BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for May 11, 2026
Saudi oil giant Aramco sees 25% jump in Q1 profit after shifting exports from Strait of Hormuz
Iran proposal calls for end of war and lifting of sanctions, news agency reports
Oil prices climb following US and Iran aggression in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran Hits Bulker off Qatar and Targets Kuwait and UAE as it Responds to US
Complex Medical Evacuation Underway After Cruise Reaches Tenerife
PNP-CIDG to subpoena Bato over EJK probe, unrelated to ICC ‘warrant’- Remulla
Kanlaon exhibits first visible crater glow; Alert Level 3 escalation looms
House votes today on VP impeachment
Navotas landfill fire now fully extinguished – PBBM
Paraguay president arrives in PH for 2-day visit
ASEAN calls for restraint in Middle East conflict
Government debt payments dip to P169 billion in March
TD Caloy likely to weaken into remnant low Monday
Miss Universe PH 2026 finalists get The Miss Philippines crowns
After 20 years, Nina proves she can still ignite the stage
Donbelle takes one last ride with ‘tayo sa wakas’ as loveteam parts ways for now
PBA: Ginebra outlasts Bol, TNT in thriller to set up q’finals clash vs. Phoenix
Tennis: Alex Eala bows out of Italian Open with loss to Rybakina
NBA: Thunder top Lakers for 3-0 series lead; Cavs claw back against Pistons
Joecon and his Asean legacy
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Saudi oil giant Aramco sees 25% jump in Q1 profit after shifting exports from Strait of Hormuz
May 11 —— Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, said its first-quarter profit jumped 25% as the Iran war disrupted oil supplies and raised prices. Dhahran, Saudi Arabia-based Aramco said it successfully shifted some oil exports to a pipeline to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by the war.
On Sunday, the price of Brent crude, the international standard, rose 2.58% to to $103.91 per barrel. That’s below its heights above $119 during the war, but it’s still much more expensive than its roughly $70 level from late February before the fighting began.
Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser said the company’s East-West Pipeline, which runs across Saudi Arabia from its Eastern oil fields to the Red Sea, is now operating at its maximum capacity of 7 million barrels of oil per day. Nasser said the pipeline is “helping to mitigate the impact of a global energy shock and providing relief to customers.”
Still, that’s only a fraction of Aramco’s typical production. Aramco produced 11.1 million barrels of oil per day in the fourth quarter of 2025, for example. Aramco reported a profit of $32.5 billion for the quarter ending March 31, up 25% from the same period a year ago. The state-owned company reported a 12% decline in annual profits in 2025.
Before the war, 20% of the world’s traded oil typically flowed through the strait every day, as well as large supplies of natural gas, fertilizer, and other petroleum products. Iran effectively seized control of the critical waterway after the U.S. and Israel attacked it on Feb. 28. A U.S. naval blockade imposed last month also complicates its use. “Recent events have clearly demonstrated the vital contribution of oil and gas to energy security and the global economy, and are a stark reminder that reliable energy supply is critical,” Nasser said in a statement. “Despite these headwinds, Aramco remains focused on its strategic priorities and is leveraging both its domestic infrastructure and its global network to navigate disruption.”
Source: mb.com.ph
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Iran proposal calls for end of war and lifting of sanctions, news agency reports
DUBAI, May 11 —— An Iranian proposal sent to the United States through mediator Pakistan stresses the need for an end to the war on all fronts and the lifting of sanctions on Tehran, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said, citing an informed source.
The proposal emphasizes the necessity of lifting sanctions by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control on Iranian oil sales during a 30-day period and ending the naval blockade on Iran, Tasnim added.
Tasnim also quoted the source as saying that Iran’s demands include “Iranian management of the Strait of Hormuz if certain commitments are undertaken by the US.” The source did not specify what those commitments would be.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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MARITIME NEWS
Oil prices climb following US and Iran aggression in the Strait of Hormuz
May 11 —— Oil prices rose after renewed clashes between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
The US said it carried out self-defense strikes after what it called “unprovoked” Iranian attacks on US ships passing through the Gulf, while Iran accused the US of breaking an April ceasefire. Brent crude briefly jumped nearly 3% to around $103 a barrel before easing back to about $100, BBC reports.
Despite the escalation, President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire was still in place, while Iranian state media claimed the situation had “returned to normal.” Trump described the US response as limited and said ongoing talks with Iran were progressing, though he warned of “pain” if no agreement is reached on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran, meanwhile, said it had responded to US strikes near its coastline and claimed it inflicted significant damage, while the US denied any of its ships were hit. Traders described the ceasefire as fragile, with markets reacting sharply to each new development.
The conflict has also driven up energy costs beyond crude oil, particularly jet fuel, which has surged roughly 50%. This is feeding into higher operating costs for airlines, with British Airways’ parent company IAG projecting fuel expenses of about €9 billion this year, around €2 billion more than last year, BBC informs.
Source: safety4sea.com
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Iran Hits Bulker off Qatar and Targets Kuwait and UAE as it Responds to US
May 11 —— In actions, which can probably best be interpreted as an attempt to maintain pressure on the United States in the context of ongoing negotiations, Iran launched limited attacks against three Gulf countries.
The Kuwaiti Army intercepted two inbound drones early on Sunday, May 10. It did not indicate from which direction the drones had come from, but in a previous attack on April 25, two drones launched at northern border posts had been launched from Iraq, presumably by militias owing allegiance to Iran and at Iran’s initiative.
Also, early on Sunday, a drone struck a cargo vessel in Qatari waters northeast of Doha, causing a fire on board. The vessel was en route from Abu Dhabi to the port of Mesaieed, and the crew managed to put out the fire and to complete the passage. UKMTO reported the incident, as did the Qatari Ministry of Defense, but did not name the vessel that had been hit. The only bulk carrier recorded as having arrived in Mesaieed on May 10 is the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier the MV Laya (IMO 9272864).
Earlier in the day, a loaded Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier, Al Kharaitiyat (IMO 9397327), was reported to have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz using the Tehran-approved northern route and is expected in Port Qasim, Pakistan, on May 11. The Al Kharaitiyat (113,845 dwt) is managed by Nakilat Shipping Qatar for QatarEnergy. The transit was clearly made with permission from the Iranian authorities, probably as a concession to Pakistan for its part in hosting Iranian-US negotiations. Pakistan is desperately short of LNG imports.
