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MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A towering figure in Philippine politics, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, has passed away at the age of 101. The news was confirmed moments ago by his daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, in a heartfelt and moving announcement posted on her official Facebook account.

Juan Ponce Enrile dies at 101

Enrile, whose political career spanned decades and included critical roles in some of the nation's most pivotal moments, took his final rest this afternoon.

Daughter Confirms Passing in Touching Statement

According to the post by Katrina Ponce Enrile, the former Senate President "peacefully returned to his Creator on November 13, 2025, at 4:21 p.m.," surrounded by his loved ones at home.

The statement reveals that it was Enrile's "heartfelt wish to take his final rest at home, with his family by his side," a wish his family was blessed to honor.

"It is with profound love and gratitude that my father, Juan Ponce Enrile, peacefully returned to his Creator on November 13, 2025, at 4:21 p.m., surrounded by our family in the comfort of our home," the post reads. "He dedicated much of his life to the service of the Filipino people."

Family Asks for Privacy, Public Viewing Details Forthcoming

The Enrile family is requesting a moment of privacy to grieve the loss of the patriarch, who dedicated much of his long life to public service.

"At this time, we humbly ask for the public’s understanding as our family takes a brief moment to grieve privately and honor his memory together in quiet and in peace," the statement continues.

The announcement assures the public that arrangements are being made for those who wish to pay their respects. "Details for public viewing will be shared once arrangements have been finalized, so that all who wish to pay their respects may have the opportunity to do so," Katrina Ponce Enrile wrote.



The nation begins to mourn the passing of one of its longest-serving and most influential political leaders.

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Oh, there’s truly a magic when you hop on a flight right here in Sugbo (Cebu), our sun-kissed home that’s a perfect mix of old-school history and awesome island life, and then land right in El Nido. Aba, uy! Those giant limestone cliffs there? They look like massive, silent guardians watching over the clearest emerald lagoons. It’s not just moving islands; it’s like taking a giant ambak (leap) from one kind of paradise straight into another!

From Cebu to El Nido: A Flight from Paradise to Paradise

As the plane climbs up from our shimmering Cebuano coast, the view below slowly turns into a breathtaking tapestry of scattered islands and waters so blue they look photoshopped—it’s seriously like a painter’s best damgo (dream) coming alive! And when your eyes finally catch those majestic Palawan cliffs underneath? It doesn’t even feel like travel anymore. It’s like you just stepped into a glossy postcard, ready for an adventure.


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A post shared by Mark Monta (@themarkmonta)


✈️ Direct Flight na, mga Bai!

Guess what, Cebuanos? Cebu Pacific (CEB), our Philippines' leading airline, just made this Palawan dream way easier! They launched their direct flights from Cebu to El Nido just last October 26, thanks to their partner, Cebgo (DG). Karon, every single Juan from Central Visayas has more chances to finally see those famous natural wonders. CEB now flies daily between Cebu and El Nido via Cebgo. Pero, take note: AirSWIFT also has existing flights to the same spot, so we have options!




🦁 The Spot to Stay in El Nido

When we were there, we stayed at The Funny Lion El Nido—and susmaryosep, it was a beautiful pahulay (rest)! It blends serious comfort with a green, sustainable vibe. This place? It’s not just famous; it’s Michelin Guide–listed and proudly holds the title of the No. 1 Hotel in El Nido! Condé Nast Johansens even recognized them for the Best Value Experience. Imagine na lang! They’ve been hailed as one of Asia’s Top 10 Sustainable Hotels, Best Value Hotels, and New Hotels by Smart Travel Asia.

thefunnylion-elnido

Managed by the lovely people at One-Of Collection, The Funny Lion truly gets the El Nido spirit: warm, classy, and just so connected to nature.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Balinsasayaw Road, El Nido Town, El Nido, Philippines
+63 917 132 8412
elnido.inquiries@thefunnylion.com
thefunnylion.com/el-nido-home

thefunnylion-elnido


Every time that plane touches down in El Nido, it feels like a soft whisper from the islands saying, "Welcome home to paradise, day." And when it’s time to fly back to our beloved Cebu, you start to realize the real truth: maybe paradise isn't really a place you land at. Maybe it's just that incredible feeling that follows you wherever the beautiful Philippine islands take you. Mao na!


