

Bernardo now joins a select group of Filipino personalities who have been immortalized at Madame Tussauds, including former Miss Universe titleholders Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, former senator and boxing legend Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, international theater icon Lea Salonga, and actress Anne Curtis. At 29, Bernardo is the youngest among them.

Though she is known for her iconic roles in films such as “She’s Dating a Gangster” (2014), “The Hows of Us” (2018), and “A Very Good Girl” (2023), Bernardo shared that her wax figure will simply portray “Kath as herself.”

The actress explained that the figure does not depict any of her characters but rather herself, one of the most meaningful moments of her life, as she wants to be represented: simple and genuine.

Beyond this recognition, Bernardo hopes to be remembered more for her contributions to the industry. Her most recent film, “Hello, Love, Again” (2024), grossed over Php 1.6 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.

Bernardo also wishes to be remembered as “Kath the person,” more than as a celebrity — through the way she treats others and the lessons she leaves behind in the entertainment world. She hopes that in the coming years, she will continue to inspire the next generation of artists to carry the same passion forward.

As more Filipinos are featured at Madame Tussauds, Bernardo expressed her wish that the next honoree be the King of Philippine Cinema and National Artist for Film, Fernando Poe Jr.

Bernardo’s wax figure will be displayed at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and is set to be unveiled in 2026.

At present, Madame Tussauds houses over 2,400 wax figures across more than 20 branches worldwide, including London (its original museum), New York, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore. Each branch showcases a mix of local and international celebrities, depending on cultural significance and public demand.

Selection for a wax figure is highly exclusive. Madame Tussauds’ criteria include having a major influence or contribution in fields such as the arts, sports, music, film, politics, or social causes; possessing a timeless legacy; cultural significance; public demand; and, importantly, the approval and participation of the individual being modeled.

Among the Filipino icons being proposed for future wax figures are former Miss Universe winners Gloria Diaz and Margarita Moran, National Artist and superstar Nora Aunor, “Star for All Seasons” and Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, and Asia’s queen of song Pilita Corrales.

*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.

23/10/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) announced that annulment cases approved by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) will no longer be automatically appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA). Instead, these cases will first undergo a thorough review before a decision is made on whether an appeal is necessary.

According to Solicitor General Atty. Darlene Berberabe, the new policy aims to make the handling of marriage annulment cases more humane and realistic, in line with the Supreme Court’s more liberal interpretation of the law particularly in the rules of evidence on separation, and the evolving developments in the legislature.

SolGen Berberabe added that the OSG’s limited budget and manpower make it impractical to elevate every case for appeal. She emphasized that not every case should be appealed without sufficient grounds and that each one must first be carefully assessed to determine if an appeal is warranted.

At present, the OSG is handling an estimated 450,000 active cases from various government agencies, including state universities and colleges (SUCs). Of these, about 20 percent or roughly 80,000 cases are marriage-related, including annulment, legal separation, and declaration of nullity.

Under the OSG’s previous policy, all RTC-approved annulments were automatically appealed before the CA, even if neither party requested it. However, under the new leadership of SolGen Berberabe, who was appointed in May 2025 following the courtesy resignation of former SolGen Menardo Guevarra, decisions will now be made with greater prudence and compassion.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that over 11,000 annulment and nullity cases were filed annually in courts across the country prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies indicate that the number of annulment filings increased after the lockdowns, due to relationship challenges that emerged during that period.

Under the Family Code of the Philippines, only annulment and declaration of nullity are recognized as legal means to dissolve a marriage, as absolute divorce remains illegal. Nonetheless, several lawmakers continue to push for a divorce bill, which is currently being deliberated in Congress.

With the new OSG policy, the agency hopes to make the annulment process in the Philippines more efficient, fair, and responsive to the realities faced by Filipino couples today.

*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.

23/10/2025

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has opened the bidding process for the Php 229.32 billion contract for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR), one of the country’s largest transportation projects under the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” program.

According to the DOTr, the bidding is open to all interested local and foreign companies, subject to the project’s terms and conditions, the Constitution, and the provisions of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

Interested bidders may participate by paying a non-refundable fee of Php 1.16 million or US$20,000 to gain access to the project’s “virtual data room.”

The draft concession agreement will be released on November 7, 2025, followed by the pre-bid conference on November 20, 2025. Site visits are scheduled from November 17 to 21, 2025, and one-on-one meetings between the bidders and the agency will take place from November 24 to 28, 2025.

The final concession agreement is set for April 30, 2026, while the deadline for bid submission is on May 29, 2026, at exactly 11:00 a.m. The implementing agencies reserve the right to modify or cancel the bidding process at any time without the obligation to provide an explanation.

The NSCR aims to deliver a safe, reliable, and world-class commuter rail service that will help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Once fully operational, the railway is expected to serve more than 800,000 passengers daily.
The NSCR will feature 35 stations spanning 148 kilometers from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna, covering 26 cities and municipalities across Central Luzon, the National Capital Region, and CALABARZON.

Several major companies have expressed interest in the project, including Mitsubishi Corporation, Hitachi Limited, Tokyo Metro, Sumitomo Corporation, Alstom Japan, and several French rail operators. The DOTr has also conducted market-sounding activities in Japan, Singapore, France, and Manila to attract potential partners.

The NSCR is considered a modern continuation of the former Manila North Rail Project, first launched in 2003 under the Macapagal-Arroyo administration. The original project, which aimed to connect Caloocan city and Clark with financial support from China, was halted due to issues involving contracts, right-of-way, and transparency.

Presently, the government has revived the vision of a modern northern railway through a more extensive, safer, and more technologically advanced NSCR, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

If successfully implemented, it is expected to become one of the most modern commuter rail systems in Southeast Asia and a major step toward improved urban mobility and sustainable development in the Philippines.

*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.

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