The UAE’s Ministry of Defense reported that the UAE too had been attacked by two drones fired from Iran, which were intercepted and destroyed before they were able to cause any injuries or damage.
Iran’s IRNA news agency reported on Sunday that it had sent its response to the latest U.S. proposal to Pakistan.
These attacks, and the contradiction whereby a Qatari-bound vessel is attacked while a Qatari-owned LNG tanker is allowed transit, are clearly part of an IRGC-led strategy to apply pressure on the Gulf states, so that they in turn will pressure U.S. negotiators to grant Iran concessions in the current round of negotiations. While this may have been the IRGC’s intention, the tactic is equally likely to backfire and provoke GCC states to adopt a more aggressive attitude towards Iran.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Complex Medical Evacuation Underway After Cruise Reaches Tenerife
May 11 —— Passengers began disembarking from the exploration cruise ship Hondius in Tenerife and are being immediately evacuated by their individual countries. The complex operation has seen planes from at least six countries removing portions of the passengers as well as some of the cruise ship’s crewmembers, and in an agreement with the local authorities, none of them are being permitted entry into Tenerife.
The Hondius arrived at the industrial port of Grandilla in southern Tenerife at 0624 local time on Sunday, May 10. The ship had departed Cape Verde at 1915 CET on May 6 after two crewmembers and one passenger were disembarked, and additional medical personnel were placed on the ship. Under an agreement with the local authorities, the cruise ship is being held at anchor and not permitted to dock in the port.
The vessel’s operator, Oceanwide Expeditions, reports that none of the passengers or crew still onboard are showing any symptoms of hantavirus, but a high level of precaution is being taken during the disembarkation process. Passengers are grouped by nationality and are only ferried to shore when the country’s evacuation flight is ready to receive the people. Local boats were being used to bring the people ashore, or the company said the Zodiac craft from the ship could be used if required.
Personnel on the dock are all in protective clothing, as are the passengers, who are also being sprayed with disinfectant and who are only being permitted to remove a limited number of items from the ship. They are being checked for symptoms and then placed aboard the evacuation flights. Spain was first taking a dozen people, and since then, planes from the Netherlands, which took its citizens along with Germans, Belgians, and Greeks, were followed by evacuations from France, Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Norway. Australia is sending an evacuation plane due to arrive on Monday that will take its citizens, as well as those from New Zealand and other Asian countries.
The World Health Organization continues to say the danger of further transmission is low. It is, however, recommending 42-days of isolation, quarantine, or observation since the people were first exposed to the virus. Most of the countries reported that the individuals would be taken to military or government facilities for further observation, and then some would be released for home quarantine. As of late on Sunday, the WHO reported that most passengers and crew of the Hondius had successfully disembarked today.
Contact tracing remains a primary concern for the passengers who disembarked during the cruise. The UK Defense Ministry reported on Sunday that it has airlifted two medical clinicians and six military personnel, along with medical supplies, to the remote island of Tristan da Cunha after a passenger who disembarked the cruise is now reported to be ill. However, another person who was on the flight from South Africa, where the ill passenger from the cruise ship was removed, has now tested negative for Hantavirus.
The plan is that once the cruise ship completes the disembarkations in Tenerife, it will sail to Santa Cruz on Tenerife. It will remain isolated while it bunkers and takes on necessary supplies. Hondius will then sail to Rotterdam, a trip that will take around five days, where it will undergo further disinfection. As of the last count released by the WHO, a total of eight people are ill, with six confirmed cases of hantavirus. Three people died, and four remain in hospitals.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
PNP-CIDG to subpoena Bato over EJK probe, unrelated to ICC ‘warrant’- Remulla
MANILA, May 11 —— The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) would issue a subpoena to Senator Ronald dela Rosa today requiring him to personally appear before investigators as part of a continuing Philippine National Police (PNP) investigation.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stressed that the order was “not an arrest warrant,” amid speculation that Dela Rosa could face arrest in connection with a supposed International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. “We do not have a red notice for General Dela Rosa. The news has been circulating. I have not seen a copy. I have no information of a copy,” Remulla said during a press briefing. “But I’m here to belie all rumors that there is a red notice. I hope that’s clear,” he added.
Remulla said the PNP had been directed to resume the investigation into Dela Rosa’s actions during his stint as Davao City police director and regional director of the Davao Region, positions he held before becoming PNP chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the renewed investigation would rely heavily on findings from the previous Quad Committee hearings in the House of Representatives, as well as complaints previously filed in connection with extrajudicial killings. “The Philippine National Police will be conducting, of course, investigation. This is a continuing one. Noong nakaraan, we have a quad com report with regards to EJK and other related incident. That would be the very basis and other reports coming from various unit that we may pursue,” Nartatez said. “The Philippine National Police through the CIDG will be giving summons to identified personalities doon sa mga reports na ‘yan,” he added. According to Remulla, Dela Rosa would be the first among several personalities expected to receive subpoenas in the coming days.
DELA ROSA STILL IN THE PHILIPPINES
Authorities said Dela Rosa was believed to still be in the Davao region and that Police Regional Office 11 had already been alerted regarding the subpoena service. Despite heightened monitoring, Remulla repeatedly emphasized that the senator was not under arrest and would not be treated as a criminal suspect during the proceedings. “We will treat him with all the respect that he deserves. He is a senator, a former chief of the PNP, a former director of the BuCor. We will, and I assure you, there will be no EJK,” Remulla said. “We will treat him with all respect. There will be no handcuffs. It is merely a subpoena for investigation, not an arrest warrant,” he added. The DILG also confirmed that airports, seaports, checkpoints, and airlines had been alerted to monitor Dela Rosa’s movements amid rumors that he could leave the country.
PNP INVESTIGATION SEPARATE FROM ICC PROCESS
Remulla maintained that the investigation was entirely separate from any ICC process, reiterating that the Philippines was no longer a member of the international tribunal. Pressed on why the government would not simply cooperate with the ICC if accountability was the objective, Remulla insisted the investigation was part of the PNP’s own effort to establish responsibility over past abuses and end speculation surrounding the issue. “We have to put a stop to all of this chatter. We have to make it clear that EJK is no longer a policy of the PNP. We have to make it clear that all officers involved must be held accountable,” he said.