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A post shared by Mark Monta (@themarkmonta)


🌴 Your Epic 3-Day, 2-Night El Nido Itinerary!

Get ready, team! I finally got to tick El Nido, Palawan off my bucket list, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. Here’s a breakdown of my perfect three-day escape!

Day 1: Landing, Luxury, and Maldita Cocktails

We flew straight into paradise via Cebu Pacific Air (they've got daily flights from Cebu, so check out www.cebupacificair.com to snag your preferred dates!).


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A post shared by Mark Monta (@themarkmonta)


First stop: The Funny Lion El Nido! After years of dreaming, I finally experienced their famous hospitality, and I totally get why this place is Michelin-listed. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the beachfront and truly deserves its spot as one of Palawan’s top accommodations. Seriously, the vibe is just chef's kiss.



We dove straight into lunch at their in-house resto, The Hunt. Everything was divine, but the Saigon Chicken Noodles? Absolute magic! (And yes, you read that right—I paired it with their signature cocktail, Maldita, a local gin mix that hits just right! Don’t judge my vacation choices. 😉)

The afternoon was all about fueling up and relaxation. I hit up Niki Baker for some killer pastries and coffee (perfect for satisfying those afternoon cravings, plus they have great pasalubong goodies to bring home!).

The rest of the day was dedicated to ME TIME. Of course, I squeezed in a quick workout at The Funny Lion’s gym. It’s open from 6 AM to 9 PM, but here's a pro-tip: you can even request the front desk to use it beyond hours—talk about super convenient!



Day 2: Island Hopping Dreams Are Made of This

Today was the day! We were truly living the dream with a full day of island hopping.

We explored the absolute best of El Nido: soaking up the stunning views at Seven Commando, feeling the pristine sands of Entalula, uncovering the hidden gem of Pinaglungaban, navigating the mysterious waters of Secret Lagoon, and paddling through the awe-inspiring beauty of Big Lagoon. Every single spot was unforgettable!


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A post shared by Mark Monta (@themarkmonta)


Huge shout-out to Dot Region IV-B MIMAROPA and Ellen's Travel & Tours Palawan for perfectly arranging this paradise experience!

Want to book your own slice of heaven?
* For PPS & El Nido Inquiries & Bookings Email: ellenstrvltours2000@yahoo.com
* Contact No.: +639687685125 | 09169696933 | 09263058468
* For Coron Inquiries & Bookings Email: ellenscoron@yahoo.com
* Contact No.: +639178915205
* Facebook: Ellen's Travel & Tours Palawan

We capped off the day like kings and queens, first with a sumptuous spread at Holy Grill & Restobar, followed by cocktails at Manu Brew. Oh, and get this—Holy Grill even prepared our incredible lunch spread during the island hopping trip. They truly are the perfect pair for any adventure!

Day 3: Cashews, Cookies, and Ciao!

You can’t leave a province without loading up on goodies! Day three was affectionately dubbed Pasalubong Day. I braved the El Nido Public Market to grab local delicacies like freshly roasted cashew nuts, peanuts, and baked camotes. Then, I swung back to Niki Baker for those must-have cookies for my officemates (you know, to prove I didn't forget them 😉).

We squeezed in one last delicious, filling lunch at The Hunt in The Funny Lion El Nido—a perfect way to feel satisfied before heading to the airport.

Speaking of the airport... prepare to be amazed! We were genuinely shocked and welcomed by the resort-themed El Nido Airport. It was such a pleasant, picture-perfect ending to a spectacular trip!

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PASAY CITY, Philippines— SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) announced today that its consolidated net income for the first nine months of 2025 rose by 6% to ₱64.4 billion, up from ₱60.9 billion reported in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues also posted a solid increase, climbing 4% to ₱482.3 billion.

Sm Investments Cebu

The conglomerate's performance showcases resilience across its core businesses, even as it contended with challenges from adverse weather and flooding in the third quarter.

"The third quarter performance remained within our expectations. Despite the challenges brought about by adverse weather and flooding, we continued to see resilient financial performance across our businesses," stated Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments. "While external factors may temper overall economic growth, we maintain an optimistic outlook as we move into the fourth quarter."