The DILG chief also acknowledged longstanding criticisms over the lack of police cooperation in previous EJK investigations and said authorities intended to conduct a broader review of past anti-drug operations. “We cannot move forward as a country until there’s a reconciliation of the truth of what happened in those years. So this is just the initial step in finding out of what really happened,” Remulla said.
In a statement, International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) said it welcomes news of “imminent arrest of Duterte co-conspirator Bato.” “The ICHRP urges the Philippine authorities to act on any warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court for the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa… This development also serves as a warning to the Marcos Jr. government–the long arm of the law will catch up with those who commit and enable war crimes in the Philippines,” said Peter Murphy, ICHRP chairperson. Dela Rosa has not attended Senate sessions since November 2025, after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed that he had seen an ICC arrest warrant against the senator.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Kanlaon exhibits first visible crater glow; Alert Level 3 escalation looms
MANILA, May 11 —— The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised the alarm over a “new development” at Kanlaon Volcano after state volcanologists and local residents observed a visible crater glow, or banaag, for the first time on Sunday evening.
In a bulletin issued at 1:30 a.m. on Monday, May 11, the agency reported that the incandescence at the summit was spotted by the naked eye at approximately 7:00 p.m. on May 10. The glow is caused by superheated volcanic gases—a phenomenon that has been detected by infra-red cameras since late 2024 but has only now become visible to the public.
Phivolcs noted that while crater glow is a common precursor to magmatic eruptions at Mayon Volcano, its appearance at Kanlaon signals a potential shift in the volcano’s behavior. “If crater glow becomes sustained and intensifies, this would indicate that magma is close to or at the crater,” the agency warned. Such intensification could lead to a full-scale magmatic eruption within a matter of days.
Despite this visual development, other monitoring parameters have remained relatively stable since the volcano’s last moderate explosive eruption on March 15, 2026. “Since then, seismicity remained at the steady rate of six (6) volcano-tectonic earthquakes/day, while sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) gas emissions based on campaign mDOAS measurements averaged 1,646 tonnes/day and have increased only slightly to 2,382 tonnes/day this past week,” the bulletin stated. “Ground deformation parameters have been non-steady but still indicate a sustained and slow-rate inflation of the volcano edifice since 2022,” the agency added.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2 (Increasing Unrest). However, authorities emphasized that the status could be escalated to Alert Level 3 should the crater glow intensify. A magmatic eruption poses several life-threatening hazards, most notably Pyroclastic Density Currents (PDCs), also known locally as uson—fast-moving, lethal clouds of hot gas and volcanic debris. Other risks include lava flows, ballistic volcanic rocks, and heavy ashfall. With its 24-hour monitoring ongoing, Phivolcs has reiterated its recommendation to LGUs for the strict evacuation of all communities within the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Residents along river channels are urged to remain vigilant against the threat of lahars during intense rains. A “no-fly” warning also remains in effect near the summit to avoid catastrophic aircraft engine failure from sudden ashfall.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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House votes today on VP impeachment
MANILA, Philippines, May 11 —— Members of the House of Representatives are expected to cast their votes as the chamber resumes session this afternoon, as they move to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte – the second time for the nation’s second highest official.
Lawmakers have predicted that the leadership of Speaker Faustino Dy III can easily muster the minimum requirement of 106 votes and send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial. “We are anticipating that we will be given the opportunity to defend the committee report, to defend the findings of probable cause, to defend the Articles of Impeachment,” House justice committee chairperson Rep. Gerville Luistro said.
Rep. Terry Ridon predicted last week that garnering 215 votes may be a walk in the park, matching or even surpassing the vote in the first impeachment move in February 2025, while National Unity Party chairman Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno sees a minimum of 180 for impeachment. Voting in plenary will be done via nominal voting, with each House member allowed to explain his vote.
The plenary proceedings will tackle the report and resolution approved by the Luistro committee after weeks of hearings into allegations involving a total of P612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained P6.77-billion wealth, bribery, and threats against top government officials.
The House committee on justice earlier voted unanimously, 53-0, to find probable cause to impeach Duterte, and later overwhelmingly approved, 55-0, the committee report and resolution setting forth the Articles of Impeachment for plenary deliberations.
Luistro said lawmakers could expect intense debates on both the panel’s findings and the conduct of the proceedings, but stressed that the House justice committee was ready to answer questions from House members. Under the 1987 Constitution, at least one-third of all House members – or 106 votes out of the 318-member chamber – would be enough to approve the Articles of Impeachment and immediately transmit them to the Senate for trial, where the senators will be acting as senator-judges.
The first article involves the alleged misuse and irregular disbursement of confidential funds under both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure as DepEd chief from July 2022 to July 2024. The second article focuses on allegations of unexplained wealth and discrepancies involving Duterte’s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth and bank transactions flagged by the Anti-Money Laundering Council.
The third article concerns allegations of bribery tied to cash envelopes reportedly distributed to DepEd officials during Duterte’s time as education secretary. The fourth article centers on Duterte’s controversial remarks in November 2024 in which she publicly stated that she had arranged for President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and then speaker Martin Romualdez to be killed should anything happen to her.
Source: philstar.com
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Navotas landfill fire now fully extinguished – PBBM
MANILA, May 11 —— Through the government’s relentless efforts and strong collaboration with the private sector, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the lingering fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill has been fully extinguished. “Tuluyan nang naapula ang sunog sa Navotas landfill,” President Marcos said in a social media post.
The President said firefighters, local government units, environmental teams, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Tourism and private firms, including San Miguel Corporation, Prime Infrastructure and SM Prime, worked tirelessly in recent weeks to prevent the situation from escalating and to ensure the safety of nearby residents. The President also expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its support and technical assistance.
While the fire has been contained, the President emphasized that response efforts will continue. President Marcos directed relevant agencies to sustain round-the-clock monitoring of the area, including air and water quality testing, thermal scanning to ensure there are no remaining hotspots, and health monitoring for affected residents and responders. “Ang pinakamahalaga ngayon ay masigurong ligtas ang ating mga kababayan at tuluyang makabalik sa normal ang mga komunidad sa paligid ng Navotas,” the President said as quoted in a news release of the Presidential News Desk.
Reports said the fire was caused by methane gas accumulated from decomposing waste, which ignited after being exposed to uncovered waste surfaces. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) earlier reported that the fire affected the air quality in Navotas, Valenzuela, Malabon, Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati and Manila.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation and DENR jointly inspected the Navotas Sanitary Landfill early Monday morning. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, together with national and local government officials, assessed the site to establish permanent safeguards to prevent future incidents.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Paraguay president arrives in PH for 2-day visit
MANILA, May 11 —— Paraguayan President Santiago Peña is now in the Philippines for an official visit on May 10-11, upon the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Paraguayan delegation arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Sunday at 3:36 p.m. aboard China Airlines flight from Taipei, Taiwan, where Peña also had an official visit. They were welcomed by Philippine Trade chief Cristina Roque-Aldeguer, Philippine Non-Resident Ambassador to Paraguay Grace Cruz-Fabella, and Paraguayan envoy Miguel Romero, among others.
Peña’s visit to the Philippines marks the first presidential visit between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties on December 12, 1962. The two countries seek to expand cooperation across various sectors such as trade and investment and agriculture, according to Malacañang. Upon his arrival, Peña will be accorded official honors at the Malacañan Palace.
On Monday, the two leaders are set to hold a bilateral meeting and present signed agreements. Malacañang earlier called Paraguay as an “emerging partner of the Philippines in Latin America” noting the two countries’ “common values rooted in democracy, rule of law and commitment to international cooperation.” “The Official Visit underscores the continued efforts of the Philippines to broaden its engagement with Latin American partners and diversify its economic partnerships,” it added.
Before arriving in the Philippines, the Paraguayan leader had a visit in Taiwan where he affirmed ties amid pressure from China to “stand on the right side of history” and sever diplomatic relations with the self-ruled island democracy.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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ASEAN calls for restraint in Middle East conflict
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines, May 11 —— Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations urged parties involved in the Middle East conflict to fully implement the ceasefire and uphold peace, stability and prosperity worldwide.
In a statement issued after the summit, ASEAN leaders expressed “serious concern” over the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, warning that it poses a “grave threat” to the lives and safety of civilians and to regional and global peace and stability. “We urged all parties involved to maintain conducive conditions for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, by exercising utmost restraint, ceasing all hostilities and avoiding any acts that may aggravate the situation,” the leaders said. “We underscore the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability and prosperity, upholding international law and promoting genuine dialogue and diplomacy in addressing conflicts and tensions, including the need for a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts in the Middle East,” they added.
The leaders likewise called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflicts and the safety of United Nations peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel. “We stressed the need to preserve the unimpeded flow of energy and essential goods, including food, agricultural inputs, pharmaceutical products and transport fuels, in order to safeguard economic stability and strengthen resilience across ASEAN,” they added.
At a press conference on Friday, President Marcos said ASEAN leaders united to call for peace and issued a document urging all parties to cease hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pursue lasting peace. “(Peace) is something…fundamental to any discussion about the war in the Middle East. That’s the first step, because we will achieve absolutely nothing until there is peace,” Marcos said. “We, now, are in this limbo situation where we don’t know how long it’s going to last. We don’t know when the next encounter is going to be. Is the ceasefire on? Is it not on?… It’s a very difficult situation. Until the fighting ends, until the bombings end, then it’s very difficult to put together any kind of solution.”
Source: philstar.com
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Government debt payments dip to P169 billion in March
MANILA, Philippines, May 11 —— The Marcos administration reduced its debt payments to P169 billion in March amid a decline in amortization payments. Still, debt service more than doubled in the first quarter, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said.
Latest data from the Treasury showed the government slashed its debt payments in March, settling some P169.09 billion in obligations, down by 7.8 percent from P183.36 billion in the same month last year. Month-on-month, the debt service bill plunged by 60.7 percent from P430.64 billion in February. Debt service refers to payments made by the government on domestic and foreign borrowings. Spending on amortization goes to returning the loan principal, while interest payments go to complying with interest obligations.
In March, amortization payments declined by 23.7 percent to P72.71 billion from the recorded P95.24 billion in the previous year. Almost the entire allocation for principal payments was remitted to foreign sources, while only P128 million was made to domestic creditors. On the other hand, interest payments inched up by 9.4 percent to P96.38 billion from P88.12 billion. in the comparative period. It comprised 57 percent of the total debt service bill. Domestic interest payments rose by 24.1 percent to P79.71 billion in March from P64.21 billion a year ago. This consisted of P47.04 billion for fixed-rate Treasury bonds (T-bonds), P28.23 billion for retail T-bonds and P4.41 billion for Treasury bills.
The Treasury sells government securities every week to generate funding for public programs and projects. Apart from payment to local lenders, the government settled P16.68 billion in interest owed to foreign financiers in March. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the lower debt service bill largely to lower government securities that matured in March 2026. This fundamentally reduced debt servicing costs, while complemented by the series of rate cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Federal Reserve that tempered interest payments, he said.
Meanwhile, debt payments more than doubled to P737.41 billion in the first quarter from the P342.02 billion in January to March 2025. As of end-March, the government has settled 37 percent of its total debt service for 2026, amounting to P2.01 trillion. The government intends to spend P950 billion for interest payments and return P1.06 trillion worth of principal to comply with the amortization of debts.
The Philippines’ outstanding debt is at a record P18.49 trillion as of end-March due to a weakening peso and issuance of domestic securities. Ricafort added that the peso breaching a new record low of P61 per dollar might increase debt servicing costs of foreign debt payments.
Source: philstar.com
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TD Caloy likely to weaken into remnant low Monday
MANILA, May 11 —— The weather bureau said Tropical Depression (TD) Caloy is forecast to weaken into a remnant low within the day. Caloy is also unlikely to directly affect the country throughout the forecast period, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. Caloy will remain far from landmass, the bureau added.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Caloy is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 55 kph. The TD was last located 530 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar. No wind signal is hoisted on any part of the country. Meanwhile, up to moderate seas will prevail over the following coastal waters: seaboards of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, northern Ilocos Sur, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Surigao del Sur; western seaboard of Pangasinan; northern seaboards of Camarines Sur; northern and eastern seaboards of Quezon including Polillo Islands and Catanduanes; eastern seaboards of Albay, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands, and Davao Oriental.