Banking and Property: The Core Drivers

The Banking segment maintained its position as the primary income contributor, accounting for 50% of the group's net income.

  • BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) reported a net income of ₱63.1 billion, a 4% increase, driven by sustained core business performance. The bank's net interest income grew by 8%, supported by a robust 14% climb in gross customer loans to ₱3.5 trillion. Asset quality remained stable, with an NPL ratio of 1.77% and NPL coverage at 134%.

  • China Banking Corporation followed suit, posting a 10% year-on-year jump in net income to ₱20.2 billion, on the back of a 15% growth in net interest income.

Property remained the second-largest segment, contributing 28% to the net income.

  • SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) saw a 10% rise in nine-month profit to ₱37.2 billion. The growth was mainly fueled by its mall and convention center segments.

  • Mall revenues, representing 59% of the property total, grew by 7% due to new leasable space and higher tenant occupancy.

  • Hotels and Convention Centers registered the strongest growth at 9%, benefiting from increased MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) bookings.

Retail Segment Navigates Shifting Consumer Trends

The Retail segment contributed 15% of the group's net income, which stood at ₱12.2 billion (a slight dip from ₱12.8 billion last year). However, retail revenues expanded by 5% to ₱318.1 billion.

Mr. DyBuncio attributed the shift in earnings to an earlier school opening in June, which moved some spending from Q3 to Q2.

  • Specialty Retail spending saw growth in health and beauty, fashion, and kids' categories.

  • Food Retail revenues increased 7%, propped up by a strong market base and ongoing store expansions.

  • Department store revenues grew 3% specifically in the fashion and kids segments.

Portfolio Investments Reinforce Diversification

Portfolio Investments, accounting for 7% of total net income, saw contributions led by Philippine Geothermal Production Company (30%), NEO (26%), and 2GO (12%). Logistics firm 2GO saw a 65% increase in net income, supported by strong performance in its travel and logistics businesses.

With total assets increasing 4% to ₱1.8 trillion, SM Investments maintains a conservative balance sheet, reporting a gearing ratio of 31% net debt to 69% equity. This strong financial position leaves the conglomerate well-capitalized as it moves to conclude the year.

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MANILA, Philippines – November 2, 2025 — For 23 years now, the Starbucks Traditions Collection has marked the start of the Filipino holiday season—a time when familiar faces, cozy coffee aromas, and heartfelt connections fill the air.

Invite Joy with the 2026 Starbucks Traditions Collection


This 2026, Starbucks Philippines brings back this beloved holiday ritual with a renewed call to “Invite Joy”—a reminder to find comfort in the simple warmth of shared moments, whether it’s your morning brew or an afternoon catch-up inside your favorite café.

Beginning November 2, customers can start collecting stickers through the Starbucks® PH App or QR Promo Card to redeem exclusive items from the 2026 Starbucks Traditions Collection.

“For more than two decades, Starbucks Traditions has been about more than just planners—it’s been about the joy of connection,” said Jamie Silva, Senior Manager for Marketing and Digital Customer Experience, Starbucks Philippines. “This year, we invite everyone to rediscover the delight in their own little holiday rituals.”

☕ Invite Joy with Music

Nothing says nostalgia quite like music. This year’s campaign video features the timeless hit “Ligaya” by Filipino band Eraserheads, a song that continues to bring smiles across generations.

The video—featuring real Starbucks partners (baristas) behind the counter—beautifully captures the campaign’s message of genuine connection and celebrates the uniquely Filipino tradition of collecting the Starbucks Traditions Collection every year.

“The holidays in the Philippines are always filled with nostalgia,” shared Silva. “Anchoring our campaign with ‘Ligaya’ honors that deep sense of joy our partners share daily with every customer they greet.”

The song will also fill Starbucks stores nationwide from November 2, 2025 to January 5, 2026, bringing a touch of familiar cheer to every visit.

🎁 Invite Joy with the 2026 Starbucks Traditions Collection

This year’s collection was designed to match every kind of coffee moment—from the quick caffeine fix to the slow, mindful sip. Collect one (1) e-sticker for every purchase of a Tall, Grande, or Venti handcrafted beverage, and after 18 stickers, redeem your choice of a planner, tumbler, cold cup, or mug.