PAGASA advised mariners of motor bancas to take precautionary measures and to avoid navigation under these conditions.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Miss Universe PH 2026 finalists get The Miss Philippines crowns
May 11 —— The wait is finally over as the remaining finalists of the 2026 Miss Universe Philippines pageant learned their fate and received their national titles, which will also send them to international competitions.
At a coronation ball held at the grand ballroom of City of Dreams Manila in Parañaque City, the ladies received their crowns from The Miss Philippines, a sister brand of the national pageant under Empire Philippines. Inheriting the Miss Supranational Philippines crown from Katrina Llegado was Allyson Hetland, while Miss Cosmo runner-up Chelsea Fernandez crowned Ysabella Ysmael as Miss Cosmo Philippines, together with reigning Miss Cosmo Yolina Lindquist of the United States.
Reigning Miss Eco International Alexie Brooks of the Philippines joined Gabriella Carballo in crowning Jenrose Javier as Miss Eco International Philippines, while current Miss Charm Anna Blanco of Venezuela joined Cyrille Payumo in crowning Apriel Smith as Miss Charm Philippines. While recent editions of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant named runners-up from the finalist roster, no runners-up were announced at the ball. Instead, two new titles were awarded.
Crowned Miss Worldwide Philippines was Nicole Borromeo, while the Miss Tourism Worldwide Philippines title went to Marian Arellano. Two more surprise titles were also awarded to Miss Universe Philippines semifinalists. Catherine Wardle was crowned Miss Teen Universe Philippines, while Trexy Paris Roxas was named Miss Eco Teen International. All these national titles come with international assignments and require the queens to represent the Philippines on the global stage.
Hetland will compete in the Miss Supranational pageant next year, as Llegado is still set to fly to Poland in July for the 2026 competition. Javier will also have to wait a year before her turn on the global stage, as Carballo is headed to Egypt for Miss Eco International 2026, where she hopes to secure a second consecutive win for the Philippines. Ysmael and Smith, meanwhile, will try to become the first Miss Cosmo and Miss Charm winners from the Philippines, respectively.
Borromeo will compete in Miss Worldwide, while Arellano will be sent to Miss Tourism World. Wardle will represent the country in Miss Teen Universe, while Roxas will compete in Miss Eco Teen International. This is the first time the Miss Philippines has held a coronation ball to proclaim queens. Over the past three years, the crowns were awarded to recipients during brief programs held immediately after the Miss Universe Philippines coronation.
Source: inquirer.net
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After 20 years, Nina proves she can still ignite the stage
MANILA, Philippines, May 11 —— Amazing is how Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren Nina has enviably managed to stay for two decades in the music business, doing sold-out concerts here and abroad, performing on TV, and having hordes of fans through the years, adored and supported by her loyal followers even without an original hit to her name.
A landmark moment in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) history took center stage as Nina commemorated the 20th anniversary of her era-defining album, “Nina Live!,” with a concert event, “Nina XX” last May 9. Her highly successful anniversary concert “XX,” the Roman numeral that stands for 20, was proof of Nina’s longevity in the music business. The Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) was filled to the brim. Nearly a month before the concert, tickets were sold out.
The team behind the much-awaited show, Echo Jham Entertainment Productions (Mhae Arenas) in collaboration with Synth X (Roland Lee), earlier planned to have a second media conference to promote “XX,” after the first one held in February, but there was no need for that. “Nina XX” delivered an iconic repertoire with renewed artistry and emotional depth that stood as both a tribute and a reinvention, honoring a legacy while embracing the future of live performance.
Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren, an R&B pillar, revisited the commercial success of the “Nina Live” album that redefined the OPM landscape, elevating live cover performances into a cultural phenomenon and embedding itself into the everyday soundtrack of Filipino life, from radio airwaves to karaoke sessions nationwide.
Musical director for “Nina XX” was Soc Mina, who has worked with Nina for two decades, and ensured a rich and masterfully orchestrated soundscape. Visionary Calvin Murphy Neria brought the production to life as the concert director, who crafted an immersive and emotionally resonant live experience. He made sure the songs were well drawn out and delivered throughout the more than two-hour concert.
Nina apparently gets her energy from her audience when she’s onstage. “When I enter the stage, the screams of the audience, even if I’m sick, nawawala na ‘yun. You really want to perform for them,” she earlier said. “They came to the concert for you. So, you really have to give it your best.” Nina overcame her shyness by surrounding herself with people who gave her strength and confidence. She started as a live band singer and joined MYMP (Make Your Mama Proud), The Big Thing, Silk, and Essence. Even as she already ventured into the entertainment industry and joined different bands, Nina managed to finish her college degree — accountancy at Miriam College.
“Being a soloist doesn’t mean I would be alone,” said Nina. “Sa totoo lang, hindi naman ako naging mag-isa. May mga boses na sumabay, mga landas na nagtagpo at may mga storyang nabuo. On and on, I found other artists, other dreamers like me, with whom I have shared chapters of my memorable journey in this industry.” “May mga naka-duet ako, may mga performances na naging extra special dahil may kasama ako,” Nina added. In every collab, this is all about all of us, the music we share, the stories we tell together. Sa mundo ng OPM (Original Pilipino Music), walang nag-iisa. Lahat tayo magkakasama sa isang kuwento.”
She opened the “Nina XX” concert with There You’ll Be, country singer Faith Hill’s early hit that was immediately well-received by her audience, then segued to familiar tunes — Colored Kisses, Sweet Thing, I Don’t Want To Wait, Steep, Sunlight and Piano in the Dark. Most of the songs Nina covered in her 20 years of the “Nina Live” album. But she relived crooner Barry Manilow’s songs, which she recorded earlier in an album, “Very Manilow” — Somewhere Down the Road, Even Now, One of These Days, Weekend in New England, and Somewhere in the Night. Nina commemorated bittersweet moments and love-filled memories in the set list that she delivered. “It seemed like only yesterday when I entered the music business,” Nina told her packed audience.
Today, a more confident Nina is obviously ready to face the crowd anytime. “I still get shy at times, especially when I’m not onstage or I’m not in front of the camera, I’m not boisterous. I’m still a very calm performer.” After a decade of being married to her businessman-husband, Coy Enriquez, Nina still admirably gets to shuttle between her career and married life. The couple has a daughter, Ysabelle Louise, who turned 10 last December. “My family life is really different from my career,” Nina insisted. “My family is very real, very raw. I love being with my family. But I love being onstage, as well. Magkaiba siya. My career is where the live scene is. But when I get home, they don’t treat me as the performer. My husband and daughter treat me as the wife, the mom.”
She gets to separate the personal from the professional. “I get to change my roles,” insisted Nina. “Talagang magkaiba. When I go home, I am no longer Nina, the performer. I change to my real-life role. That adjusts automatically.” Thankfully, she has avoided the toxic environment outside her private life. “I have kept my relationship very private,” Nina said. “I don’t want to make it public, although I don’t really deny it when I’m interviewed on talk shows. I can’t deny that their faces are shown. I don’t want to keep it a secret.”
Joining Nina onstage as her guests were Thor, with whom she rendered The Closer I Get To You and Burn. Kris Lawrence, who did a duet of Have You Ever and How Can We Be Lovers with her. With South Border soloist Jay Durias on the keyboards, they delivered Love of My Life and Jay’s new arrangement of Saving Forever for You. She was also joined by dancers when she gracefully moved onstage while delivering Second Floor, Heaven, and Make You Mine. She belted out the hits of Diane Warren — I’ll Never Get Over You, Love Will Lead You Back, Unbreak My Heart, and I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend. She also gave the audience a new interpretation of Die On This Hill, the recent breakout hit of UK singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro.
Then, Nina went into high gear with vocally challenging pieces — Jealous, I Love You Goodbye, Someday, and ending with Through the Fire. While she exited the stage, apparently prematurely, her audience wouldn’t budge from their seats without hearing Love Moves in Mysterious Ways, Nina’s biggest hit from Julia Fordham. “After 20 years, alam niyo talaga kung ano ang kulang,” she smilingly told her audience when she returned onstage with tears in her eyes. “Through every season, every memory, and every chapter, love moves.”
Source: philstar.com
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Donbelle takes one last ride with ‘tayo sa wakas’ as loveteam parts ways for now
MANILA, Philippines, May 11 —— Kapamilya stars Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano are taking their love team to the next level as they return to the big screen with “Tayo Sa Wakas,” directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana. With a promise to be a roller coaster of emotions in a relationship, the film will also take viewers on DonBelle’s last ride for now, as they recently decided to part ways.
Donny and Belle take us through the process of accepting the project “Tayo Sa Wakas” and what led them to decide to take a pause and focus on their solo careers.
Hit pause
“Tayo Sa Wakas” follows the romantic relationship between Cisco (Donny) and Cheska (Belle) tested by the challenges of time. From their honeymoon phase at work to facing decisions for their career milestones, their love will be tested if it is still worth fighting for. When the project was presented to them, Donny admitted that it felt like it was the right film for them to signal their pause as a love team.
“It’s not something that we thought of overnight. Si Belle kasi isa sa kakampi ko rito, siyempre, sa showbiz. And we’re very, very open with each other. So, I think it just had to get to a point where tama ‘yung material para sa ganitong klaseng transition. So, we would talk about it project after project. Kailan kaya tayo magkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng transition or phase to a different direction or when would we pause?” the actor said in a presscon.
When we were presented with this material, nag-meet lang kami and sabi namin sa isa’t isa, I thought this was the best time. It’s very timely, and it’s the one that will showcase different sides of us. It’s a mixture of all our characters and more. It just felt like the right time,” he added. Belle echoed his sentiments, stressing how the film will show their growth since their pairing started in the TV series titled “He’s Into Her” in 2020. “Before entering the love team naman, sabi ko, I wanna be a great actress, ‘yun naman talaga, and Donny and I have been vocal naman na we just don’t want to be DonBelle. We also wanna be Donny and Belle,” the actress said. “I feel like this project is the perfect project for it since it shows so much growth and maturity. And it required so much authenticity from both of us,” she added.
For Emilio Daez, many people from Generation Z can learn from this film. “May push and pull between love, career, and prioritizing yourself. I think maraming matututunan ang ating mga viewers and lahat ng manonood ng film about themselves, their partners, their future partners, their careers. I’m super excited for them to see that.” Joross Gamboa echoed Emilio’s sentiments, stressing how a relationship is about giving: “The greatest secret in love and in life is giving. Kapag papasok ka sa isang relationship, hindi dapat ‘you complete me’; kailangan kumpleto ka na at overflowing ka na. Love is about giving.” For her part, Belle said: “Ang daming layers nung character namin. Talagang it’s very real and very human and iba talaga siya sa (mga characters namin noon).”
Donny added that people will always have flaws, but couples will always learn to meet halfway and improve for the better. “We have a lot of flawed characteristics, sinasabi nila ngayon na ‘red flag,’ pero kasi you have to understand also where each character is coming from and what their background is,” he said. “Siguro ‘yung experiences ng bawat isa and just being together for so long, I think that does something to you as an individual and as a couple and as people who go through life together but are finding out if it’s meant to go through together or finding yourself first in the process,” he added.
Press forward
For Donny, “Tayo Sa Wakas” felt like a culmination of all of their previous characters since their pairing for “He’s Into Her” in 2020. After the first season of “He’s Into Her,” DonBelle paired up in the film “Love Is Color Blind” and the show’s season in 2022.
The tandem returned to the big screen with “An Inconvenient Love” in 2022, followed by the series “Can’t Buy Me Love” from 2023 to 2024 and “How To Spot A Red Flag” in 2025. “Kasi ano siya, eh, different stages of a relationship. So, if you go through all of that in a journey, you’ll start with the kilig. You’ll start with the honeymoon phase, and you’ll go through the realization, and you’ll become familiar to each other,” Donny said. “Tas doon na ‘yung mga problems na mag-a-arise. It’s a combination of all our characters in different stages of their life,” he added.
Donny shared a lesson of doing things together: “Give yourself some slack. Hindi madali ‘yung ginagawa naming pelikula, but the fact that we get to do it with each other, I think, made it so much more worthy of doing this craft. And we’re so passionate because we know that everyone wants what’s best for it.” “I think the lesson is as long as you do things together, no matter where you are, no matter what your mindset is, basta nandun kayo, aligned kayo, parang ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam because you know na magkakampi kayo,” he added.