Here’s a look at this year’s lineup:

  • 2026 Siren Planner with Carrier – Dressed in elegant charcoal and onyx, this daily planner comes with a matching leather carrier and sleek pen. It’s made to accompany quiet moments of reflection and planning for the year ahead.

Invite Joy with the 2026 Starbucks Traditions Collection


  • 2026 Onyx 15oz Stainless Steel Tumbler – Designed for all-day use, this tumbler keeps drinks at the right temperature. Its metallic onyx finish gives your coffee runs a touch of understated luxury.

Invite Joy with the 2026 Starbucks Traditions Collection


  • 2026 Charcoal 24oz Cold Cup – With a subtle iridescent glow, black lid, and straw, this durable acrylic cold cup is perfect for your iced favorites—wherever the day takes you.

Invite Joy with the 2026 Starbucks Traditions Collection

  • 2026 Sandstone 12oz Mug with Pouch – In soothing earth tones, this ceramic mug brings calm to your mornings. It comes with a matching pouch for your small essentials—a gentle nudge to slow down and savor each sip.

Invite Joy with the 2026 Starbucks Traditions Collection

Collect stickers in all Starbucks stores nationwide starting November 2, 2025. To explore the full collection and this year’s holiday offers, visit www.starbuckstraditions.ph.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been dedicated to ethically sourcing and roasting the finest arabica coffee. Today, with over 34,000 stores worldwide, it continues to share the Starbucks Experience—one cup and one community at a time. Learn more at stories.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.

About Rustan Coffee Corporation

Rustan Coffee Corporation, the exclusive licensee of Starbucks Philippines, opened its first store at 6750 Makati on December 4, 1997. Now, with over 400 stores across 60+ cities, Starbucks Philippines continues to bring the coffeehouse experience closer to every Filipino. Visit www.starbucks.ph to explore more.

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MANILA, Philippines – When GCash celebrates its birthday, everyone’s invited to the party. Starting October 15, the country’s leading finance super app is set to unveil exciting surprises to celebrate with everyone through a Surprise Birthday Shakeaway.


GCash users will be surprised with chances to win exciting rewards and surprises every day from October 15 to 31. Big prizes include GCash credits, gift certificates, a home appliance showcase, an iPhone 16, a motorcycle, and even the all-new BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic hybrid car. 




Joining is easy. Simply log in to the GCash app, tap the promo banner, and shake your phone to earn a raffle entry. The more GCash services you use, such as Send Money, Buy Load, or Pay Bills, the bigger the prizes you can win. 




The surprise does not stop there, as you shake your phone for a chance to win, PPop’s Female Alpha, G22, turns up the birthday energy with the GCash Surprise Birthday Shake Away jingle and dance craze, inviting everyone to move, groove, and celebrate the GCash way.

Users and fans alike can share, dance, and post their birthday moves on social media to celebrate the nationwide birthday fever of fun, music, and surprises. 

So what are you waiting for, celebrate GCash’s birthday and shake away for more surprises. For promo details, visit www.new.gcash.com. 



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The Supreme Court's en banc decision in People of the Philippines v. ABC260708 (G.R. No. 260708, April 22, 2025) resolves previous judicial confusion by establishing a clear taxonomy of rape offenses involving minors, harmonizing the terms statutory rape, qualified rape, and qualified rape of a minor.


🏛️ Key Doctrinal Clarifications

The ruling is guided by Republic Act No. 11648 and Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). The Court corrected the conviction of the accused, who had abused his minor daughter, from "qualified statutory rape" and "rape through sexual assault" to qualified rape of a minor and sexual assault.


🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Taxonomy of Rape Offenses

Offense CategoryCriteriaKey Differentiating FactorPenalty Implication
Qualified Rape of a Minor1. Rape committed under the RPC. 2. Victim is below the statutory age (or mentally challenged with the intellectual capacity of a child below that age). 3. Attended by a special qualifying aggravating circumstance (e.g., offender is a parent, ascendant, or guardian, per Art. 266-B).Dual Aggravation: Victim's minority AND a qualifying circumstance (like relationship/abuse of trust).Severest Penalty under the law.
Statutory Rape1. Rape committed under the RPC. 2. Victim is below the statutory age (or mentally incapacitated). 3. Absence of special qualifying aggravating circumstances.Age/Incapacity is the sole determinant of liability. Consent is irrelevant; it is legally presumed to be impossible.Severe, but less than Qualified Rape of a Minor.
Qualified Rape1. Rape committed under the RPC. 2. Victim is above the statutory age and not mentally incapacitated. 3. Attended by a special qualifying aggravating circumstance (e.g., committed by a parent, by more than one offender, or resulting in pregnancy).Qualification depends only on the aggravating circumstance, as the victim is above the statutory age.More severe than basic rape, but generally less severe than Qualified Rape of a Minor.


⚖️ Statutory Age Definition

The ruling clarifies the "statutory age" for a minor victim:

  • For crimes committed before the effectivity of R.A. No. 11648 (March 4, 2022): The victim must be below twelve (12) years of age.

  • For crimes committed on or after the effectivity of R.A. No. 11648: The victim must be below sixteen (16) years of age.

The increase from 12 to 16 years reflects the legislative intent to provide stronger protection to minors.


Elements of Rape Offenses (For Study & Memorization)

1. Qualified Rape of a Minor

This is the most severely penalized category, requiring the combination of minority and a special aggravating factor.

ElementRequirementNote
A. Basic Act of RapeOffender commits the crime of rape (carnal knowledge or sexual assault).As defined under the RPC, as amended.
B. Victim's Age/CapacityThe victim is below the statutory age (currently $<16$ years old) OR is mentally challenged with the intellectual capacity of a child below the statutory age.The victim is legally incapable of consent.
C. Qualifying CircumstanceThe act is attended by any special qualifying aggravating circumstance under Article 266-B of the RPC.Examples: Offender is the parent, ascendant, step-parent, or guardian of the victim; or the abuse of authority/relationship.

2. Statutory Rape

Liability is determined solely by the victim's age, reflecting the legal principle that children below the statutory age cannot consent.

ElementRequirementNote
A. Basic Act of RapeOffender commits the crime of rape.As defined under the RPC, as amended.
B. Victim's Age/CapacityThe victim is below the statutory age (currently $<16$ years old) OR is mentally incapacitated.Force/Intimidation is NOT required. The age itself is the gravamen of the crime.
C. Absence of QualifiersNO special qualifying aggravating circumstance under Article 266-B is present.If a qualifier is present, the crime becomes Qualified Rape of a Minor.

3. Qualified Rape

This offense applies when the victim is of age, but the circumstances surrounding the rape make the crime more heinous, warranting a higher penalty.

ElementRequirementNote
A. Basic Act of RapeOffender commits the crime of rape.Usually through force, threat, or intimidation.
B. Victim's Age/CapacityThe victim is above the statutory age and is NOT mentally incapacitated.The element of age/capacity does not automatically make it statutory rape.
C. Qualifying CircumstanceThe act is attended by any special qualifying aggravating circumstance under Article 266-B of the RPC.Examples: Committed by a group (more than one offender); the victim becomes pregnant; or the offender is a parent/ascendant of the victim.



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Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, inaugurated on October 26 its direct flights from Cebu to El Nido via Cebgo (DG), providing every Juan from Central Visayas more opportunities to explore the natural wonders of Palawan.



CEB will operate daily flights between Cebu and El Nido via Cebgo. These are on top of the current flights to the same destination operated by AirSWIFT.

In her speech during the route launch in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, CEB Marketing Director Michelle De Guzman highlighted the importance of this initiative for both destinations as well as Philippine tourism.

“By opening more direct routes, especially between secondary cities, we reduce dependence on major urban gateways and help spread tourism benefits more evenly across regions. That translates to more opportunities for local businesses—hotels, tour guides, restaurants, transport operators—especially in communities that rely on tourism as a livelihood. For our passengers, it means more ways to explore, more spontaneity, and the freedom to go further without breaking the bank,” she added.

With more direct flights to El Nido, travelers from Central Visayas will be able to see El Nido’s iconic beaches, lagoons, and clear blue waters. From Cebu, passengers can also fly directly to other Palawan destinations such as Puerto Princesa, Coron (Busuanga), and Port Barton (San Vicente).

CEB currently flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

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