As they move forward with their careers, Belle hopes to try new things beyond their pairing: “Ang dami ko pang gustong ma-try. Basta, it’s a good material. I’m all for it.” Donny, however, doesn’t know yet what’s next for him. “I think the best thing here is that I don’t know talaga what’s next, and I think it’s okay to not know.” As they part ways for now, Donny stressed how proud he is of Belle’s growth, and he was glad to spend the past years with her. “I know that we may not be working with each other in the near future, but I’ll always be here and sobrang proud ako sa’yo. I’ve really seen you grow since Day 1, since we’ve met. I will always look up to you, and I’m just so, so blessed to have spent these last years with you. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you,” he said.
Belle became emotional and expressed his respect towards Donny, thanking him for the support throughout their journey. “Thank you so much for the journey, for just being there, for the support. I respect you so much, and ngayon, ang layo mo na, pero malayo ka pa. I’m just so proud of you, and I’m just so proud of the man that you are now,” he said.
Seeing their emotional fans, Donny assured their followers that they will stay as a family despite parting ways for now as they pursue their solo careers. “I just wanna say thank you to our supporters. You guys mean the world to us. I know that a lot of you are hurting, a lot of you are sad, but please know that me and Belle we’re in a great place,” he said. “And this is what’s best for everyone, and we’re gonna continue to support each other through this. But truly, thank you. This family will always stay. We may not be doing project after project together, but this family will always stay,” he added.
Source: philstar.com
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SPORTS NEWS
PBA: Ginebra outlasts Bol, TNT in thriller to set up q’finals clash vs. Phoenix
MANILA, May 11 —— Barangay Ginebra San Miguel outlasted Bol Bol and TNT Tropang 5G in a thriller, 93-86, to secure the second seed heading into the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Gin Kings will face the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the quarterfinals with a twice-to-beat advantage after securing their ninth win in 12 games to close out the elimination round. ”We came into this game not talking about who we are going to play [in the quarterfinals]. We just wanted to come out and play up to our standards, make sure to put a good game together,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
Helping make that possible was RJ Abarrientos, who scored Ginebra’s final five points against TNT to finish with 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists, allowing the Gin Kings to survive a blown 15-point lead. Justin Brownlee topscored for Ginebra with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, while Scottie Thompson turned in an all-around performance of nine points, seven assists, and six rebounds without committing a turnover. However, none proved bigger than Abarrientos’ crucial high-arcing jumper over Bol with 3:26 left, which gave Ginebra an 88-83 advantage.
The two squads exchanged empty possessions from there, but Abarrientos later drilled a booming three-pointer with 48 seconds remaining to effectively seal the victory. Bol paced the Tropang 5G with a massive 33-point, 10-rebound outing, but it was not enough as TNT slipped to the eighth seed with six defeats in 12 matches. Defending champion TNT will face the top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors in the quarterfinals, with the Road Warriors holding the twice-to-beat advantage.
The Scores:
Ginebra 93 – Brownlee 18, Abarrientos 17, Torres 10, Go 9, Thompson 9, Cu 7, Holt 6, J. Aguilar 6, Rosario 5, Pinto 2, Carino 2, Estil 2, Abis 0, Gray 0.
TNT 86 – Bol 33, Oftana 11, Castro 9, Ferrer 8, Heading 6, Nambatac 5, Aurin 5, Galinato 5, Quitevis 4, Khobuntin 0, Enciso 0, Williams 0, Nieto 0, Chua 0.
Quarterscores: 29-26, 56-45, 76-64, 93-86.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Tennis: Alex Eala bows out of Italian Open with loss to Rybakina
MANILA, May 11 —— Filipina tennis star Alex Eala exited the Italian Open after a gutsy effort against world No. 2 Elena Rybakina fell short at the BNP Paribas Arena in Rome.
Eala gave a good account of herself but Rybakina displayed her class in a 6-4, 6-3 triumph in their third round showdown. Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, now marches on to the last 16 where she will play the winner of the match between Laura Siegemund and Karolína Plíšková.
Despite the loss it was another strong showing for the young Filipina, who was broken in the first game of the second set but broke back immediately, forcing four backhand errors from Rybakina to level at 1-1. The Filipina again fought back from 15-40 in another gritty service game at 2-2, but Rybakina’s powerful first serves and steady baseline game helped her regain control with a second break for 3-2. From there, the Kazakh star powered through the closing stages of the match, sealing the victory.
Eala had shown her grit in the opening frame after facing a 3-5 deficit, battling through two deuces to extend the set. But Rybakina was relentless, taking care of business in the tenth game to snatch the lead and the momentum. Eala looked poised to strike back in the second set, breaking Rybakina to love in the second game and then holding for a 2-1 advantage. The world No. 2 was quick to turn things around, however, and Eala ran out of steam in the closing stretch.
The Filipina had advanced to the third round with wins over Magdalena Fręch of Poland and Wang Xinyu of China. She now shifts her focus to the doubles, where she is teaming up with Hailey Baptiste.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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NBA: Thunder top Lakers for 3-0 series lead; Cavs claw back against Pistons
LOS ANGELES, May 11 —— The Oklahoma City Thunder used another explosive second half to beat LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 131-108 pushing the Lakers to the brink of elimination in the NBA playoffs.
Ajay Mitchell scored 24 points and handed out 10 assists without a turnover to help the Thunder take a 3-0 stranglehold on the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series. The Lakers will host game four on Monday trying to become the first NBA team to rally from 3-0 down to win a playoff series. “I’m not giving up on this series,” defiant Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “We’re going to try to win on Monday. We’re going to try to extend the series and we’re going to try to take this thing back to OKC.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers, fueled by 35 points from Donovan Mitchell and clutch shooting from James Harden, avoided falling in a similar hole, grabbing a crucial 116-109 game-three victory over the Detroit Pistons to cut their series deficit to 2-1. The Cavs, who dropped the first two games in Detroit, remained unbeaten at home in these playoffs. But the Lakers, still without injured scoring champion Luka Doncic, couldn’t conjure a crucial win as their series shifted to Los Angeles.
Rui Hachimura led the Lakers with 21 points and James added 19 points, six rebounds and eight assists. But the Thunder’s depth was just too much for the depleted Lakers. “That’s the strength of their team,” Redick said. With reigning Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander connecting on just seven of 20 shots from the floor, second-year guard Mitchell — starting in place of injured Jalen Williams — stepped up. “He’s a gamer,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 23 points. “It might be a shock to the world, but this is no shock to us.”
As in game two, the Lakers took a two-point lead into half-time, this one largely on the strength of 11 first-half three-pointers. But again the Thunder exploded in the third period, opening the second half on a 21-6 scoring run. After that it was all but over. The Lakers connected on just eight of 22 shots from the field in the third period, including just one from three-point range. Their turnovers began to mount, and the Thunder pushed their lead to as many as 27 in the fourth quarter. Gilgeous-Alexander said the Thunder, who swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round, will “absolutely” be aiming to finish off the Lakers on Monday. “We would never want to waste an opportunity to win a basketball game,” he said. “We’ve got to do the same thing we did in the first three games — be the aggressor, play the right way together.”
In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell added 10 rebounds and four assists. Harden, a three-time NBA scoring champion, scored nine of his 19 points in a tight fourth quarter, drilling a trio of baskets that included a dagger trey that pushed Cleveland’s lead to four with 25.9 seconds left. “I love it,” Harden said. “When your number’s called, just getting to my spots. And it’s something that I work on literally every day.”
Harden’s lackluster offensive numbers and late-game miscues in games one and two sparked criticism, but the veteran said he’d taken the “chatter” in stride. “Chatter is going to be chatter regardless,” he said. “Whether you do something good, whether you do something bad, you give me opportunities in this fourth quarter, and I take advantage of them.”
The Cavs withstood a 27-point triple-double from Detroit’s Cade Cunningham, who added 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Cleveland led 64-48 at half-time and pushed the lead to 17 early in the third before the Pistons clawed back. Detroit managed to edge ahead with less than four minutes to play before Cleveland responded again. They will try to get the series back on level terms when they host game four on Monday.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Joecon and his Asean legacy
This week, the Philippines will host one of the most important international events in a decade: the 48th ASEAN Summit. It has been a fast and demanding lead-up, not only for those of us in the private sector-led ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), but also for our counterparts across the Philippine government.
To align with the momentum of the Summit, we scheduled our own ASEAN-BAC council meetings around it, with an efficient hop over the weekend from Cebu – where the ASEAN Summit will take place – to Boracay, where ASEAN-BAC will convene. I am genuinely excited to bring colleagues and guests from throughout the region to these places. I’ve spent enough time sailing the Visayas to know they are in for a truly special experience.
Yet amid the meetings, logistics and the steady rhythm of diplomatic engagement, I can feel the spirit of my late father, Jose “Joecon” Concepcion Jr., guiding me step by step. You see, he helped plant the seeds of what would eventually become ASEAN-BAC through his pioneering work with the ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
His belief was simple but prescient: a private sector-led regional organization could promote cooperation in a way that would propel the Philippines toward industrialization. In the 1980s and 1990s, he and the prominent leaders of Philippine business understood that the ASEAN region offered strength through numbers. Instead of treating each market as an island, they saw the advantage of allowing countries to identify their economic strengths, align collective efforts accordingly and then build mutual support through trade and interdependence. In their view, one ASEAN was THE strategy.
Looking back now, the idea feels even more relevant. We are living through global economic and geopolitical turbulence, where supply chain resilience has become the language of every boardroom and the concern of every investor. In that environment, I find myself returning to how right Joecon was to imagine a unified ASEAN market as not only beneficial, but necessary – an approach that can strengthen regional competitiveness while helping each country move forward in step with the others.
As he often did, Joecon approached the matter methodically. He studied other regional economic alliances – such as the Latin American Free Trade Association, the Andean Group and the European Economic Community (the EEC, which later became a foundation for what is now known as the European Union). He believed ideas only become durable when they are pursued with persistence. So he organized meetings, encouraged business leaders to join the cause and ensured follow-through.
The focus and dogged pursuit of the idea eventually earned him the nickname “Mr. ASEAN,” a title I still hear when I meet his contemporaries and even younger colleagues who never worked directly with him but have heard the stories. Joecon never did anything halfway. That intensity was contagious. The impossible did not discourage him; it challenged him. One of his favorite songs, after all, was “The Impossible Dream.”
He also had a distinctive working style: he wanted to cram as much as he could into the time available to him. My younger brother, Bernie, often accompanied him on foreign trips and during flights, while everyone else was settling into sleep, Joecon would be tearing pages from newspapers and magazines, collecting information on anything that caught his interest. Those clippings became part of his personal reference library meant to keep him informed on everything from computer accessories to oil prices.
But what I think truly made Joecon different was his concern for the social dimensions of broader economic problems. At the time he was building up RFM and defending it from would-be marauders, when the peso was weakening, dollars were scarce and smuggling was rampant – Joecon looked at those issues and asked what they meant for people. There were politics, of course, and people often loved to debate the political angle. But Joecon always circled back to the human consequences: how those “high-minded” arguments in boardrooms and government halls affected the common tao.
Over time, people recognized the hard-nosed businessman for what he really was: a humanitarian.
One story from the family that still gets retold is about an incident during a PBA game. Sarsi – then an RFM team – was playing against the Jaworski-led Añejo, and because basketball hero Jaworski had such a strong following, the crowd was overwhelmingly Añejo. Joecon got carried away and ended up cheering for the opposing team. Someone teased him, telling him to “move to the Añejo side” of the coliseum. He apparently took the suggestion seriously, or perhaps the moment got the better of him, because he found himself at a hotdog stand, buying hotdogs, with no cash on him. Someone recognized him and offered to pay. When he returned and told us about it, we asked who the kind stranger was who had paid for the hotdogs. He shrugged and said, “I don’t know.”
Just as important to him was leaving a legacy of a prayerful and compassionate family. In one of his final letters to the family, he instructed us to carry forward the Concepcion legacy with faith and warmth – telling us, in essence, to love Jesus, to inspire one another and to help the poor.
So as we enter this week – this significant week of the ASEAN Summit – I carry more than the agenda items and meeting schedules. I carry a perspective. Joecon’s vision reminds me that regional cooperation is not only about the coordination of policies or alignment of markets. It is ultimately about building the conditions for a region where people can live better, businesses can grow responsibly and nations can grow together, leaving no country behind.
That is the spirit I want ASEAN-BAC to bring into the room: practical, persistent work – yes; but also a social conscience and a compassionate commitment. And if Joecon has taught me anything, it is this: dreams become real when you act on them consistently, and when your drive is guided by values that outlast the moment.
Source: Go Negosyo – www.philstar.com
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